Scale like a pro: +25% balance top-ups & up to 90% rewards
Understand the exact requirements, map your 4-month cycles, and keep performance consistent.
Start the FTMO US ChallengeUpdated: August 27, 2025
Scaling Plan — the rules in plain English
| Requirement | What it means | How to operationalize |
|---|---|---|
| 4-month cycle | Performance is assessed in 4-month blocks | Plan your trading calendar in 2× eight-week sprints |
| ≥10% total net profit | Sum of profits across the 4-month window | Aim for ~2.5–3.0%/month; avoid give-backs late in the cycle |
| Process ≥2 rewards | At least two successful reward withdrawals within the cycle | Request bi-weekly/monthly when flat & in profit to log the count |
| Positive balance at scale-up | Account must not be negative when FTMO reviews scaling | Stay flat into review week; don’t carry risk into scale dates |
| Benefits on approval | +25% balance top-up & reward split upgrades to 90% | MDL/ML limits recalculated on the new initial balance |
| Scale-up ceiling | Maximum total initial balance across accounts: $2,000,000 | Use merges where appropriate (respect merge rules) |
Source: Reward Growth & Scaling Plan
Linear, not compounding — what +25% really does
FTMO’s illustration shows linear top-ups: every successful cycle adds +25% of the starting balance for that account size. Example paths below show how balance and risk limits evolve at each step.
Example A — $100,000 starting balance
| Elapsed time | Initial balance | MDL (5%) | ML (10%) | Reward split |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 months | $100,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | 80% |
| 4 months | $125,000 | $6,250 | $12,500 | 90% |
| 8 months | $150,000 | $7,500 | $15,000 | 90% |
| 12 months | $175,000 | $8,750 | $17,500 | 90% |
| 16 months | $200,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 | 90% |
Example B — $200,000 starting balance
| Elapsed time | Initial balance | MDL (5%) | ML (10%) | Reward split |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 months | $200,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 | 80% |
| 4 months | $250,000 | $12,500 | $25,000 | 90% |
| 8 months | $300,000 | $15,000 | $30,000 | 90% |
| 12 months | $350,000 | $17,500 | $35,000 | 90% |
| 16 months | $400,000 | $20,000 | $40,000 | 90% |
Example C — $400,000 (merged accounts)
FTMO’s own scenario shows a $400k allocation scaling to $800k over 16 months with MDL/ML rising proportionally. This matches the “+25% per cycle” linear model, not compounding. See FTMO’s scenario table
Design a cycle that actually hits the requirements
Monthly targets that add to 10%
- Conservative: +2.5% × 4 months → +10%
- Mixed: +4% +3% +2% +1% → +10%
- Buffer mindset: Aim for +12–13% total to cover fees/slippage/missed days
Logging ≥2 rewards
- Request when flat & in profit (bi-weekly works for most)
- Keep docs handy (W-9 & bank proof already on file from first reward)
- Don’t carry positions into your reward request — stay flat
Reward requests: How it Works
Consistency tactics for a stress-free scale-up
1) Keep risk steady while the account grows
Scaling increases MDL/ML in dollars. Resist the urge to “spend” the higher limits with oversized trades. Most evaluation-proven plans risk 0.25–1.0% per attempt and keep total open risk ≤ 1% until a profit buffer is banked.
2) One A+ idea at a time
Stacking correlated USD exposure (EURUSD + GBPUSD + XAUUSD) can silently push your open risk beyond comfort. Use a simple rule: one macro theme, one primary ticket, planned partials.
3) Journal weekly to prevent late-cycle give-backs
Most breaches happen after a strong month. Run a 30–45-minute Sunday review for expectancy, drawdown, and setup quality. Prune the worst setup before the last month of the cycle.
Scaling vs Premium — can you stack both?
Yes. FTMO confirms the Premium Program and the Scaling Plan are independent — you can qualify for both and enjoy their benefits simultaneously (e.g., 90% split from scaling plus Premium perks). Compatibility FAQ
Fast comparisons & planning cues
| Topic | What matters | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cadence | 4-month cycles; ≥2 rewards processed | Put two “flat & claim” days on your calendar each month |
| Target math | Total ≥10% net profit per cycle | Plan 2.5–3.0%/mo and protect the final month |
| Risk drift | Higher MDL/ML after scale-up | Keep per-trade % constant; don’t inflate |
| Ceiling | Cap up to $2M initial balance | Use merges strategically to climb efficiently |
Ready to plan your first scale-up?
Map a four-month route to +10%, log two rewards, and keep the account positive into scale week — then enjoy +25% balance and 90% split.
Start the FTMO US ChallengeFrequently Asked Questions
What are the exact requirements to scale?
At least 4 months in the cycle, ≥10% total net profit, ≥2 processed rewards, and a positive balance at the time of review. Approved accounts receive a +25% balance top-up and 90% reward split. Source
Is the +25% increase compounding?
No. The FTMO example shows linear increases (e.g., $400k → $500k → $600k … every 4 months). MDL/ML limits scale with the new initial balance. See scenario
Can I combine the Scaling Plan with the Premium Program?
Yes. They’re independent; you can benefit from both at the same time. Compatibility FAQ
Do I need to request rewards during the cycle?
Yes — you must have processed at least two rewards within the 4-month cycle. Plan bi-weekly or monthly “flat & claim” days.
What’s the maximum I can scale to?
Up to $2,000,000 initial balance across accounts (subject to program rules). Source
Official resources
- Reward Growth & Scaling Plan (requirements, benefits, cap)
- How it Works (rewards overview, up to 90%)
- Premium Program compatibility with Scaling Plan
Disclosure: FTMO US provides a simulated, educational environment. Performance in simulation does not guarantee results in live markets. This article includes a partner affiliate link.