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By Volodymyr Kravchenko Updated

FTMO Review

FTMO runs evaluation programmes (a 1-Step Challenge and a 2-Step Evaluation Process) in which traders trade simulated capital and can earn performance-based rewards. FTMO states that it provides simulated trading services only, so you do not trade real money with it. Rules and fees change, so verify them on the official site before you pay.

Important risks

Evaluations carry fees and rules; outcomes are not guaranteed and the entry fee can be lost. Trading in these programmes is simulated. Any prices or rules shown are dated and must be verified on the official site before you pay.

Strengths and limitations

Pros

  • +Clear published trading objectives for both programmes, so you can see the limits before you pay.
  • +Two formats: a 1-Step Challenge and a 2-Step Evaluation Process.
  • +FTMO states plainly that trading is simulated, so your direct cost is the entry fee.
  • +For the 2-Step programme the entry fee may be refunded with the first Reward withdrawal.

Cons

  • −You pay an entry fee and it is not refunded on the 1-Step Challenge.
  • −Passing is not guaranteed. Loss limits are strict and a breach ends the attempt.
  • −It is simulated trading. Profits are performance-based rewards under FTMO's rules, not profits from trading real money with a broker.
  • −Rules differ between the 1-Step and 2-Step programmes and between CFD and Futures products, and they change.

Frequently asked questions

What is FTMO?

FTMO evaluates trading performance and risk management through its 1-Step Challenge and 2-Step Evaluation Process. On its own site FTMO says it provides simulated trading and educational tools only.

Is FTMO a broker? Do I trade real money?

FTMO states that it only provides services of simulated trading. You trade simulated capital under FTMO's rules and can earn performance-based rewards. Its site describes an evaluation programme, not a brokerage account.

What are the trading objectives?

As published on 21 September 2026 for the CFD programmes: the 1-Step Challenge has a 10% profit target, a 3% maximum daily loss and a 10% maximum loss, with a best-day rule. The 2-Step process has 10% and then 5% targets, a 5% maximum daily loss, a 10% maximum loss and at least 4 trading days. These change, so VERIFY CURRENT DATA on FTMO's Trading Objectives page.

Is the entry fee refunded?

According to FTMO's FAQ, the 1-Step Challenge entry fee is not refunded, and the 2-Step entry fee may be refunded with the first Reward withdrawal, using the initial payment method. Check the current FAQ before you pay.

Is passing the evaluation guaranteed?

No. The objectives are strict and outcomes are not guaranteed. Any breach of the loss limits ends the attempt, and the entry fee is a cost you should be prepared to lose.

Is FTMO available in every country?

No. Eligibility depends on your country of residence and FTMO's own lists. Check FTMO's official eligibility FAQ before you register. We do not list countries here.

How this review was prepared

Facts on this page come from FTMO's own pages listed below, read on 21 September 2026: how it works, trading objectives, and two FAQ answers. We did not open an account, pay a fee or test the evaluation, and we quote no prices because they were not verified. Trading objectives are shown for the CFD Challenge as published on that date and can change: VERIFY CURRENT DATA on the official site. Marlin earns a commission if you sign up through some links, which does not change what we write. See the methodology, editorial policy and affiliate disclosure.

Sources

Official or primary sources used for the facts above. Figures and terms change, so check the source before acting on them.

  1. FTMO — How does it work? (evaluation process and FTMO Account)Describes the 1-Step Challenge and 2-Step Evaluation Process, the FTMO Account, and that trading takes place in a simulated environment with up to $200,000 of simulated capital.Accessed
  2. FTMO — Trading objectivesProfit targets, daily and maximum loss limits and minimum trading days for the 1-Step and 2-Step programmes. States that FTMO only provides services of simulated trading.Accessed
  3. FTMO — FAQ: Is the entry fee refunded?1-Step: the entry fee is not refunded. 2-Step: it may be refunded with the first Reward withdrawal, using the initial payment method.Accessed
  4. FTMO — FAQ: What is FTMO?FTMO describes itself as a project focused on identifying experienced traders, evaluating performance and risk management, and providing simulated trading and educational tools.Accessed

Written by

Volodymyr Kravchenko
Founder · Market Research

Independent market researcher focused on Forex, Gold, commodities, macroeconomic data and AI-powered financial intelligence.

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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.

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