Topstep gives futures traders a way to trade with company capital instead of using their own money. The company checks traders through a program called the Trading Combine.

If you pass this evaluation, you get funding and can earn regular payouts. Topstep has funded more than 10,000 traders in its 12+ years and processed over 81,177 payouts in 2024 alone.

Traders can choose from several account sizes, a bunch of platform options, and plenty of educational resources. Topstep’s main goal is to help traders build better skills, discipline, and habits.

The platform sticks to futures trading, focusing on products like the E-mini S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, Crude Oil, Gold, and Interest Rates.

To join, you just pick an account size, complete the Trading Combine evaluation, and follow some specific trading rules. The biggest rule is keeping within the Maximum Loss Limit.

Once you pass, you get an Express Funded Account and can start trading with Topstep’s capital.

Funded Accounts

Topstep’s funded accounts let traders use the company’s money, so there’s no personal financial risk. You earn funding by passing the Trading Combine, which tests your skills in simulated markets using real market data.

If you show good trading habits and hit profit targets, you’ll get an Express Funded Account. The program’s main rule is the Maximum Loss Limit, based on your end-of-day balance.

This lets traders have more flexibility than some other prop firms. You can get funding in as little as two days after passing the evaluation.

Once you’re funded, you can hold up to five Express Funded Accounts at once. That opens the door to higher earning potential if you want to juggle multiple accounts.

The payout system is pretty simple. You need five winning days with at least $200 profit each to qualify for a payout.

Topstep processes payouts every day, so you get your money quickly. They also issue Funded Trader Certificates you can share on LinkedIn.

Funded accounts have a “flatten positions” policy, so the Trade Desk closes all trades at the end of each trading day. This prevents overnight risk and keeps trading habits disciplined.

Trading Platforms

Topstep gives you a bunch of platform options for both evaluation and funded accounts. Their main platform is TopstepX, which they call “The Ultimate Trading Experience.”

TopstepX comes with premium features designed for prop firm traders. It integrates TradingView charts for technical analysis.

There’s also a proprietary tool called “The Tilt Indicator” to help spot market moves. Plus, the built-in Trade Copier can replicate trades across multiple accounts.

If you’d rather use something else, Topstep supports a long list of third-party platforms, including:

  1. NinjaTrader 8
  2. Quantower
  3. Tradovate
  4. T4 Pro
  5. Bookmap
  6. Daytradr/Jigsaw
  7. Investor RT
  8. MotiveWave
  9. MultiCharts
  10. ATAS (Order Flow Trading)
  11. R Trader Pro
  12. Sierra Chart
  13. Trade Navigator
  14. VolFix.Net

This variety means you can stick with what you know or try something that fits your style better. All platforms connect to Topstep’s data feed and order execution system.

TopstepTV livestream is built right into the TopstepX platform. You can watch market analysis and educational content without leaving your trading screen.

The livestream runs Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Central Time. Topstep also highlights commission-free trading on all their platforms, so you don’t have to worry about transaction costs eating into your profits.

Costs

Topstep uses a subscription-based pricing model, with rates depending on the account size you choose. There are three account sizes: $50,000, $100,000, and $150,000 in buying power.

The $50,000 account is $49 per month (down from $165). The $100,000 account costs $99 per month (was $325).

The $150,000 account runs $149 per month (down from $375). Prices are in USD, but you’ll see local currency options on their site.

You keep paying the monthly fee until you pass the Trading Combine and get funded, or you can cancel whenever you want. Topstep gives you a free reset every month, so if you haven’t passed, you get a fresh start at renewal.

Once you pass the Trading Combine, there’s a one-time $149 Activation Fee to get your Express Funded Account. This fee doesn’t change based on account size.

There are no commissions on trades, whether you’re in the Trading Combine or funded. That can seriously cut costs compared to traditional brokers.

You keep 100% of your first $5,000 in profits. After that, profits are split, but the exact percentage isn’t super clear on their main pages.

If you don’t pass the Trading Combine, you can just keep paying the monthly fee and try again. The free Reset-at-Rebill feature wipes the slate clean for ineligible accounts at each monthly billing cycle.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • You don’t risk your own capital when you trade with funded accounts.
  • There are different account sizes, so you can pick one that fits your goals.
  • All platforms offer commission-free trading. That’s a nice touch.
  • Funding can happen fast, sometimes in as little as two days.
  • Payouts get processed daily, which is honestly pretty convenient.
  • You can choose from several platforms, including Topstep’s own TopstepX.
  • They’ve got educational content over on TopstepTV.
  • There’s an active trader community on Discord and Facebook if that’s your thing.
  • You can hold up to five funded accounts at the same time. That’s a lot of flexibility.
  • Topstep’s been around for over 12 years funding traders. That kind of experience counts for something.

Cons:

  • You’ll need to pay monthly subscription fees while you’re in the evaluation period.
  • There’s a one-time $149 activation fee once you get funded.
  • Even though there’s mainly just a Maximum Loss Limit rule, there are still several trading objectives to hit.
  • You’re limited to futures trading products, no stocks or forex here.
  • They require you to flatten positions at the end of the day, so you can’t hold overnight trades.
  • Profit sharing only kicks in after you make $5,000 in earnings.
  • You have to rack up five winning days with at least $200 profit each to qualify for payouts.
  • Passing the Trading Combine is a must before you get any funding.