Our verdict
FTMO is the firm most others get measured against, and that position is earned through structure rather than marketing: clearly documented evaluation rules, a broad instrument range and unusually wide platform support across MT4, MT5, cTrader and DXtrade.
It is no longer a single-format firm. FTMO runs two distinct evaluation models — a 1-step Challenge and a 2-step Challenge plus Verification — with different daily-loss rules and a different drawdown mechanic, so the right choice depends on how you trade rather than on the brand alone.
It fits traders who think in processes and can follow a written rule set. Confirm the current targets, drawdown calculation and fee/refund terms on FTMO's site before paying — and pick the model whose daily-loss rule your strategy can actually live with.
Clearly documented 1-step and 2-step objectives, but not the cheapest entry and the 1-step daily-loss limit is tight.
Published payout terms and a scaling plan; the 2-step fee is refundable (FTMO lists 100%) with the first reward withdrawal.
Unusually broad platform support — MT4, MT5, cTrader and DXtrade across forex, indices, commodities and crypto.
Long, documented operating history with published trading objectives for each model; values verified against official sources.
Established onboarding and support; solid rather than a standout differentiator.
Dimensions are weighted as set out in our editorial policy. Sub-scores are editorial judgments, not measurements; the overall score is the weighted average of these dimensions.
- Long-established firm with clearly documented trading objectives
- Choice of a faster 1-step or a more gradual 2-step evaluation
- Broad instrument and platform support
- Not the cheapest route to a funded account
- No instant-funding option — both models require passing an evaluation
- The 1-step model's tighter 3% daily-loss limit leaves less intraday room
- On the 1-step model the fee is not refunded, and its best-day (50%) consistency rule rules out passing on a single outsized session
Evaluation models at a glance
FTMO is no longer a single-format firm: it offers a 1-step Challenge and a 2-step Challenge + Verification. They reach the same destination — a funded, simulated-capital account — but the risk rules along the way differ, and that difference is the most important thing to understand before choosing.
| FTMO Challenge: 1-Step | FTMO Challenge: 2-Step | |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation phases | 1 | 2 (Challenge → Verification) |
| Profit target | 10% | 10% (Challenge) · 5% (Verification) |
| Maximum daily loss | 3% | 5% |
| Maximum loss | 10% — end-of-day trailing | 10% — static |
| Best-day (consistency) rule | Best day ≤ 50% of total positive-day profit | — |
| Minimum trading days | None (but the best-day rule effectively rules out a single-day pass) | 4 |
| Fee | One-time, per account size | One-time, per account size |
| Fee refund | Not refunded | Refundable — FTMO lists 100%, paid with the first reward withdrawal |
Figures reflect FTMO's published Trading Objectives at the last review date. Conditions change — verify the current values for your account size and region on FTMO's site before paying.
How each model works
1-Step Challenge. A single evaluation phase: reach the 10% profit target without breaching a 3% maximum daily loss or the 10% maximum loss. The maximum loss is an end-of-day (EOD) trailing limit: it is recalculated once a day after the close from the highest end-of-day balance reached on any prior day — not from intraday equity — and it rises as the account grows but never falls. A second rule shapes how you reach the target: the best-day (consistency) rule requires that your most profitable day not exceed 50% of the sum of all your positive days' results. Exceeding it is not an automatic breach — you simply keep trading and add further positive days until the ratio is back to 50% or less. Formally there is no minimum number of trading days, but this rule effectively rules out passing on a single big day. The tighter 3% daily limit is the main trade-off: less room for a bad session, which rewards traders who keep daily risk small.
2-Step Challenge + Verification. Two phases: the Challenge requires a 10% profit target, the Verification a lower 5% target, both under a 5% maximum daily loss and a static 10% maximum loss. A minimum of 4 trading days applies. The two-phase structure asks for patience but gives more daily-loss headroom than the 1-step model, which suits strategies that occasionally need a larger single-day swing.
Risk profile and who each suits
The two models price the same destination differently in terms of risk. The 1-step route is faster — one phase rather than two — but its 3% daily limit and trailing maximum loss demand tight intraday discipline; a single oversized day can end it. The 2-step route takes longer and adds a minimum-trading-day requirement, but its 5% daily limit and static maximum loss are more forgiving of normal variance.
As a rough guide: the 1-step model tends to suit traders who keep daily risk low, trade consistently and want quicker access — its best-day rule makes it a poor fit for anyone relying on one outsized session to hit the target; the 2-step model tends to suit traders who want more daily headroom and are comfortable with a longer, more documented process. Neither is "easier" overall — they shift where the pressure sits.
Platforms and instruments
With MT4, MT5, cTrader and DXtrade, FTMO covers more platforms than most firms in this category, and the instrument list spans forex, indices, commodities and crypto. For EA-driven workflows the MetaTrader support matters most; whether a given automated strategy is allowed is a rules question, not a platform question, so check it explicitly for the model you choose.
Fees, refunds and payouts
Both models are paid for with a one-time fee that scales with account size — not a recurring subscription. The refund treatment differs by model: on the 1-step Challenge the entry fee is not refunded, while on the 2-step Challenge the fee is refundable — FTMO's 2-step product page lists a 100% refund, paid out with your first reward withdrawal and returned via your original payment method. Refund conditions can change, so confirm the current policy before paying. Profit splits and payout cadence are program-dependent and published on FTMO's site; we deliberately do not quote figures that change. Structurally, FTMO offers a scaling plan that grows the funded account for consistent performance — relevant if your goal is a long-term funded relationship rather than a single payout.
- 1Which model (1-step or 2-step) fits your strategy, and the current profit target for each phase.
- 2The daily-loss rule for your chosen model (1-step uses a tighter daily limit than 2-step).
- 3How the maximum loss is measured — the 1-step model uses a 10% end-of-day trailing limit (from the highest end-of-day balance); the 2-step uses a 10% static limit.
- 4On the 1-step model, the best-day (50%) consistency rule and how it affects your strategy.
- 5Any minimum trading-day requirement (1-step: none; 2-step: 4).
- 6The one-time fee and the refund treatment for your model (1-step: not refunded; 2-step: refundable with the first reward withdrawal).
- 7Whether your strategy — including any EA — is permitted under the current rules.
- Published:
- Last reviewed:
- 16 June 2026 · Review — FTMO's 1-Step and 2-Step conditions, refund terms and drawdown rules were reverified.
Conditions change — confirm current terms with the provider. Educational content, not financial advice; trading involves significant risk of loss.
A well-documented evaluation firm offering both a faster 1-step and a more gradual 2-step model — strong on rule clarity, less suited to traders who want funding without an evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
What evaluation models does FTMO offer?
FTMO offers two evaluation models: a 1-step Challenge (a single evaluation phase) and a 2-step Challenge followed by a Verification phase. Both lead to a funded (simulated-capital) account once passed. The models differ in their daily-loss rule and how the maximum loss is measured — pick the one whose rules suit your trading.
What is the difference between FTMO's 1-step and 2-step models?
The 1-step model has a single phase with a 10% profit target, a 3% daily-loss limit and a 10% end-of-day trailing maximum loss; it also applies a best-day (consistency) rule — your most profitable day may not exceed 50% of your total positive-day profit. The 2-step model splits the path into a Challenge (10% target) and a Verification (5% target), with a 5% daily-loss limit, a 10% static maximum loss and a minimum of 4 trading days. Always confirm the current figures on FTMO's site, as conditions change.
Is EA trading allowed at FTMO?
FTMO supports MT4, MT5, cTrader and DXtrade, which covers the common EA workflows. Whether a specific automated strategy is permitted depends on the current rules — confirm your strategy type before paying for a challenge.
Is the FTMO fee refundable?
It depends on the model. On the 1-step Challenge the entry fee is not refunded. On the 2-step Challenge it is refundable — FTMO's 2-step page lists a 100% refund, paid with your first reward withdrawal and returned via your original payment method. Refund conditions can change, so confirm the current policy on FTMO's site before paying.
Is FTMO a legitimate prop firm?
FTMO is one of the longest-running and most widely used prop firms, with publicly documented evaluation rules and trading objectives. As with any provider, confirm the current rules and payout terms directly before committing.
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