Our verdict
Topstep's Trading Combine focuses on exchange-traded futures and moves successful traders to a simulated Express Funded Account (XFA). TopstepX is the platform, with some connected interfaces; an eventual Live Funded Account depends on jurisdiction and provider approval.
The loss limit trails the end-of-day balance yet is enforced against unrealized P&L intraday. A daily loss limit is optional. In the Trading Combine a best day exceeding 55% raises the profit target; in the XFA, payout eligibility depends on Standard or Consistency path.
It suits futures traders willing to work within TopstepX, contract sizing and XFA payout caps. Topstep currently lists Germany among jurisdictions eligible for XFA payouts but not Live Funded Accounts; verify eligibility before paying.
Trading Combine offers 50K/100K/150K sizes and a 55% best-day consistency target. Monthly prices and an optional no-activation-fee path differ; the standard path charges an XFA activation fee. Compare total cost across attempts.
The Maximum Loss Limit trails the end-of-day balance, locks at the starting balance and is enforced intraday against unrealized P&L. A daily loss limit is optional at purchase or can be set separately; confirm which applies.
TopstepX is the current required platform, with some third-party interfaces connecting through it. Level 1 data is included; Level 2 is an optional paid upgrade. Check tool integration before purchase.
The published XFA policy distinguishes Standard (five $150+ winning days) and Consistency (three traded days at or below 40% best-day share); each limits requests to 50% of balance with size-dependent caps. The current general split is 90/10 and exceptions apply to older accounts.
Established support and trader education for a long-running funded-futures program.
Dimensions are weighted as set out in our editorial policy. Sub-scores are editorial judgments, not measurements; the overall score is the weighted average of these dimensions.
- Clear focus on exchange-traded futures rather than CFDs
- Structured evaluation with an emphasis on risk discipline
- Documented path from Combine to simulated XFA
- Germany currently XFA-only; no Live Funded Account
- TopstepX-only core platform and trailing loss rule
Evaluation structure and risk rules
The Trading Combine has a profit target and a 55% best-day consistency threshold: exceeding it raises the target. Its Maximum Loss Limit moves with the end-of-day balance and locks at the starting balance; unrealized P&L can breach it during a session. A separate Daily Loss Limit is optional, depending on what you choose.
Futures platforms and market data
Topstep currently requires TopstepX as its core platform. Level 1 data is included; Level 2 depth of market costs extra. After passing, the XFA is simulated. Germany is currently listed as eligible for XFA payouts but not a Live Funded Account. Confirm your citizenship and residency status before buying.
- 1The end-of-day trailing loss limit, intraday enforcement and any daily loss limit chosen.
- 2Market-data requirements and their costs for the products you trade.
- 3Which futures platforms are supported and whether your tooling works with them.
- 4Contract and product restrictions for your evaluation size.
- 5Your XFA payout path, cap, 90/10 split and any Live eligibility restriction.
- Published:
- Last reviewed:
- 23 September 2026 · Review — Updated 55% Combine consistency, optional daily loss limit, TopstepX access, two XFA payout paths and Germany's XFA-only eligibility. Platform subscore 4.0 to 3.5; total 4.1 to 4.0.
- 6 August 2026 · Review — Source maintenance only: the programme overview source URL was permanently moved and has been re-cited. No facts, terms or scores were changed.
- 16 June 2026 · Review — Evaluation rules, drawdown model, market-data conditions and payout terms were reviewed.
Conditions change — confirm current terms with the provider. Educational content, not financial advice; trading involves significant risk of loss.
A futures Trading Combine leading to a simulated XFA; TopstepX, the 55% evaluation consistency target and regional live-account eligibility matter.
Frequently asked questions
How is a futures prop firm different from a forex prop firm?
You evaluate exchange-listed futures with contract-based sizing on TopstepX instead of trading CFDs on MetaTrader. Level 1 data is included, while Level 2 is an optional paid upgrade.
What is a trailing drawdown and why does it matter?
The Maximum Loss Limit rises with end-of-day balance and locks at the starting balance. It is enforced throughout the day against unrealized P&L, so a breach can liquidate a position intraday.
Do I need to pay for market data?
Level 1 data is included in Topstep's membership; Level 2 depth of market is an optional paid upgrade.
Is Topstep a legitimate funding provider?
Topstep is a long-running funded-futures program with published rules. As with any provider, confirm the current evaluation terms and payout conditions directly before committing.
What if I would rather trade forex or CFDs?
Then compare the forex prop firms — FTMO for documented 1-step and 2-step evaluations or The5ers for staged evaluation and scaling. Both are reviewed here.
Better if you want to trade forex and CFDs on MetaTrader platforms instead of futures.
Best for: Traders who want an established, well-documented evaluation and a choice between a faster 1-step and a more forgiving 2-step model.
Read reviewBetter if you want staged evaluations and scaling in forex/CFD markets.
Best for: Traders who value staged evaluations and a defined scaling path.
Read review