TopStep vs For Traders
The main difference between TopStep and For Traders is drawdown type: TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) while For Traders uses static (floor never moves). TopStep charges from $49, For Traders from $49. Profit splits: 90-90% vs 75-90%. Updated March 2026.
TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) with a 2% daily loss limit and 90-90% profit split. For Traders uses static (floor never moves) with a 5% daily loss limit and 75-90% profit split. TopStep starts from $49; For Traders from $49.
If you want more forgiving drawdown rules, For Traders is the better choice. Static drawdown means your profits create genuine breathing room, while TopStep's trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) raises the floor as you profit. Both offer the same maximum profit split of 90%.
| TopStep | For Traders | |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Type | 1-step | 2-step |
| Drawdown Type | Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day) | Static (floor never moves) |
| Daily Loss Limit | 2% | 5% |
| Max Drawdown | 3% | 10% |
| Profit Target | 6% | 10% |
| Min Trading Days | None | 5 |
| Profit Split | 90-90% | 75-90% |
| Payout Frequency | Weekly | Monthly |
| News Trading | allowed | allowed |
| Overnight Holding | No | Yes |
| Weekend Holding | No | Yes |
| EA / Bots | Allowed | Allowed |
| Markets | futures | forex, indices, commodities |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView | MT4, MT5 |
| Cheapest Account | $49 ($50,000) | $49 ($5,000) |
Scalping / Day Trading
For Traders allows overnight holding, giving more flexibility. For Traders's static drawdown is more forgiving for scalpers.
Swing Trading
For Traders is better — allows weekend holding. TopStep requires you to flatten before close.
Budget-Conscious
For Traders is cheaper to start ($49 vs $49).
TopStep is the better fit if you trade futures exclusively. The EOD trailing drawdown gives you flexibility during the session since the floor only updates at the close, which suits active day traders who have intraday swings.
- +Monthly subscription — cancel anytime ($49-149/mo)
- +100% of first $10K profit, then 90%
- +No minimum trading days
- +Weekly payouts
TopStep supports NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView and processes payouts weekly. News trading is fully allowed, so you can trade NFP, FOMC, and CPI without restrictions. Automated trading with EAs is permitted.
For Traders is the better fit if you focus on forex and CFDs. The static drawdown means every dollar of profit adds to your safety cushion, making it ideal for traders who build equity gradually and want protection from losing streaks.
- +$5K account option — lowest entry barrier
- +Static drawdown
- +Both MT4 and MT5 supported
- +Overnight and weekend holding allowed
For Traders supports MT4, MT5 and processes payouts monthly. News trading is fully allowed, so you can trade NFP, FOMC, and CPI without restrictions. Both overnight and weekend holding are permitted, giving swing traders full flexibility. Automated trading with EAs is permitted.
Choosing between TopStep and For Traders comes down to three things: the markets you trade, how much drawdown flexibility you need, and your budget. If you trade futures, TopStep is your only option here. If you trade forex or indices or commodities, go with For Traders. Both firms have similar entry costs.
The biggest structural difference is drawdown type: TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) while For Traders uses static (floor never moves). Static drawdown is objectively more forgiving because profits create a permanent cushion. Trailing drawdown follows your equity peaks, meaning you can lose an account even while net profitable. If you are still undecided, take the firm finder quiz for a personalized recommendation based on your trading style, risk tolerance, and budget.