FTMO
Multi-asset prop firmFTMO is one of the most established forex/CFD prop firms, known for structured evaluations — a newer 1-Step Challenge and the classic 2-Step (Challenge then Verification) — clear rules and a reputation for reliable payouts. It suits disciplined traders who can respect defined loss limits.
Quick facts
- Funding type
- 1-Step or 2-Step Challenge
- Max account
- Up to $200,000
- Profit split
- Up to 90%
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade
- Trustpilot
- 4.8 (~35k reviews)
Where you can trade
Available in most countries as evaluation and simulated-funded accounts; certain restricted and sanctioned jurisdictions are excluded. US residents are served through FTMO's partner OANDA. Confirm availability for your country on FTMO's official site.
Notable restrictions (3)
Checked by SMCM 2026-07-09. The provider's official list is authoritative and can change. See the official list ↗
Eligibility depends on your country of residence and which entity you are onboarded to, and can change. Always confirm you can open an account — and under which entity — on the provider's official site before funding.
Our take
FTMO helped define the modern prop-firm model, and it is still the benchmark many serious forex and CFD traders measure others against. Its evaluations — a newer 1-Step Challenge and the classic 2-Step path of Challenge then Verification — are built to filter for consistency, and its standing rests on transparent rules and a long, reliable payout history.
The trade-off is discipline. Daily-loss and maximum-loss limits are enforced strictly: breach one and the account is gone regardless of how profitable you were overall. That rewards steady risk management over big swings, which is exactly why rules-first traders favour it and gamblers wash out.
It is not the cheapest entry or the flashiest split on paper, but it is among the most trusted names in the category. Treat it as a long-term partner rather than a quick flip — and always confirm the current rulebook, since profit targets and news-trading rules have changed over time.
Pros
- Long track record and strong payout reputation
- Clear, well-documented rules
- Up to 90% profit split; scaling plan available
Cons
- Two-step evaluation takes time
- Strict maximum loss and daily loss limits
- CFD/forex focus — not for futures traders
Full details
- Evaluation model
- Two paths — 1-Step Challenge (single phase) or 2-Step Challenge (Challenge + Verification)
- Account sizes
- $10k–$200k
- Profit target
- 1-Step 10%; 2-Step 10% then 5%
- Daily loss limit
- 2-Step 5%; 1-Step 3% (of the initial balance)
- Max loss
- 10% — static on the 2-Step; end-of-day trailing on the 1-Step
- Best Day Rule
- 1-Step only — no single day may exceed ~30% of total evaluation profit (verify current terms)
- Min trading days
- Applies (open at least one position per required day) — typically 4; check your account type
- Profit split
- 2-Step from 80%; 1-Step from 90%; up to 90% via the scaling plan
- News trading
- Restricted around high-impact news on standard accounts; Swing accounts allow news + weekend holding
- Payout
- On-demand / regular cycle
Who it may fit
- • Traders who can follow strict risk rules
- • Forex and index CFD traders
Who should avoid it
- • Futures-only traders
- • Traders who dislike consistency-style / best-day rules
FAQ
- Does FTMO have a 1-Step Challenge?
- Yes — alongside the classic 2-Step (Challenge then Verification), FTMO offers a 1-Step Challenge with a single 10% target. The 1-Step uses a tighter daily loss limit and an end-of-day trailing maximum loss plus a best-day rule, and starts at a higher profit split. Confirm the current rules for each model on FTMO's site.
- Does FTMO allow news trading?
- On standard accounts, trading around high-impact news is restricted; Swing accounts allow news trading and weekend holding. Verify the current policy on FTMO's official terms.
- How fast are FTMO payouts?
- FTMO is known for reliable payouts on a regular cycle, with on-demand options; confirm current timing on their site.
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Last checked: July 2026