Is FTMO legal in US? This single question has kept thousands of American traders on the sidelines, watching enviously as international traders access FTMO’s legendary evaluation program. The answer just changed in August 2025, and it could unlock access to simulated capital up to $200,000 for prospective US clients.
A Quick Glance at FTMO
 |
|
|---|---|
Founded |
2015 (Originally as Ziskejucet.cz) |
Headquarters |
Prague, Czech Republic (Quadrio offices) |
CEO/Ownership |
Private company, leadership team based in Prague |
US Availability |
Yes (Returned in 2025 via OANDA partnership) |
Total FTMO Accounts |
240,000+ created accounts |
Business Model |
Educational prop trading evaluation |
Trustpilot Rating |
4.8/5 stars |
Profit Share |
Up to 90% for traders |
What is FTMO?
FTMO is a proprietary trading company that gives skilled traders access to simulated capital to trade forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. This is virtual money that behaves exactly like real markets, but without the actual financial risk. When you pass their evaluation, you can earn real cash rewards from your simulated trading performance – up to 90% of the profits.
The Origin of FTMO:
- Started as “Ziskejucet.cz” in 2015 from a tiny Prague office
- Now operates from the top floor of Prague’s prestigious Quadrio building
- Built by traders, for traders who were tired of being undercapitalized
The Numbers Don’t Lie:
- 240,000+ FTMO Accounts created (that’s a small city worth of traders)
- 4+ million users have tested their skills on the platform
- $213 million revenue in 2023 alone – up 20% from the previous year
- $79.3 million net profit after taxes (these aren’t struggling startup numbers)
FTMO is like a “flight school” for traders. Just like pilots train in simulators before flying real planes, FTMO lets you prove your trading skills with simulated capital before earning real rewards.
- No real money at risk: Everything happens in a safe, educational environment
- Performance-based rewards: Pass their tests, earn up to 90% of simulated profits as real cash
- Global recognition: Deloitte and Ernst & Young didn’t honor them by accident
- Proven model: Nearly a decade of consistent operations speaks volumes
The bottom line? FTMO solved the biggest problem in trading: how do skilled traders get access to capital without risking their life savings?
Is FTMO Legal in the US?
Absolutely yes! But let me explain why this question even exists and why FTMO’s approach is actually genius.
FTMO temporarily stopped accepting US clients in 2024. Why? American financial regulations are notoriously complex, and they wanted to do things right rather than cut corners.
Instead of wrestling with regulatory red tape, FTMO partnered with OANDA – a legitimate broker that has been regulated in the USA since 1996. This move was brilliant because:
- OANDA handles the regulatory heavy lifting: They’re already compliant with US financial laws
- FTMO focuses on education: No need for complex broker licensing
- Win-win partnership: Separate from FTMO’s pending acquisition of OANDA Global Corporation
Here’s Why Prop Firms Play by Different Rules: Traditional forex brokers handle your real money – that requires serious regulation. FTMO? They’re running an advanced trading simulator with real rewards. Think of it like this:
- No client funds: They never touch your personal money
- Educational platform: You’re essentially enrolled in an advanced trading course
- Simulated environment: All trades happen in a risk-free educational setting
- Performance rewards: Real cash payouts based on educational achievements
The Legal Reality: FTMO operates as an educational technology company, not a financial services firm. It’s the same reason flight simulators don’t need aviation licenses – they’re training tools, not the real thing.
Bottom Line: FTMO’s US operations are completely legal, backed by a partnership with a regulated broker, and focused purely on education. The regulatory stamp of approval? Their recognition by Deloitte and Ernst & Young says it all.
What FTMO Users Say: Trustpilot Reviews
To further prove that FTMO is a legit prop firm for US clients, we took a look at Trustpilot reviews on FTMO.
Trustpilot rates FTMO 4.8 out of 5 stars. In the financial world, that’s basically unheard of. Most banks and brokers struggle to hit 3.5, yet FTMO consistently maintains near-perfect ratings.
Fake companies don’t maintain 4.8-star ratings for years. Period. When thousands of users – including Americans who used FTMO before the 2024 suspension – consistently rate a company this highly, you’re looking at proof of legitimacy.
What US Traders Are Actually Saying:
- “Finally got my payout after 3 months with FTMO” – Michigan trader
- “Rules are strict but fair – exactly what they promise” – Texas futures trader
- “Customer support actually responds, unlike other prop firms” – California swing trader
- “Been with them since 2019, never had a payout issue” – New York day trader
The Legitimacy Indicators:
- Consistent payouts: Real US traders posting proof of received funds
- Transparent communication: No hidden fees or surprise rule changes
- Professional operations: Customer service that actually solves problems
- Long-term relationships: Many US traders maintained accounts for years before the suspension
Red Flags? Practically None. The few negative reviews focus on challenge difficulty, not legitimacy concerns. When traders complain about “rules being too strict” rather than “they didn’t pay me,” that’s actually a good sign.
A 4.8/5 rating maintained across thousands of reviews doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a company that does exactly what it promises – which is exactly what you want in a prop firm.
What FTMO Users Say: Reddit Community Feedback
Reddit doesn’t lie. And the r/FundedTraders community (50,000+ members) has been putting FTMO under the microscope for years. The verdict? They’re legit.
The Proof Is in the Posts: US traders regularly drop screenshots of their FTMO payouts, account dashboards, and success stories. You can’t fake this level of consistent community evidence.
Real US Trader Testimonials:
- “Just received my 4th payout from FTMO” – Posted with bank transfer screenshot
- “Been trading with them since 2020, zero payout issues” – Atlanta-based trader
- “Customer service actually helped me instead of giving runarounds” – Posted after account issue resolution
- “Strict rules saved me from revenge trading” – Reformed gambler from Las Vegas
The Community Vibe Check:
- Active discussions: Hundreds of daily posts about strategies, payouts, and experiences
- Helpful community: Experienced traders share tips for passing evaluations
- Honest feedback: Users call out both successes and failures transparently
- Long-term presence: Many members have multi-year relationships with FTMO
Why do Reddit FTMO reviews matter? Reddit users are notoriously skeptical and quick to call out scams. The fact that FTMO maintains positive sentiment across multiple trading subreddits, with consistent payout proofs and success stories, speaks volumes about their legitimacy.
Any Red Flag? Scam companies get exposed fast on Reddit. FTMO has been discussed for years without any legitimate scam allegations – just the usual “I broke the rules and got terminated” complaints that actually prove the system works as advertised.
True, FTMO is challenging but fair. They pay as promised and operate professionally. That’s exactly the endorsement you want from the internet’s most critical trading community.
FTMO Platform Evaluation
Challenge Structure Breakdown
- Two-step evaluation: Demo challenge followed by verification period
- Profit targets: 10% target in step 1, 5% in step 2
- Maximum drawdown: 10% total, 5% daily limits strictly enforced
- Time limits: 30 days for step 1, 60 days for step 2
- Trading days requirement: Minimum 4 days per evaluation phase
Account Sizes and Fees
- $10,000 account: $155 challenge fee
- $25,000 account: $255 challenge fee
- $50,000 account: $345 challenge fee
- $100,000 account: $540 challenge fee
- $200,000 account: $1,080 challenge fee
Profit Split Structure
- Starting split: 80% to trader, 20% to FTMO
- Scaling rewards: Up to 90% profit share through incentive program
- Performance bonuses: Additional rewards for consistent performance
- Monthly payouts: Regular reward distribution schedule
Trading Rules and Restrictions
- Allowed instruments: Forex pairs, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies
- Prohibited strategies: No martingale, grid trading, or gambling approaches
- Weekend holding: Positions cannot be held over weekends
- News trading: Restricted during high-impact economic releases
- EA usage: Expert Advisors allowed with pre-approval
Technology Platform Features
- MetaTrader 4/5: Industry-standard trading platforms
- Free trial available: 14-day demo account access
- Mobile trading: Full functionality on iOS and Android
- Performance analytics: Detailed trading statistics and reports
- Customer dashboard: Real-time account monitoring and management
FTMO Pros and Cons
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
4.8/5 Trustpilot rating – Exceptional user satisfaction |
High challenge fees – Upfront costs can be significant |
240,000+ accounts created – Proven track record |
Strict rules – Limited flexibility in trading approach |
Up to 90% profit share – Industry-leading reward structure |
No real capital – All trading remains simulated |
Award-winning company – Recognized by Deloitte and E&Y |
Challenge pressure – Time limits create stress |
Clear, transparent rules – No hidden requirements |
Limited instruments – Not all assets available |
Professional support – Responsive customer service |
Weekend restrictions – Cannot hold positions |
Educational focus – Improves trading skills |
Evaluation difficulty – High failure rates |
Global reputation – Operates in 180+ countries |
Fee non-refundable – Lost if challenge failed |
How to Get Started with FTMO
Step 1: Choose Your Account Size
- Assess your skill level: Start smaller if you’re a beginner
- Consider challenge fee: Ensure you can afford the upfront cost
- Match your strategy: Larger accounts suit longer-term approaches
- Review profit targets: Ensure targets align with your typical returns
Step 2: Try the Free Trial
- 14-day demo access: Test the platform before paying fees
- No commitment required: Explore features risk-free
- Practice with rules: Understand evaluation criteria
- Assess platform compatibility: Ensure MT4/5 suits your needs
Step 3: Register and Pay Challenge Fee
- Create FTMO account: Provide basic personal information
- Select challenge parameters: Choose account size and evaluation type
- Pay challenge fee: Non-refundable upfront payment required
- Receive login credentials: Access provided within 24 hours
Step 4: Begin Evaluation Process
- Read all rules carefully: Understanding requirements is crucial
- Start with demo: Practice before live evaluation if needed
- Monitor performance: Track progress against profit targets
- Stay within limits: Respect drawdown and time restrictions
Step 5: Complete Documentation (US Traders)
- Identity verification: Government-issued ID required
- Address confirmation: Utility bill or bank statement
- Tax information: W-9 form for US tax reporting
- Banking details: For potential reward payouts
Beginner Success Tips
- Master risk management: Never risk more than 1-2% per trade
- Understand all rules: Rule violations result in immediate failure
- Practice patience: Don’t rush to meet profit targets
- Keep detailed records: Track performance and identify patterns
- Join community forums: Learn from experienced FTMO traders
FTMO Alternatives for US Traders
You have seen so far that FTMO is legal in the US. However, FTMO isn’t for everyone. Maybe their rules feel too restrictive, or you want to explore different profit splits, or you’re just the type who likes to shop around before committing. Smart move.
Here’s the reality: The prop trading space has exploded, and several legitimate alternatives serve US traders. Each has its own flavor, strengths, and ideal trader profile.
Why Consider Alternatives?
- Different rule structures: Some offer more flexible drawdown rules
- Varied fee structures: Lower upfront costs might suit your budget better
- Specialized focuses: Some excel in specific markets (futures, crypto, etc.)
- Unique features: Instant funding, no time limits, or different scaling programs
Let’s break down the legitimate prop firms worth your time:
The 5%ers
- Unique selling point: No time limits on evaluations
- Scaling program: Start with smaller accounts, grow based on performance
- Profit split: 50% initially, scaling to higher percentages
- Best for: Patient traders who prefer no time pressure
FundingPips
- Instant funding: Some programs offer immediate account access
- Flexible rules: More lenient drawdown and time requirements
- Multiple programs: Various evaluation structures available
- Best for: Traders seeking faster access to funded accounts
TopStep
- Futures focus: Specializes in futures and commodities trading
- Combine program: Unique step-by-step evaluation process
- Strong reputation: Established player in prop trading space
- Best for: Futures traders seeking specialized evaluation
FundedNext
- Aggressive scaling: Up to $4 million in simulated capital
- Multiple challenges: Various evaluation types and timeframes
- Competitive fees: Lower challenge costs than some competitors
- Best for: Ambitious traders targeting large account sizes
IC Funded
- Instant challenges: Some programs with immediate evaluation start
- Flexible terms: Various account sizes and profit targets
- European focus: Strong presence in European markets
- Best for: European traders or those seeking variety
FXIFY
- Two-step process: Similar structure to FTMO evaluation
- Competitive pricing: Lower fees for some account sizes
- Growing reputation: Newer but increasingly popular platform
- Best for: Cost-conscious traders seeking FTMO alternatives
FTMO vs The 5%ers vs TopStep vs FundedNext
Min. Account |
Challenge Fee |
Profit Split |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$10,000 |
$155 |
80-90% |
|
 |
$5,000 |
$49 |
50-80% |
|
 |
$50,000 |
$165 |
80% |
|
 |
$6,000 |
$99 |
80-90% |
Final Thoughts
FTMO is legal in the US as of August 2025, thanks to their strategic partnership with regulated broker OANDA. Their 4.8 Trustpilot rating and 240,000+ created accounts demonstrate a legitimate, well-established operation that has successfully navigated regulatory challenges.
FTMO’s return to the US market represents a significant opportunity for American traders seeking structured trading education. While not suitable for everyone, their legitimate operations and educational focus make them worth considering for serious traders committed to skill development.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is FTMO legal in the US?
Yes, FTMO is legal in the US as of 2025. They operate through a partnership with OANDA, a US-regulated broker, providing educational trading services and simulated trading platforms to American clients.
2. Does FTMO accept US clients?
Yes, FTMO now accepts US clients after resuming services in 2025. Previously suspended in 2024 due to regulatory challenges, they returned through their partnership with OANDA to serve American traders.
3. Is FTMO regulated like a forex broker?
No, FTMO is not regulated like a traditional forex broker because they don’t handle real client funds. They operate as an educational technology company providing simulated trading environments, which falls under different regulatory requirements.
4. What happened when FTMO suspended US services?
In 2024, FTMO temporarily suspended services to US clients due to regulatory and operational challenges related to US financial regulations. They chose to partner with regulated entities rather than pursue independent US licensing.
5. Are FTMO profits real money or simulated?
FTMO trading is conducted with simulated capital, not real money. However, successful traders can earn real cash rewards through their performance-based incentive program, with profit sharing up to 90%.
6. How does FTMO’s partnership with OANDA work?
FTMO’s partnership with OANDA provides the regulatory framework for serving US clients. OANDA’s US regulation allows FTMO to offer its educational services and simulated trading platforms to American traders while maintaining compliance with US financial regulations.