FTMO Rules Explained (2026)
FTMO runs a forex/CFD evaluation with two paths: the long-standing 2-Step Evaluation, and a 1-Step Evaluation launched in February 2026. The two paths use genuinely different drawdown mechanics — see below before you pick one.
20% off the $100,000 1-Step Challenge
Applied automatically through this link — no code to enter. Open to clients without an active $100,000 1-Step challenge. On the 2-Step, your fee is refunded when you pass.
Claim 20% off → Promotion current as at 18 Aug 2026 — FTMO can change or end it without notice, so confirm the price before you pay. Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.FTMO's plans at a glance
| Plan | Phase | Profit target | Daily loss | Max drawdown | Min. trading days | Consistency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Step Evaluation | Phase 1 | 10% | 5% fixed (of starting balance) | End-of-day trailing, 10% | 4 | None |
| Phase 2 | 5% | 5% fixed | End-of-day trailing, 10% | 4 | None | |
| 1-Step Evaluation | Single phase | 10% | 3% fixed | End-of-day trailing, 10% | 0 | Best day ≤ 50% of positive-days profit |
Account sizes on both plans: $10,000 / $25,000 / $50,000 / $100,000 / $200,000.
How FTMO's drawdown works
Both plans use an end-of-day trailing floor. FTMO recalculates your maximum loss limit at 00:00 CE(S)T each day, measured from the highest balance recorded at 00:00 on any preceding trading day — or your initial capital, whichever is higher. In FTMO's own words the limit "can only increase, but never decrease". On a $100,000 account the floor starts at $90,000. Close one day at $105,000 and the floor moves permanently to $95,000, even if you give the profit back. This is the mechanic most often assumed to work the other way, and it applies to both phases of the 2-Step as well as the funded FTMO Account.
Notes & unconfirmed details
- The 1-Step Evaluation's fee is non-refundable, unlike the 2-Step's (which is refunded on a pass).
Track your FTMO challenge in real time
Every rule on this page, with live buffers showing how close you are to breaching. Free for 2 challenges.
Get the free app →Frequently asked questions
Is FTMO's max drawdown static or trailing?
Trailing, on both plans. FTMO recalculates the maximum loss limit daily from the highest account balance at 00:00 on any preceding trading day, and in FTMO's words the limit "can only increase, but never decrease". On a $100,000 account your floor starts at $90,000, but if you close a day at $105,000 the floor moves permanently to $95,000. This applies to both phases of the 2-Step Evaluation and to the 1-Step.
Does FTMO have a consistency rule?
Not on the 2-Step Evaluation. The 1-Step Evaluation has a Best Day Rule: your single best day of profit can't exceed 50% of the total profit from your positive days.
Is the FTMO evaluation fee refundable?
On the 2-Step Evaluation, yes — it's refunded once you pass. On the 1-Step Evaluation, the fee is non-refundable, per our verified notes.
20% off the $100,000 1-Step Challenge
Applied automatically through this link — no code to enter. Open to clients without an active $100,000 1-Step challenge. On the 2-Step, your fee is refunded when you pass.
Claim 20% off → Promotion current as at 18 Aug 2026 — FTMO can change or end it without notice, so confirm the price before you pay. Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.