Introduction
Prop trading programs have transformed access to futures markets by allowing individual traders to trade firm capital under predefined criteria. Two leading providers in this space are Take Profit Trader and TopStep. Both programs offer pathways to fund traders, yet they diverge across evaluation structure, pricing, risk rules, payout schedules, platform integrations, instrument coverage, and support resources. This comparison explores each program’s design elements to give a clear, fact‑based perspective for traders considering either option.
Company Overviews
Take Profit Trader
Take Profit Trader operates on a subscription‑based model with a single‑step evaluation phase. Traders select an account size, pay a monthly fee, and work to meet a fixed profit target while observing core risk rules. Upon reaching that target, they unlock a funded PRO account offering immediate profit withdrawals. An optional PRO+ tier further enhances profit splits for a one‑time activation fee. Take Profit Trader emphasizes speed to funding, simplicity of rules, and transparent costs.
TopStep
TopStep utilizes a two‑phase structure known as the Trading Combine (evaluation) and the Funded Account (live trading). The Trading Combine mimics simulated market conditions under strict profit, loss, and consistency rules. Passing the Combine leads to an Express Funded Account requiring a one‑time activation fee. TopStep places strong emphasis on trader development through educational content, coaching, real‑time market data, and community forums.
Evaluation Processes
Take Profit Trader Single‑Step Evaluation
Traders subscribe to an evaluation account and must satisfy the following rules:
- Profit Target: Achieve 6 % of the chosen account size (e.g., $3 000 on a $50 000 account).
- Maximum Position Size: Adhere to contract limits per product (for example, up to six E‑Mini S&P contracts on a $50 000 account).
- End‑of‑Day Trailing Drawdown: Ensure daily losses do not breach a threshold based on peak equity.
- Consistency Rule: No single trading day may account for more than half of total gains.
- Permitted Instruments and Hours: Trade only specified futures products during designated exchange hours.
Once the profit target is met without rule violations, the trader transitions immediately to a PRO account.
TopStep Trading Combine
The Trading Combine requires traders to fulfill these objectives:
- Profit Target: Generate 6 % returns (e.g., $3 000 for $50 000).
- Maximum Loss Limit: Maintain end‑of‑day equity above a cap (e.g., $2 000 drawdown on $50 000).
- Daily Loss Limit: Do not exceed intraday losses (e.g., $1 000 on $50 000).
- Consistency Requirement: The largest profitable day must remain under half of the cumulative profits.
- Instrument and Hour Restrictions: Trade only approved futures contracts within market hours.
Upon meeting all objectives, traders pay a one‑time activation fee and earn an Express Funded Account.
Account Options and Costs
Take Profit Trader Pricing
Take Profit Trader offers five evaluation tiers:
| Account Size | Monthly Subscription Fee |
|---|---|
| $25 000 | $150 |
| $50 000 | $170 |
| $75 000 | $245 |
| $100 000 | $330 |
| $150 000 | $360 |
After passing, traders may opt for a PRO+ upgrade via a $130 activation charge, removing further subscription fees.
TopStep Pricing
TopStep provides three Trading Combine tiers:
| Trading Combine Size | Monthly Subscription Fee |
|---|---|
| $50 000 | $49 |
| $100 000 | $99 |
| $150 000 | $149 |
Resets following rule breaches cost the same as the monthly fee for that tier. A one‑time $149 activation fee applies when entering a funded account, with no further monthly charges once funded.
Profit Potential and Payouts
Take Profit Trader Payouts
- PRO Account Split: Traders receive 80 % of net profits.
- PRO+ Account Split: Traders receive 90 % of net profits.
- Withdrawal Access: Immediate profit withdrawals are allowed from the first trading day.
- Frequency and Limits: Unlimited withdrawal requests, subject to maintaining a minimal equity buffer.
TopStep Payouts
- First Profits: Traders retain 100 % of the initial $10 000 in net gains.
- Ongoing Split: Subsequent profits are split 90 % to trader and 10 % to firm.
- Withdrawal Schedule: Up to four withdrawal opportunities per month, with each request capped at half of the current equity.
Trading Platforms and Tools
Take Profit Trader Integrations
Take Profit Trader connects to fifteen-plus third‑party platforms, including:
- NinjaTrader 8
- Tradovate
- TradingView
- Quantower
- CQG
An in‑house dashboard provides performance analytics, rule compliance tracking, and withdrawal management.
TopStep Platform Options
TopStep supports multiple execution and charting interfaces:
- TopStepX® web platform
- NinjaTrader
- TradingView
- Tradovate
- Quantower
- R|Trader Pro
- ATAS OrderFlow
Traders also access real‑time economic calendars, proprietary indicators, and group coaching through the TopStep portal.
Trading Instrument Coverage
Take Profit Trader
Focuses exclusively on regulated futures markets, covering:
- Equity index futures (e.g., E‑Mini S&P, Nasdaq)
- Energy futures (e.g., Crude Oil, Natural Gas)
- Agricultural futures (e.g., Corn, Soybeans)
- Metals futures (e.g., Gold, Silver)
Contract specifications and maximum sizes are clearly outlined for each account tier.
TopStep
Offers a broad selection of futures instruments:
- Equity index futures
- Energy and commodity futures
- Interest rate futures
- Foreign exchange futures
Permitted instruments and contract size limits vary by combine tier and are detailed in the program documentation.
Risk Management Rules
Take Profit Trader
- End‑of‑Day Trailing Drawdown: Drawdown reset each session to peak equity.
- Daily and Aggregate Drawdowns: Limits tied to account size ensure capital preservation.
- Consistency Rule: Prevents disproportionate gains in a single session.
- Position Limits: Caps on contract sizes enforce prudent exposure.
TopStep
- Maximum Loss Limit: Fixed based on prior session’s closing balance (e.g., $2 000 on $50 000).
- Daily Loss Limit: Intraday losses cannot exceed specified caps (e.g., $1 000 on $50 000).
- Consistency Requirement: No single day may contribute over 50 % of total profits.
- Trailing Drawdown: Some tiers offer end‑of‑day high‑water mark protection.
Educational and Support Resources
Take Profit Trader
- Knowledge Base: Comprehensive rulebook and setup guides.
- Live Chat and Email Support: Technical assistance and account inquiries.
- Performance Dashboard: Real‑time analytics for tracking progress.
TopStep
- Coaching and Webinars: Live sessions, video lessons, and trading psychology content.
- Community Forums: Peer discussion boards and strategy sharing.
- Market Insights: Integrated economic calendar and news feeds.
Conclusion
Take Profit Trader and TopStep each deliver structured pathways to firm‑funded futures trading but serve different trader priorities. Take Profit Trader stands out for its single‑step evaluation, immediate withdrawal capability, and clear fee structure. TopStep distinguishes itself through a staged evaluation, educational resources, and tiered fee and activation model. Traders seeking rapid access to funded capital and straightforward rules may prefer Take Profit Trader, while those valuing skill development, tiered progression, and robust educational support may find TopStep better aligns with their goals. Both platforms enforce rigorous risk controls, offer multiple account sizes, and integrate with leading trading tools, empowering traders to deploy strategies with firm capital under disciplined frameworks.
