FTMO and The5ers are the two longest-running names in retail prop trading, and both offer a two-step challenge with a 5% daily loss and 10% maximum loss. FTMO wins on payout reliability and platform choice; The5ers wins on entry price and long-term scaling.
Quick verdict
Choose FTMO if you want dependable payouts and MetaTrader, cTrader or DXtrade. Choose The5ers if you want the cheapest start and the best path to a 100% split, and can accept slower payouts with a withdrawal fee.
Side-by-side comparison
| FTMO (2-Step) | The5ers (High Stakes) | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015, Prague | 2016, UK company |
| Profit targets | 10% then 5% | 10% then 5% |
| Daily loss | 5% | 5% |
| Maximum loss | 10%, static | 10% |
| Minimum days | Check current terms | 3 profitable days per step |
| Cheapest entry | €89 | $19 ($2,500 account) |
| Profit split | 80%, up to 90% | 80%, up to 100% at $350K |
| Scaling | Scaling Plan | To $500K plus fixed monthly payments |
| Payouts | Bi-weekly or on demand; usually fast | Every 14 days; 5–8 business days |
| Withdrawal fee | None charged by FTMO | 3.5% on cash methods |
| Platforms | MetaTrader, cTrader, DXtrade | MT5 only |
| News | Check account type | No trades 2 minutes around high-impact news |
Rules
The targets and loss limits are the same. The5ers adds a requirement of three profitable days per step, while FTMO’s 2-Step is simpler. The5ers High Stakes also blocks trading two minutes either side of high-impact news.
Scaling and split
The5ers’ High Stakes scaling is the most generous we’ve seen: 10% gains grow your account up to $500,000, the split reaches 100% at $350,000, and top traders receive a fixed monthly payment. FTMO’s Scaling Plan tops out at a 90% split.
Payouts
FTMO is the more reliable payer today. The5ers takes 5–8 business days, charges 3.5% on cash withdrawals and acknowledged payout delays in March 2026.
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) |
| The5ers | $19 | about R340 |
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?
For most South African traders, FTMO’s reliability and platform choice make it the better main account. The5ers is worth adding if you plan to scale over years, starting with a small account and an early test withdrawal.
Visit FTMO Read our FTMO review
Visit The5ers Read our The5ers review
FTMO vs The5ers FAQ
Which is cheaper, FTMO or The5ers?
The5ers is cheaper to start: $19 for a $2,500 High Stakes account. FTMO’s smallest challenge costs €89.
Which has the higher profit split?
The5ers can reach 100% on High Stakes at $350,000. FTMO reaches 90% through its Scaling Plan.
Which pays out more reliably?
FTMO. The5ers acknowledged payout delays in March 2026 and charges 3.5% on cash withdrawals.
Can South Africans use both?
Yes. Both firms accept South African residents.
Can South Africans use both FTMO and The5ers?
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 The5ers at about R340.