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Head-to-Head Comparison

FTMO vs City Traders Imperium (2026): Which Prop Firm Is Better?

We compare FTMO against City Traders Imperium across challenge fees, profit splits, platforms, rules, and payout speed. Read our data-driven breakdown to find out which funded account provider suits your trading style in 2026.

FTMO logo

FTMO

9/10
80% split·Up to $200,000
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City Traders Imperium logo

City Traders Imperium

8.6/10
80%–100% split·Up to $100,000
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Our Verdict

Both FTMO and City Traders Imperium are strong prop trading firms with distinct strengths. FTMO is best for forex traders, while City Traders Imperium excels for forex traders, instant funding seekers. Your choice should depend on whether you prioritize one of the most established prop firms (since 2015) or official homepage covers 1-step, 2-step, 3-step, and instant funding under one brand.

Quick Comparison

MetricFTMOCity Traders ImperiumWinner
Founded20152018Draw
Overall Rating9/108.6/10FTMO
Profit Split80%80%–100%City Traders Imperium
Max Account Size$200,000$100,000FTMO
Lowest Challenge Fee$155$29City Traders Imperium
Payout FrequencyOn demand after 14 daysWeekly and on-demand via VIP tiers; bi-weekly on standard instant accountsDraw
Minimum Payout$20 bank / $50 crypto2% profit threshold on funded payoutsDraw
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtradeMT5, Match-TraderFTMO
InstrumentsForex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, StocksForex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoFTMO
Challenge Types24City Traders Imperium
HeadquartersPrague, Czech RepublicDubai, United Arab EmiratesDraw

FTMO vs City Traders Imperium: Challenge Fees Compared

FTMO offers 5 account tiers with fees starting from $155. City Traders Imperium counters with 6 options starting from $29. City Traders Imperium is the more affordable entry point. Remember to also factor in profit split, drawdown rules, and payout speed when evaluating total value.

FTMO Fees

$10,000€155
$25,000€250
$50,000€345
$100,000€540
$200,000€1,080

City Traders Imperium Fees

$2,500From $29
$5,000$41 (official current homepage promo)
$10,000$76 (official current homepage promo)
$25,000$139 (official current homepage promo)
$50,000$280 (official current homepage promo)
$100,000$412 (official current homepage promo)

Trading Rules: FTMO vs City Traders Imperium

Understanding the rules is critical before purchasing any challenge. FTMO enforces a max drawdown of 10% trailing / 10% static and daily drawdown of 3% / 5%, with a profit target of 10% / 10% + 5%. City Traders Imperium sets a max drawdown at $100 (3-Step) to plan-based and daily drawdown at Plan-based, requiring traders to hit Varies by model. Stricter drawdown limits typically indicate a more conservative risk approach.

RuleFTMOCity Traders Imperium
Max Drawdown10% trailing / 10% static$100 (3-Step) to plan-based
Daily Drawdown3% / 5%Plan-based
Profit Target10% / 10% + 5%Varies by model
Profit Split80%80%–100%

Platform & Tools Comparison

FTMO supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade. City Traders Imperium provides access to MT5, Match-Trader. FTMO offers more platform variety.

MT4
FTMO: ✓City: ✗
MT5
FTMO: ✓City: ✓
cTrader
FTMO: ✓City: ✗
DXtrade
FTMO: ✓City: ✗
Match-Trader
FTMO: ✗City: ✓

Pros & Cons

FTMO

One of the most established prop firms (since 2015)
Paid out over $500 million in rewards
Now offering both 1-Step and 2-Step evaluations
Up to 90% profit split with scaling
Wide range of tradeable instruments
2-step evaluation process takes longer
Strict daily drawdown rules (5%)
No news trading on some accounts
Higher challenge fees compared to newer firms

City Traders Imperium

Official homepage covers 1-step, 2-step, 3-step, and instant funding under one brand
Supports both MT5 and Match-Trader
VIP programme can raise profit share to 100%
CTI has operated since 2018
Academy access and account tools are bundled with challenges
Rules vary significantly by challenge model
Homepage pricing can change quickly with active promo campaigns
Payout cadence differs between standard and VIP/instant accounts
Model complexity can overwhelm first-time prop buyers

Expert Analysis

When placing FTMO and City Traders Imperium side-by-side, two distinct funded-account philosophies emerge. FTMO, operating since 2015 out of Prague, Czech Republic, has built its model around 1-Step Challenge and 2-Step Challenge evaluations with a 80% profit split and accounts up to $200,000. Their platform offering (MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade) covers Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Stocks. City Traders Imperium, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates since 2018, takes a different approach with 1-Step Challenge and 2-Step Challenge models, offering 80%–100% profit sharing on accounts up to $100,000. They support MT5, Match-Trader across Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto. The Bottom Line: If you value one of the most established prop firms (since 2015), FTMO is the logical choice. If you prefer official homepage covers 1-step, 2-step, 3-step, and instant funding under one brand and want access to MT5, City Traders Imperium earns our recommendation.

Category Winners

Lowest Entry Cost
City Traders Imperium
Based on the cheapest available challenge fee.
Highest Profit Split
City Traders Imperium
Based on the maximum profit-sharing percentage.
Platform Variety
FTMO
Assessed by total number of supported trading platforms.
Market Coverage
FTMO
Determined by the number of tradeable instrument categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FTMO better than City Traders Imperium?

Both FTMO and City Traders Imperium are strong prop trading firms with distinct strengths. FTMO is best for forex traders, while City Traders Imperium excels for forex traders, instant funding seekers. Your choice should depend on whether you prioritize one of the most established prop firms (since 2015) or official homepage covers 1-step, 2-step, 3-step, and instant funding under one brand.

Which prop firm has a higher profit split: FTMO or City Traders Imperium?

FTMO offers a 80% profit split, while City Traders Imperium offers 80%–100%. City Traders Imperium gives traders a larger share of profits.

Which prop firm is cheaper: FTMO or City Traders Imperium?

FTMO's lowest challenge fee is $155, while City Traders Imperium starts at $29. City Traders Imperium is the more affordable option.

What platforms do FTMO and City Traders Imperium support?

FTMO supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade. City Traders Imperium supports MT5, Match-Trader.

Are FTMO and City Traders Imperium legitimate prop firms?

Yes, both are legitimate prop trading firms. FTMO was founded in 2015 and is based in Prague, Czech Republic. City Traders Imperium was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Always verify the latest terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge.

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