If you’re eyeing a funded account in 2026, understanding the FTMO payout rules is just as important as your trading strategy. Getting funded is the start, but getting that first bank transfer is the real win. FTMO has updated several of its policies to stay ahead of the prop firm curve, offering more flexibility than ever before.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how the payout system works, the difference between the account plans, and how you can scale your profit split to 90%.
1. The Universal Payout Rules
Regardless of which challenge you choose, certain “Golden Rules” apply to every funded trader once they pass the Verification stage:
- The Initial Split: You start with a generous 80/20 profit split (you keep 80%).
- Payout Frequency: You don’t have to wait 30 days. Payouts are on-demand after just 14 days of trading.
- The Fee Refund: Your registration fee is fully refunded with your very first successful payout. It’s like getting your startup capital back!
- Minimum Withdrawal: To keep things efficient, the minimum payout is $20 for bank wires and $50 for crypto.
2. FTMO Account Plans: Payout & Risk Comparison
FTMO offers different tiers based on how you handle risk. Here is the latest breakdown of the primary plans:
| Feature | Standard (2-Step) | Aggressive | 1-Step Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit Split | 80% – 90% | 80% – 90% | 90% Fixed |
| Max Daily Loss | 5% | 10% | 3% – 5% |
| Max Total Loss | 10% | 20% | 6% – 10% |
3. Scaling Up: How to Get a 90% Profit Split
FTMO rewards consistency. If you show them you can manage risk over the long term, they increase your “cut” of the profits. To qualify for the Scaling Plan:
- You must trade for at least 4 consecutive months.
- Out of those 4 months, at least 2 must be profitable.
- Your total profit across those 4 months must reach at least 10% (or 20% for Aggressive accounts).
Once you hit these milestones, FTMO increases your account balance by 25% and bumps your profit split to 90/10 permanently.
4. Swing vs. Standard: Protecting Your Payout
A common mistake traders make is choosing the wrong account “type” and losing their payout to a technicality.
- Standard Accounts: Best for day traders. You have 1:100 leverage but cannot hold trades over the weekend or through major news events.
- Swing Accounts: Best for people with jobs. You get 1:30 leverage, but you are allowed to hold trades through news and weekends without penalty.
Final Thoughts for 2026
The secret to consistent FTMO payouts isn’t hitting “home runs”—it’s surviving the 14-day window without breaching the daily loss limit. Keep your risk low, aim for the first refund, and let the scaling plan do the heavy lifting for your capital growth.
