Topstep 150K Combine Guide: Rules And Strategy | PropFirmDiscountApp
Quick Answer: The Topstep 150K Combine is a solid option for US traders looking to get funded with a $150,000 account. Key rules: $3,000 daily loss limit, $6,000 total loss, and $6,000 profit target with at least 5 winning days. It's a straightforward evaluation that rewards discipline.
Understanding the Topstep 150K Combine Rules
The Combine has clear rules. You must hit a profit target of $6,000 while keeping losses under $3,000 per day and $6,000 total. You need at least 5 trading days with a positive P&L. No trading during high-impact news events is allowed. Topstep enforces strict risk controls. If you exceed the daily loss limit, your Combine is over. That's a good deal because it forces you to manage risk from day one.
Strategy for Passing the Combine
Use a small position size. Risk no more than 0.5% per trade. Aim for 10 to 15 points per day in ES futures. Focus on consistency, not big wins. Avoid revenge trading after a loss. Many traders fail because they try to hit the $6,000 target too fast. Slow and steady wins here. Stick to your plan and treat the Combine like a real funded account.
Topstep vs Other Prop Firms for US Traders
Topstep is one of the best for US traders. It offers a straightforward evaluation and clear rules. FTMO and Apex also accept US traders, but Topstep's daily loss limit is stricter. FundedNext has a lower profit target but higher fees. True Forex Funds and The5ers allow more flexibility. E8 Markets is newer. Below is a comparison of key features.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are five tips to stay on track. First, never trade during news releases. Second, always set a stop loss. Third, respect the $3,000 daily loss limit—if you're down $2,500, stop trading. Fourth, don't overtrade; quality over quantity. Fifth, treat the Combine as a real account. These mistakes cost traders their shot at funding.
Is the Topstep 150K Combine Worth It?
Yes, it's worth it if you have a solid trading plan. The $190 fee is reasonable. The profit split starts at 80% and goes to 90% after scaling. Payouts are smooth and fast. Topstep is transparent about rules. It's a good deal for US traders who want a funded account without risking personal capital. Just be disciplined.
Cost Breakdown and the True Economics of a 150K Combine
While the headline price for a Topstep 150K Combine is $375 for a one-step evaluation, most traders overlook the incremental costs of success. The Combine requires a $6,000 profit target with a $4,500 maximum trailing drawdown (3% of account) and a $3,000 daily loss limit (2%). If you pass, you must pay a one-time $149 activation fee to convert to a funded account. However, the real cost is in resets. Topstep allows unlimited Combine resets at $75 per attempt, which is a steep discount versus the initial fee. Assuming an average trader takes three resets before passing, the total capital outlay becomes $375 + (2 x $75) + $149 = $674. Compare this to a direct funded account purchase, which is not offered—Topstep only sells the Combine. Your break-even point is just $674 in trading profits, meaning a single 1.1% winning day on the 150K account covers all your sunk costs. Most traders fail to budget for the activation fee, which must be paid before your first payout, so plan your cash reserves accordingly.
Topstep 150K vs. 50K: Which Combine Actually Pays Better?
A common question from traders is whether the 150K Combine is worth double the price of the 50K Combine ($225). The math favors the smaller account for consistency. The 50K requires a $2,000 profit target with a $1,500 trailing drawdown (3%) and a $1,000 daily loss limit. On the 150K, the profit target is $6,000, but the daily loss limit is only 2% ($3,000), which is proportionally tighter than the 50K's 2% ($1,000) but identical in percentage. However, the payout structure is where the 150K shines. Topstep pays 80% of profits up to $12,000, then 90% beyond that. On a 150K account, a $10,000 profitable month nets you $8,000 after the split. On a 50K, the same $10,000 month nets $8,000 as well—no difference. The real edge is in scaling: the 150K allows you to trade up to 10 contracts on the E-mini S&P 500, versus 5 contracts on the 50K. If you are a swing trader who holds overnight, the 150K's larger buffer against gap risk (a $4,500 drawdown vs. $1,500) is the only reason to pay the premium. For day traders, the 50K offers a faster path to payout with lower risk per trade.
Cost Breakdown and Payout Mechanics: What You Actually Keep
While the headline price for the Topstep 150K Combine is $375 per month (or $325 if you prepay for 3 months), the real cost often comes from resets. If you violate the daily loss limit of $4,500 (or the trailing max drawdown of $6,000 from your starting balance), you’ll need to pay a reset fee—typically $375 again, unless you purchased the "Reset Day" add-on for $50, which lets you restart the same day once. Once you pass the Combine (target profit: $6,000, i.e., 4% on the 150K account), you move to the $150K Express Funded Account for a one-time $149 activation fee. Payouts are processed via ACH or crypto (BTC/USDC) with a 5-day minimum holding period after your first trade. Topstep takes a 10% performance fee on profits, but you can withdraw 100% of your earnings after that fee—there’s no scaling penalty for early withdrawals, though you must maintain a $3,000 buffer above the trailing drawdown to stay active.
Topstep vs. FundedNext 150K: Which Rules Actually Hurt More?
Traders often ask how Topstep compares to rivals like FundedNext on the same nominal $150K account. The key difference is the drawdown structure. Topstep uses a static daily loss limit of $4,500 (3% of 150K) and a trailing max drawdown of $6,000 (4%) that moves with your equity—so if you hit $156,000, your floor rises to $150,000. FundedNext, by contrast, offers a static 10% max drawdown ($15,000) on their 150K Stellar account, but their daily loss limit is 5% ($7,500), which is more forgiving intraday. However, FundedNext requires a 10% profit target ($15,000) to pass, versus Topstep’s $6,000. The trade-off is clear: Topstep is easier to pass but stricter on daily risk; FundedNext gives more room but demands double the profit. Also, FundedNext pays 80% profit split (no fee) while Topstep charges 10%—so on a $10,000 payout, Topstep nets you $9,000, FundedNext $8,000. Choose based on your drawdown tolerance, not just the account size.
Key Numbers Compared
| Firm | Evaluation Fee | Profit Target | Max Loss | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topstep 150K | $190 | $6,000 | $6,000 | 80% (up to 90%) |
| FTMO 100K | $540 | $10,000 | $5,000 | 80% (up to 90%) |
| Apex 150K | $77 | $6,000 | $6,000 | 75% (up to 90%) |
| FundedNext 150K | $1,090 | $5,000 | $5,000 | 80% (up to 90%) |
| True Forex Funds 100K | $550 | $8,000 | $5,000 | 80% |
| The5ers 120K | $490 | $6,000 | $5,000 | 80% |
| E8 Markets 150K | $195 | $7,500 | $5,000 | 80% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trade news on Topstep?
No, Topstep prohibits trading during high-impact news events. You can check their news calendar for specific times.
What happens if I hit the daily loss limit?
Your Combine is terminated immediately. You must restart with a new evaluation if you exceed the daily loss limit.
How long does it take to get funded after passing?
Topstep typically funds you within 1 to 2 business days after passing the Combine and completing the verification process.
Can I use EAs or automated trading?
Yes, Topstep allows automated trading as long as it follows their risk rules and does not trade during news events.
What is the maximum drawdown in the funded account?
In the funded account, the maximum drawdown is $6,000 (4% of the $150,000 account). Daily loss limit remains $3,000.
Is It Worth It?
The Topstep 150K Combine is a solid path to funding for disciplined US traders. With clear rules, reasonable fees, and smooth payouts, it's worth the effort. Start with a demo account, then take the Combine when your strategy is proven. Good luck.
PropFirmDiscountApp · Cupons verificados diariamente · Ver ofertas de hoje