FTMO vs OneUp Trader

FTMO and OneUp Trader are propeller firms offering substantial capital, but their paths to funding differ wildly. FTMO uses a disciplined two-step challenge with a refundable fee, focusing on long-term consistency. OneUp Trader simplifies the process with one step, aiming for speed and high flexibility in futures trading.

FTMO
FTMO

Trusted path for disciplined traders.

Ciroapp review
4.8
#4 in Funded trading account

We find FTMO's Evaluation Process to be highly effective and transparent, focusing on cultivating disciplined trading habits through clear risk parameters and a unique refundable fee structure. We recognize exceptional professionalism in their operations, especially regarding customer support and the guaranteed speed of payouts and refunds. Overall, FTMO sets the industry standard for proprietary trading firms seeking to identify and reward consistent talent.

Pros

  • Refundable initial challenge fee upon success.
  • Payouts and fee refunds are consistently fast and reliable.
  • Customer support cited as highly responsive and professional.
  • Trading rules and objectives are clear and transparent.

Cons

  • Higher initial fee price compared to some competitors.
  • Occasional user reports of waiting time for account approval after Verification.
  • Limited historical tick data in MT5 (only back to 2021) may not suit all traders.
Pricing
€89–€439
Free trial
Money-backYes
Best for
Forex traders prioritizing consistency training and discipline, Traders who want zero long-term cost if they pass the Evaluation Process, Individuals seeking a clear pathway to a proprietary trading firm interview (Quantlane)
OneUp Trader
OneUp Trader

Transparent path to professional funding.

Ciroapp review
4.8
#2 in Funded trading account

We observed OneUp Trader offers a highly structured evaluation that promotes discipline, backed by exceptionally responsive customer support and clear rules. The 90% profit split and low upfront risk structure provide excellent value for futures traders. Overall, we confidently recommend this platform for serious traders seeking professional funding.

Pros

  • Simple, one-step evaluation process for funding.
  • Highly competitive 90% profit split after the initial $10,000.
  • Only 50% of the evaluation fee is paid upfront, minimizing financial risk.
  • Customer support is consistently rated as excellent and highly responsive (often within minutes).

Cons

  • Minimum 10-day trading period may feel lengthy for experienced traders.
  • Isolated reports of minor platform integration friction (e.g., NinjaTrader and Rithmic).
Pricing
$65/mo
Free trial7 days
Money-back
Best for
Experienced futures traders needing large capital and contract limits (up to $250k), Traders who need the flexibility of No Daily Loss Limits on their evaluation accounts, Users who rely on platforms like NinjaTrader and want the license provided for free
Quick verdict
Choose FTMO if you value a refundable initial challenge fee and prioritize building ironclad discipline over an indefinite trading period
Choose OneUp Trader if you trade futures contracts aggressively and want the flexibility of a 1-step evaluation with no daily loss limits on key accounts

AboutFTMO

FTMO provides a transparent, structured Evaluation Process designed to discover and nurture disciplined trading talent. This journey includes two steps: the FTMO Challenge and the subsequent Verification.

Once you successfully pass both stages, you gain access to an FTMO Account. This account operates in a simulated demo environment but provides fictitious funds of up to $200,000 for you to manage.

The system is built for aspiring and experienced clients ready to develop strong, sustainable habits based on key risk management rules. For the absolute best performers, the ultimate goal is the potential to become a professional trader with Quantlane.

AboutOneUp Trader

OneUp Trader provides access to funded trading programs through its funding partners. This is ideal for futures traders who want to use institutional capital instead of risking their personal money.

The process is straightforward: complete a simple one-step evaluation. You need to demonstrate your skills by following clear rules and trading for a minimum of 10 days (or 5 days for Express accounts).

Once you hit the profit target, your account is reviewed quickly. If approved, you receive credentials for your funded trading account.

Highlights

Quick winners by category at a glance.
Flexibility & Rules
OneUp Trader offers valuable flexibility by eliminating the Daily Loss Limit on key accounts. FTMO consistently applies strict Maximum Daily Loss rules throughout all stages.
Value for Money
FTMO utilizes a fully refundable fee structure, resulting in zero cost if you successfully pass the challenges. OneUp Trader uses a non-refundable monthly subscription model until funding is secured.
Speed to Fund
The 1-step evaluation from OneUp Trader requires a minimum of just 5 trading days on Express accounts. FTMO mandates a minimum of 8 trading days across its two-step process.
Risk Mitigation (Trader)
The indefinite trading period offered by FTMO significantly reduces psychological pressure and trading errors. OneUp Trader requires a minimum day count, accelerating the timeline.
Profit Potential
OneUp Trader gives traders 100% of the first $10,000 in profits withdrawn. Both FTMO and OneUp Trader offer a 90% profit split afterward.
Professional Tools
OneUp Trader offers a free, permanent NinjaTrader license and covers market data fees post-funding. FTMO provides helpful in-house analytics tools like FTMO MetriX.

Feature Comparison

Compare key features side by side
Evaluation Steps Required
FTMO:2-Step (Challenge + Verification)
OneUp Trader:1-Step Evaluation
FTMO
Max P&L Share (Trader)
FTMO:Up to 90% (Simulated Profits)
OneUp Trader:90% (After 100% of first $10k)
Tie
Challenge Fee Cost Model
FTMO:One-time, Fully Refundable
OneUp Trader:Monthly Subscription (50% upfront)
Tie
Time Limit to Pass Targets
FTMO:Indefinite (No Time Limit)
OneUp Trader:Minimum 5-10 Trading Days Required
OneUp Trader
Targeted Market Focus
FTMO:Forex, Indices, Commodities (Global)
OneUp Trader:Futures Contracts Only
Tie
Maximum Capital Access
FTMO:$200,000 (Fictitious Funds)
OneUp Trader:$250,000 (Funded Capital)
OneUp Trader
Maximum Daily Loss Rule
FTMO:
OneUp Trader:
FTMO
Free Permanent NinjaTrader License
FTMO:
OneUp Trader:
OneUp Trader
100% Retained Initial Profit
FTMO:N/A
OneUp Trader:$10,000 incentive offered
OneUp Trader
Access to Proprietary Tools
FTMO:Yes (FTMO MetriX, In-house Services)
OneUp Trader:No (Relies on 3rd party platforms)
FTMO
Professional Career Path (Interview)
FTMO:Quantlane Trader eligibility (Premium Programme)
OneUp Trader:N/A
FTMO
Free Market Data Access (Funded)
FTMO:N/A (Simulated)
OneUp Trader:Yes (Covered by funding partners)
Tie
Trading Platform Selection
FTMO:MT4/MT5 (Implied Standard)
OneUp Trader:Over 20 top trading platforms
OneUp Trader
Hold Multiple Funded Accounts
FTMO:N/A
OneUp Trader:Yes (Up to three simultaneous accounts)
OneUp Trader
Free Trial Offered
FTMO:
OneUp Trader:
OneUp Trader
Performance Coaching Sessions
FTMO:
OneUp Trader:
FTMO
Feature Comparison Summary
5
FTMO
4
Ties
7
OneUp Trader

Features Overview

We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.

Evaluation Structure

FTMO uses a rigorous two-step process focusing on consistency across hurdles. OneUp Trader simplifies funding with a single, straightforward evaluation step.

Tie

The FTMO Challenge begins the two-step evaluation process for all clients. After passing this step, you proceed to the free Verification step with a halved Profit Target. This layered approach ensures FTMO verifies discipline and consistency thoroughly. OneUp Trader uses a simple 1-step evaluation, designed for speed and clarity. You only need to meet the profit target across minimum trading days to qualify. This streamlined process gets traders funded by OneUp Trader faster. FTMO's depth confirms long-term stability using two different hurdles. OneUp Trader prioritizes acceleration by requiring only one clear qualification step. If you want comprehensive training on risk management, FTMO provides the better guided journey.

Maximum Payout

OneUp Trader offers a massive incentive: 100% of your first $10,000 withdrawn. FTMO always provides up to 90% of simulated profits right away.

OneUp Trader

FTMO Traders are eligible to receive a generous 90% of the simulated profits they generate. User reports highlight that FTMO payouts and refunds are consistently fast and reliable. You receive these profits while managing a simulated demo account. OneUp Trader lets you keep 100% of the initial $10,000 you successfully withdraw. After reaching that threshold, the profit split adjusts to a competitive 90% in your favor. This initial incentive is a huge benefit for OneUp Trader traders. That first $10,000 bonus incentive from OneUp Trader is a huge advantage for cash flow. FTMO provides a reliable 90% share of simulated profits from the very start. OneUp Trader’s unique structure significantly rewards high-performing traders early in the funding phase.

Time Constraints

FTMO removes all pressure with an indefinite trading period to complete targets. OneUp Trader confirms proficiency quickly over a set minimum of 5 to 10 trading days.

FTMO

The FTMO Challenge and Verification steps have an Unlimited trading period available. This feature removes artificial time pressure from the evaluation process completely. FTMO encourages deliberate trading and strict risk adherence without rushing. OneUp Trader requires a minimum of 10 trading days for a standard account evaluation. Express account clients can qualify for funding in as little as 5 trading days. This structure forces traders to prove consistency in a defined, short timeline. If time management stresses your trading, FTMO's indefinite period offers peace of mind. OneUp Trader is better if you are confident and need rapid qualification for funding. FTMO excels at promoting thoughtful trading habits focused on long-term sustainability.

Loss Limit Rules

FTMO strictly enforces Maximum Daily Loss rules universally for high discipline. OneUp Trader removes the daily loss limit on many key accounts for added flexibility.

OneUp Trader

FTMO relies heavily on its Maximum Daily Loss rule throughout the Evaluation Process and the FTMO Account phase. This rule is designed to instill essential and strict daily risk management principles. Adhering to these strict loss limits is key to demonstrating consistency with FTMO. Many OneUp Trader evaluation accounts feature No Daily Loss Limit for valuable trading flexibility. The risk is primarily contained by the maximum trailing drawdown metric instead. This gives OneUp Trader users more freedom to manage volatility over time. OneUp Trader gives high-volume traders more room to operate day-to-day. FTMO maintains a tighter, more conservative focus on daily risk management. Traders who struggle with day-to-day fluctuations will prefer the flexibility of OneUp Trader’s model.

Free Tools & Platforms

OneUp Trader provides a free permanent NinjaTrader license and market data access. FTMO supplies powerful, in-house developed analytics tools instead.

OneUp Trader

When you purchase the FTMO Challenge, you unlock proprietary Tools & Services immediately. These tools, like the FTMO MetriX, aid in analyzing your specific performance data. FTMO invests heavily in its own in-house resources for trader improvement. OneUp Trader secures highly valuable tools for free, including a permanent NinjaTrader license. Funding partners cover required market data fees, providing free Level 2 access. You also select your preferred interface from over 20 top trading platforms with OneUp Trader. OneUp Trader gives you expensive, third-party professional tools at zero cost. FTMO gives you unique data insights tailored to its trading objectives. Experienced futures traders already using NinjaTrader will find OneUp Trader highly cost-effective.

Market Focus

OneUp Trader facilitates dedicated futures trading up to $250,000 in capital. FTMO is well-regarded across multiple markets but focuses heavily on forex discipline.

OneUp Trader

FTMO’s structure allows trading in various instruments but strongly promotes forex education and discipline. The FTMO Challenge objectives focus on skills applicable across diverse asset classes. Successful FTMO Traders often manage portfolios beyond just futures contracts. OneUp Trader explicitly focuses on funding futures traders using institutional capital. You can trade powerful contracts like the E-mini S&P 500 quickly. This narrow focus allows OneUp Trader to optimize for futures requirements. If you only trade futures, OneUp Trader provides specialized support and free software. If you seek broad multi-asset consistency, FTMO fits the bill better. OneUp Trader is better suited for high-volume professionals trading complex financial products.

Cost structure

FTMO’s model offers a full refund if you pass the two steps successfully. OneUp Trader is a non-refundable monthly subscription that stops upon funding.

FTMO

FTMO requires a one-time refundable fee to enter the initial FTMO Challenge. Passing the Challenge and Verification means FTMO fully refunds your initial investment. The final cost of the Evaluation Process is ultimately zero if you succeed. OneUp Trader requires 50% of the evaluation fee upfront as a monthly subscription. If you pass, you pay the remaining 50% one time, and the monthly fee stops. If you fail, you owe nothing further, minimizing loss. The refundable fee of FTMO makes passing the challenge financially risk-free. OneUp Trader is cheaper upfront and requires fewer fees overall if you fail quickly. FTMO rewards performance directly by returning your investment, confirming its commitment to success.

Career Advancement

FTMO offers the potential to interview with an affiliated proprietary trading firm. OneUp Trader emphasizes immediate access to external funding partners.

FTMO

Successful FTMO Traders can qualify for the FTMO Premium Programme by achieving Prime and Supreme status. This elite grouping makes you eligible to interview for a salaried Quantlane Trader position. FTMO offers a genuine, professional career path. OneUp Trader focuses on securing large capital pools for its clients via funding partners. Its goal is to get you trading profitably with zero risk to personal capital quickly. OneUp Trader does not offer explicit employment opportunities. FTMO is great for career-focused traders seeking full professional status at a firm. OneUp Trader is better for independent traders maximizing profit splits. If interviewing for a salaried position is your ultimate goal, FTMO provides that distinct opportunity.

Our Verdict

Objective guidance based on features, pricing, and user fit.

Choosing between FTMO and OneUp Trader means selecting your ideal trading philosophy. Both are industry giants offering access to major capital without personal risk. FTMO emphasizes structured discipline and offers a refundable entry; OneUp Trader delivers quick access and flexible rules for futures traders. FTMO's superpower is its confidence-boosting refundable fee and indefinite trading period. If you successfully pass the two-step evaluation, FTMO gives your initial Challenge fee back completely. This system perfectly guides traders toward healthy, sustainable habits. Top FTMO performers even get a shot at a professional Quantlane Trader interview. OneUp Trader excels with its simplified 1-step structure and amazing profit retention model. Their No Daily Loss Limit on key accounts offers superior flexibility for futures trading dynamics. Furthermore, OneUp Trader letting you keep 100% of your first $10,000 is an unparalleled incentive. The deciding factor is often the market you trade and your need for flexibility. If you focus on futures and demand the free professional NinjaTrader software, choose OneUp Trader. If you trade forex or other assets, seek career progression, and need zero time pressure, FTMO is the better fit. Pick FTMO if discipline and a professional career path are your goals with a guaranteed fee refund. Opt for OneUp Trader if you need speed, flexibility, and maximum initial payouts for high-volume futures trading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which firm is better for futures trading: FTMO or OneUp Trader?

OneUp Trader focuses explicitly on funding futures traders and offers relevant benefits. OneUp Trader provides free market data and a permanent NinjaTrader license for futures trading. FTMO's general approach works, but OneUp Trader offers specialized futures benefits.

Does FTMO offer a fee refund, unlike OneUp Trader?

Yes, the initial FTMO Challenge fee is fully refunded upon successful completion of the full Evaluation Process. OneUp Trader uses a non-refundable monthly subscription that simply stops once you are funded. This refundable fee is a major advantage for FTMO.

Which evaluation process is faster, FTMO or OneUp Trader?

OneUp Trader offers a faster path with a 1-step evaluation requiring as little as 5 trading days. FTMO uses a two-step Challenge and Verification process that requires a minimum of 8 trading days total. However, FTMO’s evaluation period is indefinite, unlike OneUp Trader’s set minimums.

Can I hold multiple funded accounts with FTMO or OneUp Trader?

OneUp Trader allows you to hold up to three funded accounts simultaneously (non-Express tiers). FTMO does not explicitly offer multi-account holding, focusing on scaling one primary FTMO Account.

Does OneUp Trader have a time limit to complete the evaluation?

OneUp Trader only specifies a minimum number of trading days (5-10) to pass the evaluation targets. FTMO, however, explicitly offers an Unlimited trading period with no time limits applied to its two evaluation stages.

How do the profit splits compare between FTMO and OneUp Trader?

Both FTMO and OneUp Trader offer a maximum 90% profit split to the trader. OneUp Trader sweetens the deal by allowing you to keep 100% of your first $10,000 in profits withdrawn. FTMO offers a straightforward 90% simulated profit share right away.

Ready to Choose?

Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.