TopStep Review: All Pros and Cons of the Prop Firm

Last updated on March 20, 2025 Reading time: 14 Min.

Written by: Andre Witzel

Fact checked by: Johannes Striegel

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How we make money

12345

4.8

Rating by Witzel Trading

User’s Rating

12345

4.4

5 Positive 0 Negative

TopStepTrader Ratings:

Profit Share

5 / 5

Platforms

4 / 5

Support

5 / 5

Tools

5 / 5

Trust Score

90 / 100

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WR Trading has evaluated online trading platforms for over 12 years, earning respect in the industry. We gather extensive data points annually and publish meticulously researched reviews. Our thorough testing process analyzes critical aspects such as usability, fees, customer service, and trading features. We aim to provide unbiased, data-driven assessments to help traders make informed decisions. Learn more about our rigorous testing methodology and why traders worldwide trust our evaluations. Read our review methodolgy.

Facts about the prop trading firm

Free Trial: No

Costs: Monthly fee varies by account size, starting from $165 to $375

Challenge: Trading Combine account sizes range from $50,000 to $150,000

Minimum Trading Days: 2 days

Drawdown: $2,000 below the account balance high

Profit Share: 90%

Minimum Balance: $50,000

Instant Funding: Yes

Withdrawals: Traders can request a payout of up to 50% of their account balance after accumulating five winning trading days per payout request.

Payment methods: Credit/debit cards and PayPal

Trading Instruments: Futures

Platforms: TopstepX, NinjaTrader, Quantower, and more

Support: Discord, Phone number - (888) 407-1611, Help center, Live chat, Email (support@topstep.com)

TopStepTrader Pros And Cons list:

• Access to professional capital
• Comprehensive educational resources
• High leverage amount
• High-profit split (up to 100% initially)
• Multiple trading platforms supported
• Transparent and reputable firm
• Responsive customer support
• Personal trading coach available
• Promo codes and discounts available
• User-friendly proprietary trading platform - TopStepX

• Monthly evaluation fees
• Strict risk management rules
• Not regulated
• Limited instant funding options
• Additional fees for evaluation resets
• Payout processing time can be up to 10 business days
• Traders responsible for their own taxes
• High-pressure environment during evaluation
• Limited customer support on weekends
• Limited educational resources for advanced traders

Visit website Warning: Your Capital is at Risk!

We evaluated TopStep, a futures proprietary trading firm founded in 2012 that allows traders to access its capital through a structured evaluation process. Our review covers the pros and cons of using TopStep, providing you with a clear understanding of its offerings and whether it suits your trading needs.

Summary of Our Expert:

Andre Witzel

Trader & Editor-in-Chief

My review of TopStep revealed several key points. I found that TopStep is a legitimate and reputable firm, earning 4.6 stars on Trustpilot. The evaluation process is straightforward and offers three account sizes: $50k, $100k, and $150k. The 90% profit split is one of the best in the industry, and I get to keep 100% of the profits up to $10,000. Overall, TopStep is a solid choice for traders like me who are looking to prove their skills and trade with significant capital.

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5 TopStep Customer Reviews And Ratings

Customer reviews are crucial for gaining a comprehensive view of the services offered. All user reviews are published according to our Review Guidelines.

At the moment we have 5 reviews from Traders about TopStepTrader. Of the reviews, 100% are positive and 0% negative. On a star scale of 1 to 5, this results in an average rating of 4.4, which can be classified as positive.

All (5) Positive (5) Negative (0) Give your rating

User review

12345

5

 

Profit Share

5

Platforms

5

Support

5

Tools

5

Samo D. 20.08.2024

Topstep Trader is hands down the best platform I've used. The process is straightforward, and the rules are clear, which helps you stay disciplined. The support team is awesoome, always there when you need help or have questions. I also love how they let you prove yourself and then give you a real shot with funding. Honestly, if you're serious about trading and want to level up, Topstep is where it's at. Can't recommend it enough. On a side note, the targets can be a little difficult to hit

User review

12345

5

 

Profit Share

5

Platforms

5

Support

5

Tools

5

Philips T 08.08.2024

They've got real live trading that shows the different strategies that they use for trading. It looks pretty good for both experienced and new traders. They have simple policies and payout rules too and they let you automatically lock out your account once u met the tragets set.

User review

12341

4

 

Profit Share

4

Platforms

4

Support

4

Tools

4

Emma J. 06.08.2024

TopStep has been a good choice for me. Their fair evaluation program gives traders a real chance to get funded. The platform is easy to use, and they have some cool tools. Their customer support is great. They reply fast and are super helpful. The community of traders is also awesome and full of great advice. Not sure how their profit sharing or payout process compared to other prop firms .-.

User review

12312

3

 

Profit Share

4

Platforms

3

Support

2

Tools

3

Aaron Chew 29.07.2024

A great platform to consider but I'm giving a lower rating as their support didn't seem to reply /didn't reply at all for my queries. The biggest thing I liked about Topstep is the daily loss limit so when I get frustrated I at least have 3 days to screw up. Other platforms that use rithmic or something else lets us set our daily loss limit but most of us would just choose to change that limit when we are losing lol

User review

12345

4.8

 

Profit Share

5

Platforms

5

Support

5

Tools

4

Gabor Underwood 28.07.2024

This is the best prop firm by far. Their support was amazing and could resolve any tech issues you have pretty quickly. I reached out to them on their chatbot as got answers from an actual human support within minutes. Been using them for the past few months and I'm glad I found them after trying out 3 other prop firms. Their new TopstepX is pretty awesome and I use them much more than Trading View now. Have to say their platform is pretty intuitive and updates are regular. Don't really have much cons that I can point out at the moment. As far as prop firms go, they're on top.

What Is TopStep?

TopStep is a proprietary trading firm founded in 2012. The firm’s business model allows traders to qualify for funded trading accounts by passing an evaluation process. This evaluation consists of simulated trading stages where traders must demonstrate their trading and risk management skills. 

Once traders pass the evaluation, they receive access to TopStep’s capital to trade in real markets, keeping a percentage of the profits they generate. This model offers a unique opportunity for traders to trade professionally without risking their own money. TopStep aims to support traders in their journey to becoming consistently profitable.

Is TopStep Legal?

TopStep is a legitimate proprietary trading firm, although it is not regulated by financial authorities since it is not a broker. Despite the lack of formal regulation, TopStep operates transparently and maintains high standards of fairness and integrity. There are no laws or regulations that prevent prop trading firms from operating.

The firm has gained numerous positive reviews on Trustpilot 4.6 stars from over 3,100 reviews, reflecting its strong reputation within the trading community. Traders can feel confident in the safety and credibility of TopStep, supported by its proven track record and community endorsements.

Prop Trading Account Types With TopStep

TopStep offers three different Trading Combine challenge types with different goals, loss limits, and maximum contracts. Here’s an overview of the available accounts:

The Challenge and Costs on TopStep Explained

TopStep’s evaluation process, known as the Trading Combine, is a two-step challenge designed to assess traders’ skills and discipline before granting them access to funded accounts.

The Challenge Process

Step 1: Trading Combine

Traders begin by trading in a simulated environment where they must achieve specific profit targets and stick to trading rules. These rules include not exceeding the daily loss limit and maintaining the trailing drawdown. The goal is to demonstrate consistent profitability and disciplined risk management over a set period.

Step 2: Funded Account

Once traders pass the Trading Combine, they move to a funded account where they trade with real capital provided by TopStep. Traders keep 90% of the profits they generate, with the remaining 10% going to TopStep. The same risk management rules apply to the funded account to ensure responsible trading.

Costs

The Trading Combine has monthly fees that vary depending on the initial capital amount chosen:

• $165 per month for the $50,000 account
• $325 per month for the $100,000 account
• $375 per month for the $150,000 account

These fees are recurring until the trader successfully completes the evaluation process.

Win Your TopStep Challenge With WR Trading

The TopStep challenge involves passing a rigorous two-step evaluation focused on profitability and risk management. WR Trading’s course is designed to help you navigate these challenges successfully. Emphasizing high-risk reward strategies, scalping, and 1-minute chart trading, the course prepares you for TopStep’s demanding evaluation process. 

Personal coaching from Andre Witzel, with over a decade of trading experience, provides you with customized guidance and support. Additionally, you’ll be part of an exclusive group where your trades are analyzed, and you receive continuous development and support through webinars and direct interaction with Andre and other professional traders.

Promo Codes for Rebates

During our review, we discovered that TopStep occasionally offers promo codes and rebates to make their evaluation process more affordable. These promotions can significantly reduce the cost of the Trading Combine fees, providing additional value for traders.

Finding Promo Codes:

• Promo codes are available during special events, holidays, or promotional periods. They can be found on TopStep’s official website, social media channels, and through their email newsletters.
• Affiliate websites also promote codes that you can apply to your challenge. 

Using Promo Codes:

To apply a promo code, simply enter it during the checkout process on TopStep’s website. The discount will be applied to your total evaluation fee.

Benefits of Promo Codes:

Promo codes can lower the barrier to entry for new traders, making the evaluation process more accessible. They provide an opportunity to save on recurring monthly fees, especially for those who may need multiple attempts to pass the Trading Combine.

Payouts on TopStep

TopStep has a highly favorable payout policy designed to reward disciplined traders. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how payouts work:

Payout Policy:

TopStep allows traders to take weekly payouts, which is one of the best policies in the industry. Traders have access to 100% of their profits after accumulating 30 winning trading days. Traders can request a payout of up to 50% of their account balance after accumulating five winning trading days per payout request. A winning trading day is counted when a day’s Net PNL is $200 or more.

How to Request a Payout:

• Traders can submit a payout request through the form in TopStep’s app.
• Payouts are processed daily, but it may take up to 10 business days to receive the funds.
• Upon approval and submission of all necessary forms (ACH/Wire/SWIFT info & KYC documents), TopStep will remove the funds from the trader’s account and start the process of sending the funds.

Profit Split:

Traders receive 100% of the profits up to the first $10,000. After accumulating $10,000 in payouts, the profit split becomes 90/10, with traders receiving 90% of subsequent profits and TopStep retaining 10%.

Trading Platforms

TopStep supports a variety of trading software. Here’s our review of the main platforms recommended by TopStep:

TopStepX

TopStepX is a proprietary platform developed exclusively for TopStep users. During our evaluation, we found it to be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. The platform offers advanced charting capabilities, real-time data, and risk management tools. 

These features make it suitable for both novice and experienced traders. The seamless integration with TopStep’s evaluation process enhances the overall trading experience, providing a cohesive and efficient trading environment.

NinjaTrader

NinjaTrader is another highly recommended platform by TopStep. Known for its advanced charting and technical analysis tools, NinjaTrader excels in providing comprehensive backtesting capabilities and customizable indicators. 

Our testing showed that it supports automated trading strategies, which is a significant advantage for traders who rely on algorithmic trading. The platform’s features and highly customizable interface make it a preferred choice for traders looking for an in-depth analysis and flexible trading environment.

Quantower

Quantower stands out as a versatile and powerful trading platform. It supports multiple markets and offers advanced analytics, charting, and trading tools. During our review, we noted that Quantower’s interface is highly customizable, allowing traders to tailor their workspace to their specific needs. The platform’s integration with various data feeds and brokers provides a flexible and comprehensive trading solution, making it ideal for traders who need a wide range of tools and features.

Other Supported Platforms:

• Tradovate
• CQG
• Dorman
• TradingView
• CQC
• T4
• CTS
• Plus500
• R|Trader Pro
• Rithmic
• NinjaTrader Brokerage
• ATAS OrderFlow Trading
• MotiveWave
• VolFix
• Bookmap
• Investor/RT
• Jigsaw Daytradr
• MultiCharts
• Sierra Chart
• Trade Navigator

Which Broker Is Used by TopStep?

TopStep is partnered with multiple brokers to allow its traders to use the most advanced platforms. Currently, the prop firm works with Plus500, Dorman, CQC, and NinjaTrader Brokerage to provide liquidity.

Taxes on TopStep

Traders using TopStep are responsible for managing their own taxes, as TopStep does not withhold any taxes on their behalf. Profits earned through trading with TopStep are treated as business income, not capital gains. This distinction is important because business income is typically subject to different tax rates and reporting requirements compared to capital gains. Traders must ensure they keep detailed records of their trading activities, including profits, losses, and any associated expenses, to accurately report their income to tax authorities.

Support and Education

TopStep places a strong emphasis on providing comprehensive support and educational resources for its traders. Here’s what we found during our review:

Support

TopStep offers multiple channels for customer support, ensuring that traders can get assistance when needed. The support team is accessible via:

• Discord: TopStep also maintains a Discord community where traders can interact, share experiences, and seek peer support. The Discord server fosters a sense of community and provides additional support resources from fellow traders.
• Email: For non-urgent queries or detailed support requests, traders can email support@topstep.com.
• Phone number: Traders can reach TopStep’s support team directly at +1 (888) 407-1611 for immediate assistance.
• Help center: The Help Center on TopStep’s website offers a comprehensive database of articles, FAQs, and tutorials. It’s a valuable resource for traders to find answers to common questions and learn more about the platform and trading strategies.
• Live chat: Available on their website, live chat provides real-time assistance for quick questions and immediate help.

Educational Resources

TopStep is committed to helping traders improve their skills and knowledge. The firm offers a variety of educational resources, including:

• Podcasts: Regular podcasts hosted by experienced traders cover a wide range of topics, from market analysis to trading strategies.
• Blog: The TopStep blog features articles on trading tips, market insights, and updates on the trading industry.
• Video Tutorials: A comprehensive library of video tutorials helps traders understand the platform, tools, and trading concepts.

TopStep Coach:

One unique feature of TopStep’s educational offering is the availability of a personal trading coach. Traders can work with a coach to get personalized feedback and guidance, helping them refine their strategies and improve their trading performance. Traders can participate in group coaching every Monday – Thursday from 12-1 PM CT.

Alternatives

If you’re considering other proprietary trading firms similar to TopStep, here are four alternatives that also offer opportunities to trade with professional capital. We tested these platforms to provide you with a comprehensive review:

The Trading Pit

The Trading Pit provides traders with access to significant capital after successfully passing an evaluation process. Their evaluation is structured around strict risk management rules and performance metrics. The Trading Pit has a two-step evaluation process similar to TopStep. Traders must demonstrate consistent profitability and adherence to risk parameters to qualify for funding. 

They offer various account sizes starting from $10,000 up to $100,000, and traders can keep over 50% of their profits. Monthly evaluation fees range from $99 to $999, depending on the account size.

Additionally, The Trading Pit is known for its transparent operations and supportive community. Their customer service is responsive, and they offer numerous educational resources. This supportive environment helps traders enhance their skills and grow their trading careers. The firm’s commitment to transparency and trader support makes it a strong alternative to TopStep.

Apex Trader Funding

Apex Trader Funding offers a straightforward evaluation process where traders can qualify for funded accounts quickly. Apex Trader Funding allows traders to choose their preferred evaluation criteria, offering flexibility in terms of profit targets and drawdown limits. They provide accounts ranging from $50,000 to $300,000 with a 90% profit split, which is quite competitive. 

They also offer frequent discounts and promotions, which make the evaluation process more accessible. This flexibility, combined with their competitive fees and profit split, makes Apex Trader Funding a compelling alternative for traders looking to prove their skills and access significant trading capital.

5%ers

The 5%ers focus on forex indices, commodities, and cryptocurrency markets, offering a unique growth program where traders can scale their accounts based on performance. The evaluation process requires traders to achieve specific profit targets without violating drawdown limits. 

Initial funding ranges from $5,000 to $100,000, with the potential to scale up as traders demonstrate consistent profitability. The profit split starts at 80%, which can increase as traders scale their accounts.

Leeloo Trading

Leeloo Trading offers traders the opportunity to earn funded accounts by passing their evaluation process. The evaluation process is straightforward, with clear profit targets and drawdown limits. Leeloo Trading provides account sizes ranging from $25,000 to $300,000 and offers an 80% profit split to traders. 

Leeloo Trading is known for its trader-friendly policies, including lenient rules compared to other firms. They offer lower profit targets and more forgiving drawdown limits, making it easier for traders to pass the evaluation. Additionally, Leeloo Trading provides a supportive community and access to educational resources, helping traders to succeed. 

Conclusion

TopStep provides a reliable platform for traders to access professional capital without risking their own money. The firm’s structured evaluation process, competitive profit splits, and support resources make it an attractive choice. 

While the evaluation fees and strict rules can be challenging, the opportunity to trade with significant capital and keep up to 100% of initial profits up to $10,000 stands out. TopStep’s transparency, favorable payout policy, and variety of trading platforms ensure a comprehensive and supportive trading environment.

Frequently Asked Questions on TopStep:

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Andre Witzel

Expert of WR Trading

Trader and Founder

Andre Witzel is a trader and the founder of WR Trading. He started trading in 2015 next to his bachelor degree in economics. He is specialized on day trading and scalping the S&P500 Index. With high risk reward ratios he developed a strategic approach to beat the market and find the right directions.