FTMO vs FundingPips: Which Prop Firm Is Better in 2026?

FTMO vs FundingPips—which Prop Trading Firm is really worth your time? Many traders jump in, fail the challenges, and lose their fees, all because they didn’t pick a firm that matched their strategy. Don’t make that mistake. This detailed comparison reveals everything—funding options, rules, payouts, and trader-friendly features—so you can choose wisely and start trading on the right path.

Quick Comparison: FTMO vs FundingPips

Don’t have time to read the full comparison? Here’s the short version:

• Best For:
  • FTMO: Traders who value structure, discipline, and advanced analytics.
  • FundingPips: Traders wanting flexibility, fast payouts, and high reward options.
• Funding Programs:
  • FTMO uses a classic two-step challenge model.
  • FundingPips offers Zero, One-Step, Two-Step, and Pro models with flexible payout cycles.
• Account Sizes:
  • FTMO: ~$10,000–$200,000 initial funding.
  • FundingPips: ~$5,000–$100,000 initial, scalable up to ~$300,000.
• Profit Split:
  • FTMO: Up to ~90%.
  • FundingPips: Starts around ~80%, can scale up to ~100% based on plan.
• Pass Rate & Flexibility:
  • FTMO has structured time limits.
  • FundingPips often has no minimum trading days and flexible evaluation windows.

FTMO vs FundingPips: Overview

Founded / HQ	2015 / Czech Republic	2022 / Dubai
Evaluation Model	Two-step challenge	One-step challenge
Account Sizes	$10,000 – $200,000 (Up to $400K combined)	$5,000 – $100,000 (Up to $300K combined)
Profit Split	Up to 90%	Up to 95%
Scaling Plan	Yes, up to $2M	Yes, up to $2M
Trading Restrictions	No news trading, no weekend holding (unless Swing account)	No restrictions (news, weekend, swing trading allowed)
Payout Frequency	Bi-weekly, can be adjusted	Weekly
Leverage	Up to 1:100	Up to 1:100
Spreads & Fees	Institutional-grade, low spreads	Depends on partnered broker
Refundable Fee	Yes, refunded after first withdrawal	Yes, refunded after first withdrawal
Website	Visit FTMO →	Visit FundingPips →

FundingPips vs FTMO: Company Background

When selecting a prop trading firm, reputation and trustworthiness are crucial considerations. FTMO, founded in 2015 and based in the Czech Republic, is one of the most recognized firms in the industry. It serves traders in over 180 countries and has funded thousands of traders, with payouts exceeding $250 million. Its structured evaluation process and strong risk management policies have made it a go-to choice for traders looking for long-term stability.

FundingPips, on the other hand, is a newer firm but has quickly gained traction since its launch in 2022. Based in Dubai, it has rapidly expanded its user base, attracting more than 750,000 traders across over 195 countries. In 2024, FundingPips traders globally earned $100+ million. While FTMO is known for its time-tested approach, FundingPips sets itself apart with faster challenge completion, higher profit splits, and flexible risk parameters. This makes it an appealing option for traders looking for quick funding and aggressive scaling opportunities.

Both firms offer traders the opportunity to manage large accounts, but the path to getting funded is different. FTMO follows a more traditional evaluation model, designed to test a trader’s consistency and discipline. FundingPips, however, has a more aggressive funding approach, with faster payout cycles and a higher profit split. But before you can start trading with their capital, you need to pass their evaluation process.

Funding Programs & Account Models Compared

Both FTMO and FundingPips provide traders with pathways to access funded capital — but they do so in ways that appeal to different types of traders.

📌 Side-by-Side: Funding Program Structure

FTMO’s Funding Model:
FTMO relies on a classic two-step evaluation, where traders must first hit a profit target within a defined period (Challenge) and then prove consistency in the Verification stage. This structured progression emphasizes discipline and risk control.

FundingPips’ Funding Models:
FundingPips offers a suite of evaluation options tailored to different trader preferences:

• Zero Model: A simple pathway to funding after review.
• One-Step Evaluation: Hit the target once and earn funded status.
• Two-Step Evaluation: Phase 1 and Phase 2 targets similar to traditional models.
• Pro Model: A professional-tier challenge with its own reward structure.
  Along with flexible payout cycles (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, on-demand), this variety gives traders more control over how they approach funding.

Account Sizes & Capital Scaling Potential

How much capital you can start with — and how much you can grow that capital — is a key differentiator between prop firms.

📌 Side-by-Side: Account Sizes & Scaling

FTMO Account Sizes:
FTMO’s standard suite of funding levels typically ranges from about $10,000 to $200,000 for initial challenges, with the possibility of scaling up further over time as you demonstrate consistent performance.

FundingPips Account Sizes:
FundingPips starts traders at $5,000 and goes up to $100,000 for most plans, with the ability to merge funded accounts up to approximately $300,000 and potentially benefit from higher reward cycles that can increase effective capital.

What This Means:

• FTMO tends to offer higher initial maximums and formal scaling plans tied to consistent performance over longer periods.
• FundingPips provides lower entry barriers, easier incremental scaling, and flexibility (including account merging), which may appeal to traders looking for rapid progression with smaller capital footprints.

Profit Split & Trader Rewards

A key factor for funded traders is how much of the profits you keep — and how the firm rewards performance.

Side-by-Side: Profit Split & Rewards

FTMO Profit Splits:
FTMO typically offers traders up to 90% of profits once funded, with incremental increases tied to performance milestones and scaling plans. The split is consistent and predictable, and profit sharing is straightforward after meeting requirements.

FundingPips Profit Splits:
FundingPips also starts traders around 80% profit share, but its payout structure is more dynamic — payout frequency can affect the split. For example, Tuesday payouts often start lower, while bi-weekly, on-demand, and monthly cycles can push splits to 90% or even 100% with strong performance and consistency rules. FundingPips notes that with certain reward cycles and consistency metrics achieved, traders can keep up to the full 100% of profits.

Trading Challenges & Evaluation Process

How you get funded — and how many phases or rules you must satisfy — varies between FTMO and FundingPips.

Side-by-Side: Evaluation Structure

FTMO’s Evaluation Model:
FTMO uses a structured two-step process: first, the Challenge where you hit a profit target within a time limit while managing risk; second, the Verification to demonstrate consistency. This rigorous path reinforces risk discipline and consistency.
(Hint: time limits add pressure but reflect real risk-management environments.)

FundingPips’ Evaluation Options:
FundingPips offers several challenge structures to fit different trader needs:

• 1-Step Evaluation: One profit target (often ~10%) to hit before funding.
• 2-Step Evaluation / 2-Step Pro: Traditional two-phase targets (e.g., 8% then 5%) with static drawdowns.
• Zero Program: An instant funding pathway after meeting certain criteria or proof of trading ability — ideal for experienced traders.

Unlike many firms, FundingPips does not impose maximum time limits for completing evaluation phases, giving traders flexibility to meet targets at their pace.

Drawdown Rules & Risk Management

How strict a firm is with drawdowns and risk rules can make or break your challenge success.

Side-by-Side: Risk & Drawdowns

FTMO Risk Rules:
FTMO enforces clearly defined drawdown rules including a daily cap and a maximum total drawdown relative to the starting balance — typically around 5% and 10% respectively. These rules are designed to keep traders disciplined and reflective of institutional risk standards.

FundingPips Risk Rules:
FundingPips also uses familiar risk limits: ~5% daily drawdown and ~10% maximum drawdown for many challenge models. What stands out is that FundingPips typically does not limit the time outright to complete challenge phases (unlike FTMO’s time windows), giving traders more flexibility to navigate risk and performance. However, rules like minimum trading days still apply per phase.

⚠️ Note: Some traders report mixed experiences with risk enforcement at FundingPips, including account closures for perceived breaches or inconsistent rule application — so it’s important to read all rule details carefully before entering a challenge.

Trading Platforms & Tools Supported

The platforms you can trade on affect everything from execution to automation capabilities.

Side-by-Side: Supported Platforms

FTMO:
FTMO allows traders to choose between the industry standards MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and DXtrade for most accounts, providing flexibility for different styles — from discretionary traders to EA users.

FundingPips:
FundingPips supports MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and Match-Trader, and some reviews mention TradeLocker as an additional platform option. This mix caters to traders who value modern interfaces and execution flexibility. FundingPips does not widely support MT4 currently for new accounts.

Pro Tip: If you rely heavily on MT4 indicators or legacy EAs, FTMO’s broader MT4 support may be an advantage. FundingPips’ support for Match-Trader and cTrader is strong, but these platforms vary in features compared with MT4.

Allowed Trading Strategies

Understanding what trading styles are permitted — and what isn’t — is crucial before choosing a prop firm. Both FTMO and FundingPips allow many common strategies, but they differ in specific restrictions.

Side-by-Side: Strategy Rules

FTMO:
FTMO allows most mainstream trading strategies, including scalping, swing trading, and algorithmic trading using Expert Advisors (EAs), provided they don’t violate its server-stability or risk rules. News trading windows and short-term volatility plays are restricted around major announcements to protect risk controls.

FundingPips:
FundingPips is relatively flexible, allowing scalping, swing trading, news trading, and the use of EAs. However, it explicitly prohibits hedging and a wide range of arbitrage or exploitative techniques (such as latency arbitrage, gap trading, reverse arbitrage, and server spamming). These restrictions aim to maintain fairness and protect capital integrity.

📍 Overall, both firms support standard trading styles. FundingPips tends to be a bit more permissive on news and weekend trading, while FTMO’s restrictions focus more on fairness and market behavior.

Payouts, Withdrawals & Payment Methods

How a firm pays its traders is one of the most important considerations — especially if you expect regular income from your funded account.

Side-by-Side: Payouts & Withdrawals

FTMO:
FTMO processes payouts regularly (often bi-weekly or monthly depending on your setup) and typically takes 1–2 business days after approval. Payment methods commonly include bank transfers, e-wallets, and crypto options.

FundingPips:
FundingPips emphasizes speed and flexibility. Its “Tuesday Payday” system can deliver payouts weekly, and the firm advertises a fast average payout time (as quick as ~4 hours after processing). Split percentages vary with the payout cycle — for example, monthly cycles may offer up to 100% profit share. Also, withdrawals have a minimum of 1% of your initial account balance.

Summary: FundingPips generally offers faster payout cycles and more flexible split structures, while FTMO is known for reliable, predictable payment scheduling.

Fees, Refunds & Overall Cost

Comparing the cost structure helps traders understand the true price of evaluation and funded status.

Side-by-Side: Fees & Refunds

FTMO:
FTMO charges a one-time challenge fee that varies with the account size. That fee is typically refunded after your first profit payout on a funded account, effectively making the evaluation cost neutral if you succeed.

FundingPips:
FundingPips also charges a one-time evaluation fee based on your chosen account size (often starting lower than many competitors). According to third-party reviews, once funded, traders may experience ~$5 per lot trading commissions on forex, and there may be a small withdrawal processing fee (e.g., ~$10). FundingPips does not charge inactivity fees, and costs like overnight swap rates apply normally.

📌 Insight: Both firms refund challenge fees after payout, but FundingPips may involve additional small transaction or trading commission fees depending on instruments.

Customer Support & Community

Good support and community access help traders get unstuck quickly and improve performance over time.

Side-by-Side: Support & Community

FTMO:
FTMO offers 24/7 live chat and email support, with a strong knowledge base that includes FAQs, tutorials, and performance materials. Its community presence among traders is broad and well-established.

FundingPips:
FundingPips also provides 24/7 support via live chat and email, and it hosts an active Discord community that many traders use for tips and discussion. Public reviews include both positive feedback on professionalism and clarity as well as complaints from some traders about rule enforcement and support responsiveness — suggesting an uneven support experience for some.

📍 Summary: Both firms have solid support structures. FTMO’s longer track record and stable documentation give it a slight edge in consistency, while FundingPips’ community presence is notably strong but comes with mixed trader experience reports.

Extra Features & Unique Advantages

Beyond the core rules and payout mechanics, both FTMO and FundingPips offer distinctive features that can influence a trader’s choice.

Side-by-Side: Extra Features

FundingPips Unique Perks:

• Zero / Instant funding options with no time limits help experienced traders access capital faster.
• Flexible payout cycles like weekly (Tuesday Payday), on-demand, and monthly give traders timing choices for profit collection.
• Some plans let funded accounts be merged to increase capital up to ~$300,000.

FTMO Unique Perks:

• A well-established brand with structured tools and metrics helps traders measure consistency. FTMO’s analytics and risk dashboards are often cited as more advanced than many newer firms.

FTMO vs FundingPips: Pros & Cons Summary

Here’s a concise summary of the strengths and weaknesses of each firm based on features, rules, and trader experiences.

✅ FTMO Pros

• Global reputation & long track record
• Structured evaluation with clear rules
• Advanced analytics dashboard
• Well analyzed payout reliability
• Multi-platform support including MT4, MT5, cTrader

❌ FTMO Cons

• Evaluation time limits can be pressurized
• No instant funding or one-step models
• Profit split maxes around ~90%

✅ FundingPips Pros

• Flexible evaluation options including one-step and instant (Zero) challenges
• Weekly payouts (“Tuesday Payday”) plus on-demand and monthly cycles
• Profit splits that can scale up to 100%
• Unlimited time to complete evaluation phases
• Large, active community and generally positive support reviews

❌ FundingPips Cons

• Younger and less established than FTMO
• Some traders report rule enforcement issues and inconsistency in payouts or account closures in negative reviews
• Not regulated by major global financial authorities (common prop firm issue)
• Some traders report unclear rules about higher-tier conditions (e.g., consistency rules after rewards cycles)

FundingPips or FTMO: Which Prop Firm Should You Choose?

Choosing between FTMO and FundingPips comes down to your trading style, priorities, and tolerance for flexibility vs structure.

🧠 Best For: FTMO

• Traders who prefer structure, predictability, and industry standards.
• Those who want advanced performance tools and risk analytics.
• Traders who don’t mind time limits and traditional scaling.

⚡ Best For: FundingPips

• Traders who want flexible evaluation paths, including instant funding.
• Those seeking weekly or on-demand payouts.
• Traders comfortable with evolving rules and community dynamics.
• Those aiming for higher profit splits (up to 100%).

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Final Verdict: FTMO vs FundingPips

Both FTMO and FundingPips are credible paths to accessing funded trading capital, but they reflect different philosophies in the prop firm space.

• FTMO leans on structure, consistency, and analytics — making it suited for traders who prefer clear frameworks and established industry metrics.
• FundingPips focuses on flexibility, variety in funding paths, and frequent reward options — appealing to traders who want less rigid time frames and a broader choice of payout cycles.

Bottom Line:
Choose FTMO if you’re building a long-term trading discipline and want functionality that supports deeper performance analysis. Choose FundingPips if you need fast access to capital, flexible evaluation, and high reward potential.

FAQs About FTMO vs FundingPips

Is FTMO better than FundingPips?

It depends on your trading style and goals. If you prefer a larger community and strict evaluation, FTMO is better. If you want flexibility and quick access to a funded account, FundingPips is a great choice.

What makes FundingPips different from FTMO?

FundingPips offers multiple evaluation paths, including zero and one-step models, plus weekly payouts and no strict time limits to complete challenges, whereas FTMO uses a traditional two-step model with fixed time windows.

Can I get funded faster with FundingPips than FTMO?

Yes. FundingPips’ instant (Zero) and one-step challenges allow quicker access to funded accounts than FTMO’s two-phase process.

Who offers higher profit splits, FTMO or FundingPips?

FundingPips can offer up to 100% profit split with certain payout cycles and scaling, while FTMO’s split typically maxes around ~90%.

Which firm pays traders faster, FTMO or FundingPips?

FundingPips processes payouts within 24–48 hours, while FTMO pays within 1–2 business days after approval. Both are fast, but FundingPips has an edge in payout speed.

Can I trade news and hold trades overnight with FTMO and FundingPips?

Yes, both firms allow news trading and overnight positions. However, FTMO has stricter restrictions on high-impact news events for some accounts, while FundingPips allows more flexibility.

Do I need prior trading experience to pass FundingPips?

No, but as with any prop firm, you’ll benefit from consistent strategy, risk management discipline, and understanding of rules to pass evaluation. Multiple positive reviews mention novice traders passing successfully.