Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep: payout rules compared
Apex Trader Funding and Topstep are two of the most compared futures prop firms. Compare every current Apex and Topstep funded account at $50K, using each firm's official help center. For other sizes and older versions, see the Apex Trader Funding and Topstep rule pages.
Rules last checked 2026-10-16 against each firm's official help center. Rule changes · Track your accounts
Key differences
- Split: Apex pays 100%; Topstep pays 90% on current funded accounts.
- Consistency on payouts: Apex: every current account has one; Topstep: none on Topstep Express Funded Account – Standard path.
- Fastest first payout by the rules: Apex EOD Performance Account: 5 trading days, $2,600 profit. Topstep Express Funded Account – Consistency path: 3 trading days, $252 profit.
Side by side ($50K)
| $50K funded | Apex EOD Performance Account | Apex Intraday Trailing Performance Account | Topstep Express Funded Account – Standard path | Topstep Express Funded Account – Consistency path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profit split | 100% | 100% | 90% | 90% |
| Payout frequency | Up to weekly (earliest after 5 qualifying days) | Up to weekly (earliest after 5 qualifying days) | After every 5 winning days of $150+ | After as few as 3 trading days if the 40% target is met |
| Minimum days per cycle | 5 days ≥ $250 | 5 days ≥ $200 | 5 days ≥ $150 | 3 trading days |
| Consistency rule | Best day < 50% of cycle profit | Best day < 50% of cycle profit | None | Best day ≤ 40% of cycle profit |
| Buffer you keep | $2,100 profit (balance $52,100) derived | $2,100 profit (balance $52,100) derived | None | None |
| Profit goal per cycle | — | — | — | — |
| Share of profit per payout | — | — | 50% of total | 50% of total |
| Minimum payout | $500 | $500 | $125 | $125 |
| 1st payout cap | $1,500 | $1,500 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Max payouts per account | 6 | 6 | — | — |
| Drawdown | End-of-day (EOD) trailing, enforced intraday | Intraday trailing (real time); stops trailing at max drawdown + $100 | Maximum Loss Limit based on highest end-of-day balance; XFA starts at $0 and the MLL locks at $0 (resets to $0 after the first payout) | Maximum Loss Limit based on highest end-of-day balance; XFA starts at $0 and the MLL locks at $0 (resets to $0 after the first payout) |
| Fastest 1st payout* | 5 trading days · $2,600 profit | 5 trading days · $2,600 profit | 5 trading days · $750 profit | 3 trading days · $252 profit |
* Computed by our eligibility engine: the fewest equal winning trading days, and the least total profit, that make a new account eligible under the published rules. Not processing time. Values marked derived are arithmetic on official numbers; unverified could not be confirmed.
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Frequently asked questions
Which pays a higher split, Apex or Topstep?
Apex pays 100% and Topstep pays 90% on current funded accounts (checked 2026-10-16). Check the account type, because splits differ by product.
Which is faster to a first payout, Apex or Topstep?
By the published rules for a new $50K account: Apex EOD Performance Account needs at least 5 trading days and $2,600 profit; Topstep Express Funded Account – Consistency path needs at least 3 trading days and $252 profit.
Not financial advice. Verify with your firm. FundedPayday is an independent, free tool and is not affiliated with any prop firm. Rules are compiled from each firm's official help center (last checked 2026-10-16) and can change without notice; the firm's own dashboard and agreement always win. Some links may become affiliate links in the future. See our disclosure.