Topstep vs FTUK – Elite Prop Firms Comparison
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Topstep and FTUK cater to different trader types from the outset: Topstep is a futures-only prop firm offering access to CME Group markets, while FTUK is a forex and CFD firm covering currency pairs, indices, commodities, crypto, and stocks. If you already know which asset class you prefer, that alone may settle the decision. If you’re comparing on program structure, fees, payouts, and rules, read on – the differences run deeper than market access.
At a Glance
Quick Facts
| Feature | Topstep | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| 
| |
| Founded | 2012 | 2021-02 |
| Profit Split | 100% first $10,000, then 90/10 | 50-80% |
| Maximum Account Size | $150,000 | $6,400,000 |
| Evaluation Phases | 1 | 2 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.4 | — |
| Expert Grade | 9 | 9 |
Program Types
| Program | Topstep | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Program | Yes | One Step |
| Advanced Program | — | Two Step |
| Scaling Options | No | Yes |
| Demo Account | No | Yes |
Rules & Assessment
| Criteria | Topstep | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | 6% | — |
| Maximum Drawdown | Trailing MLL: $2,000-$4,500 | 5-12% |
| Minimum Trading Days | 5 | 10 |
| News Trading | Yes | Yes |
Fees & Pricing
| Option | Topstep | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| CFD $10K Account | Not offered | USD 99 / Listed challenge / One-time |
| CFD $25K Account | Not offered | USD 179 / Listed challenge / One-time |
| CFD $50K Account | Not offered | USD 269 / Listed challenge / One-time |
| CFD $100K Account | Not offered | USD 499 / Listed challenge / One-time |
| Futures $50K Account | USD 49 / Trading Combine / Monthly | Not offered |
| Futures $100K Account | USD 99 / Trading Combine / Monthly | Not offered |
| Futures $150K Account | USD 149 / Trading Combine / Monthly | Not offered |
| Coupons / Discount | Topstep discount | FTUK discount |
Platforms & Markets
| Feature | Topstep | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms | TopstepX | MatchTrader, TradeLocker, FTUK XT |
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| Stocks | No | Yes |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | No | Yes |
| Bonds | Yes | No |
| EA/Algo Trading | Yes | No |
Payout
| Feature | Topstep | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Terms | Bi-weekly via ACH, wire, or Rise; $50 minimum | Monthly (15th); methods: bank wire, PayPal, Skrill, crypto, Wise; min $50 |
| See all prop firm payouts → | ||
Verdict
| Key Element | Topstep | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Industry pioneer, generous first $10K profit split, no time limits, EAs permitted, no daily loss limit, $1B+ paid to traders | Multiple funding programs, Up to $6.4M scaling, 80% profit share, No stop loss requirement, 14-day free trial |
| Weaknesses | Monthly subscription fees compound, $149 activation fee, TopstepX platform exclusive, futures-only, trailing MLL can catch intraday profit-takers | Simulated capital only, One Step starts at 50%, No MT4/MT5/TradingView, Max $100k purchasable |
| Best For | Serious futures traders seeking established firm with forgiving evaluation | Disciplined traders seeking capital without personal risk |
—
Which Firm Is Right for You?
Choose Topstep if: You are a futures trader who wants access to CME Group markets. Topstep invented the prop firm evaluation model, has over a decade of track record, $1 billion in verified payouts, and offers the only structure where you keep 100% of your first $10,000 in profits. No daily drawdown limit and no restrictions on EAs or news trading give you maximum flexibility on the funded account.
Choose FTUK if: You trade forex, CFDs, or multi-asset markets. FTUK’s one-time fee structure avoids ongoing monthly costs, its $5K entry point is lower than Topstep’s minimum, and the scaling program reaches up to $6.4 million. Traders who want on-demand payouts (via Instant Funding) or prefer not to pay a monthly subscription will find FTUK’s model more predictable.
The core trade-off: Topstep is the proven leader for futures; FTUK is the multi-asset alternative with a simpler fee model. Both are unregulated evaluation firms -“neither holds your money as a regulated broker would.
See full Topstep review | See full FTUK review
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
Choose Topstep if you want a shorter evaluation at 1 phase, a lower 5-day minimum and a cheaper entry, from USD 49. Choose FTUK if a larger funded ceiling at $6.4M, a demo account to test the platform first and coverage of stocks and cryptocurrencies that the other does not offer matter more to you. Neither firm is better in the abstract. The right choice depends on your strategy, your budget and the instruments you trade, so read both full reviews before you commit. Verify current rules and pricing on each firm’s own site before purchasing.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know about Topstep’s programs?
Topstep distinguishes Express Funded Account Standard and Consistency paths, followed by a separate Live Funded Account stage. Topstep official rules.
What should I know about FTUK’s programs?
FTUK publishes distinct Forex Two-Step and Instant Funding rules. Their starting shares, scaling and consistency arrangements differ. FTUK official rules; FTUK official program information.
How do payouts differ between Topstep and FTUK?
The current payout policy lists a 90/10 split and a $125 minimum. Standard requires five winning days of $150 or more; Consistency requires three days and a 40% consistency target. Requests are subject to account-size caps. Topstep official rules.
Forex Two-Step lists an 80% share, a two-week payout frequency and ten minimum trading days for the first payout. Instant Funding starts at 65% and has a separate performance-based ladder up to 90%. FTUK official rules; FTUK official program information.
Which account rules matter when comparing Topstep and FTUK?
Express payouts are generally limited to 50% of account balance up to the applicable cap. Legacy eligibility and optional daily-loss-limit arrangements can change the caps or split treatment. Topstep official rules.
Forex Two-Step lists 8% static total drawdown, 5% daily drawdown and a 2% floating-loss Account Protector. Instant scaling requires its consistency conditions; smaller withdrawals can retain the standard 65% share. FTUK official rules; FTUK official program information.
Is Topstep or FTUK automatically the better choice?
No. Each firm wins on a different axis. Topstep has the shorter evaluation at 1 phase and the lower 5-day minimum. FTUK has the larger funded ceiling at $6.4M and market access the other lacks, namely stocks and cryptocurrencies. Which of those matters more depends on how you actually trade, so compare how each firm measures drawdown, the total fee once add-ons and resets are included and the evaluation objectives for the exact program you buy, rather than the headline numbers. If you fail an evaluation, do not assume either firm offers a fixed reset discount: check the reset terms for the specific account you bought.
How We Compared Topstep and FTUK
Both firms on this page carry a JoinProp Rating out of 10. We produce that rating with the same 9-factor methodology we apply to every firm we review: payout reliability (20%), fee structure (15%), drawdown rules (15%), profit split (15%), evaluation terms (10%), trading rules (10%), support access and responsiveness (5%), scaling plan (5%), and track record and transparency (5%).
The inputs come from our firm reviews, not from this page. For each firm we work from the current terms and conditions rather than marketing pages, track rule and pricing changes over time, and read payout and support reports across Trustpilot, Reddit and Discord, looking for recurring patterns rather than isolated complaints. Every firm is re-checked at least every 90 days, or sooner after a material change. Affiliate relationships have no effect on any rating, and ratings are never sold.
The tables above show the evidence behind those factors. A few rows, including trading platforms, available instruments, maximum account size and demo availability, are there to help you judge fit and do not affect either rating.
Read our full ranking methodology
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