What are Topstep's key rules?
How much does Topstep cost?
| Account Size | Challenge Price | Daily Loss Limit | Total Loss Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $ | Per-trade trailing | $0 (%) |
| $100,000 | $ | Per-trade trailing | $0 (%) |
| $150,000 | $ | Per-trade trailing | $0 (%) |
What does Topstep allow?
Platforms
Instruments
What are Topstep's pros and cons?
Pros
- Performance-based capital release structure with 20% initial access scaling to full balance
- Daily payout eligibility after 30 benchmark trading days with up to 90% profit split
- Performance bonus program offering over $250,000 in cash bonuses for consistent traders
- Dynamic risk expansion that adjusts daily loss limits as account balance grows
- Live Funded Account structure designed to help transition from simulated to live trading
Cons
- Must maintain account balance above $0 at all times or forfeit account
- Initial payout split limited to 50% until reaching 30 benchmark trading days
- Account automatically closed if inactive for 90 days
- All positions must be closed by 3:10 PM CT daily
- Protective stops required on every open position
How does Topstep's scaling plan work?
Where can I learn Topstep's rules in detail?
How does Topstep compare to other firms?
Is Topstep Worth It in 2026?
Topstep stands out as one of the more established futures prop firms, particularly suited for disciplined day traders who can commit to daily position management and consistent trading activity. With over a decade in the business and an impressive 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating from 14,000+ reviews, they've built credibility in a space filled with newer, less proven competitors. This firm works best for traders who prefer a performance-based progression system rather than traditional challenge phases, and who can handle the pressure of maintaining positive account balances at all times.
The firm's performance-based capital release structure is genuinely innovative—starting with 20% account access and scaling to full balance based on trading performance creates a realistic pathway to larger capital allocation. Daily payout eligibility is exceptional in this industry, and the potential to reach a 90% profit split after 30 benchmark trading days is competitive with top-tier firms. The performance bonus program offering over $250,000 in cash bonuses provides additional earning potential that goes beyond standard profit splits. Their dynamic risk expansion feature intelligently adjusts daily loss limits as your account grows, which shows sophisticated risk management thinking.
The drawbacks are significant and non-negotiable. The requirement to maintain account balance above $0 at all times means a single bad day can eliminate your entire account—there's no traditional daily loss limit safety net that most traders expect. Starting at just 50% profit split severely limits initial earning potential, and the mandatory 3:10 PM CT position closure forces a pure day trading approach that won't suit swing traders. The 90-day inactivity closure policy and required protective stops on every position add additional operational constraints that can trip up even experienced traders.
Topstep is worth considering in 2026 if you're a consistent day trader who values daily payouts and can operate within their strict balance maintenance requirements. The firm's longevity, strong review scores, and performance-based progression system offer genuine advantages over newer competitors. However, the zero-tolerance account balance policy makes this a high-risk proposition that's only suitable for traders with proven risk management skills and the discipline to never let a position threaten their entire account.
Who should use Topstep— and who shouldn't?
- Disciplined day tradersThe daily mandatory close-out and $150 minimum daily profit requirement suits traders who already maintain strict daily routines and consistent position sizing.
- News tradersExplicit permission for news trading combined with daily payouts means you can capitalize on volatility events and access profits immediately.
- Performance-focused scalpersThe dynamic risk expansion and performance-based capital release rewards consistent small winners who can gradually scale up their trading size.
- Swing tradersMandatory daily position closure eliminates any multi-day holding strategies, making swing trading impossible.
- Inconsistent tradersThe $150 daily minimum profit requirement and zero-balance termination rule will quickly eliminate traders who have unpredictable winning patterns.
- Risk-averse beginnersNo traditional daily loss limits or drawdown buffers means one bad trade can wipe out your entire account with no safety net.