Key numbers at a glance
Winning value in champagne. Bars normalised to the larger value per row.
Min trading days
The5ers
73/100
StrongCity Traders Imperium
62/100
AdequateThe5ers scores 11.3 higher under TVSM-PF/2.0.2.
Payout split
The5ers80% (scales to higher tiers over time)
City Traders Imperium80% (scales with milestones)
Max funded
The5ers$4,000,000 (via scaling plan)
City Traders Imperium$4,000,000 (via scaling)
Payout cap
The5ersNone
City Traders ImperiumNone
Drawdown model
The5ersStatic max loss from initial balance (never trailing)
City Traders ImperiumStatic max loss from initial balance
Min trading days
The5ers3
City Traders Imperium5
Challenge fee
The5ers~$500–$700 for $100K Hyper program
City Traders ImperiumCompetitive — varies by program type
Fee refundable
The5ersYes — refunded with first payout (Hyper program)
City Traders ImperiumYes — refunded with first payout
News trading
The5ersGenerally allowed; minimal restrictions vs. peers. Scalping restrictions apply.
City Traders ImperiumRestricted — defined window on specific instruments (funding account)
Platforms
The5ersMT4, MT5
City Traders ImperiumMT4, MT5
Payout schedule
The5ersWeekly; on-demand within 1–3 business days
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 | The5ers 73/100 Strong | City Traders Imperium 62/100 Adequate |
|---|---|---|
| Payout split | 80% (scales to higher tiers over time) | 80% (scales with milestones) |
| Max funded | $4,000,000 (via scaling plan) | $4,000,000 (via scaling) |
| Payout cap | None | None |
| Drawdown model | Static max loss from initial balance (never trailing) | Static max loss from initial balance |
| Min trading days | 3 | 5 |
| Challenge fee | ~$500–$700 for $100K Hyper program | Competitive — varies by program type |
| Fee refundable | Yes — refunded with first payout (Hyper program) | Yes — refunded with first payout |
| News trading | Generally allowed; minimal restrictions vs. peers. Scalping restrictions apply. | Restricted — defined window on specific instruments (funding account) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5 |
| Payout schedule | Weekly; on-demand within 1–3 business days | 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 The5ers | Visit City Traders Imperium |
Which one fits?
- The5ers is best for forex traders who already have a proven edge and want to skip the challenge fee entirely by paying for real funded capital from day one.
- 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 The5ers review and City Traders Imperium review for the verified specs and editorial verdict on each.