This FTMO review covers the firm that many traders treat as the benchmark for the prop industry. FTMO has run evaluation challenges from Prague since 2015, offers 2-Step, 1-Step and instant accounts up to $200,000, and pays up to 90% of simulated profits. Our verdict: it is not the cheapest option, but its rules are clearly published, its payout record is long, and since December 2025 its parent group has owned the regulated broker OANDA, which makes it one of the most transparent names in the sector.
FTMO at a glance
| Item | Details (November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Company | FTMO s.r.o., Prague, Czech Republic |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Markets | Forex/CFD, plus a separate futures offer |
| Programmes | 2-Step (Standard or Swing), 1-Step, Instant |
| Account sizes | $10K to $200K; scaling up to $2M |
| Profit split | Up to 90% |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade, TradingView |
| Regulation | Not regulated as a prop firm; group owns broker OANDA |
Challenge types and pricing
FTMO’s classic route is the 2-Step: an FTMO Challenge with a 10% target followed by a Verification phase with a 5% target, a 5% daily loss limit, a static 10% maximum loss and at least four trading days. There is no time limit. The 1-Step asks for a single 10% gain but tightens the daily loss to 3%, uses an end-of-day trailing 10% maximum loss and adds a consistency rule. An Instant account skips the evaluation altogether, with a 3% daily limit, a 10% intraday trailing limit and a 30% consistency rule.
| Programme | Target | Daily loss | Max loss | Indicative fee ($10K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Step | 10% then 5% | 5% | 10% static | from about €89 |
| 1-Step | 10% | 3% | 10% EOD trailing | from about €79 |
| Instant | None | 3% | 10% intraday trailing | not confirmed |
Prices in the table come from a 2026 third-party review, as the official challenge pages we opened did not list fees. The largest $200K accounts cost roughly €1,000. Fees are a cost, not a deposit: most traders fail evaluations, and you should only pay what you can afford to lose.
Trading rules
- Drawdown: static on the 2-Step, which is the friendliest model because the floor never moves; trailing on the 1-Step and Instant.
- Consistency: for 1-Step accounts ordered from 12 October 2026, no single day may make up more than 50% of total profit. The 2-Step has no such rule.
- News and weekends: free during the evaluation. On funded Standard accounts, trading around major releases is restricted and positions must be closed for the weekend. The Swing type removes both limits in exchange for lower leverage (1:30 on forex instead of 1:100).
- EAs and copy trading: your own expert advisors are allowed; third-party EAs and copying other traders are not.
- Inactivity: accounts with no trades for 30 days may be closed.
Profit split, payouts and scaling
The 1-Step pays 90% from the start. The 2-Step starts at 80% and moves to 90% through the scaling plan, and its fee is refunded with your first reward. Rewards can be requested every 14 days and are usually processed within one to two business days, by bank transfer, card payout services or crypto. Identity verification is required before the first payout.
The scaling plan raises your balance by 25% each four-month cycle if you make at least 10% net profit and have received at least two rewards, up to $2M. This FTMO review found that very few prop firms publish a scaling path this clearly.
Platforms and instruments
FTMO supports MT4, MT5, cTrader and DXtrade, and its official rules page notes that TradingView trades run through the OANDA broker profile. The instrument list covers forex, indices, metals, energy, stocks and crypto CFDs. A separate futures offer also exists on the official site, with its own rules.
Company, trust and payout record
Trust is FTMO’s strongest point. Industry press reported 2025 revenue of about $422 million and more than 48,000 Trustpilot reviews averaging 4.8. Its parent, OMHC a.s., completed the purchase of OANDA from CVC Capital Partners in December 2025, so the group now includes a broker licensed in the US, UK, EU, Japan and Singapore. FTMO itself still provides simulated accounts and is not a regulated entity.
No firm is free of criticism. Some traders complain about account breaches and rule interpretations, and the introduction of the 50% consistency rule and trailing drawdown on the 1-Step has drawn debate. 2025 was also a tough year for the industry, and FTMO reported lower profit margins. We found no evidence of systemic payout refusals.
Who FTMO suits
- Traders who value a long track record and published rules over the lowest price.
- Swing traders who need weekend holding (via the Swing account).
- Traders who want a clear long-term scaling path.
Budget-focused traders, or anyone who wants news trading on a funded Standard account, may prefer other firms.
Final verdict: FTMO review summary
FTMO remains one of the safest-looking choices in prop trading. The 2-Step with a static drawdown and refundable fee is still its best product; the 1-Step is quicker but stricter. Expect to pay more than at newer firms, read the consistency and news rules carefully, and treat every challenge fee as money at risk.
Compare FTMO with the other top prop trading firms, or read our GFunded review and FundedNext review.
FAQ
Is FTMO legit?
Yes. FTMO has operated from Prague since 2015, reported 2025 revenue of about $422 million and, through its parent company, completed the purchase of broker OANDA in December 2025. Its funded accounts are still simulated, and FTMO itself is not a regulated broker.
How much does an FTMO challenge cost?
Third-party data from 2026 shows the 1-Step from about €79 and the 2-Step from about €89 for a $10K account, rising to roughly €1,000 for $200K. Prices are set in your chosen currency, so check the official site.
What is FTMO’s profit split?
Up to 90%. The 1-Step pays 90%, while the 2-Step starts at 80% and can reach 90% through the scaling plan.
Does FTMO allow news trading and holding over the weekend?
During the evaluation, yes. On funded Standard accounts there are restrictions around major news and positions must be closed for the weekend; the Swing account type removes these limits but has lower leverage.
Does FTMO refund the challenge fee?
The 2-Step fee is refunded with your first reward once funded. The 1-Step fee is not refunded.
Facts compiled on 8 November 2026 from the firm’s published rules and independent reviews listed in the sources. Prop firm rules and prices change often; confirm on the official website before buying a challenge.