The FTMO 1-Step Challenge (officially known as Challenge Plus) is a premium, single-phase evaluation designed for traders who want to bypass the traditional two-stage verification process. It trades higher entry costs and tighter risk limits for faster funding and a maximum profit share from day one.
FTMO 1-Step vs. 2-Step: The Rulebook
| Feature | 1-Step (Challenge Plus) | 2-Step (Standard) |
| Profit Target | 10% | 10% (Phase 1) / 5% (Phase 2) |
| Max Daily Loss | 3% (Static) | 5% (Static) |
| Max Total Loss | 10% (EOD Trailing) | 10% (Static) |
| Profit Split | 90% (Immediate) | 80% (Scales to 90%) |
| News Trading | Allowed (No Restrictions) | Restricted (on Standard Accounts) |
| Weekend Holding | Allowed | Restricted (on Standard Accounts) |
| Registration Fee | ~Double | Standard |
| Fee Refund | None | Refunded with first payout |
🌟 Unique “Challenge Plus” Mechanics
1. The 50% Best Day Rule
The most significant hurdle in the 1-Step model is the Consistency Guard. To prevent traders from passing through a single “lucky” trade or “all-in” gamble, no single trading day can contribute more than 50% of the total profit required to pass (or to receive a reward).
- Example: On a $100,000 account, the target is $10,000. If you make $7,000 in one day, you have technically hit the profit number, but you must continue trading until that $7,000 represents 50% or less of your total gain.
2. EOD Trailing Maximum Loss
Unlike the Standard 2-Step where the 10% max loss is fixed at the starting balance, the 1-Step uses End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing.
- The 10% limit “trails” your account balance, but the calculation only updates at midnight CE(S)T.
- Once the trailing stop reaches your initial starting balance, it locks in there and stops trailing further. This ensures you can eventually build a profit buffer that is not eaten by a trailing drawdown.
3. The “Speed Tax” & No Refund
The 1-Step account typically costs roughly double the price of a 2-Step account. Crucially, the registration fee for the 1-Step is non-refundable. In the 2-Step model, FTMO refunds the fee with the first profit withdrawal; in the 1-Step, the fee is considered the price of the accelerated path.
✅ Who It Suits
- News & Event Traders: Since there are no restrictions on trading high-impact news or holding positions over the weekend, this account is built for fundamental and swing traders.
- Low-Drawdown Specialists: Traders who rarely exceed 1.5%–2% daily drawdown will find the 3% daily limit manageable.
- The Time-Sensitive Professional: Those who want to manage a funded account within 4–5 days rather than the 30–60 days typically required for two phases.
- High-Margin Earners: Traders who prioritize the immediate 90% split over the initial cost of the challenge.
❌ Who It Does NOT Suit
- Aggressive Scalpers: High-frequency traders who rely on “running” positions or large lot sizes may find the 3% daily limit too restrictive. A single slippage event or high-spread period could breach the account.
- “Lotto” Style Traders: If your strategy relies on occasional massive wins (e.g., high R:R but low win rate), the 50% Best Day Rule will force you to trade for many extra days to “dilute” your best performance.
- Traders on a Budget: Because the fee is double and non-refundable, the financial risk of failing the evaluation is significantly higher compared to the Standard 2-Step.
