Topstep is a U.S.-based prop firm specializing in futures trading, offering traders the chance to operate with the company’s capital without risking their own money. Founded with the goal of turning traders into consistent professionals, Topstep is now one of the most respected platforms in the market.

In this article by Nerd Answers, we’ll provide a full review of how Topstep works, its plans, advantages, hidden rules, and how it compares to other prop firms. Plus, we’ll show you how to get an exclusive discount code to kick off your journey on the right foot.

If you’re looking for a reliable prop firm with professional support and a focus on trader development, read this article to the end!

Quick Summary

• Company: Topstep
• Segment: Futures Prop Firm
• Available Capital: Up to $450,000
• Initial Profit 100% up to: $15,000 (then 90%)
• Plans: 50K, 100K, and 150K
• Highlights: 24/7 support, no hidden fees, robust platforms, payouts within 48h

What is Topstep?

Topstep is a proprietary trading firm (prop firm) operating exclusively in the futures market. It allows traders of all experience levels to prove their skills in a simulated environment called the Trading Combine. Those who demonstrate consistency, risk management, and profitability are promoted to funded accounts by the firm.

Unlike traditional brokers, Topstep does not profit from traders’ losses. Its business model is based on identifying skilled traders and letting them trade with company capital. Profits are transparently split between the trader and Topstep.

The company also invests in education, active support, and tools to help traders improve. Since 2012, Topstep has funded thousands of traders worldwide and remains a benchmark in the industry.

Key Features

• No personal risk: Traders use company funds after passing the evaluation phase.
• Realistic evaluation: The Trading Combine simulates real market conditions with clear targets and limits.
• Expert support: Chat, email, and Discord access to experienced traders and coaches.
• Variety of platforms: Access to TopstepX, NinjaTrader, TradingView, R Trader Pro, among others.
• Performance tools: Tools like Coach T™ help traders track performance.
• Ongoing education: Webinars, coaching groups, and free educational materials.
• Fast payouts: Withdrawals processed within 48 hours for funded accounts.

Plan Overview

Topstep offers three main plans, each tailored to different trader profiles, with varying levels of capital, profit targets, and loss limits.

The 50K Plan is especially designed for beginners who want to validate their consistency while trading with lower risk. With a monthly cost of $49, it requires a profit target of $3,000, allows a maximum loss of $2,000, and a daily loss limit of $1,000. It’s an accessible option for those just starting out and looking to safely experience Topstep’s environment.

The 100K Plan is ideal for intermediate traders who already have some market experience and are looking for more leverage. This plan costs $99 per month, has a profit target of $6,000, a maximum loss of $3,000, and a maximum daily loss of $2,000. It provides more room to apply risk management strategies and build confidence while trading with larger capital.

The 150K Plan, on the other hand, is suited for experienced traders who work with robust strategies and aim for more significant results. With a monthly cost of $149, the profit target increases to $9,000, with a maximum loss limit of $4,500 and a daily loss limit of $3,000. This plan offers greater operational freedom for those who already master advanced techniques and are aiming for higher returns.

All plans include access to Topstep’s tools and support, as well as the possibility of performing resets in case any of the Trading Combine rules are violated.

Plan Comparison Table

Pros and Cons of the Topstep

Pros:

• Transparent evaluation and funding model
• Attractive profit split (100% up to $15,000)
• Excellent customer support via chat, phone, and Discord
• Fast, hassle-free payouts (within 48h)
• Analysis and coaching tools for trader improvement
• Broad compatibility with popular trading platforms

Cons:

• Futures-only program (no Forex or Stocks)
• Consistency rules can be challenging
• Business accounts not allowed (individuals only)
• No free reset after a failed evaluation
• Progress can be reset even near the goal if rules are broken
• Some features only available in English

Copy Trading

Currently, Topstep does not officially support copy trading. Since the firm focuses on individual trader development, it aims to assess real trading skills. However, trade copiers can be used to replicate trades across personal accounts, as long as company rules are respected.

Hidden Rules

Topstep values transparency, but some rules may go unnoticed by new traders:

• Max Loss Limit: Hitting this limit results in account termination and the need to restart.
• Profit Consistency: Best trading day must not account for more than 50% of total profits.
• Daily Loss Limit: Automatically activated on some platforms, blocking trades until the next day.
• News & Copy Trading: Allowed during Combine and funded accounts, as long as system abuse doesn’t occur.
• Automated Strategies (EAs): Allowed even during Combine.
• After Payout: Remaining balance becomes new max loss limit, introducing real risk.
• Inactivity Rule: Express Funded accounts must have at least one trade every 30 days.
• Prohibited Conduct: Actions like order manipulation or misuse of platforms are banned. Check the “Prohibited Conduct” section on Topstep’s website.

These rules are crucial to protect company capital and encourage disciplined trading.

Payment Methods

Topstep accepts:

• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
• Debit cards
• PayPal

All payments are securely processed. Plans are billed as monthly subscriptions, and cancellations can be managed via the trader’s dashboard.

Comparison with Other Prop Firms

Who Is It For?

Topstep is especially appealing for traders already working in or wanting to transition to futures, as the entire structure focuses solely on that segment. It also attracts traders who value a solid foundation, constant support, and a transparent evaluation process with clearly defined rules from the start.

For beginners, Topstep offers a real chance to trade with third-party capital, as long as they’re willing to follow consistency rules and respect loss limits. For experienced traders, the firm provides an opportunity to scale operations with risk control and access to professional tools.

However, Topstep may not be ideal for everyone. Traders using multiple simultaneous accounts should consider the limitations of Express and Funded account creation. Also, most educational material, platform content, and support are in English, which might be a hurdle for non-speakers.

If you’re looking for a futures-focused prop firm with a fair model and ongoing educational support, Topstep could be the right choice for you.

Final Verdict

After a detailed review of Topstep’s offerings, rules, and conditions, I can confidently say this prop firm is one of the best options for those looking to trade futures using third-party capital. Its model is solid, the evaluation process is strict but fair, and there is a clear investment in developing traders professionally.

That said, success with Topstep requires discipline, understanding the rules, and adapting to its focus on consistency and risk management. It’s not a “get rich quick” scheme, it’s a serious gateway for those aiming for longevity in trading.

If you value transparency, effective support, and want to grow as a trader, Topstep can definitely be a great choice.