Topstep Rules 2026, Explained Simply
The Combine rule, the consistency target, the optional daily loss limit and the payout rules — in one page.
Checked against Topstep's help center on September 27, 2026 · 9 min read
New to funded futures trading? See the full ranked comparison of the best futures prop firms — drawdown type, payout speed and real withdrawal proof for every firm I trade.
Read the ranked guideDisclosure: I am not a Topstep partner. My prop firm partners are FundedNext, Tradeify and Apex, and links to them may earn me a commission. Topstep updates its rules often — always check the current rulebook.
The Trading Combine has one rule: never hit the Maximum Loss Limit. To pass, reach the Profit Target ($3,000 on a $50K) while your best day stays at or below 55% of total profit. The Daily Loss Limit is optional. Once funded, payouts need either five $150+ winning days or three trading days with a 40% consistency cap.
Trading Combine rules by account size
| Account | Profit target | Keep best day | Daily loss limit | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $3,000 | Under $1,650 | $1,000 (optional) | 5 minis / 50 micros |
| $100K | $6,000 | Under $3,300 | $2,000 (optional) | 10 minis / 100 micros |
| $150K | $9,000 | Under $4,950 | $3,000 (optional) | 15 minis / 150 micros |
Micros and minis count at a 10:1 ratio in the Combine and the Express Funded Account. You can run as many Combines as you like, but all accounts must sit under one profile.
The Maximum Loss Limit (trailing drawdown)
The Maximum Loss Limit trails your end-of-day balance high. On a $50K account: make $500 on day one and your floor moves to $48,500. It never moves back down, and it stops trailing once it reaches $50,000. If you are new to this, read trailing drawdown explained and static vs trailing drawdown.
The Topstep consistency rule (55%)
Your single best day must be at or below 55% of your total profit. It is a hard line with no rounding. Breaking it doesn't fail you — it raises your target to Best Day ÷ 0.55. A $1,800 best day on a $50K means you now need $3,273. Losing days don't reset your best day, and the day locks in at 3:10 PM CT.
The easiest way to stay inside it is to size for steady days, not home-run days. How other firms handle this: prop firm consistency rules and prop firms with no consistency rule.
The optional Daily Loss Limit
You can add a Daily Loss Limit at checkout — $1,000, $2,000 or $3,000 by size. It is fixed once chosen and carries into your Express Funded Account. When it triggers, positions are flattened until the next session at 5 PM CT, but the account stays eligible. It is automatic in the Live Funded Account. Adding it on a No Activation Fee Combine also gets you the Responsible Trading Discount — see my Topstep promo code guide.
Express Funded Account and payout rules
You choose a payout path when your funded account is activated:
- Standard: five winning days of at least $150. Payout up to 50% of the balance, capped at $5,000.
- Consistency: at least three trading days and a best day at or below 40% of total net profit. Payout up to 50% of the balance, capped at $6,000.
Both pay a 90/10 split. You can hold up to five active Express Funded Accounts. For timing across firms, see how long prop firm payouts take.
How I would trade inside these rules
Rules only hurt when your entries are random. I size every trade around a small number of pre-marked levels, which keeps days even and protects the drawdown. If you want the same preparation, my daily ES & NQ orderflow levels show the areas I watch each session — context, not trade signals. To learn the method yourself, start with orderflow trading explained.
Deciding if Topstep is right for you? Compare it with other firms in my best futures prop firms ranking, or read the Topstep review.
Topstep Rules FAQ
What are the main Topstep rules?+
In the Trading Combine there is one rule — never let your balance touch the Maximum Loss Limit — and two objectives: reach the Profit Target and meet the Consistency Target. Contract limits apply, and a Daily Loss Limit is optional.
What is the Topstep consistency rule?+
In the Trading Combine, your best single day must stay at or below 55% of your total profit. If it goes above that, your Profit Target rises to Best Day ÷ 0.55. On a $50K account, keep your best day under $1,650.
Does breaking the consistency target fail the Combine?+
No. It raises your Profit Target instead. For example, an $1,800 best day on a $50K account means you need $3,273 total profit.
How does the Topstep Maximum Loss Limit work?+
It trails your end-of-day balance high. On a $50K account it starts $2,000 below your balance and stops trailing once it reaches the starting balance of $50,000.
Does Topstep have a daily loss limit?+
It is optional in the Trading Combine and the Express Funded Account — you can add it at checkout ($1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000 by size) and it cannot be changed later. It is automatic in the Live Funded Account. Hitting it flattens you for the day but is not a rule violation.
What are the Topstep payout rules?+
In the Express Funded Account you choose a payout path. Standard: five winning days of $150+. Consistency: at least three trading days and a best day at or below 40% of total net profit. Both pay a 90/10 split, up to 50% of the balance per payout (capped at $5,000 Standard or $6,000 Consistency).
How many Topstep accounts can I have?+
There is no limit on Trading Combines, but you can hold up to five active Express Funded Accounts, all under one Topstep profile.
When does the trading day end at Topstep?+
The trading day runs from 5 PM CT to 3:10 PM CT. Your best day locks in at 3:10 PM CT.
Is Level 2 data included?+
Level 1 live data is included. Level 2 (depth of market) is available separately — check Topstep's help center for the current price.
Are Topstep's rules easier than other futures prop firms?+
The one-rule structure is simple, but the consistency target and monthly billing are trade-offs. Compare rules across firms in my best futures prop firms ranking. Disclosure: I partner with FundedNext, Tradeify and Apex, not Topstep.