Introduction
My Funded Futures and TopStep are proprietary trading firms that provide traders with the opportunity to trade firm capital in the futures markets. Both companies offer simulated trading evaluations as a prerequisite to accessing funded accounts. Their models are designed to identify consistent, disciplined traders and manage the firm’s risk exposure. Although they serve the same general purpose, their methodologies, rules, and operational frameworks differ significantly.
This article presents a comprehensive, factual comparison of My Funded Futures and TopStep across all relevant categories, including evaluation phases, account offerings, performance metrics, supported trading instruments, payout structures, and trading restrictions.
Company Overview
My Funded Futures
My Funded Futures is a proprietary trading firm that focuses on futures markets. It offers traders a one-step evaluation program where traders must demonstrate profitability while adhering to defined risk controls. Upon successful completion, traders are given a funded account and a share of the profits generated from trading.
TopStep
TopStep is a well-established prop firm that also specializes in futures trading. It employs a two-step evaluation process designed to test both performance and consistency. Traders who complete both steps while maintaining compliance with the firm’s rules may be granted access to funded accounts managed by TopStep.
Evaluation Process
My Funded Futures Evaluation
The My Funded Futures evaluation is designed to assess whether a trader can generate profits while managing risk. It consists of a single phase. Traders must meet a predefined profit target without violating rules such as:
- Daily loss limit
- Trailing drawdown
- Maximum position size
- Trade time restrictions (e.g., during major news events)
There is no requirement for a minimum number of trading days, although some accounts may specify consistency conditions.
TopStep Evaluation
TopStep uses a two-step evaluation process:
- Step One: Traders must achieve a profit target while staying within daily and total drawdown limits. Other rules such as scaling plans and news trading restrictions apply.
- Step Two: This step emphasizes consistency. The trader must replicate performance under similar rules, often with more emphasis on controlled risk-taking.
Both steps must be completed in succession before the trader becomes eligible for a funded account. Consistency and adherence to discipline are strongly emphasized throughout.
Account Types and Sizes
My Funded Futures Account Options
My Funded Futures offers multiple account sizes, each with its own capital allocation and risk parameters. Commonly available simulated account sizes include:
- $25,000
- $50,000
- $100,000
- $150,000
Each account type comes with a specific profit target, trailing drawdown limit, and daily loss cap. Traders select the account that suits their risk tolerance and trading style.
TopStep Account Options
TopStep provides account types with larger simulated balances starting from:
- $50,000
- $100,000
- $150,000
Each account includes specific rules governing profit targets, maximum drawdowns, and daily loss limits. TopStep also enforces a scaling plan that limits the number of contracts a trader may use based on account equity.
Trading Rules and Restrictions
My Funded Futures Rules
The risk parameters for My Funded Futures accounts include:
- Trailing drawdown: Adjusts based on unrealized equity highs
- Daily loss limit: A hard cap that cannot be exceeded
- No trading during certain economic releases
- Restrictions on specific trading behaviors (e.g., high-frequency strategies)
Rule violations typically result in account termination or reset.
TopStep Rules
TopStep’s rules are clearly defined and include:
- Maximum daily loss
- Trailing max drawdown (fixed after a profit threshold is reached)
- Scaling plan: Limits maximum allowable contracts
- Restrictions on holding positions during restricted times
- Prohibited strategies such as reverse arbitrage or tick flipping
Any breach of these rules results in disqualification from the evaluation or funded account.
Platform Compatibility
My Funded Futures Supported Platforms
My Funded Futures supports several professional-grade trading platforms, including:
- NinjaTrader
- Rithmic-compatible platforms
- Tradovate (depending on account configuration)
- Others integrated through API connections
Access to market data and execution capabilities is provided via supported data feeds. Platform access may depend on the type of evaluation account chosen.
TopStep Supported Platforms
TopStep provides access to a number of trading platforms, including:
- NinjaTrader
- TradingView (with futures integration)
- TSTrader (proprietary)
- Rithmic-based platforms
The choice of platform affects available tools, interface usability, and data latency. Traders must use approved platforms for performance tracking.
Payout Structure
My Funded Futures Payouts
My Funded Futures typically offers a profit split to traders upon qualifying for a funded account. The split is often set at 80% to the trader and 20% to the firm, though this may vary based on account type and performance conditions. Payouts are contingent upon reaching minimum thresholds and adhering to consistency requirements. Frequency of payouts and minimum balances may apply.
TopStep Payouts
TopStep offers a payout model structured as follows:
- 100% of the first profit tier (commonly up to $5,000)
- 80/20 split thereafter in favor of the trader
Payout eligibility depends on compliance with all trading rules and maintaining the required account balance. Payouts are processed on a scheduled basis, and traders must submit a request through the firm’s internal systems.
Cost Structure
My Funded Futures Fees
My Funded Futures charges a recurring monthly fee to access the evaluation accounts. The fee amount depends on the selected account size. There is no additional fee to access a funded account once the evaluation is passed. Promotions and discounts may reduce the cost for the first month, but regular rates apply thereafter unless cancelled.
Account reset fees apply in the event of rule violations, and traders may choose to reset or re-enroll at their discretion.
TopStep Fees
TopStep also charges a monthly subscription fee, which varies based on the simulated capital amount selected. This fee continues through both evaluation steps. Traders can cancel at any time. If a trader violates evaluation rules, they may purchase a reset to restart the process.
TopStep does not charge separate fees for funded accounts but may require specific administrative steps before a funded account is activated.
Performance Tracking and Trader Tools
My Funded Futures Tools
My Funded Futures provides a dashboard where traders can monitor their real-time performance, including:
- Profit and loss
- Drawdown statistics
- Trade history
- Account balance changes
- Risk metrics
The platform is used to determine compliance with evaluation criteria.
TopStep Tools
TopStep also provides traders with a detailed performance dashboard, which includes:
- Trade statistics
- Rule compliance status
- Payout eligibility
- Scaling plan tracker
- Account activity logs
This interface is used by both traders and the firm to ensure performance is evaluated accurately.
Educational Resources
My Funded Futures Education
While My Funded Futures primarily focuses on evaluation and funding, it may offer basic resources such as platform tutorials and rule guides. Educational content is generally limited to operational support rather than trader development.
TopStep Education
TopStep includes access to a library of trading education, which may feature:
- Webinars
- Risk management lessons
- Psychological coaching
- Strategy guides
These materials are aimed at helping traders improve performance and pass the evaluation stages.
Conclusion
My Funded Futures and TopStep are both viable options for futures traders seeking access to funded accounts. They operate under a similar funding model but differ in critical areas:
- Evaluation Structure: My Funded Futures uses a single-step model; TopStep uses a two-step model with an emphasis on consistency.
- Account Sizes: Both firms offer account tiers, but My Funded Futures includes a $25,000 tier not typically available with TopStep.
- Payout Models: Both offer competitive splits, but payout procedures and conditions vary.
- Trading Platforms: Both support widely used platforms, with some proprietary tools unique to TopStep.
- Rules and Restrictions: Each firm enforces its own risk parameters, with notable differences in drawdown mechanics and trading windows.
Choosing between them depends on a trader’s strategy, risk tolerance, platform preference, and desired evaluation format.
