- Trading Platforms
- TopstepX (or ProjectX)
- Drawdown Mode
- End of Day Trailing
- Account Types
- Evaluation Challenges
- Max Accounts
- Trade up to 5 Funded Accts.
Disclaimer: This is educational content based on my personal experience, and should not be considered financial advice. Futures trading involves substantial risk. Read full disclaimer
Overview
Topstep is a prop trading firm established in 2012 that provides futures traders with the opportunity to earn funding through evaluation challenges. The company operates a simulated evaluation process called the Trading Combine, followed by funded trading accounts where successful traders can earn real money. Based in Chicago, Topstep focuses exclusively on futures trading across major US exchanges.
Key Features
- Technology Platforms
- Primary platform: TopStepX (or ProjectX)
- Built-in Trade Copier and Tilt Indicator
- Live charts from TradingView
- Flexible Rules
- Single rule during evaluation – don’t exceed daily loss limit
- No restrictions on news trading
- Progression Paths
- Trading Combine: Simulated evaluation challenge
- Express Funded Account: Simulated funded account
- Live Funded Account: Real brokerage account trading
- Pricing Structure
- Evaluation Accounts: $49-$149/month
- Sim-Funded Account: One-time $149 activation fee
- Live Funded Account: $133-$540/month market data fees
Pros
- Long established reputation since 2012
- Simple evaluation rule (do not hit daily loss limit)
- 100% profit split of the first $10,000
- Comprehensive educational resources and virtual coaching
- Practice accounts available for strategy development
- Risk management controls (set daily loss and profit limits)
Cons
- Restricted to TopStepX (ProjectX) platform
- Discounts and promotions are rarely offered
- Limited account size options compared to competitors
- No straight to sim-funded accounts available
- Scaling Plan rule applied to Express Funded Account
- No affiliate program offered
Anthony’s take
Writer Review
Topstep stands out as one of the most established and transparent prop trading firms in the futures market, offering a structured progression path with clear rules and competitive profit splits.
Strengths
- Established Reputation
- With over a decade in business and a 4.3-star TrustPilot rating, Topstep has built credibility in the prop trading industry. Their transparent approach to statistics and rules demonstrates confidence in their business model.
- Combine Eval Rules
- They offer simple rules to keep trading straightforward… hit your profit target, trade consistently, and avoid the daily loss limit.
- Competitive Profit Split
- The 100% profit split on your first $10,000 on Express Funded Accounts is industry-leading.
- Educational Resources
- Topstep stands out for its trader support, offering free education courses, live YouTube trading sessions, group coaching, active communities on Facebook and Discord, and a responsive support team to keep you on track.
- Risk Management Features
- Traders can set a personal daily loss limit and a daily profit target that locks the account once it’s reached. With trade limits, you can cap the number of trades per day or week to curb overtrading, while the account lock-out feature lets you step away after hitting goals or during a rough session.
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Areas of Concern
- Platform Restriction
- Recently Topstep announced they only offer TopstepX (ProjectX) and are no longer offering platform support for Rithmic, NinjaTrader, Tradovate and more.
- Limited Discounts
- While other prop firms frequently offer 40-90% discounts for evaluation challenge fees. Topstep does not offer promotions often.
- Account Options
- You get the option of trading between $50k-$150k accounts. Some traders will be disappointed to see they don’t offer higher account plans and no straight to sim-funded options.
- Scaling Plan Rule
- One drawback of trading with Topstep is the Scaling Plan rule on Express Funded Accounts. This limits the number of contracts you can trade until your account balance grows, forcing you to scale up gradually rather than trading full size right away.
- No Affiliate Program
- If you enjoy Topstep and were hoping to earn commissions by promoting it, you’ll be disappointed to know that the company no longer offers an affiliate program.
Screenshots · 5 screenshots
$50K Account Options
| Account Type | Evaluation Fee | Profit Target | Max Drawdown | Drawdown Mode | Daily Loss Limit | Consistency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Combine | $49 | $3,000 | $2,000 | End of Day | $1,000 | 50% |
$50K Account Payout Rules
- Minimum Trading Days
- 5 winning days
- Consistency Rules
- Cannot exceed 50% of total profits in a single day
- Prohibited Strategies
- No hedging, high-frequency trading
- Safety Net
- No buffer zone requirement
- Payout Range
- Minimum Payout: $125
- Maximum Payout: $5,000 (or 50% of profits per request)
- News Trading Rule
- No restrictions
Payout Information
- Payout Time
- Under 1 hour
- Payout Window
- After 5 winning trading days
- Payment Methods
- Wise, ACH, Swift
Final score
FinSeeds Verdict
8.4/10
Topstep represents a solid choice for serious futures traders seeking a transparent, established prop trading opportunity. Their three-stage progression system provides clear goals, while the 100% profit split on Express Funded Accounts is highly competitive. The extensive support and educational resources demonstrate commitment to trader success.
However, the platform restriction to only use TopstepX (ProjectX) and limited account options should be carefully considered.
Best For
- Those who prefer trading with an established company
- Individuals seeking comprehensive educational resources
Consider Alternatives If
- Traders wanting access to multiple trading platforms
- You’re looking for lower-cost evaluation fees
Frequently Asked Questions
01Are the Express Funded Accounts real money trading?
No, Express Funded Accounts are still simulated trading, but profits are real and withdrawable. Only Live Funded Accounts involve real market trading.
02How much are market data fees for Live Funded Accounts?
Market data fees range from $133/month (basic) up to $540/month for all exchanges. These are paid directly to exchanges, not to Topstep.
03Can I hold positions overnight?
Overnight positions are only allowed in Live Funded Accounts. Trading Combine and Express Funded Accounts require closing all positions by market close.
04What instruments can I trade?
Only futures products on CME, COMEX, NYMEX, and CBOT exchanges. Stocks, options, forex, cryptocurrency, and CFDs are not permitted.
05How many accounts can I have simultaneously?
You can have up to 5 Express Funded Accounts at the same time, but only one Trading Combine per account size.
06Are there any restrictions on trading strategies?
News trading is allowed, but strategies that exploit simulation weaknesses, unauthorized automation, or violate risk management rules are prohibited and can result in account termination.
Risk Disclosure: This content is educational only and doesn’t constitute financial advice. Futures trading involves substantial risk of loss. Prop firm rules change frequently – always consult current terms and conditions.
Last Updated: Oct 2025 – Based on information from prop firm website at that time.
