Head to head
Core Funded vs FTMO
FTMO grades higher overall, 8.4 to 5.9. Across 21 measurable rows, Core Funded comes out ahead on 8 and FTMO on 11.
Cheap, well-documented rules, with payouts paid out in capped installments
Still the benchmark for getting paid, but read the risk clauses before you size up
Key differences
In short
- A $100K evaluation is cheaper at Core Funded ($562 vs $567 at FTMO).
- FTMO has the stronger payout record (9.3 vs 7.6).
- Core Funded carries more hidden-rule risk (4.8 vs 2.5), led by: payouts capped at 50% of profit and $2,500-$5,000 per request.
- Core Funded allows more capital ($10,000,000 vs $2,000,000).
- Only Core Funded sells instant programs.
- Match-Trader is only available at Core Funded.
- MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, NinjaTrader, Tradovate are only available at FTMO.
Core Funded vs FTMO, side by side
The better value in each row is marked
| Criterion | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grade | ||
| Overall score | C5.9 | A8.4 |
| Payouts | 7.6 | 9.3 |
| Transparency | 5.3 | 7.4 |
| Rules & trading conditions | 5.7 | 6.5 |
| Reputation | 5.2 | 9.5 |
| Platforms & execution | 3.5 | 9.2 |
| Support | 7.2 | 8.4 |
| Evidence | ||
| Trustpilot | 4.1 (134) | 4.8 (53K) |
| Pass rate | 15%Estimate | 10%Reported |
| Hidden risk | 4.8 HighHidden risk 4.8 out of 10, High | 2.5 ModerateHidden risk 2.5 out of 10, Moderate |
| Negative recent reviews | 19% | 1.5% |
| Offer | ||
| $100K challenge | $562 | $567 |
| Cheapest account | $51 | $90 |
| Max allocation | $10M | $2M |
| Max profit split | 95% | 90% |
| Payouts | On demand… | Every 14 days per FTMO Account (immediate for Supreme… |
| Programs | instant, 1-step, 2-step | 1-step, 2-step |
| Current offer | 50% OFF· WELCOME | — |
| Company | ||
| Headquarters | Dover, United States | Prague, Czech Republic |
| Years in business | 1 | 11 |
| Trading | ||
| Platforms | Match-Trader | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, NinjaTrader, Tradovate |
| Assets | Forex, Indices, Metals, Commodities, Energies, Crypto, Stocks | Forex, Indices, Metals, Commodities, Energies, Crypto, Stocks, Futures |
| EAs | Allowed | Restricted |
| News trading | Restricted | Restricted |
| Weekend holding | Allowed | Restricted |
| Copy trading | Restricted | Restricted |
| Hedging | Allowed | Restricted |
Which should you choose?
By trading style
| You are… | Pick | |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Either | Core Funded: Sub-$30 starter promos and no time limit make it cheap to learn on, but the 0.5%-per-day and consistency rules, both in the public rulebook, have tripped up several first-time traders in reviews, so read them before trading. |
| Experienced traders | FTMO | A static 10% drawdown, scaling to $2M and an 11-year payout record suit disciplined traders who keep risk near 1% per idea. |
| Swing traders | Core Funded | Overnight and weekend positions are allowed on every account type with no extra fee or restriction mentioned. |
| Scalpers | Either | Core Funded: No stop-loss or hold-time minimum is enforced, but more than half your trades under a minute without a documented strategy is defined as prohibited gambling, and several reviewers report wide spreads. |
| EA & algo traders | Core Funded | EAs, trade copiers and copy trading between your own accounts are explicitly allowed, though Match-Trader's EA ecosystem is narrower than MT4/MT5 and the strategy must stay the same from challenge to funded account. |
| News traders | Either | Core Funded: News trading is unrestricted during the evaluation, but the funded account adds a 5-minute blackout around high-impact releases unless you pay for the News Trading upgrade. |
Verdicts
Core Funded verdict
Cheap, well-documented rules, with payouts paid out in capped installments
Best for: Cost-conscious traders who want clearly documented targets and static drawdowns, and who plan to withdraw profit in smaller, regular amounts rather than one large payout.
Avoid if: You need a platform choice beyond Match-Trader, a long independent track record, or certainty that a disputed account decision can be appealed.
FTMO verdict
Still the benchmark for getting paid, but read the risk clauses before you size up
Best for: Disciplined day and swing traders who risk about 1% per trade idea and value an 11-year payout record over the cheapest fee.
Avoid if: You pass challenges with oversized positions, run copy or group setups across accounts, or need rules that cannot be tightened after you pass.
Core Funded vs FTMO FAQ
Questions traders ask
Is Core Funded better than FTMO?
On our grading FTMO scores higher overall (8.4 vs 5.9, grade A vs C). The better choice depends on your style: compare the rules rows above before buying.
Which is cheaper, Core Funded or FTMO?
At list price a $100K evaluation costs $562 at Core Funded and $567 at FTMO, so Core Funded is cheaper. The smallest accounts start at $51 and $90. Discounts change often, so check the offers page.
Which pays out more reliably, Core Funded or FTMO?
FTMO has the stronger payout score (Core Funded 7.6 vs FTMO 9.3). Core Funded pays on demand; after the first payout, 3 qualifying trading days (each at least 0.5% net profit) are required since the previous payout; FTMO pays every 14 days per ftmo account (immediate for supreme premium traders); futures cycles need 4-5 qualifying days.
Which has fewer hidden rules, Core Funded or FTMO?
FTMO has the lower Hidden Risk score (Core Funded 4.8, high; FTMO 2.5, moderate). Each review lists the specific rules behind the score.
Is it easier to pass Core Funded or FTMO?
Core Funded: 15% (estimate). FTMO: 10% (reported). Estimates are a guide to difficulty only; drawdown type and daily loss rules matter as much as the target.
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