FTMO vs TradeDay: Elite Prop Firms Comparison

Published: April 3, 2025 · Last updated: August 13, 2026

Table of Contents

Introduction

FTMO and TradeDay represent two of the leading proprietary trading firms offering funded trader programs. FTMO, established in 2015, has built a strong reputation for its transparent challenge process and generous profit splits, with Trustpilot data not pinned in this JoinProp review (defer to direct check). TradeDay, a newer entrant founded in 2021, has quickly gained popularity for its simplified evaluation process and flexible trading conditions, maintaining a solid 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating from 1,362 reviews (April 2026). Both firms provide traders with the opportunity to access substantial capital without risking their own funds, but they differ significantly in their approach, evaluation methods, and overall trader experience.

🕑 Last updated: Aug 13, 2026⚖ How we rank firms ↗

FTMO ▲ Higher rated

Grade 9.1/10 · 80-90% (2-Step); 90% flat (1-Step) split

Visit FTMO →🎟 FTMO discount code

TradeDay

Grade 8.9/10 · 50/50 below $4,000; 80/20 above $4,000; 90/10 at Funded Live split

Visit TradeDay →🎟 TradeDay discount code

TL;DR: FTMO (grade 9.1) offers a 80-90% (2-Step); 90% flat (1-Step) profit split; TradeDay (grade 8.9) offers 50/50 below $4,000; 80/20 above $4,000; 90/10 at Funded Live. Full side-by-side below. Best for: FTMO - 2-Step recommended for most; 1-Step only if 90% split outweighs other concerns. TradeDay - Futures traders avoiding daily loss limits; transparent disclosure valued. Our higher-rated pick: FTMO (9.1 vs 8.9).

Quick Facts

Feature	FTMO	TradeDay

Founded	2015	—
Profit Split	80-90% (2-Step); 90% flat (1-Step)	50/50 below $4,000; 80/20 above $4,000; 90/10 at Funded Live
Maximum Account Size	$2,000,000	—
Evaluation Phases	2	1
Trustpilot Rating	4.8/5 (43,791 reviews)	4.6
Expert Grade	9.1	8.9

Program Types

Program	FTMO	TradeDay
Entry Level Program	Yes	Yes
Advanced Program	FTMO Challenge + Verification	Yes
Scaling Options	Yes	Yes
Demo Account	No	Yes

Rules & Assessment

Criteria	FTMO	TradeDay
Profit Target	10% then 5% (2-Step); 10% (1-Step)	$10,000 gross ceiling (Quick Pay)
Maximum Drawdown	10% static (2-Step); 10% trailing (1-Step)	$2,000/$3,000/$4,500 by account size; trailing, freezing at starting balance
Minimum Trading Days	4 per phase (2-Step); none (1-Step)	5
News Trading	Restricted on Standard; unrestricted on Swing	No

Real trader stories

Read a trading story of a FTMO trader →Read a trading story of a FTMO trader →

Fees & Pricing

Option	FTMO	TradeDay
CFD $10K Account	EUR 89 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time	Not offered
CFD $25K Account	EUR 250 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time	Not offered
CFD $50K Account	EUR 345 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time	Not offered
CFD $100K Account	EUR 540 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time	Not offered
CFD $200K Account	EUR 1080 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time	Not offered
Futures $50K Account	Not offered	USD 125 / Quick Pay Intraday / Monthly
Futures $100K Account	Not offered	USD 230 / Quick Pay Intraday / Monthly
Futures $150K Account	Not offered	USD 350 / Quick Pay Intraday / Monthly
Coupons / Discount	FTMO discount	TradeDay discount

Platforms & Markets

Feature	FTMO	TradeDay
Trading Platforms	MT4, MT5, cTrader	—
Forex	Yes	No
Stocks	Yes	No
Indices	Yes	—
Commodities	Yes	No
Cryptocurrencies	Yes	No
Bonds	Available	—
EA/Algo Trading	Yes	—

Payout

Feature	FTMO	TradeDay
Payout Terms	Bi-weekly via bank transfer, e-wallets, wire transfer, cryptocurrencies	Minimum $250
See all prop firm payouts →

Verdict

Key Element	FTMO	TradeDay
Strengths	Full fee refund on 2-Step; static drawdown; no consistency rules; zero withdrawal commission; scaling to $2M	No daily drawdown, earned split, transparent pass rates (36%), trader-friendly consistency rule, Day One payouts
Weaknesses	No reset product; 1-Step fee never refunded; 50% Best Day Rule blocks payouts; 1-Step payout resets buffer	$10,000 profit ceiling confiscates excess, 50/50 starting split, metals banned, Quick Pay converts to intraday when funded, monthly subscription model
Best For	2-Step recommended for most; 1-Step only if 90% split outweighs other concerns	Futures traders avoiding daily loss limits; transparent disclosure valued

Visit FTMO →Read full FTMO review

Visit TradeDay →Read full TradeDay review

Real funded traders – in their own words

Named traders JoinProp interviewed who passed and traded with these firms. Read their full stories:

Traders who chose FTMO

FAQ

What makes FTMO popular among users?

FTMO’s popularity stems from its transparency, established track record since 2015, and trader-friendly features. Traders particularly value the full refund of the challenge fee upon passing, the comprehensive performance analytics dashboard, and the attractive scaling program that can increase both account size and profit split percentage over time. The two-phase challenge system, while more demanding, is seen as better preparation for real-world funded trading, and FTMO’s extensive educational resources help traders improve their skills throughout the process.

How does TradeDay differ from other similar organizations?

TradeDay distinguishes itself with its streamlined single-phase evaluation process, which many traders find less stressful and more straightforward than multi-phase challenges. Their pricing structure is generally more affordable than competitors, making funded trading accessible to those with smaller budgets. TradeDay also offers more lenient trading conditions regarding weekend positions and fewer required trading days. While newer to the market, they’ve gained recognition for their responsive customer support and straightforward approach that eliminates unnecessary complexity from the funded trader journey.

Which firm offers better profit potential for traders?

Both firms offer the standard 80% profit split for traders, but FTMO edges ahead with its scaling plan that can increase the profit split to 90% for consistent performers. FTMO’s larger maximum account size ($400,000 vs TradeDay’s $200,000) also provides higher earning potential for successful traders. However, TradeDay’s lower entry costs and simpler evaluation process might allow some traders to get funded more quickly, potentially leading to earlier profit generation. The best choice depends on your trading style, capital availability, and whether you prioritize maximum potential earnings or quicker access to funding.

Are there significant differences in trading conditions between FTMO and TradeDay?

Yes, there are several notable differences. FTMO imposes stricter trading rules, including 10 minimum trading days per phase and restrictions during major news events. TradeDay requires only 10 minimum trading days and has fewer news trading restrictions. FTMO’s standard challenge has a 10% profit target in phase one and 5% in phase two, while TradeDay requires an 8% profit target in its single phase. FTMO offers more sophisticated analytical tools and platform options (including cTrader), while TradeDay focuses on MT4/MT5. Execution speed is generally faster with FTMO, but TradeDay offers more consistent leverage across all account types.

Which firm is better for beginner traders?

For most beginners, TradeDay offers advantages that make the funded trader journey more accessible. Their single-phase evaluation is less complex to understand and execute, while their lower pricing structure reduces the initial financial commitment. TradeDay’s more lenient trading requirements (fewer minimum trading days, simpler rules) can be less intimidating for those still developing their trading strategies. That said, FTMO offers superior educational resources and analytics that can accelerate a beginner’s learning curve, and their two-phase system, though more demanding, provides better preparation for successful long-term trading. Consider starting with TradeDay if budget and simplicity are priorities, or FTMO if you value comprehensive education and are prepared for a more rigorous challenge.

How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?

1. We Collect

Our comparison begins with extensive data collection from multiple authoritative sources. We analyze official information from both FTMO and TradeDay websites, examining their program terms, fee structures, and technical specifications. We supplement this with real user experiences from Trustpilot, TrustScore, and specialized trading forums. Additionally, we interview active traders who have experience with both platforms and consult industry experts who understand the nuances of proprietary trading firms and their evaluation methods.

2. We Examine

Our expert team thoroughly verifies all collected information, cross-referencing data points across multiple sources to ensure accuracy. We conduct hands-on testing of both platforms’ demo accounts to evaluate user experience, platform stability, and execution quality. We analyze historical changes in each company’s policies and offerings to understand their evolution and responsiveness to trader needs. This methodical examination helps us identify both obvious differences and subtle nuances that might impact your trading experience.

3. We Score

Our scoring methodology evaluates each company across seven key categories: reputation and reliability (20%), trading conditions (20%), platform and tools (15%), account options and flexibility (15%), cost structure (10%), support quality (10%), and payout terms (10%). Within each category, we assess multiple factors using a standardized rubric. Final scores are determined through a weighted average of category scores, with additional considerations for unique strengths and limitations that might benefit specific trader profiles.

4. You Choose

Armed with our comprehensive comparison, you can make an informed decision based on what matters most to your trading goals. Consider your trading style, risk tolerance, available capital, and experience level. If you’re an experienced trader seeking larger account sizes with a well-established firm, FTMO may be your best choice. If you prefer a streamlined evaluation with lower entry costs, TradeDay might better suit your needs. Remember that the “best” option varies based on individual circumstances-use this comparison as a guide, but ultimately choose the firm that aligns with your specific trading journey.