What is TopStep?
TopStep is the original prop trading firm. Founded in 2012 in Chicago, they pioneered the funded futures trader model over a decade ago and have been the gold standard ever since.
With over 30,000 active traders and more than $100 million paid out, TopStep isn't just another prop firm - they're the industry veteran that proved this business model works long-term.
They specialize exclusively in futures trading on platforms like NinjaTrader, TradingView, Tradovate, and MotiveWave. Their proprietary Trading Combine® evaluation has become an industry benchmark, and their 90% profit split is among the best for futures traders.
Quick Facts
- •Profit Split: 90% (industry-leading for futures)
- •Account Sizes: $50K, $100K, $150K
- •Evaluation: Trading Combine® (single-phase)
- •Time Limit: 40 calendar days max
- •Payouts: Bi-weekly
- •Platforms: NinjaTrader, TradingView, Tradovate, MotiveWave
- •Markets: Futures only (E-mini, Micro E-mini, etc.)
- •Founded: 2012 (12+ years of track record)
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
Key Advantages
1. Unmatched Reputation & Longevity (12+ Years)
TopStep was founded in 2012 - before most prop firms even existed. They've survived multiple market crashes, regulatory changes, and industry shakeouts. When you choose TopStep, you're choosing stability and trust.
With $100M+ paid out to traders over 12 years, they have the longest proven track record in the industry. Unlike newer firms that might disappear overnight, TopStep is a safe, established choice.
Their Chicago headquarters and institutional backing give you confidence that your funded account won't vanish due to company insolvency.
2. 90% Profit Split (Best for Futures Traders)
TopStep offers a 90/10 profit split from day one - no need to "earn" a higher split like some firms. This is the industry standard for futures prop trading and beats most forex firms.
Example: If you make $10,000 profit on a 50K account:
- •You keep: $9,000 (90%)
- •TopStep keeps: $1,000 (10%)
With bi-weekly payouts, you can consistently withdraw $4,500 every two weeks if you average $5K profit - that's $9,000/month potential earnings.
3. World-Class Trading Education & Community
TopStep doesn't just give you capital - they invest in your development with:
- •Free courses on futures trading, risk management, and psychology
- •Daily coaching sessions from professional traders
- •30K+ trader community - the largest in futures prop trading
- •Discord groups with active mentorship and strategy sharing
- •Weekly webinars covering market analysis and trading setups
This community aspect is unmatched - you're not just trading alone, you're joining 30,000 other futures traders sharing ideas and improving together.
4. Single-Phase Trading Combine® (Faster to Get Funded)
Unlike 2-phase firms (Challenge → Verification → Funded), TopStep uses a single-phase Trading Combine®. Pass once, get funded immediately.
This means:
- •Get funded in 5-40 days vs. 15-60+ days for 2-phase firms
- •Less chance of "late-stage failure" after passing phase 1
- •Start earning real payouts faster
5. Professional Trading Platforms
TopStep supports 4 professional platforms:
- •NinjaTrader: Industry-standard for futures with advanced charting
- •TradingView: Modern, cloud-based, works on any device
- •Tradovate: Fast execution, cloud-based futures platform
- •MotiveWave: Advanced Elliott Wave and technical analysis tools
This flexibility lets you choose the platform that matches your trading style, rather than being forced into one ecosystem.
6. Futures Specialization = Deep Expertise
TopStep only trades futures - they don't spread their focus across forex, crypto, stocks, etc. This specialization means:
- •Better education specific to E-mini S&P, NQ, crude oil, gold, etc.
- •Support team understands futures-specific issues (contract rollover, margin, etc.)
- •Rules and risk limits optimized for futures volatility and leverage
Disadvantages & Limitations
1. Futures Only (No Forex, Stocks, or Crypto)
TopStep exclusively trades futures. If you're a forex, stock, or crypto trader, you can't use TopStep at all. This specialization is a strength for futures traders, but a dealbreaker for everyone else.
If you want multi-asset flexibility, firms like Funded Next (forex + crypto + indices) or FTMO are better choices.
2. Strict 6% Max Drawdown (Tighter Than Most)
TopStep enforces a 6% maximum drawdown vs. 10% at most other firms. This means:
- •On a $50K account, you can only lose $3,000 before failing (vs. $5,000 at 10% firms)
- •Less room for error or drawdown recovery
- •Forces smaller position sizes to stay safe
The 4% daily loss limit is also stricter than the 5% standard. Futures volatility can easily trigger these limits if you're not careful.
3. 40-Day Time Limit (Pressure to Perform)
The Trading Combine® has a 40 calendar day maximum. If you don't hit your profit target in 40 days, you fail - even if you never violated drawdown rules.
Compare this to firms like FTMO (unlimited time in phase 1) or Funded Next Royal (unlimited time). The time pressure can force you to take suboptimal trades just to hit targets before expiration.
4. Premium Pricing vs. Budget Firms
TopStep's 50K Trading Combine costs $49-89/month (subscription model), which is more expensive than:
- •Apex Trader Funding: $167 one-time (or $33 with 80% off)
- •Take Profit Trader: $125 one-time (or $25 with promo)
The subscription model means you pay $49-89 every month until you pass, whereas one-time payment firms let you take your time without monthly fees stacking up.
5. Consistency Rule (50% Max Best Day)
TopStep enforces a consistency rule: your best trading day can't exceed 50% of total profit. This prevents passing with one lucky trade.
Example: If you need $3,000 profit on a 50K account, no single day can exceed $1,500. If you catch a huge trend day and make $2,500, you'll fail even if you hit the total target.
This rule is good for building discipline but frustrating when you nail a perfect setup and then get penalized for it.
Pricing Breakdown
TopStep offers two pricing paths: No Activation Fee (higher monthly, no fee when funded) or Standard (lower monthly, $129 activation when funded).
Best for traders who can pass in 1-2 attempts. No activation fee when you get funded!
$50K
BUYING POWER$100K
BUYING POWER$150K
BUYING POWER💡 Resets are the same as your monthly price.
💡 Which Path Should You Choose?
No Activation Fee
Best if you're confident and can pass in 1-2 attempts. Higher monthly cost but $0 activation when funded = keep more profits!
Standard
Best if you're still learning. Lower monthly cost lets you practice longer. Pay $129 activation only when you pass.
Subscription Model Explained
Important: TopStep uses a monthly subscription until you pass:
- •You pay monthly until you pass the Trading Combine
- •Pass in month 1 = lowest total cost
- •Cancel anytime - no long-term commitment
- •90% profit split once funded - industry leading!
Reset Policy
How Resets Work at TopStep
If you breach a rule (max loss, daily loss, consistency, or hit 40-day time limit), you can "reset" your Trading Combine® and start fresh. All progress is wiped.
TopStep offers a discounted reset fee (typically 30-50% off the monthly subscription cost).
Reset vs. New Subscription
Reset is usually better because:
- •Costs ~50% less than starting a brand new subscription
- •Same account credentials - no setup needed
- •You've already learned the platform and data feed quirks
Start a new subscription if: You want to try a different account size or need completely fresh credentials.
Complete Trading Rules
Trading Combine® Rules
- Profit Target: 6% of starting balance (e.g., $3,000 on 50K account)
- Max Drawdown: 6% of starting balance (e.g., $3,000 on 50K). Static, doesn't trail.
- Daily Loss Limit: 4% of starting balance (e.g., $2,000 on 50K). Resets at midnight CT.
- Consistency Rule: Best trading day can't exceed 50% of total profit
- Minimum Trading Days: 5 days (must place at least one trade per day)
- Time Limit: 40 calendar days maximum
Funded Account Rules
- Profit Split: 90/10 (you keep 90%)
- Max Drawdown: Trails with your highest balance (protective stop-loss)
- Daily Loss Limit: Still enforced (4% of account balance)
- Payouts: Bi-weekly (every 2 weeks)
- No Consistency Rule: Trade however you want once funded
Allowed Trading Strategies
- ✓Scalping (1-2 tick targets)
- ✓Day trading (close all positions by market close)
- ✓Swing trading (overnight holds allowed on funded accounts)
- ✓News trading (allowed during major releases)
- ✓Automated trading (EAs/bots allowed with disclosure)
- ✗Hedging between TopStep accounts
Common Mistakes with TopStep
TopStep's tight 6% drawdown and 40-day time limit create unique challenges. Here are the 5 biggest mistakes traders make.
1. Overleveraging Due to 6% Drawdown Fear
The Mistake: Trading with 0.5-1 contract to "play it safe" on a 50K account, then getting frustrated with slow progress and overleveraging to catch up.
The Solution:
- •Use proper position sizing: 1-2 micro contracts per trade (risk $50-100 per trade)
- •Calculate: 6% drawdown = $3,000 on 50K account ÷ 20 trades = $150 max loss per trade
- •Never risk more than 1% ($500) per trade to give yourself 6 losing trades buffer
2. Violating 50% Consistency Rule with One Big Win
The Mistake: Catching a huge trend day on ES (S&P E-mini) and making $2,500 in one trade, then realizing that's 83% of the $3K target and failing the consistency rule.
The Solution:
- •Track daily P&L closely - know your max allowed best day ($1,500 on 50K = 50% of $3K)
- •If you hit $1,500 in one day, STOP TRADING for that day
- •Spread profits across multiple days: aim for $300-500/day over 8-10 days
3. Running Out of Time (40-Day Limit)
The Mistake: Trading too conservatively in the first 30 days, then panicking on day 35 when you're only at $1,200 profit and need $3,000.
The Solution:
- •Set a daily profit target: $3,000 ÷ 20 trading days = $150/day minimum
- •Check progress every 10 days: Day 10 = $1,000+, Day 20 = $2,000+, Day 30 = $2,800+
- •If you're behind pace on day 20, increase position size slightly (not aggressively)
4. Hitting 4% Daily Loss Limit on Gap Moves
The Mistake: Holding a position into the next session gap (e.g., holding ES overnight), waking up to a $2,500 gap against you, and instantly hitting the $2,000 daily loss limit.
The Solution:
- •Close all positions before major session gaps (Asian open, European open, US open)
- •Use guaranteed stop-losses if holding overnight (rare but available on some contracts)
- •Trade only during your session (RTH or ETH, not both) to avoid gap risk
5. Revenge Trading After a Losing Day
The Mistake: Losing $800 on Monday, then trading aggressively on Tuesday to "make it back," doubling position size and hitting the daily loss limit.
The Solution:
- •After any losing day, reduce position size by 50% the next day
- •Set a "max trades per day" rule (e.g., 10 max) to prevent overtrading
- •Take a full day off after hitting -$500 in a single day
Proven Success Strategies for TopStep
These strategies are used by top-performing TopStep traders who consistently pass the Trading Combine®.
1. The "1% Per Day" Micro Consistency Method
Instead of chasing $3K in 5 big days, aim for 1% profit per day ($500 on 50K account). This naturally spreads profits across 6+ days, avoiding consistency rule violations.
How to execute:
- •Trade 1-2 micro ES contracts (risk $50-100 per trade)
- •Target 5-10 ticks profit per trade (2-3 trades/day)
- •Once you hit $500 for the day, STOP and close platform
2. Trade Only RTH Session (9:30 AM - 4 PM ET)
Futures trade 23 hours/day, but the Regular Trading Hours (RTH) session has the most liquidity and tightest spreads.
Why RTH only?
- •Highest volume = better fills and less slippage
- •Avoids overnight gap risk (all positions closed by 4 PM)
- •More predictable price action during US stock market hours
3. Focus on E-mini S&P (ES) or Nasdaq (NQ) Only
TopStep allows you to trade any futures contract, but specializing in one market dramatically improves your edge.
Best markets for beginners:
- •Micro E-mini S&P (MES): $5/point, smooth trends, great for scalping
- •Micro Nasdaq (MNQ): $2/point, higher volatility, bigger profit potential
Don't jump between crude oil, gold, bonds, and equities - pick ONE and master it.
4. Use TopStep's Free Education First
Before paying for the Trading Combine®, spend 2-4 weeks using TopStep's free courses and joining their Discord community.
What to learn before starting:
- •Futures contract specs (tick size, margin, rollover dates)
- •How to calculate position size for 6% max loss rule
- •Common TopStep violations and how to avoid them
- •Study other traders' Trading Combine® journeys in Discord
MLS Score™ – TopStep Rating
Our proprietary rating based on real trader data and performance metrics
12+ years track record, clear rules
Futures only, subscription model
90/10 split, scaling program
Best education, huge community
6% drawdown stricter than most
Best For:
- •Futures traders (E-mini, Micro, commodities)
- •Those who value reputation and longevity
- •Traders who want world-class education
- •Those seeking a large, active community
Avoid If:
- •Forex, crypto, or stock traders
- •Traders on very tight budgets
- •Those who need 10% drawdown breathing room
- •Swing traders needing unlimited time
Our Verdict: The Gold Standard for Futures Traders
TopStep is the industry pioneer and most trusted name in futures prop trading. With 12+ years of proven track record, 30,000+ traders, and $100M+ paid out, they've earned their reputation.
Yes, the 6% drawdown is stricter than most. Yes, the subscription model can add up if you fail multiple times. But you're paying for legitimacy, education, and community that newer firms can't match.
The 90% profit split and single-phase Trading Combine® make this an excellent long-term choice for serious futures traders who want to build a career, not just chase quick payouts.
Looking for alternatives? For similar quality with more drawdown: Apex Trader Funding (10% drawdown). For forex trading: FTMO. For instant funding: Take Profit Trader
30,000+ traders • $100M+ paid out • 90% profit split
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TopStep's subscription model?
TopStep uses a monthly subscription model where you pay each month until you pass the Trading Combine. The 50K account costs $49-89/month, $100K is $99-139/month, and $150K is $149-189/month (depending on Standard or No Activation Fee plan).
Unlike one-time payment firms, you continue paying until you pass the evaluation.
How long does the Trading Combine take?
The Trading Combine has a maximum of 40 calendar days and requires at least 5 trading days. Most successful traders pass within 15-25 days by hitting the 6% profit target while following all rules.
What is TopStep's consistency rule?
TopStep enforces a consistency rule where your best trading day cannot exceed 50% of your total profit.
For example, on a 50K account with a $3,000 target, no single day can exceed $1,500 in profit.
What is the profit split at TopStep?
TopStep offers a 90/10 profit split from day one - you keep 90% of all profits and TopStep takes 10%. This is one of the best splits in the futures prop trading industry.
Payouts are processed bi-weekly.
Can I trade forex or stocks on TopStep?
No, TopStep exclusively trades futures markets (E-mini S&P, Nasdaq, crude oil, gold, etc.).
If you want to trade forex, stocks, or crypto, you'll need to choose a different prop firm like FTMO or Funded Next.
What happens if I fail the Trading Combine?
If you breach a rule or hit the 40-day time limit, you can reset your Trading Combine for a discounted fee (typically 30-50% off the monthly subscription cost).
All progress is wiped and you start fresh with the same account credentials.
What is the maximum drawdown at TopStep?
TopStep enforces a 6% maximum drawdown (stricter than most firms' 10%). On a 50K account, you can only lose $3,000 before failing.
There's also a 4% daily loss limit ($2,000 on 50K) that resets at midnight CT.
Which trading platforms does TopStep support?
TopStep supports 4 professional platforms:
- • NinjaTrader (industry standard)
- • TradingView (cloud-based)
- • Tradovate (fast execution)
- • MotiveWave (advanced Elliott Wave tools)
You can choose the platform that matches your trading style.
How much education does TopStep provide?
TopStep offers extensive free education including:
- • Courses on futures trading
- • Daily coaching sessions from professional traders
- • Weekly webinars
- • Discord community with 30,000+ traders
- • Mentorship programs
This is one of their strongest advantages.
Is TopStep legitimate and safe?
Yes, TopStep is the most established prop firm in the industry, founded in 2012 in Chicago.
They have paid out over $100 million to 30,000+ traders over 12+ years. Their longevity and reputation are unmatched in futures prop trading.
Maximize Your TopStep Success
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