How Much Is the FTMO Challenge? A Complete Breakdown of Costs and What They Mean for Traders

If you have spent any time in online trading communities, you have likely seen the question pop up again and again: "How much is the FTMO Challenge?" The answers you get often range from "$0" to "over $1,000," which can be confusing if you are trying to budget for your next evaluation. The truth is that FTMO pricing depends on several factors, including the account size you choose and whether you go with the 1-Step or 2-Step evaluation model. Understanding these differences is essential before you commit your money.

Understanding the FTMO Challenge Fee Structure

FTMO offers two distinct evaluation paths, each with its own pricing logic. The 2-Step Challenge has traditionally been the standard route, requiring traders to pass two phases before reaching a funded account. The 1-Step Challenge, introduced more recently, condenses the process into a single evaluation phase but comes with different rules and pricing.

For the 2-Step Challenge, the entry-level $10,000 account starts at approximately €89. The fee scales with account size, reaching €1,080 for the $200,000 tier. One important detail about the 2-Step model is that your fee is fully refunded when you receive your first payout from your FTMO Account. This means that if you successfully pass and eventually withdraw profits, the challenge effectively costs you nothing in the long run.

The 1-Step Challenge uses a different pricing structure. The $10,000 account starts at €79, while the $200,000 tier costs €999. However, unlike the 2-Step model, the 1-Step fee is not refunded after you pass. You pay once, and that payment stays with FTMO regardless of your success. The trade-off is that the 1-Step offers a higher profit split of up to 90%, compared to 80% on the standard 2-Step (though the 2-Step can also reach 90% through scaling).

Current FTMO Challenge Pricing by Account Size

Here is a breakdown of the current pricing for both evaluation models:

2-Step Challenge (fee refundable with first payout):

• $10,000 account: €89
• $25,000 account: €250
• $50,000 account: €345
• $100,000 account: €540
• $200,000 account: €1,080

1-Step Challenge (fee non-refundable):

• $10,000 account: €79
• $25,000 account: €199
• $50,000 account: €319
• $100,000 account: €499
• $200,000 account: €999

These prices are listed in euros, and the actual amount you pay may vary slightly depending on currency conversion and your payment method. FTMO does not charge any recurring fees; the challenge fee is a one-time payment that covers your entire evaluation period.

What the Fee Actually Covers

When you pay for an FTMO Challenge, you are not simply buying access to a trading simulator. The fee covers the development and operation of FTMO's trading infrastructure, including their proprietary trading platforms, analytical tools, and educational resources. You also gain access to applications like Account MetriX and the Trading Journal, which are designed to help you improve your performance during the evaluation.

It is worth noting that the challenge fee is not a deposit. You are not risking your own capital in the markets; instead, you are paying for the opportunity to demonstrate your trading skills in a simulated environment. If you pass, you trade with FTMO's simulated capital and earn a share of the profits you generate.

Additional Costs Traders Should Consider

While the challenge fee is the most obvious cost, there are other factors that can affect your overall expenses. Failed challenges represent sunk costs, and if you need multiple attempts to pass, those fees add up quickly. FTMO does offer a free trial that allows you to practice under evaluation conditions before committing real money. Taking advantage of this can help you avoid paying for a challenge before you are ready.

There is also the question of time. The FTMO Challenge has no time limit, which means you can take as long as you need to reach the profit target. However, the longer you spend in the evaluation phase, the more opportunity cost you incur. For traders who are eager to start earning from their skills, efficiency matters.

Managing Your Trading During the Evaluation

Once you are in an FTMO Challenge, the focus shifts from cost to execution. You need to hit a 10% profit target while staying within the maximum daily loss and overall loss limits. For traders using MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5, this means monitoring your positions closely and making sure you do not breach the risk rules.

This is where having the right tools can make a practical difference. During an evaluation, you often need to keep an eye on multiple positions across different instruments. Constantly switching to your trading terminal to check on things can be disruptive, especially if you are trying to maintain focus or if you trade in a shared environment.

Camovia Tray offers a solution for traders who use MT4 or MT5 and want quicker access to their position data. The tool turns your trading terminal into a system tray utility, allowing you to check live quotes and manage open positions without opening the full application. You can hover over the tray icon to see your watchlist quotes, and click on position cards to close trades with a two-step confirmation. For traders who value privacy, Camovia Tray also includes a lock feature that hides your trading activity when needed. Since all data stays on your local machine and is read directly from your terminal, there is no concern about your trading information being transmitted elsewhere.

Making the Decision: Is the FTMO Challenge Worth the Cost?

The answer depends on your goals and your confidence in your trading abilities. If you have a proven strategy and can consistently manage risk, the FTMO Challenge offers a path to trading larger capital without putting your own funds at risk. The 2-Step model is particularly attractive because of the fee refund, effectively making the evaluation free if you succeed.

For traders who prefer a faster route, the 1-Step Challenge provides a single-phase evaluation with a higher profit split. The higher cost relative to the potential reward is a calculation each trader must make for themselves.

What matters most is going in with clear expectations. Know the rules, understand the costs, and have a plan for how you will manage your trades during the evaluation. Whether you are checking prices on your phone or glancing at a tray icon on your desktop, staying informed and disciplined is what ultimately determines whether you pass or pay again.