FTMO vs Topstep
An empirical, rule-by-rule comparison of drawdown mechanics, profit splits, latency benchmarks, news restrictions, and payout reliability to help you select the ideal funded account.
FTMO
Topstep
Side-by-Side Specifications Matrix
Every parameter below is cross-verified directly against the official 2026 rulebooks and contract specifications.
| Evaluation Parameter | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Class / Market | CFD | FUTURES |
| Drawdown Calculation Type | Static Balance-Based | End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing |
| Max Daily Loss | 5.0% | 2.0% |
| Max Overall Loss | 10.0% | 4.0% |
| Profit Split | 80% - 90% | 90% - 100% |
| Minimum Trading Days | 4 Days | 2 Days |
| News Trading Policy | ✓ Allowed without restrictions on Swing accounts; 2-min window restriction on Standard accounts | ✓ Trading economic news releases allowed during trading hours |
| Weekend & Overnight Holding | ✓ Permitted (Permitted on Swing accounts; restricted on Standard accounts) | ✗ Flat by Close (Intraday futures only; all open orders and positions flat by 4:10 PM CT) |
| Supported Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade | Tradovate, TradingView, NinjaTrader, Quantower, TS Trader |
| Payout Schedule | Bi-weekly (Every 14 days) or on-demand | Daily payouts after 5 winning days (+$200/day) |
| First Payout Eligibility | 14 days from first placed trade | 5 winning days |
| Consistency Rule | No restrictive consistency rule | 50% consistency target during Trading Combine |
| Islamic / Swap-Free Option | ✓ Available on Request Swap-Free option available on request via support for eligible regions (no overnight interest fees charged) |
✓ Inherently Swap-Free (CME Futures) Inherently Swap-Free (All futures positions close before daily CME market close 4:10 PM CT; zero overnight interest/riba) |
| US Residents Accepted | ✗ Restricted | ✓ Accepted |
| Maximum Capital Allocation | $2,000,000 | $450,000 |
Drawdown Architecture: FTMO vs Topstep
The fundamental differentiator between FTMO and Topstep lies in how risk and liquidation thresholds are tracked:
FTMO: Static Balance-Based
FTMO applies a Static Balance-Based approach. Under this structure, your stop loss floor is anchored to balance intervals. This ensures that temporary floating open profits do not pull your stop loss floor higher in real-time.
Topstep: End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing
Topstep implements a End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing model. This provides traders with full intraday flexibility without the fear of open spikes ratcheting up their liquidation point.
The Trader's Verdict: Which Firm Should You Choose?
Depending on your trading style, asset preference, and capital requirements, here is how our research team segments the two providers:
Choose FTMO if you:
- Want Static Balance-Based risk management.
- Trade primarily CFD instruments with MT4, MT5, cTrader.
- Value Discretionary swing & algorithmic traders who value institutional payout credibility and static balance drawdown cushions.
- Want the ability to hold swing positions over weekends and economic news releases.
- Seek up to $2,000,000 in maximum scaling capital.
Choose Topstep if you:
- Prefer End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing execution terms.
- Trade FUTURES via Tradovate, TradingView, NinjaTrader.
- Value Disciplined futures day traders who prioritize End-of-Day drawdown protection and rapid daily payout availability.
- Require strict intraday liquidity and same-day/daily payout options.
- Want access to starting entry fees at $49.