FTMO Review

FTMO is one of the largest and most recognizable companies in the prop trading industry. The firm based in the Czech Republic was founded in 2015 under the name Získej účet – which in English means Get an Account. Since then, FTMO has built a strong reputation and gained the trust of millions of traders around the world.

In this article, we will take a quick but thorough look at what FTMO offers. We will cover the company’s challenge options, trading conditions, UX and client reviews, and more. Join us as we explore the unique aspects that make FTMO a leading force in the prop trading space!

FTMO Challenge Type

FTMO presents the Normal challenge, offering traders the opportunity to acquire a funded account. Accounts are available in seven different currencies, with a maximum funding limit of 400,000 USD. 

In the first phase of the challenge, the goal is to achieve a 10% profit without a set timeframe, while maintaining a daily drawdown of 5% and a total drawdown of 10%.

The second phase requires achieving a 5% profit, with the same drawdown limitations.

Upon successful completion of both phases, participants receive a fee refund and a profit split of 80/20%. The Normal challenge permits the use of automated trading robots and allows trading in cryptocurrencies on weekends. It also provides a ‘Swing account’ option designed for traders who prefer to hold positions for longer periods.

After completing this phase, the investor receives a 100% Refundable Fee. The first payout is possible 30 days after the first trade. However, the investor can request an earlier payout after 14 days from the first trade at the FTMO Trader stage.

FTMO Scaling Plan

FTMO offers a scaling plan that allows traders to increase the amount of money they manage, depending on their performance, through a structured four-month cycle. To qualify for a capital increase, traders must achieve a minimum net profit of 10% over these four months, which breaks down to an average of at least 2.5% net profit per month.

To qualify for an increase in trading capital, traders must also make a minimum of two withdrawals and ensure their ending balance surpasses the starting amount. The system automatically qualifies traders, updating them at each profit split.

Upon meeting requirements, traders can opt for more capital, which is provided for the next period. Loss limit calculations adjust slightly during scaling, yet the methodology stays consistent. 

Successfully meeting conditions after another cycle grants traders a 25% increase in demo capital, up to a $2 million limit. Participants in the scaling plan can receive up to 90/10% profit splits, though merging accounts adjusts splits to 80/20%.

FTMO Trading Conditions

FTMO operates with its own broker and controls its MT4 servers. Users can access these servers under names such as ‘FTMO-Server2’ or ‘FTMO-Demo’, but the company keeps its liquidity providers’ details private, ensuring they are highly reputable.

Using proprietary servers offers benefits such as lower fees and improved reliability but also risks like potential price manipulation, highlighted by issues in other firms like MyForexFunds. Despite limited direct feedback on FTMO’s liquidity providers, Trustpilot reviews mostly praise its payout reliability, though some criticisms about price manipulation exist.

FTMO Deposits and Withdrawals

FTMO offers a variety of payment options for the Challenge:

• Bank wire, debit/credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Diners Club International)
• Cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, LTC, SOL, TRX, USDT, USDC)
• Skrill

For withdrawals, traders, who trade with virtual funds, can earn real money if they profit, with the profit share typically happening monthly. Traders can request an early withdrawal 14 days after starting, with the possibility to adjust the Profit Split Day within a 14 to 60-day window. 

FTMO processes withdrawals through bank transfers, wire transfers, Skrill, and selected cryptocurrencies in 1 to 2 business days without charging any fees, although some countries have restrictions. The minimum profit for withdrawals aims to cover transaction fees, allowing traders to receive 80% of profits, or 90% under the Scale-up Plan, which also increases the account balance by 25%.

FTMO Client Reviews and UX Rating

FTMO enjoys a high customer satisfaction rating, averaging 4.8 out of 5 across major review platforms, indicating that the majority of its users are pleased with its services. This approval is rooted in FTMO’s prompt payouts, responsive customer support, and favorable trading conditions, alongside its professionalism and the provision of valuable educational resources. 

However, the company’s tendency not to engage with negative feedback represents a missed opportunity to address client concerns and improve service quality. While the overall positive perception significantly outweighs the negative, issues such as technical glitches, concerns over trade execution, and a desire for greater transparency in FTMO’s rules have been noted. 

FTMO also boasts an impressive UX rating of 4.7, reflecting its website’s exceptional design that offers clarity, ease of navigation, and comprehensive information about its services. The platform’s user-friendly interface, seamless registration process, and integration of educational materials significantly contribute to a positive user experience.

Summary

FTMO stands out in the prop trading sector with a high user satisfaction score and over 7,000 positive Trustpilot reviews since 2014. Celebrated for its favorable trading conditions, efficient payouts, and extensive support and educational resources, FTMO addresses the needs of its clients effectively. 

While it faces criticism for average spreads and the challenging cost, its professional approach and comprehensive offerings maintain its reputation as a top recommendation for prop traders.

*The article will be updated with any upcoming changes. Last update: 26/03/2024.