Buyer-first forex comparison · reviewed July 25, 2026
FTMO vs Funding Traders Buyer’s Scorecard
Compare the same account size and the same evaluation type. Then compare total attempt cost, how daily and maximum loss are calculated, whether drawdown is static or trailing, the funded-account rules, platform fit, and evidence of trust. Branded challenge names identify products; they are not decision criteria by themselves.
| Decision point | FTMO | Funding Traders |
|---|---|---|
| Fee refund | 100% refunded with first withdrawal | Varies by model |
| 1-Step profit target | 10% of initial simulated capital | Varies by model (confirm at checkout) |
| Max daily loss (1-Step) | 3% of initial balance | Varies by model (confirm at checkout) |
| Consistency rule | Best Day under 50% of positive-day profit | Largest day under 25% of total profits |
| Profit split | 90% (1-Step); 80% (2-Step), up to 90% via Scaling/Premium | 80-90% default, upgradeable to 100% |
| Min trading days | 4 | Varies by model |
| Founded | 2015 | More recent entrant |
Advanced checks before paying
- Calculate all-in attempt cost: evaluation or subscription fee, resets, activation, data or platform fees, and payout charges.
- Convert drawdown into a per-trade loss budget and model your normal losing streak.
- Audit funded-stage consistency, qualifying days, minimum balance, payout cap, number of payouts, scaling, and live-account transition.
- Check the contracting entity, recent complaint themes, support answer for your strategy, and a smaller first payout before scaling purchases.
This scorecard surfaces only decision rows without unresolved verification placeholders. Keep each row tied to the exact account size and program described; verify current checkout and official rules before purchasing.
Choosing between Funding Traders and FTMO comes down to how you actually trade. FTMO is the established, structured option with a long track record, a tightly defined rulebook, and no consistency rule on its standard accounts. Funding Traders offers a wider range of entry models (including instant funding) and higher profit-split upgrades, but applies a stricter in-trade consistency rule. This guide compares the two firm by firm so you can match the right evaluation model to your strategy, risk tolerance, and location.
Last verified June 2026. Prop firm rules, fees, and payout terms change frequently, so confirm the current terms on each firm’s official site before buying a challenge. This article is educational and not financial advice.
Funding Traders vs FTMO at a Glance
| Feature | FTMO | Funding Traders |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 | More recent entrant |
| Evaluation models | 1-Step Challenge, 2-Step Challenge | 1-Step, 2-Step PRO, 2-Step Next-Gen, Instant Funding |
| Account type | Simulated / demo capital | Simulated / demo capital |
| Profit split | 90% (1-Step); 80% (2-Step), up to 90% via Scaling/Premium | 80-90% default, upgradeable to 100% |
| 1-Step profit target | 10% of initial simulated capital | Varies by model (confirm at checkout) |
| Max daily loss (1-Step) | 3% of initial balance | Varies by model (confirm at checkout) |
| Min trading days | 4 | Varies by model |
| Consistency rule | Best Day under 50% of positive-day profit | Largest day under 25% of total profits |
| Fee refund | 100% refunded with first withdrawal | Varies by model |
| Max capital allocation | $400,000 per trader (before scaling) | Model-specific funded caps: up to $500,000 for Next-Gen, $400,000 for Instant Funded, and $300,000 for Pro/University accounts; the scaling plan can grow an eligible account to $2 million (official account limits) |
| Payout cadence | On request after profit split conditions met | Model-specific: 2-Step Pro lists a first payout after 21 days, or 14 days with the add-on; the current Instant Funding guide lists a 7-day default cycle and an on-demand add-on, subject to its consistency and cushion rules (2-Step Pro rules; Instant Funding rules) |
| U.S. traders | Via FTMO US (OANDA), some states excluded | Widely available internationally |
What Is FTMO?
FTMO is a prop trading firm founded in 2015 and headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic. It is one of the longest-running and most recognized names in the industry. FTMO provides simulated trading and educational tools rather than direct access to a live brokerage account, so you prove your skills on a demo setting and become eligible for performance-based rewards once you pass the evaluation and trade a funded simulated account within the rules.
FTMO’s evaluation comes in two formats. The 1-Step Challenge condenses the assessment into a single phase, while the 2-Step Challenge splits it into a Challenge stage and a Verification stage. Standard accounts offer leverage up to 1:100, and the Swing account type offers up to 1:30 with the ability to hold positions over the weekend and through news.
FTMO Challenge Rules
For the 1-Step Challenge, the published trading objectives include a 10% profit target, a 3% maximum daily loss (recalculated at the start of each new trading day), and a minimum of 4 trading days, where a trading day is any day you open at least one position. FTMO also applies a Best Day rule, meaning your single best day cannot represent more than 50% of your total positive-day profit, which discourages passing on one lucky trade. The 2-Step path uses a 10% target in the Challenge stage and a 5% target in the Verification stage.
FTMO Profit Split and Payouts
FTMO pays a 90% profit split on the 1-Step Challenge and 80% on the 2-Step, which can rise to 90% once you qualify for the Scaling Plan or Premium Programme. You receive a 100% refund of your evaluation fee with your first reward withdrawal. Minimum withdrawal amounts are modest, at least $20 for bank wire and $50 for cryptocurrency, to cover transaction costs. The maximum capital allocation is capped at $400,000 per trader before any scaling, applied across both the 1-Step and 2-Step products combined.
What Is Funding Traders?
Funding Traders is a newer prop firm that has grown quickly by emphasizing flexibility and trader-friendly economics. Like FTMO, it operates on simulated capital, so you pass an evaluation (or buy into an instant-funding model) and earn a share of the simulated profits you generate while following the firm’s rules.
Funding Traders offers a broader menu of entry points than FTMO. Alongside its 1-Step and 2-Step PRO challenges, it runs a 2-Step Next-Gen model and Instant Funding accounts for traders who would rather skip the evaluation phase in exchange for tighter rules. If you’re considering that path, our breakdown of instant funding vs the challenge model explains the trade-offs in depth. That range is the firm’s core appeal, since there’s usually a model to match a given risk appetite or budget.
Funding Traders Rules and Profit Split
Funding Traders advertises a default profit split of 80-90% depending on the model, with paid upgrades to 90% or even 100% available at checkout. Its Instant Funded accounts start at a higher 90% default split but come with stricter trading conditions. The firm enforces a consistency rule, so your largest single profitable day must not exceed 25% of your total profits (on $10,000 of profit, your best day should be $2,500 or less). This is stricter than FTMO’s 50% Best Day rule and rewards steady, repeatable performance over one-off spikes.
Funding Traders Payouts
Funding Traders is often cited for a flexible payout cycle, and it publishes a dedicated withdrawal policy that sets out eligibility windows and conditions. Exact cadence and minimums vary by account model and any add-ons you select, so confirm the current schedule for your specific account before relying on it: Model-specific: 2-Step Pro lists a first payout after 21 days, or 14 days with the add-on; the current Instant Funding guide lists a 7-day default cycle and an on-demand add-on, subject to its consistency and cushion rules (2-Step Pro rules; Instant Funding rules).
If payout speed is your priority, it’s worth comparing both firms against the wider field, so see our guide to the best prop firm for fast payouts.
A note on reputation: prop-trading communities on Reddit and Trustpilot include both praise and complaints about Funding Traders, including at least one widely shared post from a trader who said a payout was denied. These are user-reported accounts, unconfirmed reports, and most large prop firms attract similar disputes, but they’re a reminder to read the rules carefully, keep your trading well inside the consistency and risk limits, and document your account activity.
Head to Head Which Prop Firm Fits Your Trading Style
FTMO May Suit Traders Who Value Structure and Track Record
FTMO tends to fit traders who want a long-established firm with a transparent, well-documented rulebook and a clean evaluation-to-reward path. The 1-Step Challenge’s 90% split and full fee refund are notable, the firm’s age and scale give it a stability advantage, and the absence of a consistency rule on standard accounts gives volatile or news-driven strategies more room than Funding Traders allows. The trade-off is a strict daily-loss limit and Best Day rule that still demand disciplined risk management.
Funding Traders May Suit Traders Who Value Entry Options
Funding Traders tends to fit traders who want choice, including instant funding, multiple challenge formats, and the ability to buy a higher profit split up to 100%. The trade-offs are a tighter 25% consistency rule (stricter than FTMO’s 50% Best Day rule), a shorter track record than FTMO, and the mixed community feedback noted above. Confirm the current payout schedule before relying on it.
Comparing Cost and Value for Each Prop Firm
Both firms run frequent promotions, so headline challenge fees move around. As a rule of thumb, compare the all-in cost for the account size you want, the profit split after any upgrade, and the realistic payout timeline, not just the sticker price of the challenge. A cheaper challenge with a lower split or slower payouts can cost more over a funded account’s life than a slightly pricier one with better terms.
Availability for U.S. and International Traders
This is often the deciding factor. FTMO’s global platform does not accept U.S. persons. In August 2025 FTMO launched FTMO US in partnership with OANDA, giving U.S. legal residents (18+) and U.S.-incorporated entities a dedicated pathway, covering all 50 states plus U.S. territories, but currently excluding Arkansas, Delaware, Louisiana, Montana, and South Carolina. If you’re in the U.S., you’ll use the FTMO US program rather than the standard FTMO product.
Funding Traders is broadly available to international traders. If you’re outside the U.S., both firms are realistic options; if you’re in the U.S., confirm your state’s eligibility on the FTMO US site and check Funding Traders’ current terms for your country. For a closely related matchup, see our Funding Pips vs FTMO comparison, and if you’re newer to evaluations, our pick for the best prop firm for beginners who want simple rules is a useful starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Funding Traders or FTMO Better?
Neither is universally better, since it depends on your style. FTMO is the stronger pick for disciplined traders who want a long track record and a structured rulebook. Funding Traders is better for traders who want flexible entry models, instant funding, and the option to upgrade to a 100% profit split.
Does FTMO Accept U.S. Traders?
Not on its global product. U.S. residents trade through the separate FTMO US program (powered by OANDA), which covers all 50 states and U.S. territories but currently excludes Arkansas, Delaware, Louisiana, Montana, and South Carolina.
What Is the Profit Split at Each Prop Firm?
FTMO pays 90% on the 1-Step Challenge and 80% on the 2-Step (up to 90% via its Scaling Plan or Premium Programme). Funding Traders offers an 80-90% default split depending on the model, upgradeable to 100% at checkout.
Which Prop Firm Has Stricter Consistency Rules?
Funding Traders is stricter on consistency, since your largest day cannot exceed 25% of total profits. FTMO’s Best Day rule caps your best day at 50% of your positive-day profit, which is more forgiving.
Are These Real Funded Accounts?
Both firms operate on simulated (demo) capital. You trade a demo setting and earn performance-based rewards for following the rules, so you are not given direct access to a live brokerage account.
Do Either of These Prop Firms Refund the Challenge Fee?
FTMO refunds 100% of your evaluation fee with your first reward withdrawal. Funding Traders’ refund terms vary by model, so check the specific challenge you’re buying.
Page-one comparison check · US desktop results reviewed August 6, 2026
What to verify before choosing FTMO or Funding Traders
Decision summary: The headline account size and profit split do not identify the better fit on their own. Compare the complete cost, loss calculation, first-payout path, platform route, and restrictions for two specific programs before paying.
| Decision point | How to compare it |
|---|---|
| Strategy restrictions | Check news, weekend holding, copy trading, automated systems, scalping, HFT, hedging, and account-sharing rules for both the evaluation and funded stage. |
| Platform and execution costs | Compare the actual platform route, device support, market data, commissions or spreads, overnight charges, copier compatibility, and whether an account can change platforms later. |
| Payment, refund, and tax details | Check accepted payment methods, refund eligibility, taxes, currency conversion, chargeback restrictions, and whether a promotion changes any refund term. |
| Drawdown calculation | Identify whether each limit is static or trailing, whether it updates intraday or at the end of the day, what equity or balance it follows, and when daily limits reset. |
Promotions and program rules can change independently. Use this page to narrow the choice, then confirm every decision-critical term in each firm’s current official program document, checkout, and trader agreement. Screenshots or saved copies help if a rule changes after purchase.
The Bottom Line on Funding Traders vs FTMO
If you trade with discipline and want a proven, structured firm, FTMO’s rulebook, 90% 1-Step split, and fee refund make it a strong default, provided your location is supported. If you want flexibility, instant-funding options, and the chance to push your split to 100%, Funding Traders is the more adaptable choice, as long as you respect its tighter 25% consistency rule. The smartest next step is to pick the two or three account sizes you’d realistically trade, line up the all-in cost, profit split, and payout terms side by side on each firm’s official site, and choose the one whose rules you can follow comfortably for months, not just the one with the flashiest promo.
Educational content only. This is not financial, investment, or trading advice. Prop firm evaluations carry real risk and non-refundable fees, most traders do not pass them, rules and payout terms change frequently, and past or simulated performance does not guarantee future results. Verify all current terms directly with each firm before purchasing, and never risk money you cannot afford to lose.
Research and disclosure
How this comparison was reviewed
- Basis
- Document-based comparison of official product pages, trading objectives, and help-center material cited in this page.
- Scope
- FTMO and Funding Traders programs and the exact account comparisons stated on this page. Other firms and changing checkout promotions are outside this comparison.
- Limitations
- BestProps did not purchase an account or perform first-hand trading, support, identity-check, or payout testing for this comparison. Recheck current terms before purchase.
- Commercial state
- BestProps currently has no active affiliate or sponsor relationship with FTMO, Funding Traders, or any firm named on this page. Any future relationship will be disclosed next to affected links and in this record.
