Both 2-Step programmes
5% / 10%
daily / overall loss, static. Targets 10% then 5% at FTMO, 8% then 5% at FundingPips.
By Volodymyr Kravchenko Rules read
Prop firm rules compared
Prop Firm Rules Compared: Targets and Loss Limits
Four programmes, side by side. Listed alphabetically, not ranked.
Our analysis · not a ranking
Which one should you look at first?
Look at FTMO first if
You want the 1-Step with the lower target (10% against 12%) and accept a maximum loss that trails your end-of-day balance.
See FTMO plans and fees Read the FTMO reviewLook at FundingPips first if
You want static loss limits on both programmes, or the lower first target on the 2-Step (8% against 10%).
Explore FundingPips Read the FundingPips reviewAdAffiliate links: MarlinFx may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our reading of the rules published on 21 Sep 2026; fees, payouts and country availability were not compared. A challenge fee is a cost and passing is not guaranteed. Disclosure
On published CFD objectives the two firms' 2-Step programmes are close: a 5% daily loss limit and a 10% static maximum loss, with targets of 10% then 5% at FTMO and 8% then 5% at FundingPips. The 1-Step programmes differ most: FTMO's 10% maximum loss trails the end-of-day balance, and FundingPips' 1 Step Flex asks for a 12% target with a 12% static loss limit. Both state that trading is simulated, and passing is not guaranteed.
Important risks
Evaluations carry fees and strict rules. Outcomes are not guaranteed and the fee can be lost. Trading in these programmes is simulated. The figures below are dated and must be verified on each official site before you pay.
The short version
1-Step max loss
10% · 12%
FTMO (trailing) · FundingPips Flex (static).
Trailing loss and best-day rule
FTMO 1-Step
The only one of the four programmes with both.
Trading is simulated
Fee at risk
Both state it. Passing is not guaranteed. VERIFY CURRENT DATA.
Key takeaways in full
- The two 2-Step programmes have the same loss limits (5% daily, 10% static overall). Targets differ slightly: 10% then 5% at FTMO, 8% then 5% at FundingPips.
- The 1-Step programmes are where the rules diverge: the maximum loss is 10% trailing (FTMO) or 12% static (FundingPips 1 Step Flex).
- Among the four programmes compared, only FTMO's 1-Step has a trailing maximum loss and a best-day rule.
- Both firms state that trading is simulated, so the money you put at risk is the fee you pay.
- We did not compare fees, promotions, payout terms, platforms or country availability. VERIFY CURRENT DATA on each official site before you pay.
Limits at a glance
FTMO
1-Step Challenge
Target 10%- Daily loss limit3%
- Max loss limit · end-of-day trailing10%
- Not stated on the page we read
- Time limit: None
Max loss trails: 10% below the highest end-of-day balance, recalculated daily. Best Day Rule: your most profitable day may not exceed 50% of your total profit. Reward 90% from the start; fee not refunded.
2-Step Evaluation
Target 10%, then 5%- Daily loss limit5%
- Max loss limit · static10%
- At least 4 trading days
- Time limit: Not stated on the page we read
FundingPips
1 Step Flex
Target 12%- Daily loss limit3%
- Max loss limit · static12%
- No minimum trading days
- Time limit: No explicit time limit stated
2 Step Standard
Target 8%, then 5%- Daily loss limit5%
- Max loss limit · static10%
- At least 3 trading days per phase
- Time limit: No time limit
The rules in one table
Read from each firm's own pages on 21 Sep 2026. CFD programmes only. VERIFY CURRENT DATA.
| Programme | Profit target | Max daily loss | Max overall loss | Min. trading days | Time limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO 1-Step Challenge | 10% | 3% | 10% end-of-day trailing | Not stated on the page we read | None |
| FTMO 2-Step Evaluation | 10%, then 5% | 5% | 10% static | At least 4 trading days | Not stated on the page we read |
| FundingPips 1 Step Flex | 12% | 3% | 12% static | No minimum trading days | No explicit time limit stated |
| FundingPips 2 Step Standard | 8%, then 5% | 5% | 10% static | At least 3 trading days per phase | No time limit |
- FTMO 1-Step Challenge: Max loss trails: 10% below the highest end-of-day balance, recalculated daily. Best Day Rule: your most profitable day may not exceed 50% of your total profit. Reward 90% from the start; fee not refunded.
- "Not stated on the page we read" means exactly that; it does not mean the rule does not exist.
How to read the differences
Static vs trailing limits
Read the detail
A static limit is a fixed floor below your starting balance. As FTMO describes its 1-Step Challenge, the maximum loss is an end-of-day trailing limit: it sits 10% below the highest balance you have reached and is recalculated daily, so the floor rises as your balance rises. The other three programmes are described with static overall limits.
Target against room to lose
Read the detail
FTMO 1-Step asks for a 10% gain with a 10% trailing floor. FundingPips 1 Step Flex asks for 12% with a 12% static floor. A trailing floor rises with your balance, so room to lose can shrink on the way to the target. This is our reading of the published numbers, not a claim about pass rates.
Days and deadlines
Read the detail
Minimum trading days range from none (FundingPips 1 Step Flex) to 4 (FTMO 2-Step). FundingPips says explicitly that 2 Step Standard has no time limit. The FTMO page we read did not state a minimum for the 1-Step or a time limit for either programme.
What “daily loss” measures
Read the detail
FTMO recalculates its daily limit at 00:00 CE(S)T from the day's opening balance; FundingPips uses the higher of the day's opening balance or equity and resets at 00:00 UTC+3. A "5% daily loss" is therefore not the same number of dollars everywhere. Read each firm's definition.
What we did not compare
- Entry fees and resets
- Refund rules
- Promotions and codes
- Reward splits and payouts
- Platforms and instruments
- Country availability
- Futures programmes
- FundingPips 2 Step Pro, Flex, Zero
These change often or were not verified: VERIFY CURRENT DATA on each official site. FTMO's entry-fee refund rule is in its review.
Before you pay: five checks
- 1Can you trade inside the limits? Test your stop size with the risk calculator.
- 2Static or trailing, and measured from which balance?
- 3Total cost, including any reset after a breach?
- 4Does the firm accept your country, and how are rewards paid?
- 5Are the rules on the official page today the same as the ones above?
Check the current terms
Read our review, then check the current rules on the official site. MarlinFx may earn a commission if you sign up through these links, at no extra cost to you. It does not affect what we write. See the affiliate disclosure.
FTMO
1-Step Challenge and 2-Step Evaluation on simulated capital.
Read the FTMO review See FTMO plans and feesFundingPips
2 Step Standard and 1 Step Flex on demo accounts.
Read the FundingPips review Explore FundingPipsFrequently asked questions
Which prop firm is best?
There is no single best one. The published rules differ in ways that suit different trading styles, and we did not compare fees, payout terms or country availability, so we do not rank the firms. Use the table to see which limits you can work inside, then check the current terms on each official site.
Which programme has the strictest loss limits?
The daily limit is 3% on the two 1-Step programmes and 5% on the two 2-Step programmes. On the overall limit, FTMO's 1-Step allows 10%, but that limit trails your highest end-of-day balance; FundingPips' 1 Step Flex allows 12%, static.
Do these firms give me real money to trade?
No. FTMO says it only provides simulated trading services, and FundingPips says all its accounts are demo accounts. Any reward is a performance-based payment under each firm's rules.
Is passing an evaluation guaranteed?
No. The limits are strict, a breach ends the attempt, and the fee is a cost you should be prepared to lose. We did not find pass rates on the pages we read.
Are these numbers current?
They were read from each firm's own pages on 21 Sep 2026. Rules change. VERIFY CURRENT DATA on the official pages linked in the sources before you pay.
Does MarlinFx earn a commission?
MarlinFx may earn a commission if you sign up through some of the links on this page, at no extra cost to you. The commission does not decide what we write. See the affiliate disclosure.
How this comparison was prepared
Every figure comes from the firm's own pages listed below, read on 21 Sep 2026. We did not open accounts, pay fees or test any programme, and we quote no prices or promotions. Where a page did not state a rule, we say so instead of guessing. Facts, analysis and opinion are labelled. See the methodology and editorial policy.
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MarlinFx may earn a commission if you sign up through this banner, at no extra cost to you. Evaluation programmes carry fees and outcomes are not guaranteed. See our affiliate disclosure.
Sources (3)
ShowHide
Official or primary sources used for the facts above. Figures and terms change, so check the source before acting on them.
- FTMO — Trading objectives1-Step and 2-Step (CFD) targets, daily and max loss, best-day rule, minimum trading days. States that FTMO only provides simulated trading services.Accessed
- FundingPips Help Center — 2 Step StandardPhase targets, daily and overall loss, minimum days, no time limit, and the statement that all accounts are demo accounts in a simulated environment.Accessed
- FundingPips Help Center — 1 Step FlexTarget, daily and overall loss, no minimum trading days, and the same simulated-account statement.Accessed
Written by
Volodymyr KravchenkoFounder · Market Research
Independent market researcher focused on Forex, Gold, commodities, macroeconomic data and AI-powered financial intelligence.
- Forex, gold and oil market research
- Macroeconomic data analysis
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- Website and data-tool building
Educational research, not personal advice. See our editorial policy and methodology.
This content is provided for educational purposes only and is not investment advice. Trading involves risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Affiliate relationships may exist. Always conduct your own independent research before making financial decisions.