Topstep
United StatesAbout Topstep
Topstep is a US-headquartered proprietary trading firm founded in 2012, offering futures trading opportunities through its proprietary TopstepX platform and partnerships with established brokers. The firm specializes in CME equity index futures and micro contracts, supporting traders across account sizes from $50K to $150K. Topstep distinguishes itself through flexible evaluation models, including both standard combines and consistency-focused Express Funded tracks, along with robust automated trading support via API integration. The platform attracts active futures traders seeking straightforward evaluation criteria, reasonable profit consistency thresholds, and transparent payout mechanics. With over a decade of operational history and strong user ratings, Topstep appeals to disciplined traders ready to scale into funded accounts with clear risk parameters and minimal bureaucratic friction.
Topstep review: a solid prop firm with a 4.0/5 PropFirmPickr score
Our analysts scored Topstep on payouts, trading conditions, rules, pricing and trust using its published terms, not just its star rating. Below is the full breakdown, an at-a-glance fact sheet, and an honest pros & cons list to help you decide if Topstep is legit and worth it in 2026.
What we like about Topstep
- Established track record - 14 years in operation
- 90% profit split
- News trading allowed on every program
- Scales to $750K in funded capital
Where Topstep falls short
- –Restricted in 28+ countries - check eligibility first
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Firm Overview
Plus500
TopstepX
Credit/Debit Card
ACH
WiseInstruments and Assets
Topstep Consistency Rules
The Topstep consistency rule is the single most misunderstood part of the evaluation. In short, no single trading day can make up too large a share of your total profit, and you need a minimum number of active trading days before a payout clears. New to this? Our consistency rule guide and minimum trading days explainer break it down with worked examples, or run your numbers through our consistency rule calculator. Here is exactly how the Topstep consistency rule works in 2026:
- Best-day cap: No single trading day may account for more than 30–50% of total profit (varies by program, see firm's official terms for the exact threshold).
- Minimum trading days: Most evaluation tiers require at least 4–10 active trading days before a payout can be requested.
- Position sizing: Disproportionate position sizes vs your historical trades may trigger consistency-rule reviews.
- Repeat performance: The firm expects sustained, repeatable performance, single-day windfalls won't qualify for early payouts.
- Exact thresholds and program-specific consistency rules are documented on the firm's official site and may change. Always re-verify before purchasing.
Topstep Rules
Position sizing scales with account capitalization. A $50K account permits up to 5 mini contracts or 50 micro contracts, $100K allows 10 minis or 100 micros, and $150K supports 15 minis or 150 micros respectively.
During the evaluation phase, a single trading day's profit cannot exceed 50% of your total challenge profit target.
Once funded through the consistency path, your largest winning day is capped at 40% of total profit, enforcing disciplined, risk-managed trading behavior.
You must complete at least 2 trading days during your combine phase to satisfy the evaluation consistency scoring requirement.
Traders may freely trade around economic news releases without any restrictions during both evaluation and funded account stages.
Expert advisors and algorithmic strategies are permitted, provided they comply with all trading rules and contain no manipulative code. TopstepX enables automation exclusively through API connectivity.
Copy trading is allowed between accounts within the same environment, from combines to Express Funded accounts and vice versa, but live funded accounts cannot use the trade copier function.
After you withdraw profits from your Express Funded account, the remaining capital becomes your maximum allowable loss amount, and your loss limit resets to zero.
Express Funded accounts must record at least one trade every 30 calendar days, or the account risks closure.
Account stacking and identity masking tools such as VPNs, proxies, and TOR are strictly forbidden to ensure fair trading and compliance.
Topstep Challenges
| Challenge | Price |
|---|---|
| Topstep - No Activation Fee - 1-Step 50K | $95.00 |
| Topstep - Standard - 1-Step 50K | $49.00 |
| Topstep - No Activation Fee - 1-Step 100K | $149.00 |
| Topstep - Standard - 1-Step 100K | $99.00 |
| Topstep - No Activation Fee - 1-Step 150K | $229.00 |
| Topstep - Standard - 1-Step 150K | $149.00 |
Topstep Payout Policy
ACHWiseHow to qualify for a payout
- Hit the profit target while staying inside the firm's drawdown limits across every evaluation phase.
- Trade enough days. Most firms require 4–10 active trading days before the first payout request can be filed.
- Stay consistent. Best-day caps (30–50% of total profit on any single day) apply at most firms, see the Consistency Rules section above for the exact threshold.
- Exact thresholds are firm-specific and may change. Always verify on Topstep's official site before purchasing a challenge.
Want the mechanics? How prop firm payouts work, how payouts are taxed, and how to verify a firm really pays.
Scaling Plan & Premium Programme
- Account growth: Funded accounts typically scale by 25% (or fixed-step tiers) each time the trader hits the firm's profit + consistency milestones.
- Profit-split upgrade: Scaling tiers often unlock an improved profit split (e.g. 80% → 90%) on the funded account.
- Maximum capital cap: Most firms cap scaled capital at $1M–$2M per trader; some run a separate "Premium / Supreme" track for very high performers.
- Reset / breach handling: Hitting drawdown typically resets your scaling progress. Most firms offer a one-time discounted reset.
- Exact thresholds, scale-up cycle length, and Premium-Programme terms are firm-specific. See the AI Summary above for the latest values on file, or verify on Topstep's official site.
Restricted Countries
The following countries are not eligible to apply for Topstep challenges.
Afghanistan
Algeria
Angola
Belarus
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cuba
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Kenya
Kosovo
Lebanon
Libya
Mali
Morocco
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Pakistan
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Ukraine
YemenMyanmarNorth KoreaRussiaSyriaCompare Topstep head-to-head
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Everything you need to know about Topstep
This Topstep review covers what matters before you buy a challenge in 2026. You get the platforms (TopstepX) and the payout terms: Payouts are distributed on a regular basis once an Express Funded account is active. payouts at a 90% split. We also cover payment methods and the instruments you can trade (Assets : on Futures). And we lay out leverage, commissions, and the Topstep rules for every challenge, evaluation phase, and funded account.
Below we answer the questions traders search most. Is Topstep legit? How does the Topstep consistency rule work? How fast do payouts clear? What does the 90% split really pay you? And is it worth it versus other firms? Our editorial verdict scores Topstep on payouts, conditions, rules, pricing, and trust. Judge it on facts, not hype.
New to Topstep, or weighing it against firms like FTMO, FundingPips, and FundedNext? We keep the data current so you can see if it fits your style, your risk, and your payout goals. Use the PICKR code at checkout to save 5–70% on every Topstep challenge. It applies on its own through this page's affiliate link.
Looking for alternatives? Browse our full prop-firm directory, the highest profit-split firms, or the best instant-funding firms. For methodology and ranking criteria, read our Transparency page.
Topstep, frequently asked questions
Is Topstep legit or a scam?▾
Topstep shows no signs of being a scam. It holds a 4/5 PropFirmPickr editorial rating, has operated for around 14 years and publishes its drawdown limits, consistency rule and payout policy openly. As with any prop firm, read the full rule set before buying a Topstep challenge.
Does Topstep accept US traders?▾
Topstep's published restricted-country list does not currently include the United States, so US-based traders are generally able to join. (28 other countries are excluded, see the Restricted Countries section above.) US availability is the most frequently-changed rule in prop trading, so always confirm it on Topstep's checkout or terms page before buying.
What trading platforms does Topstep use?▾
Topstep runs on TopstepX.
What is the Topstep consistency rule?▾
Topstep's consistency rule: Once funded through the consistency path, your largest winning day is capped at 40% of total profit, enforcing disciplined, risk-managed trading behavior.
Does Topstep have a trailing drawdown?▾
Topstep enforces a daily loss limit and an overall loss limit. Whether the overall limit trails your peak balance or stays static depends on the specific Topstep program, confirm the drawdown type on the plan you choose before buying.
Does Topstep allow copy trading?▾
Topstep's copy-trading policy: Copy trading is allowed between accounts within the same environment, from combines to Express Funded accounts and vice versa, but live funded accounts cannot use the trade copier function.
Does Topstep allow news trading and weekend holding?▾
News trading: Traders may freely trade around economic news releases without any restrictions during both evaluation and funded account stages.
What is the profit split at Topstep?▾
Topstep offers 90% profit split, paid out on a payouts are distributed on a regular basis once an express funded account is active. schedule.
How fast are Topstep payouts?▾
Topstep processes payouts on a payouts are distributed on a regular basis once an express funded account is active. cadence with a minimum withdrawal of N/A. Crypto withdrawals typically clear within hours, while card or bank methods can add 1–3 business days.
What's the maximum account size at Topstep?▾
Traders can scale up to $750K in funded capital at Topstep.
When was Topstep founded and where is it based?▾
Topstep was established in Jan 2012 and is based in United States, led by CEO Michael Patak. That gives it roughly 14 years of operating history.
Who owns Topstep and who is the CEO?▾
Topstep is led by CEO Michael Patak. The firm is operated from United States and was established in Jan 2012. Topstep runs a performance-based evaluation model, it funds traders who pass its challenge rather than profiting from trader losses.
What discount code works at Topstep?▾
Use code PICKR at Topstep checkout for our exclusive PropFirmPickr discount, applied automatically through our links.