Alpha Capital Group currently separates its simulated trading programs by evaluation length, drawdown method and payout structure. The plan name matters because the rules that apply to Pro, One, Three, Swing and Direct accounts are not interchangeable.
How the account types differ
The main distinction is the route to a Qualified Analyst account. Alpha Pro and Alpha Swing use two evaluation phases, Alpha One uses one phase, Alpha Three uses three phases, and Alpha Direct is sold as an instant-qualified simulated account without an evaluation profit target.
Plan selection should therefore begin with rule mechanics rather than the headline account size. A trader who prefers a static loss floor may evaluate Pro, Swing or Three differently from a trader who accepts a trailing high-water-mark limit under One or Direct.
| Plan | Structure | Profit targets | Maximum drawdown | Minimum evaluation days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha Pro 8% | Two phases | 8% then 5% | 8% static | 3 per phase |
| Alpha Pro 10% | Two phases | 10% then 5% | 10% static | 3 per phase |
| Alpha One | One phase | 6%, 10% or 12%, depending on version | 4%, 6% or 8% trailing | 1 |
| Alpha Three | Three phases | 8%, 4%, 4% | 6% static | 3 per phase |
| Alpha Swing | Two phases | 10% then 5% | 10% static | 3 per phase |
| Alpha Direct | No evaluation phase | Not applicable | 5% trailing | Not applicable |
These figures describe the program framework published at the time of review. Prices, available sizes, platform availability and add-ons can change, so the checkout terms should be checked before a challenge fee is paid.
Alpha Pro: two-step evaluation with static loss limits
Alpha Pro is the conventional two-phase route. The 8% version sets an 8% first-phase target, a 5% second-phase target, an 8% static maximum drawdown and a 4% balance-based daily drawdown limit.
The 10% version increases the first target to 10%, keeps the second target at 5%, and pairs a 10% static maximum drawdown with a 5% daily limit. Both versions require at least three trading days in each evaluation phase.
Static drawdown means that the maximum-loss threshold is anchored to the initial simulated balance rather than following each new balance high. That can make the floor easier to calculate, but the daily limit and exposure rules still require separate monitoring.
Alpha One: one phase with a trailing high-water mark
Alpha One compresses the evaluation into a single phase. Its 6%, 10% and 12% variants pair the target with trailing maximum drawdowns of 4%, 6% and 8% respectively, while the published daily limits vary by version.
A trailing limit changes as the account establishes a new high-water mark. It can continue moving upward until it reaches the initial balance, so withdrawing profits or giving back gains may leave less usable room than a static percentage comparison suggests.
The minimum evaluation requirement is one trading day. This short minimum does not remove the need to comply with the loss limits, lot exposure, prohibited-strategy rules or the 30-day inactivity policy.
Alpha Three: smaller targets spread across three phases
Alpha Three divides the assessment into three stages: an 8% first target followed by two 4% targets. Its maximum drawdown is 6% static, while maximum daily drawdown is calculated at 4% over the greater of end-of-day balance or equity.
At least three trading days are required in each phase. The lower later-stage targets may appear less demanding in isolation, but completing three separate phases creates more occasions on which a loss-limit breach can end the evaluation.
Alpha Three can therefore suit a process built around repeated rule compliance, but it is not simply a slower version of Alpha Pro. Its drawdown allowance and phase count form a different risk profile.
Alpha Swing: rules for longer holding periods
Alpha Swing uses two phases with targets of 10% and 5%, a 10% static maximum drawdown and a 5% balance-based daily limit. It permits weekend holding during evaluation and on a Qualified Analyst account.
The news rule also differs. A Swing trade initiated within two minutes before or after a covered release must remain open for more than two minutes, whereas other qualified plans use a broader no-execution window for targeted instruments.
Swing accounts are available with the on-demand payout type and remain subject to the firm’s additional risk classifications. Longer holding permission should not be read as an exemption from exposure, duration or gambling-related controls.
Alpha Direct: instant-qualified does not mean unrestricted
Alpha Direct has no evaluation profit target, but the account is still simulated and governed by a 5% trailing maximum drawdown, a 3% daily limit and a maximum-risk rule measured per asset. Expert Advisors are disabled, weekend holding is not allowed, and the account cannot be merged or scaled.
The first on-demand payout requires a 3% profit buffer to remain in the account, plus at least 1% gross profit above that buffer. A 15% Best Day Rule applies, compared with the 40% threshold used for the other on-demand plans.
Calling the plan instant-qualified describes the absence of evaluation phases. It does not guarantee a payout, remove KYC, or convert the displayed simulated balance into capital owned by the trader.
Choosing by rule mechanics
A useful comparison starts with phase count, static versus trailing drawdown, daily-loss calculation, news restrictions, weekend holding and payout eligibility. Challenge price alone does not show how much operational room a strategy will have.
- Compare the strategy’s normal drawdown with both daily and maximum limits.
- Check whether the expected holding period conflicts with weekend or news restrictions.
- Model the payout consistency requirement before selecting bi-weekly or on-demand terms.
More detail is available in the site’s rules overview, challenge explanation and consistency-rule details.
Conclusion
There is no single Alpha Capital Group account type that is mechanically easier in every respect. The appropriate comparison is the one that maps a trading method to phase count, loss-floor behavior, execution restrictions and payout conditions before a fee is paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Alpha Capital Group plan has one evaluation phase?
Alpha One uses one evaluation phase. Its target and trailing drawdown depend on whether the 6%, 10% or 12% version is selected.
Which plans use a static maximum drawdown?
Alpha Pro, Alpha Three and Alpha Swing publish static maximum drawdown limits. Alpha One and Alpha Direct use trailing high-water-mark limits.
Does Alpha Direct provide real capital immediately?
No. Alpha Direct is described as an instant-qualified simulated account and remains subject to trading, risk, KYC and payout conditions.
Are all account types available with the same payout option?
No. Availability differs by plan; for example, Alpha Swing is tied to the on-demand structure, while Pro and Three may offer bi-weekly terms.
Do account types have a maximum evaluation period?
The evaluation has no fixed completion deadline, but a 30-day inactivity limit applies across account stages.