I've compiled every question I've seen traders ask about Topstep—in Discord servers, Reddit threads, help center queries, and DMs I've received—into one comprehensive resource.
No fluff, no filler, just direct answers based on Topstep's current rules, my personal experience with the firm, and verifiable information from their official documentation. Bookmark this page because you'll come back to it.
Why Topstep matters: Topstep is the firm that started the futures prop trading industry. Founded by CME floor trader Michael Patak, they've been around longer than any competitor. I've evaluated their accounts, tracked their payout history, and compared them against every major alternative in the space.
That said, longevity doesn't mean perfection. Topstep has strengths (proven track record, fast payouts, strong platform support) and weaknesses (trailing drawdown, subscription model costs, no affiliate program for reviewers) that I've documented honestly. For a complete breakdown of their account types, pricing, and what to expect at each stage, read my full Topstep accounts overview. For the absolute latest, check Topstep's website or their Help Center.
Getting Started
What is Topstep?
A futures prop trading firm founded in 2012 in Chicago. You pass a simulated evaluation (the Trading Combine), pay an activation fee, and trade a funded account using Topstep's capital. You keep the majority of profits without risking personal money.
Is Topstep legitimate?
Yes. 14 years in operation, 13,500+ Trustpilot reviews, featured in Forbes and Inc. 5000, FIA member, BBB-accredited. They've paid out tens of millions to funded traders across 140+ countries.
What can I trade?
CME Group futures only: ES, NQ, YM, RTY (equity indices), CL, NG (energy), GC, SI (metals), ZB, ZN (bonds), 6E, 6J (currencies), and micro versions of most contracts. No stocks, no forex spot, no crypto spot, no options.
What platform does Topstep use?
TopstepX exclusively. It's Topstep's proprietary platform featuring TradingView charts, commission-free execution, built-in risk management tools, and The Tilt™ sentiment indicator. Third-party platforms like NinjaTrader and Tradovate are no longer supported.
Do I need prior trading experience?
No formal requirement, but futures trading has a steep learning curve. Topstep's Training Camp and TopstepTV coaching are designed for developing traders, but you should understand basic futures concepts before investing in an evaluation.
Evaluation (Trading Combine)
How does the Trading Combine work?
It's a one-step simulated evaluation. Hit the profit target, stay above the Maximum Loss Limit, and maintain the Consistency Target. No time limit. Pass and you earn the right to activate a funded account.
What are the account sizes and profit targets?
50K account: $3,000 profit target, $2,000 Maximum Loss Limit. 100K account: $6,000 profit target, $3,000 Maximum Loss Limit. 150K account: $9,000 profit target, $4,500 Maximum Loss Limit.
What's the Consistency Target?
Your best single trading day cannot exceed 50% of your total net profit when you pass. If you make $3,000 total and your best day was $2,000, that's 67%—you haven't met the target. You'd need to trade more days to bring that ratio below 50%.
Is there a minimum number of trading days?
No official minimum, but the Consistency Target naturally requires multiple trading days. You can technically pass in as few as 2 days if your profits are evenly distributed.
What drawdown type does Topstep use?
End-of-day (EOD) trailing drawdown. Your Maximum Loss Limit only updates based on your closing balance at the end of each trading session, not during the day. This is more forgiving than intraday trailing drawdown used by some competitors.
Can I hold trades overnight?
During evaluation, no position holds are allowed outside of regular trading hours. All trades must be closed by the end of each session.
Is news trading allowed?
Yes, Topstep allows news trading during evaluation. No restrictions on trading around economic releases.
Can I use EAs or trading bots?
No. Automated trading systems are not permitted on TopstepX. All trades must be manually executed.
What happens if I break a rule during evaluation?
Your account becomes ineligible for funding but is not automatically closed. Your subscription continues rebilling. You can reset the account (free at next rebill, or paid immediately) to try again.
How much does the evaluation cost?
Standard pricing: $165/month (50K), $325/month (100K), $375/month (150K). Promotional pricing (frequently available): $49/month (50K), $99/month (100K), $149/month (150K).
Can I have multiple Trading Combines simultaneously?
Yes, up to 5 active accounts under one Topstep profile.
Funded Account (Express Funded Account)
What is the Express Funded Account?
Your sim-funded trading account after passing the Trading Combine. You trade on live market data in a simulated environment, following funded-stage rules, with real profit withdrawal capability.
What's the activation fee?
$149 one-time fee, charged when you activate your funded account. Non-refundable.
What's the profit split?
For new traders: 90/10 from the first dollar. You keep 90%, Topstep keeps 10%. Some legacy accounts or promotional offers may have different splits (100% on first $5,000-$10,000).
Are there monthly fees on funded accounts?
No monthly subscription fee on the Express Funded Account. However, optional Depth of Market data costs $34.25/month if you want it.
Is the funded account live or simulated?
Simulated. Your Express Funded Account uses live market data but executes trades in a simulated environment. Topstep does not currently offer a pathway to live capital trading.
Drawdown and Risk Rules
How does EOD trailing drawdown work on funded accounts?
Your Maximum Loss Limit starts at the account's specified drawdown amount below your starting balance (e.g., $2,000 below $50,000 = $47,000 floor). As your end-of-day balance increases, the floor trails upward. Once your EOD balance exceeds starting balance + drawdown amount + $100, the floor locks and stops trailing.
What's the drawdown lock threshold?
50K: locks when EOD balance reaches $52,100. 100K: locks at $103,100. 150K: locks at $154,600. After locking, the floor stays at starting balance + $100 permanently.
Is there a daily loss limit on funded accounts?
Topstep doesn't enforce a mandatory daily loss limit. However, TopstepX allows you to set your own daily loss limit, profit target, and trade count limit. These are optional but recommended self-imposed controls.
What's the Consistency Target on funded accounts?
Same 50% rule as evaluation: your best single day cannot exceed 50% of total profit when requesting a payout.
Payouts
How do I request a payout?
Through your Topstep Dashboard. You must meet the XFA (Express Funded Account) requirements for your chosen payout type before submitting.
What are the XFA payout requirements?
XFA Standard: 5 winning days of $150+ each. Maximum withdrawal: $5,000 or 50% of account balance (whichever is less on first payouts). XFA Consistency: 3 winning days with 40% consistency. Maximum withdrawal: $6,000 or 50%.
How often can I request payouts?
Daily once you meet the requirements. No limit on payout frequency beyond the minimum winning-day requirements between requests.
How long does payout processing take?
Varies by method: Wise is typically same-day to next-day. International wire: 1-3 business days. ACH: up to 10 business days. Crypto options may also be available.
Is there a payout processing fee?
Yes, $30 per payout request.
What's the minimum withdrawal amount?
Varies by account size and XFA type. Generally starts at $500-$1,000 depending on your account balance and how many payouts you've completed.
Do I get my subscription fee back?
Partially. Topstep refunds an amount equal to your most recent Trading Combine subscription payment as a rebate on your first payout. One-time benefit.
TopstepX Platform
What charting does TopstepX offer?
TradingView charts are integrated directly into TopstepX. You get access to TradingView's indicator library and charting tools without a separate TradingView subscription.
What is The Tilt™?
A proprietary sentiment indicator built into TopstepX that monitors your trading behavior patterns and alerts you when emotional decision-making may be affecting your performance. Think of it as a real-time psychological check.
Can I set risk controls on TopstepX?
Yes. You can set daily loss limits, daily profit targets, maximum trade counts, and position size limits. These are self-imposed and optional but highly recommended.
Does TopstepX support mobile trading?
TopstepX has a web-based interface accessible from mobile browsers, but there's no dedicated mobile app as of early 2026.
Is TopstepX commission-free?
Yes. No per-trade commissions on TopstepX. This saves active traders $800-1,200+ per month compared to platforms that charge per-contract fees.
Education and Community
What is TopstepTV?
Daily live coaching sessions on YouTube where Topstep's performance coaches analyze markets, take live trades, and answer trader questions in real time. Free for all Topstep members.
What is Training Camp?
Topstep's structured educational curriculum covering risk management, trading psychology, strategy development, and platform tutorials.
How big is the Discord community?
72,000+ members as of early 2026, making it the largest futures trading Discord community.
Is coaching included with my subscription?
Yes. TopstepTV coaching, Training Camp, and community access are included with any active Trading Combine subscription at no additional cost.
Pricing and Billing
Can I pause my subscription?
No. Topstep cannot pause or hold subscriptions. You either continue paying monthly or cancel entirely.
What happens if I cancel?
Your subscription stops auto-renewing. You retain access until the current billing period ends. All account progress is lost permanently. You cannot reactivate a canceled Trading Combine—you'd need to purchase a new one.
What's the refund policy?
14-day satisfaction guarantee for first-time purchasers only (one account, must not have passed). Everything else is non-refundable: subscriptions, resets, activation fees, data fees.
Are there free trials?
Topstep has historically offered free 14-day trial accounts. Availability varies—check their website for current offers. During deep discount periods (like the 70% off promotion), the free trial is sometimes suspended.
Account Management
Can I trade from any country?
Topstep accepts traders from 140+ countries. Some countries may be restricted due to regulatory or sanctions requirements.
What payment methods are accepted?
Credit cards and debit cards. Pre-paid credit cards, gift cards, Cash App cards, and Venmo cards may not work.
Can I copy trade across accounts?
TopstepX includes a built-in trade copier that allows mirroring trades across multiple funded accounts.
What happens if TopstepX has technical issues?
Topstep's terms state they're not responsible for losses from technical failures. However, they've historically addressed major outages with trade removals within specific remediation windows. Document any issues immediately with screenshots and timestamps.
Can I trade during holidays and half-days?
Trading follows CME exchange hours. Some products have reduced hours during holidays. Check the CME Group holiday schedule for specific dates.
Strategy and Performance
What's the pass rate?
Topstep doesn't publish official pass rates. Community estimates suggest 12-22% of traders pass the evaluation, which is in line with industry averages.
What strategies work best for Topstep?
Strategies that produce consistent, moderate daily gains work best with the 50% Consistency Target. Scalping with tight stops, trend-following on lower timeframes, and mean-reversion strategies on ES/NQ are commonly successful approaches. Avoid strategies that rely on one big winner per week.
Should I start with 50K, 100K, or 150K?
Most traders should start with 50K. Lower monthly cost ($49 with promo), smaller profit target ($3,000), and the 4% drawdown provides adequate room for most strategies. Move to larger accounts only after proving consistent profitability.
How many contracts should I trade?
The position size limit depends on your account size (5 contracts max on 50K, 10 on 100K, 15 on 150K). But most successful Topstep traders recommend trading 1-3 contracts until your drawdown is locked, then potentially scaling up.
The Big Picture
Is Topstep worth it in 2026?
For developing traders who value education, community, and a structured path to funding: yes. For experienced traders who only care about optimal rules and economics: competitors like Tradeify, MFFU, and TopOneFutures offer more competitive funded-stage terms. For anyone: Topstep's 14-year track record makes it the safest bet in an industry where firm reliability matters as much as rule quality.
