With profit splits reaching up to 100%, low fees, and a monthly salary, and an overall score of 72/100, City Traders Imperium is a solid option for prop traders globally. In this CTI review, we break down the key aspects of their funded programs, audition fees, spreads, leverage, markets, and other essential features.
City Traders Imperium Key Features
City Traders ImperiumProp Firm Details
One Phase Evaluation
Two Phase Evaluation
Instant Funding
Up to $2m Scaling Plan
Fees From$29
Account Sizes2.5K -100K
Min Forex Spread0.3 pips
Commission Fee$2.50
Max Daily Loss5% - 6%
Profit Targets5% - 10%
Profit Share80% – 100%
Trading Platforms
Consistency Rules
Compulsory Stop Loss
High Impact News Trading
Expert Advisors / Automated Trading
FOREX
INDICES
COMMODITIES
CRYPTO
SHARES
COUPON CODES
No promo codes
2 Step 100K
Our Rating7.7/10
Funding$100,000
Fee$519
2 Step 50K
Our Rating6.1/10
Funding$50,000
Fee$329
City Traders Imperium (CTI), founded by Martin Najat and Daniel Martin in Dubai, has quickly gained traction as one of the most popular prop trading firms worldwide.
With up to 100% profit splits and flexible programs like the 2-Step, 1-Step, and Instant Funding, CTI offers options for all kinds of funded traders.
While MetaTrader 5 is the only platform available, the affordable fees, trader salaries, and strong community support make CTI a solid choice for those aiming to grow their capital and trading career.
CTI offers four types of funded trading programs for prop traders – 2-Step Challenge, 1-Step Challenge, and Instant Funding.
These programs cater to both new and experienced traders, offering opportunities to access firm capital.
| Challenge Type | Audition Fees | Account Sizes | Max Time Limit | Min Active Trading Days | Profit Target | Max Drawdown | Profit Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Step Evaluation Process | $39 - $519 | $2.5k - $100k | Unlimited | 5 Days | 10%, 5% | 10% | 80-100% |
| 1-Step Evaluation Process | $29 - $449 | $2.5k - $100K | Unlimited | None | 10% | 6% | 80-100% |
| Instant Funding | $69 - $1,499 | $2.5k - $80k | Unlimited | None | 10% | 6% | Up to 100% |
| Instant Funding Pro | $299 - $4,799 | $5k - $80k | Unlimited | None | 10% | 6% | Up to 100% |
The 2-Step Evaluation Process consists of two phases where traders must meet specific profit targets while adhering to strict drawdown limits.
The first phase evaluates the trader’s ability to generate consistent returns, while the second phase further tests their risk management skills. This is the only CTI challenge that requires a minimum of five active trading days before moving onto the second phase in the two step program.
On the other hand, the lack of a time limit provides flexibility, while the drawdown rules ensure discipline.
| Account Size | One-Time Fee | Profit Target (Phase 1) | Profit Target (Phase 2) | Max Absolute Drawdown ($) | Max Daily Drawdown ($) | Monthly Salary for CTI Traders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 | $39 | $250 | $125 | $250 | $125 | $12.5 per month |
| $5,000 | $59 | $500 | $250 | $500 | $250 | $25 per month |
| $10,000 | $99 | $1,000 | $500 | $1,000 | $500 | $50 per month |
| $25,000 | $179 | $2,500 | $1,250 | $2,500 | $1,250 | $125 per month |
| $50,000 | $329 | $5,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | $2,500 | $250 per month |
| $100,000 | $519 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $500 per month |
The 1-Step Evaluation Process allows traders to skip the second evaluation phase and get funded after completing just one step.
This process still requires traders to meet a 10% profit target, but it offers faster access to capital compared to the 2-Step process.
With no minimum trading days, the one step challenge offers flexibility for you to pass the evaluation at your own pace.
| Account Size | One-Time Fee | Profit Target | Max Absolute Drawdown (%) | Max Absolute Drawdown ($) | Monthly Salary for CTI Traders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 | $69 | $250 | 6% | $150 | $12.50 per month |
| $5,000 | $129 | $500 | 6% | $300 | $25 per month |
| $10,000 | $249 | $1,000 | 6% | $600 | $50 per month |
| $20,000 | $449 | $2,000 | 6% | $1,200 | $100 per month |
| $40,000 | $849 | $4,000 | 6% | $2,400 | $200 per month |
| $80,000 | $1,499 | $8,000 | 6% | $4,800 | $400 per month |
City Traders Imperium (CTI) offers two distinct instant funding models designed to cater to traders at different levels of experience and capital requirements. Both models provide immediate access to trading capital without any evaluation process, but they vary in their starting balances and fee structures:
Instant Funding is best suited for traders with smaller capital needs, offering lower initial balances and an easy entry point. On the other hand, Instant Funding Pro caters to experienced traders, providing larger starting balances and premium access to higher funding options.
Instant Funding
The Instant Funding program by City Traders Imperium (CTI) provides traders with immediate access to capital without requiring an evaluation or challenge phase. Designed for confident traders who prefer to start trading immediately, this program offers a simple structure with clear drawdown rules to ensure responsible risk management
| Account Size | One-Time Fee | Initial Balance | Fully Funded Amount | Profit Target to Scale Up | Profit Share | Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 | $129 | $1,250 | $2,500 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $5,000 | $249 | $2,500 | $5,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $10,000 | $449 | $5,000 | $10,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $20,000 | $849 | $10,000 | $20,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $40,000 | $1,499 | $20,000 | $40,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $80,000 | $2,399 | $40,000 | $80,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
Instant Funding Pro
The Instant Funding Pro program is an enhanced version of the standard Instant Funding model, offering premium access to trading capital. It is tailored for advanced traders who require larger starting balances and greater funding options. Like the standard program, Instant Funding Pro imposes strict drawdown rules but offers more significant scaling opportunities.
| Account Size | One-Time Fee | Fully Funded Amount | Profit Target to Scale Up | Profit Share | Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $299 | $5,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $10,000 | $599 | $10,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $20,000 | $1,199 | $20,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $40,000 | $2,399 | $40,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
| $80,000 | $4,799 | $80,000 | 10% | Up to 100% | 6% |
CTI enforces strict rules to ensure fair and responsible trading. Here are the key CTI trading rules to be aware of:
CTI’s updated scaling plans and rewards provide traders with opportunities to grow their funded accounts, increase profit shares, and earn additional benefits through consistent performance.
For example, for a $50,000 funded account:
City Traders Imperium (CTI) offers the Golden Trader Loyalty Program to reward traders for consistent performance and long-term commitment. The program features three tiers—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—with escalating benefits and requirements at each level.
Bronze Level
Traders at the Bronze Level enjoy enhanced trading conditions, including weekly payouts, a 90% profit share, and VIP support access. Additional perks include a certificate of achievement, a free one-on-one performance coaching session, and a 30% discount on all future purchases.
To qualify, traders must maintain an active funded account with no account failures for four months, process at least four reward payouts, and achieve a minimum of 4% profit per reward.
Silver Level
Silver Level membership builds upon the benefits of the Bronze tier. In addition to retaining weekly payouts, traders gain the ability to request on-demand payouts and are upgraded to a 100% profit share.
Silver members also receive free CTI merchandise and an in-person performance coaching session. To reach this level, traders must maintain Bronze status for at least four months, process four additional rewards, and achieve at least 3% profit per reward.
Gold Level
The Gold Level offers the most prestigious benefits, including institutional-grade trading conditions, tailored funding options, and the potential for a one-year guaranteed salary.
Gold members also join CTI’s elite trading team and receive a certificate of achievement. To achieve Gold status, traders must remain at the Silver Level for four months, process four additional rewards, and maintain a minimum profit of 2% per reward.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) offers retry discounts for traders who have been disqualified from their funding programs. The discount rates are structured as follows:
These discounts provide traders with an affordable opportunity to retry and achieve their funding goals. Discount codes are sent via email upon disqualification and can be redeemed during future sign-ups.
Verdict on Challenges
CTI offers versatile funded programs, including 2-Step, 1-Step, and Instant Funding challenges, suitable for traders of all experience levels. The flexibility of unlimited time limits and high-profit splits makes these challenges appealing for disciplined traders.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) offers relatively competitive trading conditions, with a 0.3 pip spread on EUR/USD. However, details on minimum spreads for other instruments remain limited, making it harder for traders focused on different asset classes to assess overall costs.
On face value, City Traders Imperium appears to provide relatively competitive spreads, with the spread for EUR/USD averaging around 0.3 pips. However, while CTI promotes low spreads for forex trading, there is limited information available on minimum spreads for other symbols, which may make it less transparent for traders who focus on other asset classes.
CTI is not a brokerage itself and instead uses Broctagon, an institutional prime liquidity provider regulated by CySEC in Cyprus. This partnership ensures high-quality execution and optimal trading conditions for all CTI traders without relying on a traditional broker setup.
CTI operates with a straightforward commission structure based on the asset class, ensuring transparency across trading activities. For Forex and Commodities, traders incur a $5 roundturn commission fee per lot ($2.50 per side). Indices come with a much lower fee of $0.50 per lot, roundturn, while Crypto traders enjoy zero commission trading.
| Asset Class | Commission Fee (Per Side) | Commission Fee (Roundturn) |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | $2.50 per lot | $5 per lot |
| Commodities | $2.50 per lot | $5 per lot |
| Indices | $0.25 per lot | $0.50 per lot |
| Crypto | Zero commission | Zero commission |
Verdict on Spreads
CTI’s low forex spreads, clear commission structure, and partnerships with regulated providers make it a competitive choice for forex traders. However, the lack of detailed spread information for other assets may require careful consideration for traders diversifying beyond forex.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) provides access to 50 trading instruments across its funded programs. These include 28 forex pairs, 3 commodities, 13 indices, and 6 cryptocurrencies.
Leverage varies based on the account type, with 1:30 leverage for forex on the 1-Step and 2-Step accounts, while No Evaluation accounts have a leverage of 1:10 for forex, commodities, and indices. Cryptocurrencies maintain a leverage of 1:2 across all account types. This broad selection offers traders diverse opportunities across multiple asset classes.
| Asset Class | Number of Markets | Leverage (1-Step & 2-Step) | Leverage (No Evaluation) | Examples of Symbols |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Pairs | 28 | 1:30 | 1:10 | EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, USD/CAD |
| Commodities | 3 | 1:10 | 1:10 | XAU/USD, XAG/USD, XTI/USD |
| Indices | 13 | 1:10 | 1:10 | US30, UK100, DE40 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 6 | 1:2 | 1:2 | BTC/USD, ETH/USD, ADA/USD |
City Traders Imperium offers 28 forex pairs across its funded programs, catering to a range of trading preferences. Leverage is set at 1:30 for the 1-Step and 2-Step accounts, while No Evaluation accounts have a leverage of 1:10. In addition to major pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD, traders can access minor pairs such as AUD/JPY and EUR/GBP, as well as exotic pairs like USD/TRY and EUR/ZAR.
For Commodities, CTI offers markets such as gold (XAU/USD), silver (XAG/USD), and crude oil (XTI/USD). The leverage is 1:10 across all account types, allowing traders to manage positions in these volatile markets.
CTI traders have access to popular global indices, including the US30, UK100, and DE40. Leverage is capped at 1:10 for both the 1-Step, 2-Step, and No Evaluation accounts.
In the Cryptocurrency market, CTI offers six assets such as Bitcoin (BTC/USD) and Ethereum (ETH/USD), with leverage set at 1:2 across all account types. As mentioned previously, CTI charges no commission for crypto trading for all six digital currencies.
Verdict on Markets
CTI gives you access to 50 markets, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. While leverage varies by asset class, the broad selection caters to diverse trading strategies.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) used to only offer the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform, yet as of recently the prop firm has started offering Match Trader as well.
While MetaTrader 4 (MT4) remains the most popular trading platform worldwide and is often the first choice for many traders, MetaTrader 5 (MT5) offers numerous improvements and enhanced features. These enhancements make MT5 a more advanced and versatile platform, providing traders with greater flexibility, expanded trading tools, and more comprehensive market analysis options.
MT5 provides an suite of powerful tools designed for online trading, including:
MT5 is accessible on multiple platforms, including Mac, Windows, WebTrader, and mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, providing flexibility for traders to manage their accounts from anywhere
Match Trader on CTI
City Traders Imperium (CTI) has recently expanded its platform offerings to include Match Trader alongside MetaTrader 5 (MT5), adding a new level of versatility especially for beginner traders.
Match Trader provides a streamlined, user-friendly experience, tailored for traders looking for a simpler layout without compromising essential trading functionalities.
Match Trader platform tools include:
Match Trader is a more simplified platform compared to MT5, ideal for CTI traders who prefer a straightforward interface while still needing essential tools for analysis and trade management.
Verdict of Trading Platforms
City Traders Imperium now provides two platform choices—MT5 and Match Trader. MT5 remains the go-to for traders seeking advanced tools and extensive market analysis capabilities, while Match Trader appeals to those wanting a simplified trading experience without overwhelming features. This expanded selection is a positive move by CTI, catering to a wider range of trading styles and preferences.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) offers flexible payment options for audition fees and profit payouts, including bank transfers, cryptocurrencies, and credit/debit cards. However, the minimum withdrawal is relatively high, and the withdrawal methods differ from the options available for paying fees.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) offers multiple payment methods for the one-time audition fee, including credit cards, debit cards, cryptocurrencies, and bank wire transfers. The fee range depends on the evaluation process and funding level selected, ranging from $39 to $4,799.
The cryptos available for fee payments are:
It is worth noting, to pay via bank transfer, you’ll need to contact support and request an invoice, providing details of the funding program and preferred payment method.
CTI offers a 100% refund of the evaluation fee for traders who reach their first 10% profit milestone in both the 1-Step (Instant Funding) and 2-Step Evaluation programs. However, for the No Evaluation (Direct Funding) program, the fee is non-refundable. This refund policy incentivizes traders to reach their profit targets while rewarding successful participants with the return of their initial costs.
You’ll face a minimum profit withdrawal of $100, yet CTI makes the profit payouts relatively straight-forward through their centralized Dashboard Wallet. Once you reach your profit targets, you can transfer your earnings from the trading account to your Wallet for withdrawal. Payment methods for withdrawals include bank transfers and cryptocurrency wallets.
Fully funded traders who meet CTI’s salary criteria receive monthly payments based on their account size. These salary payments are separate from profit payouts and are available only to traders who have completed the evaluation phase. Salary payments are deposited directly into the trader’s bank or crypto wallet.
Verdict on Payments and Payouts
Profit payouts are efficient, with straightforward withdrawal processes via bank transfer or cryptocurrency. The addition of funded trader salaries further rewards consistent performance.
City Traders Imperium focuses on supporting traders through dedicated customer service and comprehensive educational programs. Below we’ll look at the various support options available and the educational resources designed to enhance prop trading skills and knowledge.
City Traders Imperium provides customer support through various channels, including live chat, email, and a comprehensive FAQ section, which is managed by an interactive chat bot. While helpful for basic queries, the chat bot is less advanced compared to AI bots used by prop firms like IC Funded or FundedNext, which may offer more dynamic responses.
City Traders Imperium offers a wide range of educational resources to help traders at all skill levels:
City Traders Imperium complements these resources with ongoing courses and webinars, diving into specific trading strategies and market analyses, equipping traders with the knowledge to succeed in professional trading environments.
Verdict on Support
CTI provides comprehensive support through live chat, email, and an FAQ section. The active Discord community and educational resources enhance the overall trader experience.
City Traders Imperium (CTI), established in 2018 and based in Dubai, has quickly built a reputation for creating a solid prop trading community with generally favorable feedback from clients.
While we consider CTI a well-established and trusted prop firm, it is important to note that CTI is not a brokerage service but a proprietary trading firm. They partner with a CySEC regulated broker and liquidity provider, Broctagon, to ensure high-quality trading conditions and regulatory compliance, enhancing the security and reliability of their trading environment.
CTI maintains an excellent TrustPilot score of 4.5 out of 5. Customer reviews frequently praise the platform for its comprehensive support and prop trading tools. However, there are occasional critiques regarding server reliability during volatile market conditions, which the company actively addresses in its responses, highlighting their commitment to continuous improvement.
The community engagement at CTI is extensive and active, shown by their over 21K Discord members, including over 700 funded traders. CTI’s discord channel provides valuable trading information and client support, as well as announcements around promotions and giveaways.
On social media, CTI has a significant presence with 19.7k followers on Twitter/X, 4k on Facebook, and over 20.4k on Instagram. These platforms are utilized not just for announcements and support but also for sharing success stories and educational content, which helps maintain a connected and informed community.
Verdict on Trust and Community
CTI’s strong TrustPilot score (4.5/5) and partnerships with CySEC-regulated liquidity providers establish it as a reliable and secure prop trading firm.
Getting started with City Traders Imperium (CTI) is straightforward. Follow these steps:
City Traders Imperium (CTI) offers a well-rounded prop trading experience with attractive profit splits of up to 100% and flexible funding options, including Instant Funding, 1-Step, and 2-Step challenges. The firm’s use of MetaTrader 5 provides advanced trading tools, though some may prefer more platform choices.
With affordable fees, monthly trader salaries, and an engaged community, CTI is a strong choice for both beginner and experienced traders looking for scalable capital and long-term growth opportunities.
CTI offers four challenge types: 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant Funding, and Instant Funding Pro. The 1-Step and 2-Step challenges involve hitting profit targets while managing drawdown limits. In the 1-Step challenge, traders aim for a 10% profit target in one phase, while the 2-Step requires 10% in the first phase and 5% in the second. Instant Funding options skips evaluations, providing immediate access to capital, allowing traders to start earning a profit share right away.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) does not accept clients from the United States. This restriction is due to regulatory limitations, as CTI is based in Dubai and operates under international rules that prevent offering services to U.S. residents. Traders from other regions are welcome to join CTI’s funded programs, which offer access to a variety of financial markets. It’s essential for potential clients to ensure they comply with local regulations before signing up.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) offers an initial profit share of 70-80%, depending on the funding program. This percentage can increase up to 100% as traders hit specific profit milestones. CTI also provides a salary for funded traders who consistently meet performance goals, including maintaining a 3% monthly profit over six months. Payment scales with account size, offering both profit share and a steady income for qualified traders, incentivizing long-term, consistent trading success.
Proprietary trading firms, also known as prop firms, provide traders with access to capital to trade financial markets in exchange for a share of the profits. Unlike retail trading, traders at prop firms use the firm’s capital instead of their own, reducing personal financial risk. In return, traders must meet specific performance criteria, such as profit targets and drawdown rules. Prop firms typically offer various funding programs, including challenges, evaluations, and instant funding options.
