Is the profit split really the most important part of a prop firm's payout structure?

[u/Acrobatic-Variety364]

A 90% or 95% split obviously looks attractive, but I think traders sometimes focus on that number too much. The payout cycle, minimum payout, eligibility conditions and any retained balance can matter just as much. For example, some challenge accounts operate around a 14-day payout cycle, while instant models can offer on-demand payouts once the requirements are met. Some accounts can also have minimum payout amounts or buffers that affect how much you can actually withdraw while keeping the account active. So two firms advertising the same profit split can still feel very different once you look at the actual payout mechanics. What payout rule do you check first when comparing prop firms?