FTMO vs The Trading Pit: Elite Prop Firms Comparison
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Introduction
FTMO and The Trading Pit represent two leading proprietary trading firms that provide funded trading accounts to qualified traders. FTMO, established in Prague, has built a strong reputation with its two-phase evaluation process and comprehensive educational resources, with Trustpilot data not pinned in this JoinProp review (defer to direct check). The Trading Pit, a newer competitor, has quickly gained recognition for its innovative 1-Phase or 2-Phase Prime program structure and more flexible trading conditions, maintaining a a Trustpilot listing currently unavailable due to a guidelines flag. Both firms offer traders the opportunity to access substantial capital without risking their own funds, but differ significantly in their evaluation methods, profit splits, and overall approach to trader development.
Quick Facts
Program Types
| Program | FTMO | The Trading Pit |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Program | Yes | Prime 1-Phase |
| Advanced Program | FTMO Challenge + Verification | Prime 2-Phase |
| Scaling Options | Yes | Yes |
| Demo Account | No | — |
Rules & Assessment
| Criteria | FTMO | The Trading Pit |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | 10% then 5% (2-Step); 10% (1-Step) | 10% (1-Phase) or 8%/5% (2-Phase) |
| Maximum Drawdown | 10% static (2-Step); 10% trailing (1-Step) | 7% (1-Phase) or 10% (2-Phase) |
| Minimum Trading Days | 4 per phase (2-Step); none (1-Step) | 3 |
| News Trading | Restricted on Standard; unrestricted on Swing | Yes |
Fees & Pricing
| Option | FTMO | The Trading Pit |
|---|---|---|
| CFD $2.5K Account | Not offered | USD 29 / Prime 1-Phase / One-time |
| CFD $5K Account | Not offered | USD 49 / Prime 1-Phase / One-time |
| CFD $10K Account | EUR 89 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | USD 99 / Prime 1-Phase / One-time |
| CFD $20K Account | Not offered | USD 199 / Prime 1-Phase / One-time |
| CFD $25K Account | EUR 250 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | Not offered |
| CFD $50K Account | EUR 345 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | USD 349 / Prime 1-Phase / One-time |
| CFD $100K Account | EUR 540 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | USD 569 / Prime 1-Phase / One-time |
| CFD $200K Account | EUR 1080 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | USD 1139 / Prime 1-Phase / One-time |
| Futures $50K Account | Not offered | USD 99 / Futures Prime / One-time |
| Futures $100K Account | Not offered | USD 189 / Futures Prime / One-time |
| Futures $150K Account | Not offered | USD 289 / Futures Prime / One-time |
| Stocks $25K Account | Not offered | USD 99 / Stocks Challenge / One-time |
| Coupons / Discount | FTMO discount | The Trading Pit discount |
Platforms & Markets
| Feature | FTMO | The Trading Pit |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | cTrader, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Quantower, ATAS, Rithmic R/Trader Pro |
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds | Available | No |
| EA/Algo Trading | Yes | Yes |
Payout
| Feature | FTMO | The Trading Pit |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Terms | Bi-weekly via bank transfer, e-wallets, wire transfer, cryptocurrencies | Bi-weekly (CFD: $100 minimum), follows profitable-day requirements (Futures) |
| See all prop firm payouts → | ||
Verdict
| Key Element | FTMO | The Trading Pit |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Full fee refund on 2-Step; static drawdown; no consistency rules; zero withdrawal commission; scaling to $2M | Multi-asset trading, 80% split from day one, No time limits, Affordable entry, Scaling opportunities, Flexible trading rules |
| Weaknesses | No reset product; 1-Step fee never refunded; 50% Best Day Rule blocks payouts; 1-Step payout resets buffer | 80% split capped, Newer firm (2022), Trustpilot flagged, Futures market-data fees, Classic program discontinued |
| Best For | 2-Step recommended for most; 1-Step only if 90% split outweighs other concerns | Traders seeking affordable entry, multiple asset classes, and no time pressure |
FAQ
What makes FTMO popular among users?
How does The trading pit differ from other similar organizations?
Which platform has easier evaluation criteria to pass?
How do the profit splits compare between FTMO and The Trading Pit?
Can I trade using automated systems with these firms?
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
1. We Collect
Our team meticulously gathered data directly from FTMO and The Trading Pit’s official websites, terms of service documents, and public statements. We supplemented this with information from verified Trustpilot reviews, testimonials from actual traders using both services, and insights from industry forums like ForexFactory and Reddit. We also consulted with professional traders who have experience with both platforms to understand nuances that aren’t immediately apparent from published materials.
2. We Examine
Our financial experts and experienced prop traders analyzed the collected data, verifying accuracy by cross-referencing multiple sources. We evaluated key metrics including evaluation criteria, fee structures, profit-sharing models, and platform performance. Special attention was paid to user experiences during critical processes like account funding, withdrawal procedures, and customer support interactions. We tested each platform’s responsiveness and validated claims about execution quality and account features.
3. We Score
Our scoring methodology employs a weighted system across multiple categories: reputation and trustworthiness (20%), evaluation criteria fairness (15%), fee structure and value (15%), profit split generosity (15%), trading conditions and restrictions (15%), platform technology (10%), and customer support quality (10%). Each category is rated on a 1-5 scale with precise criteria. The final scores reflect both objective measurements and subjective user experience factors, balanced to represent the interests of different trader types.
4. You Choose
Use this comparison as a starting point for your own research, considering how each platform’s strengths align with your trading style. Day traders might prioritize execution speed and lower daily loss limits, while swing traders should focus on overnight holding policies. Consider your capital availability for entry fees, your experience level relative to evaluation difficulty, and your preferred trading instruments. We recommend visiting each company’s website to verify current terms, as proprietary trading firms frequently update their offerings and conditions.
