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Topstep vs FTMO: Rules and Payouts for Futures Traders

JoinProp Content Team

April 25, 2026

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For futures traders seeking challenge-based funding, Topstep and FTMO represent two of the most prominent prop firms. Both offer paths to trade with significant capital, but their rules, payout structures, and overall philosophies cater to distinct trading styles and preferences.

Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting a firm that aligns with your strategy and risk tolerance, maximizing your chances of success in a highly competitive environment. JoinProp aggregates real trader experiences and payout data to offer an unbiased comparison of these two industry leaders.

Evaluation Structure: How Each Firm Tests Traders

Topstep’s Trading Combine is a one-phase futures evaluation. Meet its profit target, 55% consistency target and Maximum Loss Limit. It can be passed in as few as two days. Daily loss limits are optional in the standard Combine/XFA arrangement, with separate restrictions for specific programs. Official Combine parameters.

In 2025, Topstep reported a 16.8% pass rate for all Combines initiated, with 51.8% of individual participants advancing to Funded at least once. The firm released updates in early 2026, including new Express Funded Account paths designed to reward consistency with new criteria for payout eligibility.

• Topstep Trading Combine: Single-phase evaluation.
• Performance Targets: Profit target, 55% consistency and Maximum Loss Limit; daily loss limit depends on the account arrangement.
• Duration: Trading Combine can pass in as few as two days, subject to 55% consistency.
• Pass Rate (2025): 16.8% for Combines, 51.8% of individuals advanced to Funded (Topstep 2025 performance disclosure).

FTMO offers CFD 1-Step and 2-Step evaluations. 1-Step has one evaluation phase; 2-Step has Challenge and Verification phases. Separately, FTMO Futures offers Growth and Pro pathways. The remaining FTMO CFD figures on this page must not be applied to those Futures accounts.

CFD 2-Step requires 10% profit in Challenge and 5% in Verification, a 5% daily loss limit and 10% static maximum loss, plus four trading days per phase. CFD 1-Step requires 10% profit, a 3% daily loss limit, 10% end-of-day trailing maximum loss and a 50% Best Day Rule, with no minimum day count. Both have unlimited completion time. Official objectives. A current model-specific pass or payout-success rate has not been verified here.

• FTMO CFD Challenge: 1-Step or 2-Step; Futures has separate Growth and Pro programs.
• CFD Performance Targets: 1-Step: 10%; 2-Step: 10% then 5%, with model-specific loss limits.
• Duration: No maximum time limit; 2-Step requires four trading days per phase, while 1-Step has no minimum day count.
• Overall Payout Success: A current model-specific FTMO rate has not been verified.

Trading Rules Comparison: Daily Loss Limits, Drawdowns, and Restrictions

Compare how each account sets its loss floor and how it tests that floor during the session. An end-of-day calculation does not mean breaches are checked only at the close.

Topstep’s Daily Loss Limit (DLL) is an optional fixed dollar amount (e.g., $3,000 for a $150K account) that, if hit, triggers an auto-liquidation for the session but does not terminate the account as per Topstep’s help center. Topstep sets its trailing Maximum Loss Limit from end-of-day results, but enforces the existing floor intraday; this must be included in any plan to manage volatility.

Topstep’s Maximum Loss Limit is monitored intraday, including unrealised results: touching the floor fails the account even if price later recovers. This differs from a Daily Loss Limit, which normally pauses trading for the session. Be flat by 3:10 PM CT; trading reopens at 5 PM CT. Maximum Loss Limit; trading hours.

• Topstep Daily Loss: Optional fixed dollar amount, session liquidation only.
• Drawdown: End-of-day trailing floor, enforced intraday on realised and unrealised results.
• Overnight/Weekend Trading: Positions must be closed by 3:10 PM CT; trading can resume at 5 PM CT. Holding across the daily close or weekend is prohibited.
• Stricter Rules: Touching the Maximum Loss Limit intraday fails the account; a daily loss limit session lockout is a separate control.

FTMO CFD 2-Step has a daily loss allowance equal to 5% of initial simulated capital and a static maximum-loss floor at 90% of initial capital. CFD 1-Step instead uses a 3% daily allowance and a 10% end-of-day trailing maximum-loss rule. Equity, including floating profit/loss, commissions and swaps, matters when testing a breach; this is not a balance-only check. Official calculations.

Choose the exact FTMO CFD model before comparing risk limits. Standard and Swing have different holding and news permissions; Swing is offered with 2-Step. FTMO Futures Growth and Pro use their own rules, set out in the official Futures comparison.

• FTMO CFD Daily Loss: 2-Step 5%; 1-Step 3%, based on initial simulated capital and the applicable equity calculation.
• CFD Maximum Loss: 2-Step static 10%; 1-Step end-of-day trailing 10%.
• Overnight/Weekend Trading: CFD Standard and Swing permissions differ; 2-Step Swing permits weekend holding, while funded Standard has close and news restrictions.
• Stricter Rules: More stringent with immediate termination for rule breaches, demanding high discipline.

Payout Structures: Profit Splits, Withdrawal Frequency, and Scaling

Understanding how profits are shared and withdrawn is paramount for any funded trader. Both firms offer attractive splits, but their mechanisms for payout and account scaling differ significantly.

Topstep’s current trader share is 90%. Traders who joined its new dashboard before 12 January 2026 retain the first-$10,000 lifetime-profit exception. XFA Standard requires five $150+ winning days and new net profit after a prior payout; Consistency requires three days and a 40% target. Requests have a $125 minimum and 50%-of-balance limit with size/path caps. Official payout policy.

Live payout eligibility starts with five $150+ winning days per cycle and a 50% balance limit without an XFA dollar cap. Daily access follows 30 qualifying winning days earned in Live; XFA days do not count.

• Initial Profit Split: 90/10 currently; the first-$10K exception applies to traders who joined the new dashboard before 12 January 2026.
• Withdrawal Frequency: Eligibility-based, not a fixed weekly schedule; Live daily access follows 30 qualifying Live days.
• Payout Requirements: 5 winning days ($150+ each) or 3 consistent days (new path) for Express Funded Accounts.
• Scaling: Position limits and Live progression depend on stage; nominal Combine size is not a cash payout balance.

FTMO CFD 1-Step has a 90% reward ratio. CFD 2-Step starts at 80% and can increase to 90% under scaling. For CFD FTMO Accounts, eligible traders may request a reward from day 14 after the first trade on that specific account, with all positions and pending orders closed. Review usually takes 1–2 business days; payment usually takes 1–2 business days after invoice approval. Official reward process.

FTMO’s published CFD scaling plan provides 25% account increases at four-month intervals, subject to at least 10% net profit over the period, two rewards and a positive balance. The published cap is $2 million. Check eligibility for the selected model in the official scaling plan.

• Initial Profit Split: CFD 1-Step 90%; 2-Step 80%, with eligible increases to 90%.
• CFD Reward Timing: Request from day 14 after the first trade on the specific account; review and payment are separate processing stages.
• Payout Requirements: Model-specific eligibility applies; CFD 1-Step also has a 50% Best Day Rule.
• Scaling: Accounts can scale from $200,000 up to $2 million.

Rules checked on 27 September 2026. The following pricing figures retain their existing snapshot; confirm checkout totals for the exact model, size and options. Discounts have not been changed.

Cost Analysis: Evaluation Fees, Resets, and Total Investment

The financial commitment to a prop firm goes beyond just the initial evaluation fee; potential resets and ongoing costs must be factored into the total investment to funding.

Topstep’s costs are structured as a monthly subscription for the Trading Combine, starting at $49 for a $50K Standard Path account or $109 for a $50K No Activation Fee Path according to MyFundedCapital. The Standard Path requires a one-time activation fee of $149 after passing, while the No Activation Fee Path has a higher monthly cost but no post-pass fee as highlighted in a 2026 YouTube review. Resets are separate purchases or credits under the selected pricing path; they are not a new subscription. Check the official reset and rebill terms.

A realistic scenario, including one reset, for a $50K account could range from $200-$600 in total evaluation costs according to Phidias Prop Firm. TopstepX, the platform used for current Combine/XFA accounts, has instrument-specific commissions and fees per Topstep’s help center.

• Evaluation Fees: Monthly subscription ($49-$209 depending on account size/path).
• Activation Fees: $149 for the Standard Path, none for the No Activation Fee Path.
• Reset Fees: Separate reset purchase or eligible credit; terms depend on the pricing path.
• Total Cost to Funding: Estimated $200-$600 for a $50K account with one reset.

FTMO CFD evaluations use one-time fees. The current comparison lists 1-Step from €79 and 2-Step from €89; final prices depend on the selected account and configurator. The 2-Step initial fee is reimbursed with the first reward; the 1-Step fee is not refundable. Official CFD fees and refund rules.

Compare the selected account size and model at checkout rather than assuming all FTMO programs share one price or refund policy. FTMO Futures uses separate Growth/Pro pricing, including evaluation subscriptions; consult its official comparison.

• Evaluation Fees: One-time fee (€155-€1,080 depending on account size).
• Refund Policy: CFD 2-Step fee reimbursed with first reward; 1-Step non-refundable.
• Monthly Fees: None for funded traders.
• Total Cost to Funding: Successful CFD 2-Step traders may recover the initial fee with their first reward; failed attempts, 1-Step fees and trading costs remain costs.

Trader Experience: Platform, Support, and Payout Consistency

Beyond rules and costs, the overall trader experience, including platform stability and support, plays a significant role in long-term success with a prop firm.

Topstep uses TopstepX for current Trading Combine and Express accounts, with a supported Quantower connection. Do not assume old NinjaTrader or Tradovate availability applies to a new account. Official Quantower instructions.

Payment timing depends on approval, method and country. Use the published payout policy instead of treating a trader’s payment anecdote or a historical aggregate as a guarantee.

• Platforms: TopstepX; Quantower connection for Trading Combine and Express accounts.
• Support: Strong educational resources, coaching, active community.
• Payout processing: Eligibility and method-specific processing apply; timing is not guaranteed.
• Transparency: Rules and policies are clearly documented on their help center.

FTMO CFD lists MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, with selection in the challenge configurator. Its separate Futures offering should be checked for its own platform and instrument specifications. Official CFD platforms.

For CFD FTMO Accounts, eligible traders may request a reward from day 14 after the first trade on that specific account, with all positions and pending orders closed. Review usually takes 1–2 business days; payment usually takes 1–2 business days after invoice approval. Official CFD reward timing. An eight-hour payment anecdote is not a processing guarantee.

• Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView for CFDs.
• Support: Responsive customer service, though less emphasis on coaching.
• Payout processing: Eligibility and method-specific processing apply; timing is not guaranteed.
• Transparency: Check the current model-specific official objectives and instrument specifications.

Which Firm Fits Your Trading Style: Decision Framework

Choosing between Topstep and FTMO depends heavily on your specific trading style, risk tolerance, and preferred market. JoinProp introduces the Rule-Cost-Payout Triangle Framework to help traders visualize which firm offers the best geometric fit for their specific trading profile.

This framework plots each firm on three axes: rule strictness (how forgiving the firm is), total cost to funding (realistic investment including likely resets), and payout reliability (speed and consistency of withdrawals). Use these as comparison questions; this article does not present a validated numerical scoring model.

1. Assess Your Market Preference: Do you trade futures, or forex/CFDs? Topstep offers futures programs; FTMO offers both CFD programs and a separate Futures service. Compare like-for-like products.
2. Evaluate Your Risk Management Style: Both firms enforce loss limits during trading. Compare the usable loss allowance, floating-P&L treatment and whether the floor trails; do not infer safety from the words “end of day”.
3. Consider Your Capital and Commitment: Do you prefer a lower monthly fee with a potential activation fee (Topstep Standard) or a one-time CFD fee (FTMO 2-Step reimbursed with the first reward; 1-Step non-refundable)? Factor in the realistic cost of multiple evaluation attempts.
4. Analyze Payout Needs: Compare current payout eligibility and caps. Topstep’s first-$10K exception is grandfathered, while FTMO CFD scaling is conditional. Consider how quickly you need access to profits and payout frequency.
5. Platform and Tools: Are you comfortable with TopstepX or prefer the widely used MT4/MT5/cTrader/TradingView offered for FTMO CFDs? Consider any platform-specific features or reported issues.

Topstep may suit futures day traders who prefer its subscription evaluation and available tools. Assess its intraday loss enforcement and payout restrictions against your strategy. The grandfathered first-$10,000 benefit is not an offer for new traders.

FTMO product fit: CFD traders can choose 1-Step or 2-Step and MT4, MT5, cTrader or TradingView. The 2-Step Swing option has different holding permissions from Standard. Futures traders should assess FTMO Futures Growth/Pro separately, using their own drawdown, payout and subscription terms rather than the CFD figures in this article.

Before purchasing, check current platform status, instrument specifications and account terms. Use JoinProp’s comparisons alongside official rules and the existing discount listings.

Key Takeaways

• The standard Topstep Trading Combine is a single-phase futures evaluation; its EOD trailing floor remains enforceable intraday.
• FTMO offers CFD 1-Step and 2-Step evaluations and a separate Futures service with Growth and Pro programs.
• Topstep generally pays 90%; a dated new-dashboard exception applies. FTMO CFD 1-Step pays 90%; 2-Step starts at 80% and can scale to 90%.
• FTMO CFD has one-time evaluation fees: 2-Step reimbursed with the first reward, 1-Step non-refundable. FTMO Futures pricing is separate.
• Payout eligibility, caps and payment processing differ by account type and method.
• Choosing depends on your market, risk tolerance, capital preference, and desired platform.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice Between Topstep and FTMO

The choice between Topstep and FTMO is not about identifying a universally “better” firm, but rather aligning a firm’s specific rules, costs, and payout structures with your individual trading strategy and goals. Topstep offers a futures evaluation with subscription costs, intraday loss enforcement and stage-specific payouts. Choose on those terms rather than a general claim that its rules are more forgiving.

FTMO now serves both CFD and futures traders through separate products. Use the CFD 1-Step/2-Step rules above only for CFDs; for a futures-to-futures decision, compare the current FTMO Futures Growth/Pro terms with the selected Topstep account. The firms’ model, phase and account type matter more than their names alone.

To make an informed decision, consider leveraging JoinProp’s comparison tools to explore current promotions and discount codes for both firms, ensuring you enter your evaluation process with the best possible advantage.

Frequently asked questions

Key Terms Glossary

Trading Combine: Topstep’s single-phase evaluation program for futures traders to prove their skills and earn a funded account.

FTMO Challenge: The CFD evaluation is available as 1-Step or 2-Step (Challenge and Verification); eligible successful traders receive simulated FTMO Accounts. FTMO Futures has separate programs.

Daily Loss Limit (DLL): A maximum amount of money a trader can lose in a single trading day before restrictions are applied, calculated differently by each firm.

Trailing Drawdown: A risk management rule where the maximum allowable loss adjusts upwards as a trader’s account equity grows, typically calculated at the end of the trading day by Topstep.

Static Drawdown: A fixed maximum allowable loss from the initial account balance that, if breached, results in account termination, as used by FTMO CFD 2-Step; CFD 1-Step uses an end-of-day trailing rule.

Profit Split: The percentage division of profits between the funded trader and the prop firm.

Scaling Plan: A program offered by prop firms that allows traders to increase their funded account size based on consistent profitability and meeting specific performance milestones.

TopstepX: Topstep’s trading platform; Trading Combine and Express accounts can also connect through Quantower.