This FTMO challenge comparison is built for traders who want decision-grade details: objectives, drawdown mechanics, time pressure, payout cadence, and what actually changes your probability of getting to your first withdrawal. FTMO frames its service as an educational, simulated trading evaluation (demo accounts with fictitious funds), designed to identify disciplined traders and reward performance on virtual accounts.Blueberry Funded’s Prime Challenge is also an evaluation model, but it emphasizes a simpler objective set (8% then 6% targets) and a clean, published payout cycle once funded, which can reduce planning friction for many strategies. Funded Trading accounts offered by platforms like Blueberry Funded bring the advantage back to the trader.
FTMO Challenge: what you’re really signing up for
FTMO says the FTMO Challenge is the first phase of an Evaluation Process (followed by Verification in the 2‑Step model) and that there is no time limit because the trading period is unlimited. FTMO’s “How to Pass” rules page specifies the four core evaluation objectives for the 2‑Step flow: minimum 4 trading days, 10% profit target in the Challenge and 5% in Verification, maximum daily loss 5% of initial balance, and maximum overall loss 10% of initial balance.
The hidden “pass math” that trips people up
- Daily loss includes floating P&L: FTMO states maximum daily loss is calculated from closed results plus current floating results of open positions, and it references the daily reset at midnight Prague time (CE(S)T).
- Maximum loss includes open + closed: FTMO states maximum loss (10%) is inclusive of results from open as well as closed positions.
- No profit target on the funded stage: FTMO states there is no profit target on the FTMO Account, while the loss rules still apply.
“No time limit” doesn’t mean “instant pass”
FTMO’s FAQ on the 1‑Step product explains there’s no prescribed duration, but it also introduces a Best Day Rule (50%) example—where completing in two days would require exactly 50% of required profit on day 1 and 50% on day 2 to comply with the day-profit contribution limit. The same FAQ states that in practice, three trading days are considered the minimum standard for passing the 1‑Step model.
A 2026-specific angle: FTMO + OANDA in the US
FTMO’s press release states FTMO and OANDA agreed to a strategic partnership to provide US residents access to an educational platform and simulated trading tools, where successful participants can earn rewards through an “FTMO Rewards Account.” The same release states this partnership is separate from FTMO Group’s acquisition of OANDA Global Corporation, which remains subject to regulatory approval.
Blueberry Funded Prime: the “clean rules” alternative
Blueberry’s Help Center describes the Prime Challenge as a structured path “without so many restrictions,” and it publishes the rule set concisely. Prime’s published parameters include: 1:30 leverage, Phase 1 target 8%, Phase 2 target 6%, daily drawdown 4% of initial balance (balance or equity, whichever is higher at end of day), and max overall drawdown 10% static.
Payout cadence and split (where many traders feel the difference)
Blueberry’s payout-structure article states Prime has an 80% profit split and that payouts are available every 14 days once you’re funded, with the option to withdraw each cycle or accumulate profits. It also explicitly states it’s keeping the profit split at 80% with “no tiers, no hoops.”
Scaling (planning for compounding)
Blueberry’s scaling plan states simulated capital increments occur every 3 months, requiring at least 10% net profit over 3 consecutive months and at least 4 payouts within the same 3‑month period, and you must fulfill the 3‑month cycle even if you meet criteria earlier. The same page states the balance increases by 25% every 3 months (when qualified), profit split can upgrade up to 90%, and the maximum allocation can scale up to $2 million.
FTMO vs Blueberry Prime: scorecard for real traders
This section is the heart of the FTMO challenge comparison—not “who’s bigger,” but “who fits your execution style.”
Objective geometry (the numbers you must trade around)
| Metric | FTMO (2-Step evaluation) | Blueberry Funded Prime (2-Step evaluation) |
|---|---|---|
| Time limit | “No time limit” messaging; Phase 1 FAQ says trading period is unlimited. | Prime rules are published in Help Center; positioned for low-restriction planning. |
| Targets | 10% Challenge; 5% Verification. | 8% Phase 1; 6% Phase 2. |
| Minimum days | 4 minimum trading days in the Evaluation Process. | Help Center overview does not list a minimum days number in that article; confirm on Prime page before purchase. |
| Daily loss | 5% of initial balance; includes floating + closed P&L, measured from daily midnight reference. | 4% of initial balance; uses balance or equity (whichever is higher at end of day). |
| Max loss | 10% of initial balance; includes floating + closed. | 10% static maximum overall drawdown. |
| Funded payout cadence | Not stated on the captured pages here (check FTMO rewards pages for exact cadence). | Payouts available every 14 days once funded. |
| Funded split | Describes rewards/profit sharing; mentions 80% initially or up to 90% after scaling. | 80% split on Prime with “no tiers, no hoops.” |
What the table doesn’t show (but your P&L will)
- FTMO’s rules are extremely explicit on how daily loss is calculated using floating P&L and the daily reset reference time, which is great for clarity but unforgiving if you hold volatile positions through the reset.
- Blueberry Prime’s daily drawdown definition uses an end-of-day reference tied to the higher of balance/equity, which can be simpler to reason about if you’re trying to avoid “intraday accidental breaches.”
Which one is “better” (3 scenarios + a pass plan)
A good FTMO challenge comparison ends with execution guidance—because the “best” firm is the one you can follow flawlessly.
Scenario A: You want the most battle-tested objective set
If you want the classic 10%/5% structure with very explicit loss math, FTMO is built for that style and publishes clear definitions for daily loss and max loss (including floating P&L). FTMO also stresses that the entire evaluation is simulated and educational, which sets expectations correctly for what you’re buying.
Scenario B: You want a lower-friction path to regular withdrawals
If your priority is a predictable rhythm—trade, request, withdraw—Blueberry Prime’s stated 14‑day payout availability and fixed 80% split can be easier to plan around than firms that rely on tiered splits or unclear payout windows. Blueberry’s scaling plan is also calendar-based and explicit, which supports long-term compounding behavior.
Scenario C: You’re optimizing for a “boring” system (low stress, fewer edge cases)
Blueberry Prime’s smaller Phase 1 target (8% vs FTMO’s 10%) can reduce the temptation to increase risk just to finish fast, especially for traders who prefer lower variance. That’s one of the most practical reasons Blueberry can stand tall in a head-to-head: it nudges you toward the same behavior that usually produces longevity—patient execution and repeatable sizing.
Mini pass plan you can apply to either firm (no fluff)
- Define a “daily risk budget” that makes it hard to violate daily loss in one bad sequence.
- Trade only inside a fixed session window so your daily reset / end-of-day logic doesn’t surprise you (FTMO’s daily reference is explicitly tied to Prague time).
- Aim to pass over multiple days rather than one “hero day,” especially since FTMO’s 1‑Step FAQ makes clear that very fast passes are rare due to Best Day Rule constraints.
FAQs
What’s the single biggest difference in this FTMO challenge comparison?
FTMO’s evaluation uses a 10% profit target in the Challenge and 5% in Verification, while Blueberry Prime uses 8% and 6% targets. That difference changes the “risk temptation” profile—many traders over-leverage when targets feel far away. Blueberry’s slightly lower first target plus a published 14‑day payout cadence can make it easier to stay disciplined after funding.
Does FTMO still have time limits in 2026?
FTMO’s Challenge page emphasizes “No time limit,” and the Phase 1 FAQ for the 2‑Step product states there is no time limit to reach the profit target because the trading period is unlimited. This reduces deadline pressure, but the evaluation still has strict risk objectives (daily loss and max loss) that can fail you quickly. So “no time limit” helps patience, not sloppy risk.
How do drawdowns differ between FTMO and Blueberry Prime?
FTMO states maximum daily loss is 5% of initial balance and includes floating plus closed P&L, and maximum loss is 10% including floating plus closed. Blueberry Prime states daily drawdown is 4% of initial balance (balance or equity whichever is higher at end of day) and max overall drawdown is 10% static. In practice, you should choose the drawdown model you can track confidently without mental math errors.
Why might Blueberry Funded be the “better incentive” even if FTMO is more famous?
Blueberry Prime states payouts are available every 14 days once funded and the profit split is 80% with “no tiers, no hoops,” which can feel more straightforward than programs with changing tiers or unclear payout gates. Blueberry’s scaling plan is also explicit (3‑month cycles, 25% balance increases when qualified), which supports compounding rather than chasing a one-off payout. For many profitable traders, simplicity is a real incentive because it reduces execution mistakes.
What should US traders know about FTMO right now?
FTMO’s press release states FTMO and OANDA agreed to a strategic partnership to make modern prop trading accessible in the US, offering simulated trading tools and the ability to earn rewards through an FTMO Rewards Account. It also states the partnership is separate from FTMO Group’s acquisition of OANDA Global Corporation, which remains subject to regulatory approval. If you’re US-based, always verify which domain/product applies to your location before purchasing.
