FTMO Review 2026: Pros, Cons, And Key Insights

Curious about a modern prop firm that finances skilled traders? In this FTMO review, we explain how the company’s model works, outline the evaluation process, and address the big question many ask: is FTMO legit or not.

Based in the Czech Republic and operating for close to a decade, FTMO runs a two-step evaluation. Clear trading objectives must be met before the firm allocates additional capital. After you pass, the prop trading firm provides sizable funds so you can trade without risking your own savings. Below, we unpack the Challenge, the Verification, and everything in between.

Before you decide to trade with FTMO, weigh these quick takeaways that matter to any FTMO trader evaluating a reliable prop option.

Pros

• Entry costs kept modest for the FTMO Challenge — a practical on-ramp to get funded
• MT4/MT5 plus cTrader supported — a familiar, stable toolset with core indicators
• Leverage available up to 1:100 — sizeable gearing for experienced trading strategies
• Revenue share can reach 90% — high potential payout for strong performance
• Robust coverage of FX and digital coins — good breadth for currency-focused traders

Cons

• Strict drawdown caps — overall loss limited to 10% during evaluation
• Equities and futures access — thinner lineup than some trading firms
• No promos or welcome bonuses — value centers on the evaluation process itself

Unlike brokers that earn commissions, this proprietary trading approach uses firm capital to seek returns, and traders share in the profits. To begin, you create an FTMO account and pay a fee that starts around €155 (or the equivalent). Supported currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, and several others, which FTMO also supports across deposits and payouts. Promotions are not part of the offer.

After enrolling, two assessments must be completed: the FTMO Challenge and then Verification. Clear both stages and you can operate a funded account with up to $400,000 in buying power.

Gearing can reach 1:100 on instruments such as forex pairs, digital assets, indices, selected shares, and commodities. Once the first milestone is met, the default profit split is up to 80% to the trader, which can rise as high as 90% under specific conditions.

The evaluation process is split into two phases with defined trading rules and risk parameters. Below is a concise overview of each step a trader must pass to get funded.

Challenge phase: You choose a notional balance between $10,000 and $200,000. Fees scale with the chosen size, starting at about €155 for the smallest account type. Within a window of roughly 10 to 30 days, your goal is to hit a 10% profit target while respecting the daily and overall drawdown caps (10% max loss). If you fail to reach the target but do not breach risk limits, a free retry is available. After your first successful payout as an FTMO trader, the fee is reimbursed.

Verification phase: The second step preserves the core idea of the Challenge but allows more time — from a minimum of 10 days up to 60 days — to achieve the profit objective. There’s no additional fee for this stage. Meeting the criteria here means you become a funded trader at the prop firm with the potential to manage as much as $400,000, subject to the agreed trading parameters.

Markets available include major and minor currency pairs for forex, a curated list of stocks, and commodities such as metals. FTMO also lists close to a dozen popular cryptocurrencies (for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dash). On the other hand, access to ETFs, options, and futures for funded profiles is absent or restricted compared with some competitors.

FX remains the emphasis. Pairs like EUR/USD or USD/JPY are front and center, and there are 44 currency combinations overall, giving room to apply trading skills across a broad forex universe.

For execution and analysis, traders can pick MT4, MT5, or cTrader. These platforms deliver essential indicators, fast fills, and dependable infrastructure suitable for many trading strategies.

Our testing leaned on MT4, available as a desktop download or a browser-based terminal. Mobile apps for iOS and Android are provided too, and FTMO also offers helpful utilities that round out the trading experience.

Three account types cover a range of trading behavior. While the lineup is simpler than some forex prop firm offerings, it’s sufficient for most traders aiming to get funded.

Practice profile (demo): We began with the free trial, which mirrors the trading conditions of the main setup. Quick registration is required (name, email, phone, and country). The demo account runs for 14 days and is a safe way to test the platform and refine trading discipline without risking capital.

Main setup: Within this account, you can opt for Normal or Aggressive risk modes depending on your comfort level and the starting balance. The Aggressive approach doubles both the profit target and the maximum drawdown to 20%, offering a higher-risk, higher-reward path.

Swing profile: This option eases restrictions around fundamental news and allows positions to be held for multiple days. Keep in mind, leverage here is reduced to 1:30 versus the standard risk profile.

After you pass the evaluation process and choose a platform, FTMO allocates up to $400,000 in capital. With the Normal plan, the default profit share is up to 80% to the trader, with the firm retaining the remainder.

There’s a scaling plan for consistent results: generate about 10% over a four-month cycle on larger accounts and the notional balance can be increased by $100,000. Those who qualify under the Aggressive mode may receive up to $2 million in starting capital and can unlock up to a 90% payout if trading objectives are met.

FTMO supports major currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, and AUD for account funding and payouts. Many participants rely on a standard bank transfer, though alternatives are available.

Deposits: The entry fee begins around €155. Choosing a higher tier can involve a €250 charge, which also enables the Aggressive strategy for the evaluation. Funding methods include common credit/debit cards, bank payments, Skrill, and selected e-wallet providers.

Withdrawals: Requests become available 14 days after opening your first trade. You can cash out using the same channels offered for deposits, and FTMO also facilitates crypto-based payouts. There are no withdrawal fees from the firm’s side, and processing usually takes one to two business days; in our tests, funds often arrived within eight hours.

Throughout the evaluation, the Account MetriX dashboard keeps you informed. It tallies every trade, surfaces account analysis, and organizes the key data points you need to stay within the rules.

You’ll see the Challenge start and end dates, account size, chosen platform, and current results updated in near real time. The panel also highlights the daily loss limit, overall drawdown threshold, and your progress toward passing, alongside rich statistics that help you calibrate your trading skills.

Operating since 2014, FTMO has built a reputation as a trustworthy proprietary trading firm. According to its records, the company has paid out more than $27 million to traders across 180+ countries, facilitating over six million trades monthly. Recognition from publications like Forbes and multiple Deloitte Technology Fast 50 awards supports its standing among the best prop firm candidates.

Once you cover the entry fee and pass, you trade firm capital rather than your own. That said, prudent risk management remains essential when you trade, regardless of who provides the funds.

Help is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. EST. The customer support team responds via live chat, email, and phone, and assistance is provided in more than a dozen languages. This is especially useful for newer traders and anyone arranging their first payout.

Beyond funding, FTMO also provides resources to improve trading discipline. You get access to FTMO Academy, an economic calendar, and a Mentor Application that offers deeper insight into strategy and psychology.

Performance coaches and an equity simulator are available as well. Together, these tools can help you refine trading strategies, prepare for news-driven volatility, and work toward a stronger profit split.

As a prop firm, FTMO presents a polished path to get funded and test your edge under clear trading rules. Our FTMO review found the evaluation firm to be credible and well run.

The bar to pass is high, but the reward structure is compelling for disciplined traders. With meaningful leverage and a potential payout up to 90% for top performers, experienced participants have room to scale. If the model fits your approach, create an FTMO account, attempt the Challenge, and consider trading with FTMO once you qualify.