FTMO vs Elite Trader Funding: Which Proprietary Trading Firm is Right for You?
Choosing between FTMO and Elite Trader Funding can be challenging for traders seeking the best proprietary trading firm. This detailed comparison explores key aspects such as evaluation processes, profit splits, trading platforms, and more to help you determine which firm aligns with your trading 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
Elite Trader Funding
- Evaluation Fee Range
- $75.00 – $655.00 / month; $75.00 – $200.00
- Profit Split
- 100%
- Max Total Funding
- $50,000.00
- Trading Platforms
- NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic, TradingView
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 | Elite Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Split | 80% | 100% |
| Evaluation Fee Range | €89.00 – €1,080.00; $89.00 – $1,080.00 | $75.00 – $655.00 / month; $75.00 – $200.00 |
| Activation Fee | $0.00 | $80.00 |
| Data Platform Fee | — | — |
| Evaluation Steps | 2 | 0 – 1 |
| Profit Target | 10% | 5% – 6% |
| Daily Drawdown | 5% | 1.5% – 2.2% |
| Max Drawdown | 10% | 3% – 3.5% |
| Min Trading Days | 4 | 5 – 10 |
| News Trading | No | Yes |
| Scalping | Yes | Yes |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Yes | Yes |
| Weekend Holding | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic, TradingView |
| Payout Methods | Bank Transfer, Crypto | Credit Card, Debit Card, Cryptocurrency, Wire Transfer |
| Headquarters | Czech Republic | United States |
Evaluation Process
FTMO employs a rigorous two-stage evaluation process consisting of a Challenge followed by Verification. Traders must achieve a 10% profit target within 30 days during the Challenge and 60 days during Verification, while adhering to a 5% daily drawdown limit and a 10% maximum drawdown limit. This process is designed to test discipline and consistent profitability. Elite Trader Funding simplifies the evaluation with a single-stage process. Traders are required to hit a 10% profit target with a 2.2% daily drawdown and 10% overall drawdown limit. Although the single-stage evaluation is less complex, the stricter daily drawdown rule demands precision and careful risk management.
Trading Rules & Restrictions
FTMO restricts news trading and weekend holding, emphasizing stability and risk control. Traders can utilize scalping and expert advisors, allowing for varied trading styles. However, these restrictions might limit strategies that rely on news events or weekend market movements. Elite Trader Funding offers more flexibility by allowing news trading, which can be advantageous for traders who capitalize on market volatility during economic releases. However, like FTMO, they do not permit weekend holding, balancing the freedom of news trading with cautious risk management.
Profit Splits & Payouts
FTMO offers an 80% profit split, rewarding traders with a significant share of their earnings. Payouts are processed monthly through various methods, including bank transfers and PayPal. This structure is attractive for traders seeking substantial rewards for their performance. Elite Trader Funding stands out by offering a 100% profit split, ensuring traders keep all their profits from funded accounts. This is particularly appealing for traders looking to maximize their earnings. Like FTMO, payouts are monthly but include additional payment methods such as credit cards and wire transfers.
Platforms & Tradable Markets
FTMO provides access to popular trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade, catering to a wide range of trading preferences. This broad selection allows traders to choose tools that best fit their strategies. Elite Trader Funding offers a different set of platforms, including NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic, and TradingView. This variety supports traders who prefer advanced charting and analytic tools, particularly those using TradingView's social trading features.
Account Sizes & Scaling
FTMO's maximum funding of $2,000,000 is significantly higher, offering substantial growth potential for traders who successfully navigate the evaluation process. This funding capacity allows traders to scale their operations and maximize trading profits over time. Elite Trader Funding, with a maximum funding of $300,000, provides ample opportunity for traders to develop and prove their skills. Although the funding is lower than FTMO's, the firm's structured approach and single-stage evaluation make it an attractive option for those seeking a straightforward path to funding.
Strengths & Weaknesses
FTMO
Strengths
- Higher maximum funding of $2,000,000, ideal for scaling
- Diverse platform availability including MetaTrader and cTrader
- Allows scalping and expert advisors for flexible trading
- Well-established firm with a strong reputation since 2015
Weaknesses
- Prohibits news trading, limiting certain strategies
- Higher evaluation fees, which might be costly for some traders
- Two-stage evaluation process can be challenging and time-consuming
Elite Trader Funding
Strengths
- Offers a 100% profit split, maximizing trader earnings
- Allows news trading, providing more strategy options
- Lower evaluation fees make it more accessible
- Single-stage evaluation is less complex and quicker
Weaknesses
- Lower maximum funding compared to FTMO
- Stricter daily drawdown of 2.2% requires careful risk management
- Founded recently in 2022, less established reputation
FAQs – FTMO vs Elite Trader Funding
Which is better overall: FTMO or Elite Trader Funding?
FTMO and Elite Trader Funding each have their strengths. FTMO offers higher funding and a strong reputation, making it suitable for experienced traders aiming for significant scaling. In contrast, Elite Trader Funding's 100% profit split and simpler evaluation process make it favorable for traders prioritizing earnings retention and a straightforward path to funding.
Which firm is better for beginners, FTMO or Elite Trader Funding?
For beginners, Elite Trader Funding may be more approachable due to its single-stage evaluation and lower fees, allowing newcomers to the proprietary trading world to gain funding without the complexity of a multi-stage process. FTMO's rigorous two-stage evaluation might be challenging for those new to trading.
How often can traders expect payouts from FTMO and Elite Trader Funding?
Both FTMO and Elite Trader Funding process payouts on a monthly basis. This regular schedule ensures traders receive their earnings consistently, allowing for reliable financial planning and cash flow management.
What payout methods are available with FTMO and Elite Trader Funding?
FTMO offers payouts via bank transfer, cryptocurrency, Skrill, and PayPal, providing a range of options. Elite Trader Funding also includes credit card, debit card, and wire transfer, alongside cryptocurrency, giving traders considerable flexibility in choosing how they receive their funds.
How does customer support compare between FTMO and Elite Trader Funding?
FTMO, being an established firm, is known for its robust customer support, offering assistance via multiple channels. Elite Trader Funding, while newer, strives to provide responsive support to match its competitive offerings, though the full extent of its support services is still evolving.
What educational resources do FTMO and Elite Trader Funding offer?
FTMO offers a range of educational materials and resources aimed at improving trader performance, including webinars and trading tips. Elite Trader Funding's educational offerings are less documented but focus on practical trading guidance, reflecting its straightforward approach to funding.
Can I trade news events with both FTMO and Elite Trader Funding?
News trading is allowed with Elite Trader Funding, providing flexibility for strategies that capitalize on market volatility during such events. FTMO, however, prohibits news trading, which may limit certain trading strategies that rely on market reactions to news.
What platforms and instruments are available with FTMO and Elite Trader Funding?
FTMO supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade, catering to a variety of trading preferences. Elite Trader Funding offers NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic, and TradingView, which are suited for traders seeking advanced tools and analytics. Both firms offer mixed instruments, allowing for diverse trading opportunities.
What are the account size options with FTMO and Elite Trader Funding?
FTMO offers a robust maximum funding of $2,000,000, which is ideal for traders looking to scale substantially. In contrast, Elite Trader Funding provides up to $300,000, which still allows traders to demonstrate skill and grow, albeit with a lower ceiling compared to FTMO.
How do scaling opportunities compare between FTMO and Elite Trader Funding?
FTMO's higher maximum funding of $2,000,000 offers greater scaling potential for traders who successfully meet their evaluation criteria. Elite Trader Funding, while offering less maximum funding, provides a straightforward opportunity to manage up to 20 funded accounts, which can still facilitate significant growth for skilled traders.
How difficult are the evaluation processes at FTMO vs Elite Trader Funding?
FTMO's two-stage evaluation is comprehensive, requiring traders to meet profit targets in both the Challenge and Verification stages, which can be demanding. Elite Trader Funding's single-stage evaluation is simpler, making it less daunting for traders, although its stricter daily drawdown rules require careful risk management.
What are the evaluation costs for FTMO compared to Elite Trader Funding?
FTMO's evaluation fees range from $89 to $1,080, reflecting its comprehensive process. Elite Trader Funding offers lower fees, ranging from $25 to $655, making it more budget-friendly, especially for new or cautious traders.
How do profit splits differ between FTMO and Elite Trader Funding?
FTMO offers an 80% profit split, rewarding traders generously for their performance. Elite Trader Funding provides a 100% profit split, allowing traders to retain all profits, which is particularly advantageous for maximizing earnings from successful trades.
What are the profit withdrawal rules for FTMO and Elite Trader Funding?
FTMO processes payouts monthly, with several withdrawal options including bank transfers and PayPal. Elite Trader Funding also offers monthly payouts, with additional methods like credit cards and wire transfers, providing flexibility in how traders receive their earnings.
Which is Better – FTMO or Elite Trader Funding?
Both FTMO and Elite Trader Funding offer compelling advantages depending on a trader's goals and experience level. FTMO's higher funding and rigorous evaluation are best for seasoned traders aiming for substantial growth, while Elite Trader Funding's generous profit split and simpler process appeal to those prioritizing immediate earnings. Consider your trading style, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives when choosing the firm that aligns with your trading aspirations.