CTI: a Better FTMO Alternative
The best FTMO alternative is a prop firm that offers better trading conditions, but also at more competitive prices. City Traders Imperium (CTI) and FTMO are among the biggest names in forex proprietary trading companies. Undoubtedly, many want to become prop traders and have looked at these two firms, but how do their funding programs compare? From the outside, prop firms may seem alike in their offerings. Yet, you will observe some noticeable differences once you get into the nitty-gritty. It is no different when we compare CTI vs FTMO. It’s worth noting that FTMO has only one funding type: the FTMO Challenge. On the other hand, CTI has three! So, right off the bat, we have more options to accommodate all traders rather than forcing traders to be boxed into being assessed under one trading style or trading conditions. Our offerings stand out from the competition for the diverse range of programs we offer, ensuring a more comprehensive and tailored experience for our traders. In the following sections, this article will compare CTI’s Challenge with FTMO’s Challenge, highlighting the distinctive features that make CTI an attractive FTMO alternative.
CTI Challenge vs FTMO Challenge
1. Prices
Every funding program comes with a participation cost. Fortunately, making a like-for-like comparison between CTI and FTMO is straightforward. Both companies offer similar account balances, allowing for a direct evaluation of their respective programs and features. It’s worth noting that FTMO has a more expensive option called ‘Aggressive’ on its challenge account. This mode offers a higher maximum drawdown (20% instead of 10%). We have noted the prices of this account next to those of the ordinary FTMO Challenge.
Here’s how CTI’s Challenge compares to FTMO’s Challenge at a glance:
| Feature | City Traders Imperium (CTI) | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| $10K Account Price | $99 ✅ | $165 |
| $25K Account Price | $159 ✅ | $270 |
| $50K Account Price | $289 ✅ | $330 |
| $100K Account Price | $509 ✅ | $580 |
| Monthly Salary | Up to $1,000/month ✅ | Not available |
| Phase 1 Time Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Phase 2 Time Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Min. Trading Days (per phase) | 3 days ✅ | 5 Days |
| Withdrawal Frequency | Weekly ✅ | Monthly |
| Max Profit Share | Up to 100% ✅ | 90% |
| Account Scaling | 25% per milestone ✅ | 25% per milestone |
| Max Drawdown | 10% | 10% |
| Phase 1 Profit Target | 10% | 10% |
| Phase 2 Profit Target | 5% | 5% |
Put simply, CTI is so much better for your pocket while receiving very competitive trading conditions (which we’ll get into now). For just $59, you can begin your challenge and join CTI in an exciting journey toward a successful trading career.

2. Salary
One of the unique features that CTI has over not only FTMO but also all the other prop firms is the Monthly Salary Bonus. On the CTI Challenge, traders can earn a monthly salary once they satisfy the Gold Level conditions in the CTI VIP program. This initiative by CTI aims to help funded traders maintain focus and achieve peak performance in their trading rather than hastily executing trades solely for financial gain. We prioritise the development of sound trading strategies and long-term success for our traders.
3. Minimum Active Trading Days
CTI and FTMO’s challenges are two-phase. Yet the number of trading days differs. With CTI, you have only 3 trading days on phases 1 and 2. Meanwhile, with FTMO, you have 5 active trading days on phases 1 and 2.
If you want to reach the live-funded phase faster than FTMO, CTI is the way to go.
4. Withdrawal Frequency
After passing FTMO’s challenge, traders can only withdraw their profits monthly. The firm does have a ‘payout-on-demand’ option, but that applies after 14-60 calendar days from the first position placed. Meanwhile, CTI’s withdrawal model is straightforward. The coolest thing is that you can receive weekly payouts once you’ve reached the Bronze Level in the CTI VIP Program, and daily payouts once you’ve reached the Silver Level in the CTI VIP Program.
6. Profit Share
Here, we will look at the scaling plan and everything else to increase a trader’s earnings over time. FTMO’s maximum profit split is 90/10. Meanwhile, when you are funded with CTI, the profit share starts at 80/10 as a Standard and increases to 90% on the Bronze Level, and to 100% on the Silver Level of the CTI VIP Program.
Summary
Let’s summarise the findings of how CTI’s Challenge objectively beats the FTMO Challenge.
- Monthly Salary bonus.
- Fewer active trading days on both phases – 3 days instead of 5.
- Higher profit share potential.
- Higher scaling plans.
- More frequency withdrawals timing – weekly withdrawals.
But the benefits don’t end here!
Other funding programs that CTI offers
Earlier, we mentioned that CTI has three funding programs. We’ve already covered one, but let’s look at other funding programs and their benefits.
Instant Funding
Our Instant Funding Program is for all traders with medium-risk profiles seeking more flexible rules than the CTI Challenge. The CTI’s Instant Funding Program is mainly considered a funding program with no rules. Yes! No rules! The only exception is that you should not lose more than 6% of the initial account balance. This funding program does not have a daily or trailing drawdown.
- No Daily Drawdown or Trailing Drawdown.
- Time Limit: Unlimited.
- Minimum Trading Days = None.
- The Profit Target = 10%
- Max Drawdown = 6% from the initial balance.
After passing, expect a balance to be boosted 2x the Starting Funded Account Balance and also have more payout frequency and a higher profit share as you qualify for the CTI VIP program.
Final Verdict
FTMO is undoubtedly one of the oldest names in the prop firm industry and packs a punch.
Yet, to this day, they are suitable only for confident short-term traders, as they show little consideration for slower trading styles. The only thing that may attract someone to FTMO is the larger funded accounts. But, even then, these are pricey options that only the elite can afford. Their packages are generally above the average for other firms.

Meanwhile, CTI has cost-effectiveness in its favour and a range of accounts to suit many different needs.
We serve day traders and scalpers with the challenge account; we cater to swing traders and position traders with our Instant Funding accounts. We also have funding for those who want to start as a PM immediately.
Finally, the requirements to reach the PM stage are reasonable, a far cry from FTMO.
Take a look at our growing number of success stories that prove we are simply the best.
So why wait? Join City Traders Imperium today and skyrocket your trading career!
