FTMO is widely regarded as the most established name in retail proprietary trading. It became one of the first firms to offer remote, performance-based evaluations that allow traders to access funded accounts without using their own capital beyond an upfront fee. Its reputation has been built on structured rules, consistent communication, and a payout history that spans several years.

Despite increased competition from newer prop firms offering lower entry costs or instant funding, FTMO continues to attract disciplined traders due to its clear framework and reliable operating record. This review examines how FTMO works, its account structures, costs, rules, payout terms, and whether professional and retail traders still consider it a strong option in today’s prop trading landscape.

Broker
Step1

  • Profit Target: 10%

  • Daily Loss Limit: 5%

  • Max Drawdown: 10%

Step2

  • Profit Target: 5%

  • Daily Loss Limit: 5%

  • Max Drawdown: 10%

Open Account
Fees and Features
  • Trading Platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), DXTrade, cTrader.

  • Extras: FTMO free trial, a collection of trading tools and apps, leverage up to 100:1.

  • Discounts: 20% off all FTMO Challenges to celebrate 10 year anniversary.

How FTMO Works and Operates

Find Out How You Can Benefit With FTMO

Find Out How You Can Benefit With FTMO

FTMO uses a two-stage evaluation system: the FTMO Challenge and the Verification. Traders must meet profit targets while staying within defined daily and overall drawdown limits. Once both phases are passed, the account transitions to a funded stage where profits are shared with the trader.

The firm maintains strict oversight of risk parameters, which is the foundation of its model. Traders operate entirely with firm-backed capital once funded, and FTMO bears the financial exposure on its side. The structure prioritises consistency and risk control, making the process demanding but fair.

FTMO’s model differs from newer firms in two key ways. First, it does not provide instant funding; every trader must pass the evaluation unless applying for special programs that remain limited in scope. Second, the rules are enforced with notable discipline, reflecting its focus on long-term sustainability and controlled risk distribution across its trader base.

FTMO Trustpilot Score an Reviews

FTMO Trustpilot Score an Reviews

Available Platforms and Markets on FTMO

FTMO supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, DXTrade, and cTrader, ensuring compatibility with most trading strategies, including discretionary, technical, and automated systems. Each platform offers standard charting, execution tools, and integration with various analysis indicators.

Traders may operate across a wide range of markets:

  • Forex currency pairs
  • Equity indices
  • Commodities
  • Precious metals
  • Energies
  • Cryptocurrencies (with leverage restrictions)

FTMO’s market list is broad enough to support both short-term and long-term approaches, and execution quality is generally stable due to partnerships with tier-one liquidity providers.

FTMO Account Types, Fees, and Payout Structure

FTMO offers several account sizes across its two-stage evaluation model. Pricing scales with account size, and the structure remains consistent across all options.

Here is a simplified overview of the core two-phase evaluation accounts:

FTMO $10,000 Evaluation Process

FTMO $10,000 Evaluation Process

FTMO Plans Comparison and Prices

FTMO Plans Comparison and Prices

How FTMO’s Two-Stage Evaluation Works

  • FTMO Challenge: Traders must reach a 10 percent profit target without breaching the 5 percent daily loss or 10 percent maximum drawdown. The allowed trading period is unlimited. This stage tests a trader’s ability to achieve controlled growth under certain constraints.

  • Verification: The verification phase reduces the profit target to 5 percent and allows an unlimited trading period. Risk limits remain unchanged. This stage confirms that the trader’s performance in the first phase was not driven by short-term variance and that risk management remains consistent.

  • Funded Stage: Once funded, traders operate with a profit split of up to 90 percent. Payouts can be requested monthly, and FTMO offers the option to increase capital through scaling for traders who remain consistently profitable.

FTMO Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Capital Injection: Successful completion of the FTMO Challenge grants traders access to funding from FTMO, enabling them to trade with larger sums of capital. This injection of funds can significantly amplify trading opportunities and potentially lead to higher profits.

  • Strong Operating History: As one of the earliest firms in the sector, FTMO benefits from a long track record and a large global community. Its longevity provides a sense of stability that many newer prop firms have yet to achieve.

  • Real-World Experience: Unlike simulated trading environments, the FTMO Challenge offers traders the opportunity to trade with real money in live market conditions. This real-world experience is invaluable for traders looking to hone their skills and gain practical insights into the dynamics of financial markets.

  • Risk Mitigation: Trading with FTMO’s capital allows traders to mitigate their own financial risk. Since they are not required to invest their own capital upfront, traders can participate in the challenge without fear of losing personal funds, providing a safer avenue for exploring trading strategies.

  • Clear Guidelines: The FTMO Challenge provides clear guidelines and objectives for traders to meet during the evaluation period. These guidelines help traders stay focused and disciplined, fostering a systematic approach to trading and risk management.

  • Performance Metrics: Traders receive regular feedback and performance metrics throughout the challenge, enabling them to track their progress and identify areas for improvement. This feedback loop facilitates continuous learning and development, enhancing traders’ skills over time.

  • Broad Platform and Market Support: With MT4, MT5, DXTrade,, and cTrader available, along with access to major asset classes, FTMO supports most trading styles, strategies, and time-frames.

Cons

  • Higher Entry Fees Compared to Newer Competitors: FTMO’s pricing is noticeably higher than many of the more recent prop firms offering similar evaluation structures. Traders operating on a limited budget may find lower-cost alternatives more appealing.

  • Emotional Impact: The pressure to perform in the FTMO Challenge can have a significant emotional impact on traders, affecting their confidence and psychological well-being. Fear of failure and the desire to succeed may cloud judgment and increase emotional trading.

  • Disqualification: Failure to meet the challenge’s profit targets results in disqualification from the program. Traders who fail to pass the evaluation may experience feelings of disappointment, frustration, and self-doubt, potentially impacting their confidence and future trading endeavour.

  • No Instant Funding Option: Unlike many newer firms, FTMO does not provide direct access to live accounts without passing the evaluation. This makes it less suitable for traders who want immediate capital access.

  • Loss of Time: Unsuccessful attempts at the FTMO Challenge can result in the loss of time invested in the evaluation process. Traders may feel that their efforts have been wasted, leading to a sense of disillusionment and reluctance to pursue further challenges.

  • Risk Management Constraints: Traders participating in the FTMO Challenge must adhere to FTMO’s risk management guidelines, which may limit their flexibility in managing trading capital. This lack of control over capital allocation can restrict traders’ ability to implement their preferred trading strategies and take advantage of market opportunities.

FTMO FAQs

Is FTMO a legitimate prop firm?

Yes. FTMO is widely regarded as one of the most established and credible prop firms in the industry. It has operated for several years, processes payouts consistently, and maintains transparent communication with traders. Although not supervised by financial regulators, its operating history provides meaningful reassurance.

Can I pass FTMO in one day?

No. FTMO requires a minimum of four trading days to complete both the Challenge and Verification stages. You can achieve the profit target on the first day, but the phase will only be considered complete once you have traded on 4 separate days while remaining within the firm’s risk parameters.

What leverage does FTMO offer?

FTMO offers leverage up to 1:100 on forex pairs, which is higher than many competing prop firms that cap leverage at lower levels. Other asset classes such as indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies have reduced leverage to reflect their volatility. These limits apply across both evaluation phases and funded accounts.

How soon can I withdraw profits?

Funded traders are eligible for their first withdrawal after one monthly trading cycle. Thereafter, payouts can be requested regularly, and FTMO offers several payment methods to accommodate different regions.

Can I use automated trading with FTMO?

Yes. FTMO allows automated trading through MT4, MT5, DXTrade, and cTrader, provided the strategy complies with the firm’s rules. High-frequency arbitrage or practices that exploit platform mechanics are not permitted.

Does FTMO refund evaluation fees?

Evaluation fees are not refundable if a trader fails the challenge. However, once a trader becomes funded and completes their first profitable payout, FTMO refunds the original fee.

Does FTMO have time limits?

FTMO no longer enforces strict expiration periods in the traditional sense. Traders have unlimited trading days to complete both the Challenge and Verification, as long as they respect the minimum four trading days and all risk rules. Funded accounts continue without time limits beyond the usual payout cycles.

Does FTMO allow weekend holding or news trading?

Some restrictions may apply depending on the asset class and account type. Traders must review FTMO’s guidelines carefully, as positions during high-impact news events or weekends may be subject to specific conditions.

Final Thoughts: Is FTMO Still Worth It?

FTMO remains one of the most recognised names in prop trading, supported by a long track record, predictable structure, and reliable payout history. Its evaluation framework is firm but fair, and its transparency offers reassurance that newer firms cannot yet match. The higher entry costs and strict rules require discipline, but they are balanced by a strong support system, a clear rulebook, and consistent account management.

For traders who value stability, clarity, and a proven operating footprint, FTMO remains a strong choice. Those seeking lower entry fees, instant funding options, or larger scaling targets may explore newer firms, but FTMO maintains advantages that continue to attract serious traders.