TopStep, legally known as Topstep LLC, is a leading proprietary trading firm founded in July 2012 by Michael Patak. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, TopStep has established itself as a prominent player in the futures trading industry. The firm is dedicated to helping traders develop stronger skills, healthier habits, and providing unmatched community support.
At the core of TopStep’s offerings is the Trading Combine®, a unique evaluation program that allows traders to demonstrate their skills in a simulated environment before trading with real capital. The Trading Combine is available in three account sizes to suit different trading goals. The $50,000 buying power account costs $49 per month, with a profit target of $3,000, a maximum position size of 5 contracts, and a maximum loss limit of $2,000. The $100,000 buying power account is priced at $99 per month, with a profit target of $6,000, a maximum position size of 10 contracts, and a maximum loss limit of $3,000. The $150,000 buying power account costs $149 per month, with a profit target of $9,000, a maximum position size of 15 contracts, and a maximum loss limit of $4,500.
TopStep boasts impressive statistics, including over $16 million in trader payouts since 2020, more than 9,000 funded accounts in October alone, and an average payout processing time of just 7 hours. The program is designed to help traders build better skills, discipline, and habits. Successful traders can unlock a Funded Account® in as little as two days and are eligible to receive payouts up to four times a month.
Traders at TopStep benefit from various resources, such as the Prep–Trade–Reflect™ methodology, free coaching options, a supportive Facebook community, personalized stats and tips from Coach T™, and access to a Discord chatroom. The firm also offers a comprehensive educational platform through TopstepTV™, which features live trading sessions, market discussions, and expert advice.
The Trading Combine emphasizes key objectives to guide traders, including profit targets, consistency targets, and daily loss limits. TopStep’s approach to the Maximum Loss Limit (MLL) is notable, as it is based on end-of-day balances rather than intraday high-water marks, providing traders with more flexibility and room to trade.
TopStep supports trading on multiple platforms, including NinjaTrader and Quantower, with seamless compatibility and competitive commission rates. The firm also offers exclusive benefits to funded traders, such as the ability to earn and take payouts from up to three Express Funded Accounts, a simple payout policy, fast payout processing, and a Funded Trader Certificate to celebrate their achievements.
TopStep’s commitment to trader development is further highlighted by their patented coaching routine, digital coaching with Coach T™, and the TraderIQ™ performance analysis tool. These resources help traders build sustainable habits, follow personalized trading plans, receive alerts for major events, and continuously improve their performance through detailed feedback and analysis.
TopStep’s innovative approach, extensive support network, and dedication to trader success make it a standout firm in the futures trading industry, providing traders with the tools and opportunities they need to achieve their trading goals.
