FTMO vs SurgeTrader
The main difference between FTMO and SurgeTrader is drawdown type: FTMO uses static (floor never moves) while SurgeTrader uses static (floor never moves). FTMO charges from €155, SurgeTrader from $200. Profit splits: 80-90% vs 75-90%. Updated March 2026.
FTMO uses static (floor never moves) with a 5% daily loss limit and 80-90% profit split. SurgeTrader uses static (floor never moves) with a 5% daily loss limit and 75-90% profit split. FTMO starts from €155; SurgeTrader from $200.
Both firms use the same drawdown type (static (floor never moves)), so the decision comes down to fees, profit split, trading restrictions, and the markets you trade. Both offer the same maximum profit split of 90%.
| FTMO | SurgeTrader | |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Type | 2-step | 1-step |
| Drawdown Type | Static (floor never moves) | Static (floor never moves) |
| Daily Loss Limit | 5% | 5% |
| Max Drawdown | 10% | 8% |
| Profit Target | 10% | 10% |
| Min Trading Days | 4 | None |
| Profit Split | 80-90% | 75-90% |
| Payout Frequency | Every 14 days | Monthly (no longer operational) |
| News Trading | allowed | restricted |
| Overnight Holding | Yes | Yes |
| Weekend Holding | Yes | No |
| EA / Bots | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Markets | forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto | forex, indices, commodities, crypto |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | MT4, MT5 |
| Cheapest Account | €155 ($10,000) | $200 ($25,000) |
Scalping / Day Trading
Both work for day trading.
Swing Trading
FTMO is better — allows weekend holding. SurgeTrader requires you to flatten before close.
Budget-Conscious
FTMO is cheaper to start (€155 vs $200).
FTMO is the better fit if you focus on forex and CFDs. The static drawdown means every dollar of profit adds to your safety cushion, making it ideal for traders who build equity gradually and want protection from losing streaks.
- +Static drawdown — floor never moves up
- +No time limit to pass challenge
- +Allows overnight and weekend holding
- +Most trusted brand in the industry
FTMO supports MT4, MT5, cTrader and processes payouts every 14 days. News trading is fully allowed, so you can trade NFP, FOMC, and CPI without restrictions. Both overnight and weekend holding are permitted, giving swing traders full flexibility. Automated trading with EAs is permitted.
SurgeTrader is the better fit if you focus on forex and CFDs. The static drawdown means every dollar of profit adds to your safety cushion, making it ideal for traders who build equity gradually and want protection from losing streaks.
- +Was one of the first 1-step evaluation firms
- +Had accounts up to $1M
- +Static drawdown model
SurgeTrader supports MT4, MT5 and processes payouts monthly (no longer operational).
Choosing between FTMO and SurgeTrader comes down to three things: the markets you trade, how much drawdown flexibility you need, and your budget. If you trade stocks, FTMO is your only option here. If you trade , go with SurgeTrader. FTMO is cheaper to get started at €155 vs $200.
Both firms use static (floor never moves), so focus on the other differences: daily loss limits (5% vs 5%), profit split (90% vs 90%), and trading restrictions. If you are still undecided, take the firm finder quiz for a personalized recommendation based on your trading style, risk tolerance, and budget.