How to Pass the FTMO US Challenge (2026): A Complete Step-by-Step Plan
Last verified: August 28, 2025 · Built for 2026 searches
Understand FTMO US vs Global
FTMO US is designed for U.S. residents and runs on MT5 with a netting position model and FIFO. That means one net position per symbol, no hedging, and exits reduce older fills first. FTMO Global supports multiple platforms, but if you’re in the U.S. you’ll be using the FTMO US setup on MT5. Choose the environment that matches your residency and execution workflow.
Know your rules & objectives
At a high level, your risk framework revolves around two caps:
- Maximum Daily Loss (MDL) — a daily risk ceiling (commonly 5% of initial balance).
- Maximum Loss (ML) — a total drawdown cap (commonly 10% of initial balance).
Evaluation targets for Step 1/Step 2 are typically set to mirror these magnitudes. Always confirm the current figures on FTMO’s official pages before you start; use the numbers below as illustrative examples in your planning.
Turn MDL/ML into a daily risk budget
The biggest “pass secret” is **consistency**: give yourself enough attempts to let edge play out without threatening MDL. Convert MDL into DTR (Daily Trading Risk), then split DTR across a fixed number of tries.
| Account | MDL (5%) | DTR at 40% | DTR at 60% | If 5 attempts/day → risk/attempt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | $200–$300 |
| $100,000 | $5,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $400–$600 |
| $200,000 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $6,000 | $800–$1,200 |
Pick a lane (e.g., DTR = 50% of MDL; 5 attempts/day at equal risk). If the first two attempts fail, **downshift** size or stop for the day.
Position sizing that survives variance
Formula: Lots = (Account × Risk% per trade) ÷ (Stop in points × Value/lot/point)
Example (illustrative): $100k account, risk 0.5% ($500) with a 25-point stop on US100 at $1/lot/point → Lots = 500 ÷ (25×1) = 20. Adjust to your symbol’s actual specs.
Session plan: when to trade (and when not)
Trade when liquidity is highest; stand aside when spreads are unstable. This alone can cut slippage enough to save your day’s risk budget.
| Window | Focus instruments | Why it works | Execution notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Open | EUR/GBP majors; EU indices | Fresh order flow; quick transitions | Give 10–20 min to normalize spreads |
| London–NY Overlap | EURUSD, GBPUSD, XAUUSD; US indices | Highest liquidity; tighter spreads | Great for limit entries at pre-defined levels |
| NY Cash Open | US100/US500/US30; USD pairs | Strong volume; volatility spikes | Start smaller for 15–20 min; watch slippage |
| Asia Session | JPY/AUD/NZD | Generally calmer | Reduce size; avoid micro-scalps on thin pairs |
| Daily Rollover | All | Spread widening | Avoid fresh scalps; don’t park tight SLs |
For a deeper execution plan (latency, VPS, and hours), see Latency, VPS, and Session Hours for FTMO US.
Order handling on MT5 (netting/FIFO)
- One net position per symbol; don’t try to “hedge”—it’s not allowed on FTMO US.
- Always bracket entries with **one SL/TP** covering the net position.
- Plan **volume-based** partial exits (25%, 50%, etc.) to stay FIFO-friendly.
- Use **pending orders** to stage adds/reversals and avoid accidental flips.
For specifics and examples, read MT5 Risk Controls for FTMO US.
Example pass plans (Step 1 & Step 2)
Plan A — Conservative intraday (aim: steady equity curve)
- DTR: 50% of MDL; Attempts: up to 5 equal-risk tries/day.
- Entries: limit or stop orders at pre-marked HTF levels; avoid market orders into spikes.
- Partials: 1R first partial, trail the remainder behind swing structure.
- Stop rule: two consecutive losses → cut size in half or stop for day.
- Goal pacing: small daily gains (0.5–1.2% gross) across quality sessions.
Plan B — Structured momentum (NY cash open focus)
- Arrive 30–45 min early; map HTF levels, pre-market zones.
- “Scout” small position after confirmation; add once spreads stabilize.
- Bracket orders on entry; never widen SL to save a trade.
- Target 1–2 quality trades; stop after first clean winner to protect MDL.
Plan C — Swing overlay (Asia setup → EU/US management)
- Place entries during Asia with wider initial stops and smaller size.
- Manage adds/partials during London–NY overlap.
- Stand aside during rollover and maintenance windows.
Psychology & discipline checkpoints
Before the session
- Re-state DTR (e.g., 50% of MDL) and attempts allowed.
- Write a one-line thesis for each planned trade.
- Confirm news, session hours, and maintenance.
During the session
- Take screenshots of entries/exits; tag with setup type.
- If first two attempts fail, cut size or stop.
- Don’t revenge trade; your plan > your emotions.
After the session
- Log R, slippage, and spread behavior by hour.
- Note any rule you nearly broke; add a safeguard.
- Prep levels for the next target session.
Weekly review
- Identify your highest-expectancy hour and focus there.
- Trim strategies with negative expectancy in live simulation.
- Reset checklists and archive charts.
Common mistakes & how to avoid them
| Mistake | Why it hurts | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Oversizing into news/rollover | Slippage balloons, MDL at risk | Half size (or stand aside) unless news-specialist strategy |
| Ticket-based exits on MT5 | FIFO breaks your intended sequence | Use volume-based partials on the net position |
| Multiple SL/TP for adds | Not supported in netting model | One SL/TP for the net position; recalc after adds |
| Forcing trades for minimum days | Low-quality entries escalate variance | Trade only quality sessions; spread the days naturally |
| Switching styles mid-evaluation | No consistent edge; emotional decisions | Pick a plan and iterate weekly—not intraday |
FAQs — How to Pass FTMO US
What’s the fastest way to pass?
There isn’t a shortcut. The reliable path is controlled risk, liquid sessions, and strict execution rules so variance can’t trip MDL/ML.
How many trades per day are ideal?
Enough to express your edge without overtrading—many intraday traders cap at ~3–5 tries depending on DTR and setup quality.
Should I trade every day to hit the minimum days?
No. Trade your best sessions. You can meet the minimum with quality days; churning low-quality trades often increases drawdown risk.
Do I need to change anything for Step 2?
Keep the same plan. If spread behavior differs, re-benchmark and adjust size slightly, but don’t reinvent what worked in Step 1.
Where do I learn the exact, current rules?
Always verify on the official FTMO US pages before trading. Use our guides for planning, then confirm specifics (targets, days, leverage) on FTMO.
FTMO US provides a simulated trading environment and educational tools. Rewards are based on simulated profits as described by FTMO US. Trading involves risk.
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