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FTMO Review
One of the largest and longest-running forex/CFD prop firms, known for clear rules, a free retry policy and reliable payouts.
Best for
- Forex/CFD prop traders
- Traders wanting a proven firm
- Reliable-payout seekers
Not best for
- You want US futures prop trading
- You need very cheap challenge fees
- Your country is restricted
Our verdict & scoring
FTMO is among the most established prop firms, now offering both 1-step and 2-step evaluations across forex, indices, commodities, stocks and crypto on MT4, MT5, cTrader and DXtrade. The base profit split is 80% (scalable to 90%), with on-demand payouts after a 14-day cycle. It completed its acquisition of regulated broker OANDA in December 2024; US clients are served through its affiliated entity at ftmo.oanda.com, while the global product does not accept US persons.
Scores are based on our review methodology. Affiliate relationships do not buy higher ratings.
Who should actually use FTMO
FTMO is the reference point for forex/CFD prop trading: one of the largest and longest-running firms, with 1-step and 2-step evaluations across forex, indices, commodities, stocks and crypto on MT4, MT5, cTrader and DXtrade. Traders who value a proven payout reputation and clearly documented rules — and are willing to pay a mid-tier evaluation fee for it — are the target. It's not the right pick if you specifically want US futures prop trading or the cheapest possible challenge.
What we'd change
The evaluation fee is refunded only with your first payout on the funded account — not on passing — and a rule breach means paying for a new evaluation (the free retry applies only when you follow the rules but miss the target). The two-step route takes time, and the mobile experience lags the rest of the product. As with any prop firm, this is a contractual arrangement: no SIPC or FSCS protection applies.
How it compares to Topstep
Pick by market. FTMO funds forex, indices, commodities, stocks and crypto with a one-time refundable fee (about $155 to $1,080 by account size) and an 80% split scalable to 90% with on-demand payouts after a 14-day cycle; Topstep is futures-only with a monthly Trading Combine subscription until you pass. Both are long-running firms with strong compliance reputations — the two safest-feeling names in their respective halves of the prop space. Forex/CFD traders lean FTMO; US futures traders lean Topstep.
Pros
- Long track record
- Transparent, well-documented rules
- Strong payout reputation
Cons
- Not focused on US futures
- Two-step evaluation takes time
- CFD trading is high-risk
Fees & hidden costs explained
One-time refundable evaluation fee by account size — about $155 (10k) up to $1,080 (200k), refunded with your first payout on the funded account. No monthly fees.
Safety, regulation & availability
Prop firms are generally not regulated like brokers; you trade the firm's simulated capital under contract, not your own brokerage account. FTMO completed its acquisition of regulated broker OANDA in December 2024. US clients are served via the affiliated entity at ftmo.oanda.com; the global FTMO product does not accept US persons.
Account protection: No SIPC/FSCS — prop-firm arrangements are contractual, not investor-protection-scheme covered.
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Frequently asked questions
Does FTMO pay out reliably?
FTMO has a strong public track record of payouts and clear rules, which is a major reason for its reputation. Always read the current terms before committing.
Is FTMO available in the US?
Yes, via a separate affiliated entity — US clients are directed to ftmo.oanda.com, while FTMO's global product does not accept US persons. Availability can vary by state, so check current eligibility before signing up.
How much does the FTMO challenge cost?
A one-time evaluation fee by account size — roughly $155 for a 10k account up to $1,080 for 200k. There are no monthly fees, and the fee is refunded with your first payout on the funded account.
What is FTMO's profit split?
The base split is 80% to the trader, scalable up to 90%, with payouts on demand after a 14-day cycle.
What can I trade with FTMO?
Forex, indices, commodities, stocks and crypto, on MT4, MT5, cTrader or DXtrade.
Is FTMO regulated and is my money protected?
Prop firms are not regulated like brokers and carry no SIPC/FSCS protection — you trade the firm's simulated capital under contract. FTMO did complete its acquisition of the regulated broker OANDA in December 2024, but the funded-account product itself remains a contractual arrangement.
Official sources
Risk warning: Trading stocks, options, futures, forex, crypto, CFDs and funded accounts involves risk. You can lose money. This website is educational only and does not provide financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
Funded trading programs have rules, fees, drawdown limits, payout conditions and restrictions. Read the provider's terms before buying a challenge or plan.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click some links on our site. This does not cost you extra. Our comparisons are educational and transparent, and our rankings are not affected by commissions.