The FTMO FAQ Mega Guide (50+ Questions, 2026)

FTMO is a Prague-based forex and CFD prop trading firm that runs two evaluation paths - the 1-Step Challenge with a 90% profit split from day one and the classic 2-Step Challenge with an 80%-rising-to-90% Scaling Plan - across $10K to $200K account sizes on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. Founded in 2014, the firm posted $329M in revenue and $62M in net profit in 2024, acquired regulated forex broker OANDA in December 2025, relaunched US trading via OANDA-MT5 in August 2025, and opened the India market in December 2025. The single most important fact for any FTMO trader to understand: the 1-Step uses a 10% trailing end-of-day max loss with a 3% daily loss limit, while the 2-Step uses a 10% static max loss with a 5% daily loss limit. That drawdown style choice, more than anything else, determines which evaluation path fits your trading style.

This mega-FAQ pulls together 50+ of the most asked FTMO questions in one place, grouped by topic, so you can scan to the section you need or read the whole thing once for full coverage. Paul has traded FTMO for ~4 years and withdrawn $15K+ across multiple 1-Step Challenge accounts on Standard $50K and $100K sizes, every answer is grounded in either firm-published rules, verified May 2026 facts, or first-hand payout experience. For the deepest single-topic detail, follow the linked cluster pillars: the FTMO main review, the 1-Step vs 2-Step rules guide, the accounts and pricing guide, the platforms guide, the strategies guide, and the trust and payouts guide.

Account questions

What account types does FTMO offer?

FTMO offers two evaluation paths: the 1-Step Challenge and the classic 2-Step Challenge. Both lead to a funded FTMO Account where traders earn a profit split on real revenue. The 1-Step is single-phase with a 90% profit split from day one. The 2-Step has Phase 1, Phase 2 (Verification), and a funded stage with an 80% base split that scales to 90% via the Scaling Plan. The 2-Step is available in Standard and Swing variants; the 1-Step is Standard-only with no Swing option. Choose between them based on drawdown style preference and Swing requirement.

What account sizes does FTMO offer?

FTMO offers five account sizes across both 1-Step and 2-Step Challenges: $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, and $200K. The same sizes appear on Standard and Swing variants of the 2-Step, and on the Standard-only 1-Step. The $200K is marked "Best value" on the FTMO order screen. Maximum funded account size after the Scaling Plan is $2M total exposure across multiple accounts, with a per-single-account ceiling of $400K. Most Paul-tested setups have used the $50K and $100K Standard sizes, where the cost-to-headroom ratio balances best for serious evaluation traders.

What is the cheapest FTMO account?

The 1-Step $10K Challenge at €79 is the cheapest FTMO entry. The 1-Step is structurally cheaper than the 2-Step at every size because its tighter rules (3% daily loss limit, 10% trailing max loss) make it harder to pass. The 2-Step Standard $10K starts at €155 - nearly double the 1-Step price for the same account size but with more forgiving rules. For traders new to FTMO, the choice between the cheapest 1-Step entry and the 2-Step Standard at the same size is a trade-off between cost and rule difficulty.

What is the largest FTMO account?

The largest single-account size at FTMO is $200K, available on both 1-Step (€999) and 2-Step Standard or Swing variants (€1,080). After the Scaling Plan, the per-single-account ceiling rises to $400K and total exposure across multiple scaled accounts can reach $2M. The $200K size suits traders who already have a proven edge and want to deploy meaningful size from day one. For most evaluation traders, the $50K or $100K is the more sensible starting point - the $200K's higher fee makes the cost of failure significant.

What is the difference between Standard and Swing accounts?

Standard accounts restrict news trading on the live FTMO Account and forbid overnight or weekend position holding. Swing accounts allow news trading and overnight or weekend holds with no restrictions. Both share identical drawdown rules, profit targets, and pricing - Swing carries no price premium. Swing is only available on the 2-Step Challenge. The 1-Step Challenge does not offer a Swing variant. If you need to hold positions through Sunday gaps or trade through high-impact news, the 2-Step Swing is your only FTMO path.

Are FTMO challenge fees refundable?

Yes. FTMO refunds 100% of the initial challenge fee with the first reward withdrawal once you become funded and request your first payout. The refund arrives 1-2 business days after the withdrawal request and settles 1-5 business days depending on payment method. If you fail either phase of the 2-Step or breach the 1-Step, no refund is issued and you must pay again to retry. The fee-refund-on-first-payout structure means a successful trader's net cost of evaluation is effectively zero, which is one of FTMO's strongest economic features.

Can I run multiple FTMO accounts?

Yes. FTMO permits multiple accounts per trader, including parallel evaluations and parallel funded accounts. The Scaling Plan caps total exposure at $2M across all accounts. Coordinated trading between FTMO accounts (hedging to lock risk-free profits, copy trading across your own accounts to amplify positions) is prohibited under the prohibited strategies rule. Legitimate diversification across sizes or strategies on separate accounts is allowed. Many traders run a 1-Step and a 2-Step Swing in parallel to cover both intraday and overnight strategies.

Can I switch account sizes mid-evaluation?

No mid-evaluation size changes are permitted on either 1-Step or 2-Step Challenges. To trade a different size, traders open a new Challenge at the desired size and let the existing one run its course (pass, fail, or breach). The flexibility to run multiple accounts in parallel partially compensates for this rigidity. This is consistent across the prop trading category - mid-flight size changes would compromise the evaluation integrity.

What payment methods does FTMO accept for purchase?

FTMO accepts credit cards, debit cards, bank transfer, and select cryptocurrency methods at signup, varying by jurisdiction. Following the OANDA acquisition, US-based traders sign up via the OANDA-FTMO US entity flow, which uses standard US payment rails. EU traders use the standard FTMO checkout. The fee refund accompanies the first payout via the same method selected at signup, so trader cash flow is symmetric on the way in and out.

Rule questions

What is the daily loss limit?

The 1-Step Challenge has a 3% daily loss limit: $300 on a $10K account, $3,000 on a $100K. The 2-Step Challenge is more lenient at 5% daily loss limit: $500 on $10K, $5,000 on $100K. Both reset at 00:00 Central European Time. The DLL is calculated against the initial account balance, not against equity peak, which is more forgiving than equity-based DLLs at some competitors. Hitting or breaching the DLL is an automatic challenge failure - there is no warning band.

What is the max loss?

Both 1-Step and 2-Step Challenges share a 10% max loss limit, but the calculation method is different. The 1-Step uses 10% trailing end-of-day - the floor adjusts upward as the account grows, evaluated only at end-of-day on closing balance. The 2-Step uses 10% static - the floor does not move regardless of profits made. Static is more forgiving because intraday profits never tighten your floor; trailing is stricter but rewards consistent growth.

How does the trailing drawdown lock?

On the 1-Step Challenge, the trailing max loss adjusts upward each day as your account grows. Once the trailing peak reaches the original starting balance plus 10% (i.e., your initial 10% profit cushion has been earned), the floor locks at the starting balance. From that point forward, the floor is static at the initial deposit. This lock mechanism rewards traders who build profit before drawing down. Until the lock, the trailing model is mathematically stricter than a fixed static floor of the same percentage.

Are there news trading restrictions?

News trading restrictions apply only on the live FTMO Account stage of Standard accounts. There are no news restrictions during the evaluation phase of either 1-Step or 2-Step. Once funded on a Standard account, traders cannot hold positions through high-impact news events (FOMC, NFP, CPI, central bank decisions). Swing accounts (2-Step only) lift this restriction entirely. Traders who plan to trade news on the live stage should choose the 2-Step Swing variant.

Can I hold positions over the weekend?

On Standard accounts, no - positions must be flat by Friday close. On 2-Step Swing accounts, yes - Swing is explicitly designed for overnight and weekend holding. The 1-Step has no Swing option, so 1-Step traders must always close before weekends. The Sunday gap risk on Swing accounts is real and Swing-style traders should size positions accordingly. Standard-account traders running into Friday with open positions risk automatic liquidation if they fail to close, with rule-violation flags applied.

What is the consistency rule?

FTMO applies a 50% Best Day Rule on the 1-Step Challenge: no single day's profit can exceed 50% of total accumulated profit at the moment of evaluation. If breached, the challenge is not automatically failed - the best-day profits are excluded from your qualifying total, requiring more trading days to reach the target. The 2-Step Challenge does not apply the Best Day Rule. The consistency rule on the 1-Step is one of FTMO's softer-enforcement rules: it dilutes rather than fails, but the dilution can be material.

What is the minimum trading days requirement?

Both 1-Step and 2-Step require a minimum of 4 trading days before a phase can be passed. A trading day is any day with at least one open position - even briefly. The 4-day minimum applies per phase on the 2-Step (so 8 days total to reach funded) and once on the 1-Step. Time limits have been removed on both products; traders can take as long as they need above the 4-day minimum. The unlimited-time policy is one of FTMO's most trader-friendly rules.

What strategies are prohibited?

FTMO prohibits high-frequency tick scalping that exploits price-feed latency, copy trading across unrelated FTMO accounts to coordinate positions, gambling-style martingale or reverse-martingale, hedging across two FTMO accounts to lock risk-free profits, trade-copier coordination with non-FTMO accounts, and any strategy exploiting platform inefficiencies. Standard discretionary trading, EAs that respect platform-specific automation rules, signal-following bots within risk limits, and rule-based systems are all allowed across MT4, MT5, and cTrader.

Are EAs and copy trading allowed?

EAs are allowed across MT4, MT5, and cTrader subject to the prohibited-strategies list. cTrader Automate supports C# and Python via Open API for advanced automation. External-signal copy trading to your FTMO account is permitted as long as you, the account holder, take on the trading risk decision. What is prohibited is multi-FTMO-account coordination - copying across your own accounts to amplify positions, hedging between accounts for risk-free profits, or running coordinated strategies across multiple FTMO accounts with the same signal source.

Platform questions

Which platforms does FTMO support?

FTMO supports three platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader. All three are available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web. MT5 is FTMO's primary recommendation. cTrader supports advanced automation via cTrader Automate (C# and Python) and Open API. MT4 remains supported for traders with legacy EAs or established workflows. The choice between platforms is largely a trader-preference question rather than a feature-availability question - all three cover FTMO's instrument list and execution model.

Which platform should I choose?

For most new FTMO traders, MT5 is the recommended starting platform - it has the most modern feature set, supports the broadest instrument list, and is the only option available to US traders post-August 2025 via the OANDA partnership. Choose MT4 if you have established EAs that have not been ported to MT5 or if you prefer the simpler UI. Choose cTrader if you want C#/Python automation via Open API or prefer cTrader's advanced order management and depth-of-market features.

Is MetaTrader 5 available for US traders?

Yes, since August 2025. FTMO suspended US services in early 2024 due to MetaQuotes platform restrictions and CFTC regulatory pressure. The relaunch in August 2025 via the OANDA partnership made FTMO the only prop firm offering MT5 to US traders. OANDA handles the funded rewards stage as a regulated US broker; FTMO's US entity handles the evaluation phase. The MT5-for-US-traders combination is unique in the prop trading category and a direct outcome of the OANDA acquisition synergies.

Is OANDA-MT5 different from regular MT5?

Functionally, no - the platform is the same MetaTrader 5 client. The difference is at the broker layer: US traders' funded accounts route through OANDA's regulated US infrastructure, while non-US traders route through FTMO's standard infrastructure. From the trader's screen, the experience is identical. The OANDA-backed routing for US traders is a regulatory and trust feature, not a platform feature. Symbols, execution speeds, and order types are consistent across the OANDA-MT5 and standard FTMO-MT5 setups.

Are EAs supported on all three platforms?

Yes, with platform-specific rules. MT4 supports MQL4-coded EAs, MT5 supports MQL5-coded EAs, and cTrader supports C# and Python automations via cTrader Automate and Open API. All EAs must respect FTMO's prohibited-strategies list - no high-frequency tick scalping, no latency arbitrage, no platform-inefficiency exploits. Standard rule-based EAs, signal-following bots, and grid systems within risk limits work fine on all three platforms. Verify your specific EA's compliance with FTMO support if it uses any aggressive execution tactics.

What instruments can I trade on FTMO?

FTMO offers forex (major, minor, exotic pairs - the primary asset class), indices (major global indices), commodities (oil, gas), metals (gold, silver), and cryptocurrencies (variable weekend trading hours confirmed). FTMO does not offer futures contracts. The exact symbol list is at ftmo.com/en/symbols. Crypto trading hours include weekends on certain pairs even on Standard accounts, which is one of FTMO's quieter trader-friendly features. The asset class focus is forex/CFD throughout - traders coming from US-focused futures firms must adapt.

Does FTMO offer crypto?

Yes. FTMO offers cryptocurrency trading on all three platforms with extended trading hours that include weekends on certain crypto pairs. This is true on both Standard and Swing accounts. The available crypto pairs are typically major BTC and ETH crosses against USD or EUR. FTMO's investment in Zerohash in October 2025 (alongside SoFi and Apollo) suggests an expansion of crypto-related infrastructure including possibly crypto payouts in the future. The crypto offering on the trading side is already established.

Does FTMO offer futures?

No. FTMO does not offer futures contracts. The asset class focus is forex and CFDs. Traders who want futures should look at futures-only firms like TakeProfitTrader, Lucid Trading, Apex Trader Funding, or Topstep. FTMO's CFD execution model on MT4, MT5, and cTrader is fundamentally different from the CME-rule futures stack used by US-focused prop firms. The choice between FTMO and a futures firm is a choice of asset class, not a choice of brand.

Strategy questions

How do I pass the 1-Step Challenge?

Pass the 1-Step by trading small relative to the 10% trailing max loss, hitting the 4-day minimum, and respecting the 50% Best Day Rule so no single day exceeds half your cumulative profit. On a $50K 1-Step, a conservative 0.5-1 lot approach hitting the $5,000 target across 6-10 trading days is the textbook path. The 3% DLL is the tightest constraint - oversizing on a losing day is the most common failure mode. Paul's 4-year 1-Step approach has been small-size scalping with disciplined daily-loss management.

How do I pass the 2-Step Challenge?

Pass the 2-Step Phase 1 by reaching the 10% profit target with a 5% DLL and 10% static max loss budget, then Phase 2 by reaching 5% with the same daily and max loss rules. The static drawdown is forgiving - you can have an off day without tightening your floor. Most traders pass Phase 2 faster than Phase 1 because the target is half. Standard discretionary trading at modest position sizes works well. The 4-day minimum per phase means a minimum 8 trading days to reach funded, but most traders take 15-25 days.

Should I scalp on FTMO?

Yes - scalping is allowed and well-suited to FTMO's intraday-flat Standard accounts. Discretionary scalping, rule-based scalping, and short-timeframe systematic scalping are all permitted as long as the strategy does not exploit price-feed latency or platform inefficiencies. Paul's primary FTMO style is 1-Step scalping on $50K and $100K Standard accounts. The intraday flat-by-close requirement on Standard accounts naturally aligns with scalping styles. For scalpers, the 1-Step's 90% profit split from day one is a major advantage.

Should I swing trade on FTMO?

Only on the 2-Step Swing variant. Swing trading requiring overnight or weekend position holds is exclusively available on 2-Step Swing accounts. The 2-Step Standard does not allow weekend holds, and the 1-Step has no Swing variant at all. Swing trading on FTMO costs the same as Standard - there is no price premium - but locks you out of the 1-Step's 90%-from-day-1 profit split benefit. For pure swing traders, the 2-Step Swing path is the only choice; for hybrid traders, the choice depends on which style dominates.

What size should I trade during evaluation?

For most traders, 0.5 to 1 standard lot per $50K of account is the conservative starting point. On a $100K account, 1-2 lots fits the 5% DLL or 3% DLL ceiling without risking single-trade catastrophe. The 1-Step's tighter 3% DLL means slightly smaller relative sizing than the 2-Step's 5% DLL. Position sizing during evaluation is the single biggest determinant of whether a trader passes - oversizing on an early profitable day creates trailing-drawdown pressure that compounds across the rest of the evaluation.

How does the Scaling Plan work?

The Scaling Plan increases your funded account balance by 25% every 4 months if you meet three criteria: net profit of at least 10% over the 4-month period (cumulative, not per month), profitable in at least 2 of the 4 calendar months, and no rule violations. On the 2-Step path, hitting the Scaling Plan also upgrades your profit split from 80% base to 90% scaled. Approximately 28 months to scale from $100K to $400K at consistent 4-month intervals. The plan rewards consistent multi-month profitability.

When should I take payouts?

Take FTMO payouts on the standard bi-weekly schedule once on the funded FTMO Account. The bi-weekly cadence is mandatory rather than on-demand, so timing flexibility is limited. Most Paul-tested setups have used bi-weekly payouts to preserve account capital while still banking profits at a regular rhythm. Holding profits in the account between payout windows allows for compounding. The trade-off between aggressive withdrawal and capital retention is a trader-preference question; both work within the bi-weekly framework.

What happens if I breach a rule?

A daily loss limit breach or max loss breach during evaluation closes the Challenge - you must pay again to retry. There is no reset path on the evaluation phase; the only option is purchasing a new Challenge. On the funded FTMO Account, a breach also closes the account. Some rules (the 1-Step Best Day consistency rule) dilute rather than fail - they exclude the best-day profits from your qualifying total. Most rule breaches on FTMO are hard fails, which is one reason discipline matters more than aggressive sizing.

Payout & trust questions

How frequent are FTMO payouts?

FTMO supports bi-weekly payouts on the funded FTMO Account stage - every 14 days on a fixed schedule. The bi-weekly cadence is mandatory rather than on-demand: payouts process on the scheduled day, not whenever the trader requests. Some competitors offer daily payouts, but FTMO's bi-weekly rhythm is paired with the fastest internal processing time (~8 hours) once a payout window opens. The bi-weekly schedule fits most full-time traders' cash-flow needs while encouraging account capital retention.

How fast does FTMO pay?

FTMO processes payouts in approximately 8 hours on average from request to funds-sent confirmation - one of the fastest internal processing times in the prop trading category. Settlement at the trader's bank or wallet typically takes 1-2 additional business days depending on payment method. Bank wire transfers settle in 1-3 days; Skrill is typically same-day to next-day; cryptocurrency withdrawals are often within 1 business day. The 8-hour internal processing time is a recurring positive theme in FTMO trader reviews.

What payment methods does FTMO support?

FTMO historically supports bank wire transfer, Skrill, and cryptocurrency (typically USDT) for payouts. The exact method list may vary by jurisdiction following the OANDA acquisition and US relaunch - US traders' funded payouts route through OANDA's regulated infrastructure. The fee refund accompanies the first payout via the same method selected at signup. FTMO's October 2025 investment in Zerohash suggests broader crypto payment rails are in development. Verify current methods at signup for your specific jurisdiction.

Does FTMO refund the challenge fee?

Yes. FTMO refunds 100% of the initial challenge fee with the first reward withdrawal once you become funded and request your first payout. The refund arrives 1-2 business days after the withdrawal request and settles within 5 business days depending on payment method. If you fail either phase of the 2-Step or breach the 1-Step, no refund is issued. The fee-refund-on-first-payout structure means a successful trader's net cost of evaluation is effectively zero, a major economic advantage over firms that do not refund.

Did FTMO acquire OANDA?

Yes. FTMO acquired OANDA from CVC Capital Partners. The deal was announced February 3, 2025 and completed December 2, 2025 after five regulatory approvals. The acquisition price was undisclosed. J.P. Morgan and Latham and Watkins advised FTMO. As of March 27, 2026, FTMO founders Otakar Suffner and Marek Vasicek became co-CEOs of OANDA, with OANDA's previous CEO Gavin Bambury stepping down. This is the largest legitimacy signal in the prop trading industry to date - a prop firm acquiring a regulated forex broker.

What does the OANDA acquisition mean for traders?

The OANDA acquisition means FTMO is now backed by a regulated forex broker with a multi-decade operating history. US traders gained access to MT5 via OANDA in August 2025. OANDA's existing prop trading clients began transitioning to FTMO in March 2026. The practical impact: broader market access, regulated infrastructure on the funded stage for US traders, and a much stronger trust signal than typical evaluation-only prop firms. Strategically, the acquisition repositioned FTMO from a prop firm to a regulated-broker-backed financial group.

What were FTMO's 2024 financials?

FTMO's parent holding company OMHC reported $329M in revenue and $62M+ in net profit for 2024, with total assets of approximately $721M. The 2024 figures represent significant growth on 2023's $213M turnover and ~$100M EBITDA. FTMO opened 2.3 million new accounts in 2024 alone, a 33% YoY increase. These figures position FTMO as an institution-grade financial operator rather than a typical prop firm challenger. The $62M+ net profit specifically is rare in the category and gives FTMO unmatched balance-sheet strength.

How much has FTMO paid out?

FTMO has paid out $500M+ cumulative to traders as of May 2026, up from $450M+ at the September 2025 ten-year anniversary. The figure has grown approximately $50M in 7 months, indicating a payout run-rate of roughly $7-10M per month at current scale. The cumulative payout figure is a verifiable indicator of payout system functionality at scale - hard to fake when published in firm communications and audited financials. FTMO's payout track record is the most extensive in the prop trading category.

What is FTMO's Trustpilot rating?

FTMO's Trustpilot rating is generally in the high-3 to low-4 range based on industry coverage, but the live page was not directly accessible during this research session. The firm has paid out $500M+ cumulative to traders and processed 2.3M new accounts in 2024 alone, both indicators of large-scale trader satisfaction. Most negative reviews focus on rule edge cases, challenge reset costs, and the 1-Step's stricter trailing drawdown. Most positive reviews highlight fast bi-weekly payouts, transparent rules, and the long operating history.

How long has FTMO been operating?

FTMO was founded in 2014 in Prague, Czech Republic, giving it approximately 12 years of operating history as of May 2026. This is one of the longest tenures in the prop trading category, behind only Topstep (2012) among major firms. Paul has traded FTMO for ~4 years, making it his second-longest firm relationship after Lucid. The 12-year track record paired with the OANDA acquisition makes FTMO unusually well-established by prop trading standards - the median competitor lifespan is closer to 2-3 years.

Has Paul been paid by FTMO?

Yes. Paul has traded FTMO for approximately four years and withdrawn $15K+ in real payouts across multiple 1-Step Challenge accounts on Standard $50K and $100K sizes. FTMO was one of Paul's first prop firms as a European trader, predating most of his current portfolio. The 4-year tenure makes FTMO Paul's second-longest firm relationship after Lucid. The $15K+ figure covers recurring payouts over the years across multiple accounts; the exact account-count and per-payout cadence have not been individually catalogued in source documentation.

How FTMO compares

FTMO vs The 5%ers

The 5%ers offers multi-asset evaluations including forex, futures, and crypto, while FTMO is forex/CFD-focused with no futures. The 5%ers' Black Arrow product allows futures-style traders to enter; FTMO does not. FTMO's 1-Step 90%-from-day-1 split is more aggressive than The 5%ers' standard splits. FTMO has the longer track record (2014 vs The 5%ers' history) and the OANDA acquisition trust signal. Choose The 5%ers for multi-asset flexibility, FTMO for the longer track record and institutional backing.

FTMO vs FundedNext

FundedNext and FTMO are both major forex/CFD prop firms. FundedNext's Stellar 2-Step and Stellar 1-Step are direct analogues to FTMO's products with similar pricing. FTMO has the longer tenure (founded 2014 vs FundedNext's later launch) and the OANDA acquisition trust signal. FundedNext has more product variants (Rapid, Bolt). Paul has tested both extensively. For most European traders, FTMO is the more established choice; FundedNext competes on rule variety. The detailed FTMO vs FundedNext comparison covers the trade-offs.

FTMO vs FundingPips

FundingPips is a UAE-based forex prop firm with no corporate connection to FTMO despite occasional "successor" SEO framing. FundingPips offers similar 2-step evaluations at typically lower prices but without FTMO's institutional financial scale ($329M revenue, OANDA acquisition, 12-year tenure). FundingPips is a credible value-tier alternative; FTMO is the institutional-tier choice for traders who prioritize firm size and regulatory backing. The FTMO vs FundingPips comparison covers the value-vs-institutional trade-off in detail.

FTMO vs E8 Markets

E8 Markets is a multi-asset prop firm covering forex, futures, and crypto. FTMO is forex/CFD only with no futures. E8's product mix is broader; FTMO's track record is longer and the OANDA acquisition gives it an institutional advantage. E8 typically offers VIBES discount codes; FTMO does not currently have a comparable public promo. Choose E8 for asset diversification, FTMO for forex-focused depth and trust signals. The FTMO vs E8 Markets comparison walks through both firms' product structures.

FTMO vs BrightFunded

BrightFunded is a newer multi-asset prop firm with a shorter operating history than FTMO's 12-year tenure. BrightFunded competes on aggressive promos and rule flexibility; FTMO competes on institutional backing, $500M+ cumulative payouts, and the OANDA acquisition. BrightFunded is a viable challenger choice for promo-sensitive traders. FTMO is the conservative-credible choice for traders prioritizing firm longevity and financial stability. See the FTMO vs BrightFunded comparison for the new-challenger-vs-established-incumbent trade-off.

FTMO vs Maven

Maven is a forex/CFD prop firm with a focus on flexible rules and a different evaluation structure than FTMO's 1-Step and 2-Step paths. Maven competes on rule simplification; FTMO competes on the institutional trust stack (OANDA, 2014 founding, $329M revenue). Choose Maven for simplified rule frameworks; choose FTMO for the longer track record, broader market access (140+ countries), and proven payout scale at $500M+ cumulative. The FTMO vs Maven comparison covers each firm's rule philosophy in detail.

Pricing and rules quick-reference table

The fastest mental model for FTMO is the 1-Step vs 2-Step choice. Here are the key differences in one place:

The standout pattern: 1-Step is cheaper, has the better split, but the trailing drawdown and 3% DLL make it harder to pass. 2-Step is more expensive, requires two phases, but the static drawdown and 5% DLL are more forgiving. Swing matches Standard pricing exactly and adds overnight/weekend/news flexibility - the only structural reason to pick Standard over Swing is preference for tighter discipline.

The bottom line

FTMO is one of the most institutionally credible prop trading firms in 2026: 12-year operating history, $329M revenue and $62M net profit in 2024, $500M+ cumulative trader payouts, OANDA acquisition completed December 2025, and US relaunch via OANDA-MT5 in August 2025. The single rule fact every trader needs to understand before signing up is the drawdown style choice - 10% trailing end-of-day on the 1-Step (with 3% DLL) versus 10% static on the 2-Step (with 5% DLL). Pick the 1-Step if you want the 90% profit split from day one and trade intraday-only. Pick the 2-Step Standard if you prefer static drawdown and a more forgiving pass path. Pick the 2-Step Swing if you need overnight or weekend holds. Paul has traded FTMO for ~4 years and withdrawn $15K+ across multiple 1-Step Challenge accounts on $50K and $100K Standard sizes, which makes this an experience-tested firm rather than a research-only review. Bi-weekly payouts process in approximately 8 hours, fees refund with first payout, and the OANDA-backed institutional infrastructure makes FTMO the safest forex/CFD prop firm choice currently available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FTMO?

FTMO is a Prague-based forex and CFD prop trading firm founded in 2014 by Otakar Suffner and Marek Vasicek. It runs two evaluation paths (1-Step and 2-Step Challenge) on $10K to $200K account sizes across MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. As of May 2026 FTMO serves 3.5M+ customers across 140+ countries and has paid out $500M+ in cumulative trader rewards.

What is the FTMO 1-Step Challenge?

The 1-Step Challenge is FTMO's single-phase evaluation that funds qualifying traders with a 90% profit split from day one. Rules: 10% profit target, 3% daily loss limit, 10% trailing end-of-day max loss, 4 minimum trading days, and a 50% Best Day consistency rule. The 1-Step has no Swing variant and no time limit.

What is the FTMO 2-Step Challenge?

The 2-Step Challenge is FTMO's classic two-phase evaluation: Phase 1 requires 10% profit target, Phase 2 requires 5%. Both phases share a 5% daily loss limit and 10% static max loss with a 4-day minimum. Funded traders start at an 80% profit split that scales to 90% via the Scaling Plan. The 2-Step is available in both Standard and Swing variants.

What account sizes does FTMO offer?

FTMO offers five account sizes across both 1-Step and 2-Step Challenges: $10,000, $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, and $200,000. Maximum funded account size after scaling is $2,000,000 per the Scaling Plan. The 1-Step is Standard-only with no Swing variant. The 2-Step Standard and Swing variants both cover all five sizes at identical pricing.

How much does FTMO cost?

2-Step Standard pricing in EUR: $10K at €155, $25K at €250, $50K at €345, $100K at €540, $200K at €1,080. 1-Step pricing: $10K at €79, $25K at €199, $50K at €319, $100K at €499, $200K at €999. 2-Step Swing matches Standard pricing exactly. Fees are refunded with the first profit withdrawal once funded.

What is the daily loss limit?

The 1-Step Challenge has a 3% daily loss limit. The 2-Step Challenge has a 5% daily loss limit. Both reset daily at 00:00 Central European Time and are calculated against the initial account balance, not against equity peak. Hitting or breaching the DLL is an automatic challenge failure with no warning band.

What is the difference between Standard and Swing?

Standard accounts restrict news trading on the live FTMO Account and forbid overnight or weekend position holding. Swing accounts allow news trading and overnight/weekend holds with no restrictions. Both share identical drawdown rules, profit targets, and pricing. Swing is only available on the 2-Step Challenge. The 1-Step does not offer a Swing variant.

What platforms does FTMO support?

FTMO supports three platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. All three are available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web. MT5 is FTMO's primary platform and the only option available to US traders post-August 2025 via the OANDA partnership. cTrader supports advanced automation via cTrader Automate (C# and Python) and Open API.

Did FTMO acquire OANDA?

Yes. FTMO acquired OANDA from CVC Capital Partners. The deal was announced February 2025 and completed December 2025 after five regulatory approvals. As of March 2026, FTMO founders Otakar Suffner and Marek Vasicek became co-CEOs of OANDA. This is the largest legitimacy signal in the prop trading industry to date.

Are FTMO challenge fees refundable?

Yes. FTMO refunds 100% of the initial challenge fee with the first reward withdrawal once you become funded and request your first payout. The refund arrives 1-2 business days after the withdrawal request and settles within 5 business days. If you fail either phase or breach, no refund is issued and you must pay again to retry.

How fast does FTMO pay out?

FTMO processes payouts in approximately 8 hours on average from request to funds-sent confirmation. The cadence is bi-weekly (every 14 days) on the funded FTMO Account. Settlement at the trader's bank or wallet typically takes 1-2 additional business days. The 8-hour internal processing time is one of the fastest in the prop trading category.

Should I pick 1-Step or 2-Step?

Pick 1-Step if you want the 90% profit split from day one and trade intraday-only. Pick 2-Step if you need Swing flexibility (weekend holds, news trading), prefer static drawdown over trailing, or want a more forgiving pass path with the 80% base split scaling to 90%. Paul has traded the 1-Step exclusively for ~4 years on $50K and $100K sizes.

How does FTMO compare to FundedNext?

FundedNext and FTMO are both major forex/CFD prop firms with similar 2-Step structures. FTMO has the longer tenure (2014) and the OANDA acquisition trust signal. FundedNext has more product variants (Rapid, Bolt). For most European traders, FTMO is the more established choice; FundedNext competes on rule variety and aggressive pricing.

Is FTMO available in the US?

Yes, since August 2025. FTMO suspended US services in early 2024 due to MetaQuotes platform restrictions and CFTC regulatory pressure. The relaunch via the OANDA partnership made FTMO the only prop firm offering MT5 to US traders. OANDA handles the funded rewards stage as a regulated US broker; FTMO's US entity handles the evaluation phase.

Has Paul been paid by FTMO?

Yes. Paul has traded FTMO for approximately four years and withdrawn $15K+ in real payouts across multiple 1-Step Challenge accounts on Standard $50K and $100K sizes. FTMO was one of Paul's first prop firms as a European trader. The 4-year tenure makes FTMO Paul's second-longest firm relationship after Lucid.