✅ Topstep Prop Firm Review 2026
Topstep is one of the most established futures prop firms in the industry. With a simple one-step evaluation (Trading Combine®), fast payouts, and a strong trader community, Topstep has helped thousands of traders become consistently funded.
At Damn Good Trading, we’ve personally traded with Topstep for years, received multiple payouts, and were even featured on TopstepTV, proof that they truly back their traders.
🚀 Why Choose Topstep?
Topstep stands out because of its clear rules, supportive coaching, and proven payout track record. Whether you’re new to futures or a seasoned trader, Topstep’s structure helps build discipline while offering real opportunities for funding.
Key Features:
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1-Step Trading Combine® → Pass in as little as 2 days
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Express Funded Accounts → Start trading almost immediately after passing the combine
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Payouts up to 4x/month → Fast daily processing
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TopstepX™ Platform → Commission-free trading, built-in copier, TradingView charts
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Free Coaching & Education → Group coaching, TopstepTV™, Discord with 150k+ traders
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Community Support → Accountability groups, active coaching, and one of the best trader networks in the prop firm world
Topstep XFA Payout Rule Change: From 1-Rule to 2-Rule Prop Firm
As of December 30, 2025, Topstep is no longer a true “one-rule to payout” prop firm for new traders.
Topstep’s Express Funded Accounts (XFA) now require traders to meet two separate payout conditions after their first payout.
This rule change only applies to new Express Funded Accounts created after the launch date and does not affect Live Funded accounts.
What Changed?
Previously, Topstep functioned as a single-rule payout prop firm:
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Traders only needed five winning days of $150+ net P&L to request payouts.
With the update, Topstep now enforces two payout rules for second payouts and beyond.
The Two Rules to Request a Payout on Topstep XFA
Rule 1: Five Winning Days
To request a payout, you must have:
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At least 5 winning trading days
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Each winning day must have $150 or more in net P&L
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The days do not need to be consecutive
This rule has not changed.
Rule 2: Be Profitable Since Your Last Payout
After your first payout, you must also:
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Be profitable from your most recent payout balance
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Any profit qualifies, even $0.01
This rule does not apply to your first payout, but does apply to every payout after that.
Why This Matters
This change means Topstep is no longer a pure “hit the days and withdraw” model.
Now, traders must:
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Maintain profitability after each payout
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Avoid sharp drawdowns between withdrawals
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Trade with more consistent risk management
In practice, this turns Topstep XFA into a two-rule payout structure, similar to other firms that require traders to remain profitable after withdrawals.
Who Is Affected by This Rule Change?
✔ Affected
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New Topstep Express Funded Accounts created after December 30, 2025
❌ Not Affected
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Traders who already had Express Funded Accounts before the change
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Topstep Live Funded Accounts
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First payouts on any Express Funded Account
Is Topstep Still a Good Prop Firm?
Topstep remains a reputable futures prop firm, but traders should now understand that:
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It is no longer a single-rule payout firm
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Consistency after payouts is now required
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Payout frequency may slow for aggressive traders
This rule change aligns with Topstep’s stated goal of encouraging smoother equity curves and longer account longevity, but it does raise the bar for traders who relied on quick back-to-back withdrawals.
Always Verify Rule Updates
Prop firm rules, payout policies, and eligibility requirements can change at any time.
Always confirm the latest terms directly on the firm’s official website before purchasing or trading an account.
💰 Topstep Account Options
Compare the available Topstep Trading Combine® account sizes. Choose the option that best matches your trading goals and budget.
| Account Size | Profit Target | Max Contracts | Max Loss Limit | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,000 | 5 | $2,000 | $49/month |
| $100,000 | $6,000 | 10 | $3,000 | $99/month |
| $150,000 | $9,000 | 15 | $4,500 | $149/month |
👉 These accounts require a $149 one-time Activation Fee after passing the Trading Combine®.
As of November 25th 2025, Topstep has officially released their No Activation Fee Trading Combines. View the image below to see Topstep’s new account options.
Topstep Back2Funded Review: $4,200 Payout + 4 Express Funded Account Resets
In this video, we dive deep into Topstep’s brand-new Back2Funded program a feature that lets traders instantly reactivate closed Express Funded Accounts (XFA) without starting over in the Trading Combine.
Watch as I request a $4,200 payout from my live Topstep accounts and reactivate four blown XFAs using Back2Funded to get back into funded trading the same day. You’ll see the exact process inside the dashboard, what the reactivation costs look like, and how fast payouts are processed once your accounts are back online.
Whether you’re a new or experienced futures prop trader, this breakdown shows how Topstep continues to evolve its program to make resets and payouts faster than ever.
✅ Pros of Topstep
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Established and trusted prop firm with 10+ years in the industry
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Up to 5 funded accounts at once with no consistency rule
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Payouts requested after just 5 winning days
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Free group coaching & performance coaching tools
- News trading is allowed even in funded
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Strong trader community & support network
- New no activation fee Trading Combine option
- Topstep only uses End of Day trailing drawdown
⚠️ Cons of Topstep
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Express Funded Accounts are simulated (SIM) first before Live funding
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Maximum balance carried into Live Funded Accounts is capped by account size
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Activation Fee required ($129 per account)
- $5,000 per account payout cap.
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Consistency rule (best day must be <50% of total profits) applies in the evaluation
🎯 Why We Recommend Topstep
Topstep is one of the best prop firms in the industry for futures traders. The combination of funding speed, strong coaching support, and fast payouts makes it a reliable choice for anyone serious about trading.
At Damn Good Trading, we’ve proven this ourselves:
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We’ve received multiple payouts directly from Topstep
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Our trading journey was featured on TopstepTV
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We’ve seen firsthand how their rules and coaching system create better traders
If you want a prop firm that balances funding opportunities with real trader development, Topstep is a top pick.
📌 Final Thoughts
Topstep is best suited for traders who:
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Want a clear and simple path to funding
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Value community, coaching, and education
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Are you looking for a prop firm with a long track record of payouts
If you’re ready to get funded and join one of the most respected futures prop firms, Topstep is a solid choice to grow your trading career.
Topstep FAQ - Trading Combine®, Payouts & Back2Funded
Everything futures traders need to know about Topstep: how the Trading Combine® works, payouts, account sizes, and the new Back2Funded reactivation program.
Is Topstep a legit prop firm?
Yes. Topstep is one of the most established futures prop firms with a decade-plus track record, clear rules, fast payouts, and an active coaching community.
How does the Topstep Trading Combine® work?
The Trading Combine® is a one-step evaluation. Hit the profit target while following risk rules. Once you pass, you can receive an Express Funded Account, often within days.
What account sizes does Topstep offer?
Topstep offers $50K, $100K, and $150K Trading Combine accounts. Each tier has unique profit targets, max contracts, and drawdown parameters.
How much does it cost to trade with Topstep?
Monthly subscriptions commonly start near $49 (50K), $99 (100K), and $149 (150K). After you pass, a one-time Activation Fee applies for the Express Funded Account.
How do payouts work at Topstep?
You can request payouts after 5 winning days of roughly +$150 each (per current policy). Processing is fast, with multiple payouts allowed per month.
Can I trade multiple Topstep accounts at once?
Yes. Traders can manage up to 5 Express Funded Accounts concurrently before moving to a Live Funded Account, subject to program rules.
What happens after I pass the Trading Combine®?
Pay the Activation Fee and receive your Express Funded Account. With consistent performance and payouts, you may be promoted to a Live Funded Account.
Does Topstep offer coaching and education?
Yes. Expect free group coaching, TopstepTV™ live sessions, Coach T™ digital coaching, and a large community with performance coaches.
What is Topstep’s Back2Funded program?
Back2Funded lets you reactivate a closed Express Funded Account instead of restarting the Combine. You have a 7-day window after closure to opt in. It’s designed to help qualified traders return to funded status faster.
How does Back2Funded work and what are the limits?
- Each Express Funded Account can be reactivated up to 2 times.
- Reactivation must be for the same account size as the original.
- Each reactivation is purchased separately, and is final and non-refundable.
What does Back2Funded cost?
- $50K Express Funded Account — $499
- $100K Express Funded Account — $599
- $150K Express Funded Account — $729
Pricing is based on the original account size. Applicable sales tax is added at checkout.
What is the Back2Funded 7-day reactivation window?
You have seven calendar days from the time your Express Funded Account is closed to choose Back2Funded. During this decision window, you cannot activate a new Express Funded Account. If you don’t reactivate within 7 days, the offer expires and you must return to the Trading Combine to earn a new funded account.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Anything is subject to change at the discretion of Topstep and their rules, payout policies, and prices. Always check Topstep.com before purchasing.
Prop Firm Comparison: Topstep vs Apex vs Take Profit Trader vs FundedNext
Compare account sizes, funding limits, drawdown rules, and payouts across Topstep, Apex Trader Funding, Take Profit Trader, and FundedNext to find the best futures prop firm for your trading strategy.
| Prop Firm | Max Funding | Max Accounts | Drawdown Type | Payouts | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topstep | $750,000 | 5 | End-of-Day | 90–100% | Strong education focus, contract scaling plan, proven track record |
| Apex Trader Funding | $6,000,000 | 20 | Unrealized Trailing | 90–100% | Biggest scaling potential, frequent 80% OFF discounts |
| Take Profit Trader | $750,000 | 5 | End-of-Day & Intraday Trailing | 80–90% | No activation fee, day-1 payouts, copy trade up to 5 accounts |
| FundedNext | $300,000 | 5 | End-of-Day | 80% | No consistency rule Legacy Challenge or Pass in 1 Day Rapid Challenge |
