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

FeatureTopstepFTUK
Topstep FTUK
Founded20122021-02
Profit Split100% first $10,000, then 90/1050-80%
Maximum Account Size$150,000$6,400,000
Evaluation Phases12
Trustpilot Rating3.4
Expert Grade99
ProgramTopstepFTUK
Entry Level ProgramYesOne Step
Advanced ProgramTwo Step
Scaling OptionsNoYes
Demo AccountNoYes
CriteriaTopstepFTUK
Profit Target6%
Maximum DrawdownTrailing MLL: $2,000-$4,5005-12%
Minimum Trading Days510
News TradingYesYes
OptionTopstepFTUK
CFD $10K AccountUSD 99 / Listed challenge / One-time
CFD $25K AccountUSD 179 / Listed challenge / One-time
CFD $50K AccountUSD 269 / Listed challenge / One-time
CFD $100K AccountUSD 499 / Listed challenge / One-time
Futures $50K AccountUSD 49 / Trading Combine / Monthly
Futures $100K AccountUSD 99 / Trading Combine / Monthly
Futures $150K AccountUSD 149 / Trading Combine / Monthly
Coupons / DiscountTopstep discountFTUK discount
FeatureTopstepFTUK
Trading PlatformsTopstepXMatchTrader, TradeLocker, FTUK XT
ForexYesYes
StocksNoYes
IndicesYesYes
CommoditiesYesYes
CryptocurrenciesNoYes
BondsYesNo
EA/Algo TradingYesNo
FeatureTopstepFTUK
Payout TermsBi-weekly via ACH, wire, or Rise; $50 minimumMonthly (15th); methods: bank wire, PayPal, Skrill, crypto, Wise; min $50
See all prop firm payouts →
Key ElementTopstepFTUK
StrengthsIndustry pioneer, generous first $10K profit split, no time limits, EAs permitted, no daily loss limit, $1B+ paid to tradersMultiple funding programs, Up to $6.4M scaling, 80% profit share, No stop loss requirement, 14-day free trial
WeaknessesMonthly subscription fees compound, $149 activation fee, TopstepX platform exclusive, futures-only, trailing MLL can catch intraday profit-takersSimulated capital only, One Step starts at 50%, No MT4/MT5/TradingView, Max $100k purchasable
Best ForSerious futures traders seeking established firm with forgiving evaluationDisciplined traders seeking capital without personal risk

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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

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