Topstep vs Crypto Fund Trader – Elite Prop Firms Comparison
Introduction
Topstep and Crypto Fund Trader occupy very different corners of the prop trading world. Topstep, founded in 2012 in Chicago by Michael Patak, is the original name in futures-based prop trading. It operates exclusively on CME Group markets, has paid out more than $1 billion to funded traders, and carries a 3.4/5 Trustpilot rating from over 13,800 reviews. Its single-phase Trading Combine® targets futures traders who want the deepest community and the 100% first-$10K profit structure. Crypto Fund Trader, established in 2021 by SWISS RLCRATES AG in Zug, Switzerland, was purpose-built for a different audience: traders who want access to 556+ cryptocurrency instruments alongside forex, indices, commodities, and stocks. With three evaluation paths – 2-Phase, 1-Phase, and Instant – and platforms including Match-Trader, MetaTrader 5, and Bybit, CFT offers multi-asset flexibility that Topstep does not. Where Topstep provides institutional futures depth on a single proprietary platform (TopstepX), CFT provides breadth across 720+ instruments and genuine platform choice. Topstep’s Trustpilot profile is long-established; CFT’s rating is currently unavailable after Trustpilot flagged the listing for a guidelines breach in April 2026. Both firms pay no attention to time limits – all CFT evaluations and the Topstep Trading Combine® are open-ended.
Quick Comparison |
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| Feature | Topstep | Crypto Fund Trader |
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| Founded | 2012 (Chicago, IL) | 2021 – operations launched November 2022 (SWISS RLCRATES AG, Zug, Switzerland) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.4/5 (13,872+ reviews, April 2026) | Not available – listing flagged for guidelines breach (April 2026); 1,121 reviews on file |
| Account Sizes | $50K / $100K / $150K | $5K – $200K (Instant: $2.5K–$10K; scaling to $1.28M) |
| Profit Split | 100% on first $10K, then 90/10 | 80% from day one |
| Evaluation Style | Single-phase Trading Combine® | 2-Phase, 1-Phase, or Instant Evaluation |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals? |
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| Program | Topstep | Crypto Fund Trader |
| Standard Evaluation | Trading Combine® – single phase, 6% profit target, EOD trailing MLL | 2-Phase Evaluation – 8% Phase 1 / 5% Phase 2; fixed 10% max drawdown |
| Express / Single-Step Option | Not offered – single evaluation structure only | 1-Phase Evaluation – 8% profit target; trailing 10% max drawdown; no Phase 2 |
| Instant Funding | Not offered | Instant Evaluation – $2,500–$10,000; structured scaling path to $1,280,000 |
| Educational Support | Discord (150K+ traders), live trading rooms, daily sessions | Tutorial videos, virtual classes, e-books, live streams, podcasts, personal mentoring |
| Account Scaling | Not published beyond $150K Combine size | Instant Evaluation path scales to $1,280,000 in virtual funded capital |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test? |
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| Criteria | Topstep | Crypto Fund Trader |
| Profit Target (Phase 1) | 6% – $3,000 / $6,000 / $9,000 | 8% (2-Phase) or 8% (1-Phase) [KB challenge table shows 10%; Key Rules section states 8% – using Key Rules figures] |
| Profit Target (Phase 2) | N/A – single phase | 5% (2-Phase); N/A for 1-Phase |
| Maximum Daily Loss | None – no daily loss cap | 5% of starting balance across all evaluation types |
| Maximum Trailing Drawdown | EOD trailing MLL – $2,000 / $3,000 / $4,500; freezes at starting balance | 10% maximum overall loss (fixed on 2-Phase; trailing on 1-Phase) |
| Minimum Trading Days | 5 trading days | 5 different trading days per phase (non-consecutive allowed) |
| Time Limit | None | None – unlimited trading period on all evaluation types |
| Consistency Rule | Best single day ≤ 50% of total profits at payout | Not specified |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay? |
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|---|---|---|
| Option | Topstep | Crypto Fund Trader |
| Entry Level | $49/mo ($50K Standard Path) or $109/mo (No Activation Fee Path) | Not specified in KB – one-time fee for smallest account size |
| Mid Tier | $99/mo ($100K Standard) or $159/mo (No Activation Fee) | Not specified in KB – one-time fee for mid-tier account |
| Premium | $149/mo ($150K Standard) or $209/mo (No Activation Fee) | Not specified in KB – one-time fee for $200K account |
| Reset Fee | 1 free monthly reset credit; additional $99 | 14-day money-back guarantee if no positions opened |
| Refundable? | No – monthly subscription model | Challenge fee refunded after passing both evaluation phases (2-Phase); 14-day money-back guarantee |
| Coupons | See discounts | Coupon Code |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use? |
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|---|---|---|
| Platform | Topstep | Crypto Fund Trader |
| Trading Platforms | TopstepX only (mandatory for new accounts from July 2025) | Match-Trader, MetaTrader 5, Bybit |
| Data Feed | Integrated via TopstepX (TradingView charts built in) | Platform-native feeds; Bybit provides institutional-grade crypto liquidity |
| Mobile Trading | TopstepX supports mobile browser access | Match-Trader and MetaTrader 5 offer mobile apps; Bybit has a dedicated mobile app |
| Custom Indicators | Available via TradingView integration within TopstepX | Supported on MetaTrader 5 (MQL5) and Match-Trader |
| Automated Trading | Fully permitted with no stated restrictions | EAs permitted – HFT, arbitrage, and news-scalping EA types are prohibited |
| News Feed | Not specified | Not specified |
Available Markets/Products |
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| Market | Topstep | Crypto Fund Trader |
| Cryptocurrencies | Not available – CME Bitcoin/Micro Bitcoin futures only | 556 crypto instruments – major, mid-cap, and altcoin markets |
| Forex | CME FX futures only (not spot forex) | 106 forex pairs – Majors, minors, and exotics |
| Indices | ES, NQ, YM, RTY and all CME Group index futures | 15 global indices |
| Commodities | CL, NG, GC, SI and CME commodities suite | 22 commodities |
| Stocks | Not available | 25 stock CFDs |
| Micro Contracts | Available – Micro futures on CME products | Not specified |
| Position Limits | 5 / 10 / 15 contracts on $50K / $100K / $150K | Not specified |
Technical Capabilities/Performance |
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|---|---|---|
| Feature | Topstep | Crypto Fund Trader |
| Execution Speed | Institutional-grade infrastructure via TopstepX | Bybit provides deep-orderbook crypto execution; Match-Trader for multi-asset |
| Automated Trading | EAs fully permitted – no restrictions stated | EAs permitted with restrictions – HFT, arbitrage, and news-scalping EAs prohibited |
| Order Types | Standard futures order types via TopstepX | Standard and advanced order types across Match-Trader, MetaTrader 5, and Bybit |
| Platform Reliability | TopstepX – proprietary, purpose-built for Topstep traders | Three established third-party platforms across crypto and multi-asset |
| Data Feed Quality | TradingView charting integrated within TopstepX | Platform-native feeds; EUR/USD from 0 pips, BTC/USDT from ~1 pip |
| Trading Hours | CME exchange hours; overnight/weekend holding permitted on most contracts | Overnight and weekend holding permitted across all evaluation types |
Support and Community |
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|---|---|---|
| Support Feature | Topstep | Crypto Fund Trader |
| Customer Support Hours | Live chat, email, phone, SMS, WhatsApp | Not specified |
| Response Time | Not specified | Not specified |
| Live Coaching | Live trading rooms and daily sessions via Discord | Personal mentoring and live streams included at no extra cost |
| Trading Community | Discord – 150,000+ members | Not specified |
| Educational Resources | Video library, trading guides, strategy sessions | Tutorial videos, virtual classes, e-books, live streams, podcasts |
| Success Stories | $1 billion+ paid out to traders | ~$19.2M paid to traders (CFT homepage, April 2026) |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation |
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|---|---|---|
| Key Element | Topstep | Crypto Fund Trader |
| Strengths | Industry pioneer with $1B+ payouts; 100% first $10K profit; no daily loss limit; largest futures community; 13+ years of track record | Crypto-native with 556+ crypto instruments; 720+ total instruments; three platforms; Instant Evaluation path to $1.28M; refundable fees; crypto payouts |
| Weaknesses | Futures only; single platform (TopstepX); monthly subscription accumulates over long challenges; no crypto access | Trustpilot listing flagged (April 2026); specific fee amounts not publicly listed in KB; 80% split is lower than Topstep’s first-$10K structure |
| Best For | Dedicated futures traders who want the most established name, 100% first-$10K profit, and a large peer community on CME markets | Traders focused on crypto or multi-asset CFD markets who want platform choice, refundable fees, and direct crypto payouts |
| Final Grade | 4.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Discount Codes | – | Coupon Code |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
FAQ
Is Topstep or Crypto Fund Trader better for futures traders?
Topstep is the specialist for CME futures. It has 13+ years of track record, $1 billion+ paid out, and a dedicated futures community of 150,000+ members on Discord. Crypto Fund Trader offers futures access via its Futures evaluation path alongside CFD and crypto trading, but its primary strength is in crypto-native instruments. For traders whose primary market is CME futures, Topstep’s deeper ecosystem gives it a clear edge.
Does Crypto Fund Trader allow cryptocurrency trading?
Yes – it is designed specifically for crypto traders. Crypto Fund Trader provides 556 cryptocurrency instruments covering major, mid-cap, and altcoin markets, making it the most crypto-comprehensive prop firm in the industry. It also pays out profits in USDT, Bitcoin, or Ethereum, which is rare among prop firms. Topstep does not offer spot crypto; it trades CME Bitcoin futures contracts only.
What is the difference in profit splits?
Topstep pays 100% of the first $10,000 in profits, then 90/10 thereafter – a structure that heavily favours traders in their early funded months. Crypto Fund Trader pays a flat 80% split from day one. For a trader generating $5,000 in monthly profits, Topstep’s structure would pay out more in the first two months; after that, the gap narrows. CFT does not publish a public route to a higher split tier.
Are EAs and automated strategies allowed at both firms?
Topstep explicitly permits EAs with no stated restrictions. Crypto Fund Trader permits EAs but specifically prohibits HFT, arbitrage EAs, and news-scalping EAs. Standard Expert Advisors, manual and automated scalping (excluding tick scalping), swing trading, and overnight holding are all permitted at CFT. Traders running automated systems should review CFT’s prohibited activities list carefully before deployment.
How do the payout structures compare?
Topstep pays out on a flexible schedule once funded; payout timing details are not specified in the KB. Crypto Fund Trader runs a weekly payout cycle, processed within 48 business hours of request, supporting bank transfer (EUR or USD via SWIFT/SEPA) and direct cryptocurrency payments (USDT, BTC, ETH). CFT’s crypto payout option is a genuine differentiator for traders who prefer to receive profits in digital assets.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
This comparison was compiled using published review data available on JoinProp for each firm. All figures – fees, profit targets, drawdown limits, payout structures – are sourced directly from each firm’s review page. Where a detail is not publicly disclosed by the firm, the cell reads “Not specified.” Verify current terms directly with Topstep and Crypto Fund Trader before purchasing a challenge.
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