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Topstep

Est. 2012 · Chicago, IL, USA · 1–2 business days payout · 4 platforms

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Our Verdict

The safe pick. You may find cheaper evaluations or higher headline splits elsewhere, but nobody matches Topstep's payout track record. If your priority is actually receiving the money you earn, Topstep belongs on your shortlist.

Pros

  • Longest track record in the industry — operating since 2012
  • Fast, well-documented payout history
  • No daily loss limit or consistency rule during the Combine (VERIFY)
  • EOD drawdown locks at breakeven — you can never lose the starting balance once reached
  • 100% of first $10K in funded profits

Cons

  • Funded payouts gate on 5 winning days of $200+ — slow for low-frequency traders
  • $149 activation fee on funding (VERIFY)
  • 50% best-day rule on payout requests can delay withdrawals (VERIFY)
  • Combine fees are mid-pack once promos expire
Best for:Traders who value payout reliability and a long track record over the absolute cheapest evaluation

About Topstep

Topstep effectively invented the futures evaluation model and has been funding traders since 2012. The Combine is straightforward — 6% target, EOD-trailing loss limit that locks at breakeven, no consistency rule — and the funded side is built around winning-day gates rather than payout ladders.

Topstep's Drawdown Explained

Topstep's Maximum Loss Limit is EOD-trailing: it rises with your end-of-day closing balance and stops trailing permanently once it reaches your starting balance. Intraday spikes never move it. This is one of the friendlier drawdown mechanics in the industry — the engine models the trail-lock exactly.

How the drawdown floor moves (50K example)

$50.0K

balance

$48.0K

floor

Day 1 Close

$51.0K

balance

$49.0K

floor

Day 2 Close

$52.3K

balance

$50.2K

floor

Day 3 Close

Drawdown floor only moves up at end of day. Intraday spikes don't affect it.

Account Options

AccountFeeProfit TargetDaily DDMax DDDD TypeMin DaysSplit
50K CombineBest value$49/mo6%4%EOD2100% of first $10KStart Eval
100K Combine$99/mo6%3%EOD2100% of first $10KStart Eval
150K Combine$149/mo6%3%EOD2100% of first $10KStart Eval

FluxEngine

What's your probability of passing Topstep?

Account Size

50%
1%
1.5:1

Platforms & Instruments

Supported Platforms

TopstepXNinjaTraderTradovateTradingView

Tradeable Instruments

FuturesMicro Futures

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Topstep have a consistency rule?
No — Topstep does not enforce a consistency rule. Your best single day counts in full toward your profit target.
How fast are Topstep's payouts?
Topstep processes payouts in 1–2 business days. Payout schedule: After 5 winning days ($200+).
Can I use a trade copier with Topstep?
Trade copier rules vary by firm and can change. Always verify directly with Topstep's support before using any automation or copy trading service, as violations can result in account termination.
How does Topstep's drawdown actually work?
Topstep's Maximum Loss Limit is EOD-trailing: it rises with your end-of-day closing balance and stops trailing permanently once it reaches your starting balance. Intraday spikes never move it. This is one of the friendlier drawdown mechanics in the industry — the engine models the trail-lock exactly.
What platforms does Topstep support?
Topstep supports: TopstepX, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView.

How Topstep Compares

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Beginner to intermediate futures traders who want a straightforward evaluation and broad platform choice

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Last updated: July 5, 2026

85/100

Trust Score

Highly trusted — strong track record

Quick Stats

Founded2012
HeadquartersChicago, IL, USA
Payout Speed1–2 business days
Drawdown TypeEOD
Consistency RuleNo
Profit Split100% of first $10K
InstrumentsFutures, Micro Futures

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