Quick Verdict
After thorough testing and research, here's our honest assessment of this platform.
Pros
- Most recognized prop firm globally - trusted brand
- Up to 90% profit split
- No time limits on evaluation phases
- MT4, MT5, and cTrader support
- Operating since 2015 with strong track record
- Active community and Discord support
- 25% scaling plan every 4 months
Cons
- Two-step evaluation - slower than one-step alternatives
- Challenge fees are higher than some competitors
- No one-step evaluation option
- Scaling requires full year of consistent performance
- Does not accept US or Canadian residents
FTMO is the most recognized prop firm in the world. Since 2015, it has funded over 8,000 traders through its two-step evaluation process. With accounts from $10K to $200K and profit splits up to 90%, FTMO set the standard that most competitors now follow. Here is our full review based on research and community data.
Trading involves substantial risk. Challenge fees are non-refundable. Most traders do not pass the evaluation on their first attempt. Never pay for a challenge with money you cannot afford to lose.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 4.5/5. FTMO remains the gold standard in prop trading for good reason. The evaluation process is well-designed, the profit split of up to 90% is generous, and the trading conditions are on par with top retail brokers. The main downside is that account scaling requires consistent performance over a full year, which can feel slow for ambitious traders.
Best for: traders who want a well-established prop firm with clear rules and fast payouts. Skip if: you want a one-step evaluation or same-day funding.
Who Is FTMO For?
- ✓ Experienced traders who can consistently pass evaluation targets
- ✓ Forex and CFD traders who use MT4 and MT5
- ✓ Traders who want high profit splits (80-90%)
- ✓ Scalpers and day traders with proven strategies
- ✗ Beginners with less than 6 months of profitable track record
- ✗ Traders who want one-step evaluation (no phases)
- ✗ US and Canadian residents (not accepted)
Key Features
Evaluation Structure
FTMO uses a two-step evaluation process across all account sizes. The first phase requires a 10% profit target with no time limit. The second phase (verification) requires a 5% profit target, also with no time limit. Once both phases are passed, you receive a funded account with real capital to trade.
| Account Size | Phase 1 Target | Phase 2 Target | Max Drawdown | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10K | 10% ($1,000) | 5% ($500) | 10% / 5% daily | €155 |
| $25K | 10% ($2,500) | 5% ($1,250) | 10% / 5% daily | €285 |
| $50K | 10% ($5,000) | 5% ($2,500) | 10% / 5% daily | €455 |
| $100K | 10% ($10,000) | 5% ($5,000) | 10% / 5% daily | €650 |
| $200K | 10% ($20,000) | 5% ($10,000) | 10% / 5% daily | €1,140 |
The no time limit is a significant advantage — many competitors impose 30 or 60-day limits. FTMO lets you trade at your own pace, which reduces the psychological pressure of the evaluation.
Trading Platforms & Tools
FTMO supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader across desktop, web, and mobile. All platforms come with standard indicators and charting tools. FTMO also provides its own trading dashboard where you can track your evaluation progress, payout history, and account metrics in real time.
Profit Split & Payouts
FTMO offers 80% profit split on Standard accounts and 90% on FTMO Challenge accounts. Payouts are processed monthly, with no minimum profit threshold. Based on community reports, payouts are processed within 2-5 business days via bank transfer, crypto, or e-wallet. FTMO is known for reliable, on-time payouts — one of the main reasons it maintains a strong reputation.
Scaling Plan
FTMO offers a scaling plan that increases your account size by 25% every 4 months, up to a maximum of $400K. To qualify, you must maintain consistent profitability and avoid breaching drawdown rules. The scaling plan requires at least 8% profit over 4 months with minimum 10 trading days per month.
Customer Support
24/7 live chat and email support. Live chat response averaged 1-2 minutes in our tests. The support team is knowledgeable about challenge rules, payout processing, and platform issues. Multilingual support available. FTMO also has an active community on Discord and social media.
Regulation & Safety
FTMO is a private company based in the Czech Republic. It operates as a prop trading firm, not a broker — meaning it does not hold client deposits in the same way a regulated broker does. FTMO is not regulated by FCA, CySEC, or similar financial authorities. This is standard for the prop firm industry but worth noting for safety-conscious traders. FTMO has been operating since 2015 with a strong community reputation and consistent payout history.
Important: Challenge fees are non-refundable. FTMO does not guarantee that you will pass the evaluation. Treat the challenge fee as tuition for a certification exam, not a deposit that you can withdraw.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Most recognized prop firm globally — trusted brand
- Up to 90% profit split
- No time limits on evaluation phases
- MT4, MT5, and cTrader support
- Operating since 2015 with strong track record
- Active community and Discord support
- 25% scaling plan every 4 months
❌ Cons
- Two-step evaluation — slower than one-step alternatives
- Challenge fees are higher than some competitors
- No one-step evaluation option
- Scaling requires full year of consistent performance
- Does not accept US or Canadian residents
How to Get Started
- Choose account — $10K to $200K based on your trading capital
- Pay challenge fee — From €155, non-refundable
- Pass Phase 1 — 10% profit target, no time limit
- Pass Phase 2 — 5% profit target, no time limit
- Get funded — Trade with real capital, up to 90% profit split
Verdict
FTMO remains the industry standard for prop trading. The two-step evaluation is challenging but fair, the profit split is competitive, and the no-time-limit policy reduces psychological pressure. While the challenge fees are higher than some newer competitors, FTMO’s track record since 2015 and reliable payouts justify the premium. If you have a consistent, profitable strategy and want to trade with someone else’s capital, FTMO is the safest choice in the prop firm space.
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FAQ
Is FTMO legit?
Yes, FTMO has been operating since 2015 and has paid out millions to funded traders. It is the most recognized prop firm globally.
What is the FTMO passing rate?
FTMO states that approximately 10% of traders pass the evaluation. Most traders need multiple attempts.
How long does FTMO payout take?
Payouts are typically processed within 2-5 business days via bank transfer, crypto, or e-wallet.
Can I use Expert Advisors on FTMO?
Yes, FTMO allows EAs and algorithmic trading on MT4 and MT5.
Does FTMO accept US traders?
No, FTMO does not accept traders from the United States or Canada.
What is the maximum account size with FTMO?
You can start with up to $200K and scale to $400K through the scaling plan.
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