FTMO Review 2026
The world's most trusted prop firm. 9+ years of operation, $200M+ paid to traders, and industry-leading payout reliability.
FTMO Overview
The gold standard in prop trading with proven track record and $200M+ paid
FTMO is the world's most trusted proprietary trading firm, having paid out over $200 million to traders since 2015. Based in Prague, Czech Republic, they've built an industry-leading reputation for fair rules, reliable payouts, and excellent trader support.
With 9+ years of operation, FTMO has proven their business model works. They offer funding up to $400,000 with an 80-90% profit split, bi-weekly payouts, and flexible trading rules including news trading and weekend holding. If you're serious about funded trading, FTMO is the gold standard.
Deep Dive Industry Leadership & Proven Track Record FTMO isn't just the most popular prop firm - they're the most proven. With $200M+ paid to traders over 9 years, they've demonstrated operational excellence through multiple market cycles and industry crises that destroyed competitors.
Founded in 2015 in Prague, FTMO pioneered the modern prop trading challenge model. While competitors have come and gone, FTMO has consistently paid traders bi-weekly without interruption. The $200M+ payout milestone represents thousands of funded traders successfully withdrawing profits - verifiable evidence of sustainable operations.
When MyForexFunds collapsed in 2023 and regulatory scrutiny intensified across the industry, FTMO continued operating seamlessly. Their EU registration, transparent business model, and long track record provided stability when traders needed it most. This crisis-tested reliability is FTMO's primary competitive advantage.
FTMO makes sense if you prioritize payout certainty over cost savings, value proven stability over experimental features, or are building a serious funded trading business where reliability matters more than challenge fees. Choose newer firms only if you understand and accept counterparty risk in exchange for lower pricing.
How to Get Started
Choose Challenge
Select account size from $10K-$200K. Normal Challenge ($155-$1,080) is most popular.
Pass Evaluation
Meet profit targets while staying within drawdown limits. Phase 1: 10% in 30 days, Phase 2: 5% in 60 days.
Get Funded
Start trading with capital up to $200K initially. Scale to $400K through consistent profitability.
Key Strengths
What makes FTMO the most trusted and reliable prop firm
Industry Leader
9+ years of operation with over $200M paid to traders - the most established and trusted prop firm in the industry.
Reliable Payouts
Bi-weekly payout cycle with excellent track record. Bank transfer, Skrill, and crypto withdrawal options available.
Scale to $400K
Grow your account through consistent profitability. Increase profit split from 80% to 90% as you scale.
Fair Trading Rules
News trading allowed, weekend holding permitted, Expert Advisors supported - flexible rules for serious traders.
Excellent Support
Responsive customer service, performance coaching, and psychological support for funded traders.
Crisis-Tested
9+ years through multiple market cycles. Proven stability when competitors collapsed during industry turmoil.
Deep Dive FTMO's Unmatched Competitive Advantages FTMO's dominance stems from three core strengths: proven track record, payout reliability, and crisis-tested stability. These aren't marketing claims - they're verifiable through $200M+ in documented payouts and 9 years of uninterrupted operations.
Track record matters in prop trading because the industry attracts bad actors. Many firms are designed to profit from failed challenges, not from funding successful traders. FTMO's 9-year history demonstrates sustainable operations - they make money when funded traders succeed, not when challenges fail. The $200M+ payout milestone represents thousands of traders who passed challenges, traded profitably, and successfully withdrew funds.
Payout reliability is FTMO's killer feature. Bi-weekly withdrawal cycle, processed within 1-3 business days, available via bank transfer, Skrill, or crypto. Community consensus is near-universal: FTMO pays. When you hit your withdrawal request, you receive funds. This certainty eliminates the anxiety that plagues traders at newer firms where payout delays or disputes create uncertainty.
Crisis-tested stability proved decisive in 2023 when MyForexFunds collapsed and regulatory scrutiny intensified. FTMO continued operating without interruption, processing payouts on schedule, supporting traders through industry turmoil. For traders with large funded accounts, this stability justifies FTMO's premium pricing. The $200-300 extra cost per challenge is insurance against losing a $100K funded account when a cheaper competitor shuts down.
Fees & Spreads
Premium pricing with proven payout reliability
Normal vs Swing vs Aggressive
Different challenge types suit different trading styles and timeframes.
Normal Challenge is recommended for most traders - proven over 9 years with balanced targets.
Deep Dive Premium Pricing, Premium Reliability FTMO charges 50-100% more than newer competitors. The premium is justified by payout certainty and crisis-tested stability - but only if those priorities align with your needs.
A $50K Normal Challenge costs $345 versus The Funded Trader's $299 - a $46 difference. For three attempts, that's $1,035 versus $897 - a $138 premium. The $100K challenge is $540 versus TFT's $499 - $41 more per attempt. These aren't trivial amounts for traders managing tight bankrolls.
The premium buys insurance against counterparty risk. FTMO has demonstrated for 9 years that they pay traders. When you pass the challenge and trade profitably, you receive your withdrawals. No payout delays, no sudden rule changes, no unexplained account restrictions. For traders targeting serious income from funded accounts, this certainty justifies the higher cost.
Where FTMO particularly excels is long-term value through scaling. Challenge fee is refunded on first payout (effectively making it free once you succeed). Scaling from $50K to $400K costs $0 in additional fees - you just demonstrate consistent profitability. A trader at $400K with 90% split earning 3% monthly makes $10,800 take-home. That's life-changing income - and the difference between a $345 FTMO challenge and a $299 competitor challenge becomes irrelevant at that scale.
Safety & Regulation
9-year track record with over $200M paid to traders
EU Registered
European UnionEU Business Registration
Registered legal entity in Czech Republic with transparent company information
$200M+ Paid Out
Over $200 million distributed to funded traders since 2015 - the highest in the industry
Crisis-Tested Stability
9-year track record through multiple market cycles and industry turmoil
Transparent Operations
Physical offices in Prague with 100+ employees and active community presence
Deep Dive Trust Assessment: The Industry Standard FTMO represents the highest trust tier in prop trading. While no firm is zero-risk, FTMO's 9-year track record and $200M+ payouts demonstrate proven operational capability and sustainable business model.
FTMO is an EU-registered business entity in Prague with physical offices and 100+ employees. They're not regulated like a broker (prop firms generally aren't), but they operate transparently with verifiable company information. The $200M+ in documented payouts - tracked publicly on their website - demonstrates operational capability: they can and do process withdrawals at scale.
Payout reliability is near-perfect. FTMO processes bi-weekly withdrawals within 1-3 business days with minimal friction. Community reports across thousands of funded traders show consistent, reliable payouts without unexplained delays or account restrictions. This contrasts sharply with newer firms where payout uncertainty creates anxiety.
The 9-year track record matters because it represents crisis-testing. FTMO operated through the 2018 volatility spike, the 2020 COVID crash, the 2022 inflation surge, and the 2023 prop firm regulatory crackdown. When MyForexFunds collapsed, FTMO continued operating. When regulatory scrutiny intensified, FTMO adapted. This proven stability reduces counterparty risk to acceptable levels for serious funded traders.
Trading Platforms
Four major platforms supported - MT4, MT5, cTrader, and DXtrade
MetaTrader 4
4.8Industry-standard platform with full Expert Advisor support for automated trading strategies and backtesting.
- Expert Advisors
- Custom indicators
- Automated trading
- Strategy backtesting
MetaTrader 5
4.8Advanced platform with more timeframes, better strategy tester, and access to indices and crypto CFDs.
- Multi-asset trading
- Advanced charting
- More timeframes
- Economic calendar
cTrader
4.6Superior execution speed with clean interface. Ideal for discretionary scalpers valuing quick order execution.
- Fast execution
- Clean interface
- Advanced order types
- Depth of market
DXtrade
4.2Browser-based platform requiring no download. Good for traders who switch between devices frequently.
- Web-based
- Multi-device
- No installation
- Clean interface
Deep Dive Platform Choice & Execution Quality FTMO supports the four major retail trading platforms. Your choice should match your trading style and technical requirements - each has distinct advantages.
MetaTrader 4 remains the most popular choice among FTMO traders. If you're primarily trading forex pairs with established indicators or EAs, MT4 is the most reliable option. Massive community support, proven stability, and universal familiarity make it the safe default. Most prop traders use MT4, and FTMO's execution quality on MT4 is well-tested.
MetaTrader 5 suits multi-asset traders who want to trade FTMO's full instrument range including indices and crypto CFDs. MT5 offers more timeframes, a better strategy tester, and more advanced order types. If your strategy involves complex automation or you trade beyond just forex, MT5 is the better platform. The learning curve from MT4 to MT5 is minimal for most traders.
cTrader is the scalper's choice. Superior execution speed and cleaner interface make it ideal for discretionary scalpers who value quick order execution over EA capability. However, cTrader has less third-party indicator support than MT4/MT5. DXtrade is browser-based with no download required - good for multi-device traders but less feature-rich than desktop platforms.
Account Types
Multiple challenge types to match your trading style
Normal Challenge
Most Popular- Phase 1 Target 10% in 30 days
- Phase 2 Target 5% in 60 days
- Max Drawdown 10%
- Daily Drawdown 5%
- Profit Split 80-90%
- Min Trading Days 4 days
Two-phase evaluation with 10% then 5% profit targets. Industry-standard approach proven over 9+ years.
Swing Challenge
Extended Time- Phase 1 Target 10% in unlimited time
- Phase 2 Target 5% in unlimited time
- Max Drawdown 10%
- Daily Drawdown 5%
- Min Trading Days 4 per phase
- Best For Swing traders
No time limits on either phase. Ideal for swing traders who hold positions for days or weeks.
Aggressive Challenge
Experienced Only- Phase 1 Target 20% in 60 days
- Phase 2 Target 5% in 60 days
- Max Drawdown 10%
- Daily Drawdown 5%
- Difficulty Very High
- Best For Confident traders
Higher profit target for experienced traders seeking faster funding. Higher risk, higher reward approach.
Normal Challenge recommended for most traders. Swing suits position traders. Aggressive is high risk/reward.
FTMO Pros & Cons
Balanced evaluation based on trustworthiness, payouts, and track record
- Pro: Industry-leading $200M+ paid to traders
- Pro: 9+ year track record - the longest in the industry
- Pro: Excellent payout reliability with bi-weekly cycle
- Pro: Scale to $400K with 90% profit split
- Pro: News trading and weekend holding allowed
- Pro: Expert Advisors and copy trading supported
- Pro: Free retry if you hit profit target
- Pro: Challenge fee refunded on first payout
- Pro: Responsive customer support and coaching
- Pro: Crisis-tested through multiple market cycles
- Con: Higher pricing than newer competitors ($155 vs $65)
- Con: $200K challenge is expensive at $1,080
- Con: 5% daily drawdown can be restrictive
- Con: No one-phase challenge option
- Con: 4 minimum trading days vs TFT 5 days
- Con: Premium pricing not for budget-conscious traders
FTMO FAQ
Is FTMO legitimate?
Yes, FTMO is one of the most legitimate and trusted prop firms in the industry. Founded in 2015 in Prague, Czech Republic, they have paid out over $200 million to traders worldwide. They are registered as a legal entity and have built a strong reputation over 9+ years of operation.
How does the FTMO Challenge work?
The FTMO Challenge is a two-phase evaluation. In Phase 1, you must reach a 10% profit target within 30 days while staying within the 10% maximum drawdown and 5% daily drawdown limits. Phase 2 (Verification) requires a 5% profit target in 60 days with the same risk rules. Pass both, and you become a funded FTMO Trader.
What is the FTMO profit split?
FTMO offers an 80% profit split to start, meaning you keep 80% of all profits you make. Through their scaling plan, this can increase to 90% as you prove consistent profitability. The remaining portion goes to FTMO for providing the capital and infrastructure.
Can I hold trades over the weekend with FTMO?
Yes, FTMO allows weekend holding. However, be aware that gaps can occur when markets reopen, which could impact your drawdown. Many traders close positions before weekends to avoid this risk, but it is your choice as a funded trader.
What happens if I fail the FTMO Challenge?
If you fail by hitting the maximum drawdown or daily drawdown limit, you lose the challenge and the fee paid. However, FTMO offers a Free Retry if you hit the profit target but fail due to other reasons. You can also purchase a new challenge at any time with no waiting period.
How fast are FTMO payouts?
FTMO processes payouts bi-weekly (every 14 days) after your first month as a funded trader. Most payouts are processed within 1-3 business days via bank transfer, Skrill, or crypto. FTMO has an excellent track record for reliable, on-time payouts.
Is news trading allowed on FTMO?
Yes, news trading is allowed on FTMO accounts. However, you must be mindful of the 5% daily drawdown rule, as high-impact news events can cause rapid price movements. Many traders avoid trading directly before major announcements to manage this risk.
What is the FTMO discount code?
Use code TRADETHEDAY at checkout to receive 10% off your FTMO Challenge fee. This code works on all account sizes from $10K to $200K, saving you between $15 and $108 depending on your chosen account size.
What makes FTMO different from cheaper alternatives?
FTMO charges premium pricing but offers unmatched reliability. With $200M+ paid out over 9 years, they have the longest track record in the industry. When competitors like MyForexFunds collapsed, FTMO continued operating without interruption. The higher price is insurance against prop firm risk.
How does FTMO scaling work?
To scale your account, you must achieve a 10% profit over a 4-month period while maintaining profitability for at least 2 of those months. When you meet these criteria, your account doubles in size (up to the $400K maximum). Your profit split also increases from 80% to 85% to 90% as you scale.
FTMO Verdict
Best For
Not Ideal For
FTMO is the gold standard of proprietary trading firms. While not the cheapest option ($155-$1,080 vs TFT $65-$949), their 9-year track record, $200M+ in payouts, and reliable operations make them the safest choice for serious traders. If you're committed to becoming a funded trader and value payout certainty over cost savings, FTMO should be your first choice.
Deep Dive Final Assessment: The Industry Gold Standard FTMO charges premium pricing but delivers premium reliability. With $200M+ paid to traders over 9 years, they've proven their business model works. The question isn't whether FTMO is good - it's whether the premium justifies your priorities.
FTMO is the safest choice in prop trading. If this is your first prop firm experience, if you're building a serious funded trading business, or if you need absolute certainty on payouts - FTMO is worth the premium. The 9+ year track record and near-perfect payout reliability eliminate the anxiety that plagues traders at newer firms.
For budget-conscious traders or those comfortable with calculated risk, cheaper alternatives like The Funded Trader offer good value. The $138 savings on three $50K attempts is meaningful for traders managing strict bankrolls. But understand the trade-off: lower cost comes with higher counterparty risk and less proven track record.
The 4.7/5 rating reflects excellent trustworthiness (4.9), excellent payouts (4.9), perfect track record (5.0), strong support (4.7), good rules (4.6), balanced against moderate pricing (4.0). They've earned their position as the #1 prop firm in the industry. They're not the cheapest, but they're the most reliable. For serious funded traders, that reliability is worth paying for.
Ready to start with FTMO?
From $155. News trading allowed. Scale to $400K. 80-90% profit split. Use code TRADETHEDAY for 10% off.
Start FTMO Challenge →
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