Head to head
FTMO vs TradeDay
FTMO grades higher overall, 8.5 to 7.0. Across 21 measurable rows, FTMO comes out ahead on 15 and TradeDay on 1.
Key differences
In short
- FTMO has the stronger payout record (9.4 vs 7.9).
- TradeDay carries more hidden-rule risk (4.8 vs 0.9), led by: profit above $10,000 in a quick pay funded sim is forfeited.
- FTMO allows more capital ($2,000,000 vs $750,000).
- Only FTMO sells 2-step programs.
- MT4, MT5, cTrader are only available at FTMO.
- Rithmic, Quantower are only available at TradeDay.
FTMO vs TradeDay, side by side
The better value in each row is marked
| Criterion | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grade | ||
| Overall score | A8.5 | B7.0 |
| Payouts | 9.4 | 7.9 |
| Transparency | 7.3 | 6.1 |
| Rules & trading conditions | 6.5 | 5.6 |
| Reputation | 9.5 | 7.2 |
| Platforms & execution | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Support | 8.9 | 6.8 |
| Evidence | ||
| Trustpilot | 4.8 (54K) | 4.6 (1.4K) |
| Pass rate | 10%Reported | 36%Reported |
| Hidden risk | 0.9 LowHidden risk 0.9 out of 10, Low | 4.8 HighHidden risk 4.8 out of 10, High |
| Negative recent reviews | 1.5% | 10.5% |
| Offer | ||
| $100K challenge | $567 | — |
| Cheapest account | $90 | $100 |
| Max allocation | $2M | $750K |
| Max profit split | 90% | 90% |
| Payouts | Every 14 days per FTMO Account (immediate for Supreme… | Quick Pay: on demand, daily… |
| Programs | 1-step, 2-step | 1-step |
| Current offer | — | — |
| Company | ||
| Headquarters | Prague, Czech Republic | Chicago, United States |
| Years in business | 11 | 6 |
| Trading | ||
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, NinjaTrader, Tradovate | Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView, Rithmic, Quantower |
| Assets | Forex, Indices, Metals, Commodities, Energies, Crypto, Stocks, Futures | Futures |
| EAs | Restricted | Restricted |
| News trading | Restricted | Restricted |
| Weekend holding | Restricted | Not allowed |
| Copy trading | Restricted | Restricted |
| Hedging | Restricted | Not allowed |
Prague, Czech Republic
Chicago, United StatesWhich should you choose?
By trading style
| You are… | Pick | |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Either | FTMO: No time limit, a free trial and clear 2-Step rules help learners, but fees from about $90 to $1,226 and a 10% first target make repeat attempts costly. |
| Experienced traders | Either | 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 | FTMO | Swing accounts allow news, overnight and weekend holds, but only on the 2-Step up to $100K, at 1:30 leverage and with swap costs. |
| Scalpers | Either | FTMO: Scalping is allowed, but a simulated delay of up to 200 ms plus frequent complaints about slippage and gold spreads hurt short-term edges. |
| EA & algo traders | Either | FTMO: EAs are allowed within 2,000 server requests a day, but third-party EAs risk the $400K per-strategy cap shared with other users. |
| News traders | FTMO | News trading is free in evaluations and on Swing and futures accounts, but funded Standard accounts block trades 2 minutes either side of major releases. |
Verdicts
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.
TradeDay verdict
A long-running futures firm with real day-one payouts, if you accept 50/50 early splits and a $10,000 ceiling
Best for: Disciplined intraday futures traders who want day-one payouts and a defined route to a live CME account
Avoid if: You hold positions overnight past the close, trade news, rely on sub-10-second scalps or want to keep most of your first $4,000
FTMO vs TradeDay FAQ
Questions traders ask
Is FTMO better than TradeDay?
On our grading FTMO scores higher overall (8.5 vs 7.0, grade A vs B). The better choice depends on your style: compare the rules rows above before buying.
Which is cheaper, FTMO or TradeDay?
The cheapest accounts start at $90 at FTMO and $100 at TradeDay. Prices depend on program and size, so compare the challenges tables.
Which pays out more reliably, FTMO or TradeDay?
FTMO has the stronger payout score (FTMO 9.4 vs TradeDay 7.9). FTMO pays every 14 days per ftmo account (immediate for supreme premium traders); futures cycles need 4-5 qualifying days; TradeDay pays quick pay: on demand, daily. fast pass: after each cycle of 5 qualifying profitable days.
Which has fewer hidden rules, FTMO or TradeDay?
FTMO has the lower Hidden Risk score (FTMO 0.9, low; TradeDay 4.8, high). Each review lists the specific rules behind the score.
Is it easier to pass FTMO or TradeDay?
FTMO: 10% (reported). TradeDay: 36% (reported). Estimates are a guide to difficulty only; drawdown type and daily loss rules matter as much as the target.
Compare FTMO or TradeDay with another firm
More head-to-heads