FTMO Review

FTMO funds traders after a two step evaluation called the Challenge and Verification. The Challenge has no time limit. Standard accounts use a 5% daily loss and a 10% max loss. You can request a payout from day 14 once funded and in profit. Top performers can reach a 90% split through the scaling plan.

What is FTMO?

FTMO runs a simulated evaluation. You trade a demo account in two steps. If you pass both, you get an FTMO Account that is eligible for payouts. The Challenge stage has no time limit, and you must trade a minimum of four days in each stage. Standard risk uses a 5% daily loss limit and a 10% overall loss limit. Payouts can be requested after 14 days from your first trade if the account is in profit and flat. The scaling plan can raise your split up to 90% if you meet the rules.

Account types at a glance

Standard
Target is higher in Challenge and lower in Verification. Daily loss is 5%. Max loss is 10%. Leverage is up to 1:100. You must close for weekends and follow news rules once funded on the regular account. Good for most traders who want balance.

Aggressive
Targets and loss limits are larger than Standard. Suits traders who accept higher drawdown. Rules on timing are similar to Standard.

Swing
You can hold trades over weekends and through news. Leverage is lower than Standard. Pick this if you hold longer or trade macro news.

Minimum trading days in each evaluation stage are four. The trial lasts 14 days and is practice only.

Markets, Leverage, And When To Choose Swing

FTMO lets you trade forex, commodities, indices, crypto, and a few stocks. The Standard and Aggressive accounts have leverage up to 1:100. The Swing account has lower leverage, about 1:30, to make long holds safer.

If you want to trade around big news or keep positions open on weekends, the Swing account is the right pick. If you prefer short-term trades and tighter risk control, use Standard. Aggressive works best for traders who take larger swings and can handle higher drawdowns.

How To Pass: Rules-First Playbook

Risk Per Trade
Never risk more than one to one and a half percent per trade. On a $100,000 account, that means your max loss for one position should be about $1,000 to $1,500. Keep stop-loss orders in place and use lot sizes that fit this rule.

Take Your Time
There is no deadline for the Challenge, so do not rush. Many traders fail because they try to reach targets in a few days. Trade slowly, focus on clean setups, and wait for high-probability trades.

Watch News And Weekends
If you are on a Standard or Aggressive account, close trades before weekends and major news events. FTMO lists the restricted events on their calendar. Swing traders can ignore this but should still control leverage.

Step-By-Step: From Trial To First Payout

Step 1: Free Trial
The trial lasts 14 days. It follows the same rules as the real Challenge but with smaller targets. You can start a new trial any time to practice.

Step 2: Challenge
This is the first phase of the real evaluation. You must reach the profit target without breaking the loss limits. There is no time limit, but you must trade at least four days.

Step 3: Verification
This is the second phase. The target is lower, and the loss rules stay the same. Once you pass, you qualify for a funded FTMO Account.

Step 4: Funded Account And First Payout
After you trade for 14 days and the account is in profit, you can request your payout. FTMO usually sends it within one or two business days.

Platforms And Tools You Actually Use

FTMO works with four trading platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade. MT4 and MT5 are best if you like using Expert Advisors or automated trading systems. They come with strong charting and lots of built-in indicators.

cTrader is popular for traders who want more control over orders and market depth. It gives faster execution and lets you use advanced scripts called cBots. DXtrade is the modern web platform that works directly in your browser. It’s smooth, mobile-friendly, and built for traders who want clean charts without extra setup.

You can test each one during the free trial before paying for a Challenge. Pick the platform that matches your style instead of following what everyone else uses.

Trust, Support, And Education

FTMO has built a strong record in the prop trading world. It started in 2015 and has thousands of positive reviews from real traders. The company gives direct contact options through live chat, email, and phone in many languages. Support runs all week and answers fast.

For education, FTMO runs an online Trading Academy with short guides, videos, and real trader interviews. They explain trading psychology, drawdown rules, and risk control with simple examples. Funded traders can also access coaching sessions with mentors who focus on discipline and mindset.

Their transparency about rules and data helps traders trust the process. You can verify every condition—loss limits, payouts, and scaling—on their site.

Pros And Cons From A Trader’s View

Pros
FTMO gives you unlimited time in the Challenge, which lowers stress and helps you trade at your own pace. You can request payouts every two weeks instead of waiting a full month. The scaling plan rewards consistent profits by raising both your account balance and your profit share. The Swing account is also a plus since it lets you hold positions through weekends and news.

Cons
The daily loss resets at midnight Central European Time, which can surprise traders in other time zones. The overall loss limit uses your equity, so open drawdowns can fail your account even if you recover later. Standard and Aggressive accounts cannot hold trades through weekends or restricted news events, which limits flexibility.

Overall, the structure is strict but fair. If you stay within the rules, you can scale up quickly and build trust with the firm.

Verdict

FTMO fits traders who want structure and long-term growth. The Standard plan works best for steady, low-risk styles. The Aggressive plan fits confident traders who can handle pressure. The Swing account helps swing or macro traders who need more freedom.

If you trade with patience, keep drawdowns small, and respect the rules, FTMO gives one of the most stable paths to prop funding in 2025.

FAQs

Can I Pass FTMO Fast?

You can pass as soon as you meet the target and complete four trading days, but rushing usually leads to failure. Since there is no time limit, trade only when the setup is clear and meets your risk plan.

Does The Free Trial Pay Profits?

No. The free trial is for practice only. It mirrors the Challenge rules but uses virtual money. You can restart a new one when it ends.

When Can I Get My First Payout?

After you pass both stages and get your funded account, you can request your first payout 14 days after your first trade. Payments arrive within one or two business days.

Editorial Standards And Disclaimers

All numbers, targets, and payout details come from FTMO’s official pages. This review explains the program based on public information. The funding is simulated, and profits come from the company’s internal model.

Trading always carries risk. Passing an evaluation does not mean you will make money later. The rules, fees, and payout terms can change, so readers should check FTMO’s site before joining. This page is for education, not financial advice.