Payout Eligibility & Timing
Minimum Requirements:
- ✅ 14 calendar days from your first trade on the FTMO Account
- ✅ Account must be in profit (above initial balance)
- ✅ No open positions or pending orders at request time
- ✅ No breaches of Maximum Loss or Maximum Daily Loss
- ✅ FTMO Identity (KYC) completed and approved
Payout Frequency: Bi-weekly after initial 14-day minimum
Processing Time: Average 8 hours (FTMO's stated average)
Payment Methods: Bank Wire Transfer, Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, USDT, etc.), Rise (payment platform), Skrill, Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Fee Refund Timing: Your 2-Step challenge fee is added to your FIRST payout automatically.
Funded Account Risk Limits
The same Maximum Loss and Maximum Daily Loss rules from your evaluation continue on funded accounts:
| Rule | Standard Account | Swing Account |
|---|---|---|
| Max Loss | 10% of initial balance | 10% of initial balance |
| Max Daily Loss | 5% from previous day close | 5% from previous day close |
| News Trading | ❌ Restricted | ✅ Allowed |
| Weekend Holding | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed (2+ hrs past close) |
| Leverage | 1:100 (forex) | 1:30 (forex) |
Critical Warning: Violating Maximum Loss or Maximum Daily Loss instantly terminates your FTMO Account. There are no warnings, no grace periods, no appeals. Once breached, the account is closed permanently.
This strict enforcement means:
- Set stop losses religiously
- Never hold overnight if you're close to daily loss limit
- Account for weekend gap risk if using Swing account
- Size positions conservatively relative to account size
Account Merging & Maximum Allocation
FTMO allows traders to run multiple funded accounts simultaneously and merge them for larger capital allocation.
Maximum Total Allocation: $400,000 per trader (across all merged accounts)
Merging Process:
- Pass multiple challenges (e.g., two $100K accounts + two $100K accounts)
- Get funded on all four accounts
- Request merge through Client Area
- FTMO consolidates into single $400K account
Why Merge?
- Simplifies trading (one account vs managing multiple)
- Enables strategies requiring larger position sizes
- Easier tracking of overall performance
- Qualifies you for premium services (explained below)
Restriction: You cannot merge Standard and Swing accounts. All accounts in a merge must be the same type.
Scaling Plan Explained
FTMO's Scaling Plan is one of the most attractive features for consistent traders, offering a clear path from $100K to $2 million in virtual capital.
How Scaling Works
Every 4 months, FTMO evaluates whether you qualify for an account balance increase. If you meet criteria, your account receives a 25% boost to its initial balance.
Example Progression:
- Month 0: Start with $100,000 account
- Month 4: Scale to $125,000 (if qualified)
- Month 8: Scale to $150,000 (if qualified)
- Month 12: Scale to $175,000 (if qualified)
- Continue up to $2,000,000 maximum
Note: The 25% increase is applied to your initial balance each cycle, not compounded. So a $100K account grows by $25K each time, not 25% of current balance.
Scaling Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for scaling at the end of a 4-month cycle, you must achieve ALL of the following:
1. Minimum Time: At least 4 calendar months since account activation
2. Net Profit: Achieve at least 10% net profit over the 4-month period
- Example: $100K account must grow to at least $110K
- This works out to ~2.5% average monthly return
3. Processed Payouts: Receive at least 2 reward payouts during the 4 months
- Proves you're actively trading and requesting withdrawals
- Not just holding one profitable position for months
4. Positive Balance: Account must be in profit at the time of scaling review
- If you hit 10% during month 3 but drop to break-even by month 4, you don't qualify
Scaling Benefits
Benefit #1: Increased Balance (+25%)
Your account balance increases by 25% of the original size. Risk limits (Maximum Loss and Maximum Daily Loss) scale proportionally.
Example:
- Original: $100,000 account (Max Loss: $10K, Daily Loss: $5K)
- After Scaling: $125,000 account (Max Loss: $12.5K, Daily Loss: $6.25K)
Benefit #2: Profit Split Upgrade (80% → 90%)
Once you scale up, your profit split increases from 80% to 90% permanently for all future payouts.
Benefit #3: Continued Growth
Scaling isn't a one-time event. As long as you continue meeting criteria every 4 months, your account keeps growing:
| Cycle | Account Balance | Max Loss | Daily Loss | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | $100,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | 80% |
| 4mo | $125,000 | $12,500 | $6,250 | 90% |
| 8mo | $150,000 | $15,000 | $7,500 | 90% |
| 12mo | $175,000 | $17,500 | $8,750 | 90% |
| 16mo | $200,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 | 90% |
| ...continues to $2M max | ... | ... | ... | 90% |
Scaling Plan Limitations
Maximum Cap: $2,000,000
Standard FTMO Accounts can scale up to $2 million total. Aggressive risk accounts cap at $1 million.
No Acceleration:
You cannot skip cycles or fast-track scaling. Must wait full 4 months between each evaluation.
Performance Required:
If you have a losing month or don't meet 10% cumulative profit, your scaling clock resets. You'll need another full 4-month period of meeting criteria.
Merged Account Complications:
When merging accounts, profit split may revert to 80% depending on whether both accounts were scaled. Always verify impact before merging.
Trading Tools & Technology
FTMO differentiates itself through proprietary analytical tools designed to improve trader performance. These tools are exclusive to FTMO clients.
1. Account MetriX
Purpose: Real-time performance tracking and risk monitoring
Account MetriX is FTMO's flagship analytics platform, providing comprehensive insights into your trading activity.
Key Features:
- Live P&L Tracking: Monitor profits, losses, and equity in real-time
- Risk Dashboards: Visual display of Maximum Loss and Daily Loss proximity
- Trade Statistics: Win rate, average trade duration, best/worst pairs
- Performance Charts: Equity curves, drawdown graphs, monthly returns
- Objective Progress: Clear indication of challenge/verification status
- Historical Analysis: Review past trades and identify improvement areas
Why It Matters: Most traders fail not from lack of strategy but from poor risk awareness. MetriX surfaces problems before they become account-ending breaches.
Access: Available via web browser (Client Area) and mobile apps
2. Mentor App
Purpose: Proactive risk management and trading discipline
The Mentor App acts as a digital risk manager, alerting you when approaching dangerous risk levels.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Alerts: Notifications when nearing daily/max loss limits
- Position Size Calculator: Suggests safe lot sizes based on current balance
- Risk Analysis: Shows consequences of opening positions at current risk
- Daily Briefing: Morning summary of your risk budget for the day
- Goal Setting: Set personal objectives beyond FTMO's minimum requirements
- Mobile Integration: Push notifications to your phone
Example Use Case: You've lost 3% today. Mentor App sends a notification: "You have 2% remaining of your 5% daily limit. Reduce position sizes or stop trading." This prevents emotional "revenge trading" that often breaches accounts.
3. Trading Journal
Purpose: Systematic trade documentation and improvement tracking
FTMO's built-in journal automatically logs all trades and enables manual annotation.
Key Features:
- Automated Logging: Every trade captured with entry/exit, P&L, duration
- Manual Notes: Add context (why you entered, what you saw, mistakes made)
- Tag System: Label trades by setup type, timeframe, or strategy
- Review Tools: Filter trades by profitability, pair, or date range
- Export Options: Download trade history for external analysis
Why It's Valuable: Self-awareness separates winning traders from repeat failers. The journal forces post-trade analysis rather than just "moving on" to the next setup.
4. Statistical Application
Purpose: Deep-dive analytics on trading patterns
Beyond basic metrics, the Statistical App provides granular analysis of your performance.
Metrics Tracked:
- Win/loss ratio by pair, timeframe, session
- Average risk-to-reward ratio
- Time-of-day performance patterns
- Hold time distributions
- Profit factor by instrument
- Correlation of trades (are you overexposed to similar pairs?)
How Traders Use This: Identify which pairs you trade best, which sessions are most profitable, and where your edge truly exists. Often reveals surprising insights (e.g., "I make money on GBP/USD but consistently lose on EUR/JPY").
5. Equity Simulator
Purpose: Predictive analysis of position risk
Before opening a trade, simulate its impact on your account.
How It Works:
- Input proposed position (pair, lot size, direction)
- Simulator shows how your equity will move with price changes
- Displays proximity to Maximum Loss and Daily Loss limits
- Suggests stop loss placement to stay within risk parameters
Example: You want to trade 5 lots of EUR/USD with 50-pip stop. Simulator shows this risks $2,500. If you're already down $3,000 today, simulator warns: "Opening this position leaves $500 buffer before breaching daily limit. Reduce size to 2 lots."
6. Calculators & Utilities
FTMO provides several quick-reference calculators:
Pip Calculator
- Converts pip movements to dollar value
- Accounts for different lot sizes and pairs
Margin Calculator
- Shows required margin for a position
- Helps avoid over-leveraging
Position Size Calculator
- Input your risk per trade (e.g., $500)
- Calculator suggests appropriate lot size
News Indicator (MT4/MT5 Plugin)
- Overlays economic calendar on charts
- Highlights high-impact news times
- Helps avoid restricted trading windows (for funded Standard Accounts)
Platforms & Execution
FTMO supports four trading platforms, giving traders flexibility to use familiar tools.
Supported Platforms
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
Overview: The industry standard for forex trading since 2005
Strengths:
- Largest library of indicators and Expert Advisors
- Simple, proven interface familiar to millions
- Extensive community support and tutorials
- Low system requirements (runs on older computers)
Limitations:
- Only 9 timeframes vs MT5's 21
- Fewer built-in indicators than MT5
- No depth of market view
Best For: Traders with existing MT4 EAs, those who prioritize simplicity, beginners
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
Overview: MetaQuotes' next-generation platform with enhanced features
Strengths:
- 21 timeframes for granular analysis
- Built-in economic calendar
- More order types (Buy Stop Limit, Sell Stop Limit)
- Depth of market (DOM) view
- Better backtesting functionality
Limitations:
- Smaller EA marketplace than MT4
- Slightly more complex interface
- Higher system requirements
Best For: Technical analysts, multi-timeframe traders, those wanting advanced charting
cTrader
Overview: Modern platform with institutional-grade execution
Strengths:
- Clean, intuitive interface (easier than MT4/5 for beginners)
- Level II pricing transparency
- Faster order execution
- Advanced charting with 50+ indicators
- Quick position modification (drag stop loss on chart)
Limitations:
- Smaller community than MetaTrader platforms
- Fewer third-party tools available
- Less familiar to most traders
Best For: Scalpers prioritizing execution speed, traders who want modern UI
DXtrade
Overview: Web and mobile-focused platform for contemporary traders
Strengths:
- No download required (fully web-based)
- Mobile-optimized design
- Social trading integration
- Clean, minimal interface
- Cross-device synchronization
Limitations:
- Fewer advanced features than desktop platforms
- Limited customization options
- Smaller indicator library
Best For: Mobile traders, those who trade from multiple devices, minimalist preferences
Platform Comparison Table
| Feature | MT4 | MT5 | cTrader | DXtrade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timeframes | 9 | 21 | 14 | 12 |
| EA Support | ✅ Extensive | ✅ Growing | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ None |
| Mobile App | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Web Version | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Native |
| Execution Speed | Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Moderate | Easy | Easy |
| Depth of Market | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Execution Quality
Spreads: Raw ECN spreads starting from 0.0 pips on major pairs
Commission: $3 per lot (round turn) for forex
Slippage: Minimal on standard market conditions (FTMO uses LMAX liquidity)
Order Types Supported:
- Market execution
- Limit orders
- Stop orders
- Stop-limit orders (MT5, cTrader)
- Trailing stops
No Dealing Desk: FTMO accounts connect to liquidity providers directly, ensuring fair pricing without dealer intervention
FTMO Academy & Education
FTMO's commitment to trader development extends beyond capital provision through comprehensive educational resources.
FTMO Academy Structure
Format: Self-paced online courses, video lessons, written guides
Cost: Free for all FTMO clients (included with challenge purchase)
Topics Covered:
1. Trading Fundamentals
- Understanding forex, indices, commodities, stocks
- How leverage works and margin requirements
- Order types and execution mechanics
- Reading price charts and timeframes
2. Technical Analysis
- Support and resistance identification
- Trend analysis and pattern recognition
- Indicator usage (moving averages, RSI, MACD)
- Multi-timeframe analysis techniques
3. Risk Management
- Position sizing formulas
- Stop loss placement strategies
- Risk-to-reward ratio optimization
- Drawdown psychology and recovery
4. Trading Psychology
- Emotional control under pressure
- Dealing with losing streaks
- Avoiding revenge trading
- Building a trader's mindset
5. Strategy Development
- Creating rule-based trading systems
- Backtesting methodologies
- Forward testing approaches
- When to abandon vs refine a strategy
Live Webinars & Workshops
Frequency: Weekly sessions on various topics
Format: Live Q&A with successful FTMO traders and educators
Topics:
- Market analysis and trading ideas
- Strategy reviews and optimization
- Risk management deep-dives
- Platform tutorials (MT4, MT5, cTrader)
Access: Free for all challenge participants and funded traders
Performance Coaching (Premium)
For traders seeking personalized guidance, FTMO offers one-on-one performance coaching.
What Coaches Provide:
- Review of your trading history and statistics
- Identification of strengths and weaknesses
- Customized improvement plan
- Ongoing mentorship and accountability
Eligibility: Typically available to funded FTMO traders
Cost: Varies by coaching package (contact FTMO support for details)
Community & Discord
FTMO Discord Server: Active community with 50,000+ members
Channels Include:
- Trade idea sharing
- Strategy discussions
- Platform support
- Success stories
- Challenge progress updates
Moderation: Monitored by FTMO staff to maintain quality
Value: Connect with traders at similar skill levels, get questions answered by those who've passed, find accountability partners
Payout Process & Verification
Understanding how payouts work ensures you can access your rewards without delays or surprises.
Step-by-Step Payout Process
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
- ✅ 14 calendar days minimum since first trade on FTMO Account
- ✅ Account in profit (above initial balance)
- ✅ No open positions or pending orders
- ✅ No Maximum Loss or Daily Loss violations
- ✅ FTMO Identity (KYC) completed
Step 2: Request Payout
- Log into Client Area
- Navigate to "Rewards" section
- Click "Request Reward"
- Select preferred payment method
- Confirm withdrawal amount
Step 3: FTMO Review
- Automated system checks compliance with rules
- Trades are reviewed for prohibited strategies (arbitrage, latency)
- Typically completed within 1-2 business days
Step 4: Payment Processing
- Once approved, payment is initiated
- Average processing time: 8 hours (FTMO's stated metric)
- Funds arrive via your chosen payment method
Step 5: Next Trading Cycle
- Your account balance resets to initial amount
- You continue trading with same risk limits
- Eligible for next payout after 14 days (bi-weekly cycle)
Payment Methods Available
| Method | Processing Time | Fees | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire | 1-5 business days | None (FTMO covered) | No minimum |
| Cryptocurrency | 1-24 hours | Network fees only | No minimum |
| Rise | 1-2 hours | Transaction fees apply | No minimum |
| Skrill | 1-24 hours | Transaction fees apply | No minimum |
| Wise | 1-2 business days | Transaction fees apply | No minimum |
Recommendation: Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, USDT) offers fastest processing for international traders. Bank wire works well for domestic transfers.
KYC (Know Your Customer) Verification
Before your first payout, you must complete FTMO Identity verification.
Required Documents:
- Government-Issued ID (passport, driver's license, national ID card)
- Proof of Address (utility bill, bank statement dated within 90 days)
- Selfie Verification (photo of you holding your ID)
Processing Time: 1-3 business days typically
Why Required: FTMO must comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. This is standard across all financial services.
One-Time Process: Once verified, you won't need to repeat KYC for future payouts (unless your information changes).
Common Payout Delays & How to Avoid Them
1. Open Positions at Request Time
- Issue: You request payout with trades still open
- Solution: Close all positions before requesting
- Tip: Set calendar reminder for payout day to plan exits
2. Incomplete KYC
- Issue: Missing documents or unclear photos
- Solution: Upload high-quality scans; ensure address documents are recent
- Tip: Complete KYC immediately after passing verification—don't wait until first payout
3. Rule Violations Under Review
- Issue: Automated system flags potential prohibited strategy
- Solution: Ensure your trading style matches evaluation phase; avoid last-minute strategy changes
- Tip: Consistent strategy between challenge and funded stage
4. Wrong Payment Method Details
- Issue: Typo in wallet address or bank info
- Solution: Triple-check details before submitting
- Tip: Test with small withdrawal first if possible
Advantages & Disadvantages
✅ Advantages
1. Industry Pioneer & Longest Track Record (2015)
FTMO's decade of operations provides confidence that newer firms can't match. Many prop firms launched 2020-2023 have already shut down—FTMO's longevity suggests sustainability.
2. Comprehensive Trader Development Ecosystem
Beyond capital, FTMO offers:
- FTMO Academy (self-paced education)
- Live webinars and workshops
- Performance coaching
- Proprietary analytics (MetriX, Mentor App, Statistical App)
- Active community (Discord, forums)
This positions FTMO as a career development platform, not just a funding provider.
3. Transparent, Time-Tested Evaluation Process
The 2-Step challenge model has been refined over 9+ years. Rules are clear, consistently enforced, and publicly documented. No "gotcha" clauses or arbitrary rejections.
4. Unlimited Time to Pass Challenges
No expiration dates on Challenge or Verification phases. This eliminates artificial pressure and allows swing traders to execute multi-week strategies without racing a clock.
5. Proven Scaling Path to $2 Million
The Scaling Plan provides a clear roadmap from $100K to $2M over multiple years, with automatic 90% profit split upgrade. This creates a legitimate career path for exceptional traders.
6. 24/7 Multilingual Support (16 Languages)
Support available around the clock in: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Czech, Polish, Hungarian, Romanian, Turkish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
7. Free Trial Before Paying
Test FTMO's platforms, rules, and interface with a Free Trial account before committing any money. This reduces buyer's regret and ensures the evaluation style fits your approach.
8. Verified Payout History & Transparency
Public payout certificates, third-party monitoring, and community verification confirm FTMO pays winners consistently. No evidence of withheld payouts or arbitrary disqualifications.
9. Multiple Platform Options
MT4, MT5, cTrader, and DXtrade support means you're not forced onto an unfamiliar platform. Use tools you already know.
10. No Hidden Fees or Recurring Charges
One-time challenge fee. No monthly subscriptions, no platform fees, no data fees, no inactivity charges.
❌ Disadvantages
1. Higher Entry Costs Than Competitors
FTMO's $10K challenge costs €155 (~$169), while competitors offer similar evaluations for €99-€129. The quality justifies the price, but budget-conscious traders may balk.
2. 80% Initial Profit Split (Not Market-Leading)
Starting at 80% is industry-standard but not exceptional. Competitors offer:
- FundedNext: 80-95%
- The5%ers: 100% (with scaling plan)
- TopstepTrader: 80-90%
FTMO requires scaling qualification to reach 90%, whereas some firms offer higher splits immediately.
3. No Instant Funding Option
Every trader must complete evaluation process—no shortcuts. Competitors like FundedNext offer instant funding for experienced traders willing to pay premium.
4. Weekend Holding Restrictions on Standard Funded Accounts
You CAN hold over weekends during challenges, but NOT on funded Standard accounts. This surprises many traders and conflicts with swing trading strategies.
Mitigation: Request Swing Account during KYC (allows weekend holds but reduces leverage to 1:30).
5. News Trading Restrictions on Standard Funded Accounts
Cannot trade 2 minutes before/after high-impact news on Standard accounts. This limits opportunities during major economic releases (NFP, FOMC, CPI).
Mitigation: Request Swing Account (removes news restriction).
6. 1-Step Challenge Fees Are NOT Refundable
The accelerated 1-Step model costs more AND doesn't refund your fee. This makes failure more expensive than the 2-Step model.
7. Not Available to U.S. Traders
FTMO does not accept participants from the United States due to regulatory complexities. U.S. traders must seek alternatives like TopstepTrader or TradeDay.
8. Scaling Requires 4-Month Minimum (No Fast-Track)
Even if you're wildly profitable in month 1, you must wait full 4 months for first scale-up. No acceleration for exceptional performers.
9. $400K Maximum Merged Allocation
You can't go beyond $400K in total allocated capital across multiple accounts. Competitors like The5%ers allow scaling to $4M+.
10. Strict Enforcement with No Appeals
Rule violations result in instant account termination with no warning, grace period, or appeal process. One mistake = account gone.
11. Limited Instrument Selection (vs Full Brokerages)
While FTMO offers forex, indices, commodities, stocks, and crypto CFDs, the selection is smaller than full retail brokers. Some exotic pairs or niche assets aren't available.
FTMO vs Competitors
Understanding how FTMO compares to other leading prop firms helps you choose the right platform.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | FTMO | FundedNext | The5%ers | TopstepTrader |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 | 2022 | 2016 | 2012 |
| Max Initial Account | $200,000 | $300,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 |
| Max Scaled Account | $2,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $150,000 |
| Profit Split (Initial) | 80% | 80-90% | 60-80% | 80% |
| Profit Split (Scaled) | 90% | 95% | 100% | 90% |
| Challenge Types | 2 (1-Step, 2-Step) | 4 (1-Step, 2-Step, Lite, Instant) | 3 options | 2 options |
| Time Limit | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None | ✅ Yes (30-90 days) |
| Fee Refund | ✅ Yes (2-Step) | ✅ Yes (most models) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekend Holding (Funded) | ⚠️ Swing only | ⚠️ Instant only | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| News Trading (Funded) | ⚠️ Swing only | ✅ Yes (40% rule) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade | MT4, MT5, cTrader, Match | MT4, MT5 | Proprietary + MT4/5 |
| Entry Cost (50K) | €345 (~$376) | $299 | $345 | $375 |
| Educational Resources | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Extensive | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Strong |
| Trader Tools | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best-in-class | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Strong |
| Community Size | 1.2M+ traders | 500K+ traders | 200K+ traders | 50K+ traders |
| U.S. Availability | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
FTMO's Competitive Position
Where FTMO Leads:
- Longest track record - 10 years vs competitors' 2-8 years
- Best trader tools - Account MetriX, Mentor App, Statistical App unmatched
- Strongest education - FTMO Academy is most comprehensive
- Largest community - 1.2M+ active traders provide peer support
- Platform variety - Four platforms vs competitors' 2-3
Where Competitors Win:
- Higher profit splits - FundedNext (95%), The5%ers (100%) beat FTMO's 90%
- Larger scale-up potential - FundedNext ($4M), The5%ers ($4M) vs FTMO ($2M)
- More challenge variety - FundedNext's 4 models vs FTMO's 2
- Lower entry costs - Some competitors offer $10K challenges for €99 vs FTMO's €155
- Fewer restrictions - Weekend/news trading allowed more broadly elsewhere
When to Choose FTMO Over Alternatives
Choose FTMO if you prioritize:
- ✅ Longevity & trust - You want established firm with proven payout history
- ✅ Education & development - You value learning resources and coaching
- ✅ Professional tools - You want best-in-class analytics and performance tracking
- ✅ Community support - You benefit from large, active trader community
- ✅ Clear career path - You want structured scaling to $2M over years
Choose Alternatives if you need:
- 🔄 Instant funding - Skip evaluations (FundedNext Instant)
- 🔄 Higher profit splits - 95-100% vs FTMO's 80-90% (FundedNext, The5%ers)
- 🔄 Larger scale-up - $4M+ vs FTMO's $2M (FundedNext, The5%ers)
- 🔄 Lower entry cost - Budget under €100 (various smaller firms)
- 🔄 U.S. availability - Based in America (TopstepTrader, TradeDay)
- 🔄 Fewer restrictions - Need weekend/news trading flexibility (The5%ers)
Who Should Choose FTMO
Ideal Candidate Profiles
1. Serious Career Traders
If you view trading as a long-term profession rather than side income, FTMO's comprehensive ecosystem supports career development. The scaling path to $2M, ongoing education, and performance coaching create a professional growth track.
2. Disciplined Risk Managers
FTMO rewards traders who respect rules meticulously. If you set stop losses religiously, never over-leverage, and prioritize capital preservation, FTMO's strict enforcement actually protects you from yourself.
3. Strategy-Focused Traders
If you trade a defined, rule-based strategy (not discretionary guessing), FTMO's unlimited time and minimal restrictions let you execute without artificial constraints.
4. Community-Oriented Learners
If you benefit from peer support, shared experiences, and collaborative learning, FTMO's 1.2M+ trader community and active Discord provide valuable connections.
5. Tool-Dependent Analysts
If you rely heavily on analytics, performance metrics, and data-driven improvement, FTMO's MetriX, Statistical App, and journaling tools are unmatched.
6. Patient, Long-Term Builders
If you're willing to take months to pass challenges and years to scale to $2M, FTMO's sustainable approach rewards consistency over lottery-ticket thinking.
❌ Poor Fit Profiles
1. Get-Rich-Quick Seekers
If you expect to pass in days and scale to millions in months, FTMO's methodical approach will frustrate you. This isn't a shortcut—it's a marathon.
2. Rule-Breaking Gamblers
If you regularly push drawdown limits, ignore stop losses, or trade emotionally, FTMO's strict enforcement will terminate your account quickly. Save your money.
3. Weekend Position Traders (Standard Account)
If your strategy requires holding positions through weekends and you won't accept Swing account limitations (1:30 leverage), FTMO's restrictions conflict with your approach.
4. News Event Traders (Standard Account)
If you specialize in trading major economic releases (NFP, FOMC, CPI), Standard account restrictions will hamper your edge. Swing account helps but reduces leverage.
5. U.S.-Based Traders
FTMO doesn't accept U.S. participants. If you're American, seek alternatives like TopstepTrader or TradeDay.
6. Budget-Constrained Beginners
If you can't afford to risk €155-€1,080 on an evaluation you might fail, FTMO's higher fees make it less accessible than budget-friendly competitors.
7. Instant Gratification Personalities
If you lack patience for two-phase evaluations, 14-day minimum payout waiting, and 4-month scaling cycles, you'll find FTMO tediously slow.