FTMO vs FTUK: Elite Prop Firms Comparison
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Introduction
FTMO and FTUK are leading proprietary trading firms that provide funded trading accounts to qualified traders. FTMO, established in Prague, has become one of the industry’s most recognized names with its comprehensive educational resources and transparent evaluation process. FTUK, a UK-based alternative, offers similar opportunities with unique features tailored to British and international traders. On Trustpilot, FTUK currently shows 3.9/5 from 646 reviews (per live Trustpilot data); FTMO’s Trustpilot data is not pinned in this JoinProp review (defer to direct check).
Quick Facts
| Feature | FTMO | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| 
| |
| Founded | 2015 | 2021-02 |
| Profit Split | 80-90% (2-Step); 90% flat (1-Step) | 50-80% |
| Maximum Account Size | $2,000,000 | $6,400,000 |
| Evaluation Phases | 2 | 2 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.8/5 (43,791 reviews) | — |
| Expert Grade | 9.1 | 9 |
Program Types
| Program | FTMO | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Program | Yes | One Step |
| Advanced Program | FTMO Challenge + Verification | Two Step |
| Scaling Options | Yes | Yes |
| Demo Account | No | Yes |
Rules & Assessment
| Criteria | FTMO | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | 10% then 5% (2-Step); 10% (1-Step) | — |
| Maximum Drawdown | 10% static (2-Step); 10% trailing (1-Step) | 5-12% |
| Minimum Trading Days | 4 per phase (2-Step); none (1-Step) | 10 |
| News Trading | Restricted on Standard; unrestricted on Swing | Yes |
Fees & Pricing
| Option | FTMO | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| $10K Account | EUR 89 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | USD 99 / Listed challenge / One-time |
| $25K Account | EUR 250 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | USD 179 / Listed challenge / One-time |
| $50K Account | EUR 345 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | USD 269 / Listed challenge / One-time |
| $100K Account | EUR 540 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | USD 499 / Listed challenge / One-time |
| $200K Account | EUR 1080 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | Not offered |
| Coupons / Discount | FTMO discount | FTUK discount |
Platforms & Markets
| Feature | FTMO | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | MatchTrader, TradeLocker, FTUK XT |
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds | Available | No |
| EA/Algo Trading | Yes | No |
Payout
| Feature | FTMO | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Terms | Bi-weekly via bank transfer, e-wallets, wire transfer, cryptocurrencies | Monthly (15th); methods: bank wire, PayPal, Skrill, crypto, Wise; min $50 |
| See all prop firm payouts → | ||
Verdict
| Key Element | FTMO | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Full fee refund on 2-Step; static drawdown; no consistency rules; zero withdrawal commission; scaling to $2M | Multiple funding programs, Up to $6.4M scaling, 80% profit share, No stop loss requirement, 14-day free trial |
| Weaknesses | No reset product; 1-Step fee never refunded; 50% Best Day Rule blocks payouts; 1-Step payout resets buffer | Simulated capital only, One Step starts at 50%, No MT4/MT5/TradingView, Max $100k purchasable |
| Best For | 2-Step recommended for most; 1-Step only if 90% split outweighs other concerns | Disciplined traders seeking capital without personal risk |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
Choose FTMO if you want a higher profit split, up to 90%, a cheaper entry, from EUR 89 and coverage of bonds that the other does not offer. Choose FTUK if a larger funded ceiling at $6.4M, news trading allowed and a demo account to test the platform first matter more to you. Neither firm is better in the abstract. The right choice depends on your strategy, your budget and the instruments you trade, so read both full reviews before you commit. Verify current rules and pricing on each firm’s own site before purchasing.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know about FTMO’s programs?
FTMO offers separate 1-Step and 2-Step CFD evaluations. The 2-Step route requires at least four trading days per phase; the 1-Step route uses different objectives, including a Best Day Rule. FTMO official rules; FTMO official program information.
What should I know about FTUK’s programs?
FTUK publishes distinct Forex Two-Step and Instant Funding rules. Their starting shares, scaling and consistency arrangements differ. FTUK official rules; FTUK official program information.
How do payouts differ between FTMO and FTUK?
FTMO lists a 90% reward ratio for 1-Step and 80% for 2-Step, with an increase to 90% under applicable scaling or premium conditions. Reward requests are available from day 14 after the first trade, subject to eligibility. FTMO official rules; FTMO official program information.
Forex Two-Step lists an 80% share, a two-week payout frequency and ten minimum trading days for the first payout. Instant Funding starts at 65% and has a separate performance-based ladder up to 90%. FTUK official rules; FTUK official program information.
Which account rules matter when comparing FTMO and FTUK?
Do not apply the 2-Step objectives to 1-Step: drawdown and consistency requirements differ. Both routes have no maximum evaluation completion period. FTMO official rules; FTMO official program information.
Forex Two-Step lists 8% static total drawdown, 5% daily drawdown and a 2% floating-loss Account Protector. Instant scaling requires its consistency conditions; smaller withdrawals can retain the standard 65% share. FTUK official rules; FTUK official program information.
Is FTMO or FTUK automatically the better choice?
No, neither is the default pick. FTMO has the higher profit split at 90% and the cheaper entry at EUR 89, and FTUK has the larger funded ceiling at $6.4M and unrestricted news trading. Which of those matters more depends on how you actually trade, so compare how each firm measures drawdown, the total fee once add-ons and resets are included and platform availability, rather than the headline numbers. If you fail an evaluation, do not assume either firm offers a fixed reset discount: check the reset terms for the specific account you bought.
How We Compared FTMO and FTUK
Both firms on this page carry a JoinProp Rating out of 10. We produce that rating with the same 9-factor methodology we apply to every firm we review: payout reliability (20%), fee structure (15%), drawdown rules (15%), profit split (15%), evaluation terms (10%), trading rules (10%), support access and responsiveness (5%), scaling plan (5%), and track record and transparency (5%).
The inputs come from our firm reviews, not from this page. For each firm we work from the current terms and conditions rather than marketing pages, track rule and pricing changes over time, and read payout and support reports across Trustpilot, Reddit and Discord, looking for recurring patterns rather than isolated complaints. Every firm is re-checked at least every 90 days, or sooner after a material change. Affiliate relationships have no effect on any rating, and ratings are never sold.
The tables above show the evidence behind those factors. A few rows, including trading platforms, available instruments, maximum account size and demo availability, are there to help you judge fit and do not affect either rating.
Read our full ranking methodology
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