Topstep is a popular option for futures prop trading, ranking 3rd in our list of the best futures prop firms with a score of 83/100. Its three-step evaluation process includes no time limits and a profit split of 100% on your first $10K, then 90% after that.
Topstep Review Summary
TopstepProp Firm Details
One Phase Evaluation
Two Phase Evaluation
Instant Funding
Scaling Plan
Fees From$49/month
Account Sizes50K - 150K
Min Forex SpreadNA
Commission Fee$0.04+
Max Daily Loss1.3% - 2%
Profit Target6%
Profit Share90% – 100%
Trading Platforms
Consistency Rules
Compulsory Stop Loss
High Impact News Trading
Expert Advisors / Automated Trading
FOREX
INDICES
COMMODITIES
CRYPTO
SHARES
COUPON CODES
No promo codes
Two Step
Our Rating5.9/10
Funding$100,000
Fee$149
Two Step
Our Rating5.5/10
Funding$50,000
Fee$149
Topstep scored 83/100 in our 2025 testing, placing 3rd on our list of the 10 best futures prop firms. While FXIFY Futures and FundedNext Futures ranked higher due to lower fees and faster scaling, Topstep is still a solid choice thanks to its reputation, wide platform selection, and futures-only focus. Its evaluation has no time limits, and funded traders earn a 100% profit split on the first $10,000, then 90% after that.
Monthly data fees in the Live Funded Account can add to your costs and dropped the firms overall rating a few points, but Topstep’s score reflects its clear rules, consistent payout model, and platform flexibility.
Topstep offers a three-step evaluation process for futures traders to earn funding. Step one starts with the Trading Combine, then you move onto the Express Funded Account, with the final stage being the Live Funded Account.
As with all prop challenges, the key to success in the Topstep trading program is managing risk effectively, hitting profit targets, and maintaining consistency.
Below is a breakdown of the account sizes, fees, and core details of the Topstep process.
| Account Size | Trading Combine Subscription | Express Funded Activation Fee | Profit Target | Max Loss Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $49/month | $149 | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| $100K | $99/month | $149 | $6,000 | $3,000 |
| $150K | $149/month | $149 | $9,000 | $4,500 |
The Topstep Trading Combine is the first evaluation stage where traders are tested on their ability to manage risk, follow trading rules, and hit profit targets. The Trading Combine has a monthly subscription fee ranging from $49 – $149 per month, based on account size.
| Account Size | Fees | Profit Target | Max Loss Limit | Daily Loss Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | $49/month | $3,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| 100K | $99/month | $6,000 | $3,000 | $1,500 |
| 150K | $149/month | $9,000 | $4,500 | $2,000 |
Traders can take as long as necessary to pass this phase, as there are no time limits, but they must avoid breaching the maximum loss or daily loss limits.
Key Details
Topstep Consistency Target
The Consistency Target rule is in place to ensure that traders do not rely on one highly profitable trading day to pass the challenge. This target requires traders to spread their profits more evenly across multiple trading sessions, demonstrating sustained performance.
Topstep’s consistency rule is calculated as follows: Best Day Profit ÷ Overall Profit = Best Day % of Total Profit.
Flexible Daily Loss Limits
All new or Reset accounts on the TopstepX platform can now set their own Personal Daily Loss Limit based on their risk tolerance, giving them more control over trading strategies. This change applies to TopstepX accounts only, while the Daily Loss Limit remains in place for other platforms such as NinjaTrader and TradingView.
After passing the Trading Combine, traders move on to the Express Funded Account. There is no monthly subscription fee, but an activation fee of $149 is required.
| Account Size | Activation Fee | Profit Target | Max Loss Limit | Daily Loss Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | $149 (one-time) | No profit target | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| 100K | $149 (one-time) | No profit target | $3,000 | $1,500 |
| 150K | $149 (one-time) | No profit target | $4,500 | $2,000 |
This phase allows traders to earn real profits, but the account remains simulated.
Winning Days
With the Express Funded Account you need to ensure that you meet the winning days objective. To do this, you’ll need to make a profit of $200 or more on 5 separate trading days which will demonstrate to Topstep that you can be consistently profitable as a funded trader.
Visit Topstep
Topstep Scaling Plan
Another objective you need to follow is TopStep’s scaling plan, which is essentially a risk management plan. If trading with a $50K account you can’t exceed 5 lots-worth of exposure. If you’re trading with an $100K account the max is 10 lots, and with an $150K it’s 15 lots.
As your account increases/decreases in value, so will the number of lots you can open. It’s important to note however that your new balance is only calculated at the beginning of the next trading day.
For example, if your balance is below $1,500 but during the trading day increases above this threshold, you’ll only be able to up your maximum lot size from 2 lots to 3 lots when the next trading session commences at 5:00pm CST.
If you make an error with this rule by opening too many lots, it can result in your account being suspended, although if you correct the mistake within 10 seconds, then TopStep won’t take any action.
In the Live Funded Account, traders use real capital to trade in live markets. There are no subscription or activation fees, but the stakes are higher.
| Account Size | Fees | Profit Target | Max Loss Limit | Daily Loss Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | No additional fee | No profit target | $0 (Account closure if breached) | $1,000 |
| 100K | No additional fee | No profit target | $0 (Account closure if breached) | $1,500 |
| 150K | No additional fee | No profit target | $0 (Account closure if breached) | $2,000 |
The primary rule here is to avoid breaching the Maximum Loss Limit, as this will result in the permanent closure of the account.
Key Details
Five Winning Days: Same as in the Express Funded Account, traders must achieve at least five days with profits of $200 or more.Topstep provides clear guidelines on trading rules to ensure fair and consistent evaluation across all account phases. These rules cover the use of automated strategies, copy trading, news trading, and restrictions on weekend trading. Here’s a breakdown of the key rules:
Verdict on Topstep Funded Accounts
Topstep offers a structured three-step process to earn funding, starting with the Trading Combine, where traders face realistic costs and recurring fees. The Express Funded Account requires a one-time activation fee, while the Live Funded Account offers real profits but has strict loss limits.
Unlike many other prop firms, Topstep exclusively operates within the futures markets, meaning there are no spreads when trading the available products.
However, multiple layers of commissions and fees apply, and these vary based on the platform, exchange, and stage of the challenge you are at.
Each stage comes with distinct trading costs—some being per trade, like exchange and commission fees, and others monthly subscriptions or challenge fees.
Additionally, if you violate any of the rules during the challenge phases, you will need to reset your account to continue. The reset fees are $49 for a $50K account, $99 for a $100K account, and $149 for a $150K account.
Resetting allows you to restart the challenge without losing all progress, but it’s an additional cost to factor in.
At this stage, traders pay a monthly challenge fee to participate in Topstep’s Trading Combine:
This is different from many other prop firms, where you typically pay a one-time audition fee rather than a recurring monthly fee.
In the challenge phases, Topstep replicates live market conditions by charging a flat fee per trade which covers commission, clearing, and exchange fees. This ensures that traders face realistic futures trading costs. However, the total fee you pay per trade depends on the platform you select:
| Fee Type | TopstepX | Tradovate/TradingView | NinjaTrader/ATAS/Rithmic | T4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commissions | - | $1.18 | $1.06 | $1.00 |
| Regulatory Fee | $0.04 | $0.04 | $0.04 | $0.04 |
| Platform Fee | - | - | - | $1.00 |
| Data Fee | - | - | $0.50 | - |
| Clearing Fee | - | $0.30 | - | - |
| Total | $0.04 + Exchange Fees | $1.52 + Exchange Fees | $1.60 + Exchange Fees | $2.04 + Exchange Fees |
The proprietary platform TopstepX charges no commission fees making it the most cost-effective option. In contrast, T4 has the highest per-round-turn cost due to additional platform fees, which can add up if you’re an active trader.
It’s important to note that switching platforms during the Trading Combine is limited. You can only switch between platforms that use the same data feed (e.g., Rithmic to Rithmic), and if you want to move to a platform using a different data feed (e.g., from Rithmic to CQG), you’ll need to start a new Trading Combine.
Once you pass the Trading Combine, you progress to the Express Funded Account, which comes with the following key fees:
Once you reach the Live Funded Account, additional monthly costs apply, which can significantly impact your overall trading costs:
Topstep traders can choose from a huge range of trading platforms, but your choice at the first challenge phase will affect both your upfront and ongoing trading costs.
Once you begin the Trading Combine, switching platforms may be limited. For example:
It’s essential to choose your platform wisely at the start of the Trading Combine to avoid the costs of switching mid-challenge.
Verdict Commissions and Pricing
Topstep’s fee structure can seem more complex compared to prop firms that charge a single upfront fee. However, the realistic trading environment—mirroring real-market conditions with commission, clearing, and exchange fees—justifies these costs.
The option to use free platforms, like Tradovate and TradingView, also helps manage expenses, making it more affordable if chosen strategically.
Topstep provides access to 32 different futures markets across forex, equity indices, oil and gas, metals, and agricultural commodities. The trading fees vary depending on the platform you use, making platform selection an important part of managing your trading costs.
During the Trading Combine, you have access to a subset of CME futures markets. As you advance to the Live Funded Account, a broader range of markets from all major exchanges—CME, NYMEX, COMEX, and CBOT—becomes available.
However, access to these markets comes with a monthly data fee of $135 per exchange, which can accumulate to $540 per month if you need access to multiple exchanges.
Important Note: The prices we break down below are for the Trading Combine and Express Funded stages, but are similar to the per-trade costs of the Live Funded Account.
Topstep offers 8 forex futures markets, including major currencies like the Australian Dollar (6A), British Pound (6B), Euro FX (6E), Japanese Yen (6J), and Swiss Franc (6S), along with their micro counterparts. Fees vary based on the platform, ranging from $0.52 per round turn for micro contracts to $5.24 for full-size contracts on T4.
| Product | TopstepX | Tradovate/TradingView | NinjaTrader/ATAS/Rithmic | T4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Dollar (6A) | $3.24 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
| Micro AUD/USD (M6A) | $0.52 | $1.12 | $1.20 | Unavailable |
| British Pound (6B) | $3.24 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
| Euro FX (6E) | $3.24 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
| Micro EUR/USD (M6E) | $0.52 | $1.12 | $1.20 | Unavailable |
| Japanese Yen (6J) | $3.24 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
| Swiss Franc (6S) | $3.24 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
| E-mini Euro FX (E7) | $1.74 | $3.22 | $3.30 | $3.74 |
In the equity markets, Topstep gives traders access to popular indices like the E-mini S&P 500 (ES), Micro E-mini S&P (MES), E-mini NASDAQ 100 (NQ), and Micro E-mini NASDAQ (MNQ). These are essential futures contracts for index traders. Fees range from $0.74 to $6.34 depending on the platform and contract size.
| Product | TopstepX | Tradovate/TradingView | NinjaTrader/ATAS/Rithmic | T4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-mini S&P 500 (ES) | $2.80 | $4.28 | $4.36 | $4.80 |
| Micro E-mini S&P (MES) | $0.74 | $1.34 | $1.42 | NA |
| E-mini NASDAQ 100 (NQ) | $2.80 | $4.28 | $4.36 | $4.80 |
| Micro E-mini NASDAQ 100 (MNQ) | $0.74 | $1.34 | $1.42 | NA |
| E-mini Russell 2000 (RTY) | $2.80 | $4.28 | $4.36 | $4.80 |
| Micro E-mini Russell 2000 (M2K) | $0.74 | $1.34 | $1.42 | NA |
| Nikkei (NKD) | $4.34 | $5.82 | $5.90 | $6.34 |
| Micro E-mini Bitcoin (MBT) | $2.04 | $5.64 | $4.72 | NA |
| Micro E-mini Ether (MET) | $0.24 | $0.84 | $0.92 | NA |
Topstep includes 7 key markets in the energy sector, offering contracts like Crude Oil (CL), Natural Gas (NG), and Heating Oil (HO). These products are essential for energy traders looking for volatility and liquidity. Fees range from $1.04 for micro contracts to $5.24 for larger contracts.
| Product | TopstepX | Tradovate/TradingView | NinjaTrader/ATAS/Rithmic | T4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil (CL) | $3.04 | $4.52 | $4.60 | $5.04 |
| Micro Crude Oil (MCL) | $1.04 | $1.64 | $1.72 | Unavailable |
| E-mini Crude Oil (QM) | $2.44 | $3.92 | $4.00 | $4.44 |
| Platinum (PL) | $3.24 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
| E-mini Natural Gas (QG) | $1.04 | $2.52 | $2.60 | $3.04 |
| RBOB Gasoline (RB) | $3.04 | $4.52 | $4.60 | $5.04 |
| Heating Oil (HO) | $3.04 | $4.52 | $4.60 | $5.04 |
| Natural Gas (NG) | $3.20 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
Precious metals include futures contracts like Gold (GC), Silver (SI), and Copper (HG), which offer a great hedge against inflation and market instability. Fees for these products range from $1.04 for micro gold to $5.24 for full-size contracts.
| Product | TopstepX | Tradovate/TradingView | NinjaTrader/ATAS/Rithmic | T4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold (GC) | $3.24 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
| Micro Gold (MGC) | $1.04 | $1.64 | $1.72 | Unavailable |
| Silver (SI) | $3.24 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
| Micro Silver (SIL) | $2.04 | $2.64 | $2.72 | Unavailable |
| Copper (HG) | $3.24 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
Agricultural futures include products like Corn (ZC), Wheat (ZW), Soybeans (ZS), and Live Cattle (LE). These are key markets for traders looking to speculate on global supply and demand shifts in commodities. Fees range from $4.24 to $6.24 depending on the platform.
| Product | TopstepX | Tradovate/TradingView | NinjaTrader/ATAS/Rithmic | T4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corn (ZC) | $4.24 | $5.72 | $5.80 | $6.24 |
| Wheat (ZW) | $4.24 | $5.72 | $5.80 | $6.24 |
| Soybeans (ZS) | $4.24 | $5.72 | $5.80 | $6.24 |
| Soybean Meal (ZM) | $4.24 | $5.72 | $5.80 | $6.24 |
| Soybean Oil (ZL) | $4.24 | $5.72 | $5.80 | $6.24 |
| Lean Hogs (HE) | $4.24 | $5.72 | $5.80 | $6.24 |
| Live Cattle (LE) | $4.24 | $5.72 | $5.80 | $6.24 |
The maximum leverage or market exposure allowed in Topstep accounts is defined by the account size and the number of lots or contracts traders can hold.
In the Trading Combine, Express Funded Account, and Live Funded Account, the maximum position sizes are as follows:
For micro products, Topstep treats them the same as full-sized lots for position sizing. For instance, 1 lot in the E-mini S&P 500 (ES) is equivalent to 1 lot in the Micro E-mini S&P (MES) when calculating the maximum position size in these accounts.
On the TopstepX platform, a 10:1 ratio is applied between micro and mini contracts. This means:
This flexibility allows traders to scale their positions based on their account size, while still adhering to Topstep’s risk management guidelines.
Verdict on Topstep Futures Markets
Topstep offers a solid selection of futures markets across foreign exchange, indices, and commodities, giving prop traders the flexibility to diversify their strategies.
However, traders must be aware of exchange and platform-specific fees, which can add up quickly. While the platform selection is strong, access to the full range of markets comes at a cost through exchange data fees.
Topstep offers a huge variety of trading platforms, both free and paid, to cater to different needs and futures trading style. The free platform options include TopstepX, Quantower, Tradovate, TradingView, and T4, all of which can be used during the Trading Combine and Live Funded Account stages.
TopstepX stands out for being commission-free, making it an affordable option, though traders are locked into this platform once they begin the challenge. For those seeking more advanced features, NinjaTrader is available with advanced charting and execution tools, but it incurs a fee in the Live Funded Account stage.
Topstep offers five free platform options including TopstepX, Quantower, Tradovate, TradingView, and T4, all of which are available during the Trading Combine and Live Funded Account stages. Each platform integrates with a different data feed and has various device compatibility, ensuring traders can select a tool that fits their trading style.
| Free Platforms | Data Feed | Mobile-Compatible | Mac-Compatible | Free in Live Funded Account | Brokerage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TopstepX | Sim2Funded | Yes | Yes | Yes | Plus500 |
| Quantower | Rithmic | No | No | Yes | NinjaTrader |
| Tradovate | CQG | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dorman |
| TradingView | CQG | No | Yes | Yes | CQC |
| T4 | CTS | Yes | No | Yes | Plus500 |
TopstepX – Commission-Free Futures Trading
TopstepX is Topstep’s in-house platform designed specifically for traders using the Sim2Funded data feed. It’s fully compatible with both mobile devices and Mac computers, making it a versatile option for traders who need flexibility. One of its main attractions is that it’s commission-free, making it a budget-friendly choice for traders who want to avoid extra costs.
TopstepX is ideal for beginner traders who are looking for a simple and streamlined experience, particularly those just starting out. However, once you start the Trading Combine with TopstepX, you’re locked into this platform and cannot switch to another, so it’s important to be sure this platform fits your needs before starting.
Quantower – Low-Latency Data for Precision Trading
Quantower is connected to the Rithmic data feed, which is renowned for its low-latency, real-time market data. This platform is perfect for traders who need precise market execution and want to avoid delays. Although it’s not compatible with mobile or Mac devices, Quantower makes up for this with its advanced charting tools and an intuitive interface.
Prop futures traders who value real-time data and customization will find Quantower to be an excellent fit, especially those who don’t require mobile access and prioritize desktop trading.
Tradovate – Multi-Device Compatibility with Advanced Charting
Tradovate uses the CQG data feed and is compatible with mobile and Mac, making it a highly flexible platform for traders who need to access their accounts on multiple devices. This platform is known for its ease of use and modern design, making it a great fit for traders who value convenience but still want solid tools for futures trading.
Additionally, Tradovate offers TradingView integration, allowing traders who prefer advanced charting options to get the best of both worlds. It’s a top choice for traders who are frequently on the move and need access across devices.
TradingView – Advanced Technical Analysis Tools
TradingView is a popular platform for traders who focus on detailed technical analysis. It’s connected to the CQG data feed, giving traders access to reliable futures data while offering one of the most comprehensive sets of charting tools available. Although it’s not mobile-compatible, it works well on Mac, making it an ideal option for traders who prioritize desktop-based analysis.
TradingView suits traders who are highly technical and need a wide range of indicators, drawing tools, and customizable charts to refine their strategies.
T4 – Mobile-Compatible Futures Trading
T4 uses the CTS data feed and is one of the few free platforms that supports mobile trading, though it lacks Mac compatibility. It’s designed for futures traders looking for a reliable and low-cost platform, offering essential features without unnecessary extras.
However, it doesn’t support micro contracts at the moment, which could be a drawback for traders who prefer smaller positions. T4 is perfect for traders who want a straightforward and efficient platform, especially those who need mobile access to their accounts.
Topstep offers several paid platforms for traders seeking detailed features like automated strategies, order flow analysis, and in-depth charting. NinjaTrader is a popular choice and is free during the Trading Combine and Express Funded Account stages, but incurs subscription fees in the Live Funded Account.
Other platforms, such as R|Trader Pro and ATAS OrderFlow, provide specialised tools for traders with different strategies and needs. Each platform connects to reliable data feeds like Rithmic, ensuring precise market execution.
| Platform | Data Feed | Mobile-Compatible | Mac-Compatible | Free in Challenge Phases | Free in Live Funded Account | Brokerage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NinjaTrader | Rithmic | No | No | Yes | No | NinjaTrader |
| R|Trader Pro | Rithmic | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ATAS OrderFlow | Rithmic | No | No | Yes | No | NinjaTrader |
| MotiveWave | Rithmic | Yes | Yes | No | No | NinjaTrader |
| VolFix | Rithmic | Yes | Yes | No | No | NinjaTrader |
| Bookmap | Rithmic | No | Yes | No | No | NinjaTrader |
| Investor/RT | Rithmic | No | No | No | No | NinjaTrader |
| Jigsaw Daytradr | Rithmic | No | No | No | No | NinjaTrader |
| MultiCharts | Rithmic | No | No | No | No | NinjaTrader |
| Sierra Chart | Rithmic | No | No | No | No | NinjaTrader |
| Trade Navigator | Rithmic | No | No | No | No | NinjaTrader |
NinjaTrader – Advanced Futures Trading Platform
Topstep offers NinjaTrader for free during the Trading Combine and Express Funded Account stages. NinjaTrader uses the Rithmic data feed, providing low-latency, real-time market data for traders who need precision in execution. This platform includes advanced charting, custom strategy development, and order execution tools.
For traders moving to the Live Funded Account, NinjaTrader then involves a monthly fee of $99, which may deter some funded traders and increase overall trading costs. While the monthly platform fee may be high, it is well-suited for futures traders who require technical features like automated strategy development and customizable charts.
Other Paid Platforms
Aside from NinjaTrader, Topstep offers several other paid platforms that cater to different trading styles and needs. These platforms provide advanced features such as order flow analysis, in-depth market data, and algorithmic trading support, making them ideal for professional traders looking for more tailored tools.
Topstep connects its platforms via different data feeds, including Rithmic, CQG, CTS, and Sim2Funded. These data feeds ensure reliable and accurate market data delivery, which is crucial for executing futures trades.
Each data feed has its pros and cons, and traders should consider which feed best suits their trading style and platform needs.
Verdict on Trading Platforms
Topstep provides a diverse range of free and paid trading platforms, catering to various trading styles and needs. Free options like TopstepX and Tradovate offer flexibility, with TopstepX being commission-free but locking traders in once they start the challenge.
Paid platforms, like NinjaTrader, offer advanced features, including automated strategies and low-latency data feeds, making them ideal for futures traders who need precision. Overall, Topstep’s platform variety and data feeds ensure a reliable trading experience.
There are 368,000 monthly searches for Topstep each month on Google, making it the 4th most popular Prop Firm. Similarweb in March 2025 shows a similar story with the broker the 6th most visited, receiving 2,132,000 global visits.
| Country | Q1 2025 Monthly Searches |
|---|---|
| United States | 90,500 |
| United Kingdom | 12,100 |
| France | 12,100 |
| Canada | 12,100 |
| India | 8,100 |
| Germany | 5,400 |
| Spain | 4,400 |
| Australia | 3,600 |
| Italy | 2,900 |
| Malaysia | 2,400 |
| Netherlands | 2,400 |
| South Africa | 1,900 |
| Brazil | 1,600 |
| Singapore | 1,600 |
| Hong Kong | 1,600 |
| Poland | 1,300 |
| Austria | 720 |
| Pakistan | 720 |
| Kenya | 720 |
| Philippines | 720 |
| Nigeria | 590 |
| Indonesia | 590 |
| Vietnam | 480 |
| Cyprus | 320 |
| Uzbekistan | 320 |
United States
|
90,500
1st
|
United Kingdom
|
12,100
2nd
|
France
|
12,100
3rd
|
Canada
|
12,100
4th
|
India
|
8,100
5th
|
Germany
|
5,400
6th
|
Spain
|
4,400
7th
|
Australia
|
3,600
8th
|
Italy
|
2,900
9th
|
Malaysia
|
2,400
10th
|
Topstep offers flexible payment options for the Trading Combine and Express Funded Account. Monthly fees can be paid using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or PayPal.
In terms of their payout policy, Topstep traders keep 100% of the first $10,000 in profits, followed by a 90/10 split. Profit withdrawals can be requested after reaching performance milestones, with multiple payment methods and fast processing times available
Topstep provides flexible payment options for the monthly subscription fees in the Trading Combine, as well as the activation fee required for the Express Funded Account stage.
For the Trading Combine subscription, you can pay the monthly fees using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or PayPal.
Once a futures trader passes the Trading Combine and moves to the Express Funded Account, a one-time activation fee of $149 must be paid. This fee can be processed using standard payment methods, such as credit or debit cards. This activation fee applies to each Express Funded Account you earn.
It’s important to note that the monthly subscription for the Trading Combine is no longer required after passing and transitioning to the Express Funded Account stage.
Topstep provides a competitive profit split structure, allowing traders to keep 100% of their first $10,000 in profits. After reaching this threshold, traders retain 90% of their earnings, with Topstep taking 10%, which is much more generous than the industry standard.
Requesting Profit Payouts
You can request a payout after achieving five non-consecutive winning trading days, with each winning day having a Net PNL of $200 or more. At this stage, traders are eligible to withdraw up to 50% of their account balance per request. After each payout, traders must accumulate five additional winning days to qualify for the next payout.
Once 30 non-consecutive winning days are reached, traders unlock access to 100% of their account balance, allowing them to withdraw the full amount moving forward. If a full balance payout is requested, the Funded Account will be closed due to the balance being brought to the Maximum Loss Limit.
Withdrawal Processing Times and Methods
Payouts can be requested via the Topstep app with e-Wallets and bank transfer options and daily processing available. Depending on your preferred withdrawal method, payouts can take up to 10 business days to arrive:
If a trader remains inactive for 30 days, their account will be closed, and any profits will be lost unless they have fulfilled the five winning day requirement. If the condition is met, they are eligible to withdraw 50% of their profits.
Verdict on Payments and Profit Shares
Topstep offers a flexible payment structure for the Trading Combine and Express Funded Account, with convenient options like credit cards and PayPal. The profit payout system is generous, allowing traders to keep 100% of their first $10,000, and 90% thereafter. With multiple withdrawal methods and fast processing times, Topstep makes accessing profits straightforward for traders.
Topstep provides solid customer support and educational materials to enhance your futures trading experience.
Topstep offers 24/7 customer support via methods like live chat, email, WhatsApp, and a direct helpline. The first point of contact is usually an automated chatbot designed to address common inquiries quickly, though it may direct users to human agents for complex issues. Users have experienced mixed results with the chatbot, sometimes facing delays when transitioning from bot to human support.
Topstep offers a solid suite of educational resources designed to support both beginner and experienced prop traders.
TopstepTV is a central pillar of the prop firms educational offerings, providing live content streamed on YouTube with over 120,000 subscribers. The channel features daily live trading sessions where viewers can watch expert traders analyze the markets and execute trades in real time. These sessions are interactive, allowing viewers to ask questions and receive guidance on trading strategies and market dynamics.
Each trading day is packed with segments tailored to various aspects of trading:
Alongside live content, Topstep maintains a rich library of online resources including:
Verdict on Customer Service and Education
Topstep provides 24/7 customer support and valuable educational resources. Their support system, accessible via live chat, email, and phone, starts with an automated response and escalates to live assistance for complex issues. Education is anchored by TopstepTV which streams live trading sessions and has a huge number of subscribers, withs blogs, podcasts, and webinars also available.
Topstep has built a solid reputation in the futures trading community with strong TrustPilot reviews and trading communities on social media.
Although Topstep is a proprietary trading firm not a regulated broker as such, it collaborates with established brokerage services like Plus500 and NinjaTrader to offer a trustworthy trading experience.
Topstep holds a high rating on TrustPilot, with 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 7.6k reviews. Positive reviews often highlight the platform’s strong customer support and educational tools, while negative feedback mentions occasional technical issues and delays in resolving account-related concerns.
Topstep’s active social media presence serves as a great educational resource for the trading community, enabling real-time interactions, free content, and market insights across various platforms.
Social Media Accounts
Topstep has an active and established online presence across multiple social media platforms.
On Facebook, with over 36,000 followers, Topstep shares educational content, updates on trading strategies, and community events. Their Twitter/X account has over 54,000 followers and provides a hub for real-time updates, trader engagement, and live trading insights, making it a go-to for traders who want to stay updated on the latest market movements. The prop firms LinkedIn has 16k followers and is focused more on professional engagement, offering insights into prop trading, company news, and success stories from funded traders.
Through these social media channels, Topstep actively interacts with its community, providing valuable resources, live trading sessions, and timely responses to trader inquiries, fostering a strong connection with both new and experienced traders.
Topstep Discord Community
With over 130,100 members Topstep’s Discord community allows you to engage in discussions, attend live Q&A sessions, and participate in events and coaching. The community focus is heavily on education and support. organized into several key areas:
Verdict on Trust and Community
Topstep has cultivated a strong sense of trust and community through its transparent approach, active social media presence, and large, engaged Discord group. Despite not being a regulated broker, its partnerships with reliable brokers and focus on education make it a trustworthy prop firm.
Signing up with Topstep involves a clear, step-by-step process focused on their structured evaluation phases.
Here’s how you can get started:
When registering as a Topstep trader, its important to note that each account option / stage has specific requirements:
By following these steps and successfully navigating through each phase, you can work towards becoming a funded trader with Topstep.
Topstep is a strong option for futures traders looking for a structured, well-supported path to funding, and placed third out of all the futures firms we tested. However, if you’re looking to focus primarly on forex trading, there are better-suited firms such as IC Funded or FundedNext, as Topstep specializes purely in futures markets.
One of the key features of Topstep is the 100% profit share on your first $10,000, which is more generous than most competitors. After that, the 90/10 split is still competitive. Keep in mind that market data fees can add up quickly, especially in the Live Funded Account, where traders must cover the costs themselves.
The evaluation process is clear and manageable, with no time limits to complete the Trading Combine, allowing traders to progress at their own pace. This, combined with the flexibility in trading platforms, makes Topstep an attractive option for futures traders who prioritize risk management and consistent profitability.
Overall, Topstep is a solid option for anyone looking at trading futures, with the prop firm offering a high profit share and flexible platform choices. Though, it’s important to factor in the additional costs and fees involved.
FXIFY Futures is the best futures prop firm based on our firsthand testing, scoring 88/100. FundedNext Futures and Topstep tied for second and third place with 83/100 each. We reviewed over a dozen futures prop firms, comparing key factors like payout structure, platform access, challenge flexibility, and overall value. FXIFY Futures stood out with no time limits, profit splits up to 100%, and no recurring fees after funding.
A proprietary trading firm, aka prop firm, is a company that funds traders with its own capital, allowing them to trade financial markets without risking personal funds. In return, the firm takes a portion of the trader’s profits, typically through a profit split.
These firms often evaluate traders through challenges or trials, focusing on risk management and consistent profitability.
To get funded by Topstep, traders must pass the Trading Combine, meeting profit targets and staying within risk limits. For a $50K account, the profit target is $3,000, and the maximum loss limit is $2,000.
Futures traders must also demonstrate consistency, ensuring profits are not overly concentrated in one day. After passing the Combine, traders move to an Express Funded Account, where they must complete five profitable trading days to qualify for the Live Funded Account.
To pass the TopStep Trading Combine, traders must meet specific profit targets while staying within risk limits. For a $50K account, the profit target is $3,000, while for a $100K account, it’s $6,000.
Traders must also avoid exceeding the maximum loss limit (e.g., $2,000 for a $50K account).
Additionally, traders must demonstrate consistent performance by ensuring no more than 50% of profits come from one trading day.
Topstep traders can make 100% of their first $10,000 in profits, then 90% on all earnings after that. This profit split is competitive, especially for futures traders. Earnings depend on account size, trading performance, and risk management.
For example, with a $50K account, traders must hit a $3,000 profit target. Topstep’s structure allows consistent traders to potentially earn substantial profits if they can meet the platform’s risk and profit targets.
Best Prop Trading FirmsVisit Topstep
At PropFirms, our goal is to help traders find the best prop trading firms tailored to their needs. We evaluate firms across multiple categories including profit payouts, account costs, leverage, and the number of funding steps involved.
Our team conducts in-depth testing of trading platforms and tools, analyzing factors such as pricing, the evaluation process, and payment structures.
Our methodology also assesses at the range of available markets, customer support, and the firm’s overall reputation in the trading community.
