OneUp Trader vs TopStep
This comparison settles the debate between OneUp Trader and TopStep for futures funding. OneUp Trader highlights a massive 90% profit split and higher capital limits. TopStep focuses on unmatched evaluation speed (2 days) and comprehensive daily coaching. Your decision depends entirely on your need for speed versus maximum long-term payout.
Transparent path to professional funding.
We observed OneUp Trader offers a highly structured evaluation that promotes discipline, backed by exceptionally responsive customer support and clear rules. The 90% profit split and low upfront risk structure provide excellent value for futures traders. Overall, we confidently recommend this platform for serious traders seeking professional funding.
Pros
- Simple, one-step evaluation process for funding.
- Highly competitive 90% profit split after the initial $10,000.
- Only 50% of the evaluation fee is paid upfront, minimizing financial risk.
- Customer support is consistently rated as excellent and highly responsive (often within minutes).
Cons
- Minimum 10-day trading period may feel lengthy for experienced traders.
- Isolated reports of minor platform integration friction (e.g., NinjaTrader and Rithmic).
Structured path to funded futures trading.
We found that Topstep offers a highly structured evaluation process and impressive speed toward funded accounts, sometimes taking only two days. We appreciate the overwhelmingly positive user reports regarding customer service and rapid, reliable payouts. Overall, this is a top-tier option for serious futures traders seeking financial backing and extensive support.
Pros
- Customer support is exceptionally responsive and highly rated by users.
- Payouts are fast, reliable, and frequent (up to four times monthly).
- The TopstepX platform is user-friendly and offers advanced trading tools.
- Clear funding path with reasonable rules (Trading Combine).
Cons
- Ongoing monthly subscription fee required for the evaluation phase ($49–$149).
- A $149 one-time activation fee is required to open the Express Funded Account.
- Some users report that account resets can be costly.
AboutOneUp Trader
OneUp Trader provides access to funded trading programs through its funding partners. This is ideal for futures traders who want to use institutional capital instead of risking their personal money.
The process is straightforward: complete a simple one-step evaluation. You need to demonstrate your skills by following clear rules and trading for a minimum of 10 days (or 5 days for Express accounts).
Once you hit the profit target, your account is reviewed quickly. If approved, you receive credentials for your funded trading account.
AboutTopStep
Topstep has established itself as a reliable source, spending over 12 years funding futures traders. The platform serves dedicated individuals looking to elevate their trading through structure and evaluation. The core program, the Trading Combine®, operates under "1 Rule, 1 Goal": to build discipline and strong habits.
After passing the Combine, you transition to a Topstep Funded Trader™ and begin trading with the firm's capital, allowing you to keep your own funds safe. A major draw is the ability to pay yourself up to four times every month, making the financial incentives very clear. They have already delivered 81,177 payouts to traders in 2024. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Profit Split & Incentives
OneUp Trader offers a far superior 90% profit split and a $10,000 bonus. TopStep provides excellent speed and payout frequency.
OneUp Trader has an exceptional proposition for maximizing returns on your trades. You keep 100% of the first $10,000 you withdraw from your funded account. Thereafter, the ongoing profit split is a very generous 90% in your favor. TopStep’s high point is payout frequency, allowing traders to withdraw earnings quickly. Payouts are processed daily, meaning funded traders can pay themselves up to four times monthly. OneUp Trader clearly wins on long-term percentage retention and the initial profit incentive. TopStep is better for traders seeking extremely quick access to their income. The 100% profit incentive from OneUp Trader provides a massive boost to early stage profitability.
Speed to Funding
TopStep allows funding in two days, making it the fastest option. OneUp Trader requires a mandatory 5 to 10 trading days.
OneUp Trader requires consistency over a longer period to prove viable risk management skills. Standard accounts need a minimum of 10 trading days before review. You can reduce this time to five days by opting for the Express accounts. TopStep's Trading Combine® is engineered for rapid evaluation and funding eligibility. Skilled traders can achieve Express Funded Account status in as little as two trading days. When time is critical, TopStep is the decisive winner for its industry-leading speed. OneUp Trader emphasizes minimum consistency checks over quick performance. This speed difference impacts how fast a profitable strategy can transition into real, withdrawable earnings.
Capital & Risk Limits
OneUp Trader offers 66% higher capital and No Daily Loss Limits. TopStep limits capital to $150,000 maximum.
OneUp Trader provides the opportunity to trade with up to $250,000 in buying power after evaluation. Furthermore, many OneUp Trader accounts feature important No Daily Loss Limits. TopStep offers a maximum funded account size of $150,000, which is sufficient but lower than its competitor. TopStep employs a trailing Maximum Loss Limit based on the daily high balance. For professional traders needing the highest capital and maximum flexibility, OneUp Trader is the top choice. The absence of a Daily Loss Limit is a huge advantage for swing traders. OneUp Trader's higher capital limit allows for significantly higher contract sizes and volume trading capacity.
Platform Flexibility
OneUp Trader supports 20+ platforms; TopStep requires using their exclusive TopstepX™ technology.
OneUp Trader gives traders robust flexibility, allowing selection from over 20 top trading platforms. Every trader also receives a free permanent NinjaTrader license included. TopStep requires traders to commit to their exclusive TopstepX™ platform ecosystem. This proprietary platform does offer benefits like commission-free trading and proprietary charts. If you already use a comfortable, established platform, OneUp Trader prevents a forced migration. TopStep sacrifices software choice for specialized, integrated functionality. Maintaining efficiency by using preferred software is a major bonus that OneUp Trader provides to dedicated traders.
Coaching and Community
TopStep provides dedicated coaching and a huge community network. OneUp Trader focuses on fast, responsive customer support.
OneUp Trader excels at reactive support, with staff frequently resolving urgent issues within minutes. Structured coaching resources are not a flagship feature of OneUp Trader's program. TopStep provides personalized performance analysis and tips through Coach T™. They also run Free Group Coaching and have a massive user Discord Chatroom. TopStep offers a richer, proactive environment designed for continuous strategy improvement. OneUp Trader focuses on removing technical roadblocks instantly. Traders who are still refining their skills benefit greatly from the tailored feedback provided by TopStep's Coach T™.
Evaluation Cost Structure
TopStep's subscription is initially cheaper; OneUp Trader minimizes risk upon failure with split payments.
OneUp Trader requires only 50% of the evaluation fee upfront when you enroll. If you fail the process, you owe nothing further to the firm. TopStep has a lower starting monthly subscription fee of $49 for the $50k account evaluation. They require a one-time $149 Activation Fee upon successful funding. OneUp Trader’s split payment saves money if you don't pass the Combine successfully. TopStep’s low monthly fee offers a competitive price to start the evaluation. For traders nervous about commitment, OneUp Trader's structure limits upfront financial exposure the most.
Our Verdict
Choosing between OneUp Trader and TopStep means deciding between maximum profit retention and lightning-fast funding speed. Both are industry leaders, but their philosophies differ significantly. If you are focused purely on the long-term bottom line, OneUp Trader is often the stronger choice. OneUp Trader’s superpower is maximizing your personal profits. You keep 100% of the first $10,000 you withdraw; then your split is a huge 90%. OneUp Trader also supports high-volume traders by offering up to $250,000 in buying power. They offer platform flexibility, including a free permanent NinjaTrader license. TopStep shines brightly in structure, speed, and support for your journey. You can earn an Express Funded Account in as little as two days, which is incredibly fast. TopStep provides excellent personalized coaching stats via Coach T™ and runs daily Group Coaching for skill refinement. Plus, funded traders love the frequent payouts, sometimes four times monthly. Your primary strategic goal should guide your decision. If you are an experienced trader needing high capital, flexibility, and a superior profit split, choose OneUp Trader. If you are focused on building discipline, need rapid funding access, and value community coaching, TopStep is better suited. Ultimately, TopStep provides the fastest entry ramp and best structured support for newer traders. However, OneUp Trader rewards highly successful traders with superior profits and higher funded capital limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which firm has a higher maximum profit percentage after I am funded?
OneUp Trader offers a powerful advantage with a 90% profit split after the initial $10,000 bonus. TopStep’s standard profit split, while competitive, is lower. OneUp Trader is better if maximizing your long-term earnings is the main goal.
Can I get funded faster with OneUp Trader or TopStep?
You can get funded faster with TopStep. Successful candidates can achieve an Express Funded Account in just two minimum trading days. OneUp Trader requires a minimum of five trading days, even with the Express option.
Does OneUp Trader offer a free trial, unlike TopStep?
Yes, OneUp Trader provides a substantial 7-day free trial period to test their system completely risk-free. TopStep does not offer a free trial, requiring you to enroll in a monthly subscription immediately.
Which firm allows me to manage the most funded accounts simultaneously?
TopStep allows you to manage the most accounts, permitting up to five Express Funded Accounts at once. OneUp Trader allows standard evaluation users to manage a respectable maximum of three funded accounts simultaneously.
Which platform is cheaper to start the monthly evaluation process?
TopStep has a slightly cheaper introductory price point, starting at $49 per month for their $50k Combine. OneUp Trader’s entry price for the $25k evaluation is $65 per month, but they only require 50% upfront.
Does OneUp Trader provide personalized coaching, like TopStep's Coach T™?
OneUp Trader focuses on rapid customer service and support, but does not offer dedicated coaching features. TopStep includes Coach T™ which gives personalized stats, tips, and access to free daily Group Coaching sessions.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.