FTMO Review
FTMO is a Prague prop firm trading since 2015, run by FTMO s.r.o. and FTMO Evaluation Global s.r.o. It sells two simulated-account evaluations: a 1-Step with a 10% target, 3% daily loss limit, trailing 10% maximum loss and a 50% Best Day rule, and a 2-Step with 10% then 5% targets, a 5% daily limit, a static 10% maximum loss and 4 minimum trading days per phase. Neither has a time limit. Sizes run $10,000 to $200,000, fees are EUR 79 to EUR 1,080, the 2-Step fee is refunded with the first reward, and traders keep up to 90% of simulated profits, scaling to $2,000,000 through the Scaling Plan.
Trustpilot 4.8 out of 5
Fees from EUR 79
Keep up to 90%
Prague company since 2015
What FTMO actually is
Who you are dealing with
Two ways in, and they are not the same
2-Step: 10% then 5% targets, 5% maximum daily loss, a static 10% maximum loss, and at least 4 trading days in each phase. Neither has a time limit.
What you keep, and what the fee does
How far it scales
FTMO at a Glance — Brand Profile & Stats
Who is FTMO?
FTMO is a Prague-based proprietary trading firm operating since 2015. It runs a fully simulated/demo evaluation model: pass an FTMO Challenge, then manage a simulated FTMO Account and earn performance-based rewards.
- 4.5M+ customers worldwide
- $650M+ paid in rewards
- 140+ countries served · support in 20 languages
What 52,746 traders say on Trustpilot
Trustpilot 4.8 / 5 — "Excellent" · 92% 5-star from 52,746 reviews, with no consumer warning on the profile (checked 23 Sep 2026).
Recent review titles:
- "The best prop firm. Reliable withdrawals."
- "Fast payout and reliable company"
- "The experience with FTMO was fair and pleasant"
Reviewers praise fast payouts and professional support. Some 1-star reviews cite strict rules and a recent Swing-account allocation cap.
Pricing & Profit Split
The new 1-Step FTMO Challenge pays 90% of your simulated profits. The 2-Step Challenge fee is refunded with your first Reward withdrawal, but on the 1-Step the entry fee is not refunded (ftmo.com pricing table and FAQ, re-checked 23 September 2026). List fees run from €79 ($10K, 1-Step) to €1,080 ($200K, 2-Step).
- Capital up to $200,000
- No time limit on the challenge
- As many free trials as you need
Platform Stack
Trade on the platform that suits you:
- MetaTrader 4
- MetaTrader 5
- cTrader
Two account types: Standard and Swing (Swing has no news/weekend restrictions; max Swing allocation 100K).
Markets & Account Sizes
Access forex, indices, commodities, metals and crypto CFDs.
Account sizes: $10K · $25K · $50K · $100K · $200K.
3 Things to Check Before You Fund
- Best Day rule — your single best day can't exceed 50% of total profit (1-Step).
- Max Daily Loss 3% (1-Step) / 5% (2-Step); Max Loss 10%.
- News & weekend limits apply to Standard funded accounts — pick Swing to avoid them.
Top FTMO Features
Account Growth Opportunities
FTMO features allow traders to grow their accounts after successfully completing evaluation challenges. This gradual scaling rewards consistent performance and can open access to larger funded accounts over time. Traders often compare such funding models with insights from the PrimeXBT review to evaluate overall trading opportunities and platform features.
Adjustable Leverage Options
FTMO leverage can be modified based on the trader’s account type and plan. That flexibility lets traders size positions to their own risk tolerance, though higher leverage magnifies losses as well as gains.
Latest Trading Platforms
FTMO features provide access to MT4, MT5, and advanced charting tools. FTMO firm review emphasizes that these platforms help traders analyze markets, test strategies, and execute trades efficiently, improving performance and supporting learning during evaluations.
Best Risk Control Measures
FTMO incorporates daily loss limits and stop-loss rules to protect accounts. FTMO reviews point out that these risk management tools help traders maintain discipline, reduce potential losses, and build safe trading habits for long-term success.
Top FTMO Alternatives
The Funded Trader
The Funded Trader offers structured funding with slightly easier evaluation steps. It competes with FTMO mainly on accessibility and pricing.
Earn2Trade
Earn2Trade provides educational programs alongside funded accounts. FTMO comparison often highlights its learning-focused approach as an alternative for traders who want guided growth.
The5ers
The5ers offers quick access to funded accounts with multiple program types. Its appeal against FTMO is flexibility and a faster route to a funded account. Our FTMO vs The5ers comparison sets the two side by side on evaluation rules, pricing and payouts.
FundedNext
FundedNext runs evaluation-based funding across both CFD and futures programmes, with rewards paid as a profit split and account size scaled on performance. FTMO alternatives reviews often compare the two on evaluation structure and payout terms.
If you would rather skip a two-step challenge, compare instant-funding firms such as Finotive Funding and Sure Leverage Funding.
Which FTMO account should you choose?
User-Friendly Platform
FTMO MT4 account offers an easy-to-navigate interface with charts, indicators, and essential trading tools. Both newer and experienced traders should find the platform familiar for charting and order entry.
Automated Trading Tools
FTMO MT4 account supports Expert Advisors and custom indicators for automated trading. FTMO firm review notes that these tools help traders run strategies efficiently, save time, and test techniques without manual intervention.
Quick Trade Execution
Order execution on the FTMO MT4 account runs on the firm’s own infrastructure. Execution quality and slippage vary with market conditions, so test how your strategy behaves during the evaluation phase before sizing up.
Connected Funding Programs
The FTMO MT4 account integrates seamlessly with evaluation and funded account programs. FTMO firm review highlights that this integration allows traders to track performance, manage leverage, and monitor growth efficiently while progressing toward larger funded accounts.
How much does FTMO charge in commissions?
FX
$5 per lot
Metals
0.0014%/Volume
Indices
$0
Energy
$0
Crypto
0.0650%/Volume
Stocks
0.0040%/Volume
What are FTMO's trading rules?
Regional Access and Eligibility
Australian traders can access FTMO services through the affiliated VRGK entity at ftmo.com/au. Traders based in the United States can use FTMO services through the affiliated entity at ftmo.oanda.com. These regional entities ensure services are provided in line with local regulations.
Trading Days and News Trading Rules
The evaluation phase requires a minimum of four trading days, while funded accounts have no minimum trading day requirement. News trading is allowed on swing accounts in both evaluation and funded stages, and on non-swing accounts during evaluation only. For non-swing funded accounts, trading is not allowed within two minutes before or after high-impact news.
Weekend Trading and Market Hours
Funded traders using non-swing accounts are not allowed to hold trades over the weekend or across market rollovers lasting more than two hours. Standard market hours are available on the trading platform, and any changes are announced through official trading updates.
Capital Allocation, Risk, and Position Sizing
The maximum capital allocation per strategy per trader is $400,000, with Prime status allowing scaling up to $600,000 and Supreme Prime status up to $1,000,000. Accounts using identical strategies beyond these limits may be suspended to maintain fair usage. Traders are advised to risk no more than 1% to 1.5% per trade, and opening unusually large position sizes compared to normal behavior is not permitted. Traders often compare such structured risk rules with insights from the Maven Trading review to evaluate overall trading discipline and funding conditions.
Account Control, Copy Trading, and Expert Advisors
Accounts must be traded only by the account owner. Third-party trading and managing accounts on someone’s behalf are not allowed. Copy trading is allowed only for managing your own accounts and must respect capital limits. Copying other traders is strictly prohibited. Third-party Expert Advisors are not allowed.
Prohibited Practices and Inactivity Rule
FTMO prohibits gambling-style trading, price feed exploitation, slow data feed trading, coordinated or manipulative behavior, unauthorized automation or AI trading, gap trading, and other harmful practices as defined in the terms and conditions. Opening multiple profile accounts is not allowed. To keep an account active, at least one trade must be placed every thirty days, or the account can be frozen for a period between seven days and six months to avoid termination.
FTMO Platforms: MT4, MT5 and cTrader
Advanced Trading Infrastructure and Proprietary Toolsets
A major reason for FTMO’s dominance is its superior trading infrastructure. In 2026, FTMO continues to offer a diverse range of platforms, ensuring that every type of trader from scalpers to swing traders has the right tools for the job.
Platform Performance Breakdown
-
MetaTrader 4 & 5: These remain the most popular choices. FTMO’s custom server integration ensures ultra-low latency and raw spreads, which are critical for passing the evaluation phases.
-
cTrader: Known for its advanced order entry and superior charting, cTrader on FTMO is the go-to for technical traders who need more than what MetaTrader offers.
-
DXtrade: A 2026 favorite for mobile-first traders, offering a modern, sleek interface with built-in risk management tools.
Beyond the platforms, FTMO provides a suite of proprietary apps like the Mentor App, which helps traders stick to their plan, and the Quick Trade Manager, designed to calculate lot sizes instantly based on your desired risk percentage. This technical edge significantly increases a trader's probability of success compared to other firms.
FTMO Trading Rules: Profit Target, Daily Loss and Drawdown
Structured Risk Framework for Professional Funding
To become an FTMO Trader, you must pass a set of Trading Objectives designed to prove you can manage risk. In 2026, FTMO introduced the highly anticipated 1-Step Challenge alongside its classic 2-Step model to offer more flexibility.
The 2026 Objective Structure
| Objective | 2-Step Challenge (Step 1) | 1-Step Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | 10% | 10% |
| Max Daily Loss | 5% | 3% |
| Max Overall Loss | 10% | 10% (Trailing EOD) |
| Trading Period | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Minimum Trading Days | 4 Days | 4 Days |
The introduction of Unlimited Trading Days across all challenges has been a game-changer, removing the "time pressure" that used to cause traders to over-leverage. Additionally, the new 1-Step Challenge features an End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing Drawdown, which is more forgiving than "Intraday Trailing" used by many competitors. These fair and transparent rules ensure that disciplined traders can secure funding without being tricked by hidden technicalities.
Which countries cannot use FTMO?
Restricted Countries: Afghanistan to North Korea
Afghanistan 🇦🇫, Anguilla 🇦🇮, Antarctica 🇦🇶, Antigua and Barbuda 🇦🇬, Belarus 🇧🇾, Belize 🇧🇿, Bhutan 🇧🇹, Bouvet Island 🇧🇻, Burundi 🇧🇮, Cape Verde 🇨🇻, the Central African Republic 🇨🇫, Chad 🇹🇩, Comoros 🇰🇲, Cook Islands 🇨🇰, the Crimea region of Ukraine 🇺🇦, Cuba 🇨🇺, Djibouti 🇩🇯, Dominica 🇩🇲, Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶, Eritrea 🇪🇷, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) 🇸🇿, Fiji 🇫🇯, Gabon 🇬🇦, Gambia 🇬🇲, Grenada 🇬🇩, Guinea 🇬🇳, Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼, Indonesia 🇮🇩, Iran 🇮🇷, Iraq 🇮🇶, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿, Kiribati 🇰🇮, Kosovo 🇽🇰, Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬, Lesotho 🇱🇸, Liberia 🇱🇷, Malawi 🇲🇼, Mali 🇲🇱, the Marshall Islands 🇲🇭, Mauritania 🇲🇷, Micronesia 🇫🇲, Myanmar (Burma) 🇲🇲, Nauru 🇳🇷, Niger 🇳🇪, Niue 🇳🇺, North Korea 🇰🇵
Restricted Countries: Papua New Guinea to Western Sahara
Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬, regions of Ukraine including Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia 🇺🇦, the Republic of the Congo (Congo Brazzaville) 🇨🇬, Russia 🇷🇺, Saint Barthélemy 🇧🇱, Saint Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳, Saint Lucia 🇱🇨, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 🇻🇨, Samoa 🇼🇸, San Marino 🇸🇲, São Tomé and Príncipe 🇸🇹, Seychelles 🇸🇨, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱, the Solomon Islands 🇸🇧, Somalia 🇸🇴, South Sudan 🇸🇸, Sudan 🇸🇩, Suriname 🇸🇷, Syria 🇸🇾, Tajikistan 🇹🇯, Timor-Leste (East Timor) 🇹🇱, Tokelau 🇹🇰, Tonga 🇹🇴, Turkmenistan 🇹🇲, Tuvalu 🇹🇻, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿, Vanuatu 🇻🇺, Vatican City 🇻🇦, Venezuela 🇻🇪, and Western Sahara 🇪🇭
Video Guides & Reviews
Watch Before You Buy — 4 Honest FTMO Reviews
Know the Pros and Cons of FTMO
FTMO has clear strengths and equally clear trade-offs. Pros include well-structured evaluation programs, access to the FTMO MT4 account, adjustable FTMO leverage, and opportunities for account growth. Cons include strict challenge rules and higher fees compared to some FTMO alternatives. Understanding the pros and cons of FTMO helps traders make informed decisions, choose the right program, and prepare effectively for funded trading while balancing risk and potential rewards.
Read Alternative Tools : GO Markets Review | FXTM Review | FxPro Review | FXPrimus Review
How much does an FTMO challenge cost? (€79–€1,080)
FTMO quotes the Challenge fee in euros, even though the simulated account balances are quoted in US dollars. These are the list prices in FTMO's own pricing table on ftmo.com, re-checked 23 September 2026.
| Simulated account size | FTMO Challenge: 2-Step | FTMO Challenge: 1-Step |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | €89 | €79 |
| $25,000 | €250 | €199 |
| $50,000 | €345 | €319 |
| $100,000 | €540 | €499 |
| $200,000 | €1,080 | €999 |
On the day of checking, FTMO was also showing a promotional price on the $100,000 tier only — €439 on the 2-Step and €399 on the 1-Step — offered only to traders who do not already hold an active Challenge. Promotional prices change, so budget against the list prices above.
Is the fee refunded? It depends which product you buy. FTMO's FAQ states that on the FTMO Challenge: 2-Step the entry fee may be refunded with your first Reward withdrawal, returned to the original payment method, and that on the FTMO Challenge: 1-Step the entry fee is not refunded (ftmo.com FAQ and pricing table, re-checked 23 September 2026). Either way it is a one-time payment, not a subscription.
What the fee buys is a simulated evaluation. FTMO states that all accounts it provides are demo accounts using fictitious capital, and rewards are paid on the results recorded on that demo account. Fees change, so confirm the current figure on ftmo.com before you pay.
FTMO vs The Funded Trader
Comparing FTMO vs The Funded Trader highlights differences in evaluation style and funding requirements. FTMO is built around structured challenges, a scaling plan and strict rules, while The Funded Trader leans toward easier access and faster funding. The FTMO vs The Funded Trader comparison helps traders choose between a more disciplined, step-by-step evaluation or quicker entry into funded accounts, depending on their experience, trading style, and growth goals. Read our The Funded Trader review for a closer look at its evaluation steps and funding terms.
FTMO Review 2026: Is the World’s Most Popular Prop Firm Still the Best?
For over a decade, FTMO has set the gold standard for the proprietary trading industry. As we move through 2026, it remains the most trusted name in the business, having paid out hundreds of millions to traders globally. But with hundreds of new competitors emerging, is FTMO still the king? The 2026 update to FTMO’s ecosystem has brought significant changes. The firm has expanded its maximum capital limits, allowing top-tier traders to scale up to $2 million through their aggressive scaling plan. Furthermore, their reputation for "never missing a payout" remains their strongest asset. While newer firms offer flashy 100% profit splits, FTMO’s 80-90% split is backed by institutional-grade liquidity and a decade of stability. For traders who prioritize reliability and a proven track record over high-risk "get rich quick" schemes, FTMO remains the premier choice in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions