What is Topstep? An In-depth Review for Futures Traders

Our team has conducted an extensive analysis of Topstep, a prop firm that evaluates and funds futures traders. In this review, we break down their core offering, the Trading Combine® program, providing a clear overview of what to expect. We dive into their unique business model, the instruments they allow you to trade, and the platforms they offer. We aim to equip you with the essential facts you need to make an informed decision about whether Topstep is the right fit for your trading career.

What is Topstep?

Topstep is a proprietary trading firm that specializes in the futures market. Unlike a traditional brokerage, Topstep provides a path for traders to earn a funded account by proving their skills in a simulated environment, known as the Trading Combine®. The company has been funding futures traders for over 12 years and has paid out over $81 million to traders in 2024 alone.

Topstep's business model is straightforward: traders pay a monthly fee to participate in the Trading Combine, a simulated trading program. If they demonstrate consistent profitability and discipline by adhering to a simple set of rules, they can advance to a funded account. A key rule is maintaining a maximum loss limit. The program is designed to help traders build stronger skills and healthier habits.

Topstep provides access to futures products on several major exchanges, including CME, COMEX, NYMEX, and CBOT. Trading in other markets such as stocks, options, forex, cryptocurrency, and CFDs is not permitted. The company has developed its own proprietary platform, TopstepX™, which is designed specifically for prop firm traders. It features charts, a built-in trade copier, and the Tilt™ Indicator. We also noted that TopstepX™ offers commission-free trading.

The program offers three distinct account sizes with different buying power, profit targets, and maximum loss limits:

• $50k Account: Monthly fee of $49, with a profit target of $3,000 and a maximum loss limit of $2,000.
• $100k Account: Monthly fee of $99, with a profit target of $6,000 and a maximum loss limit of $3,000.
• $150k Account: Monthly fee of $149, with a profit target of $9,000 and a maximum loss limit of $4,500.

Upon passing the Trading Combine, traders are required to pay a one-time $149 activation fee per Express Funded Account.

Pros & Cons of Topstep

Our analysis of Topstep highlights several key advantages and disadvantages for potential traders.

FAQs about Topstep Login

Q: How do I log in to my Topstep account?

A: To access your Topstep account and trading platform, simply navigate to the official website and click on the “Log In” button typically located in the top-right corner. You will then be prompted to enter your registered email address and password.

Q: I forgot my password. How can I reset it?

A: We found that the login page provides a “Forgot Password” link. Clicking this link will guide you through the process of resetting your password by sending a recovery email to the address associated with your account.

Q: Can I access my account from multiple devices?

A: While the website and some features are accessible from various devices, the TopstepX™ platform is built for a seamless desktop experience. It is crucial to ensure you are trading from a secure, consistent device to avoid any interruptions.

User Reviews

User 1 (Positive):

“I've been with Topstep for six months now, and the program genuinely helped me. The rules are tough but fair, and they teach you real discipline. The community on Discord is super supportive, and I've learned so much from the free coaching sessions. I just got my first payout, and the process was smooth and fast. This is a game-changer for futures traders who don't have a huge capital.”

User 2 (Neutral):

“The monthly fee can feel a bit high, especially when you're just starting out and not yet profitable. The platform is decent, but I wish they had more options for trading software. I've reset my account a couple of times, but the support team has always been helpful. It's a challenging program, but I can see the value if you stick with it.”

User 3 (Negative):

“I found the maximum loss limit too restrictive. It's easy to get stopped out on a volatile day, and then you have to pay to start over. The profit target feels attainable, but one mistake can wipe out days of work. I also had some technical issues with the platform freezing, which was frustrating. It's not for everyone, and you need to be very precise with your trading.”

Regulatory Warning and Risk Disclaimer

Regulatory Status: Unregulated

Based on our review, Topstep does not hold any regulatory licenses from a financial authority. The company operates as a proprietary trading firm, not a traditional broker, which means it is not subject to the same regulatory oversight. Trading with an unregulated entity carries significant risk.

Risk Disclaimer:

All content and information provided are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Trading futures involves substantial risk, and you could lose all or more of your initial investment. The hypothetical or simulated performance results mentioned have certain limitations and do not represent actual trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should only use risk capital for trading and carefully consider your financial situation and risk tolerance before engaging in any trading activity.