Understanding FTMO's Pricing Model
FTMO operates the world's largest proprietary trading platform with over 100,000 funded traders. Their Challenge product is a single, upfront payment evaluation system that leads to funded account access. Unlike many competitors, FTMO charges no monthly fees, management fees, or recurring costs—just one evaluation fee per account size.
This straightforward pricing model makes FTMO attractive for traders seeking transparency. Understanding the full cost structure, however, requires looking beyond the headline fee to consider total investment per account tier.
No Monthly Fees: Once you pay the FTMO Challenge fee, there are no recurring monthly charges. This is a significant advantage over prop firms that impose monthly holding fees or subscription costs.
Complete FTMO Challenge Cost Table (2026)
Understanding FTMO's Pricing Model
FTMO operates the world's largest proprietary trading platform with over 100,000 funded traders. Their Challenge product is a single, upfront payment evaluation system that leads to funded account access. Unlike many competitors, FTMO charges no monthly fees, management fees, or recurring costs—just one evaluation fee per account size.
This straightforward pricing model makes FTMO attractive for traders seeking transparency. Understanding the full cost structure, however, requires looking beyond the headline fee to consider total investment per account tier.
No Monthly Fees: Once you pay the FTMO Challenge fee, there are no recurring monthly charges. This is a significant advantage over prop firms that impose monthly holding fees or subscription costs.
Complete FTMO Challenge Cost Table (2026)
| Account Size |
Challenge Fee |
Monthly Fee |
Profit Split |
Max Drawdown |
| $10,000 |
$199 |
$0 |
80/20 |
$2,000 |
| $25,000 |
$349 |
$0 |
80/20 |
$5,000 |
| $50,000 |
$599 |
$0 |
80/20 |
$10,000 |
| $100,000 |
$999 |
$0 |
80/20 |
$20,000 |
| $200,000 |
$1,999 |
$0 |
80/20 |
$40,000 |
Cost Per Account Size Analysis
The percentage cost relative to account size decreases significantly with larger accounts:
- $10k account: 1.99% of account value
- $25k account: 1.40% of account value
- $50k account: 1.20% of account value
- $100k account: 1.00% of account value
- $200k account: 0.99% of account value
This structure means larger accounts offer better value. A trader considering multiple smaller accounts versus one larger account should factor in this percentage-based efficiency.
What's Included in the FTMO Challenge Fee?
Your FTMO Challenge fee covers:
- 30-day evaluation period on the Challenge phase
- Full access to MT4 or MT5 platform
- Real-time trading data and market depth
- 24/5 customer support
- Transition to second phase evaluation (if you pass)
- Funded account access (after passing both phases)
- Unlimited withdrawals of profits
When Does FTMO Run Sales?
FTMO typically runs promotions during major shopping and trading calendar periods:
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday (Late November): Traditionally the biggest sale with 20-30% off Challenge fees
- Christmas/New Year (December-January): Secondary promotion period with 15-20% discounts
- Summer Promotions (July-August): Mid-year sales with occasional 10-15% discounts
- Random Flash Sales: FTMO occasionally runs unannounced 48-hour sales—watch their email list and social media
Money-Saving Tip
Joining FTMO's email newsletter is free and they announce sales 24 hours before public promotion. During Black Friday 2025, FTMO offered 25% off, meaning a $199 Challenge fee dropped to approximately $149. Email subscribers often get early access.
Comparing FTMO Costs to Other Prop Firms
Cost Per Account Size Analysis
The percentage cost relative to account size decreases significantly with larger accounts:
$10k account: 1.99% of account value
$25k account: 1.40% of account value
$50k account: 1.20% of account value
$100k account: 1.00% of account value
$200k account: 0.99% of account value
This structure means larger accounts offer better value. A trader considering multiple smaller accounts versus one larger account should factor in this percentage-based efficiency.
What's Included in the FTMO Challenge Fee?
Your FTMO Challenge fee covers:
30-day evaluation period on the Challenge phase
Full access to MT4 or MT5 platform
Real-time trading data and market depth
24/5 customer support
Transition to second phase evaluation (if you pass)
Funded account access (after passing both phases)
Unlimited withdrawals of profits
When Does FTMO Run Sales?
FTMO typically runs promotions during major shopping and trading calendar periods:
Black Friday/Cyber Monday (Late November): Traditionally the biggest sale with 20-30% off Challenge fees
Christmas/New Year (December-January): Secondary promotion period with 15-20% discounts
Summer Promotions (July-August): Mid-year sales with occasional 10-15% discounts
Random Flash Sales: FTMO occasionally runs unannounced 48-hour sales—watch their email list and social media
Money-Saving Tip
Joining FTMO's email newsletter is free and they announce sales 24 hours before public promotion. During Black Friday 2025, FTMO offered 25% off, meaning a $199 Challenge fee dropped to approximately $149. Email subscribers often get early access.
Comparing FTMO Costs to Other Prop Firms
| Firm |
$10k Account Cost |
Monthly Fee |
Best Profit Split |
| FTMO |
$199 |
$0 |
80/20 |
| FundedNext |
$99 |
$0 |
80/20 |
| The5ers |
$129 |
$0 |
90/10 |
| TopStep |
Variable |
$0 |
50/50 |
ROI Example: When FTMO Pays Off
Consider a trader using a $10k FTMO account who earns $1,000 per month (10% monthly return):
- FTMO Challenge cost: $199
- 80/20 split means you keep: $800 of the $1,000 profit
- Monthly net gain after fee: $800 (fee amortized to $0 after first month)
- Break-even timeframe: Less than 1 week of profitable trading
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I pay the FTMO Challenge fee even if I fail the evaluation?
Yes. The Challenge fee is paid upfront and non-refundable, regardless of evaluation outcome. However, FTMO allows one free retry if you fail the first attempt.
2. Are there hidden fees in FTMO accounts?
No. FTMO's pricing is fully transparent. The Challenge fee is the only cost. No monthly subscription, no withdrawal fees, no surprise charges.
3. Can I get a refund on my FTMO Challenge fee?
Fees are non-refundable. However, you receive one free retry on Phase 2 if you fail. FTMO occasionally runs sales that reduce fees significantly.
4. What happens after I pass the FTMO Challenge?
After passing both Challenge and Verification phases, you're granted a funded account. There are no additional fees—you simply begin trading with the funded capital and keep your profit split.
5. Should I wait for a Black Friday sale to join FTMO?
If you're a serious trader, saving $30-50 on a $199 fee through a sale is minimal compared to your potential profit upside. However, if you're budget-conscious, subscribing to FTMO's email newsletter ensures you catch the next promotion.
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