Challenge or Instant at Funded Profit? That's the question Gabriel Parra tackles in this video, published on September 20, 2026. In about 14 minutes, he compares the 1-Phase Challenge with the Instant account, which at Funded Profit we call Direct Access, across five criteria: drawdown, consistency, payouts, minimum days and trading freedom. Here's the video and, below it, the official data for each point so you can make your own comparison.
In short: Gabriel Parra published a comparison of Funded Profit's 1-Phase Challenge and Direct Access. After the video, we go criterion by criterion through the real rules of both simulated accounts, so you can choose the one that fits how you trade.
What the video covers
In this video, Gabriel Parra compares Funded Profit's two programs to help decide which one suits each type of trader better. The criteria he looks at are drawdown, consistency, payouts, minimum days and trading freedom.
The final verdict and opinions in the video belong to the creator. We won't tell you which one "wins": we give you the data for each criterion, so the video and this post complement each other.
Criterion 1: drawdown
On both programs the drawdown is static: the maximum loss is calculated from the starting balance and doesn't move as the balance rises. What changes is the room you have:
| Limit | 1-Phase Challenge | Direct Access |
|---|---|---|
| Daily loss | 4% | 3% |
| Maximum loss | 6% | 5% |
Illustrative example: on a $25,000 Direct Access simulated account, the daily limit is $750 and the maximum is $1,250. To understand why the drawdown type matters so much, read static vs. trailing drawdown.
Criterion 2: consistency
The consistency rule is the same on both programs and depends on account size: no single day can exceed 40% of total profit on accounts under $30K, or 30% from $30K up. Keep it in mind when choosing a size, since the limit gets stricter from $30K. You can check your numbers with the consistency calculator.
Criterion 3: payouts
Reward conditions are shared by both programs:
- Split: 80% (100% with add-on).
- Frequency: every 14 days (weekly with add-on).
- Minimum per request: $50.
- Payment: in crypto.
The difference is the path to get there: on the challenge you first need to reach the 9% target; on Direct Access there's no prior target. Details are in the payouts section.
Criterion 4: minimum days
- 1-Phase Challenge: 5 minimum trading days, no time limit.
- Direct Access: 8 minimum trading days.
Remember that the trading day runs from 20:00 to 20:00 (UTC-4) and that an account closes after 30 days of inactivity. There's more context in our post on minimum trading days.
Criterion 5: trading freedom
Here both programs are the same. On both:
- 1:100 leverage and the cTrader platform.
- News and weekend trading allowed.
- Maximum risk of 2.5% per trade and a 3-minute minimum trade duration.
- Maximum 2 IPs.
In practice, real trading freedom depends on your loss room: with tighter limits, like those on Direct Access, position sizing needs to be more conservative.
Sizes and prices
- 1-Phase Challenge: $15K ($89) · $30K ($179) · $60K ($249) · $100K ($499) · $200K ($899).
- Direct Access: $5K ($69) · $10K ($129) · $25K ($249) · $50K ($379) · $100K ($629).
About this video
This video is the opinion of Gabriel Parra, a Funded Profit affiliate partner: he earns a commission on accounts bought through his link. Even so, Funded Profit didn't produce or review it. We suggest watching it alongside our own guide, Challenge vs. Direct Access, and deciding with the data in front of you. And remember: trading involves risk, and neither account ensures an outcome.
FAQ
Is the Instant account the same as Direct Access?
Yes. What the video calls Instant is Direct Access at Funded Profit: a simulated account with no challenge and no target.
Which one gives more room for losses?
The 1-Phase Challenge: 4% daily and 6% maximum, versus 3% and 5% on Direct Access.
Are payouts the same on both programs?
Yes. An 80% split (100% with add-on), requests every 14 days (weekly with add-on), a $50 minimum and payment in crypto.
How many minimum days does each account require?
Five on the 1-Phase Challenge and eight on Direct Access.