United StatesSummary
Topstep is the oldest futures prop firm still operating. Founded in Chicago in 2012, it has trained and funded thousands of traders on CME markets.
The futures benchmark: the oldest and most proven firm.
Programs
The 50K Trading Combine costs $49 per month (plus a $149 activation fee once passed). Target of $3,000, $2,000 end-of-day max loss, $1,000 daily limit and a maximum of 5 mini contracts.
Once you pass, you move to an Express Funded Account and potentially a Live Funded Account.
Payouts
Since 12 January 2026 the split is 90% from the first dollar. To get paid you need five winning days of at least $150, or three days with none exceeding 40% of total profit.
Challenges and conditions
- Price
- $49/mo
- Target
- $3,000
- Daily loss
- $1,000
- Max loss
- $2,000 EOD
- Profit split
- 90%
| Payout frequency | After 5 winning days |
|---|---|
| Payout speed | On request |
| Markets | Futures, Indices, Commodities |
| Platforms | TopstepX, NinjaTrader, Quantower |
Public prices excluding promotions, verified in October 2026. Conditions change: check the official site before buying.
Trading rules
| News trading | Full-size entries into major news banned |
|---|---|
| EAs and bots | Allowed (no HFT) |
| Weekend and overnight | No (flat by 3:10 pm CT) |
| Minimum days | 5 winning days of $150, or 3 days |
Rules checked in October 2026. Check any point not listed here in the firm's official terms.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
- More than 14 years of history
- Path to a live account
- 90% from the first dollar
- End-of-day drawdown
Weaknesses
- Monthly subscription plus activation fee
- $1,000 daily limit (50K)
- Futures only
Who is it for?
A good fit if you…
- Want the longest-standing futures firm
- Are aiming for a real live account
- Are new to futures (education)
Avoid if you…
- Want to avoid a monthly subscription
- Trade Forex/CFDs
Topstep against competitors
 Topstep |  FundedNext |  Blue Guardian | |
|---|---|---|---|
| YourFunding score | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.6/10 |
| From | $49/mo | $549 | $579 |
| Profit split | 90% | 80 → 95% | Up to 90% |
| Payout frequency | After 5 winning days | Guaranteed within 24h | Weekly |
| Max capital | $750K | $300K | $400K |
| Founded | 2012 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Platforms | TopstepX, NinjaTrader, Quantower | MT4, MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader | MT5, TradeLocker, Match-Trader |
| Payouts | 8.8 | 9.6 | 9.2 |
| Rules | 8.4 | 9.0 | 8.8 |
| Price | 8.6 | 8.2 | 7.8 |
| Support | 8.8 | 9.0 | 8.4 |
| Reputation | 9.6 | 9.1 | 8.5 |
Score breakdown
FAQ Topstep
Is Topstep reliable?
Yes, it is the oldest futures prop firm still operating (2012).
How much does Topstep cost?
$49 per month for a 50K Combine, plus $149 activation once passed.
