The NOVA Account is a 1-Step evaluation plan designed for traders who want low entry cost, simple targets, and a pay after you pass model. Traders gain immediate access to the evaluation for a small upfront fee and only pay the activation cost after successfully passing. NOVA accounts can be purchased at toponetrader.com/nova.
In short: $7 to start, 5% profit target, 6% trailing drawdown, unlimited free resets during the evaluation, and a one-time activation fee after passing (to be completed within 30 days).
How the NOVA model works
Stage | What happens |
Initial cost | One-time starting fee of $7, with immediate access to the challenge |
After passing | Pay a one-time activation fee (full details below) and unlock funded account access |
Activation window | Traders have 30 days after passing to complete activation |
NOVA ruleset overview
Rule | Evaluation (1 Step) | Funded |
Initial Fee | $7 | Activation fee (full breakdown below) |
Profit Target | 5% | None |
Max Drawdown | 6% trailing, locks at starting balance | 5% trailing, locks at starting balance |
Max Drawdown Type | Trailing | Trailing |
Daily Loss Limit | None | 3% |
Max Open Risk (EquityShield) | 2% / 2.5% (soft breach) | 2% / 2.5% (soft breach) |
Time Limit | None | None |
Profit Split | Not applicable | 90% (upgrade to 100%) |
ESS Target | None | 20% ESS |
Payout Frequency | Not applicable | Bi-weekly (upgrade to weekly) |
Leverage | FX 100:1, Metals 20:1, Indices 20:1, Crypto 4:1 | FX 30:1, Metals 5:1, Indices 5:1, Crypto 1:1 |
Weekend Holding | Allowed | Allowed |
Resets | Unlimited free resets | Discounted fee |
Inactivity Limit | 30 days | 30 days |
Platforms | TradeLocker and MT5 | TradeLocker and MT5 |
Activation fees (one-time payment)
Activation is required after passing the evaluation.
Account size | Activation fee |
$25,000 | $165 |
$50,000 | $275 |
$100,000 | $550 |
$200,000 | $880 |
$300,000 | $1,247 |
Key rule explanations
Rule | Explanation |
1-Step Evaluation | NOVA accounts require passing only one evaluation phase. |
Initial Entry Fee | A one-time payment of $7 grants full access to the challenge. |
Profit Target | Traders must achieve a 5% profit target based on starting balance. |
Trailing Drawdown (Evaluation) | A 6% trailing drawdown applies and trails equity until reaching the starting balance, where it locks. |
Daily Loss Limit | There is no Daily Loss Limit during the Challenge Phase. During the Funded Phase, a 3% Daily Loss Limit applies. EquityShield remains active and may automatically close open positions if your floating drawdown reaches the applicable EquityShield threshold. |
Unlimited Free Resets | If the evaluation account is breached, the trader may reset the account. Resets are free of charge on the challenge phase and unlimited. |
Activation After Passing | After passing the evaluation, traders must pay the activation fee. Activation must be completed within 30 days. |
Profit Split (Funded) | Funded NOVA accounts operate with a 90% profit split, with optional upgrade to 100%. |
Funded Drawdown (LUP Model) | Funded accounts use a 5% trailing drawdown under the Lock Upon Payout model. |
Equity Stability Score (ESS) | A 20% ESS score applies on funded accounts. |
Stop Loss Requirement | All accounts require an active stop loss (this requirement can be removed with an add-on). |
Expert Advisors (EAs) and External Tools | Evaluation phases: you may use your own unique Expert Advisor (EA), provided it complies with our trading rules. Funded accounts: EAs, trading bots, and external tools that connect to your trading account are not permitted (more information). |
Platforms | TradeLocker: available worldwide in all approved countries. |
Platform Change Policy for Promotional and Giveaway Accounts | Free NOVA giveaway accounts are eligible for a one-time platform change in the Funded Phase only, after activation. Platform changes are not allowed during the evaluation phase. |
Inactivity Rule | Accounts inactive for 30 consecutive days may be closed. |
Max Open Risk (EquityShield)
EquityShield is a built-in risk management feature designed to help protect your account by automatically preventing further trading once your equity reaches a defined threshold. This ensures that losses are controlled and helps traders maintain better discipline while managing their accounts.
EquityShield is an automatic protection tool, not a guaranteed failsafe.
In rare market conditions such as high volatility or low liquidity, closures may not trigger instantly.
Traders are always responsible for managing their own risk.
EquityShield triggers do not count as hard breaches.
The Risk team may adjust EquityShield limits following a risk review.
For a more detailed explanation of how EquityShield works, see What is The EquityShield?.
Important notes
NOVA is a 1-Step plan.
Entry cost is $7.
Activation payment required after passing.
30-day activation deadline.
Evaluation breaches may be reset for free.
Unlimited resets apply only to the evaluation.
Free accounts obtained through promotions or giveaways are not eligible for platform changes.