Topstep is a prop firm founded to help traders develop their skills and trade live capital without risking their savings.
Topstep – Is It the Best Prop Firm for Futures Traders in 2025?
In this Topstep review, we explore Topstep Trader, a leading prop firm that allows traders to access live capital without risking their own funds. Founded by Michael Patak, Topstep offers an evaluation program, funding options, and a variety of tradable assets.
Join us as we break down the key features and benefits of Topstep Trader, providing traders with valuable insights into how they can develop their skills and succeed in the futures market.
About Topstep
Topstep was created to help traders develop stronger skills, discipline, and trading habits while gaining access to live trading capital. After experiencing a challenging start in his trading career, Michael Patak wanted to build a space where traders could learn without making the same costly mistakes.
The company’s mission is to turn traders into better traders by encouraging responsible trading and real-world learning. Topstep fosters a supportive community, providing free coaching, education, and one-on-one feedback.
Since its launch in 2012, Topstep has funded over 10,000 traders, processed 81,177 payouts in 2024, developed TopstepX, an exclusive trading platform, and helped traders earn a funded account in as little as two days.
Operating out of Chicago’s Board of Trade Building, Topstep remains focused on helping traders achieve consistent success.
Topstep Funding Program Options
To receive funding, traders must pass Topstep’s evaluation process, known as The Trading Combine. This involves two steps, where traders must meet specific profit targets and risk management rules.
Step 1: Trading Combine
To advance to the next step, traders must trade for a minimum of five days, reach their profit target, follow all risk management rules, including max daily loss limits and trailing drawdowns, and trade only permitted products during allowed trading hours.
Step 2: Express Funded Account
Once traders pass the Trading Combine, they unlock an Express Funded Account, allowing them to trade live capital while keeping 90 percent of their profits, request payouts up to four times a month, and hold up to five Express Funded Accounts at the same time.
Traders must maintain consistent trading performance to remain eligible for payouts.
Topstep Trading Combine Account Options
Traders can choose from three different account sizes, depending on their goals and risk tolerance.
| Buying Power | Monthly Price (USD) | Profit Target | Max Position Size | Max Loss Limit |
| $50,000 | $165 | $3,000 | 5 Contracts | $2,000 |
| $100,000 | $325 | $6,000 | 10 Contracts | $3,000 |
| $150,000 | $375 | $9,000 | 15 Contracts | $4,500 |
There is a one-time activation fee of $149 per funded account. If an account becomes ineligible, it resets automatically at rebill. Traders can lock in their pricing and keep the same monthly fee until they pass or for the lifetime of the Trading Combine.
Topstep Fees
To participate in the Topstep Trading Combine, traders must pay a monthly subscription fee based on their selected account size. These fees cover platform access, real-time data, and evaluation costs.
Simulated Trading Fees
While participating in the Trading Combine, traders will pay simulated fees of $3.70 per contract for standard and E-mini futures ($1.85 per side) and $1.20 per round turn for micro-sized futures ($0.60 per side).
Once traders earn a funded account, TopstepX offers commission-free trading.
Tradable Assets
Topstep traders are allowed to trade only futures on the following exchanges: CME, COMEX, NYMEX, and CBOT. Stocks, options, forex, cryptocurrency, and CFDs are not permitted.
Available Futures Markets
- CME Equity Futures: S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, Russell 2000
- CME Foreign Exchange Futures: Euro FX, British Pound, Japanese Yen
- CME Agricultural Futures: Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Lean Hogs
- CME NYMEX Futures: Crude Oil, Natural Gas
- CME COMEX Futures: Gold, Silver, Copper
- CME CBOT Interest Rate Futures: Treasury Notes, 30-Year Bonds
Restrictions
Topstep enforces strict rules to ensure fair trading and prevent abuse. Traders are prohibited from using external data feeds or AI-based trading algorithms, manipulating markets, spoofing, or exploiting platform errors, pooling or hedging risk across multiple accounts, and holding positions within two percent of a product’s lock limit.
Violating these rules may result in account termination.
How Topstep Works
Step 1: Challenge
Traders start with step one of the Trading Combine, where they must trade for at least five days, reach the profit target, stay within the max daily loss limits and max drawdown rules, and trade only approved futures contracts.
Step 2: Consistency and Funding
In step two, traders must maintain consistency, with their best day being under 40 percent of total profits, follow scaling rules and position limits, and continue managing risk effectively.
Passing both steps unlocks an Express Funded Account.
Exclusive Topstep Features and Benefits
TopstepX – Built for Prop Firm Traders
TopstepX is a custom-built trading platform designed specifically for prop traders. It offers charts powered by TradingView, The Tilt Indicator to manage emotional trading, a built-in trade copier, and commission-free trading.
Additional Trader Benefits
Traders can earn from up to five accounts, request withdrawals four times per month, and qualify for payouts with just five winning days of $200 or more. Funded traders also receive a certificate to share on LinkedIn.
Free Coaching and Community Support
TopstepTV provides live trading sessions Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM Central Time. Free group coaching is available daily, with expert trading insights. Coach T offers AI-driven trading performance insights. Traders can also connect in a dedicated Discord chatroom.
Topstep Trustpilot Reviews
Topstep has received positive feedback from users on Trustpilot. As of March 2025, Topstep has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on over 1,200 reviews. Many users praise Topstep for its supportive community, educational resources, and the opportunity to trade with funded accounts.
One reviewer commented, “Topstep has been instrumental in my development as a trader. The structured evaluation process and access to live capital have allowed me to grow without risking my own savings.”
Another user noted, “The community and coaching at Topstep are top-notch. I’ve learned so much and feel more confident in my trading strategies.”
These positive reviews highlight Topstep’s commitment to trader development and support.
In Conclusion
Topstep remains one of the top prop firms for futures traders, offering fast funding opportunities with the ability to get a funded account in as little as two days. The TopstepX platform provides a commission-free trading experience, and traders can withdraw earnings up to four times per month.
With a strong focus on trader development, risk management, and community support, Topstep continues to be a great choice for traders looking to grow their skills and trade live capital.
Topstep Review Details
