FTMO vs City Traders Imperium: A Comprehensive Comparison
In the fiercely competitive world of proprietary trading, FTMO and City Traders Imperium are two standout firms offering excellent opportunities for traders. This comparison delves into their key features, evaluation processes, trading rules, and more to help you choose the best fit for your trading style and goals.
FTMO
- Evaluation Fee Range
- €89.00 – €1,080.00; $89.00 – $1,080.00
- Profit Split
- 80%
- Max Total Funding
- $200,000.00
- Trading Platforms
- MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader
City Traders Imperium
- Evaluation Fee Range
- $29.00 – $1,499.00
- Profit Split
- 80%
- Max Total Funding
- $4,000,000.00
- Trading Platforms
- MetaTrader 5, Match-Trader
Key Metrics Comparison
This table compares the facts currently shown for each firm side by side.
— means a supported value is currently not available on WhichPropFirm for that field. It does not mean zero.
| Metric | FTMO | City Traders Imperium |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Split | 80% | 80% |
| Evaluation Fee Range | €89.00 – €1,080.00; $89.00 – $1,080.00 | $29.00 – $1,499.00 |
| Activation Fee | $0.00 | — |
| Data Platform Fee | — | — |
| Evaluation Steps | 2 | 0 – 2 |
| Profit Target | 10% | 10% |
| Daily Drawdown | 5% | 5% – 6% |
| Max Drawdown | 10% | 6% – 10% |
| Min Trading Days | 4 | 0 – 5 |
| News Trading | No | Yes |
| Scalping | Yes | Yes |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Yes | Yes |
| Weekend Holding | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | MetaTrader 5, Match-Trader |
| Payout Methods | Bank Transfer, Crypto | Bank transfer, Cryptocurrency, CTI Wallet |
| Headquarters | Czech Republic | United Kingdom |
Evaluation Process
Both FTMO and City Traders Imperium employ a two-step evaluation process to assess traders' skills. FTMO's Challenge and Verification stages require traders to hit a 10% profit target with a maximum drawdown of 10% and a daily drawdown limit of 5%. The evaluation fee ranges from $89 to $1,080, reflecting the account size chosen. City Traders Imperium's process also has similar profit and drawdown targets but offers a wider range of fee options from $39 to $519, making it potentially more accessible for traders. City Traders Imperium also provides additional funding options like 1-Step and Instant Funding programs, giving traders more flexibility in choosing how they wish to proceed.
Trading Rules & Restrictions
FTMO imposes certain restrictions on trading, notably not allowing news trading or holding positions over the weekend, which could limit traders looking for more flexibility. However, they permit scalping and the use of Expert Advisors, catering to a variety of trading styles. On the other hand, City Traders Imperium provides more lenient trading conditions, allowing news trading and weekend holding, which can be advantageous for traders who seek opportunities during these periods. Both firms allow scalping and Expert Advisors, accommodating algorithmic and strategy-based trading.
Profit Splits & Payouts
Both FTMO and City Traders Imperium offer an 80% profit split, ensuring traders receive a substantial portion of their earnings. FTMO has a range of payout methods including bank transfers, cryptocurrencies, Skrill, and PayPal, providing flexibility in how traders receive their profits. City Traders Imperium, while offering fewer methods, provides an innovative CTI Wallet option alongside traditional bank transfers and cryptocurrencies. Payouts are processed monthly by both firms, ensuring traders have regular access to their earnings.
Platforms & Tradable Markets
FTMO offers a variety of trading platforms including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade, allowing traders to choose the interface they are most comfortable with. This variety caters to different trading preferences and styles. City Traders Imperium offers MetaTrader 5 and Match-Trader, providing a solid selection for traders who prefer these platforms. Both firms offer mixed instruments, ensuring traders have access to a wide array of markets including forex, commodities, indices, and more.
Account Sizes & Scaling
FTMO provides account sizes up to $200,000 with the potential to scale accounts up to $2 million, which is substantial but less than what City Traders Imperium offers. City Traders Imperium starts with account sizes ranging from $2,500 to $100,000, with a maximum scaling potential up to $4 million, offering a significant advantage for traders looking to manage larger funds. This scaling opportunity is particularly attractive for traders who consistently perform well and wish to expand their trading capital.
Strengths & Weaknesses
FTMO
Strengths
- Diverse trading platforms including MT4 and cTrader.
- Comprehensive evaluation process ensuring skilled traders.
- Flexible payout methods including PayPal and Skrill.
- High scaling potential with accounts up to $2 million.
Weaknesses
- Strict restrictions on news trading and weekend holding.
- Higher evaluation fees compared to some competitors.
- Limited maximum funding compared to City Traders Imperium.
City Traders Imperium
Strengths
- Generous maximum funding up to $4 million.
- Allows news trading and weekend holding for more flexibility.
- Lower evaluation fees, making it accessible for more traders.
- Variety of funding programs including Instant Funding.
Weaknesses
- Fewer platform options compared to FTMO.
- Limited payout methods compared to FTMO.
- Lower initial account sizes for some funding programs.
FAQs – FTMO vs City Traders Imperium
Which proprietary trading firm is better overall, FTMO or City Traders Imperium?
The better firm depends on your trading needs. FTMO offers diverse trading platforms and a comprehensive evaluation process, ideal for traders valuing thorough vetting. City Traders Imperium provides higher max funding and lenient trading rules, suitable for ambitious traders seeking flexibility and growth.
Is FTMO or City Traders Imperium better for beginners?
City Traders Imperium might be more beginner-friendly due to its lower evaluation fees and flexible funding programs. However, FTMO's structured evaluation and diverse platform options can also benefit beginners looking for a rigorous trading challenge.
How often are payouts processed by FTMO and City Traders Imperium?
Both FTMO and City Traders Imperium process payouts monthly, ensuring traders have regular access to their earnings.
What payout methods are available with FTMO and City Traders Imperium?
FTMO offers diverse payout methods including bank transfers, cryptocurrencies, Skrill, and PayPal. City Traders Imperium provides payouts via bank transfers, cryptocurrencies, and their CTI Wallet.
How does customer support compare between FTMO and City Traders Imperium?
Both firms offer comprehensive customer support, though specific response times and availability may vary. FTMO is known for its responsive support, while City Traders Imperium provides personalized guidance through its programs.
What educational resources do FTMO and City Traders Imperium offer?
FTMO provides detailed trading guides and educational content to help traders succeed. City Traders Imperium offers training programs as part of their funding options, providing further educational support.
Can I trade news events with both FTMO and City Traders Imperium?
City Traders Imperium allows news trading, providing more flexibility for traders who capitalize on market-moving events. FTMO, on the other hand, does not permit news trading, which could limit certain trading strategies.
What trading platforms and instruments are available with FTMO and City Traders Imperium?
FTMO offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade, catering to various trading preferences. City Traders Imperium provides MetaTrader 5 and Match-Trader. Both firms offer a mixed range of instruments including forex, commodities, and indices.
What are the maximum funding options with FTMO and City Traders Imperium?
FTMO offers maximum funding of up to $2,000,000, while City Traders Imperium provides a more generous maximum funding option of up to $4,000,000, catering to traders looking for significant capital.
How do scaling opportunities compare between FTMO and City Traders Imperium?
FTMO allows account scaling up to $2 million, providing ample room for growth. City Traders Imperium offers even greater scaling potential, with accounts that can grow up to $4 million, ideal for traders who consistently perform well.
How does the evaluation difficulty compare between FTMO and City Traders Imperium?
Both firms have similar profit targets and drawdown limits, making their evaluation processes comparable in difficulty. However, City Traders Imperium offers more flexible and varied evaluation programs, potentially making it easier for some traders to succeed.
What are the evaluation costs for FTMO and City Traders Imperium?
FTMO's evaluation fees range from $89 to $1,080, depending on the chosen account size. City Traders Imperium offers a more affordable range, from $39 to $519, making it more accessible for traders with budget constraints.
How do profit splits compare between FTMO and City Traders Imperium?
Both FTMO and City Traders Imperium offer an 80% profit split, ensuring traders receive a significant portion of their earnings, making them competitive in the prop trading industry.
What are the profit withdrawal rules with FTMO and City Traders Imperium?
FTMO and City Traders Imperium both allow monthly profit withdrawals. FTMO offers multiple withdrawal options, including PayPal, while City Traders Imperium uses bank transfers, cryptocurrencies, and CTI Wallet.
Which is Better – FTMO or City Traders Imperium?
Both FTMO and City Traders Imperium offer compelling opportunities for traders, each with unique strengths. If you prioritize platform diversity and rigorous evaluation, FTMO may be the better choice. However, if maximum funding and flexible trading conditions are more important, City Traders Imperium could be the optimal fit. Consider your trading style and goals to make the best decision.