FTMO Challenge Rules 2026: Everything You Need to Know
FTMO remains the most popular prop firm in 2026, but their rules have evolved. Here's the complete breakdown of what you need to pass.
FTMO Challenge Phase 1 Rules
- Profit Target: 10% of account balance
- Maximum Daily Loss: 5% of initial balance
- Maximum Total Loss: 10% of initial balance
- Minimum Trading Days: 4 days
- Time Limit: 30 calendar days
FTMO Verification Phase Rules
- Profit Target: 5% (half of Phase 1)
- Maximum Daily Loss: 5%
- Maximum Total Loss: 10%
- Minimum Trading Days: 4 days
- Time Limit: 60 calendar days
Key Rules Most Traders Miss
1. The Daily Drawdown Reset
Your daily drawdown limit resets at midnight CE(S)T, not when you open your platform. Many traders blow accounts by not knowing their exact reset time.
2. Weekend Holding Restrictions
FTMO allows holding trades over weekends, but gaps can instantly hit your drawdown. Professional traders often close positions Friday afternoon.
3. News Trading Rules
You cannot open or close positions 2 minutes before and after high-impact news events on the affected instruments. Violating this can void your challenge.
4. Consistency Rule
No single trading day can account for more than a certain percentage of your total profit. This prevents "gambling" one big trade.
Account Sizes and Fees (2026)
| Account Size | Challenge Fee | Profit Target (Phase 1) |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | €155 | $1,000 |
| $25,000 | €250 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | €345 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | €540 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | €1,080 | $20,000 |
Pro Tips for Passing FTMO in 2026
- Start slow: You have 30 days. Use the first week to understand the platform and your risk.
- Track daily drawdown religiously: Set alerts at 3% daily loss to give yourself buffer.
- Avoid Monday and Friday: Gaps and low liquidity cause most blown accounts.
- Use the scaling plan: FTMO increases account sizes for consistent traders.
What Happens When You Pass?
After passing both phases, you receive a funded account with:
- 80% profit split (90% with scaling)
- Bi-weekly payouts
- No time limits on the funded account
- Same drawdown rules apply
Need Help Passing?
Our professional traders have passed 178+ FTMO challenges with an 85%+ success rate. Learn about our FTMO challenge service or contact us for a free consultation.