{"format":"opendoc-document","version":1,"url":"https://docs.upscale.trade/how-to-join-upscale/getting_started","title":"Getting Started","description":"From paying the challenge fee to a funded account: formats, payment methods and risk parameters","kind":"article","locale":"en","inLanguage":"en","lastModified":"2026-10-02T19:27:56+03:00","revision":"7f9fe6972176cac44116ee8d1d3ee146984358993e0cb1b6a6bc2c3627a4c05b","section":{"title":"Documentation","url":"https://docs.upscale.trade"},"representations":{"html":"https://docs.upscale.trade/how-to-join-upscale/getting_started","markdown":"https://docs.upscale.trade/how-to-join-upscale/getting_started.md","json":"https://docs.upscale.trade/how-to-join-upscale/getting_started.json"},"translations":{"en":"https://docs.upscale.trade/how-to-join-upscale/getting_started","ru":"https://docs.upscale.trade/ru/kak-prisoedinitsya-k-upscale/kak-nachat","es":"https://docs.upscale.trade/es/como-unirse-a-upscale/getting_started_es"},"breadcrumbs":[{"title":"What is Prop Trading","url":"https://docs.upscale.trade"},{"title":"Getting Started","url":"https://docs.upscale.trade/how-to-join-upscale/getting_started"}],"headings":[{"depth":2,"id":"three-steps-to-a-funded-account","title":"Three steps to a funded account"},{"depth":2,"id":"challenge-formats","title":"Challenge formats"},{"depth":2,"id":"paying-for-the-challenge","title":"Paying for the challenge"},{"depth":2,"id":"funded-account-conditions","title":"Funded account conditions"}],"markdown":"---\r\ntitle: \"Getting Started\"\r\ndescription: \"From paying the challenge fee to a funded account: formats, payment methods and risk parameters\"\r\nicon: rocket\r\npublished: true\r\n---\r\n\r\n{% hint style=\"info\" %}\r\nThere are two ways to start: <i class=\"fa-globe\">:globe:</i> [from the browser](https://app.upscale.trade/paywall) or <i class=\"fa-paper-plane\">:paper-plane:</i> [in the Telegram app](https://t.me/UpscaleTradeBot/start?startapp=eyJyZWZDb2RlIjoiNzVSTjkifQ==).\r\n{% endhint %}\r\n\r\n## Three steps to a funded account\r\n\r\n{% stepper %}\r\n{% step %}\r\n**Choose a challenge and pay the fee**\r\n\r\nUnlike conventional trading, prop trading gives access to a large-notional account — the only payment is the fee for the assessment itself.\r\n\r\nChoose an account size ($5,000–$200,000), an asset category ([Crypto, RWA or ALL](Trading_Assets.md)) and a challenge format, then pay using any available method.\r\n{% endstep %}\r\n\r\n{% step %}\r\n**Pass the assessment**\r\n\r\nThe challenge is designed to let you demonstrate consistent results and controlled risk.\r\n\r\nThree formats are available: **Basic** (two stages), **Accelerated** (one stage with a higher target) and **Turbo** (no stages, straight into the funded phase).\r\n{% endstep %}\r\n\r\n{% step %}\r\n**Move to a funded account**\r\n\r\nOnce the challenge conditions are met, the account moves to funded status and trading results are used to calculate payouts.\r\n\r\nThe trader's profit share is **80%**, with an upgrade to **90%**. Withdrawal conditions and limits are described on the [Withdrawal Rules](Withdrawal_Rules.md) page.\r\n{% endstep %}\r\n{% endstepper %}\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\n## Challenge formats\r\n\r\n{% tabs %}\r\n{% tab title=\"Basic\" %}\r\n**The classic two-stage challenge.** A gradual demonstration of skill with the most forgiving risk limits.\r\n\r\n| Parameter | Stage 1 | Stage 2 |\r\n|---|---|---|\r\n| Profit target | 5% | 8% |\r\n| Daily drawdown | 5% | 5% |\r\n| Maximum drawdown | 10% | 10% |\r\n| Minimum profitable days | 3 | 5 |\r\n\r\nThe profit target is calculated from the account's starting balance: on a $10,000 account that is $500 in the first stage and $800 in the second.\r\n\r\n{% hint style=\"warning\" %}\r\nOn accounts with a **$200,000** notional the maximum drawdown in Stage 2 and on the funded stage is **8%** rather than 10%. Stage 1 keeps the standard limit.\r\n{% endhint %}\r\n\r\n**Cost of participation**\r\n\r\n| Account size | Crypto | RWA | ALL |\r\n|---|---|---|---|\r\n| $5,000 | $69 | $59 | $81 |\r\n| $10,000 | $119 | $99 | $144 |\r\n| $25,000 | $249 | $219 | $315 |\r\n| $50,000 | $399 | $349 | $540 |\r\n| $100,000 | $799 | $699 | $899 |\r\n| $200,000 | $1,399 | $1,299 | $1,499 |\r\n{% endtab %}\r\n\r\n{% tab title=\"Accelerated\" %}\r\n**A single-stage accelerated challenge.** A shorter route to the funded phase, achieved through a higher profit target and tighter drawdown limits.\r\n\r\n| Parameter | Stage 1 |\r\n|---|---|\r\n| Profit target | 10% |\r\n| Daily drawdown | 3% |\r\n| Maximum drawdown | 6% |\r\n| Minimum profitable days | 3 |\r\n\r\n**Cost of participation**\r\n\r\n| Account size | Crypto | RWA | ALL |\r\n|---|---|---|---|\r\n| $5,000 | $79 | $69 | $99 |\r\n| $10,000 | $129 | $109 | $189 |\r\n| $25,000 | $259 | $249 | $399 |\r\n| $50,000 | $459 | $399 | $649 |\r\n| $100,000 | $899 | $799 | $999 |\r\n| $200,000 | $1,499 | $1,399 | $1,599 |\r\n\r\n{% hint style=\"warning\" %}\r\nAfter Accelerated, the tighter limits carry over to the funded account — 3% daily drawdown and 6% maximum drawdown. This calls for more conservative risk management.\r\n{% endhint %}\r\n{% endtab %}\r\n\r\n{% tab title=\"Turbo\" %}\r\n**Funded from day one.** There are no challenge stages: the account opens directly in the funded phase at full notional.\r\n\r\n| Parameter | Funded |\r\n|---|---|\r\n| Profit target | ∞ |\r\n| Maximum drawdown | 6% of the highest balance |\r\n| Minimum profitable days | 5 |\r\n\r\n**Cost of participation**\r\n\r\n| Account size | Crypto | RWA | ALL |\r\n|---|---|---|---|\r\n| $5,000 | $229 | $199 | $269 |\r\n| $10,000 | $449 | $399 | $549 |\r\n| $25,000 | $899 | $799 | $1,099 |\r\n| $50,000 | $1,499 | $1,349 | $1,799 |\r\n| $100,000 | $2,999 | $2,699 | $3,599 |\r\n\r\n{% hint style=\"warning\" %}\r\n**Drawdown works differently in Turbo.** The 6% limit is calculated from the highest balance reached over the entire trading history, not from the starting balance.\r\n\r\nExample: an account opens at $10,000 in notional and the balance grows to $12,000 — that figure becomes the new highest balance. The drawdown limit is recalculated from it, so the balance cannot fall below $11,280. When profit is withdrawn, the highest balance and the drawdown limit decrease accordingly.\r\n{% endhint %}\r\n\r\nThe format is aimed at experienced traders with a proven strategy who do not need the selection stages. Withdrawing profit requires both the minimum number of profit days and the calendar-day payment period — the conditions are on the [Withdrawal Rules](Withdrawal_Rules.md) page.\r\n\r\nThe combined notional of one trader's active Turbo accounts is capped at **$100,000** — see the [Scaling](Scaling.md) page for details.\r\n{% endtab %}\r\n{% endtabs %}\r\n\r\n{% hint style=\"info\" %}\r\nOnly realised profit — from closed positions — counts towards the profit target. The upgrade raising the profit share from 80% to 90% is available with any challenge.\r\n{% endhint %}\r\n\r\nAdditional options are available when buying a challenge: raising the profit share to 90%, [daily drawdown protection](Drawdown_protection.md) and [API trading](API_Trading.md). A discount on the challenge does not extend to the options — they are always paid for in full.\r\n\r\nThe full list of trading rules, prohibited practices and grounds for account closure is on the [Challenge & Trading Rules](Participation_Requirements.md) page.\r\n\r\n{% hint style=\"success\" %}\r\nStart with a smaller account size to test your strategy under platform conditions before scaling up.\r\n{% endhint %}\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\n## Paying for the challenge\r\n\r\nThe challenge can be paid for [from the browser](https://app.upscale.trade/paywall) or through the [Telegram app](https://t.me/UpscaleTradeBot/start?startapp=eyJyZWZDb2RlIjoiNzVSTjkifQ==). Crypto across several networks, bank cards and Telegram Stars are supported — some methods work in the web version only.\r\n\r\nThe full list of payment methods, supported wallets and what happens after payment is covered on the [Account Setup](Account_Setup.md) page.\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\n## Funded account conditions\r\n\r\nThe risk parameters of a funded account depend on which challenge was completed.\r\n\r\n| Parameter | After Basic | After Accelerated | Turbo |\r\n|---|---|---|---|\r\n| Profit target | ∞ | ∞ | ∞ |\r\n| Daily drawdown | 5% | 3% | — |\r\n| Maximum drawdown | 10% | 6% | 6% of highest balance |\r\n| Minimum profitable days | 5 | 5 | 5 |\r\n| Account size | $5,000 – $200,000 | $5,000 – $200,000 | $5,000 – $100,000 |\r\n\r\n{% hint style=\"info\" %}\r\n**Scaling.** The maximum notional for a single funded account is **$200,000**. Several accounts can be held at the same time in any combination of sizes, with the combined notional of Basic and Accelerated accounts capped at **$400,000**. Turbo accounts have a separate cap of **$100,000**.\r\n{% endhint %}\r\n\r\nTrading conditions on a funded account are covered separately: [Positions and Leverage](Positions_and_Leverage.md), [Fees](Fees.md), [Funding](Funding.md).\r\n\r\nProfitable days accumulate with no time limit — the trading period does not expire if you take a break.\r\n","text":"There are two ways to start: :globe: from the browser or :paper plane: in the Telegram app. Three steps to a funded account Choose a challenge and pay the fee Unlike conventional trading, prop trading gives access to a large notional account — the only payment is the fee for the assessment itself. Choose an account size ($5,000–$200,000), an asset category (Crypto, RWA or ALL) and a challenge format, then pay using any available method. Pass the assessment The challenge is designed to let you demonstrate consistent results and controlled risk. Three formats are available: Basic (two stages), Accelerated (one stage with a higher target) and Turbo (no stages, straight into the funded phase). Move to a funded account Once the challenge conditions are met, the account moves to funded status and trading results are used to calculate payouts. The trader's profit share is 80% , with an upgrade to 90% . Withdrawal conditions and limits are described on the Withdrawal Rules page. Profit target 5% 8% Daily drawdown 5% 5% Maximum drawdown 10% 10% Minimum profitable days 3 5 The profit target is calculated from the account's starting balance: on a $10,000 account that is $500 in the first stage and $800 in the second. On accounts with a $200,000 notional the maximum drawdown in Stage 2 and on the funded stage is 8% rather than 10%. Stage 1 keeps the standard limit. Cost of participation Account size Crypto RWA ALL $5,000 $69 $59 $81 $10,000 $119 $99 $144 $25,000 $249 $219 $315 $50,000 $399 $349 $540 $100,000 $799 $699 $899 $200,000 $1,399 $1,299 $1,499 A single stage accelerated challenge. A shorter route to the funded phase, achieved through a higher profit target and tighter drawdown limits. Parameter Stage 1 Profit target 10% Daily drawdown 3% Maximum drawdown 6% Minimum profitable days 3 Cost of participation Account size Crypto RWA ALL $5,000 $79 $69 $99 $10,000 $129 $109 $189 $25,000 $259 $249 $399 $50,000 $459 $399 $649 $100,000 $899 $799 $999 $200,000 $1,499 $1,399 $1,599 After Accelerated, the tighter limits carry over to the funded account — 3% daily drawdown and 6% maximum drawdown. This calls for more conservative risk management. Funded from day one. There are no challenge stages: the account opens directly in the funded phase at full notional. Parameter Funded Profit target ∞ Maximum drawdown 6% of the highest balance Minimum profitable days 5 Cost of participation Account size Crypto RWA ALL $5,000 $229 $199 $269 $10,000 $449 $399 $549 $25,000 $899 $799 $1,099 $50,000 $1,499 $1,349 $1,799 $100,000 $2,999 $2,699 $3,599 Drawdown works differently in Turbo. The 6% limit is calculated from the highest balance reached over the entire trading history, not from the starting balance. Example: an account opens at $10,000 in notional and the balance grows to $12,000 — that figure becomes the new highest balance. The drawdown limit is recalculated from it, so the balance cannot fall below $11,280. When profit is withdrawn, the highest balance and the drawdown limit decrease accordingly. The format is aimed at experienced traders with a proven strategy who do not need the selection stages. Withdrawing profit requires both the minimum number of profit days and the calendar day payment period — the conditions are on the Withdrawal Rules page. The combined notional of one trader's active Turbo accounts is capped at $100,000 — see the Scaling page for details. Only realised profit — from closed positions — counts towards the profit target. The upgrade raising the profit share from 80% to 90% is available with any challenge. Additional options are available when buying a challenge: raising the profit share to 90%, daily drawdown protection and API trading. A discount on the challenge does not extend to the options — they are always paid for in full. The full list of trading rules, prohibited practices and grounds for account closure is on the Challenge & Trading Rules page. Start with a smaller account size to test your strategy under platform conditions before scaling up. Paying for the challenge The challenge can be paid for from the browser or through the Telegram app. Crypto across several networks, bank cards and Telegram Stars are supported — some methods work in the web version only. The full list of payment methods, supported wallets and what happens after payment is covered on the Account Setup page. Funded account conditions The risk parameters of a funded account depend on which challenge was completed. Parameter After Basic After Accelerated Turbo Profit target ∞ ∞ ∞ Daily drawdown 5% 3% — Maximum drawdown 10% 6% 6% of highest balance Minimum profitable days 5 5 5 Account size $5,000 – $200,000 $5,000 – $200,000 $5,000 – $100,000 Scaling. The maximum notional for a single funded account is $200,000 . Several accounts can be held at the same time in any combination of sizes, with the combined notional of Basic and Accelerated accounts capped at $400,000 . Turbo accounts have a separate cap of $100,000 . Trading conditions on a funded account are covered separately: Positions and Leverage, Fees, Funding. Profitable days accumulate with no time limit — the trading period does not expire if you take a break."}