If you trade with prop firms, you’ve certainly come across FTMO. Since its launch in 2015, the firm has established itself as one of the best names in the proprietary trading industry. It serves millions of customers worldwide and has done hundreds of millions of dollars in performance-based rewards. Many traders find FTMO a reputable company due to its years of experience and the star ratings it has accumulated over the years.

But is FTMO still worth considering in 2026? 

In this FTMO review, we will take an in-depth look at everything you need to know about the firm before purchasing an evaluation. We will cover the firm’s trading rules, pricing, account options, payout structure, profit split, supported platforms, and its advantages and disadvantages. By the end of this review, you will know if FTMO is a suitable prop firm for your trading style. 

Quick Verdict

Company Snapshot 

What Is FTMO?

FTMO was founded in 2015 and is based in Prague, Czech Republic. The firm’s main goal was to help skilled traders access a larger amount of trading capital without risking a lot of their personal funds. Over the years, the company has built itself a strong reputation, becoming one of the most recognized prop firms in the world. The company offers thorough evaluations, educational resources, performance coaching, and advanced trading tools, ensuring traders earn rewards based on their trading skills. 

FTMO functions by using an evaluation model. Traders must first complete either of the two FTMO challenges: the 2-step or 1-step challenge by meeting the profit targets set while adhering to the strict risk management rules of the company. Traders who pass the evaluation phase receive an FTMO-funded account. This is where they can continue trading under the firm’s rules and earn up to 90% of profits. 

The FTMO structured approach rewards discipline, consistency, and sound risk management. This makes FTMO a preferred choice for serious traders seeking consistent and professional growth. 

Is FTMO Legit?

Yes, FTMO is considered one of the most authentic prop trading firms in the industry. In a sector where many prop firms fail within a year of operation, FTMO has been in operation since 2015, which gives it more than a decade in business history. Millions of traders worldwide use the firm because of its transparent rules, evaluation process, and payout structure. If you look at FTMO review searches, a few things are always consistent: the firm has clear rules and responsive customer support. 

In Trustpilot, the firm has been able to maintain a star rating of 4.8/5, and this makes it one of the highest-rated prop firms in the industry. Aside from that, the firm has a proven payout record. FTMO has done hundreds of millions of dollars in payouts, demonstrating that the firm is legitimate and will hand out performance-based rewards when traders qualify.  

A good track record of payouts, combined with a strong online reputation and transparent operations, makes FTMO a reputable option for traders looking to scale their trading results. 

How FTMO Works

Getting started with FTMO is very straightforward. The firm’s evaluation process is very easy to follow. Even beginner traders can do it without complicated manuals. Here is exactly what happens:

Step 1: Buy an FTMO Challenge – Select your preferred account size and challenge type (1-step or 2-step). Then pay the required one-time evaluation fees and follow the trading conditions and drawdown rules set. 

Step 2: Complete the Evaluation – When you get your evaluation account, you are expected to follow and meet the specific objectives mentioned. Ensure you comply with all the trading parameters set to succeed in the evaluation. 

Step 3: Pass the Verification – For the 2-step challenge, traders first complete the evaluation phase, then move to the verification stage, where they are expected to demonstrate the same level of discipline and consistency. 

Step 4: Receive an FTMO Funded Account – After succeeding in the evaluation process, you will get an FTMO-funded account, which will allow you to continue trading under the same rules and receive payouts. 

Step 5: Earn a Profit Split – Profitable traders get an 80% split when they qualify. This profit split can increase to 90% through the FTMO’s scaling plan.

FTMO Funding Programs

The FTMO prop firm offers two evaluation models designed to accommodate various trading styles. Both evaluations provide access to a fully FTMO-funded account upon completion. However, they may differ in their structure and objectives. 

Regardless of the evaluation model traders choose, they must comply with FTMO’s requirements and rules to qualify for a funded account and earn profits. 

FTMO Challenge Rules

Here are FTMO’s trading rules and risk management requirements that every trader should know before trading with FTMO: 

• Profit Target: Traders must meet the required profit target for their selected program while complying with all the rules provided. 

• Maximum Daily Loss: Traders must not exceed a maximum daily loss limit. This includes both the closed and floating losses. 

• Maximum Loss: Your overall account loss should always remain within the total maximum loss limit set by the firm.

• Trading Days: FTMO does not require a minimum number of trading days in the 1-step standard evaluation. This gives you space and time to complete the evaluation at your own pace. 

• Consistency: In FTMO, the 1-step standard best day rule suggests that no single trading day should account for more than 50% of the total profits, whether it is an evaluation or a funded account.

• News Trading: Swing accounts are allowed to hold positions during news events. For standard accounts, news trading is not allowed once you are funded. 

• Weekend Holding: Holding trades over the weekend and over a market rollover period longer than 2 hours is prohibited for funded traders.

• Expert Advisors (EAs): Third-party EAs are strictly prohibited in FTMO. 

• Copy Trading: Allowed under certain conditions, but copying trades between unrelated traders or using unauthorized signal services is prohibited.

FTMO Pricing

FTMO charges a one-time fee based on the account size you select. There are no hidden or recurring fees. The one-time fee covers the entire evaluation process for the 2-step challenge. Here is a complete pricing breakdown, based on account sizes:

Refund Policy: If you pass the FTMO challenge: 2-Step, your evaluation fee is refunded with your first Reward withdrawal. The 1-Step Challenge uses a different pricing model, and its evaluation fee is not refundable.

Profit Split

FTMO rewards consistent traders with one of the most competitive profit-sharing models in the industry.

• The Starting Profit Split: Traders begin with an 80% profit split, meaning the firm keep 20% while the trader takes 80% of the total profit generated from the account.

• Scaling Plan: Disciplined traders may qualify for FTMO’s scaling plan, which goes up to an account balance of $2 million. Profit splits also increase to 90%. 

• Withdrawals: As soon as traders qualify for payouts, they can request a withdrawal. You will be required to submit all the necessary information to receive your reward. It will then be sent within 1 to 2 business days. 

• Payment Frequency: The standard payout cycle is 14 days. Traders can receive a payout every 14 days after meeting FTMO's eligibility requirements.

Drawdown Rules

Violating FTMO’s drawdown rules often results in immediate account termination. Therefore, it is important to understand them to protect your account.

• Daily Drawdown: For every account size, there is a maximum daily loss limit set. This limit resets at midnight, and traders are expected to respect it to keep their accounts. 

• Maximum Drawdown: The maximum drawdown is also set depending on the account size. Traders must stay within the overall maximum loss limit throughout the evaluation and while managing an FTMO Account.

• Static vs. Trailing: FTMO uses a static drawdown model for its overall account protection. This means that the maximum loss is permanently fixed to your starting capital.

Example

A trader receives a $100,000 account with a maximum daily loss of 5% and an overall loss limit of 10%. This means that he cannot lose more than $5,000 in a single day or $10,000 overall. If the trader makes a profit of $10,000 and his new balance is at $110,000, the maximum loss is calculated based on the original account balance, not the higher equity.

Payout Process

FTMO offers a transparent payout process that is designed to reward successful traders consistently while ensuring they gain access to flexible withdrawal options. Some of the things you should know when it comes to the FTMO payment process include:

• Minimum Payout: FTMO has no minimum withdrawal amount. As long as your account has generated eligible returns, you can request a payout.

• Payment Schedule: The standard payout cycle is 14 days from your first trade on the FTMO account. Once you have qualified for a withdrawal, you can request a withdrawal after 14 days.

• Payment Methods: FTMO supports multiple payout methods, including bank transfer, crypto, Skrill, Mastercard, and Visa Direct. Payment methods may vary depending on your location. 

• Withdrawal Timeline: After submitting a withdrawal request, FTMO processes your reward within 1 to 2 business days. 

Trading Platforms

FTMO supports several professional trading platforms, allowing traders to pick one that aligns with their goals and preferences. They include:

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4): This is one of the best trading platforms used worldwide. It offers fast execution and a wide range of technical indicators.

• MetaTrader 5 (MT5): MT5 is an upgraded version of MT4 and is loved by many traders due to customizable charts, more order types, an easy-to-use interface, and expanded market coverage. 

• cTrader: Suitable for traders looking for an intuitive interface, algorithmic trading, and advanced charting tools. 

• DXtrade: This is a more modern web-based platform that offers risk management tools, advanced charting software, and a customizable trading experience without the need for additional software.

Tradable Markets

FTMO allows traders to diversify across multiple assets, which are:

FTMO Trading Conditions

FTMO offers flexible and fair trading conditions while enforcing rules that encourage responsible risk management. 

• Leverage: FTMO allows a leverage of up to 1:100 on forex instruments.

• Commissions: Commissions apply to selected instruments. In forex, commissions are $5 per lot, in metals,0.0014%/Volume, in crypto, 0.0650%/Volume, and in stocks, 0.0040%/Volume. 

• Spreads: FTMO provides tighter spreads through its institutional liquidity providers. 

• Overnight Holding: Holding trades overnight and over the weekend is allowed for swing trading. 

• News Trading: News trading is allowed both on the funded and evaluation phase in swing accounts. In standard accounts, you can trade during major news events only during the evaluation phase. 

• Scalping: Scalping is allowed in FTMO, provided you comply with the firm’s terms and conditions. 

• Swing Trading: Swing trading is fully supported in FTMO. The firm also has swing accounts, making it suitable for traders planning to hold positions longer. 

• Hedging: Hedging is allowed on FTMO if done for risk management on a single account, but you cannot use it to artificially distribute profits or hedge across multiple accounts.

• Martingale: Not explicitly prohibited in FTMO, but high-risk Martingale strategies often violate drawdown limits.

• Grid Trading: Permitted if used responsibly and without breaching FTMO's risk management rules. However, the firm strictly prohibits deploying commercially available third-party grid Expert Advisors (EAs) to exploit the simulated evaluation structure.

FTMO Pros & Cons

Like most prop firms, FTMO also has its perks and drawbacks. It is important to know them before purchasing an FTMO evaluation in order to make a sound purchase decision. 

Pros

• FTMO has a strong business reputation. It has been around for more than a decade.

• Offers competitive profit splits starting from 80% up to 90%.

• Transparent evaluation process and honest trading rules.

• Supports multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, cTrader, and DXtrade.

• A proven track record in payout history

• Provides a scaling plan that can increase up to $2 million

Cons

• Evaluation fees may be a bit expensive for complete beginners

• Strict drawdown rules require a high level of discipline and patience

• Traders must pass an evaluation before getting a funded account

• The firm restricts high-impact news trading on standard accounts

• Success requires consistency, making it less suitable for gamblers. 

Who Should Choose FTMO?

The FTMO prop firm is designed for disciplined, patient, and consistent traders who value long-term growth. Even so, the firm may still not be ideal for every trader out there. Here is a complete breakdown to help you understand who may use it and who may not:

Real Trader Reviews

FTMO vs Competitors

Current FTMO Discount Codes

Once in a while, you may come across FTMO discount codes, which allow you to access challenges or accounts at a much more affordable price. Some of which are available currently are:

€101 OFF 100K 2-Step Challenge

• Offer: €101 discount on the 100K 2-step standard account challenge.

• Coupon Code: No code required, can be accessed through a promotional link.

• Expiry: Limited-time offer.

• Terms: Applicable only to new customers who do not already have an active 100K 2-Step Challenge.

100% Challenge Fee Refund

• Offer: Full refund of the evaluation fee

• Coupon Code: Not applicable.

• Expiry: Ongoing.

• Terms: The fee is refunded if you withdraw your first reward after completing the FTMO Challenge: 2-Step and receiving an FTMO Account.

Why Compare FTMO on PFWatch?

Choosing the right prop firm for your trading style is more than just comparing challenge fees and profit splits. Even the most authentic prop firms, like FTMO, may have rules, conditions, and pricing that may not align with your expectations and trading goals. This is why PFWatch exists to help you compare firms side by side, ensuring you get what matches your trading style.

PFWatch helps traders compare pricing, trading rules, drawdown models, supported platforms, trader reviews, payouts, and discounts of every firm you might be interested in. Instead of going from one web page to the next, PFWatch makes the process easier by putting everything in one place. 

If you want to compare FTMO pricing with that of FundedNext, it only takes you a few clicks to find the information you are looking for. Before signing up for a prop firm, it is advisable to compare it with other leading prop firms to ensure you do not waste your money on a firm that doesn’t fit your trading strategy. 

FAQs

Is FTMO legit?

Yes, FTMO has been in operation since 2015 and is widely considered one of the most reputable firms in the industry.

Does FTMO really pay traders?

Yes, traders who qualify receive a payout according to their terms and conditions.

Is FTMO regulated?

FTMO operates as a proprietary trading firm. It is not regulated. 

How difficult is the FTMO Challenge?

It can be challenging, but with discipline, patience, and consistent risk management rules, it is very achievable. 

Can beginners join FTMO?

Yes, but they must have a solid understanding of the market before joining. This means they should practice on a demo account first to sharpen their edge.

What happens if I fail?

Your evaluation ends, and you will need to purchase another evaluation.

Can I retry the challenge?

Sure, you can buy another challenge after a failed attempt.

Does FTMO allow EAs?

Third-party EAs are strictly prohibited in FTMO.

Does FTMO allow news trading?

Yes, news trading is allowed in swing accounts and standard evaluation accounts. However, in standard funded accounts, news trading is limited within 2 minutes before and after high-impact news.

How long does verification take?

That depends on how long it takes you to reach the profit target set.

How often does FTMO pay traders?

The standard payout cycle in FTMO is 14 days.

Is the challenge fee refundable?

Yes. The 2-Step Challenge fee is refunded with your first reward withdrawal. The fee will be refunded using your initial payment method.

Can I hold trades overnight?

Yes. Overnight and weekend holding are generally permitted for swing accounts.

What leverage does FTMO offer?

Up to 1:100 on Forex, with lower leverage on other instruments.

Can US traders use FTMO?

Yes, US traders can use FTMO through a dedicated US branch operated in strategic partnership with OANDA. However, not all US residents may be able to access FTMO services, especially those in South Carolina, Delaware, Montana, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

Final Verdict

FTMO remains one of the reputable proprietary trading firms in 2026 thanks to its reliable payouts, transparent rules, and proven track records. Anybody can get started with FTMO today, starting from informed beginners to experienced traders. In the FTMO review, we’ve seen the firm offers a competitive profit split of 80% up to 90%, multiple trading platforms and markets, allowing traders to diversify.

The only challenge with FTMO is that drawdown limits may be a bit strict, but with proper risk management, you can produce consistent results in the long run. FTMO's overall rating is 4.8/5, meaning that most customers are satisfied with the firm’s business model. Forex traders, swing traders, and professional traders who prioritize long-term consistency and disciplined risk management may find FTMO to be an appealing firm. 

If you also want to get started with prop firms, begin by comparing prop firms’ rules, payouts, reviews, and drawdown models to ensure you get one that fits your trading goals. PFWatch simplifies your research by putting all critical details in one place. This saves you time, money, and poor purchasing decisions.