FTMO Review 2025: Is It the Best Prop Firm?
Quick Summary: This FTMO Review covers everything traders need to know in 2025 — from the evaluation challenge, account sizes, scaling plan, profit splits, payouts, and trader support. If you’re considering FTMO, this guide will help you decide if it’s the right prop firm for your career.
Introduction
FTMO Review has become one of the most searched terms among traders looking for a reliable proprietary trading firm. Since its launch in 2015, FTMO has gained global recognition for pioneering the challenge-based funding model. Unlike traditional trading where you risk personal capital, FTMO gives traders the opportunity to prove their skills and trade with firm capital.
In this in-depth review, we’ll cover how FTMO works, its evaluation stages, rules, payouts, scaling opportunities, and how it compares to other firms. Let’s dive in.
Background: Who Is FTMO?
FTMO was founded in Prague, Czech Republic, by a group of traders who wanted to give aspiring professionals access to trading capital without requiring large deposits. Today, FTMO is one of the largest prop firms in the world, with tens of thousands of traders attempting their challenges every month.
The firm has been recognized multiple times, including winning the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 award in Central Europe. Its reputation and transparency make FTMO stand out as one of the most established names in the prop trading industry.
FTMO Funding Programs
FTMO offers different account sizes, ranging from $10,000 up to $200,000. The evaluation process consists of two steps: the FTMO Challenge and the Verification. Only after passing both can a trader manage a funded account.
| Account Size | Profit Target (Challenge) | Profit Target (Verification) | Profit Split | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | 10% | 5% | 80%–90% | €155 |
| $100,000 | 10% | 5% | 80%–90% | €540 |
| $200,000 | 10% | 5% | 80%–90% | €1,080 |
Step-by-Step: The FTMO Challenge Process
The FTMO Challenge is the first hurdle every trader must pass to prove consistency and discipline. Here’s how it works:
- Phase 1 – The Challenge: Traders have 30 calendar days to hit a 10% profit target while staying within risk limits (5% daily loss and 10% overall loss).
- Phase 2 – The Verification: Successful traders move to a 60-day verification stage with a lower 5% profit target and the same risk rules.
- Funded Account: After Verification, traders gain access to real capital and can keep up to 90% of profits.
Unlike some firms, FTMO does not require subscription payments. The challenge fee is a one-time cost and is fully refundable after passing.
FTMO Rules & Risk Management
FTMO enforces strict rules to ensure traders are disciplined and consistent. These include:
- Daily Loss Limit: 5% of the account balance.
- Maximum Loss: 10% of the account balance overall.
- Profit Target: 10% in Challenge, 5% in Verification.
- Minimum Trading Days: 4 active days.
These rules are designed to prevent reckless trading and mimic the conditions of professional fund management.
Scaling Plan: Growing Your FTMO Account
One of the strongest features of FTMO is its scaling plan. If traders perform consistently and achieve at least a 10% profit every four months without breaking rules, their account balance can increase by 25%. Over time, accounts can scale up to $2,000,000, giving successful traders long-term growth potential.
FTMO Pros and Cons
Pros
- High profit split (up to 90%)
- Refundable challenge fees
- Well-established and trusted since 2015
- Scaling plan up to $2M
- Strong trader tools and community
Cons
- Strict rules may feel limiting
- No instant funding (must pass evaluation)
- Challenge fees are higher compared to smaller firms
FTMO vs Other Prop Firms
FTMO is often compared with other firms in the prop trading industry. While some newer competitors may offer cheaper fees or instant funding, FTMO’s stability, reliability, and scaling plan make it a strong long-term choice.
| Firm | Profit Split | Funding Model | Scaling | Trust Factor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | 80%–90% | Challenge + Verification | Up to $2M | Very High | |
| Topstep | 80% | Monthly Subscription | Up to $500K | High | |
| The5ers | 50%–80% | Instant Funding + Scaling | Up to $4M | Medium |
Payouts and Trader Support
FTMO processes payouts on a monthly basis, with the option for bi-weekly payouts after showing consistent results. Payments are fast, typically within 1–2 business days via bank transfer or supported payment providers.
FTMO also provides traders with exclusive tools like the FTMO Account MetriX platform, psychology coaching, and a performance coach to help improve trading discipline. These extras make FTMO more than just a funding provider – it’s a platform that invests in trader growth.
FTMO Review FAQs
What is FTMO?
FTMO is a proprietary trading firm that funds traders who pass their two-step evaluation process.
Is FTMO legit?
Yes, FTMO is one of the most respected prop firms, operating since 2015 with thousands of funded traders worldwide.
How much can I earn with FTMO?
With profit splits up to 90% and account sizes up to $200,000 (scaling to $2M), traders have significant earning potential.
Does FTMO refund fees?
Yes, challenge fees are refunded with your first payout once you pass Verification.
How long does the Challenge last?
The FTMO Challenge lasts 30 days, and the Verification stage lasts 60 days.
Conclusion
In 2025, FTMO remains a leader in the proprietary trading industry. While some traders may prefer firms with instant funding, FTMO’s reliability, high profit splits, transparent rules, and scaling plan make it one of the best long-term options. For serious traders who want to build a professional trading career, FTMO is a top contender.