The5ers vs FTMO Scaling Plans: How Each Firm Grows Funded Accounts in 2026
Scaling is one of the biggest differences between simply passing a prop firm evaluation and building a longer-term trading relationship.
A trader can pass an evaluation and still face an important question: What happens after the account starts making money? Does the account balance increase? Does the profit split improve? How often can the account scale? And how much simulated capital can eventually be managed?
In 2026, The5ers vs FTMO scaling plans present two noticeably different approaches. The5ers uses program-specific milestones, with some programs doubling account balances or increasing them at fixed profit targets. FTMO uses a more standardized 25% account-size increase every four months under its Scaling Plan.
The important point is that neither structure is automatically suitable for every trader. The better fit depends on how you trade, how frequently you withdraw profits, how quickly you want account growth to occur, and how comfortable you are with each firm's risk rules.
How Do The5ers and FTMO Scaling Plans Compare at a Glance?
What Is a Prop Firm Scaling Plan, and How Do The5ers and FTMO Each Structure Theirs?
A prop firm scaling plan is a system that increases a trader's available simulated account balance or improves reward terms after specific performance conditions are met.
The basic idea is simple: trade within the rules, demonstrate sustained performance, and become eligible for a larger account or better reward structure.
| Feature | The5ers | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Scaling method | Program-specific milestones | 25% balance increase |
| Main trigger | Usually a profit target | Performance over a 4-month period |
| Maximum published growth | Up to $4M on Hyper Growth | Up to $2M across FTMO Accounts |
| Profit-share progression | Varies by program, potentially up to 100% | 80% initially on 2-Step, potentially 90% |
| Time structure | Several programs have no evaluation time limit | Scaling assessment uses 4-month periods |
| Program variety | Hyper Growth, High Stakes, Pro Growth, Bootcamp, plus separate Futures programs | 1-Step and 2-Step |
| Futures | Separate Futures offering | Separate Futures offering |
The biggest structural difference is therefore milestone-based scaling versus time-based scaling.
The5ers gives traders several routes. Hyper Growth, for example, is built around repeated profit milestones and account doubling. High Stakes and Pro Growth use their own targets, while Bootcamp uses smaller scaling milestones.
FTMO's Scaling Plan is more standardized: eligible traders can receive a 25% increase every four months, provided the stated performance and reward requirements are met.
Which Programs and Account Types Does Each Scaling Plan Apply To?
The5ers has a broader program-specific scaling framework.
Its current public information covers:
- ●Hyper Growth
- ●High Stakes
- ●Pro Growth
- ●Bootcamp
- ●Futures Day Trade and Swing programs as a separate offering
The Futures structure should not simply be treated as another CFD scaling table. The current Futures page describes scaling at each 10% profit milestone, with a 5% buying-power increase and additional contract capacity.
FTMO currently offers both 1-Step and 2-Step evaluations. However, there is an important distinction: the company's Scaling Plan page specifically states that the upgrade to a 90% reward ratio through the Scaling Plan applies to 2-Step. The 1-Step model already starts with a 90% reward ratio.
Current FTMO FAQ material also says FTMO Accounts may be increased under the Scaling Plan, so it is better to verify the exact eligibility of the account type being purchased rather than simply describing the entire scaling system as "2-Step only."
How Does The5ers' Scaling Plan Work Across Its Programs?
How Does Hyper Growth Double the Account Toward $4M?
Hyper Growth is the clearest example of The5ers' milestone-doubling approach.
The current Hyper Growth FAQ states that for every 10% profit generated on a funded account, the account balance doubles. The program also states a growth path of up to $4 million.
For example, the basic concept looks like this:
| Stage | Illustrative Account | 10% Milestone | Next Account Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting funded level | $10,000 | $1,000 | $20,000 |
| Next level | $20,000 | $2,000 | $40,000 |
| Next level | $40,000 | $4,000 | $80,000 |
These figures illustrate the doubling mechanism rather than a complete account ladder.
The exact profit target shown on different The5ers pages has changed over time, which is why traders should use the current program table when purchasing. The current dedicated Hyper Growth scaling FAQ states a 10% funded-account profit milestone.
As of October 2026, the dedicated Hyper Growth scaling information should take priority over older third-party descriptions.
Another important feature is the program's risk structure. The5ers states that the daily pause does not terminate a Hyper Growth account; trading can resume on the following trading day. A separate 6% stop-out level applies to the initial account size.
For a trader who prefers a long-term progression model, this creates a very different psychological framework from waiting four months for a fixed percentage account increase.
Related Read: The5ers Scale-Up Plan Explained: How Traders Reach 100% Profit Split
How Do High Stakes, Pro Growth and Bootcamp Scale?
The other The5ers programs use different milestones.
High Stakes currently scales at each 10% target, with the published scaling table reaching $500,000. Its reward ratio begins at 80% and progresses through higher levels before reaching 100% at the upper end of the published table.
Pro Growth starts with a 75% profit split and can scale toward 100%. The5ers' current profit-split information identifies a 10% target for scaling.
Bootcamp uses a different structure. The current Bootcamp page lists a funded starting balance of $20,000 and a 5% scaling target. Its published scaling table increases the account progressively, while the profit share can ultimately reach 100%.
Bootcamp also has an unusual structure because traders can hold up to four active accounts, subject to account-size and strategy restrictions.
A key common feature across these programs is time flexibility. The5ers currently states that Hyper Growth and Bootcamp do not impose a conventional deadline for passing the evaluation, although inactivity rules still apply.
This can matter psychologically.
A trader using a slower swing strategy may prefer an evaluation structure that does not force an artificial trading deadline. Conversely, a trader who already has a short-term strategy may care more about payout timing and the speed of account progression.
Internal-link opportunity: Prop Firm Insider can link this section to a dedicated guide comparing The5ers evaluation models and another article explaining how prop firm scaling works.
How Does FTMO's Scaling Plan Work Step by Step?
What Are FTMO's Scaling Plan Requirements?
FTMO's current Scaling Plan is more standardized.
The official requirements state that, for a scale-up, a trader needs:
- ●At least four months of trading since the previous scale-up or relevant starting point.
- ●At least 10% net simulated profit above the starting balance during the preceding four months.
- ●At least two processed Rewards during that period.
- ●A positive account balance at the time of scaling.
If these conditions are met, FTMO states that the account can receive a 25% increase.
This creates an important difference from The5ers.
At The5ers, a trader may reach a specified profit milestone and move to another account level much sooner, depending on the program.
At FTMO, the scaling mechanism is explicitly linked to a four-month performance period.
That does not necessarily make one structure more suitable than the other. It simply means the trader's planning process is different.
Related Read: The5ers vs FTMO: Complete Rules, Payouts and Scaling Comparison for Funded Traders in 2026
How Does the +25% Balance Increase Reach $2M, and When Does the Split Reach 90%?
FTMO's published Scaling Plan states that the account balance can increase by 25% every four months, up to a maximum of $2 million across all FTMO Accounts.
Consider a simplified example:
- ●Starting account: $100,000
- ●First 25% increase: $125,000
- ●Second increase: $156,250
- ●Third increase: $195,312.50
This is only an illustration of compound 25% increases. Actual eligibility depends on FTMO's requirements and account structure.
The reward ratio is another important distinction.
FTMO's 2-Step structure starts at an 80% reward ratio and can reach 90% through the Scaling Plan or applicable Premium conditions.
The 1-Step product is different because it already advertises a 90% reward ratio from the start.
Therefore, traders comparing the two models should not look only at the headline maximum account size. The starting reward ratio and the conditions required to improve it are also relevant.
How Do Profit Split Progression and Payouts Compare?
How Do Profit Splits Start and Rise at The5ers and FTMO?
The5ers has more variation because the profit split depends on the program.
Current published information shows:
- ●Hyper Growth: starts at 50% and can progress toward 100%.
- ●Bootcamp: starts at 50% and can progress toward 100%.
- ●High Stakes: starts at 80% and can progress toward 100%.
- ●Pro Growth: starts at 75% and can progress toward 100%.
The exact progression is tied to each program's scaling table.
High Stakes, for example, currently publishes 80% at the lower levels, followed by 85%, 90%, and eventually 100% at higher account levels.
This is one of the most important reasons to compare the whole scaling path, rather than simply comparing the initial profit split.
FTMO is simpler. Its 2-Step structure starts at 80%, with the possibility of reaching 90%. Its 1-Step product starts at 90%.
A trader therefore needs to ask:
Am I comparing the starting split, the maximum split, or the amount of profit I can realistically withdraw at each stage?
Those are three different questions.
What Payout Cadence and Eligibility Conditions Apply as Accounts Scale?
The5ers currently publishes bi-weekly payout cycles on several of its major programs.
For example, its current High Stakes information says funded traders can request profits bi-weekly. Hyper Growth and Bootcamp also state that the first payout can be requested 14 days after receiving the funded account, followed by two-week cycles.
Scaling can affect the payout cycle. The5ers states that the 14-day cycle resets when a new account is received through scaling.
FTMO takes a somewhat different approach. Its current withdrawal information says Rewards can be requested from the 14th day after the first trade on the relevant FTMO Account, provided the account meets the applicable conditions and there are no open positions or pending orders.
This means payout timing should be considered separately from scaling frequency.
A faster scaling model does not automatically mean faster cash withdrawals, and a slower scaling model does not automatically mean poorer payout access.
Related Read: The5ers vs FTMO Account Scaling: A Side-by-Side Growth Guide for 2026
How Do Risk Rules, Drawdown Mechanics and Time Limits Affect Scaling?
How Do Drawdown and Daily Loss Rules Shape Long-Term Account Growth?
Scaling only matters if the trader can protect the account long enough to reach the next milestone.
The5ers and FTMO both use risk limits, but their structures differ.
For The5ers, current Hyper Growth information states:
- ●6% stop-out below the initial account size
- ●3% daily pause
- ●Daily pause does not automatically terminate the account
- ●Trading can resume on the next trading day
Pro Growth has its own published risk parameters, so traders should not automatically apply Hyper Growth rules to it.
FTMO's current 2-Step objectives include:
- ●5% maximum daily loss
- ●10% maximum loss
- ●Unlimited trading period
- ●Four minimum trading days during the evaluation
FTMO also uses an end-of-day trailing mechanism for its maximum loss on relevant account structures.
These differences are important because account growth is partly a risk-management problem.
A trader who routinely uses large positions may focus heavily on the maximum loss calculation.
A swing trader may care more about overnight restrictions.
A systematic trader may care about whether the daily loss is calculated from balance, equity, or a particular time-of-day reference.
Before buying an evaluation, the risk rules should be treated as part of the product itself, not as fine print to read after purchase.
Why Does Evaluation Flexibility Matter for Trader Longevity?
Time pressure can change trading behaviour.
A trader with an unlimited evaluation period may have more freedom to wait for a preferred market setup instead of increasing position size simply to reach a target quickly.
The5ers offers several paths with no conventional evaluation deadline, although inactivity rules still apply.
FTMO's current 1-Step and 2-Step evaluations also advertise unlimited trading periods.
The distinction is therefore less about "unlimited versus limited" and more about what happens after the evaluation.
The5ers places substantial emphasis on repeated account-level milestones.
FTMO's Scaling Plan places greater emphasis on a four-month performance window, processed rewards and a positive balance.
There is also a difference in consistency requirements across programs. Traders should check the exact program rules rather than assume that every prop firm's "consistency" rule means the same thing.
For example, FTMO's current 1-Step product includes a 50% Best Day Rule, while The5ers' Futures offering uses a different consistency calculation. These rules can affect how a trader structures profitable days and positions even when the scaling systems themselves are unrelated.
Internal-link opportunity: Link here to a Prop Firm Insider guide on prop firm consistency rules and another article explaining daily drawdown versus maximum drawdown.
Which Scaling Structure Fits Which Trading Approach?
Which Trader Profiles May Prefer a Milestone-Doubling Model vs. a Fixed 25% Increase?
The choice becomes easier when the scaling mechanism is translated into trading behaviour.
| Trading Preference | Structure to Examine Closely | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wants frequent account milestones | The5ers-style milestone scaling | Scaling is tied to program-specific profit targets |
| Prefers a predictable calendar | FTMO Scaling Plan | 25% increases are assessed over four-month periods |
| Wants multiple program structures | The5ers | Hyper Growth, High Stakes, Pro Growth and Bootcamp have different models |
| Wants a simple standardized scaling formula | FTMO | 25% increase every four months |
| Prioritizes higher eventual profit share | The5ers programs | Several programs publish paths toward 100% |
| Wants 90% from the start | FTMO 1-Step | Current 1-Step product advertises a 90% reward ratio |
| Wants very large published growth potential | The5ers Hyper Growth | Current program information states growth up to $4M |
The most important lesson is that account size alone should not determine the decision.
A $2 million maximum account sounds impressive, but a trader may never reach that level. What matters more is whether the rules and progression mechanics match the trader's actual strategy.
A swing trader who takes fewer trades may value flexible evaluation timing.
A high-frequency intraday trader may focus more on daily loss calculations and execution restrictions.
A trader who withdraws regularly may focus heavily on payout cycles.
And a trader interested in long-term compounding may place more weight on the difference between doubling, fixed percentage increases and profit-share progression.
Related Read: The5ers vs FTMO: Honest Trader-Focused Breakdown for 2026 — Which Prop Firm Fits Your Trading Style?
Where Should Traders Verify Current Scaling Terms Before Choosing a Program?
The safest approach is to check the firm's current official program page, scaling table, FAQ and terms and conditions immediately before purchasing.
This matters because prop firm rules can change.
The5ers currently has separate pages for its individual programs, and some educational pages can contain information that does not perfectly match the latest program table.
FTMO similarly maintains separate pages for 1-Step, 2-Step, Scaling Plan and Reward policies.
A good pre-purchase checklist is:
- ●Check the exact program name.
- ●Check the current account-size table.
- ●Check the scaling target.
- ●Check the maximum account allocation.
- ●Check the starting and maximum profit split.
- ●Check daily-loss and maximum-loss calculations.
- ●Check payout timing.
- ●Check consistency or best-day rules.
- ●Check whether scaling resets or changes payout conditions.
- ●Save the current terms before purchasing.
This last step is particularly useful when researching prop firms through older comparison articles. A search result from several months ago may describe a rule that has since changed.
The5ers vs FTMO Scaling Plans: What Should Traders Compare Before Buying?
The clearest difference is the shape of growth.
The5ers offers several program-specific paths. Hyper Growth is built around doubling the funded account after a 10% milestone, while High Stakes and Pro Growth use their own 10% scaling structures. Bootcamp uses 5% funded milestones. Its Futures offering is separate and uses its own scaling mechanics.
FTMO uses a more standardized approach, with a 25% account increase every four months when its stated conditions are satisfied, and a published maximum of $2 million across FTMO Accounts.
The5ers also publishes higher maximum growth on Hyper Growth, reaching up to $4 million, while several programs offer paths toward a 100% profit share.
FTMO's advantage for comparison purposes is structural simplicity: its scaling requirements are clearly tied to a four-month period, 10% net simulated profit, two processed Rewards and a positive balance.
The right decision therefore depends on the trader's priorities.
Before choosing, ask:
How quickly do I want the account to grow?
How often do I want to withdraw profits?
Do I prefer milestone-based or time-based progression?
Which drawdown calculation matches my strategy?
What profit split will I actually receive at the account level I expect to reach?
What happens if I scale, withdraw, or change account size?
Those questions are more useful than simply searching for the largest advertised account.
Summary
The The5ers vs FTMO scaling plans comparison comes down to two different philosophies of account growth.
The5ers offers multiple program-specific paths, including milestone-based scaling, account doubling on Hyper Growth, progression toward higher profit shares and a published $4 million growth ceiling on that program.
FTMO offers a more standardized Scaling Plan based on four-month performance periods, 25% account increases and growth toward $2 million across FTMO Accounts.
Neither model should be judged in isolation.
The practical question is whether the scaling mechanics, risk limits, payout structure and profit-share progression fit the way you actually trade.
For traders researching prop firm evaluations, scaling plans, drawdown rules and payout structures, Prop Firm Insider can provide the comparison framework needed to understand those differences before making a purchase decision.