Head-to-Head Comparison

FTMO vs IQ Capital: Which Is Better in 2026?

Compare FTMO and IQ Capital side by side. Profit splits, prices, challenges, payout speed, trading rules, and more. Based on verified data.

Bottom line: FTMO offers up to $2,000,000 with a 90% profit split, while IQ Capital offers up to $200,000 at 90%. Cheapest entry: €79 (≈ $89) (FTMO). Editorial scores on PropFirm Key: 4.8/5 (FTMO) vs —/5 (IQ Capital).

FTMO

4.8

IQ Capital

Last updated: October 6, 2026

Quick Verdict

Overall Winner

FTMO

Scores 80/100 overall based on trust, conditions, payouts, strategies, and platform access.

/ 100

Rating

4.8

N/A

FTMOIQ Capital

Profit Split

90%

FTMOIQ Capital

Starting Price

€79 (≈ $89)

$195

FTMOIQ Capital

Max Allocation

$2M

$200K

FTMOIQ Capital

First Payout

14 days

N/A

FTMOIQ Capital

Strategy Freedom

5/8

1/8

FTMOIQ Capital

Score Breakdown

FTMO

Trust & Reputation

Trading Conditions

Payout Quality

Strategy Freedom

Platform & Access

IQ Capital

Trust & Reputation

Trading Conditions

Payout Quality

Strategy Freedom

Platform & Access

100

Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric

FTMO

IQ Capital

Overview

Rating

4.8

N/A

Reviews

40,179

Years Active

11 years

0 years

Verified

Country

Market

forex

both

Pricing & Value

Starting Price

€79 (≈ $89)

$195

Max Allocation

$2M

$200K

Profit Split

90%

Fee Refundable

Best Discount

No offer

Risk Management

Daily Loss Limit

Max Loss

10%

$3,000

Drawdown Type

balance

eod

Leverage

1:100

N/A

Execution

STP

N/A

Payouts

First Payout

14 days

N/A

Payout Frequency

bi-weekly

every 10 days

Scaling

Allowed Strategies

EA/Bots

Scalping

News Trading

Weekend Hold

Copy Trading

Hedging

Martingale

HFT

Platforms & Access

Platforms

MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXTrade

Quantower, ATAS, DeepCharts, Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView, MT5, Volumetrica

Assets

FX, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Stocks

Forex, Indices, Metals, Energy, Agriculture, Crypto, Bonds

US Accepted

View FTMO

View IQ Capital

Challenge Price Comparison

Comparing prices for matching account sizes available at both FTMO and IQ Capital.

Account Size

FTMO

IQ Capital

Savings

$50K(1-step)

€319 (≈ $359)

$195

Save ≈ $164 with IQ Capital

$100K(1-step)

€499 (≈ $562)

$445

Save ≈ $117 with IQ Capital

$200K(1-step)

€999 (≈ $1,126)

$999

Save ≈ $127 with IQ Capital

Prices are set in euros by the firm; dollar amounts are approximate, converted at the ECB rate of October 6, 2026.

Pros & Cons

FTMO

Pros

Higher rating (4.8/5 vs 0.0/5)
Higher max allocation ($2M)
Lower starting price (€79)
Faster first payout (14 days)
Refundable challenge fee

Cons

US traders not accepted

IQ Capital

Pros

Accepts US traders
Verified firm

Cons

Lower rating than FTMO
Higher starting price ($195)
Slower first payout (14 days)
Challenge fee not refundable

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose FTMO if you...

Are looking for a budget-friendly option
Need high capital allocation (up to $2M)
Want fast payouts
Plan to scale your account over time
Need maximum trading flexibility (EAs, scalping, news trading)

View FTMO Details

Choose IQ Capital if you...

Are a US-based trader
Prefer a firm based in LC
Use Quantower as your trading platform

View IQ Capital Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FTMO better than IQ Capital?

Based on our data-driven analysis, FTMO scores 80/100 overall. FTMO excels in trust & reputation, while IQ Capital stands out for platform access. The best choice depends on your priorities as a trader.

Which is cheaper, FTMO or IQ Capital?

FTMO starts at €79 (≈ $89) while IQ Capital starts at $195. FTMO offers the lower entry price. However, consider the profit split and payout rules for the true value comparison.

Which has better profit splits, FTMO or IQ Capital?

FTMO offers up to 90% profit split, while IQ Capital offers up to 90% profit split. FTMO has the higher profit share. Some firms increase splits through scaling programs.

Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) with FTMO and IQ Capital?

FTMO allows Expert Advisors, and IQ Capital does not allow them. Only FTMO supports automated trading.

Which firm pays out faster, FTMO or IQ Capital?

FTMO's first payout is available after 14 days with bi-weekly frequency. IQ Capital offers first payout after 14 days with every 10 days payouts. FTMO gets you paid sooner.

Are FTMO and IQ Capital legit?

FTMO has been operating for 11 years with 40,179 reviews and a 4.8/5 ratingverified. IQ Capital has 0 years of operation with 0 reviews and a N/A/5 ratingverified. Both are established prop trading firms.