FTMO

FTMO is the safe default for forex and CFD traders who want clear rules and a long track record. The Prague firm has operated since 2015. Its 2-Step Challenge uses a static 10% max loss and a refundable fee. The newer 1-Step is faster but stricter, with a 3% daily limit and a trailing max loss. Fees are charged in euros, and funded Standard accounts carry news and weekend limits. Read those limits before you choose an account type.

Programs and prices

FTMO sells two evaluation paths for CFD traders: the 2-Step FTMO Challenge and the 1-Step FTMO Challenge. Both come in five account sizes from $10,000 to $200,000. Account sizes are quoted in US dollars, but the fees are charged in euros.

2-Step Challenge fees (refundable):

• $10,000 account: €89
• $25,000 account: €250
• $50,000 account: €345
• $100,000 account: €540
• $200,000 account: €1,080

1-Step Challenge fees (non-refundable):

• $10,000 account: €79
• $25,000 account: €199
• $50,000 account: €319
• $100,000 account: €499
• $200,000 account: €999

Which path fits depends on how you trade. The 2-Step gives you more room: a 5% daily limit and a fixed floor. It also takes longer, with two phases and at least four trading days in each. The 1-Step gets you funded in one phase, but most of its rules are tighter. The 1-Step costs a little less at every size. The 2-Step returns its fee once you are funded and paid, so its true cost is lower if you succeed. FTMO also runs a separate futures product, which this review does not cover.

Trading rules

The two paths share a 10% max loss, but they measure it differently. That single difference matters more than the price gap. FTMO publishes the full wording on its Trading Objectives page.

2-Step Challenge rules

• Profit target: 10% in the Challenge phase, then 5% in the Verification phase.
• Maximum daily loss: 5% of initial capital. The limit is reset at 00:00 CE(S)T from that day's starting balance.
• Maximum loss: 10%, static. On a $100,000 account, equity must stay above $90,000 at all times.
• Minimum trading days: 4 in each phase. A trading day counts when you open at least one position.
• Time limit: none.

1-Step Challenge rules

• Profit target: 10% in one phase.
• Maximum daily loss: 3% of initial capital, reset at 00:00 CE(S)T from that day's starting balance.
• Maximum loss: 10%, end-of-day trailing. FTMO takes the highest balance recorded at 00:00 CE(S)T and subtracts 10% of initial capital. The floor only moves up.
• Best Day Rule: for orders created on or after 12 October 2026, your best day can be no more than 50% of total profit. Older orders use a legacy version based on positive days' profit.
• Minimum trading days and time limit: none.

The trailing floor on the 1-Step means early profits raise your loss limit. If you grow a $100,000 account to $105,000 at the daily snapshot, your new floor is $95,000. Our trailing vs static drawdown guide explains the effect in more detail, and the drawdown calculator lets you test your own numbers.

News and weekend rules

During the Challenge and Verification, you can trade news and hold positions over the weekend. The limits start on the funded FTMO Account, and they depend on the account type.

• Standard account: no orders, including stop losses and take profits, from 2 minutes before to 2 minutes after selected news releases. The block only applies to affected symbols. Positions must also be closed before market breaks longer than two hours, such as weekends.
• Swing account: no news restriction and weekend holding allowed. Swing is an option on the 2-Step; it is not offered on the 1-Step.

The exact news policy is in FTMO's news trading FAQ.

Payouts and profit split

FTMO pays on request rather than on a fixed cycle. You can submit your first reward claim on the 14th day after your first trade on the funded account. All positions must be closed first.

• Review time: FTMO says it reviews claims within 1-2 business days.
• Payment time: the reward is typically sent 1-2 business days after the invoice is approved.
• 2-Step split: 80% by default, rising to 90% if you meet Scaling Plan or Premium Programme conditions.
• 1-Step split: 90% from the start.
• Methods: bank wire, Visa Direct or Mastercard Send, Skrill and cryptocurrency, each with its own limits.

The split gap narrows the 1-Step's disadvantage. You pay a non-refundable fee, but you keep 90% of simulated profits from day one. On the 2-Step, the refund comes back with your first reward. Details are on FTMO's withdrawal FAQ. Use our profit calculator to compare what each split means at your target size.

Platforms and instruments

FTMO supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader and TradingView. You pick the platform in the Challenge configurator. Switching later is possible only under conditions set out in FTMO's FAQ.

Tradable markets include forex, indices, commodities, stocks and crypto CFDs. FTMO's FAQ says you can trade all instruments on your platform, with the full list on its Symbols page. Expert advisors are allowed. Platform servers cap open orders at 200 at a time and positions at 2,000 per day. FTMO also warns that shared third-party EAs can breach its capital allocation rule.

Who it suits / who should skip

FTMO suits you if

• You want a static max loss that does not move as you profit. The 2-Step gives you that.
• You trade with patience. There is no time limit on either path.
• You hold trades over news or weekends and can pick the Swing account on the 2-Step.
• You want to choose between four major platforms and use EAs.

Consider skipping if

• You want to pay in US dollars. Fees are charged in euros, so your card may add a conversion cost.
• You trade large days. The 1-Step's 3% daily limit and 50% Best Day Rule punish uneven results.
• You want weekly payouts on a set schedule. FTMO pays on request after a 14-day wait for the first claim.
• You want a cheap entry. Firms like FundedNext start lower in dollar terms.

Still deciding? Put FTMO side by side with other firms on our comparison page.

Discount

FTMO is running a 19% discount on the 100K FTMO Challenge. It applies automatically at checkout, so you do not need a code. FTMO's homepage says the special deal "is still available" but gives no end date. Check the final price in the configurator before you pay. See every live offer on our prop firm discounts page.

FAQ

Is the FTMO 2-Step fee refundable?

Yes. FTMO lists the 2-Step fee as 100% refundable, and it is returned with your first reward. The 1-Step fee is non-refundable.

How is the FTMO daily loss calculated?

FTMO resets the limit at 00:00 CE(S)T. It takes that day's starting balance and subtracts 5% (2-Step) or 3% (1-Step) of initial capital. Our daily loss limit guide walks through examples.

Can I trade news during the FTMO Challenge?

Yes. News restrictions do not apply in the Challenge or Verification. They apply only on a funded Standard account, where orders are blocked 2 minutes either side of selected releases.

When can I request my first FTMO payout?

On the 14th day after your first trade on the funded account, or any day after. FTMO then reviews the claim in 1-2 business days.

Rules and prices were checked against FTMO's official website on 3 November 2026 and can change at any time. Confirm current terms on ftmo.com before you buy. FundedKings may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure. This review is educational, not financial advice; trading involves risk.