- Topstep is a futures-only prop firm, founded in 2012 (14 years operating)
- Monthly subscription Trading Combine ($49–$149/mo)
- After passing, the funded account pays 100% on the first $5K, then 90%
- Trades CME futures (ES, NQ, CL, GC, MES, MNQ)
Topstep is the oldest pure-futures prop firm and the one US traders typically join first. The Chicago-based operator has been running since 2012 and uses a monthly subscription Combine instead of a one-time evaluation fee. In practice, the subscription model rewards traders who can pass within a single billing cycle and punishes the ones who keep paying month after month without progress.
Account Sizes
| Size | Monthly | Target | Max Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $49 | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| $100K | $99 | $6,000 | $3,000 |
| $150K | $149 | $9,000 | $4,500 |
The $50K plan is the standard starting point. Going larger before you have proven a strategy mostly just inflates the monthly fee.
Step-by-step
- Sign up at topstep.com with your legal name
- Choose an account size — start with $50K unless you have a reason to go bigger
- Trade on NinjaTrader, Tradovate, or TradingView
- Pass the Trading Combine: hit the profit target plus minimum days and no drawdown breach
- Receive your Funded Account (Express simulated account first, then a Live Funded path)
Why Topstep
- Fourteen years of operating history
- The industry standard for US futures
- Live Funded Account option gives real market exposure once you have shown sustained performance
→ Or for FX/CFD: FTMO official or The5%ers (coupon “HZZS4”)