FTMO Prop Firm Review (2025): Is It the Best Prop Firm for Aspiring Traders?

If you're an ambitious forex or CFD trader looking to trade with serious capital, you've likely come across FTMO, one of the leading proprietary trading firms in the world. With a reputation for transparency, trader support, and generous profit splits, FTMO has quickly become a top choice for both new and experienced traders.

But is FTMO worth the hype in 2025? In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore FTMO’s challenges, payout process, trading rules, and what truly sets them apart from other prop firms. We'll also highlight the pros and cons to help you decide if FTMO is the right fit for your trading journey.

✅ Pros:

Trusted since 2014
Fast, reliable payouts
High profit split (up to 90%)
Excellent trader support and tools
No restrictions on strategy type
Funded account scaling up to $2M

❌ Cons:

No instant funding options (you must pass the evaluation)
Loss rules can be strict for high-frequency traders
Requires 10 minimum trading days (not ideal for very low-frequency strategies)

What Is FTMO?

FTMO is a Czech-based proprietary trading firm founded in 2014 that allows retail traders to access up to $200,000 in trading capital—and even more with scaling. Unlike traditional brokerages, FTMO doesn't make money from spreads or commissions. Instead, they fund traders who pass their evaluation process, sharing profits from successful trades.

Their model is simple: You prove you're a profitable, disciplined trader, and they give you capital to trade with—while keeping most of the risk on their side.

FTMO Challenge: The Gateway to Funded Trading

Before you can trade with real capital, you’ll need to pass the FTMO Challenge, a two-step evaluation process designed to test your consistency, risk management, and profitability.

✅ Step 1: FTMO Challenge

Duration: 30 calendar days
Profit Target: 10%
Max Daily Loss: 5%
Max Total Loss: 10%
Minimum Trading Days: 10
Refundable Fee: Varies based on account size (e.g., €155 for $10,000, €540 for $100,000)

Your goal is to reach the profit target within the loss limits, without violating any rules. If successful, you move to the next phase.

✅ Step 2: Verification Phase

Duration: 60 calendar days
Profit Target: 5%
Loss Limits: Same as the Challenge
Minimum Trading Days: 10

This phase has a lower profit target but the same rules. It’s designed to confirm that your performance wasn’t a fluke and that you can trade responsibly over time. Here are the rules for each step in the FTMO challenge.

One good thing about FTMO is that offers so many currencies for your account so you can have a trading account in the same currency of your country.

Realistic Expectations

FTMO is not looking for gamblers—they want traders who can manage risk. Their rules ensure that reckless trading won't get rewarded. If you’re consistent and disciplined, the challenge is very achievable.

FTMO challenges table with all steps rules

FTMO Payouts: How You Get Paid

Once you're a funded FTMO trader, you’re entitled to monthly payouts with a profit split of up to 90%.

Payout Highlights:

Default Split: 80/20 in the trader’s favor
Scaling Plan: After four months of consistent performance, profit split increases to 90/10
Monthly Payout Cycle: Payouts are processed within 1–2 business days after request
Methods: Bank transfer, cryptocurrency (like BTC), and other flexible options

FTMO’s payout reputation is stellar. There are thousands of trader testimonials and verified payment proofs all over social media and forums so in this regards receives a score of 5/5

FTMO Trading Rules

FTMO offers a high level of freedom, but traders must stay within these key rules:

❗ Mandatory Rules:

Max Daily Loss: 5% (of starting balance)
Max Overall Loss: 10% (of starting balance)
Minimum Trading Days: 10
No news trading during high-impact releases (optional for some accounts)

✅ What’s Allowed:

Expert Advisors (EAs)
Hedging and Scalping
Swing Trading
Manual or algorithmic strategies
Trading across Forex, indices, commodities, crypto, and more

FTMO is known for not restricting strategies, as long as you respect the risk parameters. This makes it ideal for professional traders using technical, fundamental, or algorithmic approaches.

FTMO Scaling Plan: Grow Your Account

FTMO rewards consistency. If you generate at least 10% profit over two consecutive four-month cycles (and don’t violate any rules), you can scale your capital up to $2,000,000.

The plan allows you to:

Increase your account size by 25% every 4 months
Earn up to a 90% profit split
Enjoy longer-term trading opportunities with more drawdown buffer

FTMO Platform Options

Traders can choose between:

MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
cTrader
DXTrade

These platforms are well-integrated with FTMO’s custom dashboard, which provides real-time analytics, performance tracking, and rule monitoring.

FTMO Support and Community

One of FTMO’s strongest features is its customer support and trading community. They offer:

24/7 live chat and email support
Free psychological coaching
In-depth performance analysis tools
A YouTube channel and blog with regular updates, tips, and interviews
A Discord and social media community where traders share strategies and success stories

Their commitment to helping traders succeed—not just pass—sets FTMO apart.

Final Verdict: Is FTMO Worth It?

Absolutely.

FTMO is one of the most reputable, trader-friendly prop firms in the industry. Whether you're a scalper, swing trader, algo developer, or discretionary trader, FTMO provides the infrastructure, capital, and support you need to thrive.

With fast payouts, flexible strategies, and a clear path to scaling, FTMO isn’t just a prop firm—it’s a launchpad for professional trading careers.

How much can I earn with FTMO?

It depends on your account size and performance. For example, on a $100,000 account with a 10% monthly return, your profit split at 90% would be $9,000 per month.
Is FTMO legit?

Yes. FTMO has been in operation since 2014, has paid out millions to traders, and is widely recognized as the most trusted prop firm in the world.
Can I use EAs or bots?

Yes, FTMO allows EAs and algorithmic trading, provided you don't breach risk rules.