Topstep Evaluation 2026: Rules, Pass Rates, and Trader Experience
The Topstep Evaluation 2026 runs a single-phase Trading Combine that rewards consistent risk control over multiple evaluation stages. Traders pick a simulated account size, pay a monthly fee, and aim for the profit target without breaching the trailing max loss or daily loss limits. This format removes the calendar pressure found at multi-step firms while still testing discipline under live-market conditions.
For the complete rule set, payout schedule, and platform updates, see the full Topstep review on Lune.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Phases | 1-step |
| Profit Targets | $3,000 (50K), $6,000 (100K), $9,000 (150K) |
| Max Drawdown | Trailing EOD: $2,000 / $3,000 / $4,500 |
| Daily Loss Limit | $1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000 |
| Min Trading Days | None required |
| Time Limit | None |
| Starting Price | $49-$149/month + $149 activation (or no-fee plans at higher monthly cost) |
Topstep reported more than 81,000 payouts in 2024 with a 99.26 percent approval rate and average processing time of nine seconds.[1] Estimated pass rates sit between 15 and 20 percent, helped by the single-rule structure.[7] In our analysis of 2026 data, the $100,000 Standard Path delivered the best account-size-to-price ratio at roughly $1,010 of buying power per dollar spent monthly.
Traders who pass move to an Express Funded Account with a 90 percent profit split and weekly payouts. Topstep also provides education resources and a reactivation path called Back2Funded. Many prop firm traders connect their accounts to Lune risk management tools to enforce daily and trailing limits automatically during the evaluation.
Challenge Phases and Structure in 2026
Topstep uses a one-step evaluation model called the Trading Combine. Traders move through sign-up, evaluation, and funded stages with straightforward rules that differ from multi-phase firms.
Here is the step-by-step flow:
- Sign-up: Choose a $50,000, $100,000, or $150,000 simulated account. Monthly fees range from $49 to $209 depending on size and activation option. No minimum trading days apply.
- Trading Combine (evaluation): Reach the profit target while staying above the end-of-day trailing max loss. The $50K account requires a $3,000 profit target with a $2,000 trailing drawdown. Pass rates remain 15-20 percent.
- Express Funded Account: After passing, trade a simulated funded account with similar risk limits and weekly payout eligibility at up to 90 percent profit split.
- Live Funded Account: Scale to real-market trading with up to $150,000 in capital. Only about 0.71 percent of Express Funded traders reach this stage.
The main changes between phases involve payout access and market exposure. Evaluation focuses on rule compliance with no real capital at risk. Express Funded adds payout eligibility while keeping simulated conditions. Live Funded introduces actual market execution.
Topstep has paid more than $1.4 billion to traders overall. For side-by-side rule comparisons across 47 firms, review Lune's prop firm directory.
Profit Targets and Requirements by Account Size
Topstep structures its Trading Combine evaluations around three account sizes. Each size sets a clear profit target while enforcing daily loss and trailing max loss limits. Traders must reach the profit target without breaching those risk rules.
Profit Targets
The profit targets scale directly with account size. A $50,000 account requires a $3,000 profit. The $100,000 account doubles that target to $6,000. The $150,000 account sets a $9,000 target. Daily loss limits follow the same ratio: $1,000 on the 50K plan, $2,000 on the 100K plan, and $3,000 on the 150K plan. Max loss limits trail account equity and equal $2,000, $3,000, and $4,500 respectively.
| Account Size | Profit Target | Daily Loss Limit | Max Loss (Trailing) | Activation Fee | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $149 | $49 |
| $100,000 | $6,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $149 | $99 |
| $150,000 | $9,000 | $3,000 | $4,500 | $149 | $149 |
| $50,000 (No Fee) | $3,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 | None | $109 |
| $100,000 (No Fee) | $6,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | None | $159 |
| $150,000 (No Fee) | $9,000 | $3,000 | $4,500 | None | $209 |
Time Limits and Minimum Trading Days
Topstep sets no minimum trading days and imposes no maximum time limit on the evaluation. You may trade as long as needed to reach the profit target while respecting the loss rules. The main consistency requirement is that your best trading day cannot exceed 50 percent of the profit target. All other rules focus on staying above the trailing max loss at the end of each day.
Lune's prop firm comparison tool tracks these exact parameters across 47 firms and updates them automatically when rules change.
Topstep Challenge Cost and Account Options
Topstep structures its evaluations as monthly subscriptions to simulated accounts. You pay a recurring fee based on account size plus an activation fee in most cases. All plans follow the same one-step format with profit targets scaled to the account.
| Account Size | Monthly Price | Activation Fee | Profit Target | Daily Loss Limit | Max Trailing Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49 | $149 | $3,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| $100,000 | $99 | $149 | $6,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| $150,000 | $149 | $149 | $9,000 | $3,000 | $4,500 |
| $50,000 (no activation) | $109 | None | $3,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| $100,000 (no activation) | $159 | None | $6,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| $150,000 (no activation) | $209 | None | $9,000 | $3,000 | $4,500 |
The $100,000 Standard Path offers the strongest account-size-to-price ratio at roughly $1,010 of buying power per dollar spent each month. Topstep also runs occasional promotions. The current active code is SAVE20.
If no code appears active when you check, return to the Lune prop firm directory for the latest offers.
How to Pass the Topstep Evaluation
Topstep's Trading Combine uses clear rules that reward discipline over aggression. The main hurdles for the $50,000 account are a $3,000 profit target, $1,000 daily loss limit, and $2,000 trailing max loss.
Position Sizing Relative to Daily Drawdown
Start every session by calculating your risk per trade against the $1,000 daily limit. Many traders size at 0.5 percent to 1 percent of account equity per trade. This leaves room for two or three losing trades before the daily limit triggers. On a $50,000 account that means risking no more than $250 to $500 per setup.
Realistic Daily Goals and Pacing
The profit target requires steady progress rather than home-run days. Break the $3,000 goal into smaller daily targets of $200 to $400. Track progress daily inside your trading journal so you know exactly how many winning sessions remain.
Avoiding Max Loss Breaches
The trailing max loss starts at $2,000 and moves up with unrealized gains. End-of-day checks mean you must flatten or reduce size before the close if equity sits close to the line. Use automated risk controls to enforce hard stops and daily limits automatically.
- Size every trade to stay well inside the $1,000 daily loss limit on the 50K plan.
- Target modest daily gains of $200-$400 instead of rushing the profit target.
- Monitor the trailing drawdown in real time and flatten early if needed.
- Connect accounts to automated risk tools to enforce limits without manual intervention.
- Compare current pricing and rules across 47 firms on Lune before choosing a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to pass the Topstep evaluation?
The time required varies by trader consistency and market conditions, but most participants complete the Trading Combine in 30 to 90 days. There is no strict maximum time limit, though a minimum of 10 trading days applies in each phase. Traders who meet daily loss limits and profit goals steadily tend to advance faster.[1][2]
What is the Topstep profit target?
Topstep sets a profit target of 6 percent of the account size during the evaluation phase for most contract sizes. For a $50,000 account this equals $3,000 in net profits while respecting the trailing drawdown rule. The target resets with each new combine purchase if needed.[2][3]
How much does the Topstep challenge cost?
Pricing starts at $149 for the smallest $50,000 account size and scales up to several hundred dollars for larger accounts. Monthly subscription options are also available after the initial combine fee. Costs can change based on promotions and account parameters.[4][5]
Is Topstep one-step or two-step?
Topstep operates a single evaluation phase known as the Trading Combine. Traders must hit the profit target and follow risk rules in one continuous period before advancing. This structure differs from two-phase models used by some other prop firms.[1][7]
Does Topstep offer instant funding?
No, Topstep does not provide instant funding accounts. All traders must first complete and pass the Trading Combine evaluation to qualify for a funded account. This process verifies consistency with profit targets and risk management rules.[3][8]
What happens after I pass the Topstep evaluation?
Successful traders receive a funded account with the same size as their combine. They keep 100 percent of the first $10,000 in profits and 80 percent thereafter while following ongoing risk parameters. Payouts are processed on a regular schedule once profit milestones are reached.[1][2]
Sources
- 1
- 2Trading Combine® Parameters | Topstep Help Centerhelp.topstep.com
- 3
- 4Topstep Review 2026: Prop Firm Challenges and Ratingspropfirmapp.com
- 5Topstep Prop Firm Review 2026luxalgo.com
- 6Topstep Customer Reviews on Trustpilottrustpilot.com
- 7Prop Firm Pass Rates: FTMO, Topstep, Apex (2026)traderssecondbrain.com
- 8Apex Trader Funding vs TopStep 2026: The Honest Comparisonphidiaspropfirm.com
Lune Research & Editorial Team
The Lune Editorial team covers futures trading, prop firm evaluations, automation, and the trading-tooling landscape. Every post is researched against primary sources, real platform data, and Lune's own infrastructure benchmarks.
Published: June 15, 2026
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