FTMO vs Topstep
On the numbers: FTMO rates higher on Trustpilot. The right choice depends on which of those you weigh most - the rules, pricing and payout detail below is where they really separate.
At a glance
| FTMO | Topstep | |
|---|---|---|
| TradingBay Rating | 9.5 ★ | 7.9 |
| Category | Forex | Futures |
| Founded | 2015 | 2012 |
| Profit Split | Up to 90% | 90% |
| Payout Cycle | On demand | Weekly |
| Account Sizes | $10K–$200K | $50K–$150K |
| Cheapest Challenge | €155 | $149 |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | TopstepX |
| Trustpilot | 4.8 ★ | 3.7 |
Which is cheaper at $50K and $100K?
Prices shown in each firm's own currency or billing model, so not every size has a like-for-like winner.
| FTMO | Topstep | |
|---|---|---|
| $25K account | €250 | - |
| $50K account | €345 | $49/mo |
| $100K account | €540 | $99/mo |
| $200K account | €1,080 | - |
Rules head-to-head
Drawdown type is the rule that catches most traders out - read it before the profit split.
| FTMO | Topstep | |
|---|---|---|
| Rules grade | A - Clear, well-documented and stable ★ | B - Simple core rule; payout caps and consistency gates add friction |
| Drawdown type | 2-Step: static 10% Maximum Loss. 1-Step: end-of-day trailing 10% Maximum Loss (recalculated 00:00 CE(S)T, only moves up; fully resets after each reward withdrawal) | Trailing Maximum Loss Limit - the 'One Rule' ($2,000/$3,000/$4,500 for 50K/100K/150K); set at end of day from the balance high, locks once it reaches the starting balance ($0 after first funded payout) |
| Daily loss limit | 5% (2-Step) / 3% (1-Step) of initial capital, on equity, recalculated daily at 00:00 CE(S)T | Optional add-on at checkout ($1,000/$2,000/$3,000); hitting it blocks trading until next session but is not a rule break. Adding it (Responsible Trading Advantage) doubles XFA payout caps and discounts the subscription $10-$30/month |
| Profit target | 2-Step: 10% then 5%. 1-Step: 10%. No target on the funded FTMO Account | Combine: $3,000 (50K), $6,000 (100K), $9,000 (150K) |
| Consistency rule | 1-Step only: Best Day Rule - best day must not exceed 50% of Positive Days' Profit (applies to the Challenge and the FTMO Account; not a breach, just blocks passing/payout until diluted) | Combine: best day cannot exceed 50% of total profits. Express Funded Consistency payout path: largest day at or below 40% of total net profit |
| News trading | Allowed throughout the Evaluation Process; funded Standard accounts restricted around selected news releases; Swing accounts unrestricted | Permitted |
| EAs / automation | Allowed; HFT/latency arbitrage and other Forbidden Trading Practices prohibited | Automation allowed with conditions; trade copiers permitted; no support or remediation for bot malfunctions |
| Weekend holding | Funded Standard accounts must close overnight/weekend positions; Swing accounts may hold. No restriction during the Evaluation Process | Not possible - positions must be flat by 3:10 PM CT daily; trading day runs 5:00 PM CT to 3:10 PM CT |
| Min trading days | 4 trading days per phase (2-Step only); none on 1-Step or the FTMO Account | None to pass the Combine (possible in as little as 2 days); funded payout eligibility needs 5 winning days of $150+ (Standard) or 3 trading days (Consistency) |
| Time limit | No time limit on any phase | No time limit; monthly subscription rebills until you pass or cancel, with a free reset credit on each rebill |
Payouts head-to-head
| FTMO | Topstep | |
|---|---|---|
| Profit split (full terms) | 2-Step: 80% base, up to 90% via Scaling Plan. 1-Step: flat 90% | 90/10 from the first dollar (accounts opened from 12 Jan 2026); members who joined earlier keep 100% of their first $10,000 lifetime profit |
| Payout frequency | On demand from 14 days; processed on a bi-weekly cycle, ~8h average processing | On demand during CME market hours once eligible; XFA cycles need 5 winning days of $150+ (Standard) or 3 days at <=40% consistency (Consistency); LFA unlocks daily payouts after 30 winning days |
| First payout | From 14 calendar days after first trade on the FTMO Account | Funded traders can request a first payout in as little as 3 days (Consistency path); Standard path needs 5 winning days of $150+; no profit-since-last-payout requirement on the first payout |
| Minimum payout | - | $125 |
| Scaling | Scaling Plan: 25% balance increase per 4-month cycle (requires 10%+ net profit over the window, at least 2 processed rewards and a positive balance), reward upgraded to 90%, up to a $2,000,000 maximum initial balance | Contract limits scale with account balance per the Scaling Plan; payouts that drop the balance to a lower tier reduce maximum contract size. Payout caps rise per request count is not used - instead LFA invitation removes caps entirely |
Who should choose which?
· You want clearer, more stable rules (rules grade A vs B).
· Independent reputation matters to you (Trustpilot 4.8 vs 3.7).
· You run EAs or automated strategies.
· You're trading from the United States.
Is FTMO better than Topstep?
It depends what you weigh: FTMO rates higher on Trustpilot.
Which is cheaper, FTMO or Topstep?
Their entry prices are in different currencies or billing models (FTMO: €155, Topstep: $149), so there is no like-for-like winner - compare at your account size in the table above.
Does FTMO or Topstep allow EAs?
FTMO: Allowed; HFT/latency arbitrage and other Forbidden Trading Practices prohibited. Topstep: Automation allowed with conditions; trade copiers permitted; no support or remediation for bot malfunctions.
Can US traders join FTMO or Topstep?
FTMO: no, the United States is on its restricted list. Topstep: yes, the US is not on its restricted list.
Which pays out faster, FTMO or Topstep?
FTMO: On demand from 14 days; processed on a bi-weekly cycle, ~8h average processing. Topstep: On demand during CME market hours once eligible; XFA cycles need 5 winning days of $150+ (Standard) or 3 days at <=40% consistency (Consistency); LFA unlocks daily payouts after 30 winning days.
Terms last verified against each firm's own site: 2026-06-12 / 2026-06-12. How we rate.