Topstep

Overall Score: 63/100
Visit Topstep

Topstep offers a one-step evaluation known as the Trading Combine, featuring an end-of-day trailing drawdown and no daily loss limit on its proprietary TopstepX platform. Traders can choose between a standard plan with higher activation fees or a 'No Activation Fee' plan with lower monthly costs and a one-time fee upon passing.

FundedGuide may earn a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

Evaluation Pricing

Details for the one-step evaluation process at Topstep.

Account / PlanPriceProfit TargetMax Drawdown
$50,000(Standard)
$109
$2,000$2,000Get Funded
$50,000(No Activation Fee)
$49
$2,000$2,000Get Funded
$100,000(Standard)
$159
$3,000$3,000Get Funded
$100,000(No Activation Fee)
$99
$3,000$3,000Get Funded
$150,000(Standard)
$209
$4,500$4,500Get Funded
$150,000(No Activation Fee)
$149
$4,500$4,500Get Funded

Our Analysis

What We Like

  • The end-of-day (EOD) trailing drawdown is significantly safer and less stressful than real-time trailing drawdowns.
  • The 'No Activation Fee' plan option dramatically lowers the upfront cost and risk to get started.
  • TopstepX is a fast, proprietary platform designed specifically for their trading environment, reducing potential platform conflicts.
  • Quick path to funding, with the potential to get a funded account in as few as two trading days.

What to Watch For

  • The consistency rule, which prevents one day's profit from being more than 50% of the total, can be challenging for volatile strategies.
  • The initial profit split is 50/50 for the first few payouts before it increases to 90%, delaying full income potential.
  • Payouts require at least 5 winning days of +$150 profit, adding a layer of qualification beyond just the profit target.
  • The maximum of 5 concurrent accounts is lower than some competitors, which can limit the ultimate scale of your operation.

How This Firm Fits a Scaling Strategy

Topstep is ideal for traders prioritizing a quick path to funding. The 'No Activation Fee' plan minimizes upfront risk, making it great for new traders. Its end-of-day drawdown is less punishing than real-time trailing drawdowns. The strategy is to pass, take the first few smaller payouts to build a capital buffer, and then scale by adding more accounts up to the 5-account limit.

Trading Rules & Environment

Understand the specific rules and platform details for trading with Topstep.

Key Evaluation Rules

Evaluation Steps

1

Drawdown Type

trailing

Daily Drawdown

None

News Trading

Allowed

Overnight Holding

Not Allowed

Copy Trading

Not Allowed

Activation Fee

$149

Payout Policy

Profit Split

90%

Payout Frequency

Weekly

50% split for first 4 payouts, 90% thereafter. Requires 5 winning days (+$150 each) to request a payout.

First Payout After

5 Days

Max Initial Payout

None

Platform & Data

Platforms

TopstepX

Data Feed

Rithmic

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about trading with Topstep.

Our Verdict

4.7 (3120 reviews)

Overall Score: 63/100

This score reflects a balance of strong community trust, and a reasonable cost structure.

Visit Topstep