When choosing between FTMO and BrightFunded, it comes down to your trading style and priorities. Both platforms offer opportunities to manage significant capital, but their approaches differ:
- FTMO: Known for structured evaluations, clear rules, and higher initial costs. Offers account sizes up to $200,000 (or $400,000 combined across accounts). Enforces strict trading rules, including deadlines, consistency requirements, and restrictions on news trading and weekend holdings. Payouts typically process within 1–2 business days after a 14-day waiting period.
- BrightFunded: A newer platform emphasizing flexibility. Features lower entry fees starting at $55, no deadlines during evaluations, and relaxed rules allowing news trading, weekend holdings, and hedging. Payouts are processed in about 4 hours, with weekly options available. Profit splits begin at 80% and can increase to 100% through their loyalty program.
Key takeaway: FTMO suits disciplined traders who prefer structured evaluations. BrightFunded appeals to those seeking lower costs, relaxed rules, and faster payouts. However, FTMO no longer accepts US traders, making BrightFunded the go-to option for US-based traders.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | FTMO | BrightFunded |
|---|---|---|
| Account Sizes | $10,000 to $200,000 (up to $400,000 total) | $5,000 to $200,000 |
| Evaluation Fee | Higher; varies by account size | Lower; starts at $55 |
| Evaluation Period | Fixed deadlines | No deadlines |
| Profit Split | Up to 90% | Starts at 80%, increases to 100% |
| Payout Speed | 1–2 business days after 14-day wait | ~4 hours, weekly payouts |
| Rules | Strict (consistency, no news trading) | Relaxed (news trading, weekend holdings) |
| US Availability | Not available | Available |
For US traders, BrightFunded is the clear choice due to FTMO’s restrictions. It offers flexible evaluations, fast payouts, and a user-friendly trading environment.
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FTMO Account Options and Rules
FTMO operates on a unique evaluation model designed to fund traders who demonstrate consistent success. To accommodate different trading styles and goals, FTMO offers several account sizes.
Account Sizes and Funding Process
FTMO provides three primary account size options for its evaluation stages: $10,000, $100,000, and $200,000. These account sizes are available during both the Challenge and Verification phases. Once traders successfully complete both phases, they are awarded a funded account that matches the balance they initially selected during the Challenge.
Traders can manage up to $400,000 in total across multiple accounts. This can be achieved through combinations like two $200,000 accounts or four $100,000 accounts. However, for those opting for the Aggressive risk setup, the maximum total allocation is capped at $200,000.
BrightFunded Account Options and Rules
BrightFunded stands out by offering flexibility and eliminating restrictive trading rules. With over 27,500 active traders and more than $8.5 million paid out to successful participants, the firm has built a strong reputation in the trading community. Central to its appeal is its unique 2-Step Challenge structure.
Account Tiers and Challenge Structure
BrightFunded’s evaluation process is based on a 2-Step Challenge system, designed to give traders the freedom to progress at their own pace. There’s no set deadline during the evaluation phases, thanks to the "Unlimited Trading Period" feature. Traders can choose from a variety of account sizes, starting at $5,000, with evaluation fees beginning as low as $55. The firm supports popular trading platforms like MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade. Additionally, the evaluation process includes fixed dollar drawdown limits, making risk management more straightforward [15, 16].
Profit Targets and Scaling Options
During the evaluation phase, traders can earn a 15% profit share. BrightFunded also offers a progressive scaling plan, which can eventually lead to a 100% profit split. Payouts are processed quickly – on average within 4 hours – and traders can opt for weekly payouts to access their earnings more frequently [15, 16].
Rule Transparency and Extra Features
BrightFunded enforces a "No Consistency Rules" policy, allowing traders complete freedom to execute their strategies without being bound by consistency requirements. The firm also permits practices that are often restricted elsewhere: traders can engage in news trading during both evaluation phases, hold positions overnight or over weekends, and even hedge within the same account [15, 17].
Adding to its trader-friendly approach, BrightFunded has introduced the "Trade2Earn" loyalty program. Through this program, traders earn BrightFunded Tokens for every trade, which can be redeemed for trading perks or free evaluations. The company’s leadership includes experts from Central Banks, top brokers, and leading prop firms, further emphasizing its commitment to transparency and trader-first policies.
FTMO vs BrightFunded Comparison
Deciding between FTMO and BrightFunded comes down to understanding the differences in their account structures, evaluation processes, and payout systems. Both firms cater to traders but take different approaches, making them appealing to distinct trading styles and goals. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of their key features:
| Feature | FTMO | BrightFunded |
|---|---|---|
| Account Sizes | Offers a variety of options for traders with moderate to larger capital | Designed to be accessible with entry-level account options |
| Evaluation Fee | Fees vary depending on account type and challenge level | Features a lower entry fee for its evaluation process |
| Challenge Structure | A two-phase challenge process | A simpler two-step evaluation system |
| Evaluation Period | Fixed time limits for each challenge phase | Provides a more flexible timeframe for completing evaluations |
| Profit Split | High potential profit-sharing based on performance | Starts with a lower split, increasing with trading success |
| Payout Processing | Processes payouts on a set schedule | Focuses on quicker, more flexible payout options |
| Trading Platforms | Supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade | Offers MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade |
| News Trading | Restricts trading during major market events | Allows news trading during the evaluation phase |
| Weekend Holdings | Imposes restrictions on holding positions over the weekend | Permits weekend holdings |
| Hedging | Limits hedging opportunities | Allows hedging within the same account |
| Consistency Rules | Enforces rules to ensure steady trading performance | Does not require adherence to consistency rules |
| Drawdown Limits | Applies daily and overall drawdown limits | Uses fixed dollar drawdown limits |
FTMO’s structured approach is ideal for traders who excel under clearly defined deadlines and targets. Their fixed payout schedule and higher initial investment make it more suitable for experienced traders with larger capital. On the other hand, BrightFunded focuses on flexibility, offering lower entry fees and a more relaxed evaluation timeline, which can be a better fit for newer traders or those with limited funds.
Additionally, BrightFunded’s quicker payout processing and relaxed trading rules, such as allowing news trading and weekend holdings, provide more freedom. In contrast, FTMO’s stricter rules and consistency requirements cater to traders who prefer a disciplined, rule-based environment.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your trading style and priorities. If you value structure and can commit to a higher upfront cost, FTMO might be the better option. But if flexibility, lower barriers to entry, and faster payouts are more important, BrightFunded could be the way to go. Both firms offer unique advantages tailored to different types of traders.
US Trader Considerations
For traders in the US, payout options and processing times are key factors to weigh when choosing between FTMO and BrightFunded.
Payout Methods
FTMO offers several payout options, including bank wires, Visa Direct/Mastercard Send (up to $20,000), Skrill, and cryptocurrency payments. However, they require traders to meet minimum profit thresholds to cover transaction fees – $20 for bank transfers and $50 for crypto withdrawals.
BrightFunded, on the other hand, focuses heavily on cryptocurrency payouts, specifically using USDC on the ERC-20 network, along with bank transfers. It’s worth noting that their bank transfers are processed in Euros, which could result in currency conversion fees for US-based traders. BrightFunded typically processes payouts in about 4 hours, compared to FTMO’s timeline of 1–2 business days following a 14-day waiting period. Additionally, BrightFunded processes payouts weekly and has already disbursed over $8.5 million to traders.
Beyond payouts, ensuring optimal trading performance is equally important, especially for those managing multiple accounts.
VPS Hosting for Better Trading Performance
In trading, reliable connectivity and uninterrupted uptime are non-negotiable. QuantVPS is designed to meet these demands, offering ultra-low latency hosting (0–1 ms) with a 100% uptime guarantee.
The service is fully compatible with MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, running on Windows Server 2022. With high-performance CPUs and NVMe storage, QuantVPS ensures smooth operation even during high-frequency trading or complex multi-chart setups.
For traders juggling multiple prop firm accounts or using algorithmic strategies, QuantVPS provides dedicated resources, avoiding the slowdowns often seen with shared hosting. Plans start at VPS Lite ($59.99/month for lighter needs) and go up to Dedicated Servers ($299.99/month for more demanding workloads). Opting for annual billing can save users roughly 30%.
Key features include DDoS protection, automatic backups, global accessibility, and multi-monitor support – allowing up to six monitors on dedicated servers. These tools enable comprehensive chart setups and deeper market analysis, making it a solid choice for serious traders.
Which Platform to Choose
For US-based traders, the choice between platforms is straightforward: FTMO no longer accepts US traders due to regulatory challenges. This leaves BrightFunded as the primary option for American prop traders.
BrightFunded caters to traders with account sizes ranging from $5,000 to $200,000, with fees starting at approximately €55. An added bonus? They refund the challenge fee once you make your first successful withdrawal. However, US clients should note that MetaTrader 5 is not available. Instead, they can choose between cTrader, ideal for technical analysis, or DXtrade, better suited for discretionary trading.
The platform also offers an appealing profit-sharing model. Profit splits begin at 80% and can climb to 100% through their loyalty program. Their Trade2Earn loyalty program allows traders to scale their accounts indefinitely while keeping up to 100% of the profits. This makes BrightFunded a compelling choice for US traders looking for flexible growth and high earning potential.
Additionally, BrightFunded stands out with its multi-asset offerings, including an extensive selection of cryptocurrencies. This feature is perfect for traders wanting to diversify beyond just forex and stocks.
FAQs
How do the trading rules of FTMO and BrightFunded differ, and what should I consider for my strategy?
FTMO and BrightFunded each bring their own style to the table, catering to different types of traders. FTMO focuses on a disciplined structure, setting clear profit targets and enforcing strict risk management rules. This framework promotes consistent and methodical trading habits. BrightFunded, on the other hand, leans toward flexibility, offering varied challenge options and potentially different profit-sharing setups, which might appeal to traders looking for a bit more adaptability.
These distinctions can have a big impact on your trading strategy. If you’re someone who thrives on structure and clearly defined rules, FTMO could be the better fit. But if you prefer a more flexible approach that allows you to shape your trading style, BrightFunded might be the way to go. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your risk tolerance and how you like to trade.
What are the differences in payout timing and options between FTMO and BrightFunded, and how should I choose based on these factors?
FTMO processes payouts within 1-2 business days after confirming the invoice, operating on a bi-weekly schedule. On average, their payout processing takes about 8 hours. In comparison, BrightFunded offers payouts as soon as 7 days after the first trade on a funded account, with similar processing times of 8 hours. BrightFunded provides payout options such as crypto (USDC ERC-20) and bank transfers.
When choosing between the two, timing is a key factor. FTMO’s bi-weekly schedule offers consistency, while BrightFunded allows for faster access to funds after your trading begins. Additionally, consider the payout methods: if cryptocurrency or bank transfers are your preferred options, BrightFunded may better suit your needs. Ultimately, pick the platform that fits your financial goals and withdrawal preferences.
What should US-based traders consider when comparing BrightFunded and FTMO, especially regarding platform options and profit-sharing models?
For traders in the U.S., comparing BrightFunded and FTMO comes down to two major factors: platform options and profit-sharing structures. BrightFunded offers broad accessibility, supporting MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade across desktop, web, and mobile platforms – giving traders plenty of flexibility. In contrast, FTMO is no longer available to U.S.-based traders, which makes it a non-starter for this audience.
Profit-sharing is another important distinction. BrightFunded offers up to 100% profit splits under certain conditions, providing an attractive incentive for traders. FTMO, meanwhile, has a standard 80% profit share, which can rise to 90% through its Scaling Plan. U.S. traders should also take a close look at each firm’s withdrawal policies and regulatory specifics to ensure they align with their individual trading strategies and goals.
