Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep

Topstep is $22 cheaper to get started. Apex Trader Funding charges $131 one-time plus a $89 activation fee. Topstep charges $49/mo (monthly subscription) plus a $149 activation fee.

Apex Trader Funding uses Intraday Trailing drawdown at 4% ($2,000 buffer once at profit target), while Topstep uses .

Topstep gets you funded faster, with an estimated ~10 days to first payout (2d eval + 5d winning + 3d processing). Apex Trader Funding has no consistency rule, meaning you could pass the evaluation in a single profitable day. Topstep requires your best day to be no more than 50% of total profit.

Apex Trader Funding offers up to 100% profit split(Weekly payouts, $500 min), while Topstep offers up to 100%(Daily payouts, $125 min).

When comparing withdrawal frequency, the gap between payouts matters. Apex Trader Funding requires 5 profitable trading days between each withdrawal, while Topstep requires 5 profitable trading days. At 20 trading days per month, that means Apex Trader Funding can request roughly 4 payouts per month versus Topstep's 4.

Apex Trader Funding requires clearing a buffer zone before your first payout — you must earn above your starting balance plus the drawdown amount before any withdrawal is allowed. has no buffer requirement, meaning payouts are available from day one.

Both firms work well for day traders. Apex Trader Funding is a stronger fit for budget traders (starting at $131.33). Topstep is a stronger fit for scalpers (automation & bots allowed). Explore all trading styles to see which firms match your approach.

Based on $500/day profit, 20 trading days/month, 55% win rate

At $500/day profit, Apex Trader Funding reaches break-even (never) while Topstep reaches it on day 12. Topstep costs $22 less to get started. Topstep projects $4,880/mo more in funded earnings.