Overview
Topstep is the original futures prop firm, founded in 2012 and the most trusted name in the industry with over $100M paid out to traders. As of July 2025, all new Trading Combine accounts are exclusively on TopstepX — their proprietary trading platform purpose-built for prop traders. Topstep offers two pricing paths: the Standard Path ($49/mo for 50K + $149 activation fee when funded) or the No-Activation-Fee Path ($109/mo for 50K, $0 when funded). Both include an EOD trailing drawdown, a 50% consistency rule during the Combine, and a minimum of 2 trading days. On TopstepX accounts, Topstep has removed the daily loss limit — instead, you use TopstepX's personal risk tools to set your own limits. With a proven payout track record, live coaching via TopstepTV, and an active Discord community, Topstep remains the gold standard for retirees who want reliability and structure.
Plans & Sizes
| Plan | Account Size | Fee | Profit Target | Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 50K | $50,000 | $49/mo | $3,000 | $2,000 (EOD Trail) |
| Standard 100K | $100,000 | $99/mo | $6,000 | $3,000 (EOD Trail) |
| Standard 150K | $150,000 | $149/mo | $9,000 | $4,500 (EOD Trail) |
| No-Act. Fee 50K | $50,000 | $109/mo | $3,000 | $2,000 (EOD Trail) |
| No-Act. Fee 100K | $100,000 | $159/mo | $6,000 | $3,000 (EOD Trail) |
| No-Act. Fee 150K | $150,000 | $209/mo | $9,000 | $4,500 (EOD Trail) |
Dashboard & User Experience
TopstepX is Topstep's proprietary trading platform and is now required for all new Trading Combine accounts (as of July 2025). It is purpose-built for prop traders and goes far beyond a standard execution platform. The most powerful differentiator is the built-in discipline and risk management layer: you can set your own personal daily loss limit, daily profit target, trade limits, and account lockouts — tools that prevent emotional overtrading before it happens. TradingView charting is built in natively, and the "Training Camp" educational series helps newer traders build confidence before attempting the Combine. For retirees who want guardrails and structure, TopstepX is in a class of its own.
✅ Dashboard Strengths
- ✓Built-in personal daily loss limit and daily profit target — locks your account automatically
- ✓Trade limits and account lockout features prevent overtrading
- ✓TradingView-quality charts built directly into the platform
- ✓Training Camp: interactive educational series for new traders
- ✓No daily loss limit enforced by Topstep on TopstepX accounts (only your personal limits apply)
- ✓Clean, institutional-grade interface designed for futures specifically
⚠️ Dashboard Weaknesses
- ✗Legacy platforms (NinjaTrader, Tradovate) only available for existing accounts — no new resets
- ✗Some experienced traders may miss NinjaTrader-specific algo/automation features
- ✗Platform is relatively newer compared to NinjaTrader's ecosystem
Platforms Supported
Drawdown Policies
Drawdown Type
Trailing EOD
The drawdown limit updates at the end of each trading day based on your highest closing balance. This gives you room during the day.
Daily Loss Limit
No daily loss limit — only the max trailing drawdown applies.
Profit Split
Topstep offers a 90/10 profit split.
Path to Live (Funded) Account
You must trade for a minimum of 2 trading days and hit the profit target without violating any drawdown rules to become funded.
Rules & Restrictions
⚖️ Standard vs No-Activation-Fee Path
Topstep gives you two ways to pay — choose based on how quickly you expect to pass:
Standard Path
Best if you expect to take a few months to pass — low monthly burn rate.
No-Activation-Fee Path
Best if you are confident you can pass in 1–2 months — saves the $149 activation fee.
🖥️ TopstepX — The Platform Built for Prop Traders
As of July 2025, TopstepX is the only platform available for new Trading Combine accounts. It goes far beyond a standard execution platform — it's a purpose-built environment designed to help traders build discipline, manage risk, and avoid the emotional mistakes that blow accounts.
You set a daily loss ceiling. When hit, your account auto-locks for the day — before emotions take over.
Hit your profit goal and TopstepX locks you out, preventing "give-back" from chasing one more trade.
Limit how many trades you take per day or week. Stop overtrading and focus on quality setups only.
Having a rough day? Manually lock your account so you stop trading before it becomes a disaster.
Institutional-grade TradingView charting is native to the platform — no separate subscription needed.
An interactive lesson series exclusively on TopstepX to build confidence before you attempt the Combine.
🎓 Education & Community Resources
Topstep offers the following educational and community resources to support traders:
YouTube Channel
Check Topstep's official YouTube for platform walkthroughs, rule explanations, and trader tips.
Community Support
Most prop firms maintain a Discord or Slack community. Check Topstep's website for links to their active trader community.
Knowledge Base / FAQ
Detailed FAQs and rule documentation are available on Topstep's official website. Always read these before purchasing.
Platform Tutorials
All supported platforms (NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView) have extensive free learning resources on their own websites and YouTube channels.
Ready to try Topstep?
Start with their $49/mo evaluation for a $50,000 account. Always remember to read their full terms before purchasing.
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