FTMO vs. FXIFY – One-Step Evaluations

For traders seeking a direct path to funding, one-step evaluations offer a faster alternative to traditional two-phase challenges. This analysis pits the industry titan, FTMO, against the versatile newcomer, FXIFY, focusing exclusively on their one-step programs. We will dissect their rules, funded terms, and unique philosophies to determine which firm offers the best opportunity for your trading style.

1. Program Overview & Core Philosophy

FTMO: The Established Benchmark
While FTMO is famously known for its two-step evaluation, it does not offer a traditional one-step program. To provide a comparison, we will analyze its closest equivalent: the first phase of its two-step challenge, which is a self-contained profit target. FTMO’s philosophy is built on discipline, consistency, and long-term professionalism. Their structure is designed to identify traders who can perform steadily over time, not just in short bursts.

FXIFY: The Modern & Flexible Challenger
FXIFY offers a dedicated One-phase Evaluation, designed explicitly for speed and efficiency. Their model emphasizes flexibility, offering traders modern features like on-demand payouts and customizable add-ons. FXIFY’s philosophy is to empower traders with control and quick access to capital, catering to a generation that values agility.

2. Trading Objectives & Rule Comparison

This is where the fundamental differences in challenge design become apparent.

Trading Rule	FTMO (Phase 1 of Two-step)	FXIFY (One-phase Evaluation)
Profit Target	10%	10%
Maximum Daily Loss	5%	3%
Maximum Loss	10% (Static, Balance-Based)	6% (Trailing Drawdown)
Minimum Trading Days	4 Days	5 Days
Time Limit	Unlimited	Unlimited

Key Takeaways on Rules:

The Drawdown Duel: Static vs. Trailing
- FTMO uses a 10% static, balance-based maximum loss. This is a fixed line in the sand. On a $100,000 account, your breach level is always $90,000. This is considered more trader-friendly as it provides a stable safety net that doesn’t move.
- FXIFY uses a 6% trailing drawdown. This is a dynamic limit that follows your peak equity. It requires more active management, as a period of drawdown after a new high can bring you closer to the breach point. However, it locks in profits as a buffer.
Daily Loss Limit: A Major Differentiator
- FXIFY’s 3% maximum daily loss is significantly tighter than FTMO’s 5%. This demands more precise risk management on a day-to-day basis and limits the ability to recover from a single bad trade.
Minimum Trading Days:
- Both firms enforce a minimum trading period (FTMO: 4 days, FXIFY: 5 days) to ensure consistency and prevent “lucky” one-day passes.

Challenge Difficulty Verdict: While the profit target is the same, FXIFY’s One-phase Evaluation is arguably more challenging due to its tighter daily loss limit and the psychological pressure of a trailing drawdown. FTMO’s structure offers more room to maneuver.

3. The Funded Account Experience

What you get after passing is more important than the challenge itself.

Funded Feature	FTMO (Upon Full Completion)	FXIFY (One-phase Evaluation)
Profit Split	80% (Scaling to 90%)	80% (Up to 90% with Add-on)
First Payout	14 Calendar Days	On-Demand
Future Payout Frequency	Bi-weekly	Monthly (Bi-weekly with Add-on)
Minimum Withdrawal	None	None
Drawdown on Funded Account	5% Daily / 10% Max (Static)	4% Daily / 10% Max (Trailing)

Key Takeaways on Payouts & Splits:

Payout Speed: FXIFY is the Clear Winner. The on-demand payout system is a massive advantage. You can request a withdrawal immediately after making a profit, providing unparalleled liquidity. FTMO’s 14-day waiting period is standard but less flexible.
Profit Split: Both firms offer a path to a 90% profit split, which is top-tier in the industry.
Funded Account Rules: Note that upon becoming fully funded with FTMO (after both phases), the drawdown remains the generous static model. FXIFY’s funded account uses a trailing drawdown, which is more restrictive than its challenge phase.

4. Scaling Plan: Growing Your Capital

A firm’s scaling plan shows its commitment to your long-term growth.

FTMO Scaling Plan:
- Model: After 4 profitable months with an average 10% return and at least two payouts, you qualify for a 25% balance increase. The profit split also increases to 90% after the first scale-up.
- Verdict: A structured, milestone-based approach that rewards consistent long-term performance. It’s a proven and reliable model.
FXIFY Scaling Plan:
- Model: If profitable for 2 out of 3 months with a 10% average return, you qualify for a 25% balance increase.
- Verdict: Slightly faster than FTMO’s (3 months vs. 4), allowing for quicker growth for consistently profitable traders.

Scaling Verdict: Both are excellent. FXIFY offers a marginally faster path to scaling, while FTMO’s is more deeply integrated with its profit split increase.

5. Unique Features & Differentiators

FTMO’s Unique Advantages:

Unmatched Reputation: The highest Trustpilot score (4.8/5) and longest track record in the industry.
Superior Educational Resources: Extensive academy, blog, and access to trading psychologists.
Static Drawdown: The most trader-friendly drawdown model on both challenge and funded accounts.
Premium Programme: An exclusive program for top-performing traders with enhanced benefits.

FXIFY’s Unique Advantages:

On-Demand Payouts: The single biggest feature for traders who need fast access to profits.
Add-on System: Customize your account with higher leverage (1:50), bi-weekly payouts, 90% split, and even “Performance Protection” from the start.
Raw Spread Accounts: Option for traders who prefer a commission-based model over wider spreads.
News Trading Allowed: A critical advantage for traders who base their strategies on economic events.

Final Verdict: Which One-Step Program is for You?

Choose FTMO if:

You value stability and reputation above all. FTMO is the industry gold standard for a reason.
You prefer a static drawdown. The psychological comfort of a fixed loss limit is your top priority.
You are a patient, long-term thinker. You are comfortable with a structured timeline and see prop trading as a career.
You want access to world-class educational resources and support.

Choose FXIFY’s One-phase Evaluation if:

Speed and flexibility are your priorities. You need on-demand payouts and the ability to customize your account with add-ons.
You are a news trader. The ability to trade during high-impact events is non-negotiable for your strategy.
You are confident in managing a trailing drawdown and a tighter daily loss limit.
You want a faster scaling plan and are comfortable with a newer, though highly-rated, firm.

In summary, the choice is a classic one: the proven, stable giant versus the agile, feature-rich innovator.

FTMO is the low-risk, high-reputability choice for the disciplined career trader.
FXIFY is the high-flexibility, high-control choice for the modern, independent trader.

Don’t forget to use the provided discount codes:

FTMO: TraffiliatesFX for a 5% discount.
FXIFY: TraffiliatesFX for a 15% discount.

6. Deep Dive: The Psychology of Risk & Drawdown Management

Understanding the psychological impact of each drawdown model is crucial for long-term success and is a core differentiator between these two firms.

FTMO’s 10% Static Drawdown: The “Safety Net”

Psychological Benefit: This model provides immense psychological comfort. Once you build a profit cushion, the static breach level feels far away. This allows traders to let profitable trades run longer and endure normal market volatility without the fear of a moving goalpost. For example, if you grow a $100,000 account to $110,000, your breach level remains at $90,000, giving you a $20,000 buffer.
Strategic Implication: This model favors “home-run” strategies and traders with a high tolerance for drawdowns. It encourages a focus on absolute profit over the preservation of every single equity peak. You can be more patient with your winners.

FXIFY’s 6% Trailing Drawdown: The “Lock-In” Pressure

Psychological Challenge: The trailing mechanism creates a unique form of pressure. After you hit a new equity high, your safety net rises. This can lead to overly conservative trading after a profitable run, as the fear of giving back “locked-in” progress becomes intense.
Strategic Implication: This model rewards consistency and punishes volatility. It strongly favors “grinder” strategies that focus on steady, smaller gains. Traders must be meticulous about closing trades to secure equity peaks and are often forced to be more active in managing drawdown.

Verdict: For trader psychology and strategic flexibility, FTMO’s static drawdown is superior. It reduces stress and allows for a wider range of trading styles.

7. The Broker & Trading Infrastructure

The quality of trade execution, spreads, and platform stability can make or break a strategy.

Aspect	FTMO	FXIFY
Broker Partners	Multiple Tier-1 Liquidity Providers (Undisclosed)	FXPIG
Available Platforms	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, DXtrade	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, DXtrade
Key Implication	Proven Reliability & Choice. FTMO’s long-standing relationships with multiple top-tier providers suggest deep liquidity, potentially tighter spreads, and high execution reliability. The platform choice is extensive, catering to all preferences.	Focused Partnership. FXPIG is a well-regarded broker, but FTMO’s multi-broker, tier-1 setup is generally perceived as the industry’s most robust infrastructure.

Analysis:

If maximum execution confidence and platform choice are critical, FTMO has a proven, unmatched track record.
FXIFY’s setup with FXPIG is solid, but it doesn’t carry the same level of market-proven infrastructure as FTMO’s.

8. The “Hidden” Costs: Understanding Fees & Commissions

While the evaluation fee is clear, ongoing trading costs directly eat into profits.

FTMO:
- Commission: A clear $3 per lot per side on Forex.
- Implication: This is simple and transparent. A round turn costs $6 per lot. This cost structure is predictable, which is ideal for high-frequency traders and scalpers who need to calculate costs precisely.
FXIFY:
- Commission: Offers both “All-in” (zero commission) and “Raw” spread accounts.
- Implication: The “All-in” account has no commission but likely has wider spreads. The “Raw” account has tighter spreads but a commission. Traders must analyze which model is cheaper for their specific strategy and trading volume.

Strategic Cost Consideration:

Scalpers/HFT Traders: Might prefer FTMO’s fixed commission or FXIFY’s Raw account for cost certainty and lower all-in costs.
Swing/Position Traders: Might prefer FXIFY’s “All-in” account as they trade less frequently and are less impacted by wider spreads.

9. The Support & Community Ecosystem

A firm’s support system and community can be a significant lifeline and resource.

FTMO:
- Trustpilot: 4.8/5 (Exceptional) from over 22,500 reviews. This is arguably the strongest reputation in the prop firm industry.
- Community & Education: Massive, established community on Discord (91k+). Unmatched educational resources through the FTMO Academy, including webinars, articles, and access to trading psychologists.
- Analysis: FTMO operates like a university for traders. The support and resources are institutional-grade.
FXIFY:
- Trustpilot: 4.1/5 (Great) from over 3,200 reviews. Shows a positive and growing reputation.
- Community & Education: A large and active Discord server (39k+). However, the review notes that FXIFY does not provide extensive educational content.
- Analysis: FXIFY’s community is vibrant but more self-directed. The support is for account-related issues, not necessarily for learning how to trade.

Analysis:

For continuous learning and psychological support, FTMO is in a league of its own.
For peer-to-peer interaction and responsive account support, both firms are strong, but FTMO’s resources are more comprehensive.

10. Final Strategic Decision Matrix

Use this matrix to guide your final choice based on your personal trading profile:

Your Profile	Recommended Firm	Primary Reason
The Risk-Averse & Disciplined Trader	FTMO	The 10% static drawdown provides the ultimate safety net for long-term growth.
The News & Economic Event Trader	FXIFY	News trading is allowed, which is a non-negotiable advantage for this style.
The Trader Needing Fast Profit Access	FXIFY	On-demand payouts provide crucial liquidity and control.
The Newer Trader Seeking Education	FTMO	Unmatched academy, resources, and psychological support.
The High-Frequency Trader/Scalper	FTMO	Fixed commission model and proven tier-1 liquidity ensure stable, predictable costs.
The Customizer & Tech Enthusiast	FXIFY	The add-on system (leverage, payout frequency) allows for a personalized experience.
The Trader Who Values Proven Track Records	FTMO	The highest trust rating and longest operational history in the industry.

Ultimate Conclusion: A Tale of Two Philosophies

Your choice between FTMO and FXIFY is fundamentally a choice of identity and what you value most in a partnership.

Choosing FTMO is a commitment to a structured, professional trading career. You are aligning with the industry benchmark that provides a stable, educational, and psychologically supportive environment. It’s the “blue-chip” choice for the disciplined trader focused on long-term, sustainable growth.
Choosing FXIFY is an embrace of modern flexibility and control. You prioritize immediate access to your earnings, the freedom to trade news, and the ability to tailor your account to your exact needs. It’s the “agile” choice for the confident, independent trader who operates with speed and precision.

There is no wrong answer, only the right fit. For sheer reputation, stability, and educational depth, FTMO remains the king. For cutting-edge features, flexibility, and speed, FXIFY presents a compelling and powerful challenge.

Final Reminder: