City Traders Imperium review 2026: honest look at fees, rules and payouts
We looked at City Traders Imperium the same way we look at every firm: its published prices, its published rules and what customers say. It earns 6.5 and lands at 9 of 30.
At a glance
City Traders Imperium in a nutshell
- Best for
- Traders who want a challenge cheaper than most (100K from $449)
- Price for 100K
- $449 (1-Step Challenge)
- Payout schedule
- Monthly (first after 7 profitable days)
- Watch out for
- Leverage stops at 1:30
City Traders Imperium, better known as CTI, is a UK prop firm. You can pick 1- and 2-Step challenges, instant accounts or direct funding, on MT5 and Match-Trader.
How we scored it
It's number 9 out of 30 in our rankings. Here's how we got to 6.5:
What we love and what we don't
Pros
- Solid Trustpilot reviews (4.2)
- News trading is allowed
- No consistency rule holding up your payouts
Cons
- Leverage stops at 1:30
- Instant accounts are on the pricey side
- Group hedging and arbitrage aren't allowed
City Traders Imperium's programs
| Program | Type | Sizes | From | Profit split |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Step Challenge | 1-Step | 2.5K–100K | $29 | 80% |
| 2-Step Challenge | 2-Step | 2.5K–100K | $39 | 80% |
| Instant Funding | Instant | 2.5K–80K | $79 | 50% |
| Direct Funding | Instant | 5K–80K | $229 | 70% |
Regular prices without promo codes, checked on 14 November 2026. Firms update prices a lot, so please double-check on their site before you buy.
Your $100,000 options
| Program | Type | Price | Target | Daily loss | Max loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Step Challenge | 1-Step | $449 | 8% | None | 5% |
| 2-Step Challenge | 2-Step | $549 | 10% / 5% | 5% | 10% |
What you're allowed to do
Restricted means you can do it, but with conditions, like no trades for a few minutes around big news. The firm's website has the fine print.
Platforms and getting paid
How City Traders Imperium stacks up
Questions traders ask us
Does CTI have a consistency rule?
Not for payouts. Instant accounts use a 20% score that only affects scaling.
Can I trade the news at CTI?
Yes. Only scalping right at the moment of the release is restricted.
How much will a City Traders Imperium 100K challenge cost me?
The cheapest City Traders Imperium 100K challenge that pays at least 80% is 1-Step Challenge (1-step), at $449.
Can I join City Traders Imperium from the Philippines?
Yes, you can. The Philippines isn't on City Traders Imperium's restricted-country list. These lists do change, so give the terms a quick check when you sign up.