Day Trader Funding vs TopStep
See why traders are switching.
A transparent, side-by-side breakdown of pricing, rules, drawdown, fees, and payouts. No fluff — just facts so you can make the right choice.
Last updated: February 2026 • Pricing verified against topstep.com
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 🟢 Day Trader Funding | TopStep |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | One-time fee | Monthly subscription |
| 50K Account Cost | $249 | $49/mo (50–60% off sales → ~$22/mo) |
| 100K Account Cost | $419 | $99/mo (→ ~$45/mo on sale) |
| 150K Account Cost | $599 | $149/mo (→ ~$67/mo on sale) |
| Drawdown Type | EOD (Eval) → Two‑phase Funded (intraday → EOD) | Intraday Trailing (Trading Combine) → EOD in Live |
| Daily Loss Limit | None ✅ | Yes — varies by account size |
| Min Trading Days | 3 days | 2 days |
| Data Fees | $0 — included | $0 in Combine; potential fees in Live Funded Account |
| Reset Cost | $79 / $129 / $169 | $49–$149/mo (re-subscribe) |
| Payout Speed | Same-day / next business day | Express: within days; Live: ~2 weeks |
| Profit Split | 80% | 100% on first $10K, then 90/10 |
| Evaluation Steps | 1 step | 1 step (Trading Combine) → Express Funded → Live Funded |
| News Trading | Allowed | Allowed |
| Time Limit | None | None |
About TopStep Pricing — What You'll Actually Pay
TopStep regularly runs 50–60% off promotions, sometimes weekly. Most traders never pay full price — a 50K account typically costs ~$22/mo on sale instead of the listed $49/mo.
We're showing you both prices because we believe in honesty. Every trader who's shopped around knows these sales exist. Pretending otherwise would be dishonest.
But here's the thing: Even at their typical sale price of ~$22/mo for a 50K account, you'd pay $132 over 6 months vs Day Trader Funding's one-time $249. The monthly model still costs more over time.
Where TopStep Wins 👏
We believe in honesty. Here's where TopStep has genuine advantages:
- ✓One of the oldest and most established prop firms (since 2012)
- ✓Strong brand recognition and large community
- ✓Free coaching and educational resources (TopstepTV)
- ✓100% profit split on first $10K payouts
- ✓$0 data fees during the Trading Combine
- ✓Lower starting price at $49/mo for 50K
Where Day Trader Funding Wins 🏆
Here's why thousands of traders are switching to DTF:
- 💰One-Time Fee vs Monthly Subscription
Pay once ($249–$599) and trade forever. No recurring charges draining your account while you're still learning. TopStep charges $49–$149/mo — that adds up fast.
- 📡$0 Data Fees — Forever
Real-time CME, CBOT, NYMEX & COMEX data included at no charge. Other firms charge $55–$135/mo for the same feeds.
- 📊Two‑Phase Drawdown (Intraday → EOD)
Funded accounts start with intraday trailing while you clear the buffer, then switch to EOD trailing after it’s cleared — more room for intraday swings. Evaluation uses EOD trailing from the start. During the Trading Combine (evaluation), drawdown trails intraday — meaning your max drawdown floor rises tick-by-tick as your balance hits new highs. This makes it significantly harder to hold trades through normal pullbacks.
- ⚡3-Day Minimum — Pass in 3 Days
No waiting around. Hit your profit target in one session and you're funded. TopStep requires a minimum of 2 trading days.
- 🚫No Daily Loss Limit
One bad session won't end your account. You only need to stay above your trailing drawdown floor — no arbitrary daily caps.
- 🔄Cheapest Resets in the Industry
Reset your evaluation for just $79 (50K), $129 (100K), or $169 (150K). Most competitors charge more — or force you to re-subscribe for a full month.
- 💸Day-1 payout Eligibility
Request a payout from your very first day as a funded trader. Same-day or next business day processing. No waiting periods.
Cost Comparison Over 6 Months
Most traders take 2–6 months to pass an evaluation. Here's what each firm costs if you're still evaluating after 6 months — the reality for many traders.
50K Account
You save with DTF (vs sale price)
—
vs list price: save $45
100K Account
You save with DTF (vs sale price)
—
vs list price: save $175
150K Account
You save with DTF (vs sale price)
—
vs list price: save $295
* TopStep list price = monthly fee × 6 months. Sale price reflects typical 50–60% off discount (runs sales almost every week). Day Trader Funding is a one-time fee with no additional charges.
12-Month Cost Breakdown
Here's the real math: what you'll spend over a full year, including typical resets.
TopStep (50K Account)
Day Trader Funding (50K Account)
Your 12-month savings with DTF
$55
That's $5/month back in your pocket
“I paid TopStep $49/month for 8 months before I realized I was just burning money. The intraday trailing drawdown during the Combine kept stopping me out on normal pullbacks. Switched to DTF, passed in 3 days with EOD drawdown, and got my first payout the same week. Should have switched months ago.”
Marcus T.
Switched from TopStep after 8 months ($392 spent)
The Bottom Line
TopStep is a well-established prop firm with one of the oldest and most established prop firms (since 2012). If you value one of the oldest and most established prop firms (since 2012), TopStep could be a reasonable choice.
But here's the math that matters: TopStep's monthly subscription means you're paying every month whether you're actively trading or taking a break. At list price ($49/mo), 6 months costs $294 for a 50K account. Even at their typical sale price (~$22/mo), that's still $132 — vs Day Trader Funding's one-time $249.
Add in DTF's two‑phase drawdown (intraday → EOD after buffer), $0 data fees, 3-day minimum, no daily loss limit, and day-1 payout eligibility — and the choice becomes clear.
If you're tired of paying monthly for the privilege of proving yourself, Day Trader Funding lets you pay once and focus on what matters: your trading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TopStep or DayTrader Funding cheaper?▼
Does TopStep have EOD drawdown?▼
Which has better payout terms?▼
Does TopStep charge data fees?▼
Ready to Stop Paying Monthly?
Get your funded futures account with a one-time fee. $0 data fees. Two‑phase drawdown: intraday while clearing buffer → EOD after. 3-day minimum. Day-1 payouts.
50K, 100K & 150K accounts available • See full trading rules