FTMO review: is it worth it for scaling traders

FTMO operates a challenge-based proprietary trading model. You pay an upfront fee, meet a 10% profit target, and adhere to defined risk limits. If you succeed, you gain access to a funded account with a maximum size of $200,000 and a 90% profit split. Account sizes range from $10,000 to $200,000, and there are two challenge formats: 1-Step (single evaluation) and 2-Step (evaluation plus verification).

This analysis is based on verified public rules, official pricing pages, and platform support. FTMO provides access to Forex, Crypto, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, and Options through trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. Traders must comply with a 5% daily drawdown limit and a 10% maximum drawdown. There is no time limit to complete the challenge.

Quick Verdict

Choose FTMO if you can meet a strict 10% profit target within a 5% daily loss limit and prefer a 90% profit split on a funded account.

Best for:

• Traders in eligible countries
• Those comfortable with tight daily drawdown rules
• Scalp and swing traders targeting mid-sized accounts ($10K–$200K)
• Traders seeking a 90% profit share after passing the challenge

Avoid if:

• You need leverage above 1:100
• You prefer no upfront challenge fee
• You are located in restricted jurisdictions (e.g., Venezuela, Cuba, Sudan, and others)
• You cannot accept mandatory challenge rules with no exceptions

Main pros:

• Five account tiers provide flexibility in starting capital
• Competitive 90% profit split for a challenge-based model
• Two challenge options (1-Step and 2-Step) allow for different risk approaches
• Unlimited free trials are available to test the platform
• Funded accounts receive a 25% balance boost every four active months
• Multiple payout methods, including bank wire and cryptocurrency

Main cons:

• Mandatory challenge completion; no alternative pathways
• A restrictive daily drawdown cap (5%) compared to some competitors
• Upfront fees are required, irrespective of trading results
• Restricted to eligible countries only

Pricing and rules snapshot:

• 1-Step Challenge: €79 ($10K account) to €999 ($200K account)
• 2-Step Challenge: €89 ($10K account) to €1,080 ($200K account)
• Profit target: 10% of the initial account balance
• Daily drawdown limit: 5%
• Maximum drawdown limit: 10%
• Profit split: 90% to the trader (on 2-Step challenges via scaling plan)
• Maximum leverage: 1:100
• Platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader

Last verified: January 2025.

Source confidence: High. Pricing, account sizes, leverage, and rule limits are sourced from FTMO's official website and published catalog data. Payout methods and award mentions are based on the same official sources. Restricted countries and balance boost details are documented in firm materials.

Pricing and Account Sizes

FTMO offers five funded account tiers, each available through two challenge formats. The 1-Step Challenge consists of a single evaluation phase, while the 2-Step Challenge includes a verification phase after the initial stage. Both formats follow the same trading rules.

The 2-Step format requires a higher upfront fee but allows for risk management across two phases. Some traders prefer it, while others see it as extra cost for the same outcome. Passing either leads to a funded account.

Challenge fees can be paid through various methods, including credit and debit cards, cryptocurrency, e-wallets (Skrill, Apple Pay, Google Pay), PayPal, and Revolut Pay.

FTMO also provides unlimited free trials for traders wanting to explore the platform and rules before making a payment.

Evaluation and Trading Rules

All FTMO challenges—regardless of account size or format—enforce a consistent ruleset. You must hit a 10% profit target based on your starting account balance. There is no time limit for completing the challenge, allowing you to trade at your pace.

The 1-Step Challenge requires reaching the 10% profit target in one phase. Successfully passing this phase leads to a funded account.

The 2-Step Challenge requires the same 10% target in the first phase, followed by a verification phase to demonstrate trading consistency before funding is confirmed.

If you fail to meet the 10% target or violate the drawdown rules (detailed below), you must purchase a new challenge attempt. There are no exceptions or alternative pathways to obtaining funding.

Drawdown and Risk Rules

Strict drawdown limits are enforced during the challenge.

Daily Drawdown Limit: 5%
You cannot lose more than 5% of your starting balance in a single day. Once you hit a 5% loss, no further trading is allowed that day.

Maximum Drawdown Limit: 10%
Your account value can’t drop more than 10% from its highest peak. If this limit is breached, the challenge concludes, and you must restart.

These limits are tighter than the profit target, meaning the daily cap often restricts trading before the maximum drawdown is fully utilized. Traders must factor in this constraint when determining position sizes.

Payouts and Profit Split

Upon funding, you retain 90% of earnings in your account. Payouts are processed via bank wire, cryptocurrency, and card transfers, with frequency unspecified beyond being processing for active accounts.

Funded accounts receive an additional incentive: a 25% balance boost every four active trading months. This boost enhances your account balance by 25% automatically if you maintain consistent trading activity, presenting opportunities for compounding growth.

The 90% profit split is applicable to traders on the 2-Step Challenge through FTMO's scaling plan. Traders are encouraged to verify the specific profit split terms for their desired account tier and challenge format before payment.

Platforms and Instruments

FTMO allows trading through three platforms:

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
• MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
• cTrader

All accounts and instruments have a maximum leverage of 1:100.

Asset classes available include:

• Forex
• Cryptocurrencies
• Indices
• Commodities and Metals
• Cash CFDs
• Equities and Equity CFDs
• Exotics
• Futures
• Options

This diversity offers traders an opportunity to expand their strategies beyond single-asset approaches. All positions are still subject to the same 5% daily and 10% maximum drawdown limits.

Restrictions and Eligibility

FTMO does not accept traders from jurisdictions such as Venezuela, Cuba, Sudan, Ukraine, Australia, Pakistan, Iran, Syria, and North Korea. It is advisable to confirm your country’s eligibility before registering or paying a challenge fee.

Recognition and Awards

In 2024, FTMO received industry accolades, including "Forbes" and "FMLS Best Prop Trading Firm/Provider" awards. In 2023, the firm was recognized in the "Deloitte Fast 50" and earned the "FMLS Best Prop Trading Firm/Provider" title. Such recognitions highlight the firm's operational scale and maturity in the proprietary trading sector but do not guarantee trading profits or account security.

Key Takeaways

• FTMO's challenge model requires a 10% profit target, 5% daily loss limit, and 10% maximum drawdown—no exceptions.
• Five account sizes ($10K–$200K) and two challenge formats (1-Step, 2-Step) offer flexible entry and evaluation options.
• The competitive 90% profit split on funded accounts includes a 25% balance boost every four months.
• Upfront fees are non-refundable; failed challenges necessitate a new payment for retry.
• Availability is limited to traders in non-restricted jurisdictions; verify eligibility prior to applying.

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