TopStep
Futures SpecialistFutures prop trading's longest track record and highest total payouts.
Scoring Breakdown
Pros
- Streamlined 1-Step Trading Combine with End-of-Day (EOD) trailing drawdown
- Longest track record in futures prop trading (since 2012) with $1B+ paid
- Up to 90% profit split (100% on first $10K for legacy accounts created before Jan 12, 2026)
- Proprietary TopstepX platform with built-in TradingView charts and Tilt/PDLL risk controls
- Low monthly subscription starting at $49/mo ($50K Combine)
Cons
- Futures only — no forex or spot crypto
- Monthly subscription fee during evaluation + $149 XFA activation fee
- First XFA payout resets Maximum Loss Limit permanently to $0
- Payout caps per request on Express Funded Accounts until Live Funded
- New 90/10 split applies from dollar one for accounts opened after Jan 12, 2026
Overview
TopStep is the original futures prop firm. Pioneers of the Trading Combine evaluation, they specialize exclusively in futures trading with a proven 12+ year track record and over $1B paid to traders.
Founded in 2012 and based in United States, TopStep operates as a Futures evaluation provider with $1B+ in cumulative firm-reported payouts. Traders can choose from 1-Step program across account sizes from $50,000 up to $150,000, with a maximum capital allocation of $150,000 (up to 5 Express Funded Accounts).
Who TopStep Fits Best
Traders seeking 1-Step funding on TopstepX, NinjaTrader, Tradovate who can stay within a Optional session pause ($1,000–$3,000 Personal Daily Loss Limit) daily and $2,000–$4,500 (EOD Trailing) maximum drawdown cap while targeting a 90% (100% on first $10K for legacy accounts) profit split (on-demand upon meeting payout path criteria payouts after after 5 winning days ($150+ each) or 3 days on 40% consistency path).
Key Rules to Verify Before Buying
Check the $3,000–$9,000 (6%) Phase 1 target (N/A (1-Step Trading Combine) in Phase 2), 2 days (Combine) / 5 winning days $150+ or 3 days under 40% path (XFA) minimum trading days, and consistency policy (55% best-day target in Combine; Standard (no cap after 5 winning days) or 40% Consistency path in XFA) on official terms before checkout.
How TopStep Compares to Top Alternatives
Side-by-side comparison of rules, fees, drawdown limits, and payout terms against peer Futures firms.
| Metric | TopStep | The5ers Futures | Apex Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Entry Fee | From $49/month | From ~$150 (one-time, no monthly subscription) | From $147/month |
| Profit Split | 90% (100% on first $10K for legacy accounts) | 80-90% | 100% on first $25K, then 90% |
| Profit Target (P1) | $3,000–$9,000 (6%) | 6-7% ($1,500-$9,000 depending on tier) | $1,500-$20,000 |
| Daily / Max Drawdown | Optional session pause ($1,000–$3,000 Personal Daily Loss Limit) / $2,000–$4,500 (EOD Trailing) | Daily Loss Limit triggers a temporary pause (positions closed, trading resumes next session) / 3.3%-6% EOD (End-of-Day), not intraday trailing | None on Intraday plans / Fixed DLL on EOD plans / $1,500–$7,500 (EOD or Intraday Trailing, locks at safety net) |
| Time Limit | Subscription-based (no calendar deadline) | No time limit (single upfront fee keeps evaluation active until passed or breached) | 30-day evaluation cycle |
| First Payout | After 5 winning days ($150+ each) or 3 days on 40% Consistency path | 14 calendar days after reaching funded stage | After 5 qualifying profit days (new PAs) / 8 trading days (legacy PAs) |
| Platforms | TopstepX, NinjaTrader, Tradovate | NinjaTrader, Quantower, Tradovate | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView |
Challenge Rules & Trading Style Matrix
Core evaluation thresholds and strategy permissions checked against TopStep program rules.
Pricing & Account Sizes
Code HNLTOP50 saves 50% at checkout| Account Size | Standard Fee | With 50% Off | Profit Target | Drawdown Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49/mo | $25/mo | $3,000 (1-Step) | $2,000 EOD trailing |
| $100,000 | $99/mo | $50/mo | $6,000 (1-Step) | $3,000 EOD trailing |
| $150,000 | $149/mo | $75/mo | $9,000 (1-Step) | $4,500 EOD trailing |
Trading Conditions
Features
Payout Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TopStep legit?
Yes, TopStep is the most established futures prop firm, operating since 2012 with over $1B paid to more than 200,000 traders.
Is the TopStep Trading Combine 1-Step or 2-Step?
TopStep uses a 1-Step Trading Combine. Once you reach the profit target ($3,000 on $50K, $6,000 on $100K, $9,000 on $150K) while respecting the End-of-Day Maximum Loss Limit and 55% consistency target, you qualify for an Express Funded Account (XFA).
What is the TopStep profit split in 2026?
For accounts created on or after January 12, 2026, funded traders receive a 90/10 profit split across payouts. Legacy accounts opened before January 12, 2026 retain 100% of the first $10,000 in lifetime profits before the 90/10 split applies.
What markets can I trade with TopStep?
TopStep specializes in CME Group futures contracts — ES, NQ, YM, RTY, CL, GC, and micro futures (MES, MNQ, MCL, MGC).
Available Discount Codes
TopStep
Our Verdict
The undisputed king of futures prop trading with the longest track record and most payouts in the futures space. With a 90% (100% on first $10K for legacy accounts) profit split, 1-Step evaluation, and a stated payout window of 1-3 business days, TopStep is a strong option to shortlist — provided its funded-stage rules suit your strategy.
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Futures SpecialistCompare Before You Decide
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