FTMO US with OANDA: Eligibility, Steps, and Rules

Q: When can I request a reward?

After at least 14 days from the first day of trading on the FTMO Rewards Account, provided the account is in profit and there are no open or pending orders at the time of request.

Q: How big can my simulated account be?

Your Rewards Account balance typically mirrors your Challenge size. FTMO US applies a maximum simulated capital allocation per trader or per strategy.

Q: Do I pay monthly fees?

No. The evaluation has a one-time Challenge fee. If you pass both stages and request your first reward, the initial fee is refunded according to policy.

Updated: August 27, 2025

Big development for U.S. prop traders: FTMO is now accessible in the United States through a strategic partnership with OANDA. The program runs in a simulated environment with performance-based rewards. Always read the official docs before you join.

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Quick take

FTMO has partnered with OANDA to provide a U.S.-ready pathway that lets eligible traders complete the FTMO Challenge and Verification and then trade a simulated FTMO Rewards Account with performance-based rewards. It is not a brokerage account and does not carry brokerage regulatory protections. Read the legal notes and FAQs before you start.

Important: You do not become a client of OANDA’s regulated brokerage by joining FTMO US. The program is educational and simulated. Review the “legal relationship” notes and reward rules closely.

What changed with FTMO + OANDA in the U.S.

On August 26, 2025 FTMO announced a strategic partnership with OANDA to make its evaluation pathway and simulated program accessible to U.S. residents. The evaluation is handled by an FTMO group entity, while an OANDA group entity oversees the simulated Rewards Account program flow. This gives U.S. traders a compliant way to access FTMO’s structured process and performance rewards without opening a brokerage account.

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Eligibility: who can join FTMO US

Age 18 or older.
Legal U.S. resident, or a U.S.-incorporated company with a duly authorized representative.
A valid U.S. Tax Identification Number is required to receive rewards.
Proof of ownership for the U.S. bank account used for reward payouts may be requested.
First payout requires a completed IRS form (for individuals, typically W-9).

If you are a U.S. resident that does not meet the above requirements, contact FTMO support before you place an order for a Challenge.

Steps: Challenge, Verification, Rewards Account

The FTMO path stays simple: demonstrate risk control and consistency, then access a simulated Rewards Account.

Step 1: FTMO Challenge

The Challenge is a one-time paid evaluation where you follow trading objectives on a simulated account. The fee depends on the simulated account size you select. If you pass the Challenge and Verification, the fee is typically refunded with your first reward withdrawal, subject to the program’s conditions.

Step 2: Verification

Verification confirms discipline under a second set of objectives. You will finalize identity checks and accept the agreements that govern the U.S. program. Passing Verification qualifies you to receive credentials for the simulated FTMO Rewards Account.

Step 3: FTMO Rewards Account

After Verification, you trade with simulated capital and may earn up to 90% of simulated profits as a reward. Reward requests can be made after a minimum holding period and only if the account is in profit with no open or pending orders at the time of the request.

Payout cadence

You can request a reward after at least 14 days from your first day of trading on the Rewards Account. Once requested, the account is reviewed and you receive email instructions to complete the withdrawal process.

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Key rules and practical limits to know

FTMO’s approach centers on risk control. While the detailed values live inside the platform and FAQs, here is the high-level picture so you can prepare:

Drawdown discipline: You must respect daily and overall loss limits. These rules exist to protect your simulated equity and to prove you can manage risk like a professional. Study them before you place your first order.
Capital allocation cap: FTMO US limits the total simulated Rewards Account allocation to a maximum per trader or per strategy. If you need a higher balance, you can pursue additional Challenges and request account combinations within the policy.
Strategy restrictions: FTMO allows many strategies but flags risks around widely shared third-party EAs. If identical strategies exceed capital allocation rules across accounts, access to a Rewards Account can be denied or suspended.
Administrative requirements: Expect identity checks, tax forms for payouts, and proof of U.S. bank account ownership at payout time.

Pro tip: Build your plan around the loss limits first. Many traders fail evaluations by ignoring daily discipline. Tighten position sizing, hold fewer correlated positions, and let a written trading plan decide risk per trade rather than emotions.

Fees and costs

There are no recurring monthly charges for the evaluation. You pay a one-time Challenge fee. If you pass both stages and request your first reward, your initial fee is refunded according to the program’s policy. For exact pricing per simulated account size, always refer to the official pricing page from FTMO US.

Platforms, leverage, instruments

Platform: FTMO US uses MetaTrader 5. You will receive credentials for the correct server when you start.
Leverage: Maximum leverage is 1:33 on selected instruments in the simulated environment. Symbol specifications and trading hours live in the platform’s instrument details.
Instrument list: Check the “Simulated Assets” page and each symbol’s specification inside Market Watch Ctrl + M → right-click → Specification.

News and weekend trading

FTMO US indicates that the U.S. account type allows news trading and holding simulated positions over the weekend. Even with that flexibility, the program recommends caution around macro releases because volatility can spike and impact execution. If your strategy trades news, rehearse it on the Free Trial first and log the outcomes.

Get started: a simple plan that works

Read first: Open the official “How it Works” and FAQ pages. Skim every question under “Rules” and “Rewards Account.”
Pick a size: Choose your Challenge size based on the risk per trade you can execute consistently. If you are unsure, start with the Free Trial to validate sizing.
Write a one-page plan: Define max risk per trade, max concurrent risk, news rules, and what invalidates a trade idea. This prevents emotional decisions.
Trade slow at the start: Take smaller positions in week one to calibrate spreads, rollover behavior, and trading hours in your time zone.
Track everything: Use a journal to record entry, thesis, risk, exit, and a brief self-review. You can only refine what you measure.
Respect loss limits: If you hit daily risk, stop for the day. Preserve your evaluation and your edge.
Ask support: If something is unclear, ask FTMO support before you place orders. It saves accounts.

Start a Free Trial, Then Pick Your Challenge

Quick FAQs

Is FTMO US a brokerage account?

No. FTMO US provides an educational and simulated trading environment. You do not receive brokerage regulatory protections, and participation does not create a customer relationship with OANDA’s regulated brokerage business.

When can I request a reward?

After at least 14 days from the first day of trading on your FTMO Rewards Account, provided the account is in profit and you have no open or pending orders at the time of request. The team will email next steps after reviewing your request.

How big can my simulated account be?

Your Rewards Account balance typically matches your Challenge size. There is a maximum simulated capital allocation per trader or per strategy at any point in time.

Do I pay monthly fees?

No. The evaluation is a one-time paid Challenge. If you pass both stages, the fee is refunded with your first reward, subject to the policy.

Official resources

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