1. Evaluation Models and Capital Allocation
The structure of these two firms caters to very different trader profiles in terms of capital requirements and progression.
- FundingPips Selection: Offers high variety with 1-Step, 2-Step (Standard and Pro), and "Zero" (Instant) models. This allows traders to choose between a faster path to funding or more conservative drawdown limits.
- Ment Funding Simplicity: Operates exclusively with a 1-Step evaluation model. This streamlines the process but limits choice for those who prefer the traditional 2-step risk profile.
- Max Allocation: FundingPips limits initial allocation to $300,000, though it can be scaled up to $2M through their "Hot Seat" program. Ment Funding allows traders to purchase accounts up to $2,000,000 directly, making it one of the few firms offering multi-million dollar accounts from the start.
- Scaling Logistics: Ment Funding doubles the account size every time specific profit and withdrawal milestones are met. FundingPips uses a level-based system (Launchpad to Elite) that adds capital and increases drawdown limits as the trader proves consistency.
2. Leverage and Trading Power
Leverage is a critical differentiator, especially for traders who utilize small price movements or high-frequency strategies.
- Higher Ceiling at FundingPips: Offers up to 100:1 leverage on its 2-Step accounts for Forex. This provides significantly more buying power compared to Ment Funding.
- Restrictive Leverage at Ment Funding: Maintains a flat 20:1 leverage across Forex, Metals, and Energies. This requires traders to manage their margin much more strictly and prevents aggressive position sizing.
- Indices and Crypto: FundingPips provides 20:1 on Indices and 2:1 on Crypto (2-Step). Ment Funding is more conservative with 10:1 on Indices, which may limit traders focused on volatile US indices.
3. Drawdown Mechanics and Risk Limits
The way a firm calculates loss is often more important than the profit target itself.
- Drawdown Calculation: FundingPips uses an EOD (End of Day) high-watermark for daily drawdown on standard accounts, but a Trailing Drawdown for its Zero accounts. Ment Funding uses a Balance-based daily drawdown, which is generally considered more trader-friendly as it ignores open floating profits during the day.
- Static vs. Trailing: Both firms primarily offer Static Max Drawdown on their main models, ensuring the loss limit does not move up as you make profits. However, FundingPips' Zero account uses a trailing model, which increases risk as the account grows.
- Specific Risk Rules: FundingPips enforces a 3% max loss per trade idea on funded accounts and a lot limit (e.g., 40 lots for $100k+ accounts). Ment Funding does not have a per-trade loss limit but prohibits Martingale and averaging-down strategies.
4. Strategy Restrictions and Automation
Traders using Expert Advisors (EAs) or specific styles will find a clear divide between these two firms.
- The EA Factor: Ment Funding allows autonomous EAs, making it suitable for algorithmic traders. FundingPips prohibits EAs, requiring all trading to be manual (though they allow certain "tools" for manual assistance, the execution must be human).
- News Trading: Both firms have restrictions on funded accounts. FundingPips has a 5-minute window (before/after) for its standard funded phases. Ment Funding has a 6-minute window (3 min before/after).
- Weekend Holding: FundingPips allows weekend holding on all standard models for free. Ment Funding requires a 10% price add-on to keep positions open over the weekend, adding a hidden cost for swing traders.
- Consistency Rules: FundingPips enforces a 35% consistency rule on On-Demand payouts (no single day can exceed 35% of total profit). Ment Funding does not have a standard consistency rule but prohibits "all-in" gambling styles.
5. Costs, Commissions, and Payouts
The financial efficiency of a firm impacts the long-term bottom line of the trader.
- Entry Price: FundingPips is significantly more affordable for standard sizes. A $100k 2-Step account costs $529, whereas Ment Funding’s $100k 1-Step costs $750.
- Commission Structure: FundingPips charges $5 to $7 per lot depending on the account type. Ment Funding is at the higher end with a flat $7 per lot.
- Profit Split: Ment Funding starts at 75% (can be upgraded to 90% via add-on). FundingPips offers a variable split from 60% up to 100%, depending on payout frequency and scaling level.
- Payout Frequency: FundingPips is highly flexible, offering On-Demand payouts for specific models. Ment Funding requires 30 days between payouts after the first on-demand withdrawal.
6. Summary: Which Firm to Choose?
Choose FundingPips if:
- You are a manual trader looking for the lowest entry costs.
- You want high leverage (100:1) to maximize capital efficiency.
- You prefer frequent payouts (On-demand or Weekly) and the potential for a 100% profit split.
- You are a swing trader who needs to hold positions over the weekend without extra fees.
Choose Ment Funding if:
- You trade using Expert Advisors (EAs) or automated systems.
- You need access to massive capital (up to $2M) in a single account from day one.
- You prefer a 1-Step evaluation and balance-based daily drawdown.
- You value a firm with a higher Trustpilot reputation (4.9) and a US-based headquarters.
