ThinkCapital Challenges
ThinkCapital runs Instant + 1 Step + 2 Step + 3 Step challenges with relative balance drawdown. Account sizes range from $2.5K to $200K, with evaluation fees from $39–$1,498. Trading runs on ThinkTrader.
ThinkCapital challenge types and pricing
29 active ThinkCapital challenges across instant + 1 step + 2 step + 3 step tiers. Filter by account size and program type to find the right fit.
Challenges 29
| Account Size | Steps | Profit Target | Daily Loss | Max Loss | Profit Split | Payout Freq. | Rewards | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$5KDual Step Intraday | 2 Step | $450 | $200 | $350 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) |  118 | |
$10KDual Step Intraday | 2 Step | $900 | $400 | $700 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 198 | |
$25KDual Step Intraday | 2 Step | $2,250 | $1,000 | $1,750 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 398 | |
$50KDual Step Intraday | 2 Step | $4,500 | $2,000 | $3,500 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 598 | |
$100KDual Step Intraday | 2 Step | $9,000 | $4,000 | $7,000 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 998 | |
$200KDual Step Intraday | 2 Step | $18,000 | $8,000 | $14,000 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 2,198 | |
$5KDual Step Swing | 2 Step | $450 | $200 | $350 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 164 | |
$10KDual Step Swing | 2 Step | $900 | $400 | $700 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 276 | |
$25KDual Step Swing | 2 Step | $2,250 | $1,000 | $1,750 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 556 | |
$50KDual Step Swing | 2 Step | $4,500 | $2,000 | $3,500 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 836 | |
$100KDual Step Swing | 2 Step | $9,000 | $4,000 | $7,000 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 1,396 | |
$200KDual Step Swing | 2 Step | $18,000 | $8,000 | $14,000 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 2,996 | |
$2.5KInstant Bolt | Instant | — | $75 | $150 | 90% | 14 days | 98 | |
$5KInstant Bolt | Instant | — | $150 | $300 | 90% | 14 days | 178 | |
$10KInstant Bolt | Instant | — | $300 | $600 | 90% | 14 days | 318 | |
$25KInstant Bolt | Instant | — | $750 | $1,500 | 90% | 14 days | 698 | |
$50KInstant Bolt | Instant | — | $1,500 | $3,000 | 90% | 14 days | 1,198 | |
$5KLightning | 1 Step | $500 | $150 | $300 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 118 | |
$10KLightning | 1 Step | $1,000 | $300 | $600 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 198 | |
$25KLightning | 1 Step | $2,500 | $750 | $1,500 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 398 | |
$50KLightning | 1 Step | $5,000 | $1,500 | $3,000 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 598 | |
$100KLightning | 1 Step | $10,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 998 | |
$200KLightning | 1 Step | $20,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 2,198 | |
$5KNexus | 3 Step | $350 $300 $250 | $200 | $400 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 78 | |
$10KNexus | 3 Step | $700 | $400 | $800 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 158 | |
$25KNexus | 3 Step | $1,750 | $1,000 | $2,000 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 278 | |
$50KNexus | 3 Step | $3,500 | $2,000 | $4,000 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 398 | |
$100KNexus Best Value | 3 Step | $7,000 | $4,000 | $8,000 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 698 | |
$200KNexus | 3 Step | $14,000 | $8,000 | $16,000 | 90% | 14 days (7 days add-on) | 1,498 |
1181983985989982,1981642765568361,3962,996981783186981,1981181983985989982,198781582783986981,498Key trading rules
The rules that shape every ThinkCapital evaluation, condensed to one line per item.
Fee refund policy
ThinkCapital refunds the challenge fee — typically with the trader's first payout. Confirm the exact terms on ThinkCapital's website before purchase.
Why traders fail ThinkCapital challenges
The most common failure causes are tied directly to ThinkCapital's rule set — here are the ones to plan around before paying for an evaluation.
- 1
Breaching the relative balance drawdown
ThinkCapital's drawdown is relative balance, which means the limit moves up as the account grows. Traders who size positions for the starting balance often blow through the limit after a profitable run-up.
Tip: Recalculate your max risk per trade against the current trailing limit, not the starting balance.
- 2
Trading through news events
ThinkCapital does not allow trading around major news. A position held through a release can void the entire account.
Tip: Flatten exposure 5+ minutes before high-impact releases. Use an economic calendar — don't rely on memory.
- 3
Not meeting the minimum trading days
ThinkCapital requires at least 3 trading days on the evaluation. Hitting the profit target faster doesn't fast-track you — the day count gates the pass.
Tip: Plan for the day count from day 1. Place at least one position-managed trade per required day, even if you're already in profit.
Who ThinkCapital fits
Good fit if you trade like this:
- Swing traders — positions can be held over the weekend.
- Algorithmic and EA traders — automation is permitted.
- Traders who build profit unevenly — there is no consistency rule to penalize a standout day.
- Traders who want funded capital without a multi-week evaluation — instant-funding tier is available.
Look elsewhere if any of these apply:
- News-event traders — releases are off-limits or heavily restricted.
Want to see how real traders rate ThinkCapital's rule set?
Read ThinkCapital reviewsThinkCapital challenge FAQ
Quick answers to the questions traders ask before paying for a ThinkCapital evaluation.
Still have questions?
See the full ThinkCapital FAQ, rules, and payout policy on the main profile.