FTMO vs The5ers (2026): Track Record or Scaling Upside?
FTMO and The5ers both fund forex and CFD traders — but FTMO leads on track record and starting profit split, while The5ers wins on scaling potential, weekend holding and US access. Here's the data-driven side-by-side.
FTMO
Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto (CFDs)Best for Traders who want the strongest track record and a high starting split
The established benchmark — long history, large verified payouts, 80%→90% split and clear two-step rules, but no weekend holding on normal accounts and no US access.
Visit FTMO →The5ers
Forex, indices (CFDs)Best for Traders who want weekend holding, US access and huge scaling potential
Strong on flexibility and scaling — multiple program types, weekend holding, US traders accepted and a scaling path up to $4M, but a lower starting split on some programs.
Visit The5ers →| Factor | FTMO | The5ers |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 | 2016 |
| Min entry fee | From ~$99 (2-Step) | From ~$39–$97 (Bootcamp) |
| Profit split start | 80% (rising to 90%) | Varies by program (lower start on Bootcamp; up to 100% at top tiers) |
| Max account / scaling | Up to $200K (scaling to ~$2M) | Scaling path up to $4,000,000 |
| Drawdown | Relative 10% max, 5% daily | ~6% max, no daily loss limit (program-dependent) |
| Weekend holding | Swing accounts only | Yes |
| US traders | No | Yes |
| Programs | One clear 2-Step path (and 1-Step) | Bootcamp, High Stakes, Hyper Growth |
FTMO and The5ers both fund forex and CFD traders, but they appeal to different priorities. FTMO is the track-record-first benchmark; The5ers is the flexibility-and-scaling specialist. This is a side-by-side to match the firm to how — and where — you actually trade.
Reputation vs flexibility
FTMO has operated since 2015 with a large verified payout history and one clear evaluation path: hit the 2-Step targets, get funded, keep 80% rising to 90%. The5ers, founded in 2016, competes on flexibility — multiple program types (Bootcamp, High Stakes, Hyper Growth), weekend holding, US-trader access and a scaling ceiling that dwarfs most rivals.
The two differences that often decide it
Two factors settle this comparison for many traders before any fee math:
- US access. The5ers accepts US-based traders; FTMO does not. If you’re in the US, that can end the discussion. (See prop firms that accept US traders.)
- Weekend holding. The5ers allows it; FTMO restricts it to Swing accounts. Swing traders and position traders should confirm the account type first.
Fees, split and scaling
Entry fees are close at the low end — both start under $100 on their cheapest programs. The gap is in split and scaling: FTMO’s 80%→90% is a strong, simple baseline, while The5ers can start lower on Bootcamp but scales to a $4,000,000 ceiling with up to 100% retention at the top — roughly double FTMO’s cap. For most traders in year one, FTMO’s higher starting split matters more than a scaling ceiling they may never reach; for career-minded professionals, The5ers’ upside is real.
Drawdown
FTMO uses a relative 10% max / 5% daily model. The5ers typically uses around a 6% max with no daily loss limit on some programs, which trades a tighter overall floor for more intraday freedom. If those terms aren’t clear, read static vs trailing drawdown firms before committing.
The bottom line
Pick FTMO if you want the strongest track record, a high starting split and one clean rule set. Pick The5ers if you’re a US trader, hold over weekends, or want the biggest scaling ceiling in the space. Verify current rules, fees and eligibility on the official site before paying. For a firm with a rare challenge-phase profit share, see our FTMO vs FundedNext comparison.
Want the full breakdown on either firm? Read our FTMO review and The5ers review.
Ready to decide?
Check current pricing and rules on each firm's official site before you commit.