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🎯 Topstep vs MyFundedTrader: The Ultimate Showdown
Choosing the right prop firm is one of the most critical decisions you'll make as a trader. Get it right, and you could be trading six-figure accounts within months. Get it wrong, and you'll waste thousands on evaluation fees with nothing to show for it.
In this comprehensive comparison, we'll break down Topstep and MyFundedTrader across 12 critical categories, using real data from thousands of trader experiences. By the end, you'll know exactly which prop firm matches your trading style, risk tolerance, and profit goals.
Topstep
MyFundedTrader
⚠️ Critical Truth About Prop Firms
85% of traders fail their first evaluation. This isn't because prop firms are scams—it's because most traders lack proper risk management, trading psychology, and realistic expectations. The firms we're comparing today are legitimate, but they make money from evaluation fees. Your job is to be in the profitable 15%.
📊 Account Sizes & Profit Targets: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Account Size | Topstep | MyFundedTrader |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 Account | $3K profit target $2K max daily loss $3K max total loss | $3K profit target $2.5K max daily loss $2.5K max trailing drawdown |
| $100,000 Account | $6K profit target $3K max daily loss $5K max total loss | $6K profit target $4K max daily loss $4K max trailing drawdown |
| $150,000 Account | $9K profit target $4K max daily loss $7.5K max total loss | $9K profit target $6K max daily loss $6K max trailing drawdown |
🎯 Which Account Size is Right for You?
$50K Account:
Perfect for beginners or traders testing a new strategy. Lower pressure, but profit targets still require consistent 6% gains. Most traders start here.
$100K Account:
Ideal for intermediate traders with proven strategies. Requires disciplined risk management—one bad day can wipe out your progress.
$150K Account:
For experienced traders only. Daily loss limits of $4K-$6K demand exceptional discipline. The reward? Potential $13.5K monthly income at 90% split.
✅ Evaluation Process: How to Get Funded
Topstep Evaluation
Phase 1: Trading Combine (5-10 days minimum)
- • Meet profit target ($3K/$6K/$9K)
- • Stay within daily loss limits
- • Maintain max total drawdown
- • Trade minimum 5 days
- • No maximum time limit
Phase 2: Funded Account
- • Keep 80% of first $5K profits
- • Scale to 90% after consistent performance
- • Monthly payouts (14-day hold)
- • Account scales with performance
Pass Rate: ~15% of traders pass on first attempt
Average Time: 12-25 trading days
MyFundedTrader Evaluation
Single-Phase Challenge
- • Meet profit target (same as Topstep)
- • Trailing max drawdown (vs. static)
- • More flexible daily loss limits
- • Weekend trading permitted
- • Consistency rule: 50% rule
Funded Account Benefits
- • 80-90% profit split immediately
- • Bi-weekly or on-demand payouts
- • Rapid scaling program
- • Less restrictive rules
Pass Rate: ~18% (slightly higher due to flexibility)
Average Time: 8-20 trading days
🧠 Pro Tip: The 50% Consistency Rule
MyFundedTrader enforces a 50% consistency rule: your best trading day cannot exceed 50% of your total profits. This prevents "lottery ticket" trading where you hit profit targets with one lucky trade. Topstep doesn't have this explicit rule, but favors consistent daily gains. Bottom line: Both firms reward disciplined, systematic trading over gambling.
💰 Profit Splits & Payout Structures
Topstep Profit Split Tiers
Example: Make $10K in month 1 → You keep $4K (80% of first $5K) + $4.5K (90% of next $5K) = $8.5K total
MyFundedTrader Profit Split
Example: Make $10K in month 1 → You keep $8K (80%) or $9K (90% with add-on). Simpler, but check add-on costs!
📋 Trading Rules & Restrictions: The Fine Print
📋 Topstep Trading Rules
✅ Allowed:
- • Overnight positions (with limits)
- • All futures contracts
- • Multiple strategies
- • News trading
❌ Prohibited:
- • Weekend trading
- • Hedging/locked positions
- • Exceeding position limits
- • Using stop-loss orders only (must use targets)
📋 MyFundedTrader Trading Rules
✅ Allowed:
- • Weekend trading permitted!
- • Overnight positions
- • News trading
- • Flexible strategies
❌ Prohibited:
- • Violating 50% consistency rule
- • Excessive gambling behavior
- • Account abuse/manipulation
- • Exceeding max contract limits
🚀 Platform & Tools: Where You'll Execute Trades
Topstep Platforms
- ✓
NinjaTrader 8
Industry-standard platform with advanced charting and automation
- ✓
TradingView
Cloud-based with beautiful UI, perfect for swing traders
- ✓
Trader Dashboard
Proprietary risk monitoring and performance analytics
MyFundedTrader Platforms
- ✓
Rithmic
Ultra-fast execution for scalpers and day traders
- ✓
NinjaTrader
Full support with all indicators and strategies
- ✓
Real-Time Dashboard
Track drawdown, profits, and rules compliance live
💰 Cost Comparison: Total Investment Required
| Cost Item | Topstep | MyFundedTrader |
|---|---|---|
| $50K Evaluation | $165/month | $99 one-time |
| $100K Evaluation | $325/month | $199 one-time |
| $150K Evaluation | $375/month | $299 one-time |
| Reset Fee (if you fail) | Same monthly fee | $99-$299 (same as initial) |
| Platform/Data Fees | $0 (included) | $0 (included) |
💰 Cost Analysis: Which is Cheaper?
If you pass quickly (10-15 days): MyFundedTrader is dramatically cheaper. One-time fee vs. monthly subscription.
If you need multiple attempts: Costs are similar. Topstep's monthly fee = MFT's reset fees over time.
Long-term funded traders: No ongoing fees for either once funded. Focus on profit splits instead.
Winner: MyFundedTrader for confident traders who believe they'll pass fast. Topstep for those who want unlimited attempts per month.
The Verdict: Which Prop Firm Should You Choose?
Choose Topstep If You:
- ✓Value structure, discipline, and proven systems over flexibility
- ✓Want access to extensive educational resources and trader community
- ✓Prefer monthly subscription model with unlimited evaluation attempts
- ✓Are comfortable with strict daily loss limits and conservative rules
- ✓Don't need weekend trading and want a well-established firm (13+ years)
Best For: Conservative swing traders, beginners learning discipline, and traders who need educational support
Choose MyFundedTrader If You:
- ✓Want maximum flexibility with fewer trading restrictions
- ✓Prefer one-time payment evaluation fees over monthly subscriptions
- ✓Need weekend trading capabilities for crypto or forex futures
- ✓Value faster payout processing (bi-weekly or on-demand)
- ✓Are confident you'll pass quickly and want to minimize upfront costs
Best For: Aggressive day traders, experienced scalpers, and self-directed traders who don't need handholding
🏆 Final Recommendation
Both Topstep and MyFundedTrader are legitimate, trustworthy prop firms with thousands of successful funded traders. Your choice should depend on your trading personality, experience level, and financial situation.
Topstep wins for traders who need structure, education, and a proven track record. It's the safer choice for beginners.
MyFundedTrader wins for experienced traders who want flexibility, lower costs, and faster access to profits.
The truth? Both firms are excellent. The real challenge isn't choosing between them—it's developing the discipline, strategy, and psychology to join the profitable 15%.
📊 Trading Strategies That Pass Evaluations
The difference between passing and failing your evaluation often comes down to strategy selection. Here are proven approaches that work for both Topstep and MyFundedTrader challenges.
📊 Strategy 1: Opening Range Breakout (Conservative)
Best For: Topstep & MyFundedTrader
Trade the first 30-minute range breakout during market open. This strategy has a 55-60% win rate with excellent risk/reward ratios.
- • Mark 9:30-10:00 AM high and low
- • Enter on breakout with volume confirmation
- • Stop loss: Opposite end of opening range
- • Target: 1.5-2× the opening range size
Why It Works: You're trading with institutional flow during the highest volume period. Clear entries and exits prevent overtrading.
📈 Strategy 2: VWAP Mean Reversion
Best For: MyFundedTrader (more flexible)
Fade extreme moves away from VWAP for high-probability reversions. 65-70% win rate in ranging markets.
- • Wait for price to extend beyond 2 standard deviations from VWAP
- • Look for rejection signals (reversal candles, volume spikes)
- • Enter toward VWAP with tight stops
- • Target: Return to VWAP or opposite deviation band
Why It Works: Institutional algorithms gravitate toward VWAP. You're trading with statistical probability, not hope.
⚡ Strategy 3: Pullback Entries in Trends
Best For: Both (ideal for consistency rules)
Don't chase trends—wait for pullbacks to key levels. This prevents overleveraging and maintains consistent profit days.
- • Identify clear trend direction (higher highs/higher lows)
- • Wait for pullback to 20 EMA or prior support/resistance
- • Enter with trend continuation confirmation
- • Stop below pullback low, target new high/low
Why It Works: Better entry prices mean better risk/reward. Avoids getting caught in trend exhaustion at extremes.
⚠️ Common Mistakes That Fail Evaluations
❌ Mistake #1: Overtrading to Hit Profit Targets
The Problem: Traders panic when they're behind schedule and start taking low-quality setups. This violates daily loss limits and creates revenge trading cycles.
The Solution: Quality over quantity. One good trade per day is enough. The profit target will be hit naturally with patience.
❌ Mistake #2: Trading During Low-Volume Hours
The Problem: Trying to trade overnight or lunch hours leads to choppy price action, wider spreads, and false breakouts that violate risk limits.
The Solution: Only trade 9:30-11:30 AM ET and 3-4 PM ET. Walk away during low-volume periods.
❌ Mistake #3: Ignoring Position Sizing
The Problem: Trading too many contracts relative to stop loss size. One bad trade wipes out days of progress.
The Solution: Never risk more than 1% of account balance per trade. For a $50K account, that's $500 max risk—calculate contracts accordingly.
❌ Mistake #4: Not Using Stop Losses
The Problem: Hoping a losing trade will reverse instead of cutting it quickly. This is how traders hit daily loss limits.
The Solution: Set hard stop losses immediately upon entry. No exceptions, no "watching" the trade.
❌ Mistake #5: Violating the 50% Consistency Rule (MFT)
The Problem: Making 80% of profits in one "lottery ticket" trade. MyFundedTrader will disqualify you.
The Solution: Aim for consistent daily gains. If you hit a big winner early, take partial profits and trade smaller the rest of the period.
🏆 Real Trader Success Stories
🏆 Case Study: From $150K Debt to Funded Trader
Background:
Mark, a 32-year-old former retail manager, had $150K in student loan and credit card debt. He started learning futures trading while working full-time, dedicating early mornings to practice.
His Journey:
- • Failed 3 Topstep evaluations over 6 months ($495 spent)
- • Realized he was overtrading and chasing profits
- • Switched to ONE strategy: Opening Range Breakout only
- • Passed $50K Topstep evaluation on 4th attempt
- • Scaled to $100K funded account within 8 months
- • Now makes $6K-$8K monthly trading 2 hours/day
"The key was patience. I stopped trying to hit profit targets quickly and focused on perfect execution. The profits came naturally." - Mark
🏆 Case Study: From Crypto Gambler to Disciplined Trader
Background:
Sarah, 27, lost $40K trading crypto with 50× leverage. She decided to learn proper trading and discovered prop firms as a path to redemption.
Her Journey:
- • Started with MyFundedTrader $50K evaluation
- • Failed first attempt by violating 50% consistency rule (one big win)
- • Learned to trade smaller and spread profits across days
- • Passed second evaluation in 14 trading days
- • Now funded with both MyFundedTrader and Topstep
- • Makes $4K-$7K monthly across both accounts
"Prop firms taught me discipline I never had. The rules force you to trade professionally or fail." - Sarah
💡 Advanced Tips for Consistent Profitability
💡 Tip #1: Keep a Trading Journal
Document every trade with screenshots, entry/exit reasons, and emotional state. After 50 trades, patterns emerge showing what actually works for YOU.
Track: Time of day, setup type, win/loss, emotions, market conditions. This data is GOLD for improvement.
💡 Tip #2: Use Sim Before Live
Paper trade your strategy for 2 weeks before starting evaluations. If you can't profit in sim, you definitely can't in live markets with pressure.
Requirement: Hit your profit target in sim with ZERO rule violations. Only then start paid evaluations.
💡 Tip #3: Set Daily Max Trades
Limit yourself to 3-5 trades maximum per day. This prevents overtrading and keeps you selective about setups.
Rule: If you hit 3 losses in a day, STOP. Walk away and come back tomorrow. Revenge trading kills accounts.
💡 Tip #4: Trade Only A+ Setups
Not every signal is worth taking. Wait for setups that check ALL your boxes: volume, time of day, risk/reward, trend alignment.
Better to take 2 perfect trades per week than 20 mediocre trades. Quality beats quantity in evaluations.
💡 Tip #5: Master Risk Management First
Before worrying about strategy, nail down position sizing and stop losses. You can have a 40% win rate strategy and still be profitable with 1:3 risk/reward.
Formula: Account Size × 1% = Max Risk Per Trade. Always calculate before entering.
🚀 Scaling Your Funded Account
Once funded, your goal shifts from hitting profit targets to consistent performance. Here's how to scale from one funded account to multiple six-figure accounts.
| Month | Account Size | Monthly Target | Your Split (80-90%) | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | $50K | $3K-$5K | $2.4K-$4.5K | Build consistency |
| 4-6 | $100K | $6K-$10K | $4.8K-$9K | Apply for second account |
| 7-12 | $150K × 2 | $18K-$30K | $14.4K-$27K | Trade multiple firms |
| 12+ | $300K+ total | $30K-$60K | $24K-$54K | Full-time funded trader |
📊 The Scaling Roadmap
Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Pass evaluation and maintain funded status. Focus on rule compliance, not maximum profits.
Phase 2 (Months 4-6): Build track record of consistent monthly profits. Request account size increase or pass second evaluation.
Phase 3 (Months 7-12): Diversify across 2-3 prop firms. Trade multiple accounts simultaneously with same strategy.
Phase 4 (12+ months): 4-6 funded accounts totaling $300K-$500K. Replace full-time income with trading.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have accounts with both Topstep and MyFundedTrader?
Yes! Many traders diversify across multiple prop firms. Just ensure you can manage the risk and meet all evaluation requirements simultaneously. Having 2-3 funded accounts across different firms reduces dependency on any single firm's policies.
What happens if I violate a rule during evaluation?
Both firms will immediately terminate your evaluation. You'll need to pay for a reset or new evaluation to try again. This is why understanding the rules is critical before starting. Read the rule book 3× before trading a single contract.
How long does it take to get paid after requesting a withdrawal?
Topstep: 14-day hold on first withdrawal, then 7-10 business days for subsequent withdrawals. MyFundedTrader: 3-5 business days for standard payouts, 1-2 days for on-demand (premium feature, extra cost).
Can I use automated trading bots or EAs?
Both firms allow automation, but you must develop and fully understand your systems. Using someone else's bot without comprehension is grounds for account termination. Most prop firms require proof that you understand the logic and can manually intervene if needed.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw monthly?
No withdrawal limits at either firm. If you make $50K in a month and maintain rules compliance, you can withdraw your profit split ($40K-$45K depending on percentage). However, be realistic—consistent $5K-$10K months are more achievable than occasional $50K lottery tickets.
Which firm is better for beginners?
Topstep offers more structure and educational resources, making it better for beginners who need guidance. MyFundedTrader is better for self-directed traders who have a proven strategy and want lower costs/faster payouts.
Can I trade during news events?
Yes, both firms allow news trading. However, high volatility during major announcements (FOMC, NFP) can lead to slippage and rule violations. Most successful traders avoid trading 15 minutes before and after major news releases.
What's the average time to pass an evaluation?
Topstep average: 12-25 trading days (no time limit helps). MyFundedTrader average: 8-20 trading days (one-time fee motivates faster completion). However, rushing increases failure risk. Focus on perfect execution, not speed.
Do prop firms report income to the IRS?
Yes, if you're a US trader. You'll receive a 1099 for tax reporting. Prop firm income is typically treated as self-employment income. Consult a tax professional familiar with trader tax status for deductions and optimization strategies.
Can I lose more than my evaluation fee?
No! That's the beauty of prop firms. Your maximum loss is the evaluation fee ($99-$375). You cannot lose personal capital beyond that. This is why prop firms are perfect for undercapitalized traders—defined risk with unlimited upside potential.
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