FTMO and FXIFY both accept South African traders, but they suit different people. This comparison covers the rules, costs, payouts and platforms that decide which firm is the better fit for you, based on each firm’s published terms as of September 2026.
Quick verdict
Choose FTMO if you prioritise payout reliability and a static drawdown. Choose FXIFY if you want TradingView execution and many program choices.
Side-by-side comparison
| FTMO | FXIFY | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 | 2023 |
| Headquarters | Prague, Czech Republic | United Kingdom |
| Evaluation | 2-Step (10% / 5%) or 1-Step (10%) | One, Two and Three Phase, Lightning, Instant |
| Daily loss | 5% (2-Step); 3% (1-Step) | 3% (One Phase); 5% (Three Phase) |
| Maximum loss | 10% static (2-Step); 10% trailing (1-Step) | 6% trailing that locks (One Phase); static or trailing on Two Phase variants |
| Consistency rule | None on 2-Step; 50% Best Day Rule on 1-Step | Up to 25% best day on some funded accounts |
| Time limit | None | None |
| Cheapest entry | €89 ($10K) | $39 ($5K) |
| Profit split | 80%, up to 90% via scaling | 80%; 90% add-on; 100% on some plans |
| Payout frequency | First after 14 days, then bi-weekly or on demand | On-demand first payout, then about every 14 days |
| Payout speed | Usually fast | 2026 reports of payout denials |
| Platforms | MetaTrader, cTrader, DXtrade | MT4, MT5, DXtrade, TradingView |
| EAs | Allowed | Allowed on evaluations (not Instant) |
| Our rating | 4.6 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 |
Evaluation rules and drawdown
FTMO offers 2-Step (10% / 5%) or 1-Step (10%), with a daily loss of 5% (2-Step); 3% (1-Step) and a maximum loss of 10% static (2-Step); 10% trailing (1-Step). FXIFY offers One, Two and Three Phase, Lightning, Instant, with a daily loss of 3% (One Phase); 5% (Three Phase) and a maximum loss of 6% trailing that locks (One Phase); static or trailing on Two Phase variants.
The biggest practical difference is the drawdown. FTMO uses a static maximum loss that never moves up with profits, while FXIFY uses a mix of static and trailing drawdowns depending on the program. After a winning run, the trailing limit leaves you much less room for a pullback. Read our guide to trailing vs static drawdown for worked examples.
Consistency rules. FTMO: None on 2-Step; 50% Best Day Rule on 1-Step. FXIFY: Up to 25% best day on some funded accounts.
Costs
FTMO starts at €89 for $10K, while FXIFY starts at $39 for $5K. Fees are charged in USD or EUR, so South Africans should expect a card conversion fee on top. Check whether each firm refunds the fee with your first payout.
Profit split and payouts
| Firm | Profit split | Payout schedule | Speed and methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | 80%, up to 90% via scaling | First after 14 days, then bi-weekly or on demand | Usually fast |
| FXIFY | 80%; 90% add-on; 100% on some plans | On-demand first payout, then about every 14 days | 2026 reports of payout denials |
Look beyond the headline split: payout frequency, withdrawal fees and consistency conditions decide how much you actually receive and when. Both firms pay in USD (or EUR), so South Africans should compare conversion costs across payout methods.
Platforms and strategies
| Firm | Platforms | Expert Advisors (EAs) |
|---|---|---|
| FTMO | MetaTrader, cTrader, DXtrade | Allowed |
| FXIFY | MT4, MT5, DXtrade, TradingView | Allowed on evaluations (not Instant) |
If you already use MetaTrader or run automated strategies, check that your platform and EA are supported before paying for a challenge.
What it costs in rand
At an illustrative rate of R18 per US dollar (check today’s rate and your card’s foreign transaction fee):
| Firm | Cheapest entry | Approx. in rand |
|---|---|---|
| FTMO | €89 | about R1,800 (EUR) |
| FXIFY | $39 | about R700 |
Card payments to offshore firms count toward your single discretionary allowance, and payouts arrive in foreign currency that you’ll convert to rand. See how to withdraw prop firm profits in South Africa.
Trading from South Africa
Forex traders get the most liquidity during the London–New York overlap, roughly 14:00–18:00 SAST in the Northern summer and 15:00–19:00 in winter. US index futures are busiest after the New York cash open at 15:30 or 16:30 SAST. Payouts are income for SARS, usually declared through provisional tax: see prop firm tax in South Africa.
Which should you choose?
FTMO is the safer choice while FXIFY’s 2026 payout complaints remain unresolved. FXIFY’s TradingView support and cheaper entry are real advantages for traders who keep detailed trade records.
Visit FTMO Read our FTMO review
Visit FXIFY Read our FXIFY review
FTMO vs FXIFY FAQ
Which is cheaper, FTMO or FXIFY?
FTMO starts at €89 for $10K, while FXIFY starts at $39 for $5K.
Which has the better profit split?
FTMO pays 80%, up to 90% via scaling. FXIFY pays 80%; 90% add-on; 100% on some plans.
Which has the easier drawdown rules?
FTMO uses a static maximum loss that never moves up with profits; FXIFY uses a mix of static and trailing drawdowns depending on the program. Static limits are generally easier to manage.
Can South Africans use both FTMO and FXIFY?
Yes. FTMO: Yes; fees charged in EUR. FXIFY: Yes (confirm at checkout).
Can South Africans use both FTMO and FXIFY?
Yes. Both firms accept South African residents; confirm eligibility at checkout.
How much does it cost in rand?
At an illustrative R18 per US dollar, FTMO starts at about R1,800 (EUR) and FXIFY at about R700.