First: the accounts are simulated
FTMO states openly that all accounts it provides to clients are demo accounts with fictitious funds, and that trading takes place in a simulated environment only. Even after passing the evaluation and becoming an FTMO Trader, trading is done with simulated capital. According to the rewards page, those who meet the conditions receive a reward in real money. This distinction matters for understanding all the other rules: they set how you must trade in the simulated account to be eligible for a reward.
Trading objectives in brief
According to the trading objectives page, the profit target is 10% of the initial simulated capital in the 1-Step, and in the 2-Step it is 10% in phase one and 5% in phase two. The maximum daily loss is recalculated every day at 00:00 Central European time: 3% in the 1-Step and 5% in the 2-Step. The maximum loss is 10%, static in the 2-Step and trailing at end of day in the 1-Step. The 2-Step requires at least 4 trading days, and the 1-Step applies the 50% best day rule. The full comparison of the tracks is in a separate guide.
Trading around news
During the evaluation there is no restriction on news trading, regardless of account type. On a Standard FTMO Account, after the evaluation, you may not open or close trades in a window that starts 2 minutes before selected news releases and ends 2 minutes after. You may keep positions open that were opened more than 2 minutes before the event, but a Stop Loss or Take Profit triggered inside the window also counts as a breach. The restriction applies only to the instruments targeted by the release. On a Swing account there is no restriction on news trading. According to FTMO, a breach may result in termination of the FTMO Account.
Holding overnight and over the weekend
Here too the difference is between Standard and Swing. During the evaluation you may keep positions open overnight and over the weekend on both account types. On a Standard FTMO Account there are restrictions on holding positions overnight, meaning longer than 2 hours after market close in FTMO's wording, and over the weekend. A Swing account has no such restrictions, so it is meant for traders who hold positions for several days. Swing is available only in the 2-Step track. You can switch from Swing to Standard before a new cycle, but not the other way round.
When you can request a reward
According to FTMO, you can request a reward through Account MetriX on the 14th day or any day after it, counting from the first trade on the account. To request it, all positions and pending orders must be closed, the account must be in profit, and the trading objectives and account agreement must be met. FTMO reviews the account and responds within 1 to 2 business days, and after the invoice is approved the reward is typically sent within another 1 to 2 business days. Listed payment methods are bank wire, Visa Direct or Mastercard Send up to 20,000 dollars, Skrill up to 3,000 dollars, and cryptocurrency.
The scaling plan
FTMO publishes a plan in which the FTMO Account size grows by 25% every 4 months, up to 2,000,000 dollars. The conditions on the page: at least 4 months of trading as an FTMO Trader or since the last scale-up, net simulated profit of at least 10% above the starting balance within those 4 months, and at least 2 processed rewards in the same period. According to the page, under the plan the split of simulated profits is 90%, valid for the 2-Step only. Leveraged trading carries risk, and scaling is not guaranteed. Conditions may change, so check the current page.
When can I request my first reward?
According to FTMO, on the 14th day or any day after it from the first trade on the account, when all positions are closed and the account is in profit.
Am I allowed to trade during news?
During the evaluation, yes. On a Standard FTMO Account you may not open or close trades on targeted instruments from 2 minutes before to 2 minutes after a selected release. A Swing account has no restriction.
Can I keep a position open over the weekend?
During the evaluation, yes, on both account types. On an FTMO Account the restriction applies to Standard, and not to Swing.
How far can the account be scaled?
According to the scaling plan, by 25% every 4 months when the conditions are met, up to 2,000,000 dollars.
This information is for learning and comparison, not investment advice. Verify product details and eligibility conditions against the current source.
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