FTMO is widely regarded as one of the most trusted and popular proprietary trading firms in the industry.
Established in 2015 in Prague, Czech Republic, FTMO has experienced rapid growth. So much so that, in 2025, it acquired Oanda, the New York-based forex broker, solidifying its position as a major player in the market.
FTMO’s unique three-step challenge is designed to rigorously assess traders, ensuring only the most skilled are selected for funding. It’s a process that’s earned the firm a strong reputation for fostering disciplined, successful traders.
The Challenge
FTMO’s three-step challenge is designed to test a trader’s consistency and discipline. To begin, traders must achieve a 10% profit target in the FTMO Challenge, while ensuring they don’t exceed a 5% daily drawdown or a 10% total drawdown. The trader must also meet the requirement to trade a minimum number of days.
Once the Challenge is passed, traders move on to the Verification stage, where the goal is to reach a 5% profit while still maintaining the same drawdown limits. Again, traders are required to trade for a set minimum number of days.
Finally, upon completing both the Challenge and Verification, traders are granted a live simulated FTMO account. At this stage, there is no specific profit target; instead, the focus shifts to consistent profitability. However, traders must continue to manage their risk by adhering to the same drawdown limits. Successful traders can enjoy a profit split of up to 90%.
Funded Accounts & Fees
After successfully completing the valuation process, traders are granted access to a funded account, allowing them to trade with simulated capital. Profit splits are offered to reward traders for their success, with payouts designed to favour those who maintain consistent performance and adhere to disciplined risk management.
FTMO offers traders five account sizes: $10k, $25k, $50k, $100k, and $200k. Each account comes with a drawdown limit of 10% and a profit target of 15%, to be achieved over two stages. The cost to participate in the FTMO Challenge varies based on the selected account size. For instance, the €10,000 account is priced at €89, while the €25,000 account costs €250. The largest account of $200k will set you back €1,080. These fees cover both the Challenge and Verification stages and are fully refunded upon successful completion with the first reward withdrawal from your FTMO Account.
FTMO offers two account types: Standard and Swing. For Swing accounts, leverage is set at 1:30, and traders have the flexibility to hold trades overnight and over the weekend, offering more opportunities for longer-term strategies.
Risk Management & Structure
FTMO’s risk rules are straightforward: a 10% overall drawdown limit and a 5% daily drawdown limit. For instance, if you’re trading a $10k account, your maximum daily loss would be $500, and the total maximum loss is $1,000. If you breach these risk rules, your account will be automatically terminated.
FTMO applies a fixed drawdown rule, where the maximum allowable loss is determined by the initial account balance and remains constant, regardless of account performance.
Trading Platforms
FTMO offers clients a selection of four trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, and DXtrade. However, TradingView is not among the available options.
Each platform provides different features to meet various trading needs. For example, cTrader is known for its modern interface and advanced charting tools, making it suitable for both manual and algorithmic trading. DXtrade, on the other hand, is a cloud-based platform that allows access from various devices without the need for installation.
Educational Support & Community
FTMO has an educational platform called FTMO Academy, designed to help traders enhance their skills and knowledge. Whether you’re new to trading or already have experience, the Academy offers structured courses to suit various levels of expertise.
The Academy covers a range of topics, starting with the basics of financial markets and trading terminology, then progressing into more advanced concepts such as technical and fundamental analysis. It also provides insights into the FTMO evaluation process, helping traders understand how to pass the FTMO Challenge and Verification stages successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch between account sizes during the FTMO Challenge?
Once you’ve selected your account size at the start of the FTMO Challenge, you cannot change it until you pass the Challenge and enter the Verification stage.
How does FTMO determine the profit split on funded accounts?
The profit split varies depending on the trader’s performance. FTMO offers a 70% profit share for consistent traders, with potential increases based on trading performance over time.
Can I use automated trading systems (EA) on FTMO accounts?
FTMO permits the use of Expert Advisors (EAs) on their accounts, but they must comply with FTMO’s risk management rules and avoid excessive trading volume or risky strategies.
What happens if I breach the FTMO risk rules during the Challenge?
If you breach the risk rules during the Challenge, your account will be automatically terminated, and you will need to restart the process with a new Challenge.
How long does it take to get paid?
FTMO processes withdrawal requests promptly, with the time taken varying based on the chosen payment method. Bank transfers typically take 2 to 5 business days, depending on the country and bank involved.