Firm Intel & Review
Topstep: Pioneer US Futures Prop Firm Since 2012
Topstep is one of the original and most recognized futures prop trading firms, based in the United States and established in January 2012. With over a decade of operation, Topstep helped define the modern prop firm model. The firm focuses exclusively on the futures market and operates a single 1-step evaluation program called the Trading Combine.
Topstep offers three account sizes: $50,000, $100,000, and $150,000. Standard subscription pricing starts at $49/month for the 50K, $99/month for the 100K, and $149/month for the 150K. A No Activation Fee option is also available at higher monthly rates: $109 (50K), $159 (100K), and $209 (150K). Traders advance to an Express Funded Account upon passing the Combine.
The platform ecosystem is broad: TopstepX (proprietary), NinjaTrader, Quantower, T4, R Trader Pro, ATAS Orderflow Trading, MotiveWave, VolFix, Bookmap, Investor/RT, Jigsaw Daytradr, MultiCharts, Sierra Chart, and Trade Navigator. Trading is restricted to Futures instruments only. News trading is permitted without restrictions during both evaluation and funded stages, which is a notable advantage for active macro traders.
Funded traders receive a 90% profit split with a payout cap of 50% of account balance per request (up to $5,000 on Standard or $6,000 on Consistency). The minimum payout is $125 with processing times of 1-10 business days. Payout methods include ACH, Bank Wire Transfer, and Wise. All positions must be closed by 3:10 PM CT daily; weekend holding is not permitted.
Topstep is chosen by futures traders who value a proven track record, a wide platform selection, and unrestricted news trading on both evaluation and funded accounts. EAs are allowed, though traders bear full responsibility for their performance; automation via API is supported exclusively within TopstepX. Trade copying is limited to accounts within the same trading environment and is not available on live Funded Accounts.