HEAD TO HEAD
Funded Trading Plus vs FTMO
vs
- 01 Challenge costs
- 02 Risk limits
- 03 Payout rules
At a glance
Maximum profit split
Evaluation fee · $100k, 2-step
First-phase profit target
Maximum loss allowance
What could you take home?
| Compare the details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Challenge | 1-Step Express | 1-Step |
| Account size ($) | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Evaluation fee ($) | — | — |
| First-phase target (%) | 10% | 10% |
| Max loss (%) | 6% | 10% |
| Daily loss (%) | — | — |
| Maximum profit split (%) | 90% | 90% |
| Payout eligibility | Day 1, min $50 | Day 14 |
Which is the better fit?
Consider Funded Trading Plus
Funded Trading Plus is worth considering for disciplined traders who understand prop-firm risk rules. We would choose the 2-Step Classic for most strategies, use 1-Step Express only where a smooth equity curve makes trailing drawdown manageable, and treat Instant Funding as a specialist product rather than the obvious upgrade.
Consider FTMO
FTMO is one of the strongest choices for disciplined traders who want an established prop trading company with clearly documented rules, multiple trading platforms and a long operating history. It is not the cheapest or easiest prop firm, and for most traders I would choose the FTMO 2-Step Challenge rather than the 1-Step Challenge.
Funded Trading Plus vs FTMO, scored
Same five criteria, scored the same way on both pages. A tie means neither firm gives the other anything on that point.
- Payouts4.5vs5.0
- Rules4.0vs4.0
- Platforms3.0vs4.5
- Support3.5vs4.5
- Tryout Price3.0vs4.0
The terms side by side
Country
- Funded Trading Plus
- United Kingdom
- FTMO
- Czech Republic
Owner
- Funded Trading Plus
- Instant Funding
- FTMO
- Not published
Markets
- Funded Trading Plus
- Forex and CFDs
- FTMO
- Forex and futures
Max account
- Funded Trading Plus
- $2,500,000
- FTMO
- $200,000
Drawdown
- Funded Trading Plus
- Trailing or static
- FTMO
- Static or trailing
Profit split
- Funded Trading Plus
- 80% to 90%
- FTMO
- 80% or 90%
First payout
- Funded Trading Plus
- Day 1
- FTMO
- Day 14
Time limit
- Funded Trading Plus
- None
- FTMO
- None
| Term | Funded Trading Plus | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom | Czech Republic |
| Owner | Instant Funding | Not published |
| Markets | Forex and CFDs | Forex and futures |
| Max account | $2,500,000 | $200,000 |
| Drawdown | Trailing or static | Static or trailing |
| Profit split | 80% to 90% | 80% or 90% |
| First payout | Day 1 | Day 14 |
| Time limit | None | None |
Which should you fund?
FTMO is the better prop firm for most traders. It has a longer operating history, more generous overall drawdown on its main evaluation programmes, broader platform support and a particularly strong 2-Step proposition with a refundable challenge fee.
Funded Trading Plus is the better choice for specific trading styles. Its 1-Step Express programme has no consistency rule, allows payouts from day one of the simulated funded account, supports weekend holding and is automatically swap-free. Funded Trading Plus also offers an Instant Funding programme, which FTMO's standard CFD challenge line-up does not.
Our verdict: FTMO wins overall. Choose Funded Trading Plus if its more flexible 1-Step payout and trading conditions specifically suit your strategy.
Prop firm terms change frequently, so verify the current programme terms before purchasing.
Funded Trading Plus vs FTMO at a glance
Best overall
- FTMO
- Stronger all-round proposition
- Funded Trading Plus
- Better for specific trading styles
- Better choice
- FTMO
1-Step profit target
- FTMO
- 10%
- Funded Trading Plus
- 10%
- Better choice
- Tie
1-Step daily loss
- FTMO
- 3%
- Funded Trading Plus
- 4%
- Better choice
- FT+ for daily room
1-Step maximum loss
- FTMO
- 10% trailing EOD
- Funded Trading Plus
- 6% trailing
- Better choice
- FTMO
1-Step consistency rule
- FTMO
- 50% Best Day Rule
- Funded Trading Plus
- None
- Better choice
- FT+
1-Step standard reward split
- FTMO
- 90%
- Funded Trading Plus
- 80%
- Better choice
- FTMO
First reward request
- FTMO
- From day 14
- Funded Trading Plus
- From day 1
- Better choice
- FT+
2-Step targets
- FTMO
- 10% then 5%
- Funded Trading Plus
- 7% then 7%
- Better choice
- Depends
2-Step maximum loss
- FTMO
- 10% static
- Funded Trading Plus
- 8% static
- Better choice
- FTMO
2-Step daily loss
- FTMO
- 5%
- Funded Trading Plus
- 4%
- Better choice
- FTMO
2-Step consistency rule
- FTMO
- None
- Funded Trading Plus
- 35% evaluation, 50% funded
- Better choice
- FTMO
2-Step challenge fee refund
- FTMO
- Yes, with first reward
- Funded Trading Plus
- No
- Better choice
- FTMO
Instant funding
- FTMO
- No equivalent standard CFD programme
- Funded Trading Plus
- Yes
- Better choice
- FT+
Platforms
- FTMO
- MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
- Funded Trading Plus
- MT5, Match-Trader
- Better choice
- FTMO
Standard maximum scaling
- FTMO
- Up to $2 million
- Funded Trading Plus
- Up to $2.5 million on 1-Step
- Better choice
- FT+
Enhanced FT+ scaling
- FTMO
- N/A
- Funded Trading Plus
- Up to $5 million with add-on
- Better choice
- FT+
| Feature | FTMO | Funded Trading Plus | Better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Stronger all-round proposition | Better for specific trading styles | FTMO |
| 1-Step profit target | 10% | 10% | Tie |
| 1-Step daily loss | 3% | 4% | FT+ for daily room |
| 1-Step maximum loss | 10% trailing EOD | 6% trailing | FTMO |
| 1-Step consistency rule | 50% Best Day Rule | None | FT+ |
| 1-Step standard reward split | 90% | 80% | FTMO |
| First reward request | From day 14 | From day 1 | FT+ |
| 2-Step targets | 10% then 5% | 7% then 7% | Depends |
| 2-Step maximum loss | 10% static | 8% static | FTMO |
| 2-Step daily loss | 5% | 4% | FTMO |
| 2-Step consistency rule | None | 35% evaluation, 50% funded | FTMO |
| 2-Step challenge fee refund | Yes, with first reward | No | FTMO |
| No equivalent standard CFD programme | Yes | FT+ | |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT5, Match-Trader | FTMO |
| Standard maximum scaling | Up to $2 million | Up to $2.5 million on 1-Step | FT+ |
| Enhanced FT+ scaling | N/A | Up to $5 million with add-on | FT+ |
The headline numbers do not tell the whole story. The biggest practical difference between FTMO and Funded Trading Plus is how their risk rules interact with your trading style.
FTMO vs Funded Trading Plus 1-Step: which is better?
Both programmes require a 10% profit target and have unlimited evaluation periods, but the similarity largely ends there.
Profit target
- FTMO 1-Step
- 10%
- FT+ 1-Step Express
- 10%
Maximum daily loss
- FTMO 1-Step
- 3%
- FT+ 1-Step Express
- 4%
Maximum loss
- FTMO 1-Step
- 10% EOD trailing
- FT+ 1-Step Express
- 6% trailing
Consistency
- FTMO 1-Step
- 50% Best Day Rule
- FT+ 1-Step Express
- None
Time limit
- FTMO 1-Step
- Unlimited
- FT+ 1-Step Express
- Unlimited
Standard reward split
- FTMO 1-Step
- 90%
- FT+ 1-Step Express
- 80%
First reward request
- FTMO 1-Step
- Day 14
- FT+ 1-Step Express
- Day 1
Subsequent reward cycle
- FTMO 1-Step
- From each eligible FTMO cycle
- FT+ 1-Step Express
- Every 7 days
Weekend holding
- FTMO 1-Step
- Restricted on funded Standard account
- FT+ 1-Step Express
- Allowed
Swap-free
- FTMO 1-Step
- Programme dependent
- FT+ 1-Step Express
- Yes
$100K list fee when checked
- FTMO 1-Step
- €499
- FT+ 1-Step Express
- $549
| 1-Step rule | FTMO 1-Step | FT+ 1-Step Express |
|---|---|---|
| Profit target | 10% | 10% |
| Maximum daily loss | 3% | 4% |
| Maximum loss | 10% EOD trailing | 6% trailing |
| Consistency | 50% Best Day Rule | None |
| Time limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Standard reward split | 90% | 80% |
| First reward request | Day 14 | Day 1 |
| Subsequent reward cycle | From each eligible FTMO cycle | Every 7 days |
| Weekend holding | Restricted on funded Standard account | Allowed |
| Swap-free | Programme dependent | Yes |
| $100K list fee when checked | €499 | $549 |
FTMO's 10% maximum loss is substantially more forgiving than the 6% trailing maximum loss on Funded Trading Plus.
On a $100,000 account, FTMO starts with $10,000 of overall maximum-loss room. Funded Trading Plus starts with $6,000. Both limits trail according to their respective rules, but FTMO gives a trader considerably more initial breathing room.
Funded Trading Plus counters with a 4% daily limit instead of FTMO's 3%, plus no consistency rule on its 1-Step Express programme.
That absence of a consistency rule matters if your strategy produces occasional large winning days. FTMO's Best Day Rule requires the most profitable day to account for no more than 50% of total positive-day profit. Exceeding 50% is not an immediate account breach, but the trader must continue generating profit until the ratio falls back within the requirement.
Funded Trading Plus explicitly states that its 1-Step Express programme has no soft rules.
Which 1-Step challenge would we choose?
For a conventional discretionary trader, FTMO 1-Step gets the slight edge because 10% total drawdown gives the account considerably more survival room.
For a trader with a high-conviction or lumpy strategy, Funded Trading Plus 1-Step Express may be the better fit. You sacrifice overall drawdown room, but gain a 4% daily limit, no consistency rule, weekend holding and much faster access to rewards.
There is no point buying the theoretically "best" challenge if its rules conflict with how your edge actually generates returns.
FTMO vs Funded Trading Plus 2-Step: FTMO wins
Funded Trading Plus has lower headline targets, but FTMO offers wider loss limits, no consistency requirement and a refundable evaluation fee once the trader reaches their first reward.
Phase 1 target
- FTMO 2-Step
- 10%
- FT+ 2-Step Classic
- 7%
Phase 2 target
- FTMO 2-Step
- 5%
- FT+ 2-Step Classic
- 7%
Daily loss
- FTMO 2-Step
- 5%
- FT+ 2-Step Classic
- 4%
Maximum loss
- FTMO 2-Step
- 10% static
- FT+ 2-Step Classic
- 8% static
Consistency
- FTMO 2-Step
- None
- FT+ 2-Step Classic
- 35% during evaluation
Additional symbol loss rule
- FTMO 2-Step
- No equivalent 3% rule
- FT+ 2-Step Classic
- 3%
Minimum trading days
- FTMO 2-Step
- 4 per evaluation phase
- FT+ 2-Step Classic
- No fixed minimum, subject to consistency
Time limit
- FTMO 2-Step
- Unlimited
- FT+ 2-Step Classic
- Unlimited
Standard reward split
- FTMO 2-Step
- 80%
- FT+ 2-Step Classic
- 80%
First reward timing
- FTMO 2-Step
- From day 14
- FT+ 2-Step Classic
- Day 10
Fee refund
- FTMO 2-Step
- Yes, with first Reward
- FT+ 2-Step Classic
- No
$100K list fee when checked
- FTMO 2-Step
- €540
- FT+ 2-Step Classic
- $549
| 2-Step rule | FTMO 2-Step | FT+ 2-Step Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 target | 10% | 7% |
| Phase 2 target | 5% | 7% |
| Daily loss | 5% | 4% |
| Maximum loss | 10% static | 8% static |
| Consistency | None | 35% during evaluation |
| Additional symbol loss rule | No equivalent 3% rule | 3% |
| Minimum trading days | 4 per evaluation phase | No fixed minimum, subject to consistency |
| Time limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Standard reward split | 80% | 80% |
| First reward timing | From day 14 | Day 10 |
| Fee refund | Yes, with first Reward | No |
| $100K list fee when checked | €540 | $549 |
FTMO requires 10% in the first Challenge and 5% during Verification. It gives traders a 5% daily loss limit and a static 10% maximum loss limit throughout the 2-Step evaluation and subsequent FTMO Account.
Funded Trading Plus only requires 7% during each phase, but it reduces the maximum loss to 8% and the daily loss limit to 4%. More importantly, the 2-Step Classic adds a 35% consistency rule during evaluation, a 50% consistency requirement on the simulated funded account and a 3% Symbol Loss Limit.
That changes the difficulty calculation.
A lower profit target looks attractive in a comparison table, but the target is only one side of the equation. You also need to ask how much risk budget you receive and how many additional rules can prevent you from passing or withdrawing.
For most strategies, FTMO's cleaner rule set is worth more than Funded Trading Plus shaving three percentage points from the first target.
FTMO also refunds the 2-Step challenge fee with the first Reward withdrawal. Funded Trading Plus stopped refunding fees on its new 1-Step Express and 2-Step Classic programmes launched in February 2026.
If we were buying one 2-Step evaluation between these two firms, we would choose FTMO.
The drawdown rules matter more than the headline profit target
The biggest mistake when comparing FTMO and Funded Trading Plus is looking only at the target.
Consider the 1-Step programmes.
FTMO asks a trader to make 10% while providing a maximum-loss allowance equal to 10% of the initial account size. Funded Trading Plus also asks for 10%, but its maximum trailing loss is only 6%.
A simple target-to-maximum-loss comparison therefore looks like this:
- FTMO 1-Step: 10% target ÷ 10% maximum loss = 1.0
- FT+ 1-Step Express: 10% target ÷ 6% maximum loss = 1.67
This is not a universal "difficulty score", because daily drawdown, trailing mechanics and trading strategy also matter. It does expose something the headline target hides: FT+ requires the same nominal return while giving the trader substantially less total downside room.
The 2-Step comparison flips somewhat during the first phase:
- FTMO Phase 1: 10% target versus 10% static maximum loss
- FT+ Phase 1: 7% target versus 8% static maximum loss
Funded Trading Plus looks easier on this measure, but the 35% consistency requirement and 3% Symbol Loss Limit then add constraints that FTMO does not impose.
This is why choosing a prop firm from a single "profit target" column is a bad decision.
Which prop firm has better payouts?
Funded Trading Plus 1-Step Express allows a withdrawal request as soon as the simulated funded account is profitable, with a $50 minimum. Subsequent requests are available every seven days. Its standard reward split is 80%.
FTMO allows a Reward claim from the 14th day after the first trade on the FTMO Account. FTMO's 1-Step programme pays a 90% reward ratio, while its 2-Step programme starts at 80% and can increase to 90% through qualifying programmes.
Funded Trading Plus also sells optional upgrades, including a higher reward split and shorter reward frequency on some programmes. It advertises reward splits that can eventually increase to 100% as accounts scale.
For someone actively generating withdrawals every week, FT+'s payout frequency can be genuinely valuable.
For someone more concerned with account longevity than extracting profits at the first opportunity, payout speed should not outweigh drawdown structure.
Trading platforms, news trading and swing trading
FTMO currently supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader and TradingView across its CFD challenge ecosystem. Funded Trading Plus currently lists MetaTrader 5 and Match-Trader, with availability varying by location.
Funded Trading Plus allows weekend holding on both 1-Step Express and 2-Step Classic. Its new programmes are also automatically swap-free.
FTMO allows unrestricted weekend holding and news trading through its Swing account type, but Swing is only available with the FTMO 2-Step Challenge.
On a standard FTMO Account, selected news events have a restricted execution window from two minutes before until two minutes after the release. Standard accounts also have restrictions around certain overnight and weekend positions. These restrictions do not apply during the evaluation itself.
That creates a fairly simple decision:
Day trader or scalper: FTMO's broader platform ecosystem is attractive.
Swing trader using a 2-Step evaluation: FTMO Swing and FT+ are both viable.
Swing trader specifically wanting a 1-Step challenge: Funded Trading Plus has the cleaner rules.
Is FTMO more trustworthy than Funded Trading Plus?
FTMO was established in 2015 and has operated through multiple prop-trading market cycles. FTMO also completed its acquisition of global broker OANDA in December 2025, after receiving the necessary regulatory approvals for the transaction.
The OANDA acquisition is a meaningful group-level corporate signal, but it should not be misrepresented. Owning a regulated brokerage business does not automatically turn an FTMO simulated challenge account into a regulated brokerage account.
Funded Trading Plus has operated since 2021 and states that it has paid more than $19.5 million in trader rewards. In May 2026, Funded Trading Plus was acquired by Instant Funding and continues to operate as an independent brand within the wider group.
Funded Trading Plus also explicitly states in its current terms that its programmes are simulated trading products and that the firm is not FCA-authorised because it is not providing regulated investment products or services.
If operating history and business maturity are your highest priorities, FTMO gets the edge.
That does not make Funded Trading Plus illegitimate. It simply means FTMO has the longer and larger observable operating record.
Funded Trading Plus or FTMO: which should you choose?
Choose FTMO if you want:
- the best overall proposition between the two firms
- more generous maximum-loss limits
- a clean 2-Step evaluation without a consistency rule
- a refundable 2-Step challenge fee
- MT4, MT5, cTrader or TradingView
- a longer prop-firm operating history
- a 90% reward split immediately on the 1-Step programme
Choose Funded Trading Plus if you want:
- no consistency rule on a 1-Step challenge
- first payout eligibility from day one after becoming funded
- weekly payouts on 1-Step Express
- weekend holding without needing a separate Swing account
- automatically swap-free programmes
- an Instant Funding option
- potentially larger scaling, including up to $5 million with the appropriate 1-Step scaling add-on
- a 7% rather than 10% first target on a 2-Step evaluation
Final verdict
The strongest case for FTMO is not simply that it is the older brand. Its main 2-Step programme combines a 10% static maximum loss, 5% daily loss, no consistency requirement and a refundable evaluation fee. That is a very competitive package once you look beyond headline profit targets.
Funded Trading Plus becomes more compelling when the trader's priorities are flexibility and speed rather than maximum risk allowance. Its 1-Step Express programme removes the consistency rule entirely and offers day-one payout eligibility, seven-day reward cycles, weekend holding and swap-free trading.
So the practical decision is:
Choose FTMO 2-Step for the strongest all-round setup.
Choose Funded Trading Plus 1-Step Express if your strategy produces concentrated winning days or you care heavily about payout frequency and unrestricted swing trading.
Choose Funded Trading Plus Instant Funding if avoiding an evaluation altogether is the requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Is Funded Trading Plus better than FTMO?
FTMO is better for most traders because it offers wider overall loss limits, broader platform support, a strong 2-Step evaluation and a longer operating history. Funded Trading Plus is better for traders prioritising no consistency rule on its 1-Step programme, faster payouts, swap-free trading or instant funding.
Is FTMO harder than Funded Trading Plus?
Not necessarily. Funded Trading Plus has lower 7% targets on its 2-Step Classic programme, compared with FTMO's 10% and 5% targets, but FT+ also has tighter loss limits, a consistency requirement and a 3% Symbol Loss Limit. FTMO 1-Step has a 50% Best Day Rule, while Funded Trading Plus 1-Step Express does not have a consistency rule.
Does Funded Trading Plus have instant funding?
Yes. Funded Trading Plus offers an Instant Funding programme with no evaluation profit target. The account has a 6% daily loss limit, a 6% relative trailing maximum drawdown and an 80% standard reward split.
Does FTMO have a consistency rule?
FTMO's 1-Step Challenge uses a 50% Best Day Rule. FTMO's traditional 2-Step Challenge does not use the same consistency requirement. If the Best Day percentage exceeds 50% on FTMO 1-Step, the account is not immediately breached, but the trader must continue trading until the ratio satisfies the rule.
Which is better for swing trading, FTMO or Funded Trading Plus?
Funded Trading Plus is particularly attractive for 1-Step swing traders because weekend holding is allowed and the programme is swap-free. FTMO's Swing account also allows unrestricted weekend holding and news trading, but FTMO Swing is available only through the 2-Step Challenge.