FTMO vs The 5ers: 2026 Comparison - Rules, Payouts, Pros & Cons

Introduction

TraderNotion’s readers often weigh long‑standing European prop firm FTMO against The 5ers, an Israeli‑based competitor known for unique scaling paths and multiple challenge formats.  Both firms have weathered industry cycles and pay out on simulated profits, yet their rules, risk management and growth opportunities differ markedly.  We analysed the latest information through February 2026 to help traders decide which program suits them.

FTMO 2026 Overview

FTMO remains one of the most recognisable names in forex and CFD prop trading.  Its two‑stage evaluation begins with the FTMO Challenge: traders must earn 10% on the starting balance while respecting a 5% maximum daily loss and a 10% total loss.  They have unlimited time to achieve this and only need to trade on four separate days.  Passing the Challenge unlocks the Verification, where the profit target drops to 5% and the risk limits stay the same.  Completing both phases and passing a manual account review qualifies a trader for a funded FTMO account.

Funded FTMO accounts do not carry a profit target.  Traders simply avoid the same 5% daily and 10% total loss rules.  The default profit split is 80/20 in the trader’s favour, rising to 90/10 through a scaling plan.  FTMO pays out every 14 days, with the first withdrawal available two weeks after the funded account is assigned.  A scaling schedule reviews accounts every four months; accounts can be increased by 25% each cycle if the trader generates at least 10% net profit and completes two withdrawals.  The plan allows an initial account (up to $200k) to grow to as much as $2 million.

FTMO offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader access, with a wide asset list covering major and minor currency pairs, equity indices, metals, energy products and cryptocurrencies.  Traders may hold positions overnight and over weekends, hedge within a single account, and use automated strategies, though they must avoid opening or closing trades two minutes before or after high‑impact economic news once funded.  FTMO refunds the evaluation fee upon successful completion and does not charge any monthly subscription.

Want to learn more you can read our full review here [Full FTMO Review]

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The5ers 2026 Overview

The5ers entered the prop scene in 2016 and has since gained a loyal following with its graduated funding and risk‑sensitive programs.  Unlike FTMO’s single evaluation track, The5ers offers several distinct models:

1. Bootcamp Program – A three‑step evaluation featuring small, consistent targets.  Traders must reach 6% profit in each of the three evaluation stages with a 5% max loss.  Once funded, the profit target drops to 5%, while the drawdown tightens to 4%.  Leverage on forex is modest at 1:10, and traders must limit risk to 2% per trade by setting stop‑loss orders.  There is no time limit, but participants need to place a stop‑loss on every position and complete at least one trade every 30 days to keep the account active.  Payouts can be requested every 14 days, and the profit split starts at 50/50 and increases to 100/0 as the trader hits successive 5% targets.  The Bootcamp offers a low‑cost entry and includes bonus credits toward future programs.
2. High Stakes Program – A two‑step challenge similar to FTMO’s design but with slightly different parameters.  Phase 1 requires an 8% profit, Phase 2 demands 5%, and both phases permit a 5% daily loss and a 10% total loss.  The program offers high leverage at 1:100 on forex and requires at least three profitable trading days with 0.5% daily profit per stage.  Once funded, traders receive an account starting at $5k up to $100k with an 80/20 split, scaling up to 100/0 as they hit 10% profits.  The first withdrawal is available after 14 days, then every two weeks.  Traders may hold positions over the weekend, but they are restricted from opening or closing orders within two minutes of major economic news.  The 5ers emphasises risk discipline by requiring profitable days and by imposing account expiry if no trades are placed within 30 days.
3. Hyper Growth Program – A single‑step evaluation built for aggressive traders.  The objective is to earn 10% on the starting balance while respecting a 6% trailing stop‑out (the maximum loss moves up with new equity highs) and a 3% daily pause (trading is disabled for the day if the account drops by 3%).  There is no minimum trading day requirement and no time limit, and traders can hold positions overnight.  Once funded, the same targets and stop‑out rules apply, but the account doubles every time the trader hits another 10% profit milestone.  Profit splits begin at 50/50 and increase to 80/20 and higher as the account grows, eventually reaching 100% for accounts above $640k.  Payouts occur two weeks after funding and every two weeks thereafter.

All The5ers programs allow traders to hold positions through weekends and to trade around news events, provided they avoid placing bracket orders (simultaneous buy‑stop and sell‑stop).  Stop‑loss orders are mandatory in Bootcamp and recommended in other programs.  Hedging and copy‑trading are allowed within a single account but not across multiple accounts.  Inactivity for more than 30 days results in account closure.  The 5ers operates via MetaTrader 5 on a hedge account, offering forex, indices, metals, oil and crypto.  The firm also sells optional add‑ons for faster payouts and higher profit splits.

Want to learn more you can read our full review here [Full The5ers Review]

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Evaluation Model & Trading Rules Comparison

Structure and targets:  FTMO’s evaluation is linear: one 10% target followed by a 5% target.  The 5ers’ Bootcamp spreads risk across three 6% stages, while High Stakes uses an 8%/5% two‑step framework and Hyper Growth compresses everything into a single 10% stage.  Bootcamp’s smaller targets may be less intimidating for newer traders but require consistent performance over three phases.  Hyper Growth’s single phase offers a clear goal yet exposes traders to a 6% trailing stop‑out, which can be reached quickly if risk is not managed properly.

Drawdown rules:  FTMO enforces a 5% daily and 10% overall limit in all stages.  These limits are static and reset at midnight.  The 5ers’ Bootcamp and High Stakes programs follow a similar structure (5% daily, 10% total), but Hyper Growth uses a trailing stop‑out: the maximum loss moves up as the account’s high‑water mark increases, locking in profits and narrowing the risk buffer.  Hyper Growth also has a 3% daily pause—exceeding that amount halts trading for the day.  The trailing mechanism can accelerate failure if a trader experiences a large swing after making progress.

Time limits and trading days:  Neither FTMO nor The 5ers imposes a time limit to complete their challenges.  FTMO requires four trading days per stage, whereas The 5ers’ Bootcamp and High Stakes require at least three profitable days with a 0.5% gain to progress.  Hyper Growth has no minimum trading day requirement but includes a daily pause for risk control.  All The 5ers programs will expire if there is no trading activity for 30 days, while FTMO accounts remain open indefinitely as long as the drawdown rules are respected.

News and weekend trading:  FTMO allows trading around news during the evaluation but restricts opening or closing trades within two minutes of scheduled macro releases once funded.  All The 5ers programs permit news trading, though the Bootcamp prohibits bracket orders around news (to prevent straddle strategies).  Traders using The 5ers may hold positions over the weekend and overnight, which is particularly helpful for swing and position traders.  FTMO also permits weekend and overnight holds.

Risk management and stop‑loss use:  FTMO does not require stop‑loss orders, leaving risk management to the trader.  The 5ers enforces stop‑loss orders in Bootcamp and encourages them elsewhere.  Bootcamp limits risk to 2% per trade, while Hyper Growth’s trailing stop‑out punishes over‑sizing by trailing the equity peak.  Both companies forbid copy‑trading across accounts and discourage arbitrage or latency exploitation.

Payouts, Profit Split & Scaling

FTMO pays out after the trader has been funded for 14 days and then every two weeks.  Profit splits start at 80/20 and rise to 90/10 with scaling.  Withdrawals are quick—often completed within a day—and there is no limit on monthly earnings, though traders must abide by the drawdown rules during payout periods.  The evaluation fee is refunded after the trader passes both stages.

The 5ers’ payout schedule varies by program.  Bootcamp and High Stakes provide a withdrawal 14 days after the funded account is issued, then every two weeks.  Hyper Growth follows the same bi‑weekly schedule.  Profit splits start at 50/50 in Bootcamp, 80/20 in High Stakes and 50/50 in Hyper Growth.  Each program offers a step‑up plan: as traders hit consecutive profit targets in funded stages, splits increase to 75/25, 80/20, 85/15 or even 100/0 at higher capital tiers.  The company also caps the monthly withdrawal amount for new traders (typically a percentage of the starting balance) and gradually raises or removes the cap once the account reaches certain milestones.  Some accounts can scale into millions of dollars (Hyper Growth aims for $4 million), but the pathway requires hitting successive 10% profit levels and maintaining the trailing stop‑out.

Both firms process payouts via electronic transfer and occasionally offer cryptocurrency options.  The 5ers often provides cash bonuses or platform credits as part of its scaling plan, whereas FTMO refunds the challenge fee.

Platforms, Markets & Trading Flexibility

FTMO traders can choose MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 or cTrader and access a wide product range: forex majors and minors, stock indices, gold, oil and a few cryptocurrencies.  The firm offers leverage up to 1:100 on forex, though it reduces leverage on indices and commodities.  Automated strategies, hedging and overnight holds are allowed, but traders cannot trade during certain news windows when funded.

The 5ers operates exclusively on MetaTrader 5 with a hedging configuration.  Asset coverage includes forex majors and minors, selected indices (such as S&P 500 and NASDAQ), metals, oil and popular cryptocurrencies.  Leverage differs by program: 1:10 in Bootcamp, 1:100 in High Stakes and 1:30 in Hyper Growth.  Overnight and weekend positions are permitted across all programs.  EAs and copy‑trading tools are allowed, though the firm advises manual supervision and prohibits certain high‑frequency or latency tactics.  A notable difference is the requirement to set stop‑losses in Bootcamp, reinforcing disciplined risk control.

Reputation, Trust & User Feedback

FTMO is widely regarded as one of the most reputable prop firms.  It has been operating for more than nine years, is regulated in the Czech Republic and publishes statistics on payouts and pass rates.  Traders praise its clear rules and reliable payments.  Criticisms typically focus on the strictness of the 10% Challenge target and the risk of losing an account for momentary daily drawdown breaches.  Nevertheless, FTMO remains a benchmark for transparency and consistency.

The 5ers has built a positive reputation for creative programs and strong customer support.  Many traders appreciate the smaller profit targets in Bootcamp and the ability to scale accounts rapidly in Hyper Growth.  Reviews often highlight timely payouts and straightforward communication.  Negative feedback revolves around mandatory stop‑losses (some traders dislike being forced to set limits) and the trailing stop‑out in Hyper Growth, which can shrink the risk buffer unexpectedly.  The company is considered trustworthy but is smaller and less regulated than FTMO.

Which Firm Is Better for Different Trader Types?

• New traders may prefer The 5ers’ Bootcamp.  The 6% targets are manageable, risk per trade is capped at 2%, and the progression to funded status is gradual.  FTMO’s 10% Challenge target and 5% daily loss rule can be unforgiving for beginners.
• Experienced forex traders who want higher leverage and a quick, clear evaluation path may gravitate toward FTMO’s two‑step model or The 5ers’ High Stakes.  Both require similar drawdown discipline, but High Stakes offers 1:100 leverage and smaller targets in Phase 2.
• Aggressive day traders and scalpers might prefer The 5ers’ Hyper Growth.  This program allows unlimited time, a trailing stop‑out that rewards consistent equity growth and the chance to double accounts at each 10% target.  FTMO’s daily loss restriction could hamper very short‑term strategies.
• Swing traders benefit from the ability to hold positions overnight and through weekends.  Both firms permit this, but The 5ers does not impose news restrictions during funded trading (aside from banning bracket orders), whereas FTMO restricts trading around major news in funded accounts.
• Traders seeking long‑term scaling will find opportunities with both companies.  FTMO’s scaling plan caps at $2 million with a 90/10 split, while Hyper Growth can theoretically grow to $4 million with up to 100% split at the highest levels.  Bootcamp offers progressive scaling too, though starting from smaller accounts.

Final Verdict

FTMO and The 5ers serve slightly different trader profiles.  FTMO offers a solid, traditional two‑step evaluation with clear risk limits, flexible holding rules and a generous scaling plan.  It remains the industry standard for traders who can handle a high initial profit target and strict daily drawdowns.  The 5ers, meanwhile, provides more varied programmes, allowing traders to choose between gradual three‑step progression, conventional two‑step challenges or aggressive single‑stage growth paths.  Its risk models (static vs trailing drawdowns) and mandatory stop‑losses may not suit everyone, but they cater to a broad range of risk appetites.

In deciding between them, consider your trading style.  Choose FTMO if you value a straightforward evaluation, a well‑regulated environment and the assurance of frequent, stable payouts.  Opt for The5ers if you want multiple account options, lower profit targets per phase or the possibility of rapid capital growth with higher eventual profit splits.  As always, read the fine print, practice risk management and align your choice with your long‑term trading goals.

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