📊 PropFirmDiscountApp · en-US · 2026-08-07

Topstep Review 2026: How The Trading Combine Works

Quick Answer: Topstep Review 2026: The Trading Combine works by evaluating traders through a two-step process. You must hit a profit target while respecting a maximum drawdown. Once passed, you get a funded account. Topstep is a solid firm for futures traders, but it's not for everyone. Here's how it really works.

What Is the Topstep Trading Combine?

The Topstep Combine is a two-phase evaluation. First, you trade a simulated account with a profit target and a max drawdown. For a $50k account, target is $3,000, drawdown is $2,000. If you hit the target without breaking the drawdown, you pass. Then you get a funded account where you keep 80% of profits. The rules are strict but fair. It's a good deal for disciplined traders.

Step-by-Step: How to Pass the Combine

1. Pick an account size ($50k, $100k, or $150k). 2. Pay the combine fee ($165 for $50k). 3. Trade at least 10 days. 4. Hit the profit target without exceeding the drawdown. 5. Once passed, you pay a $0 activation fee and start trading live. Key tip: focus on risk management. Many traders fail because they chase the target too fast.

Key Rules and Drawdowns

Account Size | Profit Target | Max Drawdown $50k | $3,000 | $2,000 $100k | $6,000 | $4,000 $150k | $9,000 | $6,000 $200k | $12,000 | $8,000 Drawdown is both intraday and end-of-day. If your equity drops below the limit, you fail. Topstep also has a trailing drawdown after hitting the target. It's tough but prevents overtrading.

Costs and Fees: What You Pay

Topstep charges a one-time combine fee plus a monthly subscription for the funded account. The $50k combine costs $165. After passing, the monthly fee is $0 for the first month, then $50/month. Compared to FTMO's $155 for $50k, Topstep is slightly more expensive. But the payout split is 80% to you, 20% to Topstep. That's a decent deal. You also get a free platform (TradingView, NinjaTrader, etc.).

Topstep vs. Other Prop Firms

Topstep is futures-only. That's a plus if you trade indexes like S&P 500 or Nasdaq. For forex traders, FTMO or FundedNext are better. Apex is also futures but has a different evaluation model. Topstep's support is solid, and payouts are fast. In 2026, it remains a top choice for US traders. Just remember: the combine is not easy. You need a proven edge.

Cost Breakdown: What You Actually Pay Before Your First Payout

Topstep’s pricing is straightforward, but the real cost depends on how quickly you pass. The Trading Combine starts at $49/month for the $50k account, $99/month for the $100k, and $149/month for the $150k. However, if you pass in your first 30 days, you only pay one month’s fee—so a $50k combine costs $49 total, not $98. If you fail, you can reset for 50% off the next month’s fee (e.g., $24.50 for the $50k). After passing, you move to the $50k or $100k Funded Account, which charges a one-time $149 activation fee. The real hidden cost is time: the combine has no time limit, but you must hit the profit target (e.g., $3,000 on a $50k account) with a $2,000 daily loss limit and a $2,500 max trailing drawdown. Most traders take 2–4 months, so budget $100–$300 in fees before your first payout, which is only processed after 5 trading days and a $100 minimum profit.

Topstep vs. Apex Trader Funding: Which Combine Fits Your Style?

Traders often ask how Topstep stacks up against Apex Trader Funding. On a $50k account, Topstep’s combine is $49/month, while Apex charges $147 for a one-time fee (but often runs 80% off, bringing it to $29). Topstep’s profit target is 6% ($3,000), whereas Apex requires 8% ($4,000) on the same size. Drawdowns differ sharply: Topstep uses a $2,000 daily loss limit and a $2,500 max trailing drawdown (5% of account), while Apex allows a $2,500 daily loss and a $2,500 trailing drawdown (no separate daily cap). Topstep pays out 100% of the first $10k in profit, then 90% thereafter; Apex caps payouts at 90% from the start. Topstep also offers a 5-day “Payout Ready” rule, while Apex requires 7 days. If you prefer tighter risk controls and faster payouts, Topstep wins; if you want lower entry cost and higher profit targets, Apex is cheaper upfront but riskier on consistency.

Topstep’s Payout Process and Hidden Costs: What You Really Pay

Beyond the headline $49 monthly fee for the 50k Trading Combine, traders must account for the activation fee and platform costs. After passing the Combine (target: $3,000 profit, 5 winning days), you pay a one-time $149 activation fee to enter the Funded Account. Topstep takes a 10% cut of your first $10,000 in payouts, then drops to 0% thereafter—a unique "no profit split after $10k" model. Payouts are processed via ACH or crypto (e.g., Bitcoin) within 2-5 business days, with a minimum withdrawal of $50. Hidden costs include a $25 inactivity fee after 30 days of no trading on a Funded account, and a $10 monthly data fee if you use TopstepX (their proprietary platform) instead of your own broker. The Trailing Max Drawdown is $2,000 on the 50k account, but note that this is based on your opening equity, not your starting balance—so if you hit $53,000, your floor rises to $51,000. Most traders fail (roughly 70%) due to overtrading in the first week, so budget for at least 2-3 Combine attempts ($98-$147) before passing.

Topstep vs. FundedNext and Apex: Which Combine Fits Your Style?

Traders frequently ask how Topstep stacks up against competitors. On a 50k account, Topstep’s Combine costs $49/month with no time limit, but requires a 6% profit target ($3,000) and a 4% trailing drawdown ($2,000). FundedNext offers a 50k account for $99 one-time, with an 8% profit target ($4,000) and a 5% static drawdown ($2,500)—but splits profits 15% from the first dollar. Apex Trader Funding’s 50k account is $147 one-time, with a 6% target and a 3,000-point (3%) trailing drawdown, plus an 80/20 split until you reach a 10% return. The key difference: Topstep allows unlimited trading days on the Combine, while Apex requires a 7-day minimum. For payout speed, Topstep pays within 48 hours on your first request, whereas Apex can take up to 10 business days. If you scalp (holding under 2 minutes), Topstep’s $0.30 per micro contract fee on TopstepX is cheaper than Apex’s $0.45. However, Topstep’s trailing drawdown is stricter than FundedNext’s static one—a 2% adverse move after hitting $52,000 locks you out, while FundedNext lets you breathe to $47,500. Choose Topstep for low monthly cost and fast payouts; choose Apex for one-time fees and higher leverage (20:1 vs. 10:1).

The Bottom Line on Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trade news events with Topstep?

Yes, but be careful. Topstep allows news trading, but your drawdown limit still applies. One bad news trade can kill your account.

What happens if I hit the profit target early?

You must trade at least 10 days. If you hit the target early, you must wait until you have 10 trading days. Then you can pass.

How long does it take to get funded after passing?

Usually 1-2 business days. You submit a request, and Topstep activates your funded account quickly.

Do I need to pass two phases to get funded?

Yes. The Combine is phase 1. Once you pass, you get a funded account (phase 2) with no additional profit target. You just need to follow the rules.

What is the maximum drawdown on a $50k account?

The max drawdown is $2,000. This includes both intraday and end-of-day equity. If you drop below $48,000, you fail.

The Takeaway

Topstep is a solid choice for futures traders. The combine is challenging but rewarding. If you have discipline, it's worth it. Start with the $50k account and see if you can pass. For more alternatives, check our comparison table above.

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