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Discover which prop firm dominates: FTMO's forex empire or Topstep's futures kingdom. Complete breakdown with real data.
FTMO Max Profit Split
FTMO Max Account
Traders Fail Challenge
FTMO Funded Traders
This isn't your typical prop firm comparison. FTMO and Topstep operate in completely different markets — forex/CFDs versus futures. Think of it like comparing a Formula 1 car to a NASCAR: both are high-performance racing, but the tracks, rules, and skills required are entirely different.
FTMO dominates the forex and CFD prop trading world with 15,000+ funded traders across 180 countries. Topstep leads in futures trading with a laser focus on US markets. Your choice depends on which financial instrument you want to trade — not which firm is "better."
FTMO = Forex/CFDs (currency pairs, gold, indices via CFDs). Topstep = Futures contracts (standardized exchange-traded derivatives). These are fundamentally different instruments with different leverage, margin requirements, tax treatment, and trading hours. Choose based on which market you actually want to trade, not marketing hype.
Phase 1: FTMO Challenge (30 days max)
Phase 2: Verification (60 days max)
Pass Rate: ~10-15% complete both phases
Cost: €155 - €1,080 (one-time per attempt)
Single-Phase Evaluation
Funded Account
Pass Rate: ~15% pass first attempt
Cost: $165 - $375/month (subscription)
| Feature | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Profit Split | 80% | 80% |
| Maximum Profit Split | 90% | 90% |
| How to Hit 90% | After scaling plan activated | Consistent performance over time |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly or on-demand | Monthly (14-day first hold) |
| Payout Methods | Bank, crypto, Skrill, Deel | ACH, wire transfer |
| Processing Time | 1-3 business days | 7-10 business days |
FTMO $100K Account:
Make $10K profit → Keep $8K (80%) = $8,000 payout
With scaling to $200K + 90% split: $20K profit → $18K payout
Topstep $100K Account:
Make $6K profit (target) → Keep $4.8K (80%) = $4,800 payout
After scaling to 90%: $10K profit → $9K payout
✅ Allowed:
❌ Prohibited:
✅ Allowed:
❌ Prohibited:
| Account Size | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Small ($10K-$50K) | €155 one-time | $165/month |
| Medium ($100K) | €540 one-time | $325/month |
| Large ($150K-$200K) | €1,080 one-time | $375/month |
| Reset Fee | Same as initial (discount available) | Included in subscription |
Pass in 1-2 months? FTMO is cheaper (one-time €540 vs Topstep's $325-650 in subscriptions)
Need 3+ attempts over 6 months? Topstep subscription becomes competitive (unlimited resets)
Long-term funded trader? No difference — neither charges ongoing fees once funded
Best For: Forex/CFD traders, international traders, EA users, swing traders
Best For: Futures day traders, US market specialists, scalpers, NinjaTrader users
This comparison isn't about which firm is "better" — it's about which market you trade. FTMO and Topstep don't compete; they serve different trading worlds.
FTMO wins for forex/CFD traders who want global markets, MT4/MT5, and larger account scaling potential.
Topstep wins for futures traders who want regulated US contracts, NinjaTrader, and a subscription model.
Can't decide? Ask yourself: Do I want to trade EUR/USD and gold (FTMO) or ES and NQ futures (Topstep)? That's your answer.
Absolutely! Many professional traders diversify across both forex and futures markets. Just ensure you can manage the distinct trading requirements of each market.
FTMO processes payouts in 1-3 business days. Topstep takes 7-10 business days. However, both have a 14-day hold on first withdrawals for verification.
Yes! FTMO payouts are typically treated as business income (you're a contractor). Topstep futures profits may qualify for 60/40 tax treatment in the US (60% long-term, 40% short-term). Consult a tax professional.
Pass rates are similar (~10-15%). Forex traders find FTMO more natural; futures traders prefer Topstep. Success depends on your existing skillset, not the firm's difficulty.
Unlikely. Forex/CFDs have different volatility, spreads, and behavior than futures contracts. A profitable EUR/USD scalping strategy won't translate directly to ES futures. Develop market-specific strategies.
Whether you choose FTMO's forex empire or Topstep's futures kingdom, success requires battle-tested strategies, iron discipline, and proper risk management.
Our Futures Trading course teaches you the exact systems to pass prop firm evaluations and build sustainable trading income. Get live market analysis, proven strategies, and the psychological edge you need.
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