Written by A Reputable Firm with Notable Challenges
FTMO remains a prominent name in prop trading, known for its high profit splits and clear scaling plan. The firm offers several challenge types, including 1-Step, 2-Step, and Instant Funding, catering to different trading styles. However, traders must navigate strict rules, particularly the consistency rule on some programs and restrictions on news trading.
While payouts are generally reported as reliable, documented instances of retroactive rule changes and payout denials due to unclear terms are a significant concern. FTMO is best for disciplined traders who can consistently adhere to all rules and manage risk tightly.
Pros
- High profit split (up to 90%)
- Multiple challenge options
- Established reputation
- Scaling plan up to $2M
Cons
- Strict rules, including consistency
- Past retroactive rule changes
- News trading restrictions
- Higher challenge fees
Challenge & fees by account size
FTMO offers three main programs: the 1-Step FTMO Challenge, the 2-Step FTMO Challenge, and the FTMO Instant Account. Fees vary significantly by account size and program, with the 2-Step Challenge fee being refundable upon the first profit payout. The 1-Step and Instant Account fees are non-refundable, which is a key difference to consider.
The programs cater to different preferences, from direct funding to a two-phase evaluation, but all trading is done on simulated accounts. Leverage is consistent across programs at up to 1:100.
Direct access to an FTMO Rewards Account with no challenge or verification stage required.
Compare all account sizes
| Size | Fee | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Daily loss | Max loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €5K | €169 | — | — | €150 | €500 |
| €10K | €339 | — | — | €300 | €1,000 |
| €25K | €749 | — | — | €750 | €2,500 |
| €50K | €1,499 | — | — | €1,500 | €5,000 |
| €100K | €2,999 | — | — | €3,000 | €10,000 |
A single-phase evaluation process to gain an FTMO Rewards Account.
Compare all account sizes
| Size | Fee | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Daily loss | Max loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €10K | €79 | €1,000 | — | €300 | €1,000 |
| €25K | €199 | €2,500 | — | €750 | €2,500 |
| €50K | €319 | €5,000 | — | €1,500 | €5,000 |
| €100K | €10,000 | — | €3,000 | €10,000 | |
| €200K | €999 | €20,000 | — | €6,000 | €20,000 |
A two-phase evaluation process (FTMO Challenge and Verification) to become eligible for monetary rewards.
Compare all account sizes
| Size | Fee | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Daily loss | Max loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €10K | €89 | €1,000 | €500 | €500 | €1,000 |
| €25K | €250 | €2,500 | €1,250 | €1,250 | €2,500 |
| €50K | €345 | €5,000 | €2,500 | €2,500 | €5,000 |
| €100K | €10,000 | €5,000 | €5,000 | €10,000 | |
| €200K | €1,080 | €20,000 | €10,000 | €10,000 | €20,000 |
Trading rules, plainly
FTMO implements a range of trading rules, some of which are stricter than other prop firms. The 1-Step Challenge and Instant Account programs feature an end-of-day trailing maximum drawdown and a consistency rule, which can catch out traders used to more flexible conditions. The 2-Step Challenge, however, uses a static maximum drawdown.
News trading, weekend holding, and overnight positions are not allowed on 1-step challenges, which limits certain strategies. Daily loss limits are equity-based, meaning open losing trades count towards the limit, resetting at 00:00 CE(S)T.
Payouts
FTMO offers a competitive profit split starting at 80% for the 2-Step Challenge, scaling up to 90% with consistent performance. The first payout can be requested 14 days after the first trade on a funded account, with subsequent payouts available on demand every 14 days. The firm states payouts are processed within 1-2 business days after approval, a timeframe largely supported by trader reports.
A notable advantage is the variety of payout methods, including bank wire, instant card transfers, Skrill, and cryptocurrency, offering flexibility for traders globally. However, minimum payout amounts vary by method.
MethodsBank wireinstant card transfersSkrillcryptocurrency
Profit split scaling
Trust & legitimacy
FTMO, founded in 2015 and registered in the Czech Republic, has established itself as a major player in the prop firm industry. The firm reports over $650 million paid out to traders and boasts an ‘Excellent’ 4.8 out of 5 Trustpilot score from over 54,000 reviews, indicating strong overall satisfaction. Its official Discord server also has over 136,000 members, showing a large active community.
However, there are documented red flags, including multiple reports of payout denials and account terminations due to a ‘1% rule’ that traders claim was not officially part of the terms or was applied retroactively. A complaint was also filed with the Czech Trade Inspection Authority regarding these issues.
- Registered company with public address
- Over 167,000 funded accounts
- High Trustpilot score and volume
- Official Discord community
- Multiple reports of payout denials due to '1% rule'
- Reports of retroactive rule changes (e.g., '1% rule')
- Complaint filed with Czech Trade Inspection Authority
FTMO s.r.o., Czech Republic, Purkyňova 2121/3, 110 00, Prague, Czech Republic
Platforms & support
FTMO provides a solid selection of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradingView, catering to a wide range of trader preferences. This choice allows traders to use familiar interfaces and tools. Leverage is consistently offered at up to 1:100 across all programs.
While specific instrument classes per platform were not verified in our research, the firm generally offers forex, indices, metals, and cryptocurrencies. It’s important to remember that all trading is on simulated accounts, which means conditions may differ from live broker environments.
| Platform | Devices | Instruments | Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | 1:100 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | 1:100 | ||
| cTrader | 1:100 | ||
| TradingView | 1:100 |
Score breakdown
Our scores for FTMO are based on a thorough analysis of its published rules, fees, payout evidence, and community feedback. The overall score is an average of six key categories, reflecting the firm’s strengths and weaknesses as an independent assessment. FTMO scores highly on trust and support but faces challenges with rules fairness due to past issues. We do not conduct hands-on testing but rely solely on verifiable information from FTMO’s official channels and credible third-party sources like Trustpilot and Reddit.
- High profit split (up to 90%)
- Multiple challenge options
- Established reputation
Trading involves significant risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
