FTMO stands out as one of the most recognized names in the industry. Since 2015, this Czech-based prop firm has provided traders with access to substantial trading capital.
Traders don’t have to risk their own funds, which is a relief for many. FTMO has paid out over $160 million to traders so far.
Their community has grown to more than 10,000 funded accounts. That’s a reputation that stretches well beyond the usual prop trading scene.
This FTMO review digs into every part of their offering. We’ll look at the challenge process, trading platforms, profit sharing, and even their educational resources.
Maybe you’re an experienced trader chasing bigger capital. Or maybe you’re a serious newcomer, just trying to figure out if this whole thing is for you.
Either way, it’s worth understanding FTMO’s setup before diving into their evaluation process.
FTMO Overview: What You Need to Know
FTMO is one of the world’s largest proprietary trading firms. Since its start, they’ve processed over 10,000 funded trader accounts.
The company runs on a pretty simple idea. Skilled traders get access to big trading capital after passing a structured evaluation, and FTMO splits the profits, no need for traders to risk their own money during the assessment.
They offer funding up to $200,000 through a two-phase evaluation: first the FTMO Challenge, then a Verification phase. This system weeds out undisciplined traders and gives live accounts only to those who prove they’re profitable.
FTMO stands out with a high trader retention rate and a solid payout record. That’s helped them earn respect among serious traders, especially in a space crowded with new firms.
Traders keep between 80% and 90% of the profits they make, depending on how consistent and successful they are. FTMO says they’ve paid out over $160 million to traders, which is no small feat.
You can trade on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, or DXtrade. That’s a lot of flexibility, whether you’re set in your ways or like to experiment.
FTMO reaches traders in more than 180 countries. It’s one of the most internationally accessible prop firms out there.
Their multilingual support team helps build a genuinely diverse community. You’ll find people from all sorts of backgrounds and experience levels trading with FTMO.
FTMO Account Types and Specifications
FTMO offers five account sizes to fit different traders and budgets. You can pick from $10,000, $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, or $200,000 accounts.
Each option comes with its own challenge fee and profit target. It’s a decent range, honestly.
They’ve got two main account types: the Standard FTMO Account and the FTMO Swing Account. These are built for different trading styles.
Standard FTMO accounts give you 1:100 leverage. They’re best for active, intraday traders who like to jump in and out of the market.
With these, you have to close all positions before Friday’s market close. So, if you want to hold trades over the weekend, this one’s probably not for you.
The higher leverage lets you take bigger positions, but you’ll need to manage risk carefully to avoid hitting your drawdown limits.
The FTMO Swing Account drops the leverage to 1:30. In return, you get more flexibility with your trades.
You can hold positions over the weekend and even trade during high-impact news events. Standard accounts don’t let you do that.
Swing accounts are clearly aimed at traders who want to keep positions open for longer and ride out bigger market moves.
You’ll need to pass the same two-phase evaluation for both account types. The profit targets and risk rules don’t change.
Really, picking between standard and swing accounts just comes down to your trading style and how you handle risk. It’s not so much about one being harder or easier than the other.
Standard vs Swing Account Comparison
The key differences between Standard and Swing accounts go way beyond just leverage or how long you can hold a trade. Standard accounts come with 1:100 leverage, making them a good fit for scalping or day trading.
With higher leverage, traders can hit profit targets with smaller price moves. But let’s be honest, that kind of trading needs sharp timing and quick execution.
Swing accounts drop the leverage down to 1:30. That might sound limiting, but it actually gives some cool advantages to traders who prefer longer-term technical analysis or rely on fundamentals.
You can keep positions open over weekends with a swing account, which can matter a lot if you’re chasing trends that play out over several days. Plus, swing accounts let you trade during news events, so you can jump on those wild price swings that tend to happen around big economic announcements.
FTMO applies daily loss limits and drawdown rules to both account types. The 5% daily loss cap and 10% max drawdown keep everyone in line with their risk management standards.
Think about your usual holding periods and trading style before picking an account. If you’re all about fast trades and high frequency, standard accounts probably make more sense. But if you’re more into swing or position trading, swing accounts just fit better.
FTMO Challenge Process and Requirements
The FTMO evaluation process has two phases. These steps assess both your profitability and how well you manage risk.
First comes the FTMO Challenge. Here, traders need to hit a 10% profit target while sticking to strict risk rules.
You can’t lose more than 5% in a day or go over a 10% total drawdown at any point. There’s no time limit, so you can take things at your own pace, but you do need to trade on at least four separate days to show consistency.
Next up is Verification. In this phase, the profit target drops to 5%, but the risk limits stay the same.
You’ve got to trade for at least 10 days and you have up to 60 days to finish this stage. The lower target reflects FTMO’s preference for steady, reliable performance over wild profit chasing.
Both phases take place on demo accounts with simulated market conditions. This setup removes personal capital risk but still gives you a trading environment that feels real.
You’ll deal with realistic spreads, execution speeds, and even slippage, just like in a live account. It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to what you’ll face with real money.
Once you pass both phases, FTMO gives you a funded account with actual capital. The risk parameters stay the same as before, so your trading style doesn’t need a big overhaul.
This continuity helps make the jump from demo to live trading a bit less jarring. You can focus on trading, not worrying about sudden changes in your environment.
Challenge Fees and Costs Breakdown
FTMO’s challenge fees depend on the account size. They’ll refund the fee once you get your first profit payout as a funded trader.
The latest fee structure includes some promotional discounts, so challenges are a bit more accessible than before. For example, the $10,000 account challenge usually costs €155 ($183), but right now, it’s discounted to €89 ($105). That’s a nice break for new traders.
The $25,000 account comes in at €250 ($295). If you want a $50,000 account, you’re looking at a €345 ($408) fee.
For bigger accounts, the price goes up. The $100,000 account is €540 ($638), and the largest, $200,000, costs €1,080 ($1,275).
These fees are the only upfront cost to start FTMO’s evaluation. FTMO doesn’t tack on monthly charges or surprise fees, which is honestly refreshing. You know exactly what you’re paying before you jump in.
If you pass and get your first payout, they’ll refund your fee. That basically wipes out the cost for traders who make it.
It’s worth thinking of these fees as an investment to access more trading capital. Getting this kind of funding on your own would usually take a lot more time and money.
Trading Platforms and Technology
FTMO supports four major trading platforms. Each one brings its own set of perks for different trading styles and technical analysis needs.
This range of platforms means traders can stick with what they know. No one has to give up their favorite tools or change up their workflow just to fit in.
MetaTrader 4 stands out as a favorite among FTMO users, mostly because it’s reliable and has a huge community behind it. Since 2005, MT4 has offered strong charting, loads of technical indicators, and support for automated trading through expert advisors.
People who want a platform that just works, without too many bells and whistles, often end up picking MT4. It’s not the flashiest, but it gets the job done.
MetaTrader 5 takes things further with more advanced features. You’ll find extra order types, more timeframes, and better backtesting tools.
MT5 lets you place multiple pending orders per instrument and offers more ways to execute trades. If you need detailed market analysis or want to run complex strategies, MT5 really shines.
cTrader brings a modern twist with up to 26 timeframes and a sleek interface built for pros. It’s packed with advanced charting, Level II pricing, and top-notch execution.
If you’re after detailed analysis and crave precise control, cTrader might just be your pick. The design feels fresh, and everything is laid out for serious traders.
DXtrade is FTMO’s answer for those looking to branch out into multiple assets, especially crypto. The platform’s interface feels modern and covers a wide range of assets.
Traders interested in both cryptocurrencies and traditional forex will probably find DXtrade appealing. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to explore global markets beyond just currency pairs.
Every platform comes with mobile apps for Android and iOS. So, you can keep an eye on your trades or manage positions from pretty much anywhere.
The mobile versions keep the essentials handy, giving you the flexibility to stay active on the go.
Profit Sharing and Payout Structure
FTMO starts traders at an 80% profit share. If you show solid performance and keep your risk in check, you can work your way up to a 90% split.
They’re really leaning into payout flexibility. You can pick a withdrawal schedule that works for you, every 14 days, monthly, or every other month.
This approach lets traders sync their payouts with their own financial plans. You’re not stuck in the standard monthly routine that a lot of other prop firms force on you.
FTMO’s scaling plan is pretty straightforward. If you’re consistent, you can eventually manage up to $2 million.
They base scaling on your actual results and how well you stick to risk rules. It’s not about waiting out a set number of months.
There’s no minimum payout threshold here. You can take your profits out, no matter how much, or how little, you’ve made.
You can get paid by bank transfer or crypto. For some folks, especially international traders, that’s a big plus.
Most payouts process in one to three business days. That’s pretty reasonable, though it depends on the method you pick.
After your first payout, FTMO refunds your challenge fee. That’s a nice touch, they’re basically betting on your success.
Future payouts stick to the agreed profit split. There aren’t any surprise fees or hidden charges after that.
Strategies for Passing FTMO Challenges
Successful completion of FTMO challenges takes a disciplined approach. You need to balance profit-making with strict risk management.
Don’t risk more than 1-1.5% of your account balance on any trade. That way, even a string of losses won’t blow up your account or break those daily and maximum drawdown rules.
Consistency matters more than trying to hit profit targets fast. FTMO traders who do well usually stick to the same entry criteria, stop loss placement, and position sizing throughout both phases.
This kind of consistency shows FTMO you can keep your cool and repeat your performance with real money. It’s not about a lucky streak, it’s about proving you’ve got a process.
Go for risk-reward ratios like 1:2 or 1:3. That’s a sustainable way to grow your account without taking wild risks.
With those ratios, you can still hit targets even if you’re right less than half the time. It takes some pressure off, you don’t have to win every trade.
Focus on high-probability setups. There’s no need to chase every single market move out there.
Emotional discipline is huge, especially during the challenge when the urge to overtrade creeps in. Treat the evaluation phase just like live trading, same mindset, same decisions you’d make with your own cash on the line.
Line up your position size with your stop loss. That way, your risk per trade stays the same, no matter how wild the market gets or what pair you’re trading.
This keeps your risk steady across different setups. It also helps you avoid those account-killing losses when things go sideways.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overtrading is probably the most common reason people fail trading challenges. It usually happens because traders feel pressured to hit profit targets fast.
Traders who stick to their usual pace and wait for solid setups tend to do better in the long run. Rushing into more trades rarely pays off.
Patience matters more than just cranking up your trade volume. Forcing profits by overtrading? That’s a recipe for trouble.
After a loss, revenge trading can wreck your daily loss limits. Chasing losses by upping your position size or taking worse setups almost always backfires.
The best traders treat each trade on its own and stick to their risk rules, no matter what just happened. Losses come with the territory, managing them with proper position sizing beats trying to win it all back in one go.
A lot of people switch up their style during evaluations, going either too cautious or too aggressive compared to their normal approach. This shift can mess with your head and make funded account trading tougher than it needs to be.
If something worked for you in the past, why change it now? Stick with the strategies that brought you results instead of reinventing everything for the challenge.
Some traders ignore daily loss limits because they’re only watching the overall drawdown. But daily risk management means tracking how you’re doing throughout the trading day, not just at the end.
Set up daily loss alerts. If you’re getting close to your limit, stop trading instead of gambling on a comeback.
Trading around big news events without a plan is asking for trouble. Slippage and bad fills can easily push you over risk limits.
Unless you have a swing account with news trading permission, it’s smarter to stay out during major economic releases or central bank moves. Those moments can turn the market upside down in seconds, and nobody wants to get caught in that chaos.
FTMO Pros and Cons Analysis
FTMO’s strengths start with their standout profit splits of 80-90%. Most competitors usually stick with 70-80%, so that extra margin really matters if you’re aiming to maximize income from your trades.
You get a progression from 80% to 90% as you prove yourself, which definitely adds motivation to keep performing well.
There’s no personal capital risk during the evaluation phases. That removes a lot of the emotional stress that comes with putting your own money on the line while you’re still learning FTMO’s rules.
Traders can focus on showing off their skills without worrying about losing their own funds. It’s a pretty freeing setup, honestly.
FTMO’s been around since 2015, which gives them a solid reputation and a sense of stability. Newer prop firms just can’t match that track record.
Their consistent payouts and a transparent business model have built a lot of trust in the trading community. People don’t seem to worry much about sudden rule changes or reliability issues here.
FTMO Academy offers more than just access to capital. You’ll find structured learning modules, live webinars, and support along the way.
This educational focus helps traders actually improve, not just get funded. Not every firm bothers with that, and it’s a noticeable difference.
You get to pick from several trading platforms, MT4, MT5, cTrader, or DXtrade. That means you can stick to what you know instead of fumbling with some unfamiliar interface.
Some newer competitors charge less for their challenges, and FTMO’s fees are on the higher side. For traders who don’t have a lot of spare cash, that upfront cost can feel like a real barrier.
Fees only get refunded after you complete the challenge and make your first payout, so it’s a bit of a leap of faith.
The daily loss limit sits at 5%, which won’t suit every trading style. If you trade big or take higher risks, you’ll probably have to tweak your approach to fit those rules.
Demo accounts are pretty advanced, but they don’t always match real market conditions. Execution speeds, slippage, and order fills can feel a bit different when you move from demo to live trading.
Some traders need a little time to adjust to those subtle changes. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Customer Support and Education
FTMO offers customer support through several channels, including 24/7 live chat in 16 languages. This multilingual approach helps their international traders get assistance whenever and wherever they need it.
If you prefer email or WhatsApp, those options are available too. Some folks just like having choices, right?
For urgent questions, you can call them at +44 20 3322 2983. Phone support isn’t around the clock, but sometimes you just need to talk to a real person for complicated stuff.
FTMO Academy gives traders access to structured learning modules, covering everything from the basics to advanced trading topics. They run live webinars, market analysis sessions, and strategy workshops, which can be pretty handy whether you’re just starting out or already funded.
Traders can also work with performance coaches who offer personalized feedback. These coaches dig into your trading performance and help you spot where things could improve, whether it’s your technical skills or risk management.
The FTMO Discord community has exploded to over 150,000 members. It’s a lively space where traders swap stories, share strategies, and learn from each other.
There’s also a steady stream of market analysis, blog posts, video tutorials, and live sessions. This mix of content helps traders keep up with market trends and sharpen their skills.
FTMO Legitimacy and Safety
FTMO’s been around since 2015, running without any major regulatory headaches or big business hiccups. That kind of track record inspires some genuine confidence in their staying power.
Their business model is transparent, and they’ve actually paid traders on time, which has helped them earn trust, especially after seeing some competitors disappear lately.
Prop firms usually don’t have direct regulatory oversight. Still, FTMO’s long history and openness give traders something else to lean on.
They lay out their terms and fee structures clearly, and you can see public payout stats. A lot of newer firms just can’t offer that level of transparency.
The demo-based evaluation system means you don’t risk your own money during the assessment phase. Traders get to prove themselves without worrying about losing personal funds, which honestly addresses one of the biggest concerns in prop trading.
FTMO’s paid out over $160 million to traders, which is a pretty solid sign they actually follow through on profit-sharing. You’ll find plenty of trader testimonials and community feedback out there, and that kind of public record says a lot, maybe even more than any regulatory badge.
Their terms and conditions spell out all the key stuff: profit splits, risk rules, payout methods. No hidden fees, no weird fine print. That’s refreshing, considering how some firms operate.
People talk about FTMO on review sites and social media all the time. The active trader community keeps sharing their experiences, so you get a pretty honest look at what it’s like to work with FTMO, not just what the company wants you to see.
FTMO vs Competitors Comparison
FTMO’s 80-90% profit splits beat most competitors, who usually offer traders 70-80%. This higher retention makes FTMO stand out for anyone wanting to maximize income from their trading wins.
You can progress from 80% to 90% based on your performance. That extra incentive really pushes traders to stay consistent over time.
Since 2015, FTMO’s built up a reputation that newer competitors just can’t match yet. Their history shows they can handle different market conditions, which says a lot about their stability.
That kind of business resilience is especially valuable during stressful market periods. Some prop firms have crumbled in tough times, but FTMO’s stuck around.
FTMO Academy offers educational resources that go beyond just handing you capital. Plenty of other firms focus only on funding, skipping the educational side entirely.
If you want ongoing development along with funding, FTMO’s mix of education and capital access feels like a win. It’s a nice bonus for traders who care about learning, not just trading.
You get multiple platform options here, MT4, MT5, cTrader, and DXtrade. That’s a lot more flexibility than firms that lock you into just one or two choices.
Being able to trade in familiar environments helps. No need to waste time learning a whole new system or getting frustrated with clunky interfaces.
FTMO’s challenge fees sit somewhere in the middle of the industry range. They’re not the cheapest, but they’re far from the most expensive.
Some newer firms tempt traders with free evaluations or super-low fees. Still, FTMO’s pricing seems fair considering their support systems and established infrastructure.
The two-phase evaluation process takes longer than instant funding or single-phase models. If you want capital right now, you might look elsewhere.
But for traders who value a thorough assessment, FTMO’s approach makes sense. It weeds out the lucky streaks and focuses on real skill.
Account scaling lets you grow up to $2 million, which beats a lot of competitors who cap accounts much lower. That kind of potential appeals to ambitious traders who see this as a long-term career, not just a quick cash grab.
Final Verdict: Is FTMO Worth It?
FTMO stands out as a solid choice for serious traders who want legitimate access to trading capital and a proven track record. Their high profit splits and strong educational resources give them real appeal for disciplined traders who can manage risk consistently through the evaluation process.
The firm really shines when working with traders who have solid strategies and can show consistency under pressure. FTMO’s evaluation is demanding, but it does a good job of filtering for those who can generate sustainable profits and stick to strict risk rules.
Many traders find the higher challenge fees worthwhile because of the educational resources and community support. The support system isn’t just about funding, it covers strategy development, risk management training, and ongoing market analysis, which all add value as you keep trading.
Account scaling opportunities up to $2 million make FTMO appealing for ambitious traders who want long-term growth, not just a quick capital boost. The clear progression path rewards consistent performance with more capital, which lines up trader incentives with long-term success.
FTMO’s strict daily loss limits and evaluation requirements favor conservative, systematic traders. If your style needs higher risk tolerance or more flexible position management, it might not be the best fit.
If you’ve got a proven strategy and can meet the evaluation requirements, FTMO probably offers one of the best mixes of capital access, profit sharing, and ongoing support in the prop trading industry. Their reputation and transparency help build confidence that successful traders actually get their capital and profit distributions.
New traders should take an honest look at their consistency and risk management before jumping into FTMO’s evaluation. The educational resources are valuable, but those challenge fees are a real investment, you’ll want to be realistic about your odds based on your current skills and discipline.