Elite Trader Funding vs TopStep

Side-by-side comparison of rules, fees, payouts, and trading restrictions.

Key Differences: TopStep has a lower entry cost starting from $49. Elite Trader Funding gives more drawdown room at 5%. Elite Trader Funding pays out Twice-weekly (Mon + Wed), 48h guarantee while TopStep pays out 5 winning days (Standard) or 3 days @ 40% (Consistency).
Elite Trader Funding
TopStep
Profit Split
90%
90%
Max Drawdown
5%
4%
Daily Loss Limit
2.2%
2%
Drawdown Type
Mixed (intraday, EOD, static by model)
Trailing (EOD)
Payout Frequency
Twice-weekly (Mon + Wed), 48h guarantee
5 winning days (Standard) or 3 days @ 40% (Consistency)
Cheapest Plan
$165
$49
Min Trading Days
8
—
Challenge Types
1-Step, Direct-to-Funded
1-Step, Funded, Live
Account Sizes
$10,000, $25,000, $50,000, $75,000, $100,000, $150,000, $200,000, $250,000, $300,000
$50,000, $100,000, $150,000
News Trading
Yes
Yes
Weekend Holding
No
No
EAs/Bots
Yes
No
Refundable Fee
No
No
Elite Trader Funding
View full details, reviews & rules
TopStep
View full details, reviews & rules

Choosing Between Elite Trader Funding and TopStep

Both Elite Trader Funding and TopStep are popular choices among prop traders, with TopStep established since 2012. TopStep has a lower entry cost starting from $49. Elite Trader Funding gives more drawdown room at 5%. Elite Trader Funding pays out Twice-weekly (Mon + Wed), 48h guarantee while TopStep pays out 5 winning days (Standard) or 3 days @ 40% (Consistency). The best choice depends on your trading style, instrument preferences, and risk tolerance.

Which is better for...

Lowest costTopStep — Starts from $49
More drawdown roomElite Trader Funding — 5% max drawdown
EA/bot tradersElite Trader Funding — Allows Expert Advisors and automated trading

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elite Trader Funding or TopStep better for prop trading?
It depends on your priorities. TopStep has lower entry costs starting from $49. Use our comparison tool to decide based on what matters most to you.
Which has a higher profit split, Elite Trader Funding or TopStep?
Both Elite Trader Funding and TopStep offer a 90% profit split.
Which is cheaper, Elite Trader Funding or TopStep?
TopStep has a lower starting price at $49, compared to $165 at the other firm.
What are the drawdown rules for Elite Trader Funding vs TopStep?
Elite Trader Funding allows 5% maximum drawdown (Mixed (intraday, EOD, static by model)), while TopStep allows 4% (Trailing (EOD)). Daily loss limits are 2.2% and 2% respectively.

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