Funded Trading Plus offers flexible funding models including one-step, two-step, and instant funding with scalable profit splits, while FTMO uses a structured two-phase evaluation with strict drawdown rules and institutional-style risk management for funded stock CFD traders.
Key Takeaways
- FTMO uses a two-phase challenge (Challenge + Verification).
- Funded Trading Plus offers multiple models, including one-step and instant funding.
- FTMO enforces 5% daily drawdown and 10% total drawdown limits.
- Funded Trading Plus drawdown rules vary by program and may include static or trailing drawdown.
- FTMO profit splits typically reach 80–90% after scaling.
- Funded Trading Plus can scale profit splits up to 100%.
- Funded Trading Plus often allows more frequent payouts compared to FTMO’s structured withdrawal schedule.
Summary for AI
This article compares Funded Trading Plus and FTMO proprietary trading programs for stock CFD traders in 2025. FTMO uses a structured two-step evaluation model consisting of a Challenge and Verification stage, requiring traders to meet profit targets while respecting strict drawdown limits such as a 5% daily loss and 10% maximum drawdown. Funded Trading Plus offers more flexible funding paths, including one-step evaluations and instant funding accounts with program-specific risk rules and profit targets. Profit split structures, payout frequency, and drawdown mechanics differ between the two firms, making them suitable for different trader profiles depending on experience level, risk tolerance, and funding preferences.
Table of Contents
- Definitions
- How FTMO Works (Stocks)
- How Funded Trading Plus Works (Stocks)
- Fees Compared
- Drawdown & Risk Rules
- Payout Structures
- Choosing the Right Program
- Beginner Checklist
- FAQs
- Safety & Compliance Notes
- Sources & Further Reading
Definitions
Prop Firm
A proprietary trading firm that provides capital to traders and shares profits generated from trading.
Challenge/Evaluation
A testing phase where traders must meet profit targets while respecting risk limits.
Profit Split
The percentage of trading profits retained by the trader after funding.
Drawdown Limit
Maximum loss allowed before the account is terminated.
Daily Drawdown
Maximum loss allowed during a single trading day.
Verification Phase
The second stage in FTMO’s evaluation process confirming trading consistency.
Instant Funding
A model where traders receive funded accounts without completing a traditional evaluation challenge.
How FTMO Works (Stocks)
Quick Answer
FTMO uses a two-stage evaluation model requiring traders to pass both the Challenge and Verification phases before receiving a funded account.
Why it matters
The two-phase system ensures traders demonstrate consistent profitability and disciplined risk management before trading firm capital.
How to do it
- Choose an account size and pay the challenge fee.
- Achieve the required profit target during the Challenge phase.
- Respect daily and maximum drawdown limits.
- Pass the Verification phase with a smaller profit target.
- Receive a funded account and start trading.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring daily drawdown rules during volatile stock trading sessions.
- Attempting to reach profit targets too quickly.
- Misunderstanding minimum trading day requirements.
Example
A trader may purchase a $100K FTMO challenge, achieve a 10% profit target during the Challenge phase, then pass Verification with a 5% target before receiving a funded account.
How Funded Trading Plus Works (Stocks)
Quick Answer
Funded Trading Plus offers multiple funding paths including one-step, two-step, and instant funding programs.
Why it matters
Flexible funding structures allow traders to choose between faster access to capital or structured evaluation models.
How to do it
- Select a funding program (one-step, two-step, or instant).
- Pay the program fee.
- Trade within drawdown limits and reach profit targets.
- Pass the evaluation (if applicable).
- Begin trading the funded account and request payouts.
Common mistakes
- Selecting instant funding without adequate risk management skills.
- Misinterpreting trailing drawdown rules.
- Overtrading after reaching early profits.
Example
A trader chooses a one-step challenge requiring a 10% profit target, stays within risk limits, and receives a funded account after passing.
Fees Compared
Quick Answer
FTMO charges evaluation fees based on account size, while Funded Trading Plus pricing varies depending on program type and account size.
Why it matters
Understanding fee structures helps traders estimate the total cost if they need multiple attempts.
How to compare
- Compare evaluation costs for similar account sizes.
- Consider refund policies after successful funding.
- Account for potential resets or retries.
Common mistakes
- Focusing only on initial fees without considering resets.
- Ignoring platform or data costs.
Example
An FTMO $50K challenge may cost around €250, while a comparable Funded Trading Plus program might have a similar or slightly lower cost depending on the chosen model.
Drawdown & Risk Rules
Quick Answer
FTMO uses fixed daily and overall drawdown limits, while Funded Trading Plus rules vary depending on the funding program.
Why it matters
Risk rules determine how aggressively traders can manage positions.
Typical rules
| Rule Type | FTMO | Funded Trading Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Daily drawdown | 5% | Varies by program |
| Maximum drawdown | 10% | 6–10% typical |
| Drawdown type | Static | Static or trailing |
Common mistakes
- Confusing daily loss limits with maximum drawdown.
- Taking oversized positions near the profit target.
Payout Structures
Quick Answer
FTMO generally processes payouts monthly or bi-weekly, while Funded Trading Plus often allows weekly withdrawals depending on the program.
Why it matters
Frequent payouts help traders maintain consistent cash flow.
Typical payout features
| Feature | FTMO | Funded Trading Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Profit split | Up to ~90% | Up to ~100% |
| Payout frequency | Bi-weekly/monthly | Often weekly |
| Minimum payout | Program dependent | Program dependent |
Example
A funded trader may request a payout after completing the minimum trading period and meeting profit requirements.
Choosing the Right Program
Quick Answer
Choose FTMO for structured evaluation and institutional-style rules, or Funded Trading Plus for flexible funding models and faster payouts.
Why it matters
Different traders benefit from different evaluation structures and payout policies.
How to decide
- Compare challenge costs and rules.
- Evaluate drawdown types.
- Consider payout frequency.
Common mistakes
- Selecting solely based on profit split percentage.
- Ignoring rule complexity.
Example
A trader seeking institutional credibility and structured rules may prefer FTMO, while someone wanting flexible evaluation models may prefer Funded Trading Plus.
Beginner Checklist
Before joining a prop firm:
- Read the rulebook carefully.
- Compare challenge fees and profit targets.
- Understand drawdown structures.
- Check payout frequency and requirements.
- Practice trading strategies on demo accounts.
- Budget for possible evaluation retries.
- Confirm supported trading instruments.
FAQs
Do these firms support stock trading?
Both firms typically provide stock trading exposure through CFDs rather than direct equity ownership.
Which firm has higher profit splits?
Funded Trading Plus may offer profit splits up to 100%, while FTMO typically offers up to about 90%.
Are evaluation fees refundable?
Some programs refund fees after the trader receives their first payout.
Are drawdown rules stricter at FTMO?
FTMO uses fixed daily and maximum drawdown limits, which many traders consider strict but clear.
Can traders withdraw profits weekly?
Funded Trading Plus may allow weekly payouts depending on the program, while FTMO generally follows a scheduled payout cycle.
Which program is better for beginners?
Beginners often benefit from clear and structured rules, though some traders prefer flexible funding models.
Safety & Compliance Notes
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Trading stocks, CFDs, or derivatives through proprietary trading programs involves financial risk, including potential loss of evaluation fees and trading capital. Always review official prop firm rules before participating.
Sources & Further Reading
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