How much capital do I need to start?

In short

A small personal account does not mean you should rush into a paid challenge.

You can begin learning with very little capital, or with no trading capital, by studying market structure, practicing in a simulator, and keeping a journal. Your first goal should be building repeatable habits rather than chasing a payout.

A prop firm evaluation can reduce the amount of personal trading capital you put at risk, but it introduces a fee and strict rules. It is not a shortcut around the need to understand risk.

Before paying, be able to explain the account’s daily loss limit, maximum drawdown, payout process, prohibited conduct, and what happens if you breach.