Research profile
Topstep
Watch flags
US-based futures prop trading firm operated by Topstep LLC. Watch flags: unregulated entity status, trader complaints over platform glitches affecting accounts
Futures-focused funded trader program with a combine evaluation.
- Headquarters
- Chicago, USA
- Founded
- 2012
- Funding model
- Evaluation Based
- Availability
- Not clearly stated
U.S. traders: Not confirmed — ProprietaryTrading.com could not verify from current first-party sources whether this firm accepts U.S. traders.
Profile updated: August 29, 2026 · Primary source types reviewed: firm rules, FAQ and program pages · Research & methodology
May suit
traders focused on futures; traders comfortable with an evaluation phase; traders who want a published scaling path.
Consider alternatives if
you require exchange-traded equities, options; you rely on copy trading.
Trader rating
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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 prop firm
- Market Focus
- Futures
- Trading Style
- News trading permitted
- Retail Accessibility
- Open to retail traders via evaluation
- Based in
- Chicago, USA
- Trader availability
- Not clearly stated
- Known For
- Trading Combine evaluation
- CEO
- Michael Patak (Founder & CEO)
- Team size
- 100–250
Funding programs
Account types and the path to capital
Evaluation
Trading Combine
Source| Account |
|---|
| $50K |
| $100K |
| $150K |
- Profit split
- 90%
- Payouts
- as little as 3 days (Express) / Daily (Live after consistency)
- Max allocation
- $150,000
- Platforms
- TopstepX
Scaling
Capital expansion is reviewed weekly. Traders start with 20% of balance available and unlock remaining balance in 25% increments through profit milestones.
Trading Combine
Source- Profit split
- 90%
- Payouts
- Daily
Express Funded Account
- Profit split
- 90%
- Payouts
- Daily
Live Funded Account
Source| Account |
|---|
| $50K |
| $100K |
| $150K |
- Profit split
- 90%
- Payouts
- Daily
- Max allocation
- $150,000
- Platforms
- TopstepX
Scaling
You begin with 20% of your eligible starting account balance available for trading. The remaining balance unlocks in 25% increments through performance milestones.
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
Topstep FAQs
Based on terms reviewed August 29, 2026
What should traders verify before choosing Topstep?+
Review the specific program's drawdown rules, payout eligibility, prohibited strategies, platform availability, refund terms and any country restrictions before purchasing. Terms can differ between programs at the same firm. This profile summarizes the latest documented terms we found, but traders should confirm the current rules directly with Topstep before purchasing.
Does Topstep offer evaluation and instant-funding options?+
Topstep offers an evaluation (challenge) path. Program rules, fees and payout terms can differ between paths, so confirm the terms of the specific program you intend to buy.
How do Topstep's payouts and profit split work?+
The published profit split is up to 90% of net profits to the trader, depending on the program; payouts are processed on a weekly (after 5 profitable days) basis; first payout eligibility: 5 winning days, $0 trailing drawdown breach. Payout eligibility begins after the applicable program cycle, and program-specific terms should be confirmed directly with the firm.
How does Topstep's scaling plan work?+
Topstep publishes a scaling ceiling of up to $150,000 through scaling. Scale via larger Combine accounts; no automatic in-account scaling. Up to 5 funded accounts. A scaling ceiling is the maximum allocation reachable over time — not the size of an initial funded account.
What are Topstep's main drawdown and trading restrictions?+
Based on the documented terms we reviewed: news trading is allowed, overnight holding is restricted, weekend holding is restricted, copy trading is not permitted. Drawdown type and consistency requirements can vary by program, so check the rulebook for the exact program before purchase.
Which platforms and markets are available at Topstep?+
Platforms: NinjaTrader, Quantower, Sterling, TradeStation, TradingView, Tradovate, TSTrader. Markets: futures. Availability can differ by program and by region — confirm on the firm's platform and product pages before purchasing.
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