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TopStep Trading Combine Rules 2026

Futures | Requirements | RTH Trading

Complete TopStep Combine evaluation rules and daily limits

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TopStep Trading Overview

TopStep is the most U.S.-focused prop firm, offering accounts exclusively to U.S. residents and U.S. futures trading. Unlike international firms (FTMO, FundedNext), TopStep serves American traders who face restrictions elsewhere. TopStep specializes in emini S&P 500 (ES), emini Nasdaq (NQ), and other major futures contracts. Account sizes start at $50,000 minimum, significantly higher than competitors, but offer higher leverage appropriate for futures trading.

TopStep's "Combine" is their evaluation structure—a 30-day period where traders must meet specific profit targets using realistic leverage. The Combine is harder than many competitors because of higher minimum account size and stricter RTH (Regular Trading Hours) requirements. However, funded accounts offer higher profit-sharing percentages and access to real micro and emini contracts.

TopStep Account Structure

TopStep offers only one account tier: $50,000 starting capital. Challenge fee is $499 (highest among major firms). However, funded accounts generate significantly higher absolute dollar profits. A trader generating $2,000 monthly on a $50,000 account (4% monthly, achievable for consistent futures traders) receives $1,600 at 80% profit share. Smaller accounts at other firms would need to manage four $12,500 accounts to match this capital base and profit potential.

Complete TopStep Combine Rules

TopStep Trading Overview TopStep is the most U.S.-focused prop firm, offering accounts exclusively to U.S. residents and U.S. futures trading. Unlike international firms (FTMO, FundedNext), TopStep serves American traders who face restrictions elsewhere. TopStep specializes in emini S&P 500 (ES), emini Nasdaq (NQ), and other major futures contracts. Account sizes start at $50,000 minimum, significantly higher than competitors, but offer higher leverage appropriate for futures trading. TopStep's "Combine" is their evaluation structure—a 30-day period where traders must meet specific profit targets using realistic leverage. The Combine is harder than many competitors because of higher minimum account size and stricter RTH (Regular Trading Hours) requirements. However, funded accounts offer higher profit-sharing percentages and access to real micro and emini contracts. TopStep Account Structure TopStep offers only one account tier: $50,000 starting capital. Challenge fee is $499 (highest among major firms). However, funded accounts generate significantly higher absolute dollar profits. A trader generating $2,000 monthly on a $50,000 account (4% monthly, achievable for consistent futures traders) receives $1,600 at 80% profit share. Smaller accounts at other firms would need to manage four $12,500 accounts to match this capital base and profit potential. Complete TopStep Combine Rules
Rule Category	Requirement	Details
Starting Capital	$50,000	Only tier available; no smaller options
Profit Target	$6,000 (12%)	Must achieve $6,000 profit; 12% of $50k
Daily Loss Limit	$2,000 (4%)	Exceed this and evaluation terminates
Evaluation Period	30 calendar days	Full calendar month for evaluation
RTH Requirement	2 RTH sessions per week	Must trade at least 2 regular trading hour sessions per week
Maximum Consecutive Loss Days	4 consecutive losers	5th consecutive losing day terminates evaluation
Minimum Trade Size	1 emini contract minimum	Single micro contracts not permitted
Overnight Holding	Restricted	Cannot hold ES/NQ contracts overnight without agreement
Day Trading Rules	SIM account (unrestricted)	No pattern day trader rule restrictions

RTH (Regular Trading Hours) Requirement Explained

TopStep's unique RTH requirement mandates trading during official regular trading hours (9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET for stock index futures). The 2 RTH sessions per week minimum prevents traders from exclusively trading extended hours (pre-market or after-hours). This rule ensures evaluations occur during the highest-liquidity trading period with tightest spreads and most reliable execution.

The rationale: extended hours have wider spreads, lower volume, and higher volatility. Traders who only trade extended hours (easily scalping 20+ tick wins in thin markets) wouldn't perform well once funded trading higher-volume RTH sessions. The RTH requirement filters for traders who succeed in liquid, active market environments.

TopStep Advantage: Higher leverage on futures contracts allows meaningful profit generation. A $50,000 account with 10:1 leverage controls $500,000 in notional value. Consistent traders can generate $5,000-$10,000 monthly profits. This makes TopStep ideal for experienced futures traders willing to absorb $499 challenge fee for higher profit potential.

TopStep vs Other Futures Firms

TopStep is the premier U.S. futures prop firm, but alternatives exist. TradeStationProfit (previously NinjaTrader Ecosystem) offers similar futures access at lower costs but with less customer support. SIM Trading offers futures accounts but smaller capital bases. Most international firms (FTMO, FundedNext) don't offer emini futures contracts, making TopStep essential for U.S. futures traders.

Strategies for TopStep Success

First, focus on RTH trading. Spend 90% of your evaluation trading 9:30 AM-4:00 PM ET. This is your actual edge period. Extended-hours trading is secondary—use it for trend identification, not primary income.

Second, target $6,000 profit conservatively. Aggressive traders might attempt $10,000+ profit, but $6,000 is achievable with 2-3 solid-profit days per week. A trader making $200 per day for 30 days hits $6,000 without stress. Overambitious targets cause over-trading and emotional mistakes.

Third, manage your $2,000 daily loss limit religiously. At RTH volumes and typical spreads, a single large losing trade (wrong market read, bad fill) can cost $1,500-$2,000. A trader risking more than $500 per trade is over-leveraged relative to account size.

Scaling TopStep Accounts

Unlike other firms that enable multiple small accounts, TopStep offers only $50,000 accounts. Scaling happens through increasing leverage, not adding accounts. A consistent TopStep trader might eventually access $100,000 or $200,000 capital allocations through Apex Elite program (if approved), but this is uncommon.

Most TopStep traders scale by migrating to independent futures trading (using personal capital) after proving success. The $50,000 account serves as a proof-of-concept. Once verified consistently profitable, traders take the 80-85% profit share and move to self-capitalization with no firm cut.

FAQ Section

Why does TopStep require RTH trading instead of allowing all hours?

RTH has the best liquidity and tightest spreads. Extended hours have wider spreads and lower volume, making profit generation easier but unrealistic for funded accounts. RTH requirement ensures your evaluation success transfers to real-world funded trading conditions.

Can I trade both ES and NQ on the same day for RTH requirement?

Yes. Technically, trading any contract during RTH hours counts toward the requirement. Trading ES at 10:00 AM and NQ at 2:00 PM same day = 1 RTH session credit toward the 2-per-week minimum.

What's the profit share percentage on TopStep funded accounts?

TopStep offers 80% profit share for standard funded accounts. Experienced traders with strong track records may negotiate 85% in some cases, but 80% is standard.

Can I trade micro contracts (MES/MNQ) on TopStep?

During evaluation, minimum is 1 emini contract. Once funded, you can trade micro contracts if preferred, but evaluation requires emini-size trading. This tests capability to trade larger positions.

Is the $6,000 profit target achievable for beginners?

For genuine beginners without futures experience, TopStep is challenging. The $50,000 minimum and 4% daily loss limit leave little room for learning curves. Recommend trading smaller futures accounts (micro contracts, other firms) first, then applying to TopStep with proven track record.