The5%ers vs City Traders Imperium? The5ers is generally better for program variety, Futures, and scaling, while CTI better suits traders seeking Instant or Direct Funding, unrestricted news trading, and flexible payouts. The5ers offers multiple evaluation structures across CFDs and Futures, while City Traders Imperium focuses on 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant Funding, and Direct Funding programs.
In this comparison, H2T Funding breaks down their pricing, account options, drawdown rules, profit splits, trading platforms, payout conditions, and community feedback to help you choose the prop firm that best matches your trading style.
Key Takeaways
- Program variety: The5ers offers more funding paths, including Summer Plan, CFD, and dedicated Futures programs, while City Traders Imperium focuses on 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant Funding, and Direct Funding.
- Evaluation structure: The5ers provides 1-Step, 2-Step, and 3-Step evaluation routes across different programs, while CTI keeps its challenge structure simpler with 1-Step and 2-Step options plus no-evaluation funding routes.
- Scaling opportunities: The5ers uses program-specific scaling models, while City Traders Imperium combines account growth with a VIP progression system that can improve profit-share terms over time.
- Trading flexibility: City Traders Imperium stands out for flexible news trading, while The5ers gives traders broader choice across CFDs, Futures, and multiple program structures.
- Platform access: The5ers offers a wider range of trading platform options, while CTI’s available platforms depend on the selected funding program.
- Best fit: The5ers is better suited to traders who want more program and market choices, while City Traders Imperium may fit traders who prefer simpler funding routes, including Instant and Direct Funding.
- Final decision: The better prop firm depends on your preferred evaluation model, drawdown rules, payout structure, platform access, scaling goals, and trading style.
1. The5%ers vs City Traders Imperium: Quick comparison
The5ers offers more structured evaluation paths across CFDs and Futures, while City Traders Imperium offers more direct routes to funding through 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant Funding, and Direct Funding. Both firms advertise profit shares of up to 100% and scaling potential of up to $4 million, but their program structures, entry costs, and funding routes differ.
| Feature | The5ers | City Traders Imperium |
|---|---|---|
| Main Funding Routes | Growth (1-Step), High Stakes (2-Step), Bootcamp (3-Step), Futures, and the limited-time Summer Plan | 1-Step Challenge, 2-Step Challenge, Instant Funding, and Direct Funding |
| Challenge-Free Funding | No dedicated Instant or Direct CFD funding route is shown in the current core lineup | Instant Funding and Direct Funding |
| Account Sizes | Vary by program across CFDs, Futures, and Summer Plan | Vary by 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant Funding, and Direct Funding |
| Starting Cost | Varies by program; current official pages show High Stakes from $19, Bootcamp from $22, and Summer Plan from $149 | From $29 for 1-Step, $39 for 2-Step, $79 for Instant Funding, and $229 for Direct Funding |
| Maximum Profit Share | Up to 100%, depending on the program | Up to 100% |
| Maximum Scaling Potential | Up to $4 million on eligible programs | Up to $4 million |
| Evaluation Time Limit | Unlimited on the displayed Growth, High Stakes, Bootcamp, and Summer Plan structures | No time limits on the current funding programs |
| Futures Funding | Available, with separate Day Trade and Swing structures | No dedicated Futures funding program is shown in CTI’s current funding lineup |
| New Program in 2026 | Summer Plan launched in July 2026 with $100K 1-Step and 2-Step paths | No equivalent limited-time program is shown on the current funding page |
The5ers currently separates its offering into CFDs, Futures, and Summer Plan. Its CFD routes include 1-Step Growth, 2-Step High Stakes, and 3-Step Bootcamp, while Futures uses separate Day Trade and Swing structures. The Summer Plan, introduced in July 2026, adds limited-time $100K 1-Step and 2-Step evaluation options.
CTI currently offers four primary funding routes: 1-Step Challenge, 2-Step Challenge, Instant Funding, and Direct Funding. The first two use evaluation phases, while Instant Funding and Direct Funding allow traders to bypass a standard challenge.
The5ers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple evaluation structures: Growth, High Stakes, and Bootcamp provide 1-Step, 2-Step, and 3-Step CFD paths. | Program rules differ across Growth, High Stakes, Bootcamp, Futures, and Summer Plan, so traders must compare each structure separately. |
| Futures funding is available through separate Day Trade and Swing models. | Traders seeking a dedicated Instant or Direct CFD funding route do not get the same challenge-free choices shown by CTI’s current lineup. |
| Scaling can reach $4 million on eligible programs. | |
| Summer Plan adds a lower-cost $100K route through limited-time 1-Step and 2-Step options. |
City Traders Imperium
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Four funding routes: 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant Funding, and Direct Funding. | Rules differ across 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant Funding, and Direct Funding, including drawdown, payout timing, account structure, and pricing. |
| Instant Funding and Direct Funding provide alternatives to a standard evaluation. | Challenge-free access costs more at entry: Instant Funding starts from $79 and Direct Funding starts from $229, compared with $29 for 1-Step and $39 for 2-Step. |
| Profit share can reach 100%. | |
| Scaling can reach up to $4 million, and CTI states that its current programs have no time limits. |
Quick verdict: The5ers gives traders more choice across multi-step evaluations, Futures, and the new Summer Plan, while CTI stands out for Instant Funding and Direct Funding. The better fit depends on whether you prioritize evaluation flexibility, challenge-free access, Futures trading, pricing, or specific risk and payout rules.
2. Is The5ers or City Traders Imperium available in your country?
Both The5ers and City Traders Imperium are available to traders in many countries, but access depends on your jurisdiction, program, and trading platform. The5ers uses a defined list of forbidden territories, while CTI applies both country-level and program-specific restrictions.
2.1. The5ers availability and restrictions
The5ers is available in many countries, but traders from specific jurisdictions are prohibited from registering, and platform access can also vary by location.
- Forbidden territories: Afghanistan, Belarus, Burundi, Central African Republic, Cuba, Congo Republic, Crimea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Myanmar, North Korea, Palestinian Territory, Papua New Guinea, Russia, South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Yemen.
- United States: US residents are not listed among The5ers’ forbidden territories. However, MetaQuotes trading platforms are prohibited for US residents, so platform access differs by location.
- Eligibility can change: The5ers may update restricted jurisdictions based on compliance and risk requirements.
2.2. City Traders Imperium availability and restrictions
City Traders Imperium is available to individual traders aged 18 or older in many countries, but certain jurisdictions and individual funding programs are restricted.
- Restricted jurisdictions: CTI does not accept residents or nationals of Cuba, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, North Korea, Russia, Belarus, Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, or Kherson Oblast.
- Program-specific restrictions: Some CTI programs may be unavailable in otherwise eligible countries. For example, in Vietnam, the 1-Step Challenge and Instant Funding are available, while the 2-Step Challenge and Instant Funding Pro are not available.
- Registration requirements: Traders must register as individuals rather than under a company name. CTI also prohibits account-management services, prop firm passing services, and copying signals from other traders.
- United States: The United States is not listed among the restricted jurisdictions in CTI’s current eligibility guidance.
The key difference is that The5ers mainly restricts access by jurisdiction and platform, while CTI can also restrict individual funding programs by country. Check the latest official eligibility terms before purchasing because country, platform, and program access can change.
3. Challenge types, account sizes, and pricing
The5ers offers more program layers and evaluation formats, while City Traders Imperium keeps its lineup simpler with two challenges and two no-evaluation routes. The5ers groups its offering into Summer Plan, CFDs, and Futures; CTI offers 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant Funding, and Direct Funding.
3.1. The5ers
- Summer Plan: 1-Step, 2-Step, and Futures.
- CFDs: Growth (1-Step), High Stakes (2-Step), and Bootcamp (3-Step).
- Futures: Day Trade and Swing.
The5ers Pricing by Account Size
| Program Group | Program / Variant | Account Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Plan | 1-Step | $100K | $249 |
| 2-Step – 10% / 5% | $100K | $149 | |
| 2-Step – 8% / 5% | $100K | $179 | |
| 2-Step – 10% / 5% | $200K | $249 | |
| 2-Step – 8% / 5% | $200K | $279 | |
| Futures | $25K | $69 | |
| $50K | $120 | ||
| $100K | $189 | ||
| $150K | $219 | ||
| CFDs | Growth – Pro Growth | $5K | $52 |
| $10K | $98 | ||
| $20K | $189 | ||
| $50K | $329 | ||
| Growth – Hyper Growth | $5K | $260 | |
| $10K | $450 | ||
| $20K | $850 | ||
| High Stakes – New | $2.5K | $19 | |
| $5K | $35 | ||
| $10K | $69 | ||
| $25K | $176 | ||
| $50K | $278 | ||
| $100K | $491 | ||
| High Stakes – Classic | $2.5K | $22 | |
| $5K | $39 | ||
| $10K | $78 | ||
| $25K | $195 | ||
| $50K | $309 | ||
| $100K | $545 | ||
| Bootcamp | $20K funded path | $22 start + $50 funded-stage fee | |
| Bootcamp | $100K funded path | $95 start + $205 funded-stage fee | |
| Bootcamp | $250K funded path | $225 start + $350 funded-stage fee | |
| Futures | Day Trade | $25K | $59 |
| $50K | $100 | ||
| $100K | $170 | ||
| $150K | $199 | ||
| Swing | $25K | $69 | |
| $50K | $120 | ||
| $100K | $189 | ||
| $150K | $219 |
Bootcamp uses staged payments rather than a single upfront fee.
3.2. City Traders Imperium
- 1-Step Challenge: One evaluation phase.
- 2-Step Challenge: Two evaluation phases.
- Instant Funding: No standard evaluation.
- Direct Funding: No standard evaluation.
City Traders Imperium Pricing by Account Size
| Program / Variant | Account Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Step Challenge | $2.5K | $29 |
| $5K | $49 | |
| $10K | $79 | |
| $25K | $159 | |
| $50K | $299 | |
| $100K | $449 | |
| 2-Step Challenge | $2.5K | $39 |
| $5K | $59 | |
| $10K | $99 | |
| $25K | $199 | |
| $50K | $329 | |
| $100K | $549 | |
| Instant Funding | $2.5K | $79 |
| $5K | $139 | |
| $10K | $259 | |
| $20K | $449 | |
| $40K | $849 | |
| $80K | $1,599 | |
| Direct Funding | $5K | $229 |
| $10K | $399 | |
| $20K | $999 | |
| $40K | $1,999 | |
| $80K | $3,999 |
3.3. Which is cheaper: The5ers or City Traders Imperium?
The5ers is cheaper on several directly comparable evaluation routes, but pricing depends on the specific program rather than the firm alone. For example, the current $100K Summer Plan costs $249 for the 1-Step and $149 or $179 for the 2-Step, compared with $449 for CTI’s $100K 1-Step and $549 for its $100K 2-Step.
The comparison becomes much closer outside the Summer Plan. The5ers High Stakes $100K costs $491 for the New version or $545 for Classic, while CTI’s $100K 2-Step costs $549.
Therefore, The5ers currently has the lower entry price on the $100K routes compared here, especially through the limited-time Summer Plan, but traders should compare the associated drawdown, payout, and trading rules rather than choosing by price alone.
The practical difference is simple: The5ers provides more layers of choice across Summer Plan, CFDs, Futures, and 1-Step to 3-Step evaluations, while CTI keeps the structure easier to scan with 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant Funding, and Direct Funding.
Read more:
4. Trading rules, drawdown, and restrictions
City Traders Imperium generally allows more flexibility around news trading, while The5ers applies more program-specific restrictions and drawdown rules. Both firms allow overnight and weekend holding, but daily loss limits and prohibited strategies depend on the selected program.
4.1. Trading rules and restrictions
CTI is more flexible for news trading, while both firms apply program-specific rules to EAs, copy trading, hedging, and prohibited trading strategies.
| Rule | The5ers | City Traders Imperium |
|---|---|---|
| News Trading | Program-specific. Hyper Growth and Bootcamp allow news trading but prohibit bracketing. High Stakes prohibits order execution from 2 minutes before to 2 minutes after high-impact news. | Allowed without restrictions on the current funding programs covered here. |
| Weekend Holding | Allowed | Allowed |
| Overnight Holding | Allowed | Allowed |
| EA Trading | Allowed if the trader owns the source code and follows EA restrictions. | Allowed, but requirements vary by program. The 1-Step permits third-party EAs; some other programs require EA ownership and source-code access. |
| Copy Trading | Copy trading or coordinated trading with other traders or accounts is prohibited. | Permitted only within CTI’s approved structure, such as using a CTI account as the Master account. |
| Hedging | Manipulative or coordinated hedging and hedge-arbitrage strategies are prohibited. | Hedging is prohibited across all funding programs. |
The5ers also prohibits practices such as arbitrage, high-frequency trading, tick scalping, bulk trading, account sharing, challenge-passing services, excessive overleveraging, and gambling-style exposure.
4.2. Drawdown limits
The5ers and City Traders Imperium use different drawdown models by program: The5ers combines daily drawdown, maximum-loss, and Daily Pause rules depending on the account, while CTI uses trailing or static drawdown depending on the funding route.
The5ers
- High Stakes: 5% daily drawdown and 10% maximum loss.
- Hyper Growth: 6% maximum drawdown and a 3% Daily Pause.
- Bootcamp: 5% maximum drawdown during evaluation; the Daily Pause applies at the funded stage.
- The Daily Pause closes open trades and disables trading until the next trading day when triggered.
City Traders Imperium
- 1-Step: 5% trailing drawdown with no daily drawdown limit.
- 2-Step: 5% maximum daily drawdown and 10% static drawdown.
- Instant Funding / Direct Funding: 6% static drawdown under the current program rules provided.
- CTI states that its 5% daily drawdown rule applies specifically to the 2-Step Challenge.
CTI is more permissive for news trading, while The5ers uses more program-specific news and daily-loss controls. Both firms permit weekend and overnight holding, but traders should compare the exact drawdown method and prohibited strategies of the specific program they plan to trade.
4.3. Which challenge is easier to pass: The5ers or CTI?
Neither firm is universally easier to pass because difficulty depends on the specific program. On comparable evaluation routes, traders should compare the profit target, daily loss limit, maximum drawdown method, minimum profitable days, news-trading rules, and strategy restrictions rather than judging the firms as a whole.
For example, CTI may feel easier for traders who regularly trade around high-impact news because its current programs allow news trading without the same execution window used by some The5ers programs. By contrast, another trader may prefer a specific The5ers program because its evaluation structure better matches their strategy.
The easier challenge is therefore the one whose rules fit your trading method, not necessarily the firm with the lowest fee or highest profit split.
5. The5%ers and City Traders Imperium comparison: profit split and scaling plans
Both The5ers and City Traders Imperium can reach a 100% profit share, but their scaling structures vary significantly by program. The5ers uses different profit milestones across CFDs and Futures, while CTI separates challenge scaling from its larger Instant and Direct Funding plans.
5.1. The5ers profit split and scaling
The5ers profit splits generally start from 50% to 80% and can reach 100%, while eligible scaling paths can grow to $4 million. Profit targets, balance increases, consistency rules, and maximum allocations depend on the specific program.
- Hyper Growth: Profit split is 50% during evaluation, rises to 75% after funding, and can scale to 100%. Funded balance doubles after each 10% profit target.
- Bootcamp: Profit split starts at 50% and can reach 100%. Funded accounts progress after each 5% profit target, with the scaling table reaching $4 million.
- Pro Growth: The account scales after each 10% target.
- High Stakes: Funded traders start with an 80% profit share, with higher splits available through scaling.
- Futures: Scaling is triggered after each 10% profit milestone. Once approved, account balance increases by 5%, while contract limits increase by 1 mini and 10 micro contracts.
- Summer Plan $200K: Uses an 80/20 profit split, but this account does not scale and remains at $200,000.
- Consistency Rule: Some The5ers accounts use a 30% or 50% consistency rule, depending on account type or region. It affects payout or scale-up eligibility rather than automatically failing the account.
5.2. City Traders Imperium profit split and scaling
CTI profit splits start from 50% to 80% and can reach 100%, while scaling ranges from $200,000 per challenge account to $2 million per Instant or Direct Funding account. Scaling requirements and profit-share progression depend on the funding route.
- 1-Step and 2-Step: Standard funded profit share starts at 80%, rises to 90% at Bronze, and reaches 100% at Silver. Accounts can scale to $200,000 each and $400,000 total.
- Instant Funding: Starts at 50% at Level 1, then rises to 70% at Level 2, 80% from Level 3, 90% at Bronze, and 100% at Silver. Accounts can scale to $2 million each and $4 million total.
- Direct Funding: Starts at Level 2 with a 70% profit share and can reach 100%. It also scales to $2 million per account and $4 million total.
- Consistency Score: CTI does not require it to pass a funding program. A 20% Consistency Score applies to scaling on eligible Instant and Direct Funding levels.
Profit Split and Scaling Comparison
| Feature | The5ers | City Traders Imperium |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Profit Split | 50%–80%, depending on program | 50%–80%, depending on program |
| Maximum Profit Split | Up to 100% | Up to 100% |
| Challenge Scaling | Program-specific | 1-Step/2-Step: up to $200K per account |
| Maximum Scaling | Up to $4M on eligible programs | Instant/Direct: up to $2M per account, $4M total |
| Scaling Method | Program-specific 5% or 10% milestones; Futures adds 5% balance after each 10% milestone | Challenge milestones; Instant/Direct can double account balance |
| Consistency | 30% or 50% on some accounts | 20% for eligible Instant/Direct scaling |
The main difference is that The5ers uses more program-specific scaling mechanics, including a separate Futures model, while CTI clearly separates lower-cap challenge scaling from its larger Instant and Direct Funding plans.
6. The5%ers vs CTI: Payout rules, frequency, and speed
The5ers generally uses a 14-day first-payout wait and bi-weekly withdrawals, while City Traders Imperium uses program-specific profitable-day requirements and can offer monthly, bi-weekly, weekly, or anytime payouts.
6.1. Payout frequency
CTI offers more payout-frequency options than The5ers, with standard schedules ranging from monthly to bi-weekly and faster weekly or anytime payouts at higher VIP levels, while The5ers generally follows a bi-weekly withdrawal cycle.
The5ers
- Most funded accounts: First withdrawal after 14 days; subsequent withdrawals every 2 weeks.
- High Stakes: Bi-weekly payouts after reaching the funded stage and at least $150 in eligible payout profit.
- Summer Plan $200K: Minimum withdrawal $250, with a $3,000 payout cap per cycle.
- Futures: Funded accounts must be at least 14 days old and reach at least 4% profit before requesting a payout.
- The payout cycle resets after an account is scaled.
City Traders Imperium
- 1-Step / 2-Step: First payout after at least 7 profitable trading days and 2% net profit or $100, whichever is higher. Standard subsequent payouts are monthly.
- Instant / Direct Funding: First payout after at least 5 profitable trading days and 2% net profit or $100. Standard subsequent payouts are bi-weekly.
- VIP Bronze: Weekly payouts.
- VIP Silver: Anytime payouts.
6.2. Payout speed and methods
The5ers processes approved withdrawals in up to 3 business days, while CTI allows up to 2 business days for a trading-account-to-Wallet transfer and normally processes the subsequent bank or crypto withdrawal within 1 business day.
The5ers supports Rise, crypto, bank transfer, and Hub Credits, while CTI supports bank transfers and crypto withdrawals.
The5ers:
- Minimum withdrawal: $150 on the general withdrawal policy.
- Crypto limit: Up to $1,500 per transaction.
- Fee: 3.5% for Rise, crypto, and bank withdrawals; Hub Credits have no withdrawal commission.
- Bank timing can vary depending on the receiving bank.
CTI uses a two-step payout process through its Dashboard Wallet.
- Trading account → Wallet: up to 2 business days for review.
- Wallet → Bank/Crypto: normally processed within 1 business day.
- Minimum Wallet withdrawal: $100.
- Bank deposits may take an additional 1–14 days, depending on the bank and intermediaries.
Payout Comparison
| Feature | The5ers | City Traders Imperium |
|---|---|---|
| First Payout | Generally after 14 days | 5–7 profitable days, depending on program |
| Standard Frequency | Bi-weekly | Monthly or bi-weekly, depending on program |
| Faster VIP Payouts | Program-specific | Weekly at Bronze; anytime at Silver |
| Minimum Withdrawal | Generally $150 | $100 from Wallet |
| Processing Speed | Up to 3 business days after approval | Up to 2 business days to Wallet + 1 business day for withdrawal processing |
| Methods | Rise, crypto, bank, Hub Credits | Bank transfer, crypto |
The practical difference is that The5ers follows a more consistent bi-weekly withdrawal model, while CTI offers more payout-frequency variation by program and VIP level.
7. Trading platforms and instruments
The5ers offers more platform options overall, while City Traders Imperium keeps its setup simpler with MT5 and Match-Trader. The5ers separates its CFD and Futures platforms, while both firms support major markets such as forex, commodities, indices, and crypto.
7.1. Trading platforms
The5ers
- CFDs: Non-US traders can use MetaTrader 5, cTrader, or TradingView.
- US traders: TradingView is available for CFD accounts.
- Futures: BlackArrow is the only supported platform.
- cTrader: Adds a $10 fee to the program price.
City Traders Imperium
- MetaTrader 5: Available to non-US traders.
- Match-Trader: Available to all traders and includes TradingView integration.
7.2. Tradable instruments
The5ers
- CFDs: Forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and energy commodities.
- Futures: Equity indices, currencies, metals, agriculture, and energy futures, including products such as ES, NQ, GC, CL, and 6E.
City Traders Imperium
- Forex: Major and minor currency pairs.
- Commodities: Gold, silver, and oil.
- Indices: S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones, DAX, FTSE 100, and other major indices.
- Crypto: BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, SOL, and ADA.
Trading platforms and instruments comparison
| Feature | The5ers | City Traders Imperium |
|---|---|---|
| CFD Platforms | MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT5, Match-Trader |
| US Platform Access | TradingView | Match-Trader |
| Futures Platform | BlackArrow | Not listed as a separate futures program |
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes |
| Futures | Yes, dedicated futures products | Not listed in the current funding lineup |
The main difference is that The5ers provides a broader platform ecosystem and a dedicated Futures offering, while CTI focuses on MT5 and Match-Trader for CFD markets.
8. Trust, legal structure, and transparency of The5ers vs City Traders Imperium
Both The5ers and City Traders Imperium disclose their operating entities, leadership, and simulated-trading model, but their legal structures differ. The5ers operates under a UK company founded in 2016, while CTI separates its trading-assessment business from its education business across two entities.
8.1. Trust and operating history
The5ers has operated since 2016, while City Traders Imperium has operated since 2018; both publicly identify key leadership and provide detailed information about their programs and trading rules.
The5ers
- Founded in 2016 and operated by Five Percent Online Ltd.
- The official site identifies Gil Ben Hur as Founder & CEO.
- The company currently states 10 years active, 262K traders onboarded, and operations supported by employees across multiple countries.
- The5ers publicly documents its trading rules, payouts, scaling plans, prohibited strategies, and program-specific conditions.
City Traders Imperium
- Founded in 2018.
- The official site identifies Martin Najat and Daniel Martin as co-founders.
- CTI states that it has funded traders across 178+ countries.
- Its website publishes detailed program rules, payout procedures, prohibited methods, platform policies, and company disclosures.
8.2. Legal structure and disclosures
Both firms publicly disclose their legal entities and simulated-trading models, but The5ers operates its prop-trading brand through Five Percent Online Ltd, while CTI separates simulated skill assessments and educational services between City Traders Imperium Limited and CTI FZCO.
The5ers: The5%ers brand is operated by Five Percent Online Ltd, a UK company registered under company number 12553363. Its legal disclaimer states that trading through the Company Hub takes place in a simulated environment using fictitious funds and is intended for educational and evaluation purposes.
“All trading activities conducted through the Company Hub are executed in a simulated environment.” – Disclaimer, The5ers
City Traders Imperium: CTI uses two disclosed entities:
- City Traders Imperium Limited: Provides simulated trading skill-assessment programs. It is incorporated in the Comoros Union under company number 15969 and License No. L15969/CTI, with an operating address in Costa Rica.
- CTI FZCO: Provides CTI Academy educational courses and is registered in Dubai, UAE under company number DSO-FZCO-21340. CTI’s privacy documentation also identifies CTI FZCO as a data controller for website data.
CTI also states clearly that its trading assessments are conducted in a simulated environment:
“All trading activity occurs in a demo environment using virtual capital.” – Legal Disclosure, City Traders Imperium
Both firms state that they are not brokers, exchanges, or investment advisers, and both describe their trading environments as simulated rather than live client trading.
Transparency comparison
| Feature | The5ers | City Traders Imperium |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Since | 2016 | 2018 |
| Main Legal Entity | Five Percent Online Ltd | City Traders Imperium Limited |
| Additional Entity | – | CTI FZCO for education |
| Leadership Disclosed | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Environment | Simulated | Simulated |
| Client Deposits / Live Trading | Not offered under its disclosed model | Not offered under its disclosed model |
| Rules & Legal Policies | Publicly documented | Publicly documented |
The main difference is structural: The5ers operates its prop-trading brand through one disclosed UK company, while CTI separates simulated skill assessments and education between City Traders Imperium Limited and CTI FZCO. Both provide relatively detailed public disclosures about their teams, rules, and simulated trading models.
9. The5ers vs City Traders Imperium review Reddit, Trustpilot and Facebook
Community feedback currently leans more strongly toward The5ers in direct comparisons, while City Traders Imperium receives less discussion but still attracts positive feedback for flexibility, scaling, and swing-trading conditions. Reviews are mixed, however, and comments from Reddit, Facebook, or Trustpilot should be treated as individual trader experiences rather than verified facts.
In the Facebook comparison thread you provided, most traders who directly chose between the two firms preferred The5ers. Comments included:
“The5ers for sure no doubts at all.” – Parth Gupta, FundingPips Facebook Group
“The5ers is miles ahead.” – Jay Gee, FundingPips Facebook Group
Reddit discussions show a more balanced picture. Some long-term The5ers users report smooth payout experiences, while other recent users mention payout delays, interviews, or longer compliance reviews:
“Profitable trader here and with the 5 ers for years now. Never had a payout denial. Never had a payout issue.” – u/BlaseJong, r/PropFirmTester
“Personally would NOT go with 5ers, they have interviews and very long payout delays, even after being approved.” – u/No-Answer-2318, r/PropFirmTester
Trustpilot provides a much larger review sample. The5ers currently has a 4.7/5 rating from 35,450 reviews, with 90% rated five stars in the dataset reviewed. One recent verified reviewer highlighted execution quality, spreads, support, and clear rules:
“Support is fast and helpful, and rules are clear and fair.” – NHMH – VietNam, Trustpilot
City Traders Imperium currently has a 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating from 1,627 reviews, with 82% rated five stars. Positive reviews frequently mention its support, scaling structure, and trading conditions, while criticism tends to focus on KYC, EA requirements, drawdown rules, or program-specific restrictions. One verified reviewer specifically praised CTI’s consistency and scaling model:
“The scaling plan is transparent and genuinely motivating.” – caarloo, Trustpilot
Reddit feedback on CTI is less extensive in the sources reviewed, but some traders see it as suitable for longer-term trading:
“This is actually the best firm for swing trading IMO.” – u/Forex-hawkeye, r/PropFirmTester
An older r/Forex discussion also viewed both firms positively:
“I think 5ers and City Traders Imperium are genuine firms looking to partner with skilled traders.” – u/Leonardo-daVinci-, r/Forex
Overall, The5ers has the stronger community preference and substantially more Trustpilot review volume in the sources reviewed, while CTI receives more limited but still positive feedback around flexibility and scaling. The mixed comments on both firms reinforce why community reviews should be checked alongside current official rules, payout policies, and program terms rather than used alone to choose a prop firm.
10. Which firm is better for your trading style?
The5ers is generally better for traders who want more program variety, dedicated Futures access, and multiple scaling paths, while City Traders Imperium suits traders who prefer simpler funding routes, unrestricted news trading, and Instant or Direct Funding options. The better choice depends on how you trade rather than which firm is universally better.
Choose The5ers If…
- You trade Futures: The5ers offers dedicated Day Trade and Swing Futures programs through BlackArrow.
- You want more evaluation choices: Programs range from 1-Step to 3-Step, plus separate Summer Plan and Futures structures.
- You prioritize long-term scaling: Eligible programs can scale significantly, with some paths reaching up to $4 million.
- You want more CFD platform choices: Non-US traders can choose MT5, cTrader, or TradingView.
- You are comfortable with program-specific rules: News restrictions, consistency requirements, scaling targets, and drawdown methods vary by account.
Choose City Traders Imperium If…
- You want to skip a traditional challenge: Instant Funding and Direct Funding provide no-evaluation routes.
- You trade around news: CTI currently allows news trading without restrictions on the main programs reviewed.
- You prefer overnight or swing trading: Overnight and weekend holding are permitted.
- You want flexible payout progression: Standard payouts can progress to weekly at Bronze and anytime at Silver through the VIP program.
- You prefer MT5 or Match-Trader: MT5 is available to non-US traders, while Match-Trader is available to everyone.
- You want larger no-evaluation scaling: Instant and Direct Funding can scale to $2 million per account and $4 million total.
In practical terms, The5ers is the stronger fit for traders who value program depth, Futures access, and varied scaling models, while CTI is more attractive for traders who prioritize no-evaluation funding, news-trading flexibility, and a simpler choice of funding routes. If neither firm matches your needs, compare more options in our best prop firms guide to find firms that better fit your trading style, risk preferences, and funding goals.
11. Similar prop firms to consider
If neither The5ers nor City Traders Imperium fits your trading style, FTMO, FundedNext, and FundingPips are three alternatives worth comparing. Each offers a different balance of evaluation structure, scaling, trading flexibility, and payout rules.
- FTMO: A strong alternative for traders who want an established 1-Step or 2-Step evaluation model. FTMO currently offers up to a 90% reward split and a scaling plan that can increase simulated capital to $2 million.
- FundedNext: Worth considering if you want multiple evaluation models and flexible account structures. Compare its current rules, payout conditions, and scaling model directly with The5ers and CTI before choosing.
- FundingPips: Offers several evaluation structures, including 1-Step and 2-Step models, making it useful for traders who want more choice in how they qualify. Its current programs also advertise scalable capital and profit shares of up to 100%.
In practical terms, FTMO is the closest fit for traders who prefer structured evaluations, FundingPips suits traders who want more evaluation-model flexibility, and FundedNext is another option for comparing alternative challenge and payout structures. Always compare the current drawdown rules, fees, platform access, and payout requirements before purchasing an account.
12. FAQs
CTI does not pay traders one fixed monthly amount. Earnings depend on trading performance, profit share, and payout eligibility. Standard profit shares can reach 80%–100%, while Gold VIP traders may qualify for a one-year monthly salary under a personalized contract.
The5ers generally prohibits copying other traders or third-party signals. However, its Summer Plan allows traders to copy between two Summer Plan accounts they personally own, while third-party copying remains prohibited. If copy trading is important to your strategy, compare more options in our prop firms that allow copy trading guide.
The5ers uses different platforms for CFDs and Futures. Non-US CFD traders can use MT5, cTrader, or TradingView, while US CFD traders use TradingView. The5ers Futures currently uses BlackArrow only.
CTI operates through multiple disclosed entities. City Traders Imperium Limited is incorporated in the Comoros Union with an operating address in Costa Rica, while CTI FZCO, which provides CTI Academy education, is registered in Dubai, UAE.
No. Neither The5ers nor City Traders Imperium applies a time limit on its current programs, so you can complete a challenge at your own pace without risking account cancellation due to a deadline. This is a shared feature between the two firms. If you want to compare other prop firms with the same policy, see H2T Funding’s best prop firms with no time limit guide.
Yes, CTI allows Expert Advisors, but the rules depend on the program. The 1-Step Challenge permits third-party EAs, while some other programs require traders to own the EA and provide its source code if requested. HFT, arbitrage, and other prohibited automated strategies are not allowed.
The5ers is generally better for traders who want more program variety, Futures access, and multiple scaling paths, while CTI may suit traders who prefer no-evaluation funding and unrestricted news trading. The better choice depends on your strategy, preferred platform, and risk rules.
City Traders Imperium is an established proprietary trading firm operating since 2018 with publicly disclosed legal entities, leadership, rules, and payout policies. However, CTI states that its trading skill assessments use simulated capital in a demo environment, so traders should review the current terms before purchasing a program.
13. Conclusion
The The5%ers vs City Traders Imperium comparison shows that both firms offer competitive funded trading paths, but they suit different types of traders. The5ers stands out for its wider program range, dedicated Futures offering, multiple platform options, and program-specific scaling models, while City Traders Imperium offers simpler funding routes, including Instant and Direct Funding, flexible news trading, and clear VIP profit-share progression.
There is no single best choice for every trader. The better prop firm depends on your preferred evaluation model, drawdown rules, platform, payout structure, scaling goals, and trading style. Always review the latest official terms before purchasing an account, because program rules and pricing can change.
For more side-by-side prop firm breakdowns, explore the Compare Prop Firms category on H2T Funding to compare funding programs, trading rules, payouts, platforms, and costs before choosing a firm.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or trading advice. Prop firm rules, fees, payouts, and program terms may change, so always verify the latest details directly with The5ers and City Traders Imperium before purchasing an account.
