Three stages with different environments.
Trading Combine
A simulated evaluation charged through a monthly subscription. It tests risk management and the ability to meet the objectives.
Express Funded Account (XFA)
A simulated funded environment where payouts can be requested under the Standard or Consistency path.
Live Funded Account (LFA)
A live stage reached according to progression and Topstep’s assessment. Its payout rules differ from the XFA.
One rule and two objectives.
The official Trading Combine is described as a simulated account with one primary rule and two objectives.
Rule
Do not reach or exceed the Maximum Loss Limit.
Objective 1
Reach and maintain the Profit Target for the chosen size.
Objective 2
Meet the consistency target: the best day must remain below 50% of the required profit.
The documented sizes are 50K, 100K and 150K. Check current position limits in the official parameters before trading.
The subscription continues until you pass or cancel.
The Trading Combine renews every 30 days. A rule violation does not automatically end billing.
Lower monthly fee
An Activation Fee is due for each earned XFA.
Higher monthly fee
No activation fee when moving to the XFA.
Total cost can include renewals, resets, activation and checkout taxes. The first monthly price alone is not enough.
TopstepX is now the central access point.
The Topstep help centre currently states that TopstepX is the only available platform. It combines execution, risk controls, performance tracking and selected copying features.
- Test the interface if you are moving from NinjaTrader, Tradovate or another environment.
- Check DOM tools, available data and features required by your process.
- Read the copy-trading restrictions for the Combine and XFA, particularly after a payout request.
Standard and Consistency require different evidence.
5 winning days
Five days with at least $150 net P&L, then a request for up to 50% of the balance within the account cap.
3 days and a 40% target
Three trading days with at least one trade and a best day no greater than 40% of total net profit.
Topstep currently publishes a 90/10 split. Check what happens to the Maximum Loss Limit and account eligibility after each request.
What to verify before subscribing.
- Path
Standard or No Activation Fee for the Combine, then Standard or Consistency for payouts.
- Renewal
Billing date, cancellation process and reset cost.
- Platform
TopstepX compatibility with your execution workflow.
- Risk
Maximum Loss Limit, contract limits and behaviour after a payout.
- Progression
Conditions for moving from XFA to LFA are not a guaranteed timetable.
Topstep or Phidias: compare the operating model.
Topstep uses a recurring evaluation and a staged route to live. Phidias uses its own Express to Live, Fundamental and Premium structures. Neither model is universally better.
Review it if…
You accept monthly billing, TopstepX and a staged Combine → XFA → LFA route.
Review it if…
You prefer to compare one-time programmes and a wider documented platform ecosystem.
Topstep offers a clear path, provided you price the entire journey.
The value is in the documented stages and risk framework. The main traps are treating the monthly fee as the total cost, assuming every funded account is live, or choosing a payout path without reading its conditions.
Worth considering if
- Trader comfortable with TopstepX
- Profile accepting recurring evaluation billing
- User who values a documented staged process
Avoid if
- Need for NinjaTrader or Tradovate
- Ignoring monthly renewals
- Expecting immediate or guaranteed live access
Documents reviewed.
Rules and prices may change. Always check the official page and the checkout for the exact product before paying.
- 01Topstep — program overview
Reviewed on 16 July 2026 · official source.
- 02Topstep — Trading Combine parameters
Reviewed on 16 July 2026 · official source.
- 03Topstep — payout policy
Reviewed on 16 July 2026 · official source.
- 04Topstep — pricing and payment questions
Reviewed on 16 July 2026 · official source.
- 05Topstep — TopstepX
Reviewed on 16 July 2026 · official source.
Frequently asked questions.
Is the Topstep Trading Combine a live account?
No. It is a simulated evaluation. The XFA is also simulated; the LFA is the live stage.
Which platform does Topstep support?
Topstep currently documents TopstepX as its only available platform. Check the official help centre before subscribing.
Does passing stop the monthly subscription?
Billing rules depend on account status and timing. Verify cancellation and renewal in the official pricing FAQ.
Is a Topstep payout guaranteed?
No. Eligibility depends on the selected path and its trading-day, profit, consistency and account requirements.