Compare / Topstep vs TradeDay

Topstep vs TradeDay

Side-by-side spec comparison of Topstep and TradeDay. Every value verified from primary sources.

Topstep
60/100
Adequate
TradeDay
75/100
Strong

TradeDay scores 15.6 higher under TVSM-PF/2.0.2.

Payout split

Topstep90% (flat for new traders as of Jan 12, 2026)
TradeDay80% on first $50K profit, 90% on next $50K, 95% above $100K

Max funded

Topstep$150,000 (Express Funded Account)
TradeDay$150,000

Payout cap

Topstep$2,000/payout Standard, $3,000/payout Consistency — new $50K accounts from Apr 28, 2026
TradeDayNone

Drawdown model

TopstepTrailing EOD MLL — ratchets up with peak end-of-day balance, never resets down
TradeDayChoice of Intraday Trailing / EOD Trailing / Static — three variants per account size

Min trading days

Topstep5 winning days required before payout request
TradeDayPlan-dependent

Challenge fee

Topstep$49–$149/month subscription
TradeDay$125–$375/mo subscription depending on account size; $50K typical $165/mo

Fee refundable

TopstepNo — subscription model, no refund on payout
TradeDayNo — subscription model

News trading

TopstepAllowed — no restrictions on futures news trading
TradeDayRestricted on funded accounts during major releases

Platforms

TopstepTopstepX (proprietary, mandatory as of 2026)
TradeDayNinjaTrader, Tradovate, R-Trader, Quantower

Payout schedule

TopstepOn demand after 5 winning days — processed 1-3 business days
TradeDayWithin-week processing
Specification
Topstep
60/100
Adequate
TradeDay
75/100
Strong
Payout split90% (flat for new traders as of Jan 12, 2026)80% on first $50K profit, 90% on next $50K, 95% above $100K
Max funded$150,000 (Express Funded Account)$150,000
Payout cap$2,000/payout Standard, $3,000/payout Consistency — new $50K accounts from Apr 28, 2026None
Drawdown modelTrailing EOD MLL — ratchets up with peak end-of-day balance, never resets downChoice of Intraday Trailing / EOD Trailing / Static — three variants per account size
Min trading days5 winning days required before payout requestPlan-dependent
Challenge fee$49–$149/month subscription$125–$375/mo subscription depending on account size; $50K typical $165/mo
Fee refundableNo — subscription model, no refund on payoutNo — subscription model
News tradingAllowed — no restrictions on futures news tradingRestricted on funded accounts during major releases
PlatformsTopstepX (proprietary, mandatory as of 2026)NinjaTrader, Tradovate, R-Trader, Quantower
Payout scheduleOn demand after 5 winning days — processed 1-3 business daysWithin-week processing
Visit TopstepVisit TradeDay

Which one fits?

  • Topstep is best for cme futures traders who prioritize platform integration, established community, and a well-documented combine evaluation over uncapped payouts.
  • TradeDay is best for cme futures traders who value drawdown-model choice (intraday / eod / static), institutional founder pedigree, and a tiered scaling structure that rewards $100k+ cumulative profit.

See the full Topstep review and TradeDay review for the verified specs and editorial verdict on each.

Verify regulator standing