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TopStep

Futures Specialist

Futures prop trading's longest track record and highest total payouts.

4.5/5
Est. 2012Trustpilot: 4.4/5$1B+ paid
Reviewed by Hà Ngọc LộcFact-checked How we score →
Verified Offer: 50% OFFwith code HNLTOP50
Profit Split
90% (100% on first $10K for legacy accounts)
Account Sizes
$50,000—$150,000
Challenge Fee
From $49/month
Platforms
TopstepX, NinjaTrader
Payout Speed
1-3 business days
Trustpilot
4.4/5

Scoring Breakdown

Challenge Design4.5
Payout Reliability4.6
Trading Conditions4.5
Support Quality4.4
Value for Money4.5

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.

Compare interactively
MetricTopStepThe5ers FuturesApex Trader Funding
Overall Rating4.5/54.4/54.4/5
Entry FeeFrom $49/monthFrom ~$150 (one-time, no monthly subscription)From $147/month
Profit Split90% (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 DrawdownOptional 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 trailingNone on Intraday plans / Fixed DLL on EOD plans / $1,500–$7,500 (EOD or Intraday Trailing, locks at safety net)
Time LimitSubscription-based (no calendar deadline)No time limit (single upfront fee keeps evaluation active until passed or breached)30-day evaluation cycle
First PayoutAfter 5 winning days ($150+ each) or 3 days on 40% Consistency path14 calendar days after reaching funded stageAfter 5 qualifying profit days (new PAs) / 8 trading days (legacy PAs)
PlatformsTopstepX, NinjaTrader, TradovateNinjaTrader, Quantower, TradovateNinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView

Challenge Rules & Trading Style Matrix

Core evaluation thresholds and strategy permissions checked against TopStep program rules.

Simulate Pass Rate →
Challenge Type1-Step
Profit Target (P1)$3,000–$9,000 (6%)
Profit Target (P2)N/A (1-Step Trading Combine)
Daily DrawdownOptional session pause ($1,000–$3,000 Personal Daily Loss Limit)
Max Drawdown$2,000–$4,500 (EOD Trailing)
Min Trading Days2 days (Combine) / 5 winning days $150+ or 3 days under 40% path (XFA)
Time LimitSubscription-based (no calendar deadline)
Consistency Rules55% best-day target in Combine; Standard (no cap after 5 winning days) or 40% Consistency path in XFA
Drawdown ModelCheck Plan Rules
Optional session pause ($1,000–$3,000 Personal Daily Loss Limit) Daily · $2,000–$4,500 (EOD Trailing) Max
News TradingCheck Funded Window
Verify 2–5 min window around Tier-1 news
Weekend HoldingProgram-Specific
Verify swing vs standard account rules
Overnight HoldingProgram-Specific
Check futures/intraday flat cutoff
EAs & Trading BotsVerify EA Policy
No HFT/latency arbitrage; check custom EA rules
Fee Refund & ScalingScaling Plan
90% (100% on first $10K for legacy accounts) split · Scaling plan available

Pricing & Account Sizes

Code HNLTOP50 saves 50% at checkout
Account SizeStandard FeeWith 50% OffProfit TargetDrawdown 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

Platforms
TopstepX, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView
Leverage
Standard futures margin
Spreads
Exchange spreads
Commissions
Exchange rates
Assets
Futures
Max Allocation
$150,000 (up to 5 Express Funded Accounts)

Features

1-Step Trading CombineEOD Trailing DrawdownTopstepX PlatformScaling PlanScaling Plan

Payout Process

First Payout
After 5 winning days ($150+ each) or 3 days on 40% Consistency path
Frequency
On-demand upon meeting payout path criteria
Min Withdrawal
$125
Processing
1-3 business days
Payout Methods
Bank WireACHWise

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

Limited Time
50% OFF
50% OFF first month subscription
Listed until 2026-12-31 unless the firm ends it sooner. Offers can change without notice — confirm the discount at checkout.
Claim Deal

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.

Visit TopStep

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