FTMO vs FTUK: In-Depth Proprietary Trading Firm Comparison
Choosing the right proprietary trading firm can significantly impact your trading career. This detailed comparison between FTMO and FTUK will guide you through their funding options, profit splits, evaluation processes, and trading rules to help you make an informed decision.
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
FTUK
- Evaluation Fee Range
- $99.00 – $1,499.00
- Profit Split
- 50%
- Max Total Funding
- $50,000.00
- Trading Platforms
- TradeLocker, Match-Trader, DXtrade
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 | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Split | 80% | 50% |
| Evaluation Fee Range | €89.00 – €1,080.00; $89.00 – $1,080.00 | $99.00 – $1,499.00 |
| Activation Fee | $0.00 | — |
| Data Platform Fee | — | — |
| Evaluation Steps | 2 | 0 – 2 |
| Profit Target | 10% | 6% – 10% |
| Daily Drawdown | 5% | 4% – 5% |
| Max Drawdown | 10% | 8% – 10% |
| Min Trading Days | 4 | 3 – 4 |
| News Trading | No | Yes |
| Scalping | Yes | Yes |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Yes | Yes |
| Weekend Holding | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | TradeLocker, Match-Trader, DXtrade |
| Payout Methods | Bank Transfer, Crypto | Rise Works, USDT TRC20, Bank transfer |
| Headquarters | Czech Republic | United States |
Evaluation Process
FTMO employs a two-step evaluation process, including the Challenge and Verification stages. Traders must achieve a 10% profit target in the Challenge with a 5% daily and 10% max drawdown limit over a minimum of 4 trading days. FTUK also has a two-step process but offers an instant funding option for experienced traders. Their evaluation requires a 10% profit target, with more flexibility in trading days.
Trading Rules & Restrictions
FTMO restricts news trading and weekend holding, focusing on disciplined trading strategies. Scalping and the use of Expert Advisors are encouraged, aligning with their strict risk management policies. In contrast, FTUK permits news trading and weekend holding, providing greater flexibility. This allows traders to capitalize on market volatility and various trading strategies.
Profit Splits & Payouts
FTMO offers an attractive 80% profit split, with payouts processed monthly. This high percentage rewards consistent performance. FTUK provides a 50% profit split, which is lower, but offers bi-weekly payouts, allowing for more frequent profit withdrawals. Both firms use modern payment methods, including cryptocurrencies and bank transfers.
Platforms & Tradable Markets
FTMO supports popular trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and 5, cTrader, and DXtrade, catering to a wide range of traders. They offer mixed market instruments, allowing for diverse trading opportunities. FTUK provides TradeLocker, Match-Trader, and DXtrade, focusing on innovative trading solutions with a similar range of market instruments.
Account Sizes & Scaling
FTMO offers account sizes ranging from $10,000 to $200,000, with a maximum funding potential of $2,000,000. Their scaling plan rewards long-term performance. FTUK starts with smaller accounts from $5,000 but can scale up to an impressive $6,400,000, providing substantial growth potential for successful traders.
Strengths & Weaknesses
FTMO
Strengths
- High profit split of 80% offers significant earnings potential.
- Comprehensive support for popular trading platforms like MetaTrader.
- Structured evaluation process with clear performance metrics.
- Diverse payout methods, including PayPal and cryptocurrencies.
Weaknesses
- News trading and weekend holding restrictions may limit strategies.
- Evaluation fees are relatively high compared to some competitors.
- The two-step evaluation process can be challenging for beginners.
FTUK
Strengths
- Allows news trading and weekend holding, providing strategy flexibility.
- Significant scaling potential up to $6,400,000 in funding.
- Bi-weekly profit payouts for more frequent earnings access.
- Innovative trading platforms like TradeLocker and Match-Trader.
Weaknesses
- Lower profit split of 50% compared to industry leaders.
- Higher evaluation fees, particularly for larger accounts.
- Limited to three trading platforms, which may not suit all traders.
FAQs – FTMO vs FTUK
Which proprietary trading firm is better overall, FTMO or FTUK?
FTMO may be better for traders looking for high profit splits and popular platform support like MetaTrader. FTUK, with its higher scaling potential and flexible trading rules, suits traders seeking growth opportunities and strategy freedom.
Which firm is more suitable for beginners, FTMO or FTUK?
FTMO's structured evaluation and platform support can be beneficial for beginners needing guidance. However, FTUK's flexible trading rules might appeal to beginners who prefer exploring various strategies without restrictions.
How often are payouts processed with FTMO and FTUK?
FTMO processes payouts monthly, offering stability. FTUK provides bi-weekly payouts, appealing to traders seeking more frequent earnings access.
What payout methods are available with FTMO and FTUK?
FTMO supports bank transfers, cryptocurrencies, Skrill, and PayPal. FTUK offers Rise Works, USDT TRC20, and bank transfers, providing a range of modern payment solutions.
How does customer support compare between FTMO and FTUK?
FTMO offers 24/7 email support with live chat options, providing comprehensive assistance. FTUK also provides email and live chat support, ensuring traders receive timely help.
What educational resources do FTMO and FTUK offer?
While FTMO focuses on detailed evaluation feedback and trading analytics, FTUK emphasizes practical trading experience and strategy development, catering to varying educational needs.
Can I trade news events with FTMO and FTUK?
FTMO restricts news trading, focusing on stability, whereas FTUK allows it, providing flexibility to traders who capitalize on market volatility during news events.
What trading platforms and instruments are available with FTMO and FTUK?
FTMO supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade, offering a wide range of mixed instruments. FTUK offers TradeLocker, Match-Trader, and DXtrade, catering to innovative traders with similar instrument access.
What are the maximum funding options with FTMO and FTUK?
FTMO offers up to $2,000,000 in funding, while FTUK provides a higher maximum funding of $6,400,000, making it more suitable for traders looking to expand their capital significantly.
How do scaling opportunities compare between FTMO and FTUK?
FTMO provides a clear scaling plan for performance-driven growth, capping at $2,000,000. FTUK allows more significant scaling, up to $6,400,000, offering substantial growth for successful traders meeting their criteria.
How does the evaluation difficulty differ between FTMO and FTUK?
FTMO's two-step process requires achieving a 10% profit target while adhering to risk parameters, adding complexity. FTUK also requires a 10% target but offers instant funding options for experienced traders, potentially easing the process.
What are the evaluation costs for FTMO and FTUK?
FTMO's evaluation fees range from $89 to $1,080, while FTUK's are slightly higher at $99 to $1,499, reflecting their different funding options and evaluation structures.
How do profit splits compare between FTMO and FTUK?
FTMO offers an 80% profit split, one of the highest in the industry, while FTUK provides a 50% split, focusing on scalable funding and frequent payouts.
What are the profit withdrawal rules for FTMO and FTUK?
FTMO processes withdrawals monthly, maximizing profit retention over time. FTUK offers bi-weekly withdrawals, allowing traders quicker access to their earnings.
Which is Better – FTMO or FTUK?
Both FTMO and FTUK offer unique advantages tailored to different trading needs. FTMO excels in profit sharing and platform variety, while FTUK provides extensive funding growth and strategic flexibility. Traders should consider their priorities—be it profit retention, platform preference, or growth potential—when choosing between these firms.