The5ers has been operating since 2016 — years before the prop firm boom created hundreds of imitators. While newer firms compete on challenge discounts and marketing budgets, The5ers has been quietly building something more valuable: a nine-year track record, $43 million in verified payouts, 21,000+ Trustpilot reviews averaging 4.8 stars, and accounts that genuinely scale to $4 million. I have tested their evaluation environment directly, reviewed their three program structures in detail, and analysed trader feedback across Trustpilot and PropFirmMatch. This is the complete, honest picture.
Overall rating: 8.7/10. The5ers is the most trustworthy prop firm available for long-term career-focused funded traders. The combination of unmatched operating history, 100% profit split ceiling, $4M scaling, and bi-weekly reliable payouts is a standout package. The trade-off is stricter rules and a less aggressive payout speed than FundedNext. If you want the longest track record in the industry, The5ers delivers it.
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The5ers — At a Glance
| Founded | 2016 (9+ years operating) |
| Headquarters | Israel (company no. 515864007) |
| Total payouts | $43M+ verified through Payout Junction |
| Verified payouts | 20,000+ individual payout events |
| Entry fee (from) | $39 (High Stakes $5K account) |
| Programs | Hyper Growth (1-step), High Stakes (2-step), Bootcamp (3-step) |
| Profit split | 50–100% (program and performance dependent) |
| Max account size | $4,000,000 (Hyper Growth and Bootcamp) |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5, cTrader |
| Trustpilot | 4.8/5.0 from 21,000+ reviews |
| Our rating | 8.7 / 10 |
Last updated and verified: March 31, 2026
I completed a High Stakes 2-Step evaluation at The5ers ($25K account) in Q1 2026, trading my standard ICT/SMC methodology on Gold and NQ. I tested their MT5 execution environment against FundedNext and FundingPips running simultaneously, measuring spread conditions and fill quality during London and New York Kill Zones. I reviewed 300+ Trustpilot entries, cross-referenced payout data from Payout Junction and PropFirmMatch, and compared all three program structures in detail against the five other major firms in this guide. All assessments are based on direct testing and verified third-party data.
Who Should Use The5ers?
| Trader type | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term career builder | ✓ Excellent fit | $4M scaling ceiling, 100% profit split, 9-year track record. The best infrastructure for building a professional funded trading career. |
| ICT/SMC day trader (Gold, NQ) | ✓ Good fit | MT5 and cTrader execution. Gold, NQ and forex majors all available. Kill Zone strategies fully compliant with rules. |
| Budget-conscious first challenger | ✓ Good fit | $39 High Stakes entry is the lowest initial outlay in the industry. Test the environment before committing to a larger account. |
| Developing trader building consistency | ✓ Good fit | Bootcamp program is specifically designed for developing traders. Structured 3-step evaluation with mandatory risk management builds correct habits. |
| Trader needing 24-hour payouts | △ Not optimal | Payouts are bi-weekly and reliable — but if same-day payout processing is a priority, FundedNext’s 24-hour guarantee is the better choice. |
| High-frequency scalper / HFT | ✗ Not suitable | HFT strategies and arbitrage are explicitly prohibited. Scalping bots and copy signals also banned. Manual discretionary or rules-based EA trading only. |
| Trader needing extended breaks | ✗ Not suitable | 21-day inactivity policy auto-closes accounts. Traders who take extended breaks need to trade at least once every 3 weeks or withdraw first. |
The5ers Pros and Cons
| ✓ Pros | ✗ Cons |
|---|---|
| 9+ years operating — longest track record in retail prop | Bi-weekly payouts only (no 24-hour option like FundedNext) |
| $43M+ in verified payouts via Payout Junction | Stricter rules — mandatory stop-loss in Bootcamp, news trading restrictions |
| 4.8/5 Trustpilot from 21,000+ reviews (93% five-star) | 21-day inactivity auto-close policy |
| Scales to $4,000,000 — highest ceiling in the industry | Maximum 3 simultaneous accounts |
| Profit split up to 100% for top performers | Hyper Growth drawdown limit only 6% — tighter than competitors |
| Entry from $39 — most accessible in the industry | Narrower instrument range (~40) vs some competitors |
| Unlimited time limits across all programs | No challenge phase profit share (unlike FundedNext’s 15%) |
| Challenge fee refunded with first payout | HFT, arbitrage, scalping bots explicitly prohibited |
Is The5ers Legit? Is The5ers a Scam?
The5ers is one of the most verifiably legitimate prop firms in the industry. The evidence is unambiguous:
- 9+ years of continuous operation since 2016 — the retail prop firm space is littered with firms that launched and disappeared within 2-3 years. The5ers predates all of them.
- $43M+ in verified payouts through Payout Junction — an independent third-party payout verification service. This is not self-reported marketing data. These are verified transactions.
- 4.8/5 Trustpilot from 21,000+ reviews with 93% five-star ratings. This is the highest Trustpilot score by volume of any prop firm we have reviewed.
- Registered company in Israel (company number 515864007) with known leadership and over 60 employees — not an anonymous offshore operation.
The complaints that exist on review platforms relate primarily to two areas: traders who failed challenges and feel the rules are too strict, and occasional support response delays. There are no credible patterns of withheld payouts, fraudulent rule application, or fund misappropriation. The5ers’ complaint profile is operational friction, not integrity concerns.
The5ers Funding Programs: Full Breakdown
The5ers offers three distinct evaluation programs, each designed for a different trader profile. Understanding which one maps to your trading style is the most important decision before purchasing.
| Feature | Hyper Growth | High Stakes | Bootcamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluation steps | 1-Step | 2-Step | 3-Step |
| Account sizes | $5K–$20K | $5K–$100K | $100K–$250K |
| Profit target | 10% | 8% Phase 1 / 5% Phase 2 | 6% per stage |
| Daily loss limit | 3% (pause, not hard fail) | 5% | N/A |
| Max drawdown | 6% | 10% | 5% |
| Leverage | 1:100 | 1:30 | 1:30 |
| Starting profit split | 80% | 80% | 50% |
| Max profit split | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Scaling ceiling | $4,000,000 | $500,000 | $4,000,000 |
| Time limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Best for | Rapid scaling; 1:100 leverage users | Budget entry; 2-phase structure | Large starting capital; consistency building |
Hyper Growth — 1-Step, scales to $4M
The most aggressive scaling program. A single evaluation phase with a 10% profit target, 6% maximum drawdown, and leverage up to 1:100. Accounts double every time you hit a 10% profit target on the funded account — meaning a $5K Hyper Growth account can theoretically reach $4 million through consistent performance. The tighter 6% drawdown (vs 10% on High Stakes) is the trade-off for the 1:100 leverage and single-phase evaluation. Best for experienced traders with a well-tested, disciplined strategy who want the fastest path to meaningful capital.
High Stakes — 2-Step, entry from $39
The most accessible program. A $39 entry fee for the $5K account makes this the lowest barrier to entry of any program at any major prop firm. The 2-step structure (8% Phase 1, 5% Phase 2) with a 10% maximum drawdown is the most forgiving of the three programs. Leverage is 1:30 — lower than Hyper Growth but sufficient for ICT and SMC strategies that use 1% risk per trade. The $500K scaling ceiling is the limitation compared to Hyper Growth’s $4M. Best for traders who want to test The5ers’ environment at minimal cost, or who trade forex and indices without requiring high leverage.
Bootcamp — 3-Step, starts at $100K
The most structured program. Three evaluation stages at 6% profit each, starting at $100K or $250K account size, with a conservative 5% maximum drawdown and mandatory stop-loss requirements. The Bootcamp is specifically designed for developing traders who want structured accountability — the mandatory stop-loss and 3-stage evaluation build the habits that sustain long-term trading careers. The starting profit split is 50% (lower than the other programs) but scales to 100% with performance. Best for developing traders willing to accept stricter structure in exchange for starting with $100K+ in funded capital.
The5ers Pricing
| Program | Account size | Fee | Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Stakes | $5,000 | $39 | 2-Step |
| $25,000 | $195 | 2-Step | |
| $50,000 | $309 | 2-Step | |
| $100,000 | $545 | 2-Step | |
| Hyper Growth | $5,000 | $260 | 1-Step |
| $10,000 | $450 | 1-Step | |
| $20,000 | $850 | 1-Step | |
| Bootcamp | $100,000 | $95 | 3-Step |
| $250,000 | $225 | 3-Step |
Prices are standard rates. The5ers regularly offers 5–20% discounts. Challenge fee refunded with first profit payout. The $39 High Stakes entry is the lowest initial outlay of any major prop firm.
For context: FTMO charges $540 for a $100K 2-phase challenge, FundedNext charges $499, and FundingPips charges approximately $399. The5ers’ $545 for the $100K High Stakes is at market rate. The real value proposition is at the entry level — $39 for a $5K account is genuinely the cheapest way to experience a reputable prop firm evaluation in the market.
Trading Rules and Conditions
| Rule | Detail | Impact on ICT traders |
|---|---|---|
| Stop-loss requirement | Mandatory in Bootcamp (max 2% risk per trade). Optional in Hyper Growth and High Stakes. | ICT trades always have defined stop levels (beyond OB/FVG). No impact. |
| News trading | Permitted. Restricted: bracketing strategies and entries within 2 minutes before/after high-impact releases. | ICT protocol of waiting for the initial spike to settle before entry is naturally compliant. |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Permitted for rules-based mechanical strategies. Banned: copy signals, scalping bots, arbitrage, HFT. | Manual ICT discretionary trading and rules-based EAs both permitted. |
| Hedging | Allowed within a single account. Prohibited across multiple accounts. | No standard ICT strategy requires cross-account hedging. Non-issue. |
| Holding over weekend | Permitted. No mandatory close-before-weekend rule. | Swing traders can hold Gold/indices positions over the weekend. |
| Inactivity policy | Account auto-closes after 21 consecutive days of no trading activity. | Requires at least one trade per 3 weeks. Holiday traders should note this. |
| Concurrent accounts | Maximum 3 simultaneous accounts at The5ers. | Lower ceiling than FundedNext/FundingPips which allow more concurrent accounts. |
The5ers for ICT and Smart Money Traders
The5ers is well-suited to an ICT/SMC trading approach for specific reasons worth understanding before choosing your program.
Kill Zone strategy compliance. ICT methodology’s focus on London and New York Kill Zone entries means most trades occur during the highest-liquidity periods. The5ers’ news trading restriction — no entries within 2 minutes of high-impact releases — is naturally compatible with standard ICT practice. The correct ICT approach is to wait for the news spike to resolve, identify the post-news FVG or Order Block, and enter on the continuation. This sequence naturally falls outside the 2-minute restriction window.
Risk management alignment. The standard 1% risk per trade with 1:2 minimum R:R maps precisely onto The5ers’ challenge mathematics. On a High Stakes $25K account at 1% risk ($250 per trade), hitting the 8% Phase 1 target requires 20R — approximately 10 winning trades at 2R each. This is achievable within a standard trading month without requiring any deviation from disciplined ICT risk management. The 5% daily limit allows 5 consecutive 1% losses before triggering — at which point your own Tier 1 drawdown protocol should have already reduced your size.
Gold and NQ execution. Both XAUUSD and NAS100 are available on The5ers’ MT5 and cTrader environments. In testing, Gold spreads during London Kill Zone hours were competitive — 0.20-0.35 points on the MT5 account, which is reasonable for active intraday trading. The NQ equivalent (US100 index) was similarly priced. Execution speed was consistent with what I observed across FundedNext and FundingPips in the same testing period.
The Hyper Growth program and 1:100 leverage. For ICT traders who use higher leverage on precise entries at FVG or OB levels with tight stops, the 1:100 leverage on Hyper Growth allows smaller position sizes with tighter stop placements than the 1:30 High Stakes accounts. This is particularly relevant for Gold trades where the natural stop placement behind a FVG can be 30-50 pips — at 1:100 leverage, a $5K account can properly size a 1% risk trade on Gold without needing to compromise the stop level.
Profit Splits and Scaling
The5ers’ scaling model is one of the most genuinely generous in the industry — and one of the most credibly documented, given the verified payout history.
| Stage | Account size | Profit split | Monthly payout at 5% return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial funded | $25,000 | 80% | $1,000 |
| Scale 1 | $50,000 | 85% | $2,125 |
| Scale 2 | $100,000 | 90% | $4,500 |
| Scale 3 | $200,000 | 95% | $9,500 |
| Maximum | $4,000,000 | 100% | $200,000 |
The $4M ceiling at 100% profit split is the most ambitious scaling structure in the retail prop firm market. Traders have verified reaching seven-figure funded accounts through The5ers’ Payout Junction data — this is not aspirational marketing. For a trader with a 5% monthly return and a multi-year commitment to scaling, the progression from $25K to $200K+ in funded capital produces life-changing income levels without ever risking personal capital beyond the challenge fee.
Trustpilot and Real Trader Feedback
The5ers’ 4.8/5 Trustpilot from 21,000+ reviews is the strongest trust signal in the prop firm industry. The distribution:
| Star rating | Approx. % | Primary themes |
|---|---|---|
| ★★★★★ (5 stars) | ~93% | Reliable payouts, transparent rules, professional support team, long-term career path |
| ★★★★ (4 stars) | ~3% | Generally positive; minor platform UX feedback |
| ★★★ (3 stars) | ~1% | Mixed — rules stricter than expected, dashboard UX |
| ★★ (2 stars) | ~1% | Failed challenge frustration, inactivity policy complaints |
| ★ (1 star) | ~2% | Rule violation disputes, inactivity auto-close complaints, occasional support delays |
A 93% five-star rate across 21,000+ reviews is exceptional by any industry standard. The negative reviews follow a consistent pattern: traders who violated rules (intentionally or unknowingly) and were surprised by the consequences, and traders who lost their account to the inactivity policy. There are no credible patterns of withheld legitimate payouts or fraudulent behaviour in the review data.
The5ers vs Competitors
| Feature | The5ers | FTMO | FundedNext | FundingPips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 | 2015 | 2022 | 2022 |
| Verified payouts | $43M+ (Payout Junction) | $200M+ (self-reported) | $178M+ (self-reported) | $200M+ (self-reported) |
| Max profit split | 100% | 90% | 95% | 100% |
| Max scaling | $4,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Entry fee (lowest) | $39 | $155 | $59 | $29 |
| Payout speed | Bi-weekly | 14+ days | Within 24hrs (guaranteed) | Bi-weekly |
| Time limit | Unlimited (all programs) | 30/60 days | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Trustpilot | 4.8/5 (21K+ reviews) | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Best for | Long-term career scaling; $4M ceiling; trust track record | Brand recognition; widest instrument range | Fastest payouts; challenge phase profit share | Lowest entry cost; 100% split on monthly payout |
The5ers vs FTMO
FTMO is the most recognised prop firm brand globally. Both have operated since the mid-2010s, both have strong Trustpilot scores, and both are legitimate top-tier choices. The5ers has the edge on scaling ceiling ($4M vs FTMO’s $2M), maximum profit split (100% vs FTMO’s 90%), lowest entry price ($39 vs FTMO’s $155 minimum), and unlimited time limits (FTMO uses 30/60 day limits on some models). FTMO’s edge is brand recognition and wider instrument availability. For long-term scaling ambition and lower entry cost, The5ers wins. For brand trust with a broader instrument range, FTMO is competitive.
The5ers vs FundedNext
FundedNext’s unique advantages are the 24-hour guaranteed payout and the 15% challenge phase profit share — neither of which The5ers offers. The5ers counters with a longer operating history, independently verified payouts (vs FundedNext’s self-reported data), and the same $4M scaling ceiling. The choice comes down to priorities: if you need the fastest payout processing or want to earn during the challenge phase, FundedNext. If you prioritise independently verified track record and the most established infrastructure, The5ers.
The5ers vs FundingPips
FundingPips has the lower absolute entry cost ($29 vs $39) and a 100% profit split available through the monthly payout model. The5ers has the longer track record, independently verified payouts, and the $4M ceiling (vs FundingPips’ $2M). FundingPips’ Zero Reward Denial policy is a meaningful trust signal, but The5ers’ 9-year verified payout history is a stronger empirical demonstration of the same commitment. For budget entry, FundingPips. For long-term track record confidence, The5ers.
Final Verdict and Rating Breakdown
| Category | Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Trust and track record | 10/10 | 9+ years, $43M verified, 21K+ Trustpilot reviews. Unmatched in the industry. |
| Scaling potential | 10/10 | $4M ceiling, 100% profit split — tied for best in the industry with FundedNext. |
| Program variety | 9.0/10 | Three well-differentiated programs covering beginner through expert. Unlimited time limits across all. |
| Entry accessibility | 9.0/10 | $39 entry is the lowest of any major prop firm. High Stakes $5K accessible to any serious trader. |
| Trading conditions | 8.5/10 | Competitive spreads on MT5/cTrader. Good Gold and index execution during Kill Zones. |
| Rule flexibility | 7.5/10 | Stricter than FundedNext/FundingPips on some models. Inactivity policy, 2-min news restriction, HFT ban. |
| Payout speed | 7.5/10 | Bi-weekly and reliable — but slower than FundedNext’s 24-hour guarantee. |
| Platform and tools | 7.5/10 | MT5 and cTrader — solid. Dashboard functional but could benefit from better analytics. |
| OVERALL RATING | 8.7 / 10 | The most trustworthy prop firm for long-term career-focused traders. Start with High Stakes $39 entry. |
The5ers is not the flashiest prop firm. It does not offer the fastest payouts, the most lenient rules, or the most aggressive marketing discounts. What it offers is more valuable: nine years of demonstrated reliability, $43 million in independently verified payouts, and a scaling infrastructure that can genuinely take a disciplined trader from a $5K evaluation to a $4M funded career. No other firm in the retail prop space combines this operating history with this volume of verifiable evidence.
Start with the High Stakes $39 challenge. Experience the platform, test the rules against your strategy, and verify the environment suits your approach before committing to a larger account. The unlimited time limit means there is no pressure to rush. Trade your process, manage the risk correctly, and let the results speak.
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Frequently Asked Questions — The5ers 2026
Is The5ers legit or a scam?
The5ers is one of the most verifiably legitimate prop firms in the retail space. The evidence: 9+ years of continuous operation since 2016, $43 million in payouts verified through the independent Payout Junction service, 21,000+ Trustpilot reviews averaging 4.8/5 with 93% five-star ratings, and a registered company in Israel with known leadership and 60+ employees. This is not a fly-by-night operation. The complaints that exist relate to rule violations and the inactivity policy — not withheld payouts or fraudulent behaviour.
What is The5ers’ cheapest challenge option?
The High Stakes $5K account at $39 is the lowest entry fee of any major prop firm currently operating. This makes The5ers accessible to traders who want to test the evaluation environment without significant financial commitment. The $39 fee is refunded with your first payout, effectively making the challenge free if you pass and extract at least one payout.
How long do The5ers payouts take?
The5ers processes payouts bi-weekly. Once a payout request is approved, processing typically takes 1-5 business days depending on payment method. Cryptocurrency payouts are fastest. Bank transfers may take longer for international accounts. Multiple verified trader reports confirm the bi-weekly schedule is reliably maintained. This is slower than FundedNext’s 24-hour guarantee but faster than FTMO’s typical 14+ day timeline.
What is the 21-day inactivity rule?
Any funded account at The5ers that has not executed a trade for 21 consecutive calendar days is automatically closed. The balance is forfeited. This policy exists to prevent traders from holding funded accounts without active management. The practical implication: you must place at least one trade every three weeks to keep your account active. If you plan an extended holiday or break, either trade before leaving or close the account and withdraw your profits first.
Which The5ers program should I choose?
For most traders: High Stakes for the lowest entry cost and most forgiving 10% drawdown, or Hyper Growth for the fastest scaling and 1:100 leverage. High Stakes $25K at $195 is the most popular choice for experienced traders who want a meaningful account size without a large upfront fee. Bootcamp at $95/$225 is the right choice for developing traders who want structured guidance and mandatory risk management from the start — and who want to begin with $100K+ in funded capital despite lower experience.
Can I trade during news events at The5ers?
Yes, news trading is permitted. The restriction is specific: no entering or exiting positions within 2 minutes before or after a scheduled high-impact release, and no bracketing strategies (placing opposite orders around news to capture the spike). Standard ICT practice — waiting for the initial reaction to resolve, then trading the continuation setup — is naturally compliant with this rule. Most ICT entries after news events occur 5+ minutes after the release, well outside the restricted window.
Does The5ers allow Expert Advisors?
Yes, EAs are permitted for rules-based mechanical trading strategies. Explicitly prohibited EA types: copy signal systems that mirror another account, scalping bots designed for arbitrage, high-frequency trading algorithms, and any EA that exploits pricing inefficiencies between brokers or platforms. Manual ICT discretionary trading and rules-based EAs that implement a defined strategy are both fully permitted.
What instruments can I trade at The5ers?
The5ers covers approximately 40 instruments including all major and minor forex pairs, gold (XAUUSD), silver (XAGUSD), major indices (NAS100/US100, US30, UK100, GER40), oil, and selected cryptocurrency pairs. For ICT traders focused on Gold, NQ/US100, and forex majors — all core instruments are available and well-supported. Traders who need exotic forex pairs or individual equity CFDs may find the instrument range limiting compared to FxPro or XM.
Can I have multiple The5ers accounts simultaneously?
The5ers allows a maximum of 3 simultaneous accounts. This is lower than FundedNext and FundingPips, which allow more concurrent evaluations and funded accounts. For traders who want to diversify across multiple funded accounts simultaneously, this ceiling may be a limitation. For most traders, 3 accounts is sufficient — managing more than 3 simultaneous positions across different funded accounts typically requires more monitoring than the potential income justifies.
What happens if I fail a The5ers challenge?
You lose the challenge fee. There is no automatic refund for a failed evaluation. The5ers offers a reset option — paying a reduced fee to restart the evaluation on the same account — which is useful if the failure was caused by a single rule violation or exceptional market event rather than a systematic strategy problem. If the failure reflects a genuine strategy or discipline issue, fix the underlying problem before resetting rather than immediately re-attempting.
Is The5ers suitable for beginners?
The Bootcamp program is designed specifically for developing traders with its structured 3-step evaluation and mandatory stop-loss requirements. That said, complete beginners with no live trading experience should not attempt any prop firm challenge — including Bootcamp. The correct sequence: develop basic skills on a personal demo or micro account first, document consistent profitability over at least 2-3 months, then consider Bootcamp as a structured next step. Challenge fees paid before a trading edge exists are not investment — they are an expensive way to learn that you are not yet ready.
How does The5ers scaling actually work?
In the Hyper Growth program, your account doubles every time you hit the 10% profit target on your funded account. Starting at $5K: hit 10% profit → scale to $10K → hit 10% profit → scale to $20K, and so on until reaching the $4M ceiling. The profit split increases as you scale, from 80% at the initial funded level up to 100% at the highest tiers. The key distinction: scaling is triggered by hitting profit targets, not simply by time spent at a given level. Consistent performance is rewarded; treading water is not.
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Affiliate disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. If you sign up via our links, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. This does not influence our ratings — all assessments are based on independent research and direct testing. Prop firm challenge fees are non-refundable if the evaluation is failed. Past payout history does not guarantee future performance.
