FTMO USA: OANDA Partnership & New Rules for U.S. Traders (2025)
FTMO is officially back for U.S. traders! After years of absence, the world's most recognized prop firm has returned to American markets through a groundbreaking partnership with OANDA. This isn't just another prop firm launchβit's a complete reimagining of how funded trading works in the United States.
TL;DR
Key points from the article.
Breaking: FTMO Returns to U.S. Markets π¨
π― Key Announcement
FTMO has partnered with OANDA to offer U.S. traders access to funded accounts through a revolutionary Signal Provider Agreement model. This new structure combines FTMO's proven evaluation system with OANDA's regulatory compliance.
Watch: FTMO USA Partnership Announcement
This development represents the biggest opportunity for U.S. traders since prop firms first emerged. Here's everything you need to know about FTMO's return and what it means for American traders.
What Changed? The New FTMO USA Structure π
OANDA Partnership: A Game-Changing Alliance
The FTMO-OANDA partnership creates a unique hybrid model that addresses regulatory challenges while maintaining FTMO's proven evaluation standards:
Key Partnership Benefits:
- Regulatory Compliance: OANDA's U.S. regulation provides oversight and protection
- Signal Provider Model: Traders operate under Signal Provider Agreements (SPA)
- Institutional Infrastructure: Access to OANDA's tier-1 liquidity and execution
- Enhanced Credibility: Combines FTMO's reputation with OANDA's regulatory status
Signal Provider Agreement (SPA) Explained
Under the new model, successful FTMO traders become Signal Providers through OANDA Prop US Corporation:
- Legal Structure: You're not trading FTMO's capital directly
- Signal Generation: Your trades generate signals that OANDA follows
- Reward System: Earn up to 90% of simulated profits as rewards
- Risk Separation: OANDA manages actual capital while you focus on trading signals
Simulated Trading + Real Rewards Model
How It Works:
- Pass FTMO Challenge: Standard evaluation process remains unchanged
- Signal Provider Status: Successful traders receive SPA designation
- Simulated Environment: Trade on FTMO's educational platform
- Real Rewards: Earn actual money based on simulated performance
- Tax Compliance: All rewards are properly reported and taxable
π‘ Innovation Advantage
This model allows FTMO to offer their proven system while meeting U.S. regulatory requirements. Traders get the FTMO experience with added regulatory protection from OANDA.
Eligibility: Who Can Join FTMO USA? πΊπΈ
Basic Requirements
To participate in FTMO USA, traders must meet these criteria:
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older
- Residency: Legal U.S. residents only
- Documentation: Valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Banking: U.S. bank account for reward payments
- Tax Compliance: Willingness to complete W-9 forms and report income
State Restrictions: The Excluded Five
Important Notice: FTMO USA services are not available in these five states due to regulatory restrictions:
π« Excluded States
- Washington - State regulatory conflicts
- Idaho - Commodity trading restrictions
- Minnesota - Investment advisor regulations
- South Carolina - Securities law limitations
- Nevada - Gaming law considerations
Verification Requirements:
Before participating, traders must provide:
- Identity Verification: Government-issued photo IDAddress Proof: Recent utility bill or bank statementTax Documentation: Completed W-9 formBanking Information: Routing and account numbers for U.S. bank
Trading Platforms: DXtrade Only for U.S. Clients π»
Platform Limitations
Critical Change: U.S. traders can only use DXtrade platform. Traditional MetaTrader 4/5 and cTrader are not available for FTMO USA participants.
DXtrade Features:
- Web-Based Trading: No download required, browser-based access
- Mobile Compatibility: iOS and Android apps available
- Advanced Charting: Professional-grade analysis tools
- One-Click Trading: Fast execution for scalping strategies
- Risk Management: Built-in position sizing and risk tools
Platform Transition Tips
For MetaTrader Users:
- Practice Period: Spend 2-4 weeks familiarizing yourself with DXtrade
- Hotkey Setup: Configure shortcuts to match your MT4/5 workflow
- Indicator Translation: Find DXtrade equivalents for your preferred indicators
- Demo Training: Complete mock challenges on DXtrade before real attempts
β οΈ Platform Consideration
The platform limitation to DXtrade may affect your trading performance initially. Factor in a learning curve when planning your challenge attempts.
Payouts & Taxes: What U.S. Traders Need to Know π°
Reward Structure Breakdown
FTMO USA Payout System:
- Profit Split: Up to 90% of simulated profits as rewards
- Scaling Potential: Percentage increases with performance consistency
- Payment Frequency: Monthly reward distributions
- Minimum Threshold: $100 minimum for payout requests
- Processing Time: 7-14 business days for reward processing
Tax Implications and Compliance
W-9 Requirement: All participants must complete IRS Form W-9 for proper tax reporting:
- Filing Deadline: Must be submitted before first payout
- Information Required: Name, address, SSN/EIN, entity classification
- Purpose: Enables proper 1099 reporting to IRS
- Updates: Notify FTMO of any changes to tax status
Taxable Income Status:
π Tax Treatment
- 1099-MISC Forms: Issued for rewards over $600 annually
- Self-Employment Income: May be subject to SE tax
- Quarterly Estimated Taxes: Consider making quarterly payments
- Professional Advice: Consult tax professional for optimal planning
U.S. Trader Checklist: Steps Before Your Challenge π
Pre-Challenge Verification Checklist
Phase 1: Documentation Preparation (1-2 weeks)
- Identity Documents Ready: Valid driver's license or passport
- Address Verification: Recent utility bill or bank statement
- Banking Setup: Confirmed U.S. bank account with routing/account numbers
- State Eligibility: Verified residence in eligible state
Phase 2: Technical Preparation (2-4 weeks)
- DXtrade Proficiency: 20+ hours practice on demo platform
- Strategy Adaptation: Tested your approach on DXtrade
- Risk Management: Confirmed position sizing for new platform
- Internet Stability: Verified reliable connection for web-based trading
Phase 3: Legal and Tax Readiness (1 week)
- W-9 Preparation: Form completed and reviewed
- Tax Consultation: Discussed implications with tax professional
- Business Structure: Considered LLC formation for tax benefits
- Record Keeping: System established for tracking rewards and expenses
Success Readiness Assessment
Before purchasing a challenge, ensure you meet these criteria:
π― Readiness Indicators
- Platform Mastery: Comfortable executing your strategy on DXtrade
- Consistent Profitability: 3+ months of profitable demo trading
- Risk Discipline: Never exceeded 2% risk per trade in practice
- Emotional Control: Maintained composure during drawdown periods
- Documentation Ready: All required forms and verifications complete
ForexPropRank Advantage: Your Success Partners π
Prop Firm Ready Score: Scientific Preparation
ForexPropRank's Exclusive Tool - The industry's first scientific assessment that predicts your challenge success rate with 85% accuracy.
How the Ready Score Works:
- Performance Analysis: Evaluates your trading metrics and consistency
- Psychology Assessment: Tests emotional discipline and decision-making
- Risk Management Review: Analyzes position sizing and drawdown control
- Firm Matching: Recommends optimal FTMO challenge size and approach
Score Interpretation:
- 90-100: Excellent prospects (80%+ success rate)
- 70-89: Good prospects (60%+ success rate)
- 50-69: Need improvement (30%+ success rate)
- Below 50: Not ready (under 15% success rate)
Real Trader Reviews and Community
Transparent Performance Data:
- Verified Reviews: Real experiences from actual FTMO traders
- Success Stories: Detailed case studies and strategies
- Failure Analysis: Learn from others' mistakes and challenges
- Regular Updates: Latest information on FTMO USA developments
Solo E TV Community Benefits
Exclusive Educational Resources:
- Live Trading Sessions: Watch professional traders navigate challenges
- DXtrade Training: Platform-specific tutorials for FTMO USA
- Tax Strategy Workshops: Optimize your reward taxation
- Community Support: Connect with other U.S. FTMO traders
π― Maximize Your FTMO Success
Upload your trades to get your Prop Firm Ready Score and get personalized preparation recommendations before attempting your FTMO challenge.
View FTMO Details βConclusion: Opportunity Meets Preparation π―
FTMO's return to the U.S. market represents an unprecedented opportunity for American traders. The OANDA partnership creates a unique structure that combines:
- FTMO's Proven System - Industry-leading evaluation standards and trader development
- Regulatory Protection - OANDA's oversight and compliance framework
- Innovation - Signal Provider model that works within U.S. regulations
- Accessibility - Lower barriers for qualified U.S. traders
Key Considerations Before You Start
Advantages:
- Access to world's most respected prop firm
- Regulatory oversight through OANDA partnership
- Up to 90% profit sharing on successful trades
- Proven evaluation system with clear guidelines
Considerations:
- Platform limitation to DXtrade only
- Tax reporting requirements and implications
- State restrictions for five excluded states
- New legal structure requires understanding
Your Next Steps
- Assess Your Readiness - Upload your trades for ForexPropRank's scientific evaluation
- Master DXtrade - Invest time learning the required platform
- Prepare Documentation - Gather all required forms and verifications
- Plan Your Taxes - Understand implications and consider professional advice
- Start Your Journey - Begin with proper preparation and realistic expectations
FTMO's return is a game-changer for U.S. traders - but success still requires preparation, discipline, and the right approach. Use the resources available through ForexPropRank and Solo E TV to maximize your chances of joining the elite group of funded traders.
Ready to Begin Your FTMO USA Journey?
π Upload Your Trades & Get Ready Score Now
Don't attempt an FTMO challenge until you know you're ready. Our scientific assessment predicts your success rate and provides personalized recommendations.
Important Disclaimer: FTMO USA operates under a Signal Provider Agreement model through OANDA. This analysis is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Always understand the legal structure, tax implications, and risks before participating in any prop trading program. Consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance.
