Trading Tips

What Is FTMO Challenge + How To Pass It

Learn what is FTMO Challenge and discover key strategies to pass it successfully. Start your trading journey with confidence!

Consider you’re a retail trader, working hard to grow your account but struggling against the limitations of your capital. You’ve heard about prop firm challenges, especially the FTMO challenge, where traders can prove their skills and earn a funded account to trade with more significant sums. But what is the FTMO challenge, and how can it help you deal efficiently? This guide will explore the process of completing the FTMO challenge and how it can help you reach your trading goals.

If you're looking for a funded trading program that can help you achieve your goals, AquaFunded is an excellent choice. AquaFunded's funded trading program is a valuable tool for achieving objectives such as trading efficiently with a funded trading account.

What Is FTMO Challenge

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The FTMO Challenge is a rigorous program for traders seeking mastery of the financial markets. It offers a structured path to hone skills in risk management, trading psychology, and technical analysis. The challenge spans four stages, with a potential capital boost of up to $200,000 and low fees. Success leads to a six-figure trading contract, allowing traders to operate confidently and profitably. Even seasoned traders can benefit from refining their abilities and gaining insights into the trading world.

The Four Stages of the FTMO Challenge

FTMO Challenge: Stage 1

Traders have 30 days to reach specific goals, with ten trading days required. Additional low-risk trades can fulfill the day requirement if targets are hit early. Fees are paid once, with no extra costs for subsequent stages. Upon becoming a funded trader, a refund is provided, alongside the first profit split.

Verification: Stage 2

Funded traders must pass FTMO Verification, with 60 days allowed to meet profit targets. This stage is free and requires trading for at least 10 days. Completing Verification leads to a proposition from FTMO.

FTMO Trader: Stage 3

Upon completing the Challenge and Verification, traders demonstrate their worth to a prop trading firm, securing funding. This step involves risk management, skill development, and discipline. The FTMO account links to a live account, with an 80:20 profit split that can increase to 90:10 through a scaling plan.

FTMO Challenge Fees

Fees for normal risk levels start at $155 for a $10,000 account, while aggressive risk levels begin at $250 for the same account.

8 Practical Tips To Pass The FTMO Challenge

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1. AquaFunded: Your New Best Friend

AquaFunded is a Dubai-based trading program that lets you trade with big capital accounts and snag up to 95% of the profits. You can get your first payout in a week with 8% profit targets and bi-weekly payouts. AquaFunded is perfect for traders at any stage—whether you're just starting or have a few years under your belt. It provides a platform for trading with reduced risk, using the company’s funds instead of your own. Dive into AquaFunded’s offerings and start boosting your profits today!

2. Start Small and Build Up

Kick things off with a small FTMO Challenge. If you've got $1,000 to work with, go for the $10,000 Challenge, not the $100,000 one. Starting small helps you build confidence and refine your skills. Once you ace the smaller challenge, you can move on to bigger ones with more assurance.

3. Spread Your Risk

Diversifying is crucial, especially when trading with limited funds. Take more minor positions on several instead of going big on just a few trades. This approach spreads your risk and boosts your chances of making a profit. Diversification keeps you from losing everything on a single trade.

4. Plan Your Risk Management

Risk management is key in any trading strategy, and the FTMO Challenge is included. Before you start, set a plan that covers your maximum daily loss, overall loss, and profit targets. This framework will help you manage risk and keep your account from blowing up.

5. Use Currency Strength Analysis

Currency strength matters. Tools like the Forex Profit Supreme Meter can help you identify the strongest and weakest currencies. This data helps you make informed trading decisions and increases your chances of success.

6. Choose Your Trades Wisely

Base your trades on solid analysis and skip pairs that don't fit your strategy. Focus on pairs like EURJPY that show strong trends according to your analysis. This targeted approach can lead to better outcomes.

7. Improve Your Average Price

After a significant market reversal, consider opening a second trade to improve your average price. Keep your stop-loss in a safer spot, and set your take profit below the recent top or the highest point of the London session. Manually take profit when you notice resistance.

8. Know When to Close Trades

Be ready to close trades manually if you notice strong market resistance. If sellers seem stronger, exit the trade and lock in your profit. During the trial period, prepare it as if it's a real funded account and spend the time getting it right.

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10 Best FTMO Challenge Alternatives

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Regarding prop firm challenges, FTMO might be at the top of my mind, but other players in the field offer unique opportunities. Here’s a detailed look at ten alternatives, each with strengths and weaknesses.

1. AquaFunded: Fast Payouts and High-Profit Splits

AquaFunded, based in Dubai, offers traders the chance to manage large accounts with profit splits up to 95%. The firm has a straightforward funding model with an 8% profit target and quick bi-weekly payouts, including an option for the first payout within seven days. AquaFunded welcomes traders of all experience levels, allowing them to trade with less risk by using the firm’s capital. With its UAE-based operations, AquaFunded seeks to differentiate itself in the competitive prop trading arena.

2. Axi Select: No-Cost Entry and Live Trading

Axi Select is a unique capital allocation program that offers up to $1 million in funding and a profit share of up to 90%. It’s free to join and uses live trading accounts instead of demos. The 5% profit target is lower than many competitors, removing some pressure from participants. Axi Select is known as one of the leading CFD brokers worldwide.

Pros

  • No joining or membership fees
  • Realistic market environment with live accounts
  • Access to advanced trading tools

Cons

  • A minimum deposit of $500 may be a hurdle for some
  • Edge score formula is not public

3. Rocket21: Flexible Evaluation and High-Profit Shares

Rocket21 features a substantial community of traders and offers one-step and two-step evaluation challenges. For a fee, traders can revive a failed two-step challenge if they’ve passed the first step. With options to scale to $2 million under management, Rocket21 is among the best Forex prop firms.

Pros

  • Innovative Revive feature
  • There is no time limit during the evaluation
  • High profit shares up to 90%

Con

  • Limited operational history

4. Fidelcrest: Generous Conditions and High Drawdown

Fidelcrest is known for its transparency and trusted reputation. It offers a two-step verification process with generous trading conditions, including a 10% profit target over 60 days and a 20% maximum drawdown. Algorithmic trading and manual copy trading are allowed.

Pros

  • High maximum loss tolerance
  • Competitive leverage and asset coverage
  • Algorithmic trading permitted

Cons

  • Management team information is not available

5. The Forex Funder: High-Profit Shares and No Time Limits

The Forex Funder provides a one-step and two-step evaluation process. The firm uses MetaTrader 4 and 5 and doesn’t impose recurring membership fees. Traders retain up to 95% of profits earned.

Pros

  • Up to $2.5 million in funding
  • High-profit shares
  • No time limit for evaluation

Cons

  • Relatively expensive to join
  • Profit targets may be challenging for new traders
  • Trading is done on demo accounts

6. E8 Funding: Competitive Leverage and Bi-Weekly Payouts

E8 Funding features a two-phase verification process and offers a 14-day free trial. The firm provides competitive leverage and commission-based spreads, with an 80% profit share.

Pros

  • Competitive trading conditions
  • Multiple funded account options
  • Quick profit payouts

Cons

  • No management team details
  • Broker information is not available

7. Funded Prime: No Evaluation Time Limit and Crypto Withdrawals

Funded Prime offers a two-step evaluation challenge with a profit target of 10%-5%. Traders can manage up to $800,000 and choose from five funded account options.

Pros

  • Cryptocurrency withdrawals
  • There is no time limit during the evaluation
  • High-profit shares

Cons

  • Limited operational history

8. The 5%ers: Multiple Funding Journeys and Flexibility

The 5%ers offers three funding journeys and allows all types of trading, including algo and news-based trading. The firm provides up to $4 million in funding with a 100% profit share.

Pros

  • Flexible trading conditions
  • High potential funding
  • Educational materials available

Cons

  • Complex program structure for beginners
  • High joining fee for specific programs

9. Pip Traders Funding: Personal Coaching and No Time Limits

Pip Traders Funding offers a one-step evaluation challenge with an 8% profit target. Traders benefit from personal coaching and low forex trading fees.

Pros

  • Personal life coach services
  • There is no time limit during the evaluation
  • High-profit shares

Cons

  • Limited operational history

10. BluFx: Subscription Model with No Evaluation

BluFX stands out with its subscription-based model, bypassing the typical evaluation phase. It uses the cTrader platform with a maximum leverage of 1:30.

Pros

  • Swap-free trading accounts
  • No minimum trading days
  • No demo trading

Cons

  • Low-profit shares
  • Negative public reviews

Pros and Cons of the FTMO Challenge

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Pros

1. Capital Boost for Traders  

Passing the FTMO Challenge means you get access to substantial funding. You can explore enormous trading opportunities and earn greater profits with more capital.

2. Real Trading Experience  

This isn’t just a simulation. The FTMO Challenge lets you trade in live market conditions, offering valuable, hands-on experience that helps sharpen your trading skills.

3. Reduced Personal Financial Risk  

You don’t have to risk your own money. By trading with FTMO’s capital, you can experiment with strategies without fearing losing your funds.

4. Clear Trading Guidelines  

FTMO provides straightforward rules and objectives. These help you stay disciplined and focused, encouraging a systematic approach to trading and risk management.

5. Regular Feedback for Improvement  

Throughout the challenge, you receive performance metrics. This feedback helps you track your progress and improve your trading skills.

Cons

1. Intense Time Pressure  

FTMO’s tight deadlines can be stressful. The need to hit profit targets quickly can lead to rushed decisions and mistakes.

2. Emotional Strain on Traders  

The high stakes can drain your emotions. Worrying about success or failure might cloud your judgment and lead to emotional trading.

3. Consequences of Not Meeting Targets  

If you don’t meet FTMO’s profit targets, you’re out. This can lead to disappointment and doubt, affecting your future trading mindset.

4. Potential Wasted Time  

If you succeed in the challenge, it is a good use of effort and time. This may discourage you from trying again.

5. Limited Risk Management Flexibility  

FTMO’s risk management rules can limit how you manage trades. This restriction might prevent you from using your preferred strategies.

Looking for a trading program that offers more flexibility? AquaFunded, based in Dubai, provides a uniquely funded trading program with easy targets and fast payouts. It’s designed to help traders of all levels access large capital accounts with reduced risk.

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Join Our Funded Trading Program Today - Trade with our Capital and Keep 90% of the Profit.

AquaFunded, based in Dubai, is a rising star among funded trading programs. Why is it gaining traction? It offers traders access to significant capital and profit splits up to 95%. But what sets it apart? AquaFunded boasts an 8% profit target—one of the easiest on the market—and rapid bi-weekly payouts, with an option for your first payout in seven days. This approach is designed to reduce risk and build trust with traders. AquaFunded’s goal is clear: stand out in the crowded prop trading market and provide a trustworthy platform for traders looking to scale their profits.

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