As an investor closely observing the evolution of the proprietary trading space, I’ve taken a deep dive into numerous prop firms over the years. Among the most prominent and widely discussed is FTMO – a name that has become almost synonymous with forex funding programs. After thoroughly researching FTMO’s model, policies, user experience, and community sentiment, I’m sharing this comprehensive review to help traders and readers understand exactly what makes FTMO stand out, where it excels, and what to be aware of.
What Is FTMO?
FTMO is a proprietary trading firm based in the Czech Republic that offers capital to traders who prove themselves through a structured evaluation process. Instead of risking their own money, traders can access substantial funding – up to $400,000 per account – and earn up to 90% of the profits they generate, while FTMO takes care of the risk.
Key Features at a Glance
Two-phase evaluation process
Profit split up to 90%
No ongoing subscription fees
Account sizes up to $400,000
Weekly payouts
Free trial available
Psychological feedback and performance analysis tools
No time limit for Verification phase (new update)
How the FTMO Model Works
FTMO uses a challenge-based model. To get access to a funded account, traders must pass two distinct stages:
FTMO Challenge – This is the first step and requires traders to reach a 10% profit target within a 30-day trading period, without exceeding the daily or overall loss limits. There is a minimum trading period of 10 days.
Verification – The second phase is a more relaxed stage with a 5% profit target and no time limit. Once this is completed, traders are offered a funded account.
After passing both phases, traders receive access to a real capital account, and from here, FTMO will share profits generated with the trader – often up to 90%, depending on the program selected.
Profit Split and Scaling Plan
The standard profit split starts at 80/20 in favor of the trader, but if you consistently perform well and demonstrate strong risk management, you can scale up and increase your profit share to 90/10. FTMO also offers a scaling plan, allowing profitable traders to increase their account size by 25% every four months, provided certain targets are met.
Costs and Fees
FTMO charges a one-time fee for the challenge, which is refundable once a trader successfully completes the evaluation and starts trading a funded account. The fees range based on the account size chosen:
$155 for a $10,000 account
$610 for a $50,000 account
$1,080 for a $100,000 account
$1,860 for a $200,000 account
Note: There are no monthly fees and no commissions taken from the profits aside from the agreed profit split.
What Sets FTMO Apart
Many prop firms have entered the scene, but FTMO still holds a leading position for several key reasons:
Credibility and Track Record – FTMO has been operating since 2015 and is widely regarded as one of the most transparent and stable prop firms in the market.
Trader-Centric Tools – They offer performance analytics, psychological feedback, and risk-management tools to help traders grow.
Refund Policy – The evaluation fee is refunded after successful completion of the challenge, making the process risk-limited.
No Time Limit on Verification Phase – FTMO recently removed the time limit for the Verification stage, giving traders more flexibility.
Strong Payout Reliability – FTMO has a solid reputation for timely, consistent payouts.
Pros
High funding potential with no personal capital risk
Clear rules and transparent evaluation criteria
Generous profit splits up to 90%
Excellent trader support and tools
Weekly payouts available
Global community with strong online presence
Offers a free trial with real conditions (demo)
Cons
Initial challenge can be stressful for newer traders
Profit targets may feel aggressive for some styles (especially swing traders)
No holding over weekends or during news events (can be restrictive depending on your strategy)
Evaluation fee may be high for beginners, especially if they fail multiple times
FTMO Compared to Other Prop Firms
When stacked against other firms like MyForexFunds, The Funded Trader, or Fidelcrest, FTMO typically wins on reputation, reliability, and trader resources. However, some other firms may offer lower profit targets, or allow more relaxed trading conditions such as holding over weekends or trading during news.
That said, many of those other firms have struggled with payment issues or a lack of transparency, which FTMO avoids by maintaining a very professional and compliant operation.
My Verdict as an Investor
If you're a trader looking for a serious, well-established proprietary firm to grow your trading career, FTMO is one of the best choices on the market. Their process encourages discipline, their analytics tools are invaluable for performance improvement, and their capital offerings are among the most competitive.
As an investor, I see FTMO as a low-risk entry point for aspiring professional traders. You're not trading your own money, and the only financial commitment is a refundable evaluation fee. In return, you get access to capital, support, and a real opportunity to build a trading career.
FTMO is not for gamblers or beginners hoping to get rich quick – it’s for traders with a proven edge, patience, and discipline. But for those who can meet the standards, FTMO offers not just funding, but a complete environment to grow and succeed.
Final Rating: 9/10
FTMO earns top marks for trust, structure, and trader support. Minor deductions are due to the strict rules and steep evaluation challenge, but these are justified to maintain firm integrity. Highly recommended for serious traders.