Imperial Trader Funding vs Topstep: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
Verdict: Who Wins?
Topstep
5 wins
Decisive Win
Best For:
Topstep
Topstep
Visual Comparison
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Imperial Trader Funding | Metric | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| 4.9/10 | PFM Score | 8.0/10 ★ |
| 3.3/5 (49) | TrustPilot | 3.6/5 (14,736) ★ |
| C | Safety Grade | A ★ |
| 42 D | Trust Score | 80 A ★ |
| 90% (Elite), 80% (Foundation and Instant) ★ | Profit Split | 90% |
| Elite: none, the plan card states Daily Loss Limit N/A. Foundation and Instant: 50% of the account's max drawdown. Drawdown is EOD trailing on Elite and Instant, Static on Foundation. | Daily Drawdown | $2,000 max loss limit ($50K) / $3,000 ($100K) / $4,500 ($150K) |
| Every 3 valid trading days (Sim-Funded) | Payout Frequency | On-demand |
| $122 | Starting Price | $49 ★ |
| Proprietary | Technology | Proprietary |
| Rithmic | Platforms | Topstep X |
| No | Direct Path to Funded | Yes |
| United States | Country | United States |
| - | Established | Jan 2010 |
| 14 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 | Imperial Trader Funding | Topstep | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $230 | $49 ★ | Save $181 |
| $100K | $382 | $99 ★ | Save $283 |
Imperial Trader Funding vs Topstep: Detailed Analysis
Imperial Trader Funding and Topstep are both Stocks firms.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Topstep is more affordable with challenges starting at $49, which is $73 less than Imperial Trader Funding's starting price of $122. Imperial Trader Funding offers 14 challenge options, while Topstep offers 3.
Account Sizes
On account sizing, Imperial Trader Funding offers account sizes from $1 to $500 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, Imperial Trader Funding supports Rithmic, 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
Imperial Trader Funding offers 90% (Elite), 80% (Foundation and Instant) profit split, while Topstep offers 90%. Imperial Trader Funding pays out Every 3 valid trading days (Sim-Funded), and Topstep pays out On-demand.
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Risk rules are a key difference for funded traders: Imperial Trader Funding lists its daily drawdown as "Elite: none, the plan card states Daily Loss Limit N/A. Foundation and Instant: 50% of the account's max drawdown. Drawdown is EOD trailing on Elite and Instant, Static on Foundation.", 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
When it comes to getting paid, Imperial Trader Funding supports withdrawals via Rise and Wire Transfer, while Topstep pays out through Wise, ACH and International Wire / SWIFT.
Trust & Safety
For trust and reputation, Imperial Trader Funding has a 3.3/5 TrustPilot rating with 49 reviews, while Topstep has 3.6/5 with 14,736 reviews. Safety grades: Imperial Trader Funding C, Topstep A.
Who Should Choose Which
Across the use cases we scored, Topstep is the stronger choice for budget-conscious traders and trust & reputation.
Overall, Topstep edges ahead winning 5 out of 6 categories we compared. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - both firms have their strengths.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Topstep
Pros
Cons
Active Deals & Promo Codes
Topstep
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Imperial Trader Funding or Topstep?
Topstep scores higher overall, winning 5 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, Imperial Trader Funding or Topstep?
Topstep has the lower starting price at $49. Imperial Trader Funding offers 14 challenge options starting from $122, while Topstep offers 3 options starting from $49.
Which has better reviews, Imperial Trader Funding or Topstep?
Topstep has a higher TrustPilot rating of 3.6/5. Imperial Trader Funding has 49 reviews while Topstep has 14,736.
Which offers a higher profit split, Imperial Trader Funding or Topstep?
Imperial Trader Funding offers a higher maximum profit split. Imperial Trader Funding offers 90% (Elite), 80% (Foundation and Instant) while Topstep offers 90%.
How fast do Imperial Trader Funding and Topstep pay out?
Imperial Trader Funding has Every 3 valid trading days (Sim-Funded) payouts while Topstep offers On-demand payouts. Payout speed can be an important factor when choosing a prop firm.
Are Imperial Trader Funding and Topstep legit?
Both firms have been independently verified by PropFirmMap. Imperial Trader Funding holds a C safety grade and a 3.3/5 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, Imperial Trader Funding or Topstep?
Topstep 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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