EA is introducing a platform-wide “Graduated Transfer Market Access” system in EA SPORTS FC 26 to curb market manipulation and coin-selling while easing genuine newcomers into trading. The policy, live on PC since late 2024, will now apply on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch (including Switch 2), Amazon Luna, and PC from launch.

Key points at a glance

  • Graduated access for new accounts: First-time or ineligible accounts will see Transfer Market access locked at the start of FC 26. Access unlocks after completing a set of Foundation Objectives and waiting a short period to pass integrity checks.
  • Immediate access for returning players: If you played FUT on the same platform and your account is in good standing, you will retain full Transfer Market access on day one.
  • Reason for the change: EA says the system protects the in-game economy from rule-breaking activity and introduces true newcomers to FUT at a more measured pace.
  • Scope and enforcement: EA policies already allow limiting or revoking market access across console or PC and the Companion App for coin buying or distribution. The new graduated system formalizes a preventative layer at the point of entry.
  • Now across all platforms: What started as a PC-only safeguard in late 2024 becomes standard for every platform with FC 26.

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How the protection system works

1) Account status check at first login

When you enter Ultimate Team in FC 26, the game checks whether you are a returning FUT player in good standing on that platform. Those players get immediate, full Transfer Market access. New or non-qualifying accounts start with restricted access.

2) Foundation Objectives and time gate

New or restricted accounts are presented with Foundation Objectives (introductory tasks inside Ultimate Team). Completing these, and letting a brief period of time elapse, unlocks the market. EA frames this as a trust-building step to distinguish legitimate players from bots and coin-trading operations before they can influence prices.

3) Ongoing policy enforcement

Separate from the graduated unlock, EA’s rules state that coin buying or distribution can trigger market restrictions on both the Companion App and in-game market access. This remains in force for FC 26.

Why it matters for the FUT economy

  • Stability at launch: Early-season price spikes are historically vulnerable to botting and illicit coin flow. A measured onboarding for new accounts helps dampen artificial swings.
  • Fairer trading environment: By keeping bad actors off the market initially and sanctioning them when detected, legitimate traders and squad builders should see clearer price signals and reduced manipulation.
  • Clarity for veterans: Returning players who followed the rules keep their usual day-one trading freedom, minimizing friction for long-time FUT investors and menu grinders.

What EA has (and hasn’t) confirmed

  • Confirmed:
    • Platform-wide rollout in FC 26 at launch.
    • Immediate access for returning, compliant accounts.
    • Foundation Objectives and a time window for new accounts.
    • Rationale: protect market integrity and player trust.
  • Not yet detailed by EA:
    • The exact list of Foundation Objectives and the precise waiting period. These specifics are expected in the Launch Update Pitch Notes.

Community reaction and context

Early coverage and community posts highlight that returning players will not be affected, while new players must progress through the Foundations path. Some forum users testing pre-release builds have voiced concerns about friction for purely offline players, but these experiences are not official policy documentation and may differ at launch.

Timeline and availability

EA’s FUT deep dive confirms the new Transfer Market protection will be active from day one of FC 26 across all platforms. FC 26 is slated to be playable worldwide on September 26, 2025 with Ultimate Edition early access from September 19.

What players should do now

  • Returning FUT players: Log in on your usual platform to retain instant market access and keep your account in good standing to avoid restrictions.
  • New to FUT: Expect to complete Foundation Objectives and wait out a short verification period before trading. Plan your early club progression around SBCs, Objectives, and gameplay rewards while you unlock the market.