Topstep Drawdown Rules 2026: End-of-Day MLL & Combine Math Explained

Topstep Trading Combine Specs ($50K, $100K, $150K in 2026)

In 2026, Topstep offers a streamlined 1-Step Trading Combine on its proprietary TopstepX platform across three CME futures account sizes:

How Topstep's End-of-Day (EOD) Trailing MLL Works (Step-by-Step Math)

The single biggest advantage of Topstep over traditional intraday trailing futures prop firms is that Topstep's Maximum Loss Limit (MLL) is calculated at the end of the trading day from your closed EOD balance high-water mark, although breaches are enforced in real time if your intraday equity touches the current day's MLL floor.

Worked Example on a $50,000 Topstep Combine ($2,000 MLL)

1. Day 1 Start: Your starting balance is $50,000, and your initial MLL floor is $48,000 ($50,000 - $2,000).
2. Day 1 Intraday Spike & Pullback: During the New York open, your open NQ trade reaches +$1,800 unrealized profit ($51,800 intraday equity), then pulls back and you close the day at +$900 (EOD balance = $50,900).
   • Under an intraday trailing firm, your floor would have trailed up to $49,800 ($51,800 - $2,000).
   • Under Topstep's EOD MLL, because your closed EOD balance is $50,900, your new MLL for Day 2 becomes $48,900 ($50,900 - $2,000).
3. Day 2 Losing Session: On Day 2, you lose -$400, ending the session at $50,500. Because $50,500 is lower than your prior high-water mark ($50,900), your MLL does not move down—it stays at $48,900.
4. MLL Stops Trailing at Initial Balance ($50,000): Once your EOD balance reaches $52,000 (your initial $50,000 balance plus the $2,000 MLL), your MLL locks permanently at $50,000 and never trails above your starting balance.

You can simulate EOD trailing vs intraday trailing and static floors side by side in our Interactive Drawdown Calculator.

Critical Express Funded Account (XFA) Drawdown Rule: Taking a Payout Locks MLL at $0

When you pass the Trading Combine and activate an Express Funded Account (XFA), your XFA starts at a $0 balance with the same EOD trailing MLL (-$2,000 on a $50K XFA, -$3,000 on a $100K XFA, -$4,500 on a $150K XFA).

Watch out for the First Payout MLL Lock Rule:

• Once your XFA balance reaches +$2,000 on a $50K XFA, your MLL trails up to $0 and stops trailing further.
• However, if you request a payout before your XFA balance reaches +$2,000 (for example, after 5 winning days of $150+ with a total balance of +$1,200 and you withdraw $600), Topstep automatically sets your Maximum Loss Limit to $0. That means your remaining $600 balance becomes your entire loss cushion!
• Best practice on XFA: Build your XFA balance above the initial MLL amount ($2,000 on $50K, $3,000 on $100K) plus your intended withdrawal amount so you preserve a full $2,000–$3,000 trading buffer after your payout.

Mandatory Flat Time: Close All Trades Before 3:10 PM CT

Topstep is strictly an intraday futures program. All open positions and working orders must be flattened before 3:10 PM CT (Central Time) Monday through Friday (or early market close on holidays). Holding positions into the daily CME settlement window is not permitted.

Multi-Provider Comparison: Topstep vs Apex, TradeDay & CFD Alternatives

Compare how Topstep stacks up against Apex Trader Funding, TradeDay, and multi-asset prop firms like The5ers and FunderPro:

• Read our head-to-head Topstep vs Apex Trader Funding 2026 comparison and Apex Trader Funding Drawdown Rules guide for full futures math.
• If you want to hold index, gold, or currency trades overnight without a 3:10 PM CT mandatory flat rule, compare The5ers and FunderPro.

Topstep Drawdown Rules: Your Questions Answered

Does Topstep's Maximum Loss Limit trail intraday unrealized profits?

No. Topstep's Maximum Loss Limit (MLL) only updates at the end of the trading day based on your closed EOD balance high-water mark. However, if your real-time equity touches the current day's MLL floor during the session, it is an immediate rule breach.

Does Topstep still have a Daily Loss Limit (DLL) in 2026?

On TopstepX, Topstep removed the mandatory hard-breach Daily Loss Limit on standard Combines and replaced it with customizable Personal Daily Loss Limit (PDLL) risk-lockout controls that pause your account for the remainder of the session without failing your Combine, as long as you do not touch the Maximum Loss Limit.

What happens to my Topstep XFA drawdown after I take a payout?

The moment you take your first payout from an Express Funded Account (XFA), Topstep sets your Maximum Loss Limit permanently at $0. Whatever balance remains in your XFA after the withdrawal is your total remaining loss cushion.

Can you hold trades overnight on Topstep?

Overnight holding through the daily CME afternoon close (3:10 PM CT to 5:00 PM CT) and over the weekend is prohibited. You can trade during the Asian, London, and New York sessions between 5:00 PM CT and 3:10 PM CT the following afternoon.

Related Futures & Prop Firm Guides

• Topstep vs Apex Trader Funding 2026: Drawdown and Payouts
• Apex Trader Funding Drawdown Rules 2026: Intraday vs EOD & Safety Net
• Topstep vs TradeDay 2026: Rules, Pricing & Payout Buffer
• Interactive Drawdown Calculator: Model EOD vs Intraday Trailing Limits
• Side-by-Side Comparison Tool: Compare Prop Firm Rules & Fees