Topstep‘s new No Activation Fee Path lets traders skip the $149 activation fee after passing the Trading Combine. Instead, traders pay a higher monthly fee during the evaluation period but move directly into a funded account at no extra cost. This option is ideal for experienced traders who can pass the evaluation quickly, saving money overall.
Key details:
- Monthly fees: $109 (50K account), $159 (100K), $209 (150K).
- Profit-sharing: Keep 100% of the first $10,000, then 90% after.
- Rules: Same profit targets and drawdown limits as the Standard Path.
- Reset fees: Match the monthly fee.
Traders confident in their strategies can save time and money with this path, while those still refining their skills may prefer the lower-cost Standard Path.
Topstep‘s MASSIVE Update | Topstep Review 2026
sbb-itb-46ae61d
How the No Activation Fee Path Works
Topstep Standard Path vs No Activation Fee Path Cost Comparison
The No Activation Fee Path uses the same Trading Combine framework as Topstep’s Standard Path but changes how you pay. Instead of a lower monthly fee with a $149 activation fee upon passing, this path charges a higher monthly subscription but waives the activation fee entirely.
Trading Combine Process
In the Trading Combine, traders aim to hit specific profit targets while staying within the maximum loss limits. Understanding how drawdown works is crucial for managing these limits. Here’s how it breaks down by account size:
- $50,000 account: Profit target of $3,000, with a $2,000 loss limit.
- $100,000 account: Profit target of $6,000, with a $3,000 loss limit.
- $150,000 account: Profit target of $9,000, with a $4,500 loss limit.
Once you meet these goals, you’ll receive a confirmation email and see a "Start Express Funded Account!" option on your Trade Report. You have 30 days from passing to activate your funded account. During activation, you can choose between two payout models:
- XFA Standard: Requires 5 winning days with at least $150 in earnings per day.
- XFA Consistency: Requires 3 trading days with a 40% consistency target.
This evaluation structure remains consistent across both paths, but the timing of payments is what sets them apart.
Differences from the Standard Path
The main difference lies in when you pay – not what you’re paying for. You must pick your path before starting, as switching paths later isn’t allowed. According to our Topstep review, the No Activation Fee Path is best for traders confident in their strategies, likely to pass the Trading Combine in one or two attempts. The Standard Path, on the other hand, caters to traders still refining their skills, offering lower monthly costs to ease the learning curve.
Reset fees also vary. On the No Activation Fee Path, the reset fee matches your monthly subscription price. This structure rewards traders who pass quickly but can lead to higher costs if multiple resets are needed.
Cost Breakdown by Account Size
Here’s a quick look at the costs for each account size:
| Account Size | Path Type | Monthly Subscription | Reset Fee | Activation Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | Standard | $49 | $49 | $149 |
| $50,000 | No Activation Fee | $109 | $109 | $0 |
| $100,000 | Standard | $99 | $99 | $149 |
| $100,000 | No Activation Fee | $159 | $159 | $0 |
| $150,000 | Standard | $149 | $149 | $149 |
| $150,000 | No Activation Fee | $209 | $209 | $0 |
For example, if you pass within the first month, the No Activation Fee Path costs $109 for a $50,000 account, compared to $198 on the Standard Path. However, if you require multiple resets, the higher reset fees on this path can quickly add up.
Both paths include Level 1 market data for free. If you want Level 2 (Depth of Market) data, it’s available for an additional $38 per month.
Who Should Choose the No Activation Fee Path
This section explains who benefits most from the simplified fee structure, aligning with Topstep’s commitment to affordability and clear pricing.
Best Trader Profiles for This Path
The No Activation Fee path is tailored for traders who are confident in their trading skills and have a well-defined strategy. It’s a great choice for those who expect to pass the Trading Combine in just one or two attempts. On the other hand, traders still fine-tuning their methods might find the Standard Path – with its lower monthly fee – a better fit.
If you’re considering this option, you should already have a proven, repeatable strategy. This isn’t the best choice for someone still testing or developing their approach.
"The No Activation Fee path is ideal for traders who have their strategy dialed in and are confident they can pass the Trading Combine in one or two attempts." – Topstep Help Center
Take an honest look at your trading history. If you often require multiple resets or take several months to pass evaluations, the Standard Path’s $49 monthly fee (for a $50,000 account) is likely a more cost-effective option compared to paying $109 per month plus $109 per reset.
This clarity in cost structure makes the No Activation Fee path particularly appealing to traders who are experienced and efficient in meeting evaluation requirements.
Why Experienced Traders Prefer This Option
Experienced traders are drawn to this path because it removes the $149 activation fee, which can otherwise feel like a financial hurdle when transitioning to a funded account. By passing the Trading Combine, you move directly into your Express Funded Account without having to pay that one-time fee. This not only saves money but also eliminates the hesitation that often comes with such upfront costs.
For traders who pass quickly, the absence of an activation fee translates to clear financial benefits. It’s a practical option for those confident in their skills, as they avoid the additional expense of resets and the unpredictability of extra charges.
Another advantage is the simplicity it brings to financial planning. Instead of worrying about a $149 activation fee later, you know exactly what you’re paying from the start. Traders who are meticulous about managing their funds appreciate this predictability, especially when they’re confident in their ability to pass evaluations efficiently.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Funded for $0
Here’s a breakdown of how to navigate the No Activation Fee Path and secure funding without paying an activation fee.
Step 1: Choose Your Account Size
Start by selecting the account size that fits your goals: $50,000, $100,000, or $150,000. For instance, if you choose the $50,000 account, you’ll need to hit a $3,000 profit target while staying within a $2,000 loss limit. (Refer to account specifications above for more details.)
Step 2: Sign Up and Subscribe
Create a Topstep account and opt for the No Activation Fee Path. Keep in mind, this selection is final. A monthly subscription fee applies based on the account size:
- $50,000 account: $109 per month
- $100,000 account: $159 per month
- $150,000 account: $209 per month
Payments must be made using a credit or debit card in your legal name. Your subscription includes Level 1 market data, but you can add Level 2 data (Depth of Market) for an extra $38 per month.
Step 3: Pass the Trading Combine
To qualify, you must reach your profit target while staying within the Maximum Loss Limit. This requires consistent, disciplined trades and a solid funded account checklist to ensure you’re prepared. The same Trading Combine rules apply regardless of which path you choose.
If you exceed the Daily Loss Limit, trading will be blocked for the rest of the day, but you can pick up again the next session without a reset. However, exceeding the Maximum Loss Limit disqualifies your account from funding, and you’ll need to purchase a reset to continue.
Step 4: Activate Your Funded Account
Once you pass the Trading Combine, you’ll have 30 days to activate your Express Funded Account. Log into your dashboard, click "Start Express Funded Account!" in your Trade Report, select your payout preference (Standard or Consistency), which you can verify using a consistency calculator, and sign the digital agreement. The activation fee will show as $0 during checkout.
If you pass on a Friday, activation will occur when the markets reopen on Sunday at 5:00 PM CT. You can manage up to five active Express Funded Accounts at once.
If you encounter difficulties during the Combine, move on to Step 5.
Step 5: Handle Resets (If Needed)
If you hit the Maximum Loss Limit, you’ll need to purchase a reset to regain eligibility. Reset costs match your monthly subscription fee:
- $50,000 account: $109
- $100,000 account: $159
- $150,000 account: $209
Each monthly subscription renewal adds one Reset Credit to your "Reset Bank." Using a credit or purchasing a reset shifts your subscription renewal date forward by 30 days. Reset Credits issued after December 11, 2025, will expire one year after being added. Note that resets are capped at two per account per day.
Benefits and Key Rules of the No Activation Fee Path
This section highlights why the No Activation Fee Path is tailored for experienced traders, focusing on its benefits and essential rules.
Lower Upfront Costs
With the No Activation Fee Path, you’ll pay $0 to activate your Express Funded Account after passing the Trading Combine. By comparison, the Standard Path requires a one-time $149 activation fee, which this option eliminates entirely. As the Topstep Help Center explains:
"Pay a little more up front, but nothing when you pass"
This setup can save you money if you pass quickly. While the upfront subscription cost is slightly higher, the trading requirements remain the same, ensuring no added complexity.
Trading Combine Rules Stay Consistent
Opting for the No Activation Fee Path doesn’t alter the Trading Combine’s rules. As Topstep puts it:
"Same goals, same rules, same Combine"
This means your profit targets, maximum loss limits, and the 50% consistency rule remain unchanged. For instance, traders using a $50,000 account still need to hit a $3,000 profit target while staying above the $2,000 drawdown limit. This consistency allows you to focus on refining your trading strategy without worrying about different benchmarks.
Comparing Costs: One-Time Fees vs. Subscriptions
Both paths operate on a monthly subscription model, but the cost structures differ. The Standard Path features lower monthly fees but requires a $149 activation fee upon passing. Meanwhile, the No Activation Fee Path has higher monthly fees but skips the activation cost entirely. Reset fees also vary depending on the path you select.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on how quickly you expect to pass the Trading Combine and your preference for upfront versus ongoing costs.
Conclusion
Topstep’s No Activation Fee Path provides a clear and cost-effective route for seasoned traders to achieve funded status by skipping the usual $149 activation fee. This approach significantly reduces overall expenses, especially for traders who fast-track their way through the evaluation process.
The decision between the No Activation Fee Path and the Standard Path depends on your trading experience and goals. If you have a solid, proven strategy, the higher monthly subscription cost (ranging from $109 to $209, based on account size) can quickly offset the waived activation fee. However, if you’re still honing your skills, the Standard Path’s lower monthly fees might offer more breathing room as you refine your approach. Evaluate your current abilities and pick the path that aligns with your trading objectives.
Both paths follow the same trading rules and profit targets. Whether you’re managing a single account or scaling up to five Express Funded Accounts, the No Activation Fee Path could save you as much as $745 in activation costs, all while providing the same funding opportunities and profit-sharing benefits.
FAQs
When is the No Activation Fee Path cheaper than the Standard Path?
The No Activation Fee Path proves to be a more cost-effective option when you look at the total expenses after passing the evaluation. It charges $109 per month with no activation fees once funded. On the other hand, the Standard Path comes with a $149 activation fee and a $49 monthly charge. Over time, this makes the Standard Path pricier – especially for traders who successfully pass the evaluation and wish to avoid upfront activation costs.
Can I switch paths after I start the Trading Combine?
Yes, you can change your path after starting the Trading Combine. Topstep provides two choices: Standard and No Activation Fee. This gives you the freedom to pick the option that best fits your trading approach and objectives. It’s a convenient way to adjust as your strategy evolves during the evaluation.
What happens if I pass but don’t activate within 30 days?
If you successfully pass but don’t activate your funded account within 30 days, you’ll need to pay the activation fee during that period to finalize the process. Missing this 30-day window could mean losing the chance to move forward with your funded account.
