Topstep Funding: Account Types Trading Fees

Understanding Topstep Account Structures and Costs

Topstep offers a structured, evaluation-based program called the Trading Combine® designed to help futures traders earn a funded account without risking their own capital. The program provides various account sizes, each with specific profit targets and maximum loss limits. Traders pay a monthly fee to participate in the evaluation and, upon successful completion, a one-time activation fee to begin trading with a live funded account. We found that the program's structure is built to foster discipline and risk management skills by setting clear, objective rules for traders to follow.

An Overview of Topstep Accounts and Their Key Features

Topstep's program is a performance-based pathway where traders start with a simulated account and, upon meeting specific criteria, are offered an Express Funded Account. The core of their offering is the Trading Combine®, available in three distinct account sizes, each tailored to different trading goals and risk appetites. A key aspect we identified is the absence of traditional leverage ratios; instead, the program uses “Buying Power” and “Maximum Position Size” to define trading capacity. Traders who successfully navigate the Trading Combine can earn and manage up to five Express Funded Accounts simultaneously. The accounts are designed for trading futures products exclusively, with no support for forex, stocks, or other instruments.

Breaking Down Topstep Fees

When evaluating Topstep, we found that their fee structure is straightforward and transparent, primarily based on two types of costs. The first is a recurring monthly fee for participation in the Trading Combine® program. The price of this fee varies based on the size of the virtual account selected. The second is a one-time activation fee that is charged only after a trader has successfully passed the evaluation and is ready to open their Express Funded Account. This fee is a flat rate, regardless of the account size chosen. Importantly, our research shows that trading on the TopstepX™ platform is commission-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is there a minimum deposit required to start a Topstep account?

A1: Topstep operates a proprietary trading model, not a traditional brokerage. There is no minimum deposit required to open a trading account. Instead, traders pay a monthly subscription fee to participate in the Trading Combine® evaluation.

Q2: What is an Express Funded Account and how does it relate to the Trading Combine®?

A2: The Trading Combine® is Topsteps evaluation program. By successfully completing the program's rules, a trader earns the right to an Express Funded Account. This account is where you can begin to earn real payouts from your trading performance. The one-time activation fee is only charged at this stage.

Q3: Does Topstep offer an Islamic or interest-free account?

A3: We did not find any mention of a dedicated Islamic or swap-free account in the available information about Topstep's program and services.