Topstep Review
VerifiedEst. 2012 · US · 155,000+ Discord members
Final Verdict on Topstep
Topstep is a well-established futures prop firm with one evaluation step — the Trading Combine — followed by an Express Funded Account where payouts begin. A Live Funded Account is available as a later upgrade, not as part of the challenge steps.
BPF Score
Trustpilot: 3.6/5
★ (13,000)
From $49
Challenge Types
other
Profit Split
90%
Challenge Fees
Starting from $49
Trading Platforms
TopstepX, NinjaTrader, TradingView
Independent Review
Our Rating
Challenges
Spreads
Markets
Payouts
Platforms
Trust
Pros
- Up to 90% profit split for new traders
- Payouts available in as little as 3 days
- No time limits on Trading Combine
- TopstepX as low-cost main platform
- 155,000+ member Discord community
- Standard and No Activation Fee paths available
Cons
- Only futures markets available
- 3.6/5 Trustpilot score lower than newer competitors
- Additional data fees apply for extra market data feeds
- After first payout, Maximum Loss Limit set to $0
Best For
Futures traders who want an established firm with flexible evaluation paths, structured risk rules, and the option to choose between Standard and No Activation Fee models
Not Ideal For
Forex or CFD traders — Topstep is futures-only. Also not ideal for traders who rely on automated trading or need overnight holding
Our Take on Topstep
Topstep scored 83/100 in our 2026 testing, placing 3rd on our list of the 10 best futures prop firms. Topstep has one evaluation step — the Trading Combine — after which traders move to an Express Funded Account where payouts begin. A Live Funded Account is available as a later upgrade. Topstep now offers Standard and No Activation Fee paths for the Trading Combine. For traders who joined on or after 12 January 2026, payouts are subject to a 90/10 split. Payout requests can be made in as little as 3 days, with Express Funded offering Standard and Consistency payout paths. TopstepX is the main current platform.
Key Facts
| Evaluation Types | other |
| Max Payout Split | 90% |
| Payout Schedule | On-demand (as little as 3 days); Express Funded Standard or Consistency path |
| First Payout | — |
| Daily Drawdown | — |
| Max Drawdown | — |
| Platforms | TopstepX, NinjaTrader, TradingView, Tradovate, Quantower, T4 |
| News Trading | Allowed |
| Weekend Holding | Not Allowed |
| Copy Trading | — |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | — |
| Trustpilot | 3.6/5 (13,000 reviews) |
Consistency Rule
Best Day Profit / Overall Profit must not exceed 50%
Challenge Accounts
Topstep has one evaluation step — the Trading Combine. After passing, traders move directly to an Express Funded Account where payouts begin. A Live Funded Account is only a later upgrade and not part of the challenge steps.
Trading Combine — Evaluation Step
Traders are evaluated in a simulated environment with specific profit and risk targets, paying a monthly fee based on account size and path chosen.
Express Funded Account — Payouts Begin Here
After passing the Trading Combine, traders earn real profits. On the Standard path, a $149 activation fee applies. On the No Activation Fee path, there is no activation fee.
Live Funded Account — Later Upgrade
A later upgrade from Express Funded, not a required challenge step. Provides access to live capital with stricter rules.
Trading Combine Paths
Topstep now offers two paths for the Trading Combine: Standard and No Activation Fee. The Standard path has a lower monthly fee but charges a $149 activation fee when you reach Express Funded. The No Activation Fee path has a higher monthly fee but no activation fee when funded.
| Account Size | Standard (monthly) | No Activation Fee (monthly) | Activation Fee | Profit Target | Max Loss Limit | Daily Loss Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $49/month | $109/month | $149 (Standard only) | $3,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| $100K | $99/month | $159/month | $149 (Standard only) | $6,000 | $3,000 | $1,500 |
| $150K | $149/month | $209/month | $149 (Standard only) | $9,000 | $4,500 | $2,000 |
1 Topstep Trading Combine
The Trading Combine is the only evaluation step. Traders must hit profit targets while staying within daily loss limits and maximum loss limits. The Trading Combine has no time limits.
Profit Target
$3K / $6K / $9K
Max Loss Limit
$2K / $3K / $4.5K
Time Limit
Unlimited
Topstep Consistency Target
The Consistency Target ensures traders do not rely on one highly profitable day to pass. Profits must be spread across multiple sessions.
Best Day Profit ÷ Overall Profit = Best Day % of Total Profit. No more than 50% of total profits can come from one day.
TopstepX Personal Daily Loss Limit
On the TopstepX platform, all new or reset accounts can set a Personal Daily Loss Limit based on risk tolerance. This applies to TopstepX accounts only; the standard daily loss limits remain in place for other platforms.
Best Suited For
Futures traders who value a no-pressure evaluation with unlimited time, and the choice between Standard and No Activation Fee paths.
2 Express Funded Account
After passing the Trading Combine, traders move to the Express Funded Account where payouts begin. On the Standard path, a one-time $149 activation fee applies. On the No Activation Fee path, there is no activation fee.
Traders can choose between two payout paths: Standard and Consistency.
Standard Payout Path
Requires 5 winning days (each at $150+ Net P&L on the new dashboard). Payout requests capped at up to $5,000, limited to up to 50% of account balance.
Consistency Payout Path
Can qualify with 3 days and a 40% consistency target. Payout requests capped at up to $6,000, limited to up to 50% of account balance.
After First Payout
After the first payout in Express Funded, the Maximum Loss Limit is set to $0. This means any loss below your starting balance after payout will result in account closure.
Topstep Scaling Plan
Topstep's scaling plan manages position sizes by account. A $50K account is limited to 5 lots, $100K to 10 lots, and $150K to 15 lots.
Your balance is recalculated at the beginning of each trading day at 5:00pm CST. Opening too many lots can result in suspension, though Topstep allows a 10-second window to correct errors.
$50K Account
5 lots max
$100K Account
10 lots max
$150K Account
15 lots max
3 Live Funded Account (Later Upgrade)
The Live Funded Account is a later upgrade from Express Funded — it is not part of the challenge steps. Traders access real capital with stricter rules.
Daily Payouts
After 30 winning trading days in the Live Funded Account, traders can request daily payouts up to 100% of account balance.
Trading Rules
| Rule | Status |
|---|---|
| News Trading | ✓Permitted (caution advised) |
| Weekend / Overnight Holding | ✗Positions closed by 3:10 PM CT daily |
| Spoofing / Ultra-High-Speed | ✗Prohibited |
| System Manipulation | ✗Prohibited — may lead to account closure |
Verdict on Topstep Funded Accounts
Topstep's evaluation is a single step — the Trading Combine — with no time limits and two paths to choose from (Standard and No Activation Fee). The Express Funded Account is where payouts begin, with Standard and Consistency payout paths offering flexibility. Traders should note that after the first payout, the Maximum Loss Limit is set to $0, and the Live Funded Account is a later upgrade rather than a required step.
Commission Fees & Pricing
Topstep operates exclusively within futures markets, so there are no spreads. However, multiple layers of fees apply depending on the platform, exchange, and stage of the programme.
TopstepX is the lowest-cost platform option, though exchange and regulatory fees still apply on all platforms.
Trading Combine Fees
Monthly challenge fee + per-trade fees (commission, clearing, and exchange fees) + potential platform subscription costs.
Express Funded Fees
Activation fee (Standard path: $149; No Activation Fee path: $0) + per-trade fees + potential platform subscription costs.
Live Funded Fees
Topstep pays for one market data feed. Traders pay monthly data fees only for additional feeds. Platform subscription costs may also apply.
Trading Combine Fees by Path
| Account Size | Standard Path | No Activation Fee Path |
|---|---|---|
| $50K | $49/month | $109/month |
| $100K | $99/month | $159/month |
| $150K | $149/month | $209/month |
Per-trade fees vary by platform. TopstepX has the lowest cost ($0.04 + exchange fees per round turn). Other platforms range from $1.52 to $2.04+ per round turn depending on commission, clearing, and data fees.
Live Funded Account — Additional Fees
Market Data Feeds
Topstep pays for one market data feed. Traders pay monthly data fees only for additional feeds beyond the first.
Depth of Market (Level 2) Data $34.25/month
For traders who require more detailed market data, Level 2 Depth of Market data is available for $34.25 per month.
Important: Platform Selection
Once you begin the Trading Combine, switching platforms may be limited. Rithmic platforms (NinjaTrader, ATAS) can switch between each other. CQG platforms (Tradovate, TradingView) can switch within CQG. TopstepX is isolated — switching to any other platform requires starting a new Trading Combine.
Verdict on Commissions & Pricing
Topstep's fee structure varies by platform and stage. TopstepX offers the lowest per-trade costs, though exchange and regulatory fees still apply. The two Trading Combine paths (Standard and No Activation Fee) give traders flexibility in how they manage upfront costs. In the Live Funded Account, Topstep covers one data feed, with traders paying only for additional feeds — a change from the older blanket per-exchange pricing.
Financial Markets & Leverage
Topstep provides access to 32 different futures markets across forex, equity indices, oil and gas, metals, and agricultural commodities — all CME Group products.
Trading fees vary depending on the platform used. Maximum position sizes are defined by the scaling plan: 5 lots ($50K), 10 lots ($100K), and 15 lots ($150K).
Forex Futures
8 forex futures markets including major currencies and micro counterparts.
| Product | TopstepX | Tradovate / TV | NinjaTrader / Rithmic | T4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Dollar (6A) | $3.24 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
| Micro AUD/USD (M6A) | $0.52 | $1.12 | $1.20 | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 |
Equity Futures
Popular indices like E-mini S&P 500, Micro E-mini NASDAQ, and Micro Bitcoin/Ether.
| Product | TopstepX | Tradovate / TV | NinjaTrader / 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 | — |
| E-mini NASDAQ 100 (NQ) | $2.80 | $4.28 | $4.36 | $4.80 |
| Micro E-mini NASDAQ (MNQ) | $0.74 | $1.34 | $1.42 | — |
| E-mini Russell 2000 (RTY) | $2.80 | $4.28 | $4.36 | $4.80 |
| Micro E-mini Russell (M2K) | $0.74 | $1.34 | $1.42 | — |
| Nikkei (NKD) | $4.34 | $5.82 | $5.90 | $6.34 |
| Micro E-mini Bitcoin (MBT) | $2.04 | $5.64 | $4.72 | — |
| Micro E-mini Ether (MET) | $0.24 | $0.84 | $0.92 | — |
Oil & Gas Futures
8 energy sector markets including Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and Heating Oil.
| Product | TopstepX | Tradovate / TV | NinjaTrader / Rithmic | T4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil (CL) | $3.04 | $4.52 | $4.60 | $5.04 |
| Micro Crude Oil (MCL) | $1.04 | $1.64 | $1.72 | — |
| 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 Metal Futures
Gold, Silver, and Copper futures with micro variants.
| Product | TopstepX | Tradovate / TV | NinjaTrader / Rithmic | T4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold (GC) | $3.24 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
| Micro Gold (MGC) | $1.04 | $1.64 | $1.72 | — |
| Silver (SI) | $3.24 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
| Micro Silver (SIL) | $2.04 | $2.64 | $2.72 | — |
| Copper (HG) | $3.24 | $4.72 | $4.80 | $5.24 |
Agricultural Futures
Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, and Livestock.
| Product | TopstepX | Tradovate / TV | NinjaTrader / 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 |
Topstep Leverage
Maximum market exposure is defined by account size:
$50K Account
Up to 5 lots
$100K Account
Up to 10 lots
$150K Account
Up to 15 lots
On TopstepX, a 10:1 ratio applies between micro and mini contracts — a $50K account can trade up to 50 micros, $100K up to 100, and $150K up to 150.
Verdict on Futures Markets
Topstep offers a solid selection of 32 futures markets across forex, equity indices, energy, metals, and agriculture. The scaling plan defines position limits by account size. Trading fees vary by platform, with TopstepX offering the lowest per-trade costs.
Trading Platforms
Topstep's current account setup is centred on TopstepX as the main platform. Additional platforms are available, but new Trading Combines are no longer presented with the same broad platform choice as in the past.
The platform you choose determines your data feed (Rithmic, CQG, CTS, or Sim2Funded) and affects ongoing costs. Switching between data feeds requires starting a new Trading Combine.
TopstepX — Main Platform
TopstepX is Topstep's proprietary platform and the primary platform for current account setup. It offers the lowest trading costs with no commission fees (only $0.04 regulatory + exchange fees per round turn). Available on desktop, mobile, and Mac.
TopstepX uses the Sim2Funded data feed. Once in a Live Funded Account via TopstepX, you are locked into this platform. Note that while TopstepX has the lowest per-trade cost, exchange and regulatory fees still apply.
Other Available Platforms
Additional platforms remain available for traders who need specific features:
| Platform | Data Feed | Mobile | Mac | Cost in Live |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TopstepX | Sim2Funded | ✓ | ✓ | Free |
| Quantower | Rithmic | ✗ | ✗ | Free |
| Tradovate | CQG | ✓ | ✓ | Free |
| TradingView | CQG | ✗ | ✓ | Free |
| T4 | CTS | ✓ | ✗ | Free |
| NinjaTrader | Rithmic | ✗ | ✗ | Paid subscription |
Additional Rithmic-based platforms (R|Trader Pro, ATAS OrderFlow, MotiveWave, VolFix, Bookmap, Sierra Chart, MultiCharts, and others) are also available for traders with specific workflow requirements. These may require their own paid subscriptions.
Data Feeds
Sim2Funded
Topstep's proprietary data feed, used exclusively by TopstepX. Powers the lowest-cost trading experience.
Rithmic
Professional-grade data feed used by NinjaTrader, Quantower, ATAS, and other advanced platforms. Known for low latency.
CQG
Institutional-grade data feed used by Tradovate and TradingView. Known for stability and broad market coverage.
CTS
Used exclusively by the T4 platform.
Verdict on Platforms
TopstepX is the main current platform, offering the lowest trading costs with mobile and Mac support. Additional platforms remain available for traders who need specific features like advanced charting (TradingView) or order-flow analysis (NinjaTrader, ATAS). The inability to switch between data feeds mid-Combine means traders should choose carefully from the start.
Payments & Profit Payout
Topstep offers multiple payment methods for both account funding and profit withdrawals. Traders can pay for their Trading Combine using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal.
For traders who joined on or after 12 January 2026, payouts are subject to a 90/10 split (trader keeps 90%). The older 100% of first $10,000 rule only applies to traders who signed up before that date.
Profit Split
New Traders (joined on/after 12 Jan 2026)
Keep up to 90% of payouts (90/10 split).
Older Traders (joined before 12 Jan 2026)
100% of first $10,000, then 90/10 split — applies only under the prior policy.
Express Funded Payout Paths
Traders in the Express Funded Account can choose between two payout paths. Payout requests can be made in as little as 3 days.
| Detail | Standard Path | Consistency Path |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Days Required | 5 days | 3 days |
| Winning Day Threshold | $150+ Net P&L | $150+ Net P&L |
| Consistency Target | — | 40% |
| Max Per Request | Up to $5,000 | Up to $6,000 |
| Balance Limit | Up to 50% | Up to 50% |
Live Funded Account Payouts
After 30 winning trading days in the Live Funded Account, traders can request daily payouts up to 100% of account balance.
Key Payout Details
Minimum Payout
The minimum payout request is $125.
Payout Approval
Payout requests can be approved in 1–3 business days, with arrival depending on payout method.
ACH & Wire Processing Fee
On the new dashboard, ACH and Wire payout requests include a $30 processing fee.
Withdrawal Methods
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Wise | Available |
| ACH | $30 processing fee |
| Wire Transfer | $30 processing fee |
| International SWIFT | Available |
After First Payout: Maximum Loss Limit Set to $0
After the first payout in Express Funded, the Maximum Loss Limit is set to $0. Any loss below your starting balance after payout will result in account closure. Plan your payouts accordingly.
Funded Account Inactivity
If your funded account is inactive for 30 consecutive days, Topstep will automatically close the account. Make sure to trade regularly and withdraw profits promptly.
Verdict on Payouts
Topstep's payout structure offers up to 90% for new traders (post-12 January 2026), with two Express Funded payout paths providing flexibility — Standard (5 winning days, up to $5,000) and Consistency (3 days, up to $6,000). Payouts can be requested in as little as 3 days, with approval in 1–3 business days. The $125 minimum payout and $30 ACH/Wire fee are important to note, as is the Maximum Loss Limit being set to $0 after first payout.
Customer Service & Education
Topstep provides 24/7 customer support through multiple channels. Current official support messaging highlights AI chatbot, text support, and contact support options.
Beyond standard support, Topstep invests in trader education and community building, offering live coaching, daily market analysis, and a thriving Discord community.
Support Channels
| Channel | Availability |
|---|---|
| AI Chatbot | 24/7 via website |
| Text Support | Available |
| Contact Support | Available via website |
| Available |
TopstepTV & Education
TopstepTV on YouTube — 120K+ subscribers
Topstep runs a popular YouTube channel featuring daily live trading sessions, market analysis, and coaching from experienced traders.
Blogs & Newsletters
Regular blog posts and email newsletters covering market insights, trading tips, and trader success stories.
Podcasts
Audio content featuring interviews with funded traders, market commentary, and educational deep-dives.
Webinars & Group Coaching
Live webinars and group coaching sessions for skill development and strategy building.
Verdict on Support
Topstep offers 24/7 support via AI chatbot, text, and contact channels. The TopstepTV YouTube channel with 120K+ subscribers is a strong free resource, and the combination of blogs, podcasts, webinars, and group coaching provides ongoing education. The 155K+ member Discord community adds peer support and strategy sharing.
Trust & Community
Founded in 2012, Topstep is one of the longest-running prop firms in the industry. Here is an overview of their trust indicators and community presence.
Trustpilot Rating
3.6 / 5
Based on 13,000+ reviews on Trustpilot
The high volume of reviews provides a broad picture of trader experiences, though individual results vary.
Social Media Presence
39K followers
Twitter / X
81.4K followers
25K followers
Discord Community
155,000+ Members
Topstep operates one of the largest Discord communities in the prop trading space, with over 155,000 members. The server provides real-time discussion, strategy sharing, and direct interaction with Topstep staff.
Key channels include: general discussion, market analysis, platform support, payout proof sharing, and strategy-specific rooms.
Verdict on Trust
Topstep's longevity since 2012, massive community presence (155K+ Discord members, 81K+ on Twitter/X), and 13,000+ Trustpilot reviews provide a broad trust profile. The 3.6/5 rating is mixed but reflects the high volume of traders who have used the service. Topstep's established track record and long operating history are positive indicators for futures traders evaluating their options.
Final Verdict on Topstep
Topstep is a well-established futures prop firm with one evaluation step — the Trading Combine — followed by an Express Funded Account where payouts begin. A Live Funded Account is available as a later upgrade, not as part of the challenge steps.
Topstep now offers two Trading Combine paths: Standard (lower monthly fee + $149 activation fee when funded) and No Activation Fee (higher monthly fee, no activation fee). For traders who joined on or after 12 January 2026, payouts are subject to a 90/10 split, replacing the older 100% of first $10K policy for new sign-ups.
Payout requests can be made in as little as 3 days, with Express Funded offering both Standard and Consistency payout paths. TopstepX is the main current platform, offering the lowest trading costs. The Trading Combine has no time limits, and the consistency target promotes disciplined trading.
While data fees and platform costs can add up in later stages, Topstep's structured evaluation, flexible paths, and large community make it a solid choice for futures traders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
- https://topstep.com
Last reviewed 2026-03-11 · Data verified 2026-03-11