First check: FTMO is not a futures prop firm.
FTMO accounts use fictitious capital in a simulated trading environment. FTMO states that client trading does not constitute direct instructions for live-market execution.
1-Step and 2-Step use different risk structures.
One evaluation stage
- 10% profit target.
- 3% Maximum Daily Loss.
- 10% end-of-day trailing Maximum Loss.
- 50% Best Day rule.
- 90% reward share currently published.
Two evaluation stages
- 10% target, then 5% Verification target.
- 5% Maximum Daily Loss.
- 10% static Maximum Loss.
- Four minimum trading days per stage.
- 80% reward, scalable up to 90%.
Daily loss and maximum loss must be monitored separately.
A trader can remain below the overall maximum loss and still breach the daily limit. Open and closed P&L, commissions and the calculation reset time all matter.
Maximum Daily Loss
A daily ceiling recalculated under FTMO’s published formula. Overnight positions can affect the next day’s available buffer.
Maximum Loss
Static in 2-Step, but end-of-day trailing in 1-Step. The same percentage therefore produces different behaviour.
Best Day
In 1-Step, the best day must not represent more than 50% of positive-day profits used for the assessment.
MT4, MT5 and cTrader are the published platforms.
FTMO currently lists MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader. This ecosystem suits Forex and CFD workflows rather than a native futures stack such as Rithmic, Tradovate or NinjaTrader.
- Check instrument availability and contract specifications.
- Review spreads, commissions and swap conditions for the chosen account.
- Do not assume a CFD symbol has the same behaviour as the underlying futures contract.
The first reward request starts from day 14.
FTMO documents the possibility of requesting a reward from 14 days after the first trade on the FTMO Account. Eligibility, processing and the next cycle must still follow the current account conditions.
90% reward
The fee is currently described as non-refundable.
80%, scalable to 90%
The fee may be returned with the first reward after completing the process.
What to verify before paying.
- Model
1-Step or 2-Step; never combine their objectives.
- Loss formula
Daily reset, static or trailing maximum loss and treatment of open P&L.
- Instrument
Exact CFD or Forex symbol rather than an assumed futures equivalent.
- Platform
MT4, MT5 or cTrader compatibility with your workflow.
- Fee
Refund policy and checkout total for the selected challenge.
- Reward
Timing, share and account conditions after a request.
FTMO and a futures prop firm solve different needs.
FTMO can suit a trader using Forex or CFDs on MetaTrader or cTrader. A futures trader using ES or NQ through a futures-native platform should compare dedicated futures programmes instead.
Review it if…
Your strategy is designed for Forex/CFDs and you understand the simulated account framework.
Review it if…
You need futures contracts, futures data feeds and platforms such as Rithmic, Tradovate or NinjaTrader.
FTMO is relevant only if its market and rules match your process.
FTMO has a documented evaluation framework, but it should not be presented as a direct substitute for a futures prop firm. Choose between 1-Step and 2-Step by comparing the loss mechanism, Best Day rule, fee policy and reward structure.
Worth considering if
- Forex or CFD trader
- User of MT4, MT5 or cTrader
- Profile able to monitor daily and overall limits
Avoid if
- Need for direct CME futures execution
- Confusing 1-Step and 2-Step rules
- Expecting the simulated account to be personal live capital
Documents reviewed.
Rules and prices may change. Always check the official page and the checkout for the exact product before paying.
- 01FTMO — trading objectives
Reviewed on 16 July 2026 · official source.
- 02FTMO — how the process works
Reviewed on 16 July 2026 · official source.
- 03FTMO — technical account operation
Reviewed on 16 July 2026 · official source.
- 04FTMO — supported platforms
Reviewed on 16 July 2026 · official source.
- 05FTMO — reward requests
Reviewed on 16 July 2026 · official source.
- 06FTMO — fee policy
Reviewed on 16 July 2026 · official source.
Frequently asked questions.
Does FTMO offer direct futures trading?
No. FTMO describes a simulated Forex and CFD environment, not direct CME futures execution.
What is the main difference between 1-Step and 2-Step?
1-Step has one stage, a tighter daily loss limit, an EOD trailing maximum loss and a Best Day rule. 2-Step uses two stages and a static maximum loss.
Is the FTMO fee refundable?
Under the currently published model, the 1-Step fee is not refunded. The 2-Step fee may be returned with the first reward after completing the process.
When can an FTMO reward be requested?
FTMO documents requests from 14 days after the first trade on the FTMO Account, subject to current eligibility rules.