Topstep Review 2024: Is Topstep Legit and How Does It Work?
If you want to trade futures with real capital but lack the funds, Topstep might be your answer. It is one of the most popular prop trading firms in the industry. But is it worth your time and money?
In this detailed Topstep review, we cover everything how it works, the rules, the costs, the payouts, and whether Topstep is legit enough to trust with your trading career.
What Is Topstep?
Topstep is a proprietary trading firm. It gives traders access to funded futures accounts after they pass a structured evaluation called the Trading Combine.
Founded in 2012, Topstep has funded thousands of traders worldwide. It focuses entirely on futures markets, making it different from many forex-focused prop firms.
The core idea is simple:
- You prove your skills in a simulated environment.
- You follow the rules.
- You get a real funded account and keep a share of the profits.
How Does Topstep Work?
Understanding how does Topstep work is the first step before investing your money.
The process has two main phases:
Phase 1: The Trading Combine
This is the evaluation stage. You trade in a simulated account while following strict risk rules. You must hit a profit target without violating any of the trading rules.
Combine Account Sizes and Targets:
Account Size | Profit Target | Daily Loss Limit | Max Drawdown |
$50,000 | $3,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
$100,000 | $6,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
$150,000 | $9,000 | $4,500 | $4,500 |
You must trade a minimum of 5 days to qualify. There is no time limit, so you can take your time.
Phase 2: The Funded Account
Once you pass the Combine, Topstep reviews your performance. If approved, you receive a live funded account. You then trade real capital and earn a profit split.
Topstep’s profit split starts at 90%, which is among the highest in the industry.
Is Topstep Legit?
This is the most important question is Topstep legit?
The short answer is yes.
Here is why Topstep earns its credibility:
- Over 12 years in business: Topstep launched in 2012 and has maintained a strong reputation.
- Thousands of funded traders : Verified payouts and success stories are widely available online.
- Transparent rules : All trading rules are published clearly on their website.
- Registered business : Topstep is a legitimate U.S.-based company headquartered in Chicago.
- Active community : Topstep has a large, active trader community and responsive support team.
- No hidden fees : The pricing structure is straightforward and openly disclosed.
Topstep is not a scam. It is a real company that has paid out millions of dollars to funded traders over the years.
Topstep Pricing : How Much Does It Cost?
The Trading Combine requires a monthly subscription fee. Here is a breakdown of the current pricing:
Plan | Monthly Cost |
$50,000 Combine | $165/month |
$100,000 Combine | $325/month |
$150,000 Combine | $375/month |
You can also purchase a reset if you violate the rules during the Combine. Reset fees vary by account size.
Topstep occasionally offers discount codes and promotions, so check their official website for current deals before subscribing.
Topstep Trading Rules You Must Know
Following the rules is non-negotiable. Violating any rule results in a reset or account termination. The key rules include:
- Daily Loss Limit: You cannot lose more than a set amount in a single trading day.
- Trailing Drawdown: Your maximum drawdown follows your highest account balance, not the starting balance.
- Consistency Rule: No single trading day can account for more than 30% of your total profits.
- No News Trading : Trading during major news events is restricted on funded accounts.
- No Weekend Holding : You cannot hold positions over the weekend on funded accounts.
Read every rule carefully before starting your Combine.
Topstep Platforms and Tools
Topstep supports multiple trading platforms, giving traders flexibility:
- NinjaTrader : The most popular choice among Topstep traders.
- Tradovate : A web-based and mobile-friendly platform.
- Sierra Chart : Preferred by advanced and algorithmic traders.
- TopstepX : Topstep’s own proprietary trading platform.
All platforms integrate seamlessly with Topstep’s evaluation and funded account system.
What Are the Benefits of Topstep?
Here is why traders choose Topstep over competitors:
- 90% profit split: One of the highest in the prop trading space.
- No time limit on the Combine : Trade at your own pace without pressure.
- Educational resources : Access to webinars, coaching, and a trading community.
- Performance coaching : Dedicated coaches help traders improve their strategies.
- Scaling opportunities : Consistent traders can grow their funded account size over time.
- Transparent payouts :Traders receive payouts on a weekly basis via direct transfer.
Topstep Drawbacks : What to Watch Out For
No platform is perfect. Here are a few things to consider:
- The trailing drawdown rule can be challenging for new traders who do not manage risk properly.
- The consistency rule limits aggressive single-day trading strategies.
- Monthly fees continue until you pass or cancel failing multiple times adds up financially.
- Topstep focuses exclusively on futures it does not support forex or stock trading.
Topstep vs FTMO : Quick Comparison
Feature | Topstep | FTMO |
Asset Class | Futures | Forex, CFDs |
Profit Split | Up to 90% | Up to 90% |
Evaluation Style | Subscription-based | One-time fee |
Founded | 2012 | 2014 |
Payout Frequency | Weekly | Monthly |
Both are legitimate firms. Your choice depends on whether you prefer futures or forex trading.
FAQs : Topstep Review
Is Topstep legit and safe to use?
How does Topstep work for beginners?
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Can I use any trading platform with Topstep?
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Final Thoughts : Is Topstep Worth It?
After this full Topstep review, the verdict is clear. Topstep is legit, well-structured, and one of the most trustworthy prop trading firms available today for futures traders.
If you are disciplined, follow risk management rules, and are serious about a trading career, Topstep offers a genuine path to a funded account with a strong profit split.
The cost is an investment in your trading future not a guarantee. Approach the Combine with patience and a clear strategy. Study the rules. Manage your risk. And you can absolutely earn a funded account.
Visit forexmarkettrendss.com for more honest prop firm reviews and trading resources.