FTMO Review
The Most Trusted Prop Firm in the Industry
FTMO Overview
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. If you're serious about funded trading, FTMO is the gold standard.
Industry Leader
9+ years in operation with $200M+ paid to traders. The most established prop firm in the industry.
Up to 90% Profit Split
Start at 80% and scale to 90% through consistent profitability. Keep the majority of what you earn.
Scale to $400K
Grow your account through their scaling plan. Double your funding by proving consistent results.
Bi-Weekly Payouts
Get paid every 14 days via bank transfer, Skrill, or crypto. Fast, reliable withdrawals.
FTMO Challenge Options
Choose your account size based on your trading experience and goals. All challenges have the same rules - only the price and funding amount differ.
Comparison Table
Compare features, pricing, or specifications
| Account Size | Price | Profit Target | Max Drawdown | Daily Drawdown | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $155 | 10% | 10% | 5% | 30 days |
| $25,000 | $250 | 10% | 10% | 5% | 30 days |
| $50,000 | $345 | 10% | 10% | 5% | 30 days |
| $100,000 | $540 | 10% | 10% | 5% | 30 days |
| $200,000 | $1,080 | 10% | 10% | 5% | 30 days |
The FTMO Evaluation Process
FTMO Challenge (Phase 1)
Target: 10% profit
Time: 30 days
Rules: Max 10% drawdown, 5% daily drawdown
Verification (Phase 2)
Target: 5% profit
Time: 60 days
Rules: Same as Phase 1
FTMO Trader
Profit Split: 80% (up to 90%)
Payouts: Bi-weekly
Scaling: Up to $400K
FTMO Trading Rules
FTMO's rules are designed to identify consistent, disciplined traders - not gamblers. Understanding these rules is critical to passing the challenge and staying funded.
Maximum Drawdown: 10%
Your account equity can never drop more than 10% below your initial balance. On a $100K account, if equity reaches $90,000, you're immediately disqualified. This is calculated on a trailing basis during the challenge.
Daily Drawdown: 5%
Your daily loss cannot exceed 5% of the previous day's ending balance. This resets each day at 5 PM CE(S)T. Hit this limit and you're out - regardless of your overall account status.
Minimum Trading Days: 4
You must trade on at least 4 separate days during each evaluation phase. This prevents lucky one-trade wonders and ensures you demonstrate consistent trading behavior.
No Time Limit (After Funded)
Once funded, there's no profit target or time pressure. Trade at your own pace and withdraw profits bi-weekly. The evaluation phases have time limits (30/60 days).
News Trading: Allowed
You can trade during high-impact news events. However, be mindful of increased volatility and its impact on your daily drawdown limit.
Weekend Holding: Allowed
Positions can be held over weekends. Be aware that gaps can occur on market open which could affect your drawdown.
FTMO Payouts & Profit Split
FTMO has an industry-leading reputation for fast, reliable payouts. Over $200 million paid to traders and counting.
Keep 80% of all profits from day one as a funded trader.
Reach 90% through the scaling plan with consistent profitability.
Request withdrawals every 14 days after your first month.
Withdrawal Methods
Trading Platforms
FTMO supports all major trading platforms. Choose the one that fits your trading style and strategy.
MetaTrader 4
MetaTrader 5
cTrader
DXtrade
Tradeable Instruments
FTMO vs Competitors
How does FTMO stack up against other prop firms? Here's an objective comparison.
Comparison Table
Compare features, pricing, or specifications
| Feature | FTMO | The Funded Trader | E8 Funding | MyForexFunds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Funding | $400,000 | $600,000 | $400,000 | $300,000 |
| Profit Split | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | 80% | 85% |
| Profit Target | 10% | 10% | 8% | 8% |
| Daily Drawdown | 5% | 5% | 4% | 5% |
| Payout Reliability | Excellent | Good | Good | Closed* |
| Total Paid Out | $200M+ | $50M+ | $20M+ | N/A |
FTMO Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Balanced evaluation of advantages and disadvantages
Pros
- Pro: Industry-leading reputation and trust
- Pro: Over $200M paid to traders
- Pro: Scaling plan to $400K
- Pro: Multiple platform options
- Pro: Excellent customer support
- Pro: Free trial to test the platform
Cons
- Con: Higher challenge fees than competitors
- Con: Strict trading rules
- Con: 5% daily drawdown can be limiting
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Our Verdict: 4.7/5
FTMO is the gold standard of proprietary trading firms. While not the cheapest option, 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, FTMO should be your first choice.
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