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1. What is FTMO?

FTMO is one of the most reputable proprietary trading firms in the forex industry. Based in the Czech Republic, FTMO provides talented traders with the opportunity to trade with up to $200,000 in funded capital, while keeping up to 90% of the profits.

Since launching in 2015, FTMO has earned global recognition for its transparent evaluation process, strong trader support, and timely payouts.

2. FTMO Evaluation Process

FTMO uses a 2-step evaluation model to assess traders before giving access to funded accounts.

1. FTMO Challenge

• Duration: 30 days

• Minimum Trading Days: 10

• Profit Target: 10%

• Maximum Daily Loss: 5%

• Maximum Total Loss: 10%

2. Verification

• Duration: 60 days

• Profit Target: 5%

• Same risk limits as the Challenge

✅ No minimum profit in Verification = easier to pass

Once you pass both steps, you’re awarded a funded FTMO account.

3. FTMO Profit Split & Payouts

• Profit Split: Up to 90% (starts at 80%)

• Payout Frequency: Monthly (can be bi-weekly upon request)

• Processing Time: Fast, typically within 1–2 business days

• Payment Methods: Bank transfer, crypto, and other major methods

4. Trading Rules and Platform Options

• Allowed Instruments: Forex, Commodities, Indices, Crypto, Stocks (CFDs)

• Leverage: Up to 1:100 (depends on account type)

• Platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader

• EA/Algorithmic Trading: Allowed

• News Trading: Allowed with conditions

⚠️ Violating max loss rules = account termination (no exceptions)

5. FTMO Account Types and Pricing

All fees are fully refundable after the first profit split.

6. FTMO Key Features

• 🔒 Strong Reputation: Operates since 2015, with high trust ratings

• 👩‍🏫 Free Trading Apps: Account MetriX, FTMO Mentor App, and more

• 🛠️ Advanced Analytics: Helps improve trader performance

• 💼 Scaling Plan: Account growth up to $2M based on performance

• 📞 Live Support: Fast response and multilingual team

7. Pros and Cons

👍 Pros of FTMO

✅ 1. Transparent and Fair Evaluation Process

FTMO uses a structured 2-step evaluation (Challenge & Verification) with clearly defined rules. Traders know exactly what is required — from drawdown limits to profit targets — with no hidden conditions or changes mid-way.

✅ 2. High Profit Split — Up to 90%

Traders start with an 80% profit share and can move up to 90% based on consistent performance. This generous model rewards discipline and professionalism, putting more earnings directly in the trader’s pocket.

✅ 3. Refundable Challenge Fee

The full fee paid for the FTMO Challenge is 100% refunded after a trader passes both stages and receives their first profit split — which means you’re essentially trading for free if you succeed.

✅ 4. Free Trading Tools & Analytics

FTMO provides professional-grade tools like the FTMO Account MetriX, FTMO Mentor App, and FTMO Trading Journal. These tools help traders refine their strategy, analyze performance, and improve risk management — all at no extra cost.

✅ 5. Strong Global Reputation

Operating since 2015, FTMO is one of the most trusted prop firms worldwide. It has funded thousands of traders and has a track record of reliable, on-time payouts, making it a go-to for serious traders.

✅ 6. Platform Flexibility

FTMO supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, giving traders the freedom to choose their preferred platform — a major plus for algorithmic or discretionary traders alike.

👎 Cons of FTMO

❌ 1. Strict Risk Rules

FTMO has zero tolerance for breaching the daily or overall loss limits. Even a momentary violation will result in disqualification, regardless of whether you’re in profit — demanding extreme discipline and tight risk control.

❌ 2. No One-Phase or Instant Funding Option

Unlike competitors like FundedNext or The5ers, FTMO doesn’t offer one-phase evaluations or instant funding programs. This may be a drawback for traders looking for faster access to capital.

❌ 3. Time Pressure for New Traders

The 30-day Challenge and 60-day Verification phases can feel restrictive for inexperienced traders, especially during slow market conditions. The pressure to meet profit targets within a deadline may affect decision-making.

❌ 4. Higher Upfront Costs

FTMO Challenge fees range from €155 to over €1,000 depending on account size. While refundable, this initial cost may be a barrier for beginners or low-budget traders.

8. Final Verdict: Is FTMO Worth It in 2025?

Yes — FTMO remains one of the most reputable and trader-friendly proprietary trading firms in the world.

For serious and disciplined traders, FTMO offers an exceptional opportunity to access large amounts of trading capital — up to $200,000 (or more with scaling) — with a generous profit split of up to 90%. Their two-step evaluation process may seem strict at first glance, but it is well-structured, fair, and transparent, with no hidden conditions or last-minute changes.

What truly sets FTMO apart is its commitment to trader development. They don’t just fund traders — they invest in your long-term success through professional-grade analytics, risk-tracking tools, and mindset coaching via apps like the FTMO Mentor App and Account MetriX. These tools go far beyond what most other prop firms provide, especially for free.

Moreover, FTMO has built a strong reputation for reliability and timely payouts. Traders consistently report that their earnings are paid on time, and the customer support team is responsive and knowledgeable. In an industry where some newer firms have disappeared overnight or delayed payments, this level of trust is a major asset.

Of course, FTMO isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a one-phase evaluation, instant funding, or if your strategy depends on high-frequency trading or arbitrage, other firms like FundedNext or The5ers might offer more flexible options. And beginners may find the strict loss limits and 30-day time frame for the Challenge a bit intense at first.

However, if you’re a trader who values structure, professionalism, and long-term growth, FTMO is one of the best platforms to build a serious trading career. Whether you’re a discretionary trader, algorithmic trader, or swing trader — as long as you respect risk and have a consistent edge — FTMO gives you the infrastructure and funding to scale.

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