Topstep rules, explained
Topstep sells an evaluation (Trading Combine) and funded accounts (Express Funded) in 50K, 100K and 150K sizes. Below are the drawdown, daily loss limit, consistency, and payout rules for every plan, read from Topstep's own help center. Check the linked source before you trade: firms change rules often.
Evaluations
The drawdown trails your highest end-of-day balance, and stops once it reaches the starting balance.
| Size | Profit target | Max drawdown | Stops trailing at | Daily loss limit | Consistency | Max minis / micros |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | $3,000 | $2,000 | $50,000 (start) | $1,000 | 55% to pass | 5 / 50 |
| 100K | $6,000 | $3,000 | $100,000 (start) | $2,000 | 55% to pass | 10 / 100 |
| 150K | $9,000 | $4,500 | $150,000 (start) | $3,000 | 55% to pass | 15 / 150 |
- The daily loss limit is optional and depends on how you bought the Combine.
- If your best day goes over 55% of total profit, Topstep raises your target instead of failing you.
- Flat by 3:10 PM CT. No overnight positions.
Funded accounts
The drawdown trails your highest end-of-day balance, and stops once it reaches the starting balance of $0. Taking a payout moves it straight to that level.
| Size | Starting balance | Max drawdown | Stops trailing at | Daily loss limit | Consistency | Max minis / micros |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | $0 | $2,000 | $0 (start) | $1,000 | — | — |
| 100K | $0 | $3,000 | $0 (start) | $2,000 | — | — |
| 150K | $0 | $4,500 | $0 (start) | $3,000 | — | — |
- Express Funded balances start at $0, with the loss limit below zero until it locks at $0.
- After your first payout the loss limit moves to $0 wherever it was.
- A scaling plan limits your contracts by account balance.
- The daily loss limit is optional.
- Flat by 3:10 PM CT.
- Either path qualifies: standard path (5 days with at least $150 profit), or consistency path (at least 3 trading days, best day at most 40% of the cycle's profit).
Topstep rules: common questions
Does Topstep use a trailing or static drawdown?
Every Topstep plan listed here uses an end-of-day trailing drawdown. It follows your highest end-of-day balance, but is still enforced during the day.
When does the Topstep drawdown stop trailing?
Trading Combine: trails your highest end-of-day balance, and stops once it reaches the starting balance. Express Funded: trails your highest end-of-day balance, and stops once it reaches the starting balance of $0. Taking a payout moves it straight to that level.
What happens if you hit the Topstep daily loss limit?
Hitting it closes your positions and stops trading for the rest of the session; it doesn't fail the account. Daily loss limits by plan: Trading Combine, $1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000 (50K / 100K / 150K); Express Funded, $1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000 (50K / 100K / 150K).
Does Topstep have a consistency rule?
In evaluations: Trading Combine requires your best day to be at most 55% of total profit to pass. For payouts: Express Funded has a payout consistency rule (see payout requirements above).
What do you need before a Topstep payout?
Express Funded: Either path qualifies: standard path (5 days with at least $150 profit), or consistency path (at least 3 trading days, best day at most 40% of the cycle's profit).
How many contracts can you trade at Topstep?
Trading Combine: 50K up to 5 minis or 50 micros, 100K up to 10 minis or 100 micros, 150K up to 15 minis or 150 micros.
Would your trading pass Topstep?
TradeHarbor replays your own trades against every Topstep plan to show how often you'd pass or bust, then tracks your drawdown, daily limit, and payout requirements as you trade.
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TradeHarbor is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any firm listed here. Firm and plan names are trademarks of their owners. This page summarizes rules the firms publish, for comparison only; it may be incomplete or out of date, and each firm's own current rules always govern. Nothing here is investment, financial, or trading advice.