Topstep

Overall Score: 64/100
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Topstep features the 'Trading Combine', a one-step evaluation with an end-of-day trailing drawdown. They offer two distinct paths: Standard (lower monthly cost + $149 activation fee) and No Activation Fee (higher monthly cost + $0 activation fee). Payouts are 90/10 from day one for new traders as of 2026.

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Evaluation Pricing

Details for the one-step evaluation process at Topstep.

Account / PlanPriceProfit TargetMax Drawdown
$50,000(Standard)
$49
$3,000$2,000Get Funded
$50,000(No Activation Fee)
$109
$3,000$2,000Get Funded
$100,000(Standard)
$99
$6,000$3,000Get Funded
$100,000(No Activation Fee)
$159
$6,000$3,000Get Funded
$150,000(Standard)
$149
$9,000$4,500Get Funded
$150,000(No Activation Fee)
$209
$9,000$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.
  • 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.
  • Regional taxes and platform-specific data fees may apply depending on your location and path choice.

How This Firm Fits a Scaling Strategy

Topstep is ideal for traders prioritizing an educational environment and a proprietary platform (TopstepX). While the $149 activation fee on Standard plans is higher than competitors, the 'No Activation Fee' path offers a compelling alternative for consistent traders. The 5-account limit is sufficient for building a significant professional income stream with lower drawdown stress compared to real-time trailing firms.

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

90/10 split for new joiners. Requires 5 winning days (+$150 each) or specific consistency thresholds to request.

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: 64/100

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

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