Explore how Topstep is revolutionizing the way traders engage with futures markets, providing a unique blend of funding opportunities and educational resources for all levels of experience.

Topstep Review: Thrive in Futures Trading with No Capital Risk

Topstep, a prominent proprietary futures trading firm established over a decade ago, offers a unique opportunity for traders. This London-based company provides a platform where traders can not only secure funding but also refine their skills in key areas such as discipline, trade execution, and risk management.

The Trading Combine Program: A Gateway for Aspiring Futures Traders

The funded programme known as the Trading Combine is designed to cater to a diverse range of traders, from novices to seasoned professionals. Partnering with this prop firm enables successful traders to earn a substantial profit share without the need to risk personal funds. The Trading Combine serves as a training ground for you to enhance your trading skills and become a funded futures trader, all while minimizing the financial repercussions of any potential errors.

Profit Sharing and Financial Milestones

Under the Trading Combine program, you retain the entirety of your first $10,000 in earnings. Subsequent profits are split at a generous 90% rate. Since 2020, clients of Topstep have collectively withdrawn over $9 million in profits.

Evaluating Topstep’s 1-Step, 1 Rule Program

Our review delves into the intricacies of Topstep’s evaluation process, known as the 1-Step, 1 Rule program. We explore the requirements for success, the fees involved, and the range of instruments and trading platforms offered by the firm.

Simulated Accounts: Your Pathway to Becoming a Funded Trader with Topstep

At the core of Topstep’s offering is the Trading Combine, a simulated account program designed to cultivate profitable and consistent trading skills. This initiative is pivotal for futures traders seeking to secure a funded account and qualify for payouts.

The Trading Combine: A Platform for Skill Enhancement

The Trading Combine program extends beyond just a simulation. It offers practical instruction and evaluation, making it an ideal platform for traders at all levels, from beginners to seasoned experts. The discipline and habits developed through this program are instrumental in shaping a trader’s approach to the markets.

Diverse Funded Account Options

The prop firm offers a range of funded accounts, each tailored with different starting balances, permissible numbers of open positions, and set daily and total loss limits. These parameters are dependent on the chosen funding level. It’s important for traders to understand that the balance of their initial simulated account mirrors the size of the funded account they’ll manage once they qualify. Planning ahead for the future as a funded trader involves considering these various options and understanding the commitment required to succeed in Topstep’s comprehensive and educational trading environment.

Topstep Pricing: Understanding Costs for the Trading Combine

Topstep simplifies its pricing structure with a singular program – The Trading Combine. This program is available in three different account sizes, each with a corresponding monthly fee that varies based on the simulated account’s starting balance.

Variety of Account Sizes and Their Costs

The most accessible option, featuring a starting balance of $50,000, is priced at $165 per month. For those seeking a larger scale, the highest-tier account begins with a balance of €150,000 and is priced at $375 per month. This tiered structure allows traders to choose an account size that aligns with their comfort level and trading goals.

Special Offers: Free Trial and Discount on First Trading Combine

Topstep also provides a two-week free trial for new users to experience the Trading Combine without any initial cost. Additionally, there is an enticing offer of a 20% discount on your first Trading Combine subscription. However, it’s important to note that trades made during the free trial period do not contribute towards progression to a funded account.

Becoming a Funded Futures Trader with Topstep

Becoming a funded trader through Topstep’s Trading Combine is a notable achievement. The process involves not only reaching the profit target set by Topstep but also adhering to the firm’s trading objectives. These objectives, crafted by professional traders, are essential risk management tools that aid in developing a more systematic trading approach.

The Challenge of Trading and Success Rates

Trading can be a challenging endeavor, with only about 22% of traders successfully securing funding. However, those who do manage to become funded traders with Topstep are rewarded generously. Initially, they retain 100% of their first $10,000 in profits. Subsequently, the profit share arrangement allows them to keep 90% of their earnings.

Ongoing Costs for Funded Traders

It’s important for traders to understand that even after achieving funded status, certain regulations and fees remain in place. Although the monthly simulation fee is waived for funded traders, they are still responsible for covering exchange fees, which start from $116 per month per exchange. This cost is an essential factor to consider for those planning to embark on a long-term trading career with Topstep.

Trading Combine® Rules & Objectives: The Path to Topstep Funding

At the heart of Topstep’s funding approach lies the Trading Combine®, a structured platform designed to assess and elevate trading proficiency. This program is centered around a single-step, single-rule methodology, ensuring that traders are primed for lasting success and profitability.

The One Essential Rule

The core of Topstep’s philosophy revolves around risk management and discipline. The primary rule in this process is to never hit or exceed the Maximum Loss Limit. This limit is recalculated daily based on the realized profits in a trader’s account, promoting the maxim “always trade for tomorrow”. It is designed to help traders retain profits while discouraging excessive risk. Violating this Maximum Loss Limit disqualifies one from funding eligibility.

Trading Plan Objectives

Besides the cardinal rule, Topstep’s Trading Combine® also includes several objectives within its Trading Plan. While not meeting these objectives doesn’t imply rule-breaking or ineligibility for funding, they are crucial for structured progress:

• Consistency Target: Best Day should be below 50% of total profits made.
• Profit Target: Achieve and maintain a $3,000 profit target.
• Daily Loss Limit: Avoid reaching or exceeding the Daily Loss Limit; surpassing it results in account deactivation for that day.

Swift Path to Funding

Topstep’s unique 1-Step, 1-Rule Trading Combine® positions it as one of the fastest avenues to funding in the prop trading industry. It allows traders the opportunity to become funded in as little as two days, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to rewarding disciplined and diligent trading. Funded traders with Topstep enjoy the privilege of up to four payouts per month, one of the industry’s most favorable payout policies. For traders who consistently meet the profit and consistency targets, the reward is promotion to the Express Funded Account. More details on these guidelines can be found in the Topstep Help Centre.

Explore Topstep with a Free 14-Day Trial: An Opportunity to Test Your Trading Skills

Not yet ready to commit to Topstep’s Trading Combine®? The prop firm offers a welcoming solution: a FREE 14-day trial for those looking to dip their toes into the world of futures trading without any initial investment.

Understanding Trading Hours in Topstep’s Trading Combine®

Trading hours are a crucial aspect to consider when participating in the Trading Combine®. Positions cannot be held during specific times:

• Traders are required to close their positions between 15:10 and 17:00 Central Time on trading days.
• For futures markets that close before 15:10 Central Time, positions in those markets must be exited before the daily market close.
• Being aware of the CME Protocol holidays is also essential, as these can affect trading schedules.

Detailed information about these rules and specific trading hours can be found on Topstep’s website. This resource is invaluable for traders looking to understand the nuances of trading within the confines of the Trading Combine®.

Choosing Your Trading Platform with Topstep: Options and Features

Upon registering with Topstep, you are presented with a choice of trading software packages. It’s crucial to note that your initial choice will also be your platform when you qualify for funding.

Topstep’s Integrated Trading Platforms

Topstep offers several built-in trading platforms, accessible both during the simulation period and in funded accounts. Among these, TSTrader, powered by Tradovate, stands out as the most popular choice due to its user-friendly interface and an array of functional features:

• Customizable hotkeys for efficient trading operations.
• Tools to plot trendlines and retracements, enhancing technical analysis.
• The capability to execute buy and sell orders directly from charts.
• A basic stock news ticker page, allowing traders to monitor their profit and loss seamlessly.

Replay Function in TSTrader

TSTrader also includes a replay function, enabling traders to review executed trades for better strategic planning. However, this feature has its limitations as it doesn’t allow fast-forwarding to specific times or selecting specific asset classes for replay.

Accessing Futures Markets with TSTrader

TSTrader provides an uncomplicated yet powerful interface for accessing futures markets. Its mobile version further enhances its accessibility, allowing traders to manage their trades on the go. This combination of versatility and functionality makes TSTrader an attractive option for both aspiring and experienced traders in the Topstep program.

Should You Join Topstep Trader?

Deciding whether to join Topstep Trader is a significant decision for any aspiring or established futures trader. The prop firm offers unique opportunities, but it’s essential to weigh these against your trading goals, skill level, and risk tolerance.


Topstep Trader provides a platform for traders to develop their skills in a risk-free environment, offering the potential for funding without the need for personal capital investment. The program is designed to teach discipline and risk management, crucial skills for long-term success in trading. However, consider the challenges and responsibilities that come with the program. The success rate for becoming a funded trader is relatively low, and there are specific rules and objectives that must be met. The choice of trading platform is also a commitment that carries into your funded trading phase. Ultimately, joining Topstep Trader could be a wise move if you’re seeking a structured and disciplined approach to futures trading with the potential for profit sharing. Evaluate your readiness and objectives to make an informed decision.

Enhance Your Trading Skills with Topstep’s Free Coaching Services

Topstep offers an array of coaching options, each designed to cater to different needs and preferences of traders in their journey towards becoming funded traders.

Group Coaching with a Futures Trading Expert

Group Coaching sessions provide an opportunity to connect with Topstep’s trading specialists. These sessions are held every Monday and Wednesday at 13:00 CST and are led by futures trading expert John Hoagland. During these live sessions, Hoagland discusses current market trends and news, and addresses any queries participants might have, offering valuable insights into the world of futures trading.

(NEW!) Personalized One-on-One Coaching

Topstep is also introducing a new, complimentary One-on-One Coaching service. This service is aimed at active traders looking for personalized guidance. It focuses on discussing individual trading approaches, risk management strategies, and the steps necessary to secure funding and generate profits. Interested traders can join the waiting list to be notified about available slots for these one-on-one sessions.

Digital Coaching with Coach T

Another innovative feature available on Topstep’s trading dashboard is Coach T, a digital performance coach. Coach T offers a range of tools and personalized trading statistics designed to help traders become more astute and disciplined. This digital coaching experience is tailored to guide traders each step of the way, helping them edge closer to the goal of becoming a funded trader with Topstep. With these diverse coaching options, Topstep demonstrates its commitment to providing traders with the resources and support they need to succeed in the competitive world of futures trading.

Topstep’s Generous Payout Policy: A Key Advantage for Funded Traders

Topstep stands out in the industry with its exceptionally favorable payout policy, positioning it potentially as the best among prop trading firms in this regard.

Weekly Payouts for Flexibility and Rewards

Topstep’s policy allows for weekly payouts, enabling Topstep Funded Traders™ to withdraw their earnings up to four times a month. After accumulating 30 winning trading days, traders qualify to take home 100% of their profits, offering a substantial reward for consistent trading success.

Criteria for Payout Requests

To request a payout, traders must accrue five winning trading days per payout request. A winning trading day is defined as a day where the net PNL (Profit and Loss) is €200 or higher. Once this criterion is met, traders have the option to request a payout of up to 50% of their account balance.

Accessing 100% of Balance After 30 Winning Days

Traders who achieve 30 winning trading days gain access to 100% of their balance and can request withdrawals up to the full amount of their balance with each payout request. However, it’s important to note that requesting a 100% payout will close the Funded Account, as it would reach the Maximum Loss Limit. Post this milestone, traders have the freedom to request payouts at any time and for any amount, up to 100% of their balance. Topstep’s payout policy is a testament to its commitment to rewarding successful and disciplined trading, making it an attractive option for traders looking to maximize their earnings.

Topstep Review Conclusion: A Premier Choice for Aspiring Traders

After a comprehensive review, it’s clear that Topstep stands out as a premier prop firm, particularly suited for those passionate about trading and seeking capital to advance their careers. This prop firm is designed to support traders in unlocking their potential and accessing a Funded Account, sometimes in as little as two days.

The Ideal Platform for Consistency and Skill Development

Topstep is highly recommended for traders struggling with consistency. The Trading Combine, with its robust in-house educational tools, offers a conducive environment for developing better trading skills, discipline, and habits, all while being evaluated for funding. This feature is particularly beneficial for traders at various stages of their trading journey.

Variety of Trading Platforms and Educational Resources

The futures prop firm provides access to a wide range of trading platforms, including TSTrader, their proprietary platform. This variety caters to the diverse needs and preferences of traders, regardless of their experience level.

Getting Started with Topstep: Free Trial and Discounts

For those with limited experience, taking advantage of Topstep’s 14-day free trial and the 20% discount on the first Trading Combine is advisable. These offers provide a risk-free introduction to the platform and its benefits, allowing new traders to gain valuable insight into the world of futures trading. In conclusion, Topstep emerges as a top-tier choice for traders seeking a dynamic and supportive environment to grow and succeed in their trading endeavors.