FTMO vs City Traders Imperium: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between FTMO and City Traders Imperium face a classic trade-off between established reputation and more lenient challenge conditions. FTMO offers the security of a proven track record with 40,000 Trustpilot reviews and deeper drawdown limits, while City Traders Imperium provides easier entry requirements with an 8% profit target and no daily loss limits. This comparison examines their challenge costs, evaluation phases, risk parameters, and payout structures to help you determine which firm aligns with your trading style and risk tolerance.
F
FTMO
Est. 2015 · Prague, Czech Republic
4.8
40,000 reviews
VS
3 wins
1 ties
10 wins
CT
City Traders Imperium
Est. 2018 · London, UK
4.2
1,500 reviews
Feature
FTMO
City Traders Imperium
Challenge Price ($100K)
$540
$412✓ Lower entry cost
Phase 1 Profit Target
10%
8%✓ Easier to pass
Phase 2 Profit Target
5%
None (single-phase)✓ Single-phase evaluation
Max Daily Loss
5%
No limit✓ No daily loss limit
Max Total Loss
10%✓ More drawdown room
5%
Min Trading Days
4 days
3 days✓ More flexible
Time Limit (Phase 1)
30 days
No limit✓ No time limit
Payout Split
80% (up to 90%)
80% (up to 100%)✓ Higher profit split
FTMO
Pros
+Most established and trusted brand in prop trading (est. 2015)
+Free retry policy if profit target met but other rule breached
+Strong payout track record — $500M+ total paid to traders
+Performance coaching and FTMO Academy included
Cons
−News trading restricted (2 min buffer around major events)
−Higher challenge prices than most competitors at same account sizes
−Scaling plan slower than rivals (25% increase every 4 months)
−Maximum initial allocation capped at $200K before scaling
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
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
City Traders Imperium suits aggressive traders and scalpers who need flexibility in their trading approach. With no daily loss limits, an 8% profit target versus FTMO's 10%, and a single evaluation phase, it removes many of the constraints that trip up active traders. The $412 challenge cost is also $128 cheaper than FTMO's $540 for the $100K account.
FTMO remains the better choice for conservative traders and those prioritizing firm stability. The 10% maximum drawdown (versus City Traders Imperium's 5%) provides crucial breathing room for position sizing and recovery. With 4.8/5 stars from 40,000 reviews compared to City Traders Imperium's 4.2/5 from 1,500 reviews, FTMO has demonstrated reliability at scale.
For most traders, City Traders Imperium offers the clearer path to funding with its more achievable requirements, making it the better choice unless you specifically need the deeper drawdown protection that FTMO provides.
Choose FTMO if:
→Most established and trusted brand in prop trading (est. 2015)
→Free retry policy if profit target met but other rule breached
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.