SurgeTrader vs. FTMO: Which Prop Firm is Best? • Benzinga (2024)

As proprietary trading (prop trading for short) continues to grow in popularity, you might be looking to ply your trading skills with a firm. What trader wouldn’t be attracted to leveraging their skills with someone else’s capital for potentially high profits with little risk?

Finding a proprietary trading firm that fits your trading style can be a challenge.

Two of the most popular prop trading firms are SurgeTrader and FTMO. Here’s a helpful comparison of SurgeTrader versus FTMO to help you decide whether one of these platforms might take your trading mastery to a new level.

Table of Contents

  • What Is SurgeTrader?
  • Who SurgeTrader Is Best For
  • What Is FTMO?
  • Who FTMO Is Best For
  • Comparing SurgeTrader and FTMO
  • Evaluation Process
  • Profit Splits
  • Tradable Assets
  • Trading Platforms
  • Costs and Leverage
  • Trading Conditions and Restrictions
  • Customer Support
  • Safety and Regulations
  • Which Prop Firm Comes Out on Top?
  • Find the Firm That Fits Your Trading Goals
  • Frequently Asked Questions

What Is SurgeTrader?

SurgeTrader is a proprietary trading firm founded in 2021. With capital backing from Valo Holdings, the firm's primary objective is offering clients long-term success.

As one of the newer firms on the block, SurgeTrader has made waves by changing the rules.

Some key features positively reviewed by clients include a transparent fee structure, scaled account options and straightforward, simple trading rules. For example, the drawdown limits and profit targets stay the same regardless of the account size chosen.

Who SurgeTrader Is Best For

If you’re an experienced trader who values flexibility in your strategy, SurgeTrader might be a good choice. The firm doesn’t encumber traders with strict trading rules, going so far as to encourage clients to use the strategy that works best for them.

What Is FTMO?

FTMO, which stands for Forex Trading Money Online, is a proprietary trading firm started by three traders in Prague. It was born from a desire to give traders more than access to a funded trading account.

Hand-in-hand with more funding, the dual needs of discipline and feedback led to FTMO establishing a multistep evaluation process, educational support and diverse account options. The goal is to turn confused newcomers into confident, professional traders.

Who FTMO Is Best For

FTMO is best for serious traders. FTMO’s value proposition is its extensive education resources, scalability in managing account balances up to $400,000 and profit-sharing of 80%.

The platform has trading conditions that help you demonstrate that you can manage risk and are disciplined and experienced. Moreover, the company rewards traders who meet its standards by increasing their funded trading accounts by 25% and changing their payout to 90%.

Comparing SurgeTrader and FTMO

While SurgeTrader invites everyone to the table with its simplicity, FTMO seeks to turn the people on its platform into better traders.

Evaluation Process

SurgeTrader and FTMO both invite everyone from beginners to seasoned traders to join their platforms, but their evaluation processes differ. SurgeTrader’s process is simplified and trader-friendly, while FTMO’s is more rigorous.

SurgeTrader offers an audition phase in one or two steps, with the only real difference in trading plans being the funding level. Once you qualify, you receive funds.

FTMO has a more challenging two-step evaluation that requires you to showcase your trading skills and discipline. If you pass, you must be verified before trading on the platform.

Profit Splits

Beyond the evaluation process, SurgeTrader and FTMO also diverge in how they split profits.

As a trader, you can initially keep 75%, with SurgeTrade taking 25%, and your managed account is capped at $500,000. With FTMO, the initial profit split is 80% for you and 20% for the company, with a managed account maximum of $400,000.

Both firms offer successful traders the opportunity to reach a 90/10 profit split. The most successful traders could eventually graduate to managing account sizes of $1 million on SurgeTrader and $2 million on FTMO.

Profit SplitsSurgeTraderFTMO
Managed amount$500,000$400,000
% of profit split75%80%

Tradable Assets

SurgeTrader and FTMO both offer numerous tradable assets, although they are somewhat limited. Giving traders access to a wide range of assets allows them to diversify their portfolios, guarding against volatility and creating the opportunity for gains across a spectrum of assets.

AssetSurgeTraderFTMO
StocksYesYes
ForexYesYes
CryptocurrencyYesYes
FuturesNoNo
Stock optionsNoNo
MetalsYesYes
ETFsNoNo
EnergyYesYes
IndicesYesYes
BondsYesYes
Mutual fundsNoNo

Trading Platforms

Trading platforms must be robust and agile and meet strict regulatory requirements. They offer tools for market analysis, trade execution and risk management.

PlatformSurgeTraderFTMO
MT4YesYes
MT5YesYes
NinjaTraderNoNo
cTraderNoYes
OtherNoYes

Costs and Leverage

Both SurgeTrader and FTMO offer varying account sizes that have upfront fees. With SurgeTrader, users are charged an audition fee and can pay for add-ons that increase their profit split and maximum leverage, although the leverage split only applies to forex and metals.

FTMO has a one-time evaluation fee based on the size of the account the user opens. Once they’ve selected an account level, it can’t be changed.

For SurgeTrader and FTMO, the leverage levels vary with the asset class.

SurgeTrader offers up to 20:1 for forex and metals and up to 5:1 for stocks and variable leverage for cryptocurrencies. With FTMO, traders can access leverage up to 100:1 for forex in the normal program. For the aggressive program, the leverage is 30:1.

SurgeTrader

PlanManaged amount (USD)Min. trading days/trading periodProfit target (USD)Daily lossMax. total lossMax. leveragePrice (USD)
Starter$25,000No limit$2,5005%8%10:1; increases up to 20:1 with add-on purchase and applies only to FX and metals$250 (one-time payment)
Intermediate$50,000No limit$5,0005%8%$400
Seasoned$100,000No limit$10,0005%8%$700
Advanced$250,000No limit$25,0005%8%$1,800
Expert$500,000No limit$50,0005%8%$3,500
Master$1,000,000No limit$100,0005%8%$6,500

FTMO

PlanManaged amount (USD)Min. trading daysProfit target (USD)Daily lossMax. total lossMax. leveragePrice
Normal$10,00041,000 (Stage 1); 500 (Stage 2)5%10%10:1155 EUR (one-time payment)
$25,00042,500 (Stage 1); 1,250 (Stage 2)5%10%250 EUR
$50,00045,000 (Stage 1); 2,500 (Stage 2)5%10%345 EUR
$100,000410,000 (Stage 1); 5,000 (Stage 2)5%10%540 EUR
$200,000420,000 (Stage 1); 10,000 (Stage 2)5%10%1,080 EUR
Aggressive$10,00042,0005%10%250 EUR
$25,00045,0005%10%345 EUR
$50,000410,0005%10%540 EUR
$100,000420,0005%10%1,080 EUR

Trading Conditions and Restrictions

FTMO has several delineated rules users must follow during the evaluation process, along with reaching their profit targets. The platform’s requirements for adherence to certain trading rules are much more stringent than SurgeTrader’s straightforward approach.

Customer Support

Quick responses are critical in the fast-paced prop trading world, and SurgeTrader and FTMO provide speedy support for clients. Resolving queries, technical issues and client concerns quickly helps minimize trading disruptions.

SurgeTrader provides 24/7 telephone support, as well as email and chat. With FTMO, you can only call between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central European Time, but you can communicate in 16 languages. FTMO also offers customer service through email, live chat and WhatsApp.

Safety and Regulations

SurgeTrader works through the Melbourne-based brokerage Eightcap Global Ltd., which is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Like most prop firms, FTMO isn’t directly regulated. However, the company focuses on providing a secure trading environment for its users, stressing risk-management practices and conducting independent audits.

Which Prop Firm Comes Out on Top?

In the end, the clash of SurgeTrader versus FTMO isn’t a fair comparison. Neither firm outshines the other, as both platforms offer a unique approach to becoming a better trader. For this reason, both are worth exploring.

Find the Firm That Fits Your Trading Goals

Due diligence is required before jumping into proprietary trading. If you’re considering using SurgeTrader or FTMO, take some time to do your homework before deciding which one best fits your personality and trading style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Why is FTMO banned in the U.S.?

A

The complexity of regulatory and legal requirements made it increasingly challenging for the company to serve clients in the U.S.

Q

Is SurgeTrader regulated?

A

All trader accounts are managed by Eightcap, an Australian brokerage regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Q

Does SurgeTrader have a time limit?

A

No, SurgeTrader doesn’t have a time limit.

SurgeTrader vs. FTMO: Which Prop Firm is Best? • Benzinga (2024)

FAQs

SurgeTrader vs. FTMO: Which Prop Firm is Best? • Benzinga? ›

Key Takeaways. SurgeTrader provides various programs for traders at different skill levels, making them more appealing to a wide range of Forex traders. FTMO is designed for skilled traders, with a detailed evaluation process and advanced resources necessary for success in the Forex market.

Which prop firm is better than FTMO? ›

FTMO 's top competitors in June 2024 are: FunderPro, the5ers and more. FunderPro is currently rank as the number one on the list of top Forex Prop Firms.

Which prop firm is the most reliable? ›

Funder Trading stands first in our list of the top prop trading firms in 2024 due to multiple reasons but notably it is the only prop trading firm that offers options funding and includes coaching for every trader signed up.

Is SurgeTrader legit? ›

In conclusion, SurgeTrader is a reputable and competitive prop trading firm that offers traders the opportunity to trade with larger capital and potentially earn a share of the profits.

What is the best funded trader program? ›

Top 5 Best Funded Trader Programs 2024
  1. Bespoke Funding Program. Bespoke Funding Program is a prop firm where traders come together to help each other grow and succeed. ...
  2. Funded Trading Plus. ...
  3. Trade The Pool. ...
  4. The 5ers. ...
  5. Instant Funding.
Mar 15, 2024

What is the success rate of FTMO? ›

There is estimated to be a 90% fail rate of traders that take the FTMO challenge. The reason behind this is due to traders chasing the profit target with a time restriction in place. A trader doesnt know when a winning streak might occur, or when they may take a string of drawdowns.

What is the most trusted prop firm in 2024? ›

Topstep is that firm. During their 10 years in the prop trading business, Topstep has become a trader favorite for a number of good reasons. They fund thousands of traders and pay out millions of dollars in trading profits every month.

Which prop firm has the lowest fees? ›

Cheapest Prop Firms Forex 2024 - with $5K Funding Accounts...
  1. The5%ers. The5%ers specializes in providing funding of up to $100,000 to forex traders. ...
  2. FTMO. ...
  3. MyForexFunds. ...
  4. Earn2Trade. ...
  5. The Funded Trader Program. ...
  6. OneUp Trader. ...
  7. Apex Trader Funding. ...
  8. True Trader.
Feb 27, 2024

How do I choose a prop firm? ›

The first question to ask when choosing a prop trading firm is about its reputation and compliance. You want to work with a firm that has a solid reputation in the industry, a clean regulatory history, and transparent and ethical business conduct.

Which prop firm has the fastest payouts? ›

The Top Forex Prop Firms Ranked by Pay-out Frequency
Prop FirmPayout Cycle
Leveled Up SocietyBi-weekly
Bespoke FundingBi-weekly
Goat Funded TraderBi-weekly
Audacity CapitalMonthly
12 more rows

Is FTMo trusted? ›

Having successfully operated since 2015, we provided thousands of clients with their FTMO Accounts, and in total, we have paid out over $160 million. We've also been featured in Forbes and awarded by Deloitte and EY multiple times.

Does SurgeTrader payout? ›

The profit split you get on SurgeTrader is related to the Audition/Challenge. For the 1-Phase and Lightning Auditions, the profit split is 75%/25%. The trader gets a 75% payout and the prop firm keeps 25%. Regarding the 2-Phase Audition, things are even better.

How long has SurgeTrader been around? ›

SurgeTrader was founded in 2021.

Who owns SurgeTrader? ›

SurgeTrader was an early entrant in the retail prop trading / funded trader space, launching in 2021. The company was operated by Valo Holdings Group, controlled by Naples, Florida based entrepreneur and Internet personality Jana Seaman.

Is TopStep better than FTMO? ›

Features Comparison: TopStep vs FTMO

Range of Markets: FTMO offers a wider range of trading instruments compared to TopStep's focus on futures. Profit Sharing: FTMO tends to offer a higher profit share ratio. Educational Support: TopStep provides more structured educational content, especially for futures trading.

Which prop firm has the fastest payout? ›

FunderPro stands out for its rapid payouts in the prop trading industry. With some competitors taking weeks to process payouts, FunderPro prioritizes swift transactions, ensuring traders receive their earnings promptly.

Can you really make money with FTMO? ›

FTMO Account

Therefore, the Trader never gains access to a real "live account" or "margin account" etc. However, the FTMO Trader will receive a real financial reward for his trading on the FTMO Account, as long as his trading is profitable and there is no violation of the contractual conditions.

What is the best platform for FTMO challenge? ›

Some popular platforms among traders include MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, and TradingView. The choice of platform will depend on your trading style, experience level, and the specific requirements of the FTMO challenge.

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