Topstep vs Backed
On the numbers: Backed has the cheaper entry point. The right choice depends on which of those you weigh most - the rules, pricing and payout detail below is where they really separate.
At a glance
| Topstep | Backed | |
|---|---|---|
| TradingBay Rating | 7.9 ★ | 7.6 |
| Category | Futures | Crypto |
| Founded | 2012 | 2024 |
| Profit Split | 90% | 90% |
| Payout Cycle | Weekly | Every 5 Green Days |
| Account Sizes | $50K–$150K | $5K–$200K |
| Cheapest Challenge | $149 | $20 ★ |
| Platforms | TopstepX | Backed web platform |
| Trustpilot | 3.7 | - |
Which is cheaper at $50K and $100K?
Prices shown in each firm's own currency or billing model, so not every size has a like-for-like winner.
| Topstep | Backed | |
|---|---|---|
| $25K account | - | $100 |
| $50K account | $49/mo | $200 |
| $100K account | $99/mo | $380 |
| $200K account | - | $720 |
Rules head-to-head
Drawdown type is the rule that catches most traders out - read it before the profit split.
| Topstep | Backed | |
|---|---|---|
| Rules grade | B - Simple core rule; payout caps and consistency gates add friction | B- - Fair rules |
| Drawdown type | Trailing Maximum Loss Limit - the 'One Rule' ($2,000/$3,000/$4,500 for 50K/100K/150K); set at end of day from the balance high, locks once it reaches the starting balance ($0 after first funded payout) | - |
| Daily loss limit | Optional add-on at checkout ($1,000/$2,000/$3,000); hitting it blocks trading until next session but is not a rule break. Adding it (Responsible Trading Advantage) doubles XFA payout caps and discounts the subscription $10-$30/month | - |
| Profit target | Combine: $3,000 (50K), $6,000 (100K), $9,000 (150K) | - |
| Consistency rule | Combine: best day cannot exceed 50% of total profits. Express Funded Consistency payout path: largest day at or below 40% of total net profit | - |
| News trading | Permitted | - |
| EAs / automation | Automation allowed with conditions; trade copiers permitted; no support or remediation for bot malfunctions | - |
| Weekend holding | Not possible - positions must be flat by 3:10 PM CT daily; trading day runs 5:00 PM CT to 3:10 PM CT | - |
| Min trading days | None to pass the Combine (possible in as little as 2 days); funded payout eligibility needs 5 winning days of $150+ (Standard) or 3 trading days (Consistency) | - |
| Time limit | No time limit; monthly subscription rebills until you pass or cancel, with a free reset credit on each rebill | - |
Payouts head-to-head
| Topstep | Backed | |
|---|---|---|
| Profit split (full terms) | 90/10 from the first dollar (accounts opened from 12 Jan 2026); members who joined earlier keep 100% of their first $10,000 lifetime profit | 80%, 90% with add-on |
| Payout frequency | On demand during CME market hours once eligible; XFA cycles need 5 winning days of $150+ (Standard) or 3 days at <=40% consistency (Consistency); LFA unlocks daily payouts after 30 winning days | Every 5 green days |
| First payout | Funded traders can request a first payout in as little as 3 days (Consistency path); Standard path needs 5 winning days of $150+; no profit-since-last-payout requirement on the first payout | After 5 green days on the funded account |
| Minimum payout | $125 | $50 |
| Scaling | Contract limits scale with account balance per the Scaling Plan; payouts that drop the balance to a lower tier reduce maximum contract size. Payout caps rise per request count is not used - instead LFA invitation removes caps entirely | - |
Who should choose which?
Neither firm has a clear data-backed edge here - decide on the rules and platform you prefer.
· You want the cheaper entry ($20 vs $149).
· You want an instant-funded option with no evaluation.
Is Topstep better than Backed?
It depends what you weigh: Backed has the cheaper entry point.
Which is cheaper, Topstep or Backed?
Backed has the lower-priced entry challenge ($20 vs $149).
Does Topstep or Backed allow EAs?
Topstep: Automation allowed with conditions; trade copiers permitted; no support or remediation for bot malfunctions. Backed: not stated.
Can US traders join Topstep or Backed?
Topstep: yes, the US is not on its restricted list. Backed: not stated.
Which pays out faster, Topstep or Backed?
Topstep: On demand during CME market hours once eligible; XFA cycles need 5 winning days of $150+ (Standard) or 3 days at <=40% consistency (Consistency); LFA unlocks daily payouts after 30 winning days. Backed: Every 5 green days.
Terms last verified against each firm's own site: 2026-06-12 / 2026-11-05. How we rate.