Key numbers at a glance
Winning value in champagne. Bars normalised to the larger value per row.
Min trading days
FTMO
77/100
StrongCity Traders Imperium
62/100
AdequateFTMO scores 15.3 higher under TVSM-PF/2.0.2.
Payout split
FTMO80% standard (90% after scaling plan)
City Traders Imperium80% (scales with milestones)
Max funded
FTMO$200,000
City Traders Imperium$4,000,000 (via scaling)
Payout cap
FTMONone
City Traders ImperiumNone
Drawdown model
FTMOStatic (max 10% from initial balance)
City Traders ImperiumStatic max loss from initial balance
Min trading days
FTMO4
City Traders Imperium5
Challenge fee
FTMOEUR 155–1,080
City Traders ImperiumCompetitive — varies by program type
Fee refundable
FTMOYes — refunded with first payout
City Traders ImperiumYes — refunded with first payout
News trading
FTMORestricted — 2-minute window before/after named events on funded account (evaluation: unrestricted)
City Traders ImperiumRestricted — defined window on specific instruments (funding account)
Platforms
FTMOMT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade
City Traders ImperiumMT4, MT5
Payout schedule
FTMOOn demand (min 14 days after first trade)
City Traders ImperiumFirst payout after 7 profitable days plus 2 percent min profit. Subsequent payouts monthly (last 5 days). Two-stage: up to 2 BD wallet review, then 1 BD processing plus 1 to 14 days bank. 100 USD minimum.
| Specification | FTMO 77/100 Strong | City Traders Imperium 62/100 Adequate |
|---|---|---|
| Payout split | 80% standard (90% after scaling plan) | 80% (scales with milestones) |
| Max funded | $200,000 | $4,000,000 (via scaling) |
| Payout cap | None | None |
| Drawdown model | Static (max 10% from initial balance) | Static max loss from initial balance |
| Min trading days | 4 | 5 |
| Challenge fee | EUR 155–1,080 | Competitive — varies by program type |
| Fee refundable | Yes — refunded with first payout | Yes — refunded with first payout |
| News trading | Restricted — 2-minute window before/after named events on funded account (evaluation: unrestricted) | Restricted — defined window on specific instruments (funding account) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade | MT4, MT5 |
| Payout schedule | On demand (min 14 days after first trade) | First payout after 7 profitable days plus 2 percent min profit. Subsequent payouts monthly (last 5 days). Two-stage: up to 2 BD wallet review, then 1 BD processing plus 1 to 14 days bank. 100 USD minimum. |
| Visit FTMO | Visit City Traders Imperium |
Which one fits?
- FTMO is best for forex traders in europe, asia, australia, or latam with at least 6 months of strategy experience who want the strongest payout record in the industry.
- City Traders Imperium is best for experienced forex traders, comfortable with an offshore structure, who want a low-cost route to funding, unrestricted news trading, and a verifiable 8-year track record over big-brand recognition.
See the full FTMO review and City Traders Imperium review for the verified specs and editorial verdict on each.