Topstep Prop Firm Review

Topstep Funded Accounts

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.

• Step 1 – Trading Combine: Traders are evaluated in a simulated environment with specific profit and risk targets, paying a monthly fee based on account size.
• Step 2 – Express Funded Account: A simulated account where traders earn real profits. No monthly fee, but a $149 activation fee applies.
• Step 3 – Live Funded Account: Traders access real capital, with higher stakes. Breaching the maximum loss limit can result in closure of your live trading 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.

1. Topstep Trading Combine

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.

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 

• Profit Target: Traders must reach a profit target of $3,000 (for $50K account), $6,000 (for $100K), or $9,000 (for $150K).
• Maximum Loss Limit: The account is deactivated if the loss limit is breached, set at $2,000 for a $50K account, $3,000 for $100K, and $4,500 for $150K.
• Consistency Target: Ensures that no more than 50% of total profits are generated in one day, promoting consistent performance.

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.

2. Express Funded Account

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.

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.

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.

3. Live Funded Account

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.

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.
• Payout Structure: Traders receive 100% of profits up to the first $10,000. After that, the profit split moves to 90/10 in favor of the trader.

Trading Rules

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:

• Automated Strategies: Traders can use automated strategies, including Expert Advisors (EAs), in both the Trading Combine and Funded Accounts. However, Topstep does not assist with setup or troubleshooting and takes no responsibility for issues that may arise.
• Copy Trading: Allowed via trade copiers, enabling traders to duplicate trades across multiple accounts.
• News Trading: Permitted during economic releases and high volatility periods, but traders are advised to proceed with caution due to the risks associated with market fluctuations.
• Weekend Trading: Topstep does not allow weekend trading All positions must be closed daily by 3:10 PM Central Time (CT), and positions cannot be held overnight or over the weekend.
• Prohibited Conduct: Includes strategies that manipulate the system, exploit errors, or involve unfair trading practices, such as spoofing or ultra-high-speed trading. Violations may lead to account closure.

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.

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Topstep Commission Fees and Pricing

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.

1. Step 1 Fees: Trading Combine – Monthly challenge fee + per-trade fees (commission, clearing, and exchange fees) + potential platform subscription costs.
2. Step 2 Fees: Express Funded – One-time activation fee + per-trade fees + potential platform subscription costs.
3. Step 3 Fees: Live Funded – Monthly exchange data fees, platform subscription costs (if applicable), and additional fees for advanced data (like Level 2 Depth of Market).

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.

Stage 1 Costs and Fees – Trading Combine

At this stage, traders pay a monthly challenge fee to participate in Topstep’s Trading Combine:

• $49 per month for a $50K account
• $99 per month for a $100K account
• $149 per month for a $150K account

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:

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.

Stage 2 Costs and Fees – Express Funded

Once you pass the Trading Combine, you progress to the Express Funded Account, which comes with the following key fees:

• Activation Fee: You’ll pay a one-time $149 activation fee to open an Express Funded Account. Topstep’s activation fee applies each time you pass a new Trading Combine and earn an Express Funded Account.
• Trading Fees: The standard trade-by-trade fees (commission, clearing, and exchange fees) remain the same as during the Trading Combine. The platform you choose will continue to influence your total costs.
• No Monthly Subscription: At this stage, you are no longer paying a monthly subscription fee for the Trading Combine. However, you are still responsible for any ongoing platform fees if you opted for a paid platform during the Combine stage. If you chose a free platform like Tradovate or TradingView, you’ll avoid these costs.

Stage 3 Costs and Fees – Live Funded Trading

Once you reach the Live Funded Account, additional monthly costs apply, which can significantly impact your overall trading costs:

• Futures Exchange Data Fees: As a live funded trader, you’ll be charged $135 per month per exchange to access professional futures market data. This is a significant cost if you need access to multiple exchanges, such as CME, NYMEX, COMEX, and CBOT. We recommend focusing on one exchange to start, which can help reduce monthly fees.
• Platform Subscription Fees: Some platforms, like NinjaTrader, require additional subscription fees. You can reduce costs by choosing one of Topstep’s free platforms, such as Tradovate or TradingView, which have no extra platform subscription fees.
• Depth of Market (Level 2) Data: For traders who require more detailed market data, Topstep offers Level 2 Depth of Market data for an additional $39 per month. This feature provides deeper insight into the order book and can be valuable for more advanced trading strategies.

Important Pricing Considerations for Platform Selection

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:

• Rithmic Data Feed Platforms: If you choose a platform using Rithmic (like NinjaTrader or ATAS), you can switch to another Rithmic-supported platform without starting a new Trading Combine.
• CQG Data Feed Platforms: Similarly, platforms using CQG (like Tradovate and TradingView) allow easy switching within the same data feed.
• TopstepX: This platform is isolated, and switching to any other platform will require starting a new Trading Combine.

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.

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Futures Markets and Leverage

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. 

Forex Futures

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.

Equity Futures

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.

Oil and Gas Futures

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.

Precious Metal Futures

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.

Agricultural Futures

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.

Topstep Leverage

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:

• $50K Account: Up to 5 lots
• $100K Account: Up to 10 lots
• $150K Account: Up to 15 lots

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:

• In a $50K account, you can trade up to 50 micros.
• In a $100K account, up to 100 micros.
• In a $150K account, up to 150 micros.

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.

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Topstep Trading Platforms

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.

• Free Trading Platforms: TopStepX, Quantower, Tradovate, TradingView (Basic), T4, NinjaTrader (free during Trading Combine and Express Funded stages)
• Paid Trading Platforms: NinjaTrader (paid subscription during Live Funded stage), R|Trader Pro, ATAS OrderFlow, MotiveWave, VolFix, Bookmap,Investor/RT, Jigsaw Daytradr, MultiCharts, Sierra Chart, Trade Navigator

Topstep’s Free Trading Platforms

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.

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.

Paid Trading Platforms

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.

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.

• R|Trader Pro: is mobile-compatible and uses the Rithmic data feed. It’s perfect for traders on the go, offering essential futures trading features.
• ATAS OrderFlow: focuses on order flow and market depth, allowing traders to analyze volume profiles and order book data. It suits volume-based trading strategies.
• MotiveWave: offers advanced charting and is one of the few platforms available on both Mac and Windows. It’s ideal for traders requiring detailed technical analysis tools.
• VolFix: specializes in market data visualization, making it a preferred choice for high-frequency traders who rely on in-depth market analysis.
• Bookmap: provides real-time order flow and liquidity analysis through its heatmap feature, making it suitable for scalpers and micro-level traders.
• Investor/RT: offers comprehensive charting and market analysis but is limited to desktop use. It’s favored for its robust reporting capabilities.
• Jigsaw Daytradr: excels in order flow and market depth analysis, making it a great tool for day traders, though it lacks mobile and Mac support.
• MultiCharts: is designed for algorithmic traders, offering advanced backtesting capabilities and robust support for automated strategies.
• Sierra Chart: is known for its low-cost structure and in-depth technical analysis tools, popular among experienced traders needing high customizability.
• Trade Navigator: Trade Navigator focuses on advanced charting and strategy development, offering a tailored solution for traders with specific technical needs.

Topstep Data Feeds

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.

• Rithmic: Used by most paid platforms, Rithmic is known for providing low-latency data, making it ideal for traders who require quick executions and real-time market depth.
• CQG: Primarily used by Tradovate and TradingView, CQG is known for its stability and wide market access, providing traders with comprehensive futures data.
• CTS: Used by T4, CTS is a widely recognized feed offering reliable execution and pricing, though it has limited support for micro contracts.
• Sim2Funded: Exclusive to TopstepX, this feed offers seamless integration between simulated trading in the Combine and real trading in the Live Funded stage.

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.

Payments and Profit Payout

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

Payment Methods for Challenge Fees

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.

Payout Policy and Profit Withdrawals

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:

• Wise: 1-3 business days
• ACH: 1-3 business days
• Wire Transfer/SWIFT: 3-5 business days
• International Wire Transfer/SWIFT: up to 5-10 business days

Automatic Closure and Profit Loss

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.

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Customer Service and Education

Topstep provides solid customer support and educational materials to enhance your futures trading experience.

Customer Support

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.

Educational Resources

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:

• Market Kickoff and London Open: These segments are designed for real-time market analysis at critical times of the trading day.
• Free Group Coaching: Live sessions provide traders with direct access to professional coaches, offering tips and strategies that can be immediately implemented.
• Special Guest Appearances: Regular contributions from seasoned traders and market experts such as Coach Dakota, Deeyana Angelo, and Anne-Marie Baiynd, who share insights and trading tactics.

Alongside live content, Topstep maintains a rich library of online resources including:

• Blogs and Newsletters: These written materials cover a range of topics from trading psychology to detailed prop firm payout structures and market analysis, helping traders stay informed and educated on key industry trends.
• Podcasts: Topstep’s podcasts provide in-depth discussions on a variety of trading skills and topics, allowing you to gain insights on the go.
• Interactive Webinars and Group Coaching: These sessions are structured to provide hands-on learning and personalized feedback, enabling traders to refine their strategies with expert guidance.

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.

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Trust and Community

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 TrustPilot Reviews

Topstep holds a high rating on TrustPilot, with 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 5.5k 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.

Trading Community

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 35,000 followers, Topstep shares educational content, updates on trading strategies, and community events. Their Twitter/X account has nearly 50,000 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 12.4k 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 86,000 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:

• General Updates: Channels for welcome messages, announcements, and trading rules provide essential information to help new members navigate the community.
• TopstepTV: Features content from Topstep’s trading-related broadcasts, offering insights and market analysis.
• Futures Trading Discussions: Includes specific channels for various market types like indices, energies, and metals, where traders can share insights and discuss market movements.
• Community Interaction: There are spaces for general trading discussions, networking with trading buddies, and sharing experiences about profit withdrawals.
• Platform-Specific Support: Dedicated channels for different trading platforms such as TopstepX, NinjaTrader, and TradingView offer tips and user support.
• Educational Content: The server includes areas focused on trading strategies, group coaching, and the psychological aspects of trading, with direct access to educational resources and coaching staff.

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.

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How to Sign Up with Topstep

Signing up with Topstep involves a clear, step-by-step process focused on their structured evaluation phases.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Visit the Topstep Website: Navigate to the Topstep website and select the ‘Get Started’ option to begin the signup process.
2. Choose Your Account Size: Decide on the account size you wish to trade with. Topstep offers options ranging from $50K to $150K, with varying subscription fees from $49 – $149 per month.
3. Enter Your Details: Fill out the required fields with your personal information, including your name, email address, and payment details for the subscription fee.
4. Start the Trading Combine: Once you’ve registered and chosen your account size, you’ll begin with the Trading Combine. This is a simulated trading environment where you must meet specific profit targets without exceeding loss limits. You pay a monthly fee based on the account size you choose. This fee ranges from $49 for a $50K account to $149 for a $150K account.
   • Minimum Trading Days: You must complete a minimum of 5 trading days in the Trading Combine to progress to the next stage, regardless of whether you meet your profit target early.
5. Progress to the Express Funded Account: After successfully passing the Trading Combine by meeting profit targets and adhering to risk management rules, you’ll advance to the Express Funded Account. This phase doesn’t require a monthly subscription fee but does require a one-time activation fee of $149.
   • Minimum Trading Days: In this phase, you need to complete a minimum of 5 winning trading days with profits of $200 or more before moving to the Live Funded Account.
6. Move to Live Funded Account: In the final stage, you’ll manage real capital in live markets. Ensure you do not breach the maximum loss limit as it leads to account closure.

When registering as a Topstep trader, its important to note that each account option / stage has specific requirements:

• Trading Combine: You focus on reaching set profit targets and managing your risks without a time limit.
• Express Funded Account: You continue trading under simulation to demonstrate consistent profitability without a direct profit target.
• Live Funded Account: You will start trading futures with real funds while managing your risks and aiming to achieve profitability over consecutive days.

By following these steps and successfully navigating through each phase, you can work towards becoming a funded trader with Topstep.

Final Verdict on Topstep 

Topstep is a strong option for futures traders looking for a structured, well-supported path to funding. 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.

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