FTMO Review 2026
The undisputed gold standard of prop trading, offering unmatched reliability, excellent scaling, and a pristine payout reputation for professional traders.
the bottom line.
The undisputed gold standard of prop trading, offering unmatched reliability, excellent scaling, and a pristine payout reputation for professional traders.
Disciplined, experienced traders seeking a highly reliable firm with massive capital scaling potential.
High-risk gamblers or complete beginners needing ultra-cheap evaluations with zero rules.
Overview
FTMO stands as the undisputed titan and industry pioneer of the proprietary trading world. Since its inception in 2015 in Prague, Czech Republic, it has transformed from a small startup into a global powerhouse that has paved the way for the modern prop trading ecosystem. For over nine years, FTMO has maintained an impeccable reputation, characterized by transparency, reliability, and a consistent track record of payouts, exceeding $200 million to date. This longevity in a rapidly evolving market is a testament to their solid business model and commitment to trader success.
The firm is best suited for experienced and disciplined traders who prioritize security and stability above all else. While many newer firms offer flashier profit splits or lower entry barriers, FTMO remains the "gold standard" for those who want to manage significant capital with a firm that has proven its staying power. Their massive community, supported by over 39,000 Trustpilot reviews and an impressive 4.9 rating, reflects a level of user satisfaction that few competitors can match.
Challenge Structure
Phase 1
Evaluation
Prove your trading skills by hitting the initial profit target while respecting drawdown limits.
Phase 2
Verification
A secondary test to confirm your consistency with a lower profit requirement.
Funded
Live Account
Trade with firm capital and keep up to 90% of your generated profits.
Trading Rules & Parameters
Max Daily Drawdown
Maximum loss allowed in a single day.
5%
Max Total Drawdown
Maximum overall loss allowed on the account.
10%
Minimum Trading Days
Minimum active days required before passing.
4 days
News Trading
Trading during high-impact news events.
Restricted
Weekend Holding
Keeping trades open over the weekend.
Restricted
EA / Algorithmic Trading
Using automated trading robots or scripts.
Allowed
| Rule Name | Value | Trader Impact |
|---|---|---|
Max Daily Drawdown Maximum loss allowed in a single day. | 5% | Standard |
Max Total Drawdown Maximum overall loss allowed on the account. | 10% | Standard |
Minimum Trading Days Minimum active days required before passing. | 4 days | Restrictive |
News Trading Trading during high-impact news events. | Restricted | Restrictive |
Weekend Holding Keeping trades open over the weekend. | Restricted | Restrictive |
EA / Algorithmic Trading Using automated trading robots or scripts. | Allowed | Friendly |
Payouts & Profit Split
Pros & Cons
The Good
- Unmatched industry reputation with a 9+ year track record and $200M+ paid out.
- No time limits on evaluation phases, reducing trader stress and promoting patience.
- Aggressive scaling plan that can increase account balance by 25% every 4 months.
- Comprehensive platform support including MT4, MT5, cTrader, and DXtrade.
- Full refund of the evaluation fee with the first payout, rewarding successful traders.
The Bad
- News trading and weekend holding are restricted on the Standard account type.
- Higher entry fees compared to newer, more budget-focused prop firms.
- Not the ideal choice for beginners due to the strict 2-step evaluation process.
- US traders face limitations regarding news trading freedom on specific models.
Who Is FTMO Best For?
Frequently Asked Questions
See how FTMO stacks up against the competition.
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