FTMO Review

FTMO Review 2026: Rules, Drawdown, Payouts and Trading Conditions

FTMO is one of the longest-running retail trader-evaluation companies. Its current lineup separates a single-phase route with tighter daily risk and an end-of-day trailing maximum-loss floor from the classic two-phase route with a static 10% overall-loss floor. That distinction matters more than the headline account size.

Review method: This is a document-based editorial audit completed on 27 August 2026. Prop Firm Audit reviewed the firm's current official program, rules, payout and legal pages. We did not buy an account or conduct a first-hand payout test, and company-hosted testimonials are not treated as independently verified proof.

FTMO Rules at a Glance

• Program structure: 1-Step and 2-Step simulated evaluation paths followed by an FTMO Account
• Profit target: 1-Step 10%; 2-Step 10% then 5%
• Daily loss: 3% on 1-Step; 5% on 2-Step
• Maximum loss: 10%; end-of-day trailing on 1-Step and static on 2-Step
• Profit share: Up to 90%
• Payout access: Reward date available after the applicable qualification period; payout methods and minimums vary
• Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader and DXtrade, subject to current regional availability
• Markets: Forex, indices, metals, commodities, stocks and crypto CFDs

Account Types and Evaluation Rules

The figures above are not interchangeable. A trader should select one program first and build the risk plan around that program's exact drawdown calculation, reset time, consistency rule and funded-stage conditions.

How FTMO Works

The 1-Step route requires one 10% target and continuous compliance with a 50% Best Day rule. The 2-Step route requires a 10% Challenge target and a 5% Verification target, with at least four days in each phase. Passing leads to a simulated FTMO Account from which eligible trading performance can earn real-money rewards; it does not mean a retail brokerage deposit or unconditional access to live firm capital.

Drawdown and Daily-Loss Rules Explained

For 1-Step, the daily limit is recalculated at 00:00 CE(S)T from the midnight balance minus 3% of starting capital. Its 10% maximum-loss floor follows the highest qualifying end-of-day balance and can only rise; FTMO says it resets when a reward is withdrawn and a new account is issued. For 2-Step, the daily limit uses 5% of starting capital against the midnight balance, while the overall floor remains fixed at 90% of starting capital. Floating P&L, swaps and commissions count when equity is tested.

Payout Rules and Profit Split

FTMO rewards are based on closed profit and the terms of the selected account. The 1-Step path advertises a 90% share and applies its Best Day test to reward eligibility. Withdrawal methods include bank transfer and supported digital methods, with small method-specific minimum closed-profit amounts. Traders should not confuse an available reward date with guaranteed approval: identity, account history and forbidden-practice reviews still apply.

News Trading, Holding, EAs and Copy Trading

News trading is allowed during evaluation, but Standard FTMO Accounts can restrict opening or closing selected instruments around specified macroeconomic releases; the Swing configuration is designed for fewer holding restrictions. EAs are allowed when they are legitimate, trader-controlled strategies, while account sharing, latency exploitation, third-party identical trading and other forbidden practices can invalidate results. Weekend holding depends on the account configuration.

Platforms, Instruments and Leverage

FTMO has historically supported MT4, MT5, cTrader and DXtrade. Exact availability can depend on location and current provider arrangements. Instrument leverage and contract specifications vary by symbol and whether the trader chooses Normal or Swing conditions, so the symbol table—not a generic Forex leverage claim—should control position sizing.

Advantages

• Operating history dating to 2015 and an unusually detailed public rulebook.
• Clear separation between 1-Step trailing drawdown and 2-Step static drawdown.
• Free-trial availability for testing the dashboard and conditions.
• Multiple platform choices and broad CFD coverage.
• Scaling and premium pathways for sustained performance.

Limitations and Risks

• The 1-Step Best Day rule can require more profitable days after a large win.
• The 1-Step maximum-loss floor trails upward at end of day.
• Standard funded accounts can have news and weekend restrictions.
• Four minimum trading days apply to both phases of 2-Step.
• Passing leads to a simulated FTMO Account; rewards remain subject to review.

Trust, Legal Position and Review Findings

FTMO is headquartered in Prague and publishes granular trading objectives, examples, forbidden-practice guidance and withdrawal information. Its long track record and source transparency support a high editorial trust assessment. The program is nevertheless a simulated skills-evaluation service rather than a bank deposit or regulated investment product.

A published rulebook is evidence of transparency, but it is not a guarantee that a trader will pass or receive a reward. Eligibility still depends on KYC, country restrictions, platform records, risk reviews and compliance with the agreement in force for the exact account.

Who Is FTMO Best For?

FTMO suits traders who want a mature rule environment and can choose deliberately between a faster 1-Step route with trailing drawdown and a slower 2-Step route with a static floor. Swing traders should compare the Swing conditions before assuming weekend or news flexibility.

Final Verdict

FTMO remains a benchmark Forex/CFD evaluation provider. The 2-Step route is easier to model because its 10% maximum loss is static, while the 1-Step route is faster but demands closer attention to end-of-day drawdown and the 50% Best Day rule.

Rules can change after this review. Save the version of the rules shown at purchase, check the dashboard before each trading session, and confirm payout eligibility before taking additional risk.

Official Sources Checked

• Trading Objectives
• How FTMO works
• Reward withdrawals