Independent firm profile
Topstep
Futures-focused funded trader program with a combine evaluation.
- Headquarters
- Chicago, USA
- Founded
- 2012
- Funding model
- Evaluation-Based Funding
- Region served
- North America
Community rating
Loading…
Overview
What this firm is and who it serves
Topstep is a Chicago-based prop firm pioneering the modern futures funded-trader model. Its Trading Combine evaluates traders on simulated CME futures accounts; passing traders receive an Express Funded Account with real payouts and structured risk rules.
"Help futures traders become consistently profitable through structured evaluation and funding."
At a glance
Structured facts about this firm
- Firm Type
- Evaluation-Based Funding prop firm
- Market Focus
- Futures
- Trading Style
- Evaluation-Based Funding, evaluation-based funding
- Institutional Level
- Retail-accessible proprietary firm
- Retail Accessibility
- Open to retail traders via evaluation
- Geography
- Chicago, USA · North America
- Known For
- Trading Combine evaluation
- CEO
- Michael Patak (Founder & CEO)
- Team size
- 100–250
Funding programs
Account types and the path to capital
Evaluation
AvailablePass a challenge before receiving a funded account.
Instant funding
—Not offered by this firm.
Scaling plan
AvailableScale via larger Combine accounts; no automatic in-account scaling. Up to 5 funded accounts.
Monthly Combine fees $49–$149+ depending on size.
Trading rules
What's allowed, what isn't
Asset classes supported
Scaling rules
Scale via larger Combine accounts; no automatic in-account scaling. Up to 5 funded accounts.
Related terms: trailing drawdown · consistency rule · profit split
Platforms & technology
Where and how you trade
Supported platforms
Payout structure
How and when you get paid
Pros & cons
A balanced view based on documented terms
Strengths
- +Most established futures prop
- +Strong trust and brand
- +Good educational support
Trade-offs
- −Pricier than some competitors
- −Strict daily loss limits
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Topstep
Is Topstep a legitimate prop firm?+
Topstep was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Chicago, USA. Futures-focused funded trader program with a combine evaluation.
Does Topstep require an evaluation?+
Yes. Topstep requires traders to complete an evaluation phase before being granted a funded account.
What is the profit split at Topstep?+
Topstep pays traders 90% of net profits, keeping the remainder as the firm's share.
What is the maximum account size at Topstep?+
Traders can scale up to a maximum allocation of $150,000 with Topstep, subject to the firm's scaling and consistency rules.
How often does Topstep pay out?+
Topstep processes payouts on a weekly (after 5 profitable days) basis, with first payout eligibility: 5 winning days, $0 trailing drawdown breach.
What platforms does Topstep support?+
Topstep supports the following trading platforms: TSTrader, NinjaTrader, TradingView, Quantower, Tradovate.
What trading restrictions does Topstep enforce?+
At Topstep, news trading is allowed, overnight holding is restricted, weekend holding is restricted. Always confirm current rules directly with the firm before trading.