FTMO Futures Launch (Beta): Growth vs Pro Accounts Explained

After dominating the CFD prop firm space for years, the industry giant has officially entered a new arena. FTMO Futures has launched in beta, offering traders a direct pathway to trade regulated futures markets with simulated capital up to $450,000.

This move comes at a crucial time. With the ongoing turbulence surrounding MetaQuotes and CFD regulations, FTMO’s expansion into futures—alongside their highly anticipated return to the US market—is a massive development for traders worldwide.

But is FTMO Futures right for you? They have completely overhauled their traditional evaluation model, introducing two entirely new account types: Growth and Pro. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the rules, platforms, drawdowns, and payout structures.

Supported Platforms & Trading Hours

Before diving into the rules, it is important to note that MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are not supported for FTMO Futures.

Traders will execute on platforms built specifically for futures order flow:

• NinjaTrader
• Tradovate
• TradingView (via integration)

Trading Hours Restriction: Unlike some of FTMO's swing CFD accounts, FTMO Futures does not allow overnight or weekend holding. All positions and pending orders must be closed by 4:10 p.m. ET (or earlier, depending on the specific CME instrument's closing time).

The Account Types: Growth vs. Pro

FTMO Futures utilizes a two-step process. Traders must pass an Evaluation phase to reach a Sim-Funded Account, where they become eligible for real payouts.

To cater to different risk appetites, FTMO has split the program into two distinct account types. Understanding the difference is critical before purchasing a challenge.

1. The Growth Account (The Conservative Path)

The Growth account is designed for traders who want a more forgiving risk environment, even if it means smaller initial payouts.

• Daily Loss Limit: There is no daily loss limit during the Evaluation phase. Once you reach the Sim-Funded stage, it features a "soft" daily limit (similar to a pause button) rather than a hard breach.
• Consistency Rule: 40% (Evaluation only). Your best day cannot make up more than 40% of your total profit. Note: The consistency rule disappears once you are funded.
• Withdrawals: You can withdraw 50% of your generated profits, subject to lower payout caps ($2,500 – $4,000 depending on account size).
• Payout Frequency: Every 4 days.

2. The Pro Account (The Aggressive Path)

The Pro account is for disciplined traders who can manage strict daily limits in exchange for maximum payout potential.

• Daily Loss Limit: A hard daily loss limit applies during both the Evaluation and Sim-Funded stages. Breaching it results in instant account failure.
• Consistency Rule: 50% (Evaluation only).
• Withdrawals: You can withdraw 100% of your generated profits, with much higher payout caps ($5,000 – $8,000).
• Payout Frequency: Every 5 days.

The Drawdown Rule: End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing

Perhaps the most significant shift for FTMO is the adoption of the End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing Drawdown for both the Growth and Pro accounts.

If you are coming from FTMO's CFD accounts, you are used to a static maximum drawdown. In the futures industry, trailing drawdowns are standard, but they are often calculated intraday (meaning open, unrealized profits count against you).

FTMO has opted for the much more trader-friendly EOD model. Your maximum drawdown limit only trails based on your account equity at the end of the trading day. This gives you the breathing room to let volatile trades play out intraday without your drawdown limit ratcheting up and stopping you out prematurely.

The "Beta" Phase: What Does it Mean?

FTMO Futures is currently in a Beta phase. While this means the technical infrastructure is still being refined, FTMO has explicitly stated that Trading Objectives are locked in at purchase. The rules, targets, and limits on your specific account will not change mid-evaluation.

Additionally, while the standard path leads to a Sim-Funded account (where you trade simulated funds and FTMO pays you based on performance), FTMO reserves the right to invite top-performing traders to a Live-Funded Account. This is by invitation only and represents the ultimate tier of their new futures program.

The Verdict

FTMO's entry into futures is a massive win for the prop trading community. By offering EOD trailing drawdowns, dropping the consistency rule for funded traders, and bringing their renowned payout reliability to Tradovate and NinjaTrader, they are immediately challenging established futures firms like Topstep.

If you struggle with daily loss limits, the Growth account is a fantastic entry point. If you want maximum capital extraction and have tight risk control, the Pro account is the clear choice.

FTMO Futures is available now. Traders can view the exact profit targets and challenge fees at FTMO.com.