FTMO vs The Funded Trader: Which Prop Firm Wins in 2026?
Side-by-side breakdown of rules, fees, payouts and who should pick which.
Quick Verdict
The Funded Trader wins on value — lower entry fee ($39 vs $89) with equal or larger max account size. FTMO may still win on payout reliability and trader reputation if those matter more to you.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | FTMO | The Funded Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 | 2022 |
| HQ | Prague, Czech Republic | Delaware, USA |
| Market | Forex/CFD | Forex/CFD |
| Minimum fee | $89 | $39 |
| Account size range | $10,000 – $200,000 | $5,000 – $400,000 |
| Profit split | 80% | 80% (up to 90%) |
| Payouts | Monthly (on-demand after first) | Bi-weekly |
| Challenge model | 2-step (Challenge + Verification) | Standard 2-step, Rapid 1-step, Royal, Knight (3-step) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade | MT4, MT5, DXtrade, Match-Trader |
FTMO Pros
- Longest-running major prop firm — proven track record since 2015
- Strong reputation and reliable payouts (TrustPilot 4.8)
- Generous 80% profit split, scalable to 90%
- Allows EAs, scalping and news trading on most accounts
The Funded Trader Pros
- 4 challenge variants to match trading style
- Low entry fee ($39) for $5K account — cheapest way to test
- No consistency rule on most programs
- Community-driven with active Discord support
Who Should Pick Which?
Pick FTMO if: Serious traders who value reputation and payout reliability over cheap fees.
Pick The Funded Trader if: Traders wanting a cheap entry point or multiple challenge formats to test.
Test Both Against Your Strategy — Before You Pay
Run your backtest through JPTradingCapital's Prop Firm Checker — we evaluate your trades against FTMO's and The Funded Trader's exact rulesets and tell you which one your strategy would actually pass.
Full FTMO and The Funded Trader Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTMO or The Funded Trader?
The Funded Trader is cheaper to start, with a minimum challenge fee of $39. FTMO starts at $89 and The Funded Trader starts at $39. Cheaper entry doesn't always mean better value — check the profit split, account ceiling, and payout reliability before deciding.
Which has the better profit split, FTMO or The Funded Trader?
FTMO offers 80% and The Funded Trader offers 80% (up to 90%). Note: most prop firms scale the split with consecutive payouts, so the headline number is just the starting point.
Can I run the same EA on both FTMO and The Funded Trader?
Yes — both firms support MT4 and MT5 and DXtrade, so any EA compiled for those platforms will run on both. You'd still need to verify each firm's news-trading and scalping rules to make sure your strategy is allowed.
Which is more reputable, FTMO or The Funded Trader?
FTMO (founded 2015) has the longer track record. The Funded Trader was founded in 2022 and is still building its payout reputation. For larger account sizes the older firm is usually the safer pick.
Which is better for swing traders, FTMO or The Funded Trader?
Swing traders need to check two things: (1) whether the firm allows weekend holds, and (2) whether the daily drawdown is static or trailing. Trailing DD is brutal for swing positions because intraday peak equity becomes the new floor. See the Pros/Cons section above for each firm's specifics.
Can I use both FTMO and The Funded Trader simultaneously?
Yes — most prop firms allow you to hold multiple accounts at different firms (their rules apply only to their own accounts). Some traders deliberately diversify across 2-3 firms to reduce single-firm risk and stack payouts.