Topstep vs TradeDay 2026: Futures Evaluation Rules Compared
Topstep vs TradeDay: profit targets, trailing drawdown (intraday vs EOD), consistency, minimum days, payouts, activation fees and platforms, checked 2026-10-01.
Reviewed by Hà Ngọc Lộc· Senior SEO Editor
Topstep and TradeDay set the same profit targets at matching sizes: $3,000 on 50K, $6,000 on 100K and $9,000 on 150K. They also use the same maximum loss at those sizes ($2,000 / $3,000 / $4,500). The differences are elsewhere. TradeDay lets you choose an intraday or EOD trailing drawdown, charges no activation fee and offers "day-one" payouts. Topstep has a 55% Combine consistency target, a $149 activation fee on its Standard path, and the TopstepX platform.
Side-by-Side (checked 2026-10-01)
| Topstep | TradeDay | |
|---|---|---|
| 50K target / max loss | $3,000 / $2,000 | $3,000 / $2,000 |
| 100K target / max loss | $6,000 / $3,000 | $6,000 / $3,000 |
| 150K target / max loss | $9,000 / $4,500 | $9,000 / $4,500 |
| Drawdown type | EOD trailing (real-time breach) | Choose intraday or EOD trailing |
| Consistency | 55% in Combine | 30% (Quick Pay) or 45% (Fast Pass) |
| Min days | 2 (mathematical minimum) | 5 (Quick Pay) or 3 (Fast Pass) |
| Activation fee | $149 (Standard path) or none (higher monthly) | None |
| Funded split | 90% | Up to 90% |
| Payout speed | 5 winning days of $150+ to qualify | "Paid in less than 24 hours" after requirements |
| Platforms | TopstepX | Tradovate, Rithmic (NinjaTrader, TradingView) |
| Holding | Flat by 3:10 pm CT | Day trading only |
TradeDay's homepage showed 55% off with accounts from $45 on 2026-10-01, and reset prices from $45 to $225 depending on plan. TradeDay also discloses that its evaluation pass rate was 36% between January and June 2026.
Which Fits You?
- You trade a few big days: TradeDay Fast Pass (45% consistency, 3 days) or Topstep (55%).
- You want EOD drawdown and no activation fee: TradeDay EOD plans.
- You want a path to a live funded account and a large community: Topstep (live call-ups are at Topstep's discretion).
Partner Alternative
The5ers Futures charges a one-time fee with EOD drawdown.
Related: Topstep vs Apex · The5ers Futures vs TradeDay · Futures consistency rule · Best futures prop firms
Official sources: Topstep Help Center (help.topstep.com) · TradeDay official site (tradeday.com).
Topstep vs TradeDay: Your Questions Answered
Is TradeDay cheaper than Topstep?
TradeDay charges no activation fee and was running a 55% discount on 2026-10-01. Topstep charges monthly plus $149 activation on its Standard path. Compare the total you expect to pay before passing.
Does TradeDay have a daily loss limit?
TradeDay's main evaluation rule is the trailing maximum drawdown. Check your plan's funded rules for any extra limits.
What is TradeDay's consistency rule?
30% on Quick Pay plans and 45% on Fast Pass plans.
Sources checked 2026-10-01: tradeday.com homepage plan cards and how-it-works page; TradeDay 2.0 blog disclosure (pass rate); topstep.com/our-program; Topstep figures cross-checked with a third-party review dated 2026-09-22.
Sources & verification
- Last checked
- Written by
- HNL Growth Team
- Reviewed by
- Hà Ngọc Lộc
- Length
- 2 min read · 457 words
Rules, prices and payout terms on this page were checked against the official websites, help-centre articles and published terms of the firms mentioned, on the date above. Prop firms and brokers change conditions often — confirm the current version on the official site before you buy or deposit. Read our editorial methodology and affiliate disclosure.
Official sources & documentation verified
- Topstep Help Center(help.topstep.com)
- TradeDay official site(tradeday.com)
Explore Related Hubs & Free Trading Tools
Ready to Check The5%ers Programs?
The5%ers has funded traders since 2016 across 5 distinct programs — from low-cost Bootcamp to Instant Funding — with profit splits up to 100% and a scaling path to $4M. Use code 4YBG6L9 at checkout for a discount.
Risk disclaimer: Challenge fees are non-refundable if you breach the rules. Prop trading involves significant financial risk. Past performance in a simulated environment does not guarantee results on a funded account. Only purchase if you understand the rules fully and can afford to lose the fee. Affiliate disclosure: HNL Growth earns a commission when you purchase a The5%ers program through links on this page.