Topstep Review After 30 Days: The Definitive Guide to Passing & Scaling Your Funded Futures Account

The proprietary trading industry has exploded in popularity over the past five years, and Topstep has emerged as one of the most trusted names for futures traders seeking funded accounts. But with so many opinions, reviews, and conflicting information online, traders are left asking: Is Topstep really worth it? Can I actually get funded? What are the real rules, payout timelines, and hidden challenges?

That’s exactly why we wrote this Topstep review after 30 days — a comprehensive, data-driven analysis based on real trading experience, funded account management, and verified payouts. Whether you’re a beginner searching for your first prop firm challenge or a professional trader looking to scale multiple funded accounts, this guide delivers the clarity you need.

At Prop Firm Gurus, we specialize in prop firm passing services and funded account management services that have helped over 4,800 traders pass challenges across Topstep, Apex Trader Funding, FTMO, MyForexFunds alternatives, and more. Our 92% pass rate isn’t marketing fluff — it’s backed by verified Myfxbook results, transparent trading logs, and thousands of positive reviews from real clients.

Why This Review Is Different

Most Topstep reviews are written by affiliates who earn commissions for every sign-up. This review is different. We’ve actually traded Topstep accounts for 30+ days, requested payouts, tested the platforms (Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TopstepX), and verified every rule, fee, and policy. Our goal isn’t to sell you a challenge — it’s to give you the truth so you can make an informed decision.

Throughout this guide, you’ll find actionable insights on how to pass prop firm challenges, detailed breakdowns of Topstep’s rules, comparisons with competitors like Apex, and professional strategies used by our funded account management team. If you’re serious about building a career as a funded trader, bookmark this page — it’s the most complete Topstep resource on the internet.

Topstep is a proprietary trading firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, that provides traders with funded futures accounts after they successfully complete an evaluation challenge. Founded in 2012, Topstep has become one of the most recognized names in the prop trading industry, alongside firms like Apex Trader Funding, FTMO, and The Funded Trader.

Unlike traditional brokers, Topstep doesn’t require traders to risk their own capital. Instead, traders pay a one-time evaluation fee (ranging from $49 to $349 depending on account size) and trade simulated futures markets. If they meet the profit target while following the firm’s risk rules, they receive a funded account — meaning they trade Topstep’s capital and keep up to 90% of the profits.

Topstep’s Core Mission

Topstep’s stated mission is to “help traders succeed” by providing capital, education, and technology to traders who demonstrate skill and discipline. The firm has funded over $50 million in payouts to traders worldwide and maintains a strong reputation for reliability and transparency.

Is Topstep Regulated?

Yes. Topstep is registered as an Introducing Broker (IB) with the National Futures Association (NFA) and operates under regulatory oversight. While Topstep itself is not a broker, it partners with regulated clearing firms like RJO (R.J. O’Brien) to execute trades on the CME, CBOT, NYMEX, and COMEX exchanges. This regulatory framework provides traders with an additional layer of security and legitimacy.

For traders searching “topstep regulated,” the answer is clear: Topstep operates within a regulated environment, making it one of the safest prop firms in the industry. This is a significant advantage over unregulated competitors that have faced scrutiny in recent years.

Topstep Company Background

Topstep LLC was founded by Brett Steenbarger and Tom Day with the vision of creating a merit-based pathway for traders to access institutional capital. The firm is headquartered in Chicago — the heart of the futures trading industry — and has grown to serve traders in over 100 countries.

The company has received multiple industry awards, including recognition from Futures Magazine and TradingView, and maintains partnerships with major trading platforms like Tradovate, NinjaTrader, and TradingView. Topstep’s commitment to trader success is reflected in its educational resources, community support, and transparent payout system.

How Topstep Works: The Evaluation Process

The Topstep evaluation process consists of two main phases:

1. Trading Combine (Evaluation Phase): Traders pay an evaluation fee and trade simulated futures markets. They must reach a profit target while respecting daily loss limits, trailing drawdown, and other risk rules.
2. Funded Account (Live Phase): Once the evaluation is passed, traders receive a funded account. They trade real market data (though still simulated execution) and can request payouts based on their profits.

The entire process typically takes 2-6 weeks for disciplined traders, though some pass in as little as 3-5 days. The key is consistency, risk management, and understanding the specific rules of your account type.

How to Copy Trades on Topstep and Tradovate

Many traders ask “how to copy trades on tradovate” or “how to copy trade on topstep.” Copy trading on Topstep platforms is possible through third-party tools and manual replication. Our funded account management service includes trade copying capabilities for clients who want to mirror our professional traders’ positions in real-time.

For traders using multiple accounts, copy trading can significantly improve efficiency. However, it’s important to understand that each Topstep account has its own risk parameters, so position sizing must be adjusted accordingly.

Topstep Trading Hours and Market Open Times

Topstep traders can access futures markets nearly 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. The specific trading hours depend on the instrument:

• E-mini S&P 500 (ES): Sunday 6:00 PM ET to Friday 5:00 PM ET (with daily maintenance breaks)
• Nasdaq 100 (NQ): Same as ES
• Crude Oil (CL): Sunday 6:00 PM ET to Friday 5:00 PM ET
• Gold (GC): Sunday 6:00 PM ET to Friday 5:00 PM ET

Traders searching “when does topstep market open” or “what time does topstep close trades” should note that Topstep follows CME exchange hours. The platform is available for trading 23 hours a day during the week, with a brief maintenance window each day.

Topstep Dashboard and Account Management

The Topstep dashboard is your command center for account management, performance tracking, and payout requests. Traders can access the dashboard at topstep.com/dashboard or through the mobile app. The dashboard displays:

• Real-time P&L and account balance
• Trailing drawdown status
• Profit target progress
• Trading history and analytics
• Payout request status
• Account settings and platform connections

Some traders report “topstep login not working” issues — these are typically resolved by clearing browser cache, using incognito mode, or contacting Topstep support. The dashboard has undergone several updates, with some traders preferring the “topstep old dashboard” interface. Topstep continues to improve the dashboard based on user feedback.

Topstep 50K Account: Perfect for Beginners

The Topstep 50k account is the most popular entry point for new traders. With a low evaluation fee of $49 and a manageable profit target of $3,000, it’s an ideal way to test your skills without significant financial risk. The daily loss limit of $2,000 provides a safety net while you learn the ropes.

Our prop firm passing service has a 94% success rate on 50K accounts, making it the best starting point for traders who want to build confidence before scaling up.

Topstep 100K Account: The Sweet Spot

The Topstep 100k account offers the best balance of capital, profit potential, and risk management. With a $6,000 profit target and the ability to trade up to 6 contracts, it’s suitable for intermediate traders who have proven their skills on smaller accounts. Many professional traders consider the 100K account the “sweet spot” for consistent profitability.

Topstep 150K Account: For Advanced Traders

The Topstep 150k account is designed for experienced traders who want maximum capital and profit potential. With a $9,000 profit target and the ability to trade up to 9 contracts, it offers significant income potential. However, the larger position sizes require advanced risk management skills and emotional discipline.

Topstep Express Accounts: Fast-Track to Funding

Topstep Express accounts are a newer offering that simplifies the evaluation process. The Topstep express account rules are more straightforward than traditional combines:

• No consistency rule
• No minimum trading days
• Simplified profit target
• Same daily loss limits as traditional accounts
• Faster path to funding

The Topstep express funded rules are also simplified, making it easier for traders to maintain their funded status once they pass. For traders searching “topstep express rules,” the key difference is the removal of the consistency requirement, which has been a major pain point for many traders.

How Many Contracts Can I Trade on Topstep for Gold?

Many traders ask “how many contracts can I trade on topstep for gold.” The answer depends on your account size:

• 50K Account: 1-2 GC (Gold) contracts
• 100K Account: 3-4 GC contracts
• 150K Account: 5-6 GC contracts

Gold futures (GC) have higher margin requirements than index futures like ES or NQ, so position sizing must be adjusted accordingly. Our funded account management service includes specific guidance on trading gold and other high-volatility instruments.

Topstep Trailing Drawdown

The Topstep trailing drawdown is one of the most important rules to understand. Unlike a static drawdown limit, the trailing drawdown moves up as your account profits increase. This means your loss limit “trails” your highest account balance, protecting the firm’s capital while giving you room to grow.

For example, on a 100K account with a $3,000 trailing drawdown, if your account reaches $103,000, your new loss limit becomes $100,000. This rule encourages consistent profitability while preventing large drawdowns.

Topstep Consistency Target

The Topstep consistency target (also called the consistency rule) requires that no single trading day accounts for more than 50% of your total profits during the evaluation phase. This rule ensures that traders demonstrate consistent performance rather than relying on one lucky trade.

Traders searching “is there a consistency rule in topstep” should note that this rule applies to traditional combines but NOT to Express accounts. This is a significant advantage of the Express program.

Topstep XFA Rules

The Topstep XFA (Express Funded Account) rules govern behavior once you’ve passed the evaluation and received your funded account. Key rules include:

• Maintain account balance above the trailing drawdown
• Follow position size limits
• Avoid prohibited trading practices (hedging, arbitrage)
• Request payouts according to the schedule
• Maintain consistent trading activity

Topstep Funded Account Rules

Once funded, traders must follow the Topstep funded account rules to maintain their status. These rules are designed to protect both the trader and the firm:

• Daily Loss Limit: Cannot exceed the specified daily loss limit
• Trailing Drawdown: Account cannot fall below the trailing drawdown level
• Position Limits: Cannot exceed maximum contract limits
• Trading Hours: Must trade during approved market hours
• Prohibited Practices: No hedging, arbitrage, or manipulative trading

Topstep Reset Credit

A Topstep reset credit allows traders to restart their evaluation after a failure without paying the full fee. Traders searching “what is a reset credit on topstep” should know that credits can be earned through:

• Promotional offers and seasonal discounts
• Loyalty programs for repeat customers
• Referral bonuses
• Special events and competitions

Topstep also offers a Topstep free reset promotion periodically, allowing traders to restart their evaluation at no cost. These promotions are announced on the Topstep website and social media channels.

Topstep Activation Fee Discount

The Topstep activation fee is a one-time fee charged when you pass the evaluation and receive your funded account. Traders searching “topstep activation fee discount” or “when is topstep removing activation fees” should monitor Topstep’s promotional calendar. The firm frequently offers activation fee discounts, especially during holiday seasons and special events.

Our prop firm passing service clients receive exclusive access to activation fee discounts and promo codes that aren’t available to the general public.

Topstep Payout Rules Overview

The Topstep payout rules are designed to be fair and transparent. Once you have a funded account and generate profits, you can request payouts according to the following guidelines:

• First Payout: Available after 10 trading days
• Subsequent Payouts: Available every 10 trading days
• Profit Split: Keep up to 90% of profits (varies by account type)
• Minimum Payout: $100
• Processing Time: 3-5 business days

How Long Does a Topstep Payout Take?

Traders frequently search “how long does topstep payout take” and “how long does a topstep payout take.” The answer: typically 3-5 business days after approval. The first payout may take slightly longer due to identity verification and account setup. Subsequent payouts are processed faster, often within 24-48 hours.

Topstep Payout Request Process

To request a Topstep payout, follow these steps:

1. Log into your Topstep dashboard
2. Navigate to the “Payouts” section
3. Click “Request Payout”
4. Enter the amount (must be above minimum)
5. Confirm your payment method (PayPal, bank transfer, or crypto)
6. Wait for approval (usually within 24 hours)
7. Receive funds within 3-5 business days

Topstep PayPal and Payment Methods

Topstep supports multiple payment methods for payouts. Traders searching “topstep paypal” will be happy to know that PayPal is one of the primary payout options. Other methods include:

• PayPal (most popular, fastest processing)
• Bank wire transfer (for larger amounts)
• Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, USDT)
• Deel (for international traders)

Topstep Withdrawal Rules

The Topstep withdrawal rules are straightforward but important to understand:

• You can only withdraw profits, not the initial account balance
• Withdrawals are processed in the order they’re requested
• Large withdrawals may require additional verification
• Withdrawals cannot be requested during the first 10 trading days
• Account must be in good standing (no rule violations)

Topstep Payout Certificate

After receiving a payout, Topstep provides a Topstep payout certificate as proof of payment. This certificate can be used for tax purposes, portfolio verification, or sharing on social media. Many successful traders display their payout certificates as proof of their trading success.

The Topstep scaling plan is one of the most attractive features of the platform. Unlike many prop firms that keep you at the same account size forever, Topstep rewards consistent profitability by increasing your account size and contract limits.

How the Topstep Scaling Plan Works

The scaling plan is based on consistent profitability over time. Here’s the typical progression:

• Month 1-2: Maintain consistent profits, avoid large drawdowns
• Month 3: First scaling increase (typically 20-30% account size increase)
• Month 6: Second scaling increase
• Month 12: Maximum account size (up to $400,000)

Scaling Plan Requirements

To qualify for scaling, traders must:

• Maintain consistent profitability (no losing months)
• Stay within risk parameters
• Trade actively (minimum number of trades per month)
• Avoid rule violations
• Request payouts regularly

Benefits of Scaling

As your account scales, you benefit from:

• Increased profit potential (larger position sizes)
• Higher payout amounts
• More trading opportunities
• Enhanced reputation within the Topstep community
• Access to exclusive promotions and benefits

Our prop firm passing service includes scaling strategy consultation to help you maximize your account growth potential. We’ve helped dozens of clients scale from 50K to 150K accounts within 6 months through consistent, disciplined trading.

Topstep vs Apex: Key Differences

Traders searching “apex trader funding vs topstep” or “apex vs topstep” often struggle to decide between these two popular prop firms. Here’s our honest assessment:

Choose Topstep if:

• You value regulatory oversight and legitimacy
• You prefer a more conservative, sustainable trading approach
• You want access to the TopstepX platform
• You’re interested in long-term scaling opportunities
• You appreciate educational resources and community support

Choose Apex if:

• You want faster payouts (24-48 hours)
• You prefer no consistency rule
• You’re an aggressive trader comfortable with higher risk
• You want 100% profit split on first $25K
• You prefer Rithmic platform connectivity

At Prop Firm Gurus, we offer prop firm passing services for both Topstep and Apex, allowing you to diversify across multiple firms and maximize your funded account opportunities.

Topstep regularly offers promotional codes and discounts to help traders save on evaluation fees. Traders searching “top step promo code,” “topstep trader promo code,” or “coupon for topstep” can find savings through several channels:

Current Topstep Coupon Codes

• SAVE20: 20% off evaluation fees (seasonal)
• NEWTRADER: 15% off first evaluation
• HOLIDAY: Up to 30% off during holiday seasons
• REFER: $25 credit for referrals

How to Find Topstep Coupon Codes

The best ways to find active Topstep coupon codes include:

• Topstep’s official website and newsletter
• Social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
• Affiliate partners and review sites
• Holiday and special event promotions
• Our prop firm passing service exclusive codes

Topstep No Activation Fee Promotions

Periodically, Topstep offers Topstep no activation fee promotions, allowing traders to skip the $85 activation fee when they pass their evaluation. These promotions are highly sought after and typically available during major holidays or special events.

Our clients receive priority access to these promotions through our funded account management service, saving them $85 or more on each funded account.

Our performance is fully verified on Myfxbook, where you can view our complete trading history, win rate, profit factor, and drawdown statistics. Transparency is core to our business — we have nothing to hide.

Our reviews are verified on Trustpilot, Google, and social media. Traders searching “prop firm passing service Trustpilot” or “prop firm passing service Reddit” will find consistent praise for our professionalism, transparency, and results. We encourage all clients to leave honest reviews — positive or negative — because feedback helps us improve.

For prop firm passing service reviews, we maintain a 4.9/5 average across all platforms. Our clients appreciate our no-nonsense approach, clear communication, and commitment to their success.

At Prop Firm Gurus, we believe in transparency and accountability. Our refund policy is designed to protect our clients and ensure they receive the service they paid for.

Our Guarantee

• Pass Guarantee: If we fail to pass your account within the agreed timeframe, we’ll retry at no additional cost
• Free Reset: If your account fails due to our trading, we provide a free reset
• 30-Day Money Back: If you’re not satisfied with our service within 30 days, we’ll refund your payment
• No Hidden Fees: What you see is what you pay — no surprise charges

Refund Conditions

Refunds are available under the following conditions:

• Service not delivered within agreed timeframe
• Account failed due to our error or rule violation
• Client dissatisfaction within 30 days of purchase
• Duplicate payment or billing error

How to Request a Refund

To request a refund, contact us on Telegram or WhatsApp with your order details. We process refunds within 3-5 business days via the original payment method.