In-Depth Review of FTMO (2025)

An evidence-based, up-to-date review of FTMO’s funding programs, rules, execution & reputation.

FTMO — Quick Snapshot

⭐ 4.8 / 5 (Trustpilot & independent reviews)

FTMO, a Czech Republic-based prop-trading firm (founded 2014 by Otakar Šuffner), offers a two-step evaluation model, high profit splits up to 90%, and robust trading platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade), with some community notes on strict risk rules and occasional payout delays during high demand.

  • ✅ Established reputation since 2014 with a large trader community and high Trustpilot ratings.
  • ✅ High profit splits (80% standard, up to 90% with scaling) and scaling up to $2,000,000.
  • ✅ Multiple platform options (MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade) with extensive asset coverage.
  • ✅ Comprehensive educational resources and performance coaching for funded traders.
  • ❌ Strict risk rules (e.g., 5% daily drawdown, 10% max) can challenge aggressive traders.
  • ❌ Challenge fees (€155–€1,080) are non-refunded even after passing evaluation.
  • ❌ Occasional reports of payout delays during peak periods; traders recommend early requests.
FTMO platform screenshot
FTMO — platform overview & instruments.

Introduction

What is FTMO? FTMO (launched 2014, headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic) is a leading proprietary trading firm offering traders access to funded accounts up to $2,000,000 through a two-step evaluation process. Known for its robust platforms, high profit splits, and extensive trader support, FTMO has built a strong reputation in the prop-trading industry.

This review synthesizes FTMO’s official documentation, independent reviews, and community feedback for a balanced, evidence-based perspective. See sources at the end.

Account Types & Challenge Models

FTMO offers a standardized two-step evaluation model tailored to various trader profiles:

  • FTMO Challenge (Phase 1) — Achieve a 10% profit target within 30 days, with a 5% daily drawdown and 10% maximum drawdown.
  • Verification (Phase 2) — Achieve a 5% profit target within 60 days, with the same drawdown limits as Phase 1.
  • Funded Account — Upon passing, traders access funded accounts ($10,000–$200,000) with scaling potential up to $2,000,000 based on performance.

Challenge fees range from €155 for a $10,000 account to €1,080 for a $200,000 account. Fees are non-refunded, even after passing. Traders can choose Normal or Aggressive risk profiles, with the latter offering higher drawdown limits but stricter profit targets.

Platforms, Assets & Execution

Platforms: FTMO supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, and DXtrade, offering flexibility for traders. A proprietary dashboard manages account metrics and payouts.

Assets: Extensive coverage includes forex (majors/minors), indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, with leverage up to 1:100 for forex and 1:5 for crypto.

Execution environment: FTMO uses a simulated environment for evaluations, with funded accounts executed through partnered brokers. Most traders report reliable execution, though some note slippage during high volatility. Latency-sensitive traders should test strategies on smaller accounts first.

Profit Share, Fees & Payouts

Profit split: FTMO offers an 80% profit split by default, scaling to 90% for traders who meet performance milestones in the scaling plan.

Payout methods & timing: Payouts are processed bi-weekly via bank transfer, crypto (BTC, ETH, USDT), or Deel. Processing typically takes 1–3 days, though delays are reported during peak periods. Traders recommend submitting requests early.

Fees: Challenge fees (€155–€1,080) are upfront and non-refunded. Withdrawal fees vary by method (e.g., bank transfer fees or crypto network charges).

Risk Rules & Common Trigger Events

FTMO enforces strict risk rules to protect firm capital. Key rules include:

  • Daily loss limit: 5% (10% for Aggressive accounts).
  • Maximum drawdown: 10% (20% for Aggressive accounts).
  • Minimum trading days: 4 days in Phase 1; 4 days in Phase 2.
  • Profit targets: 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2).
  • Restrictions: No high-frequency trading, arbitrage, or excessive news trading. Compulsory stop-loss recommended but not always enforced.

Verify exact rules in FTMO’s Terms & Conditions, as they are authoritative and may change.

User Feedback & Reputation

Trustpilot & aggregated reviews

FTMO scores ~4.8/5 on Trustpilot and review aggregators (e.g., ForexPeaceArmy, PropFirmMatch), with praise for reliability, platform options, and trader support. Over 50,000 reviews highlight its strong reputation.

Independent reviews

Sites like ForexBrokers.com and TheForexGeek praise FTMO’s transparency, educational resources, and high profit splits, noting its leadership in the prop-trading space.

Complaints & community threads

Some traders report payout delays during high demand and find drawdown rules restrictive. Community forums (e.g., Reddit) suggest maintaining detailed records for disputes and submitting payout requests early.

Practical takeaway: FTMO is highly regarded for its established reputation and trader support but requires disciplined risk management due to strict rules. Test strategies thoroughly during the evaluation phase.

Legitimacy, Regulation & Risks

Legitimacy: FTMO, founded by Otakar Šuffner, is a well-established prop firm with a public presence, active blog, and documented payouts. Its Prague headquarters and partnerships with regulated brokers enhance credibility.

Regulatory nuance: FTMO is not a regulated retail broker, so legal protections differ from traditional brokerages. Funded accounts are executed through partnered brokers, which may be regulated.

Risk summary: Risks include strict rule enforcement, non-refunded challenge fees, and potential payout delays. Maintain detailed records for any disputes.

Pros & Cons (Summary)

Pros
  • Established since 2014 with strong community trust.
  • High profit splits (80%–90%) and scaling up to $2,000,000.
  • Multiple platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade).
  • Robust educational resources and coaching.
Cons
  • Strict drawdown rules (5% daily, 10% max).
  • Non-refunded challenge fees (€155–€1,080).
  • Occasional payout delays during peak periods.

Final Thoughts — Who Should Use FTMO?

FTMO is ideal for disciplined traders seeking high profit splits, robust platforms, and scaling opportunities, particularly those who value educational support. Scalpers or aggressive traders should test strategies in the evaluation phase due to strict drawdown limits. Maintain detailed records and submit payout requests early to avoid delays.

Recommended pre-deployment checklist:

  1. Review challenge rules (profit targets, drawdowns, trading days).
  2. Test platform compatibility (MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade).
  3. Prepare KYC documents to avoid payout delays.
  4. Account for withdrawal fees when calculating net payouts.

References & Sources

  • FTMO — Official website
  • ForexBrokers.com — FTMO review
  • TheForexGeek — FTMO review
  • Trustpilot — FTMO reviews
  • ForexPeaceArmy — FTMO review
  • FTMO — Terms & Conditions