Last updated: March 17, 2026
What FTMO US Is (And Isn’t)
If you have been searching for terms like FTMO US review, FTMO OANDA review, best prop firm for U.S. traders, MT5 prop firm USA, or FTMO payout review, this is the part that matters most. FTMO US is an educational, simulated trading program for eligible U.S. residents and U.S.-incorporated companies. You trade in a demo environment, complete the evaluation process, and if you pass, you move to an FTMO Rewards Account where you may receive a monetary reward based on simulated performance. It is not a brokerage account, and it is not the same as opening a live trading account with OANDA.
Key Numbers At A Glance
| Feature | FTMO US details | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation paths | 1-Step and 2-Step | Lets traders choose a route that fits their style and pace |
| Reward share | Up to 90% of simulated profits | Strong potential upside for consistent traders |
| Earliest reward | After 14 days from first trading day, if account is in profit and flat | Helps set realistic payout expectations |
| Platform | MetaTrader 5 only | Good fit for MT5 traders and many EA-assisted workflows |
| Leverage | Up to 1:33 | Encourages cleaner risk management |
| Holding rules | News, overnight, and weekend holding allowed on the U.S. account type | Useful for swing traders and traders who hold through volatility |
| Fees | One-time Challenge fee, not a recurring subscription | Easier long-term cost structure than many monthly-fee firms |
Why FTMO US Stands Out For U.S. Traders
FTMO US stands out because it combines a recognizable prop brand with a U.S.-specific structure through the FTMO x OANDA partnership. Many traders like that the process is clearly explained on the official How It Works page, the account type is straightforward, and the rules around holding trades are more flexible than some competing firms. If you want to compare the American setup against the broader brand, our guide on FTMO US vs FTMO Global is worth reading.
Pros
- Flexible evaluation choice You can choose between a 1-Step and 2-Step route.
- Non-subscription model FTMO US uses a one-time fee structure instead of recurring monthly charges.
- News and weekend friendly The U.S. account type allows traders to hold through news, overnight, and over the weekend.
- MT5 environment Great for traders already comfortable with MetaTrader 5.
- Strong brand recognition FTMO remains one of the most searched names in prop trading.
Cons
- U.S.-only version FTMO US is not open to traders outside the United States.
- MT5 only No MT4 or cTrader on the U.S. version.
- Moderate leverage 1:33 will feel conservative to traders used to much higher leverage.
- Simulated environment This is not a live funded brokerage account.
Who FTMO US Is Best For
Best fit
- U.S. traders looking for a prop firm without monthly fees.
- Forex, gold, BTCUSD, oil, and index traders who already use MT5.
- Swing traders who want freedom around news and weekend holding.
- Traders who prefer structure and consistency over very high leverage.
Probably not for
- Anyone outside the United States.
- Traders who must have MT4, cTrader, or DXtrade on the U.S. side.
- People who want a live broker account instead of a simulated prop setup.
- Very aggressive scalpers who depend on much higher leverage.
Pricing And Fees: Simple And Non-Recurring
One of the more appealing parts of FTMO US is that the pricing is easier to understand than many subscription-based prop firms. You pay a one-time Challenge fee instead of a recurring monthly charge. That alone makes FTMO US attractive to traders who want a cleaner cost structure and do not want ongoing evaluation fees stacking up. If you are also comparing platform options across the broader FTMO ecosystem, our guide on FTMO Global platforms: MT4 vs MT5 vs cTrader vs DXtrade helps show where the U.S. version fits.
How FTMO US Payouts Work
- Pass the FTMO evaluation through the official FTMO US process.
- Trade your FTMO Rewards Account in profit.
- Once at least 14 days have passed from your first trading day, and there are no open or pending orders, the reward claim option becomes available based on FTMO’s reward withdrawal rules.
- For the first reward, U.S. participants complete the required tax and payout verification.
- Reward share can reach up to 90% depending on the product and account conditions.
Execution, Platform, And Trading Conditions
- Platform: FTMO US is MT5 only.
- Account type: The official FTMO account type US page explains the U.S. setup in more detail.
- Leverage: Up to 1:33 on the U.S. account type.
- Trading restrictions: News trading, overnight holding, and weekend holding are allowed.
- Why that matters: This makes FTMO US more attractive to traders who do not want their strategy constantly shaped by holding restrictions.
Why Many Traders Prefer This Setup
For many traders, the appeal of FTMO US is not just the brand name. It is the combination of a strong reputation, a cleaner fee structure, flexible U.S. holding conditions, and a setup that feels more trader-friendly than some firms that overcomplicate everything. Search terms like FTMO US challenge, FTMO US payout, FTMO OANDA review, best U.S. prop firm, and MT5 prop firm USA all point to the same thing: traders want clarity, and FTMO US gives more of that than many alternatives.
Outside The USA?
If you are not based in the United States, use the global FTMO route instead of FTMO US.
Comparison Snapshot: FTMO US Vs Typical Subscription Prop Firms
| Dimension | FTMO US | Typical subscription prop firm |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | One-time fee | Monthly or recurring charge |
| Evaluation choice | 1-Step and 2-Step | Varies |
| Payout timing | Earliest reward request after 14 days | Varies widely |
| Platform | MT5 only | Often multiple platforms |
| News and weekend holding | Allowed on U.S. account type | Often restricted |
| Model | Educational and simulated | Usually simulated too |
Start The FTMO US Challenge Today
Verdict: Is FTMO US Worth It Right Now?
Yes, for the right trader. If you are in the United States and want a structured prop trading challenge with clear rules, a strong brand, MT5 access, and more flexible holding conditions than many rivals, FTMO US is a serious option. If you are comparing it against the wider FTMO ecosystem first, read our guides on FTMO US vs FTMO Global and FTMO Global platforms. For non-U.S. traders, FTMO Global is the better path.
Official Resources
- FTMO x OANDA partnership announcement
- How FTMO US works
- FTMO US FAQ hub
- How reward withdrawals work
- Which platforms are available
- FTMO account type US
- Why join FTMO US?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FTMO US legit for U.S. traders?
FTMO US is a real branded program operated through the FTMO and OANDA partnership for eligible U.S. traders. It is a simulated educational model, not a traditional brokerage account.
Is FTMO US available outside the United States?
No. FTMO US is designed for U.S. residents and U.S.-incorporated entities. Traders outside the United States should use FTMO Global instead.
Does FTMO US have a 1-Step and 2-Step challenge?
Yes. FTMO US currently offers both a 1-Step and a 2-Step evaluation path, giving traders more flexibility depending on how they want to approach the challenge.
How long does it take to get an FTMO US payout?
The earliest reward request is after 14 days from your first trading day on the FTMO Rewards Account, as long as the account is in profit and there are no open or pending orders.
What platform does FTMO US use?
FTMO US is MT5 only. That makes it a natural fit for traders already using MetaTrader 5 for manual trading, indicators, or semi-automated systems.
Can I hold trades over the weekend on FTMO US?
Yes. The FTMO U.S. account type allows overnight holding, weekend holding, and trading during news events.
What leverage does FTMO US offer?
FTMO US offers leverage of up to 1:33 on the U.S. account type.
Is FTMO US good for gold traders?
It can be a good fit for gold traders who prefer MT5 and want more flexibility around holding positions overnight or over the weekend.
