FTMO vs Backed
These two are closely matched on headline terms - the differences live in the rules and pricing detail below.
At a glance
| FTMO | Backed | |
|---|---|---|
| TradingBay Rating | 9.5 ★ | 7.6 |
| Category | Forex | Crypto |
| Founded | 2015 | 2024 |
| Profit Split | Up to 90% | 90% |
| Payout Cycle | On-Demand | Every 5 Green Days |
| Account Sizes | $10K–$200K | $5K–$200K |
| Cheapest Challenge | €155 | $20 |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | Backed web platform |
| Trustpilot | 4.8 | - |
Which is cheaper at $50K and $100K?
Prices shown in each firm's own currency or billing model, so not every size has a like-for-like winner.
| FTMO | Backed | |
|---|---|---|
| $25K account | €250 | $100 |
| $50K account | €345 | $200 |
| $100K account | €540 | $380 |
| $200K account | €1,080 | $720 |
Rules head-to-head
Drawdown type is the rule that catches most traders out - read it before the profit split.
| FTMO | Backed | |
|---|---|---|
| Rules grade | A - Clear, well-documented and stable ★ | B- - Fair rules |
| Drawdown type | 2-Step: static 10% Maximum Loss. 1-Step: end-of-day trailing 10% Maximum Loss (recalculated 00:00 CE(S)T, only moves up; fully resets after each reward withdrawal) | - |
| Daily loss limit | 5% (2-Step) / 3% (1-Step) of initial capital, on equity, recalculated daily at 00:00 CE(S)T | - |
| Profit target | 2-Step: 10% then 5%. 1-Step: 10%. No target on the funded FTMO Account | - |
| Consistency rule | 1-Step only: Best Day Rule - best day must not exceed 50% of Positive Days' Profit (applies to the Challenge and the FTMO Account; not a breach, just blocks passing/payout until diluted) | - |
| News trading | Allowed throughout the Evaluation Process; funded Standard accounts restricted around selected news releases; Swing accounts unrestricted | - |
| EAs / automation | Allowed; HFT/latency arbitrage and other Forbidden Trading Practices prohibited | - |
| Weekend holding | Funded Standard accounts must close overnight/weekend positions; Swing accounts may hold. No restriction during the Evaluation Process | - |
| Min trading days | 4 trading days per phase (2-Step only); none on 1-Step or the FTMO Account | - |
| Time limit | No time limit on any phase | - |
Payouts head-to-head
| FTMO | Backed | |
|---|---|---|
| Profit split (full terms) | 2-Step: 80% base, up to 90% via Scaling Plan. 1-Step: flat 90% | 80%, 90% with add-on |
| Payout frequency | On demand from 14 days; processed on a bi-weekly cycle, ~8h average processing | Every 5 green days |
| First payout | From 14 calendar days after first trade on the FTMO Account | After 5 green days on the funded account |
| Minimum payout | - | $50 |
| Scaling | Scaling Plan: 25% balance increase per 4-month cycle (requires 10%+ net profit over the window, at least 2 processed rewards and a positive balance), reward upgraded to 90%, up to a $2,000,000 maximum initial balance | - |
Who should choose which?
· You want clearer, more stable rules (rules grade A vs B-).
· You want an instant-funded option with no evaluation.
Is FTMO better than Backed?
They are closely matched on headline terms; the differences live in the rules and pricing detail.
Which is cheaper, FTMO or Backed?
Their entry prices are in different currencies or billing models (FTMO: €155, Backed: $20), so there is no like-for-like winner - compare at your account size in the table above.
Does FTMO or Backed allow EAs?
FTMO: Allowed; HFT/latency arbitrage and other Forbidden Trading Practices prohibited. Backed: not stated.
Can US traders join FTMO or Backed?
FTMO: no, the United States is on its restricted list. Backed: not stated.
Which pays out faster, FTMO or Backed?
FTMO: On demand from 14 days; processed on a bi-weekly cycle, ~8h average processing. Backed: Every 5 green days.
Terms last verified against each firm's own site: 2026-06-12 / 2026-11-05. How we rate.