FTMO Review

1. FTMO Verdict: Score, Pros, Cons & Who It Fits

Our impression is positive. FTMO combines a long operating history, clear rules, and two Challenge options for different trading styles. Drawdown limits, reward structure, and rule enforcement decide whether it fits your strategy. We compared FTMO’s published rules with customer reviews, Reddit discussions, and reports from traders who completed Challenges and received rewards.

1.1. Our Overall Score: 83/100

The overall rating is based on our expert review

83/100

Category	Score
Evaluation Structure	8.5/10
Drawdown & Risk Design	7.5/10
Trading Conditions	8.5/10
Platforms & Execution	7.5/10
Payouts	8.5/10
Trust & Reputation	9.5/10

1.2. Pros and Cons

How to read the pass rate: FTMO publishes no current official pass rate. A historical Forbes interview quoted FTMO’s co-founder at roughly 8-10% of traders passing. Treat this as historical context, not audited data and not your personal odds. Public reviews also include individual reports about account reviews, KYC, and reward disputes. These do not show a systemic problem. Older FTMO reviews may also list outdated platforms and conditions.

1.3. Who FTMO Fits

FTMO fits traders who:

• Want to choose between a 1-Step and a 2-Step evaluation.
• Prefer clear risk limits and an unlimited evaluation period.
• Value a long operating history and a large public review base.
• Can manage risk within the daily and maximum loss limits.

FTMO is a weaker fit if you:

• Need overnight and weekend trading without the 2-Step Swing account.
• Want a higher daily loss allowance, especially on the 1-Step.
• Want the lowest entry fee among prop firms.
• Prefer static drawdown over the 1-Step’s EOD trailing Maximum Loss.

2. What Is FTMO? Is FTMO Legit?

FTMO is a proprietary trading firm founded in 2015 and headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic. It uses a simulated trading model: traders complete a paid evaluation with fictitious funds, and successful traders can receive real-money rewards under FTMO’s rules. Simulated account sizes reach $200,000, with scaling up to $2 million. This is simulated capital, not cash in a trader’s brokerage account.

• Operating since 2015, with 4.5M+ customers worldwide.
• $650M+ in rewards paid to traders, according to FTMO.
• Presence across 140+ countries.

3. FTMO Pricing, Promotions & Account Sizes

FTMO offers two programs, the 1-Step Challenge and the 2-Step Challenge, in five simulated account sizes from $10,000 to $200,000. Starting fees are €79 (1-Step) and €89 (2-Step). Both are one-time fees, not subscriptions.

The 1-Step uses the Standard account. The 2-Step offers Standard and Swing. Swing has lower forex leverage than Standard.

3.1. FTMO Promotions

FTMO runs limited-time discounts that vary by account size, market, and eligibility. As of early September 2026, customers get 20% off the $100,000 1-Step, and the $100,000 2-Step costs €439 instead of €540. Customers with an active Challenge of the same type are not eligible.

Challenge	Listed Price	Promotional Price	Discount
$100K 1-Step	€499	€399	20% off
$100K 2-Step	€540	€439	19% off

These are limited-time offers, not permanent pricing. Verify price and eligibility at checkout.

3.2. 1-Step Challenge

The 1-Step Challenge has one evaluation phase, no minimum trading days, and no overall time limit. It includes a 50% Best Day Rule (see section 4.3) that the 2-Step does not have.

1-Step Challenge Pricing

Simulated Account Size	1-Step Standard Fee	Promotional price	Profit Split
$10,000	€79	–	90%
$25,000	€199	–	90%
$50,000	€319	–	90%
$100,000	€499	€399	90%
$200,000	€999	–	90%

The 1-Step pays a 90% reward split from the first reward with no second phase. The fee is not refunded.

3.3. 2-Step Challenge

The 2-Step Challenge has two phases, Challenge and Verification. There is no overall time limit, but each phase needs a minimum of four trading days.

2-Step Challenge Pricing

Simulated Account Size	2-step Standard Fee	Promotional price	Starting Profit Split
$10,000	€89	–	80%
$25,000	€250	–	80%
$50,000	€345	–	80%
$100,000	€540	€439	80%
$200,000	€1,080	–	80%

The 2-Step starts at an 80% reward split, rising to 90% under FTMO’s Scaling Plan or Premium Programme conditions. Its fee is 100% refunded with the first eligible reward when the conditions are met.

3.4. FTMO Account Terms by Path

Term	1-Step	2-Step
Evaluation structure	Single phase	Challenge + Verification
Profit Target	10%	10% Phase 1 + 5% Phase 2
Reward ratio	90% from the first reward	80% initially, up to 90%
Maximum Daily Loss	3%	5%
Maximum Loss	10%, EOD trailing	10%, static
Minimum trading days	None	4 days per phase
Overall time limit	Unlimited	Unlimited
Fee refund	No	100% with first eligible reward
Account type	Standard	Standard or Swing

4. FTMO Trading Rules

FTMO allows discretionary, algorithmic, and automated strategies, including Expert Advisors (EAs), if they follow the Trading Objectives and avoid Forbidden Trading Practices.

4.1. General Trading Rules

• No mandatory Stop Loss: losses must stay within the Maximum Daily Loss and Maximum Loss limits.
• Flexible position sizing: FTMO has no universal risk-per-trade limit.
• EAs and automation: allowed unless they exploit technical issues or other Forbidden Trading Practices.
• News trading during evaluation: allowed in both the 1-Step and the 2-Step.

News, overnight, and weekend restrictions on Standard accounts start only after the evaluation. See section 4.4.

4.2. Drawdown: Static vs. EOD Trailing

FTMO measures drawdown on account equity, so floating profit or loss, swaps, and commissions all count. The 2-Step uses a static Maximum Loss. The 1-Step uses an end-of-day (EOD) trailing Maximum Loss.

2-Step (static): The Maximum Loss is based on the initial balance and never moves up. On a $100,000 account with a 10% limit, the floor stays at $90,000 even if the balance reaches $110,000.

1-Step (EOD trailing): The floor rises with each new end-of-day balance high and never moves back down. If a $100,000 account closes a day at $104,000, the floor moves up with it. Traders who build profit and give part back have less room than they expect.

Maximum Daily Loss: it is separate from the Maximum Loss and resets each day on Prague time. FTMO calculates it on equity: balance, open-position profit or loss, swaps, and commissions. A floating loss can breach the limit before you close the trade.

4.3. Best Day Rule (1-Step Only)

The Best Day Rule applies only to the 1-Step Challenge and the 1-Step FTMO Account. Your most profitable trading day (the Best Day) cannot exceed 50% of Positive Days’ Profit, which is the total profit from all profitable days, based on closed trades. A trading day starts at 00:00 CE(S)T.

For example, consider these results:

Trading Day	Result
Day 1	-$2,000
Day 2	+$10,000
Day 3	-$2,000
Day 4	-$2,000
Day 5	+$6,000

Positive Days’ Profit is $10,000 + $6,000 = $16,000. Day 2 is the Best Day: $10,000 ÷ $16,000 = 62.5%, above the 50% limit.

Exceeding 50% does not breach the account. You keep trading until Positive Days’ Profit reaches at least $20,000 ($10,000 ÷ $20,000 = 50%).

A big winning day helps you reach the 10% target quickly, but you may need more profitable days before the rule is met. The 2-Step has no Best Day Rule.

4.4. Standard vs. Swing Account Restrictions

These restrictions apply to Standard FTMO Accounts after the evaluation, not during it.

Restriction	Standard Account	Swing Account
News trading	Restricted around selected high-impact news releases	More flexible
Overnight holding	Not allowed	Allowed
Weekend holding	Not allowed	Allowed
Market breaks over 2 hours	Positions must be closed	Can be held
Forex leverage	Up to 1:100	Up to 1:30

The Swing account comes with the 2-Step Challenge. It trades more freely overnight, over weekends, and on news, at lower forex leverage.

4.5. Forbidden Trading Practices

Forbidden Trading Practices include:

• Exploiting technical errors, price-feed discrepancies, or delays in the trading environment.
• Excessive or abnormal activity that overloads FTMO’s systems.
• Trading that is inconsistent with normal market conditions or misuses the Evaluation Process.
• Using third-party tools or automation that break FTMO’s rules.

High frequency, automation, or a specific strategy is not prohibited by itself. How you execute it, and its impact on the trading environment, decide.

5. FTMO Restricted Countries & Eligibility

FTMO accepts clients worldwide. Clients must be 18 or older. FTMO restricts certain sanctioned and high-risk jurisdictions, and the list changes, so check FTMO’s eligibility page before you buy. U.S. residents use a separate pathway with OANDA (see section 6.3). Australian traders use FTMO AU.

5.1. Restricted Countries List

Country / Territory	Country / Territory	Country / Territory	Country / Territory	Country / Territory
Afghanistan	Anguilla	Antarctica	Antigua and Barbuda	Republic of Belarus
Belize	Bhutan	Bouvet Island	Burundi	Cape Verde
Central African Republic	Chad	Cook Islands	Comoros	Republic of the Congo
Cuba	Djibouti	Dominica	Equatorial Guinea	Eritrea
Eswatini	Fiji	Gabon	Gambia	Grenada
Guinea	Guinea-Bissau	Holy See (Vatican City)	Republic of Indonesia	Iraq
Kazakhstan	Kiribati	Kosovo	Kyrgyzstan	Lesotho
Liberia	Malawi	Mali	Mauritania	Marshall Islands
Micronesia	Nauru	Niger	Niue	Papua New Guinea
Russian Federation	Saint Barthélemy	Saint Kitts and Nevis	Saint Lucia	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa	San Marino	Sao Tome and Principe	Seychelles	Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands	Somalia	South Sudan	Sudan	Suriname
Tajikistan	Timor-Leste	Tokelau	Tonga	Turkmenistan
Tuvalu	Ukraine*	Uzbekistan	Vanuatu	Venezuela
Western Sahara

This list comes from FTMO’s official FAQ and can change. (Last checked: 02/10/2026)

5.2. Additional Prohibited Categories

• Persons (both nationals and residents) from Iran, Syria, Myanmar, and North Korea
• Individuals listed on international sanction lists
• Individuals with a criminal record related to financial crime or terrorism
• Persons previously banned due to a breach of contract
• Corporate clients structured as company trusts

Conditional exceptions: Nationals of Iran, Syria, or Myanmar may be accepted only if they can prove residency in an EEA country and hold a traditional bank account (not a neo-bank or fintech) in an EEA country that FTMO can verify.

6. FTMO Funded Accounts, KYC & FTMO US

After passing the FTMO Evaluation Process, you move to the FTMO Account stage. 

The process differs slightly between the 1-Step and 2-Step paths, particularly in when FTMO Identity becomes available. The applicable account and eligibility requirements should be checked before proceeding.

6.1. FTMO Identity (KYC) and the Account Agreement

After you pass the Evaluation Process, you must complete FTMO Identity, FTMO’s KYC/KYB verification, before you sign the FTMO Account Agreement. On the 1-Step, it opens after you pass and FTMO reviews the Challenge. 

On the 2-Step, it opens after Challenge and Verification. Individuals complete KYC. Entrepreneurs or Companies may need KYB documents. After verification, the Account Agreement unlocks in the Client Area and FTMO may provide an FTMO Account. 

Passing KYC does not guarantee rewards: Forbidden Trading Practices still apply, and violations can lead to trade removal, restricted access, disqualification, forfeited rewards, or termination.

6.2. Scaling Plan and Premium Programme

Eligible traders can use the Scaling Plan, which raises simulated account allocation based on performance, up to $2 million. The Premium Programme adds benefits for qualifying traders. Under the Scaling Plan or Premium Programme conditions, the 2-Step reward ratio can rise from 80% to 90%.

6.3. FTMO US: The OANDA Partnership Pathway

U.S. traders use FTMO US, a separate model with OANDA. The partnership was announced in August 2025, and FTMO completed its acquisition of OANDA Global Corporation in December 2025. JV Prop Corporation (FTMO Group) runs the Evaluation Process. OANDA Prop US Corporation (OANDA Group) provides the FTMO Rewards Account through a Signal Provider Program.

Eligibility: U.S. residents and U.S.-incorporated entities, 18 or older, with a valid U.S. Tax Identification Number to receive a reward.

Payout documents: an IRS Form W-9 with the first reward, and proof of ownership of the U.S. bank account. Wise and Chime are not accepted.

No OANDA regulatory protections: participants have no client relationship with OANDA Corporation, so brokerage protections do not apply. The evaluation and the Rewards Account are both simulated and not overseen by a financial regulator.

Rewards: up to 90% of simulated profits: 80% base, 90% through the Scaling Plan.

Pricing and details elsewhere in this review may not apply to FTMO US. Check the dedicated FTMO US terms before you buy.

7. FTMO Payouts & Profit Split

FTMO rewards are based on the profit generated on your FTMO Account and the applicable profit split for your challenge type. The timing of your first reward and the conditions for requesting it are separate from the reward percentage.

7.1. When Can You Request a Reward?

You can request the first reward 14 days after your first trade on the FTMO Account. After that, you can request any day the account meets the requirements. Submit the request in the Account MetriX dashboard with the account in profit, all positions closed, and no pending orders.

FTMO reviews the request in 1-2 business days and typically sends payment within another 1-2 business days. Your payment method and bank can add time.

Requesting a reward does not guarantee payment. FTMO checks the trading objectives, reward conditions, and compliance with its rules and Forbidden Trading Practices before approving.

7.2. Payout Methods and Limits

FTMO pays by bank wire, Visa Direct or Mastercard Send, or Skrill.

Visa Direct and Mastercard Send cap at $20,000 per transaction. Skrill caps at $3,000.

FTMO charges no commission on rewards, but third-party costs set minimums, such as $20 in closed profit for bank wire. Availability depends on your location and currency.

7.3. Profit Split and Rolling Rewards Over

Feature	1-Step	2-Step
Profit Split	90% from the first eligible reward	80% initially, rising to 90% under Scaling Plan or Premium Programme conditions
Reward Rollover	Not available. Rewards are paid out and cannot remain in the account to compound.	Available. You can roll a reward back into the account instead of withdrawing it.
Effect of Rollover	–	Raises the simulated balance and increases the distance from the drawdown limit.
Minimum Rollover	–	A minimum applies based on account currency.
Drawdown Impact	The profit split does not change drawdown limits.	The profit split does not change drawdown limits; eligible rolled-over rewards can increase the distance from the drawdown limit.

8. FTMO Platforms, Instruments & Trading Costs

FTMO offers CFDs on Forex, indices, metals, commodities, and stocks. Spreads, commissions, swaps, trading hours, and leverage vary by instrument and change over time.

8.1. Trading Platforms

FTMO supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView. FTMO stopped offering DXtrade as a selectable platform on March 24, 2026.

8.2. Instruments and Trading Costs

FTMO states that index CFDs have zero commission. Other instruments may carry commissions. Check FTMO’s Symbols page for current specifications instead of older reviews.

9. FTMO Reviews: Trustpilot, Reddit & Support

We treat Trustpilot and Reddit as trader feedback, not audits. Individual complaints do not show that every trader has the same problem.

9.1. Trustpilot

FTMO has 4.8/5 from 50,000+ Trustpilot reviews, with about 92% five-star and 3% one-star. Positive reviews cite fast payouts, responsive support, clear rules, and a professional platform. Lower-rated reviews report technical problems, account restrictions, payout disputes, and disagreements over trading activity, including stop-loss execution glitches and changes to trading conditions.

9.2. Reddit

Reddit is mixed but generally positive. Some traders call FTMO established, with reliable payouts and clear rules. Others struggle with drawdown limits or account reviews.

Risk management comes up often. One trader said over-leveraging and risking more than 1% per trade contributed to a 5% drawdown. Others suggested about 0.5% per trade.

Some Reddit users report payout refusals or account termination after account reviews. These cases are hard to verify, so we do not treat them as a general payout policy. They show why you should understand Forbidden Trading Practices and the account-review process.

9.3. Our Take on the Reviews

Public feedback is more positive than negative, with many reports of fast payouts and responsive support. The risks to watch are drawdown management, account reviews, rule interpretation, and occasional technical issues. A strong Trustpilot score does not guarantee your experience. The key question is whether your strategy and risk management fit FTMO’s rules.

9.4. Customer Support and Education

FTMO offers support through live chat, email, and other channels in multiple languages, plus a Help Centre and FAQ.

FTMO Academy is free and covers trading psychology, risk management, technical and fundamental analysis, and strategies. FTMO also offers a Free Trial for practice. FTMO Accounts include Performance Coaches who help with discipline, mindset, and habits.

10. FTMO vs. Other Prop Firms: $50K Account Comparison

We compare $50K programs by Challenge fee, profit target, drawdown, reward split, and conditions.

Factor	FTMO 1-Step	FundedNext Stellar 1-Step	FundingPips 1-Step Flex	Finotive Funding 1-Step
Account size	$50,000	$50,000	$50,000	$50,000
Challenge fee	€319	$309.99	$353	$355
Profit Target	10%	10%	12%	10%
Daily Loss	3%	3%	3%	4%
Maximum Loss	10%	6%	12%	7.5%
Drawdown type	EOD trailing	Static	Static	Static
Minimum trading days	None	2	None	3 profitable days
Time limit	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Starting reward split	90%	Up to 95%	85% bi-weekly	80%
First payout	Subject to FTMO reward conditions	5 business days	After the applicable reward-cycle conditions	On demand
Payout cycle	Subject to FTMO reward conditions	Every 5 business days	Every 14 days at 85%	Every 7 days after first payout
Fee refund	No	With 3rd reward	Not listed as a standard 1-Step Flex refund	Yes, under applicable conditions

10.1. How Does FTMO Compare at $50K?

FTMO’s $50K 1-Step has a 10% target, 3% daily loss, 10% Maximum Loss, and 90% split. Its strength is a high split with a large loss allowance. FundedNext has the same target but a 6% Maximum Loss. Finotive has a 4% daily limit but a 7.5% Maximum Loss. FundingPips has a 12% Maximum Loss but a 12% target.

The trade-off is the EOD trailing Maximum Loss, where the other three programs use static drawdown. FTMO is also not the cheapest. Its track record, unlimited evaluation period, and 90% split may matter more to traders who value reputation.

10.2. Is FTMO’s $50K 1-Step Better Than the Alternatives?

• FTMO: fits traders who value a track record, 90% rewards, and a 10% Maximum Loss, and can manage an EOD trailing drawdown.
• FundedNext: lower listed fee and up to 95% split, but a 6% Maximum Loss leaves less room.
• FundingPips: a 12% Maximum Loss gives the most room, but the target is also 12% and Master Account conditions apply.
• Finotive Funding: 4% daily drawdown and 7.5% static Maximum Loss with a 10% target. The starting split is lower at 80%.

FTMO’s $50K 1-Step is not the cheapest or most flexible option in every category. Its edge is a strong split, clear rules, and an established operating history.

11. FTMO FAQs

• Is FTMO legit?

  Yes. FTMO has operated since 2015, with a large customer base and a large public review base. Still, review the current rules before you buy.

• How much does the FTMO Challenge cost?

  From €79 (1-Step) or €89 (2-Step) for the $10,000 account, rising with account size. Check FTMO’s checkout for current fees.

• What is the difference between FTMO 1-Step and 2-Step?

  The 1-Step has one phase, a 10% target, a 3% daily limit, and a 10% EOD trailing Maximum Loss. The 2-Step has 10% and 5% targets, a 5% daily limit, and a static 10% Maximum Loss.

• Does FTMO have a time limit?

  No. FTMO has no general time limit. Compare other prop firms with no time limit.

• What is the FTMO profit split?

  1-Step: 90%. 2-Step: starts at 80% and can reach 90%.

• Does FTMO refund the Challenge fee?

  The 2-Step fee is refunded with the first eligible reward. The 1-Step has no standard refund.

• Can I hold trades overnight or over the weekend?

  Standard accounts cannot hold positions overnight or over weekends. The 2-Step Swing account can. Compare firms on their trading rules.

• Does FTMO allow scalping?

  Yes, if you avoid prohibited practices such as exploiting technical errors or latency.

• Can I scale my FTMO Account?

  Yes. Eligible traders can use the Scaling Plan to increase simulated allocation when they meet performance and risk requirements.

• Is FTMO suitable for beginners?

  Newer traders can try, but passing takes disciplined risk management and a clear grasp of the drawdown rules before you pay.

  See our list of the best prop firms for beginners.

12. Conclusion: Is FTMO Still Worth It?

FTMO remains a competitive prop firm in 2026. Its two Challenges give different evaluation paths, and its history and public review base offer more transparency than many newer firms. Check the payout conditions, FTMO Identity (KYC), and the FTMO US structure if you are in the U.S. If FTMO’s limits fit your strategy, it is worth considering. If not, compare drawdown models, fees, and payout terms in our prop firm reviews.