The Prop Trading Landscape
FTMO Max Profit Split
FTMO Max Account
Traders Fail Challenge
FTMO Funded Traders
FTMO vs Topstep: Two Different Worlds
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, indices, commodities (CFDs)
- ✅ Global markets 24/5
- ✅ Account sizes: $10K - $200K
- ✅ Scaling up to $2M possible
- ✅ MT4, MT5, cTrader platforms
- ✅ 2-phase evaluation process
- ✅ International: 180+ countries
Topstep
- ✅ Futures only (ES, NQ, YM, etc.)
- ✅ US market hours focus
- ✅ Account sizes: $50K - $150K
- ✅ Conservative scaling approach
- ✅ NinjaTrader, TradingView
- ✅ Trading Combine (1-phase)
- ✅ US-based, global access
⚠️ Critical Market Difference
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.
Challenge Structure: How to Get Funded
FTMO Challenge
Phase 1: FTMO Challenge (30 days max)
- • Hit 10% profit target
- • Max daily loss: 5%
- • Max total drawdown: 10%
- • Minimum 10 trading days
- • Time limit: 30 calendar days
Phase 2: Verification (60 days max)
- • Hit 5% profit target
- • Same drawdown rules (5%/10%)
- • Minimum 10 trading days
- • More relaxed timeline
Pass Rate: ~10-15% complete both phases
Cost: €155 - €1,080 (one-time per attempt)
Topstep Combine
Single-Phase Evaluation
- • Meet profit target ($3K-$9K based on size)
- • Daily loss limits ($2K-$4K)
- • Max trailing drawdown
- • Minimum 5 trading days
- • No time limit (trade at your pace)
Funded Account
- • Immediate 80% profit split
- • Scale to 90% with consistency
- • Monthly payouts
- • Account growth opportunities
Pass Rate: ~15% pass first attempt
Cost: $165 - $375/month (subscription)
Profit Splits & Payout Comparison
| 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 |
💰 Real Income Example
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
Trading Rules & Restrictions
📋 FTMO Rules
✅ Allowed:
- • Expert Advisors (EAs)
- • News trading
- • Weekend holding
- • All forex pairs + indices + commodities
- • Copy trading (with permission)
❌ Prohibited:
- • Exceeding 5% daily loss
- • Exceeding 10% max drawdown
- • Trading during first 2 min of market open
- • Hedging across multiple accounts
📋 Topstep Rules
✅ Allowed:
- • News trading
- • All futures contracts (E-mini, Micro, commodities)
- • Multiple strategies (scalping, swing, day trading)
- • Trading during RTH and ETH sessions
❌ Prohibited:
- • Overnight holds (positions must be closed before 4:15 PM ET)
- • Weekend trading (no positions into weekends)
- • Exceeding daily loss limits ($1,000-$3,000 depending on account)
- • Violating max trailing drawdown ($3,000-$6,000)
- • Hedging/locked positions across accounts
Cost Analysis: Total Investment
| 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 |
💡 Cost Winner Depends on Your Timeline
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
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose FTMO If You:
- ✓Trade forex, gold, or indices via CFDs
- ✓Want global 24/5 market access outside US hours
- ✓Prefer MT4/MT5 platforms and use Expert Advisors
- ✓Like one-time challenge fees over subscriptions
- ✓Want potential to scale to $2M accounts
Best For: Forex/CFD traders, international traders, EA users, swing traders
Choose Topstep If You:
- ✓Trade US futures exclusively (ES, NQ, YM, etc.)
- ✓Prefer exchange-traded regulated contracts over CFDs
- ✓Use NinjaTrader or TradingView as primary platform
- ✓Value unlimited reset attempts with monthly subscription
- ✓Want US-based company and educational support
Best For: Futures day traders, US market specialists, scalpers, NinjaTrader users
🏆 Final Recommendation
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have accounts with both FTMO and Topstep?
Absolutely! Many professional traders diversify across both forex and futures markets. Just ensure you can manage the distinct trading requirements of each market.
Which firm has faster payouts?
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.
Do FTMO traders pay taxes differently than Topstep traders?
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.
Which is easier to pass?
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.
Can I use the same strategy for both?
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.
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