Maximum Loss Limit
The MLL trails upward based on the end-of-day account balance. It does not move back down and eventually locks at the starting balance.
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Futures prop firm review
Topstep Review 2026: Pricing, Rules, Payouts & Fees
Topstep is one of the best-known futures prop firms. This review compares its current Trading Combine pricing, funded-account costs, drawdown structure, consistency rules, payout requirements and TopstepX platform.
●
Data reviewed: September 8, 2026
Prices, discounts and rules can change. Always verify the
official provider checkout and current rules before purchase.
No affiliate relationship
Prop Firm Discounts does not currently receive a commission
from Topstep. Topstep is included because it is relevant to
an objective futures prop firm comparison.
Topstep pricing 2026
Trading Combine costs.
Topstep currently offers a lower-cost Standard Path and a higher monthly No Activation Fee Path.
| Account | Standard | Activation after passing | No Activation Fee | Reset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | $49 / month | $149 | $95 / month | $49 / $95 |
| 100K | $99 / month | $149 | $149 / month | $99 / $149 |
| 150K | $199 / month | $149 | $229 / month | $199 / $229 |
Reset cost follows the selected Trading Combine pricing path. Taxes and optional services are not included in these figures.
Cost analysis
Standard or No Activation Fee?
The cheaper path depends largely on how quickly the Trading Combine is passed.
| Account | Standard if passed in first billing cycle | No Activation Fee | Approx. crossover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | $198 | $95 | Standard becomes cheaper around month 4 |
| 100K | $248 | $149 | Standard becomes cheaper around month 3 |
| 150K | $348 | $229 | Standard becomes cheaper around month 5 |
How this is calculated:
Standard cost equals the monthly Trading Combine fee plus the
$149 activation fee after passing. The No Activation Fee path
has a higher monthly price but no funded-account activation fee.
This simplified comparison assumes one subscription charge per
billing cycle and excludes taxes and optional charges.
Trading Combine rules
Targets, drawdown and position limits.
The Maximum Loss Limit is Topstep's central account rule. The Trading Combine also uses a profit target and consistency target.
| Account | Profit target | Maximum Loss Limit | Max minis | Max micros |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | $3,000 | $2,000 | 5 | 50 |
| 100K | $6,000 | $3,000 | 10 | 100 |
| 150K | $9,000 | $4,500 | 15 | 150 |
50% consistency target
During the Trading Combine, the best profit day should remain at or below 50% of the required profit target. A larger day can increase the effective target.
Optional Daily Loss Limit
Topstep also allows a fixed Daily Loss Limit to be selected with some account configurations. It is separate from the Maximum Loss Limit.
Funding path
Trading Combine to funded trading.
Passing the Trading Combine leads first to an Express Funded Account rather than directly to a Live Funded Account.
Trading Combine
Simulated evaluation with profit target, consistency target and Maximum Loss Limit.
Express Funded Account
Funded-level simulated account where eligible traders can request payouts and build a performance record.
Live Funded Account
Qualified traders can ultimately be moved to a live account using real capital.
Topstep payouts
Express Funded Account payout paths.
Express Funded Accounts currently offer Standard and Consistency payout paths.
XFA Standard
5 winning days
- 5 non-consecutive winning days of at least $150
- 90% trader / 10% Topstep profit split
- Request up to 50% of eligible balance
- Account-size payout caps apply
XFA Consistency
3 trading days + consistency
- At least 3 trading days
- 40% consistency target
- 90% trader / 10% Topstep profit split
- Higher payout caps than the Standard path
| Account | XFA Standard cap | XFA Consistency cap |
|---|---|---|
| 50K | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| 100K | $3,000 | $4,000 |
| 150K | $5,000 | $6,000 |
Payout rules can change and additional eligibility conditions apply. Always check the current official Topstep payout policy.
Trading platform
TopstepX is the current Topstep platform.
TopstepX
Topstep currently uses TopstepX as its only available trading platform. It combines order execution, charts, performance statistics, risk controls, journaling and trade-copying features.
Charts DOM Risk settings Trade copier Performance stats Trader journal
Topstep FAQ
Common questions.
Does Topstep have an activation fee?
The Standard Trading Combine path currently has a $149 activation fee for each Express Funded Account earned. The No Activation Fee path has a higher monthly evaluation price but no funded-account activation charge.
What account sizes does Topstep offer?
The current Trading Combine account sizes are 50K, 100K and 150K.
Does Topstep use trailing drawdown?
Yes. The Maximum Loss Limit trails upward based on the end-of-day account balance and never moves back down.
What platform does Topstep use?
TopstepX is currently the only available Topstep trading platform.
Does Prop Firm Discounts earn money from Topstep?
No. There is currently no affiliate relationship between Prop Firm Discounts and Topstep.
Compare alternatives
See Topstep next to other futures prop firms.
Compare account size, evaluation price, activation fee, complete known cost, drawdown type and account rules.
Futures trading and prop firm evaluations involve financial risk. This page is educational and informational only and is not financial advice. Firm rules, prices and payout policies can change.