Topstep Review & Trader Rating
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Topstep is a futures-only evaluation built around one Trading Combine and its proprietary TopstepX platform. The 50K reference plan has a $3,000 profit target and a $2,000 trailing Maximum Loss Limit, while funded-level payouts use a 90/10 split. It suits disciplined intraday futures traders, but the trailing drawdown, subscription-plus-activation pricing, and mandatory end-of-day close make the rules materially restrictive.
Topstep's Trading Combine is a single evaluation. On the 50K reference plan, the published target is $3,000, the Maximum Loss Limit is $2,000, and the maximum position is five standard contracts or 50 micros. The loss limit trails the account high until it reaches the starting balance.
After passing, traders enter an Express Funded Account rather than a conventional brokerage account. Eligible payouts use a 90/10 split, with the standard path requiring five winning days of at least $150 or the consistency path requiring three qualifying days. All trading is intraday futures trading, with positions closed by 3:10 PM CT.
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Is Topstep right for you?
Best for
- Intraday futures traders who want a one-stage evaluation with published objectives.
- Traders who prefer TopstepX and integrated TradingView charting.
- Traders who can manage a trailing Maximum Loss Limit and fixed end-of-day close.
Avoid if
- You need spot forex, CFD, options, or equity trading rather than listed futures.
- You want to hold positions overnight or through weekends.
- You dislike recurring evaluation fees or a separate activation-fee path.
Challenge stages
Each phase a trader must clear before earning a funded payout.
| Stage | Profit target | Max loss | Daily loss cap | Time limit | Min trading days | Fee | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Combine (50K reference plan) | 6% | 4% | — | Unlimited | — | $49 |
Rule book
Conditions that disqualify or warn. Always read the firm's full agreement before depositing.
- breach
The 50K Trading Combine Maximum Loss Limit is $2,000 and trails performance until it locks at the starting balance.
Source → - warning
The best trading day must remain below 50% of total profits to satisfy the Trading Combine consistency objective.
Source → - breach
All positions must be closed by 3:10 PM CT; overnight and weekend holding are not allowed.
Source → - breach
Cross-account hedging and coordinated trading are prohibited.
Source → - warning
Automated strategies are allowed only when they comply with Topstep's platform and conduct rules.
Source →
Payout policy
- First payout after
- —
- Frequency
- After five $150+ winning days or three qualifying consistency-path days
- Profit split
- 90%
- Max consecutive payouts
- —
Minimum request $125. Standard account payout caps and eligibility rules apply.
Scaling plan
How account size + profit-split grow when a trader hits performance milestones.
| Tier | Account size | Profit split | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Funded Account | $50k | 90% | Pass the 50K Trading Combine and trade within the XFA scaling plan. |
| Multi-account scaling | — | 90% | Up to five active Express Funded Accounts, subject to account and contract limits. |
Trading platforms
Supported clients and automation features per platform.
| Platform | Win | Mac | Web | iOS | Android |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TopstepX | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Customer support
| Channel | Hours | Languages |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 | — |
Trust
3.4 /5Topstep publishes detailed combine, payout, and prohibited-conduct rules under ProjectX Trading LLC.
Pros
- Extensive first-party rule documentation
Cons
- Funded-level accounts are simulated rather than conventional brokerage accounts
Cost
3.0 /5The 50K Combine costs $49 per month on the Standard path or $95 per month on the no-activation-fee path.
Pros
- Two pricing paths are offered
Cons
- The Standard path adds a $149 activation fee after passing
Payout speed
3.7 /5Payout eligibility is based on qualifying trading days rather than a simple seven-day calendar cycle.
Pros
- Five-day and three-day eligibility paths are documented
Cons
- Winning-day and consistency conditions must be met
Drawdown rules
3.1 /5The 50K plan uses a $2,000 trailing Maximum Loss Limit that locks at the starting balance.
Pros
- The loss-limit calculation is published
Cons
- Trailing drawdown can tighten after profitable trades
Scaling plan
3.3 /5Express Funded Account buying power and contract limits scale under Topstep's published plan, with up to five active XFAs.
Pros
- Multiple funded-level accounts are possible
Cons
- Scaling remains subject to contract and payout rules
Trading platform
3.6 /5TopstepX is the primary platform and includes TradingView charting, risk tools, and proprietary indicators.
Pros
- Integrated TradingView charts
Cons
- Traders wanting a broad choice of external platforms may find it limiting
Customer support
4.1 /5Topstep publishes live-chat and email support alongside a large help centre.
Pros
- Detailed self-service documentation
Cons
- This review did not independently benchmark complex-case resolution
Account opening
3.1 /5The route starts with one Trading Combine followed by an Express Funded Account after passing.
Pros
- One evaluation stage
Cons
- Passing can trigger a separate activation fee on the Standard path
Restrictions
2.9 /5Topstep is futures-only and requires all positions to be closed by 3:10 PM CT.
Pros
- Intraday boundaries are explicit
Cons
- No overnight, swing, weekend, or spot-forex trading
Frequently asked questions
How many stages are in the Topstep evaluation?
One Trading Combine. Passing it leads to an Express Funded Account under the selected pricing path.What is the 50K Trading Combine target?
The reference 50K plan publishes a $3,000 profit target and a $2,000 trailing Maximum Loss Limit.How much of a Topstep payout does the trader keep?
Eligible funded-level payouts use a 90/10 split, so the trader keeps 90%.Can Topstep positions be held overnight?
No. Positions must be closed by 3:10 PM CT, so overnight and weekend holding are not allowed.Which platform does Topstep use?
TopstepX is the reviewed primary platform and includes integrated TradingView charts and programme risk controls.
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