FTMO vs The Funded Trader: Which Prop Firm Should You Choose in 2026?

Why Trust Matters More Than Price

In the prop firm industry, the most important factor isn't the challenge price -it's whether you'll actually receive your payouts. We've seen numerous prop firms shut down, delay payments, or change rules after traders pass challenges.

FTMO's Track Record

FTMO has been operating since 2015 and has documented over $200 million in payouts to traders. They've weathered market volatility, regulatory changes, and industry consolidation while maintaining consistent payouts. This track record is unmatched in the industry.

The Funded Trader's Position

The Funded Trader, founded in 2021, is a newer player but has grown rapidly. They've reportedly paid over $100 million to traders, though some users have reported occasional payout delays. The company is legitimate but lacks the long-term track record of FTMO.

Our Recommendation

If you're serious about prop trading as a career, prioritize firms with proven track records. The extra cost of FTMO ($155 vs $65 for entry-level) is effectively insurance against the risk of not receiving your profits. However, if you're on a tight budget and willing to accept slightly more risk, The Funded Trader offers good value.

Day Traders

If you're a day trader who closes all positions before market close, FTMO's rules won't affect you significantly. The 4-day minimum trading requirement is easily met, and news restrictions are manageable with proper scheduling.

Swing Traders

Swing traders benefit significantly from The Funded Trader's weekend holding policy. If your strategy involves holding positions for several days, FTMO's weekend restrictions would force you to exit profitable trades prematurely.

News Traders

If you trade NFP, FOMC, or other high-impact events, The Funded Trader is your only choice. FTMO's news trading restrictions would eliminate your primary strategy entirely.

Scalpers

Both firms accommodate scalping, but FTMO's slightly tighter spreads and faster execution (DXtrade option) give it an edge for high-frequency strategies. The 4-day minimum is easily achieved with multiple trades per day.

Match Your Rules to Your Strategy

Don't force your strategy to fit a firm's rules. If weekend holding is essential to your edge, choose TFT regardless of FTMO's reputation. A cheaper challenge you can't pass is more expensive than a pricier one you can.

Start with FTMO's Free Trial

FTMO offers a free trial that simulates the actual challenge conditions. Use this to test their platform, execution, and rules without risking any money. This is genuinely valuable and something TFT doesn't offer.

Consider a Smaller TFT Challenge

If budget is a concern, start with TFT's $65 challenge ($5K account) to validate your strategy works in a prop firm environment. The low cost makes it a low-risk way to test your approach before committing to larger challenges.

Diversification Strategy

Some serious traders run accounts with multiple prop firms simultaneously. This diversifies payout risk and allows you to use different strategies suited to each firm's rules. Once funded, you might hold FTMO for reliability and TFT for flexibility.

Track Record Yourself

Before starting any prop firm challenge, trade your strategy on a demo account for at least 2-3 months. Track your actual win rate, average R:R, and drawdown patterns. This data will tell you which firm's rules fit your trading better than any comparison article.