Topstep Review 2026
Topstep is the pioneer of the futures prop trading industry and the only one with a true three-stage path: Trading Combine (evaluation) → Express Funded Account (XFA) → Live Funded Account (real capital). The Combine has one rule (don't hit the Maximum Loss Limit) and two objectives: reach and maintain the profit target and keep your best single day under 50% of the target — minimum two trading days, you cannot pass in one. Pricing is locked at purchase to one of two paths: Standard ($49/$99/$199 per month plus a one-time $149 activation fee per funded account earned) or No Activation Fee ($95/$149/$229 per month, $0 to activate). Paths cannot be changed after purchase and resets cost the same as a month on your path. Profit split is 90/10 across XFA and Live. After every XFA payout your Maximum Loss Limit resets to $0 permanently and your winning-day count restarts.
Pros
- 3 Stages to Real Capital
- 90/10 Split
- Two Pricing Paths
- Up to 5 Express Funded Accounts
Cons
- Rules can change — always verify on Topstep's official site before buying.
- Larger accounts require passing multiple evals.
- Consistency rules apply on some plans — read the fine print.
Topstep Plan Breakdown
Standard Path (Combine)
Cheaper monthly at $49/$99/$199 with a one-time $149 activation fee charged per funded account earned. Best if you expect to grind for several months.
No Activation Fee Path (Combine)
Higher monthly at $95/$149/$229 with $0 to activate a funded account. Best if you expect to pass quickly.
Express Funded — Standard Payouts
Funded stage after the Combine. Balance starts at $0 and grows from profits. Payout lane chosen at activation.
Express Funded — Consistency Payouts
Alternate XFA payout lane: faster eligibility with a 40% best-day cap, and higher payout ceilings.
Live Funded Account (LFA)
Real-capital call-up decided by the Risk Team. You cannot decline and keep your XFA. Size is the average of your XFAs rounded up to the nearest tier.
FAQ
Is Topstep legit?
Yes. Topstep is an active futures prop trading firm with a documented payout history. We verify their evaluation rules and current discount codes weekly — last checked 2026-09-02.
What is the profit split at Topstep?
Topstep offers competitive profit splits detailed in the plan breakdown on this page. Splits vary by plan tier — always check the specific plan you're purchasing.
How fast are payouts at Topstep?
Payout speed depends on the plan. Full payout timelines and minimum trading day requirements are listed in the rules table below.
Does Topstep allow news trading?
News trading rules vary by plan. See the plan details section for exact restrictions on high-impact economic events.