TOPSTEP: IT WAS ONCE GOOD, NOW IT'S CRAP (AND NO, IT HAS NO RELATIONSHIP WITH MY WEBSITE)

Opinions, benefits and disadvantages of the funding account offered by Topstep

This funding company is one of the best known in the sector, and while for a long time it was the benchmark for funding companies, I must say that sadly those days are gone and will not return. Today, Topstep is but a shadow of its former self.

But let me give you all the details so that you can have the final say.

What is Topstep?

Within the world of funded trading, Topstep is the best-known funding company. Of course, this doesn't mean it's the best for you; there are many funding options available, and several of them are very good (for futures, I personally prefer Earn2Trade).

The best funding company (or funded account) will always be the one that best suits your trading style (in my ranking of the best funding companies you can learn about several of these companies).

Let's see together in this review if Topstep is the funding company that best suits your needs.

Account types

Topstep offers three different account types you can apply for: $50,000, $100,000, and $150,000. The monthly fee will vary depending on the account you choose. The good news is that they often offer promotions that make these fees much more affordable (sometimes with discounts of 50% or even more).

Once you reach your goal, you'll stop paying the monthly fee, and the first $5,000 you withdraw will be entirely yours. After withdrawing your first $5,000, you'll need to share your profits with the company at a 90/10 ratio (in other words, the company will keep 10% of your trading earnings).   

Rules and conditions for operating with Topstep

Daily loss limits

One of the most important rules at Topstep is the daily loss limit. This means you cannot lose more than a specific amount in a single day. If you reach this limit, your account will be temporarily blocked. This is a way to protect your capital and encourage proper risk management.

Trailing drawdown

The trailing drawdown is another key condition. This limit adjusts as your profits increase. For example, if your account has a trailing drawdown of $1,000 and you make $500, your new loss limit will be $1,500. This forces you to maintain consistency in your trading and prevents you from losing all your profits in one fell swoop.

During the Topstep the trailing drawdown is calculated at the end of the day, which is a significant advantage. Not having to worry about the trailing drawdown in real time is a huge help, particularly if you've had a day where a trade moved strongly in your favor and you didn't manage to close it in time.

Consistency rule

The consistency rule is crucial for demonstrating that you can maintain stable performance. It's not just about making a lot of money in a single day, but about being consistent in your trading. This rule ensures that you're not taking unnecessary risks and that you can maintain solid performance over time.

Following these rules not only helps you keep your account in good condition, but also prepares you to be a disciplined and successful trader.

Available platforms

The range of platforms used to be interesting. Now they only let you trade with their own platform, which is ridiculous. It's not that the platform is bad... but why do I have to use a platform I don't know and don't usually use in my trading?

All other companies offer different platform options.

This only benefits the company, not you.

Does it operate during news (yes/no)

Not all funded trading platforms allow trading during news events. Topstep has allowed it for some time (although you should be aware that it might not be the best strategy due to the volatility you'll encounter during news periods). But don't worry too much about it. Here's the news calendar I usually use ; pay attention to the news items marked in red and avoid trading during them, even though you won't be penalized.

Topstep user reviews

Many users highlight that Topstep has allowed them to access capital without risking their own money. This is a huge relief for those starting out in the world of trading. Furthermore, the company offers educational tools that help improve traders' skills (I think this is their most interesting feature right now… but you need to be fluent in English to take full advantage of it).

✅ The best of Topstep according to traders

• Solid reputation and reliable payments: Topstep is considered one of the most reliable funding firms, with a track record of more than a decade and a reputation for consistent payments.
• Competitive payout structure: Traders can keep 100% of their first $10,000 in profits and then 90% thereafter, which exceeds the industry standard.
• Clear risk management rules: Implementing daily and maximum loss limits helps traders develop discipline and avoid significant losses.

⚠️ The worst things about Topstep according to traders

• Strict consistency rules: To complete the evaluation, the best profit day cannot represent more than 50% of total profits, which may be a challenge for some traders.
• Mandatory transition to live account: Once Topstep determines that a trader is ready, the transition to a live account is mandatory, with no option to remain in the simulated funded account.
• Additional fees and commissions: Traders should consider monthly evaluation fees, activation fees, and potential market data charges, which may increase total costs.
• Limitations on initial withdrawals: To request a withdrawal, traders must meet certain requirements, such as having at least five days of profits of $200 or more, which may delay access to profits.
• Limited customer support: Some users have reported that customer support can be slow or limited, especially during weekends.
• Only one option in trading platforms: You can only trade with the company's platform, which makes no sense and only benefits the company (besides, it often has glitches and outages).
• Extra payments after passing the assessment: The company charges approximately $150 USD extra for account activation upon passing the assessment (in addition to other costs that are sometimes hidden).

FUNDING COMPANIES YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT (AND SHOULD)

Conclusions about Topstep

In summary, Topstep stands out as one of the most important (or well-known) funding companies in the trading world. But…

I used to recommend it, but I don't anymore.

I don't like being forced to use the company's platform; I also don't like that there are extra payments when you pass the evaluation (payments we knew nothing about beforehand).

Topstep was one of the first funding companies; it was a hard option to ignore. Today, it makes no sense to choose it; there are much better options. It's a shame the way this company has turned.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Norberto Viale( Trader and founder of Topstep Experience )

My name is Norberto. I've been investing and trading for over a decade. I'm also the author of the Topstep Experience trading course. If you want to learn how to invest and have any questions, feel free to contact me.

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