City Traders Imperium vs Topstep: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
City Traders Imperium
8.2 A
CFD
Topstep
7.9 A
Futures
Verdict: Who Wins?
City Traders Imperium
6 wins
Decisive Win
Topstep
0 wins
Best For:
City Traders Imperium
City Traders Imperium
City Traders Imperium
City Traders Imperium
Visual Comparison
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Head-to-Head Comparison
| City Traders Imperium | Metric | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| 8.2/10 ★ | PFM Score | 7.9/10 |
| 4.3/5 (1,696) ★ | TrustPilot | 3.6/5 (14,382) |
| A | Safety Grade | A |
| 84.6 A ★ | Trust Score | 80 A |
| 80% - 100% ★ | Profit Split | 90% |
| None disclosed (1-Step); 5% of account size (2-Step); 6% (Instant Funding and Instant Funding Pro) | Daily Drawdown | $2,000 max loss limit ($50K) / $3,000 ($100K) / $4,500 ($150K) |
| On-demand (Bronze VIP tier: weekly; Silver VIP tier and above: any time) | Payout Frequency | On-demand |
| $29 ★ | Starting Price | $49 |
| White-Label | Technology | Proprietary |
| Match Trader, MT5 | Platforms | Topstep X |
| No | Direct Path to Funded | Yes |
| United Arab Emirates | Country | United States |
| Jan 2018 | Established | Jan 2010 |
| 23 options | Challenge Options | 3 options |
Price Comparison by Account Size
Cheapest challenge price at each account size (where both firms offer the same size)
| Account Size | City Traders Imperium | Topstep | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $299 | $49 ★ | Save $250 |
| $100K | $449 | $99 ★ | Save $350 |
City Traders Imperium vs Topstep: Detailed Analysis
City Traders Imperium and Topstep are both CFD firms. Topstep has been in business longer, established in 2010, while City Traders Imperium was founded in 2018.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, City Traders Imperium is more affordable with challenges starting at $29, which is $20 less than Topstep's starting price of $49. City Traders Imperium offers 23 challenge options, while Topstep offers 3.
Account Sizes
On account sizing, City Traders Imperium offers account sizes from $5 to $100 across 8 funding tiers, while Topstep offers account sizes from $50 to $150 across 3 funding tiers. Picking the right tier matters because both the entry cost and the maximum capital you can scale to are tied to the account size you start with.
Trading Platforms
For trading platforms, City Traders Imperium supports Match Trader and MT5, while Topstep runs on Topstep X. If you already trade on a specific platform, this can be the deciding factor between the two.
Profit Split & Payouts
City Traders Imperium offers 80% - 100% profit split, while Topstep offers 90%. City Traders Imperium pays out On-demand (Bronze VIP tier: weekly; Silver VIP tier and above: any time), and Topstep pays out On-demand.
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Risk rules are a key difference for funded traders: City Traders Imperium lists its daily drawdown as "None disclosed (1-Step); 5% of account size (2-Step); 6% (Instant Funding and Instant Funding Pro)", while Topstep lists "$2,000 max loss limit ($50K) / $3,000 ($100K) / $4,500 ($150K)". Always confirm the drawdown type before buying, since a trailing rule behaves very differently from a static end-of-day one.
Payout Methods
Topstep supports withdrawals via Wise, ACH and International Wire / SWIFT.
Trust & Safety
For trust and reputation, City Traders Imperium has a 4.3/5 TrustPilot rating with 1,696 reviews, while Topstep has 3.6/5 with 14,382 reviews. Safety grades: City Traders Imperium A, Topstep A.
Who Should Choose Which
Across the use cases we scored, City Traders Imperium is the stronger choice for budget-conscious traders, maximum profit potential, trust & reputation and fast payouts.
Overall, City Traders Imperium edges ahead winning 6 out of 6 categories we compared. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - both firms have their strengths.
Pros & Cons
City Traders Imperium
Pros
Cons
Topstep
Pros
Cons
Active Deals & Promo Codes
City Traders Imperium
Topstep
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, City Traders Imperium or Topstep?
City Traders Imperium scores higher overall, winning 6 out of 6 comparison categories including Overall Rating, TrustPilot, Starting Price. However, the best choice depends on your trading goals and priorities.
Which is cheaper, City Traders Imperium or Topstep?
City Traders Imperium has the lower starting price at $29. City Traders Imperium offers 23 challenge options starting from $29, while Topstep offers 3 options starting from $49.
Which has better reviews, City Traders Imperium or Topstep?
City Traders Imperium has a higher TrustPilot rating of 4.3/5. City Traders Imperium has 1,696 reviews while Topstep has 14,382.
Which offers a higher profit split, City Traders Imperium or Topstep?
City Traders Imperium offers a higher maximum profit split. City Traders Imperium offers 80% - 100% while Topstep offers 90%.
How fast do City Traders Imperium and Topstep pay out?
City Traders Imperium has On-demand (Bronze VIP tier: weekly; Silver VIP tier and above: any time) payouts while Topstep offers On-demand payouts. Payout speed can be an important factor when choosing a prop firm.
Are City Traders Imperium and Topstep legit?
Both firms have been independently verified by PropFirmMap. City Traders Imperium holds a A safety grade and a 4.3/5 TrustPilot rating. Topstep holds a A safety grade and a 3.6/5 TrustPilot rating. Safety grades are based on payout history, community trust signals, and regulatory transparency.
Which is better for beginners, City Traders Imperium or Topstep?
City Traders Imperium may be more accessible for beginners due to its lower entry price. When starting out, consider challenge cost, drawdown rules, and profit split. Use the comparison table above to find which firm fits your experience level and risk tolerance.
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