Topstep vs FTUK – Elite Prop Firms Comparison
# Topstep vs FTUK – Elite Prop Firms Comparison
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
| Topstep | FTUK | |
|---|---|---|
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| Founded | 2012 – Chicago, IL, USA | February 2021 – United Kingdom |
| Asset Classes | Futures only (CME, CBOT, NYMEX) | Forex, indices, commodities, crypto, stocks |
| Account Sizes | $50K / $100K / $150K | $5K – $100K (scaling to $6.4M) |
| Evaluation Model | Monthly subscription (single-phase Trading Combine®) | One-time fee – Two Step / One Step / Instant Funding |
| Profit Split | 100% first $10K, then 90% | Up to 80% (Two Step & Instant); 50%→80% (One Step) |
| Drawdown Style | Trailing MLL only (no daily cap) | Daily 5–6% + Max 10–12% |
| Platform | TopstepX | MatchTrader / TradeLocker / FTUK XT (Futures) |
| Community | 150,000+ traders (Discord) | 50,000+ traders |
| Total Payouts | $1 billion+ | Not specified |
| Discount | See discounts | FTUK Discount Code |
| Full Review | Topstep Review | FTUK Review |
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Account Sizes & Fees
Topstep runs on a monthly subscription model – you pay every month until you pass the Trading Combine®. FTUK uses one-time challenge fees with no ongoing cost beyond the fee you pay upfront.
| Account Size | Topstep (monthly) | FTUK Two Step (one-time) | FTUK One Step (one-time) | FTUK Instant Funding (one-time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | Not available | Not available | Not available | $119 |
| $10,000 | Not available | $99 | $179 | $199 |
| $25,000 | Not available | $179 | $229 | $374 |
| $50,000 | $49/mo (+ $149 activation) or $109/mo (no activation) | $269 | $399 | $499 |
| $100,000 | $99/mo (+ $149 activation) or $159/mo (no activation) | $499 | $649 | $999 |
| $150,000 | Not specified (Large Combine) | Not available | Not available | Not available |
Key difference: Topstep’s subscription can cost more the longer you take to pass. FTUK’s one-time fee is fixed – though failing means buying again at full price (or using a discount code).
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Challenge / Evaluation Programs
| Parameter | Topstep Trading Combine® | FTUK Two Step | FTUK One Step | FTUK Instant Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phases | 1 phase | 2 phases | 1 phase | 0 phases (immediate funding) |
| Profit Target (Phase 1) | 6% ($3K on $50K; $6K on $100K) | 8% | 8% | No target – funded immediately |
| Profit Target (Phase 2) | N/A | 5% | N/A | N/A |
| Time Limit | No time limit | No time limit | No time limit | N/A |
| Minimum Trading Days | 5 days | 10 days per phase | 10 days | N/A |
| Max Account (purchasable) | $150,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Scaling Cap | Not specified | Up to $6,400,000 (25% increase per 3 profitable months) | ||
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Profit Splits & Payouts
| Parameter | Topstep | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Base Profit Split | 100% on first $10,000 earned; 90% thereafter | 80% (Two Step & Instant Funding from day 1); 50%→80% (One Step) |
| Futures Split | N/A (all products are futures) | Up to 100% on first $15,000 (FTUK XT futures accounts) |
| Payout Frequency | Every 14 days (bi-weekly); daily payouts after 30 consecutive winning days | Monthly (15th); on-demand for Instant Funding and select programs |
| Minimum Payout | Not specified | $50 |
| Payment Methods | ACH (US), wire transfer, crypto | Bank wire, PayPal, Skrill/Neteller, crypto, Revolut/Wise |
| Consistency Rule | 50% rule – best day cannot exceed 50% of total profit at payout | Not specified |
| Total Paid Out | $1 billion+ | Not specified |
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Drawdown Rules
| Parameter | Topstep | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Loss Limit | None – no daily drawdown cap | 5–6% of prior day’s closing balance |
| Maximum Drawdown | Trailing MLL from highest end-of-day balance ($2,000 on $50K; $3,000 on $100K) | 10–12% from initial account balance |
| Drawdown Style | End-of-day trailing (does NOT trail intraday) | Fixed from initial balance |
| Trailing / Static | Trailing – floor rises as EOD balance grows; locks at starting balance level | Static maximum + daily reset |
| Funded Account | Same MLL applies on funded account | Optional trailing drawdown available on funded accounts |
Note: Topstep’s trailing MLL means the more profitable you become, the more protected your floor is – but it also means a recovery run could eat into a prior-day gain. FTUK’s fixed max drawdown is simpler to track but adds a daily loss cap on top.
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Trading Platforms
| Platform | Topstep | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Platform(s) | TopstepX (exclusive for new accounts from July 2025) | MatchTrader (Forex), TradeLocker (Forex), FTUK XT (Futures) |
| Charting | Integrated TradingView charting | Platform-native charting |
| Mobile | Mobile browser compatible | Desktop and mobile supported on all platforms |
| API Access | Yes – direct API access available | Not specified |
| Proprietary Tools | The Tilt™ indicator, built-in drawdown tracker | Proprietary risk management dashboard, advanced stats tracker |
| Futures Platform | TopstepX (all accounts) | FTUK XT (dedicated futures platform) |
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Trading Rules & Restrictions
| Rule | Topstep | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Fully permitted – EAs and automated strategies allowed | Prohibited during challenge phases; not specified for funded |
| Copy Trading | Not specified | Prohibited during challenge phases |
| Hedging | Not specified | No hedging within the same instrument |
| News Trading | Not restricted | Prohibited within 10 minutes of high-impact news releases |
| Overnight Holding | Permitted | Permitted across all programs |
| Weekend Holding | Permitted | Permitted across all programs |
| Minimum Hold Time | Not specified | 2-minute minimum hold time (anti-scalping) |
| Max Position Duration | Not specified | 7 days maximum (Standard accounts) |
| VPN | Not specified | Strictly prohibited during evaluation phases |
| Consistency Rule | 50% rule at payout | Not specified |
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Markets Traded
| Market | Topstep | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | Not available (futures only) | Yes – major, minor, and exotic pairs |
| Futures | Yes – CME, CBOT, NYMEX (full suite) | Yes – via FTUK XT futures platform |
| Indices | Via index futures (e.g., ES, NQ, YM) | Yes – US30, S&P 500, FTSE, DAX, and more |
| Commodities | Via futures (gold, oil, grains, etc.) | Yes – gold, silver, oil, natural gas |
| Cryptocurrencies | Via CME crypto futures | Yes – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major altcoins (CFD) |
| Stocks | Not available | Yes – select individual stocks |
| Leverage (Forex) | N/A | Up to 1:100 on forex pairs |
| Leverage (Indices) | N/A | Up to 1:20 on indices |
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Community, Support & Reputation
| Parameter | Topstep | FTUK |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 (13+ years operating) | February 2021 (4+ years operating) |
| Trustpilot | 3.4 / 5 (13,872 reviews, April 2026) | Not specified in KB |
| Community Size | 150,000+ traders (Discord) | 50,000+ traders |
| Total Payouts | $1 billion+ | Not specified |
| Support Hours | Not specified | 24/5 (live chat, email, phone) |
| Education | Not specified | Webinars, one-on-one coaching, weekly market analysis |
| Regulation | Unregulated prop firm (simulated evaluation) | Unregulated prop firm – traders operate as sub-contractors |
| Countries | Not specified | 150+ countries |
| Discount Available | See discounts | Yes – FTUK Discount Code |
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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.
