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Updated 2026-03-08
City Traders Imperium vs Ultimate Traders: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between City Traders Imperium and Ultimate Traders face a decision between an established firm with comprehensive trading infrastructure versus a newer entrant with minimal operational requirements. The most significant difference lies in trading flexibility — City Traders Imperium offers full EA support, news trading permissions, and multiple platform options, while Ultimate Traders eliminates minimum trading day requirements entirely. This comparison examines their challenge structures, trading rules, technology offerings, and payout systems to help you determine which aligns with your trading strategy and experience level.
CT
City Traders Imperium
Est. 2018 · London, UK
4.2
1,500 reviews
VS
5 wins
6 ties
1 wins
UT
Ultimate Traders
Est. 2023 · N/A
4.2
500 reviews
Feature
City Traders Imperium
Ultimate Traders
Challenge Price ($100K)
$412
N/A
Phase 1 Profit Target
8%
N/A
Max Total Loss
5%
N/A
Min Trading Days
3 days
None✓ No minimum
Time Limit (Phase 1)
No limit
No limit
Payout Split
80% (up to 100%)
N/A
Payout Frequency
weekly✓ Faster payouts
N/A
Platforms
MT5, Match-Trader✓ More platform options
N/A
City Traders Imperium
Pros
+Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
+Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
+Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
+Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
+24/7 multilingual customer support with 1-hour first response time
Cons
−No refunds available once any trading activity occurs on the account
−Limited information about specific trading instruments and leverage ratios
−Relatively high instant funding fees compared to challenge options
−VIP benefits require meeting specific performance criteria
Ultimate Traders
Pros
+No maximum time limits for challenges allowing traders to work at their own pace
+Choice between 1-step or 2-step challenge process for flexibility
+Retain up to 90% of trading gains
+Challenges run on real servers for authentic trading experience
+Fee refund available after successful completion and funded phase
Cons
−No refunds given once login details are provided after payment
−Limited information available about specific trading rules and restrictions
−Relatively new firm founded in 2023 with less established track record
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
City Traders Imperium suits active traders who rely on automated strategies, news trading, or require multiple platform options. With weekly payouts, full EA permissions, and MT5/Match-Trader access, it's built for traders who want comprehensive trading infrastructure and faster access to profits. The firm's 2018 founding and 1,500 Trustpilot reviews also provide more operational track record than newer competitors.
Ultimate Traders appeals primarily to traders who want to avoid minimum trading day requirements, but the firm's limited disclosed information makes it difficult to recommend for serious funded trading. With no clear data on payout systems, platform access, or trading rules, Ultimate Traders presents too many unknowns despite eliminating the 3-day minimum trading requirement.
For most traders, City Traders Imperium offers the better overall package. The weekly payouts, established operations, and comprehensive trading permissions outweigh Ultimate Traders' single advantage of no minimum trading days, especially when Ultimate Traders lacks transparency on fundamental aspects like profit targets and payout structures.
Choose City Traders Imperium if:
→Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
→Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
→Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
→Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
Choose Ultimate Traders if:
→No maximum time limits for challenges allowing traders to work at their own pace
→Choice between 1-step or 2-step challenge process for flexibility
→Retain up to 90% of trading gains
→Challenges run on real servers for authentic trading experience
Disclaimer:This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge. This is not financial advice. Updated 2026-03-08.