Topstep

Evaluation Phases

• Topstep uses a two-step evaluation process: first the Trading Combine, which traders must pass to move into funded accounts.
• Once funded, traders enter into Express Funded Accounts and then Live Funded Accounts, each with its own rule set.
• There are no time limits imposed on the Combine stage – traders can take as long as needed to satisfy the targets.

Profit Targets

• The profit target is 6% of the challenge account.
• In funded accounts, there is no profit target requirement

Drawdown Rules

• Daily Maximum Loss is capped between 1.3% and 2% of the account, depending on the plan.
• Maximum Loss Limit: Topstep sets a dynamic maximum loss based on the highest end-of-day account balance. If the balance falls below that limit, the account is closed.

Strategy Rules

• Expert Advisors (EAs): Traders may use their own custom-built EAs, but third-party EAs or automated trading tools are banned. This ensures fair competition without reliance on external automation.
• Copy Trading: Trade copiers are allowed, making it possible to mirror trades across multiple accounts.
• News Trading: Trading during major news releases and high-volatility events is permitted, though traders should be cautious given the potential for sharp market swings.
• Weekend & Overnight Trading: Holding trades overnight or across weekends is prohibited. All positions must be closed by 3:10 PM Central Time (CT) each day. 
• VPN / VPS Usage: Trading must be done from a personal device. The use of VPNs, VPS or remote servers is strictly prohibited. Any attempt to bypass this rule is considered a violation of Topstep’s Terms of Service.
• Martingale & Arbitrage: High-risk strategies such as Martingale (opening multiple positions in drawdown) or arbitrage (exploiting data delays and inefficiencies) are not permitted. Any attempt to manipulate market mechanics or platform delays will be flagged as a breach.
• Hedging: Hedging is not allowed in any form, whether on a single account, across multiple accounts, or between accounts connected to different Topstep entities. Opposite positions or trades designed to manipulate results are strictly forbidden.

Profit Split

Traders keep 100% of profits up to the first $10,000. After that, profits are shared 90/10 (90% to the trader, 10% to Topstep).

Payout Frequency 

• To request a payout, traders must have achieved five winning trading days in their funded account (Express stage) with net profits of $200+ per day
• Payouts are processed daily, meaning once you qualify, the withdrawal is not locked to a fixed schedule.

Scaling Plan

• The Scaling Plan only explicitly applies to Express funded accounts: as your equity grows or falls, your contract (lot) limits / buying power adjust daily based on your end-of-day P&L.
• You must wait until the next trading session for any increase in allowed contract size, even if your balance crosses a threshold during the day.
• If you accidentally exceed the allowed contract limit, you have 10 seconds to correct it; if corrected quickly, no penalty.