Master every rule of the Topstep Maximum Loss Limit, trailing drawdown mechanics, payout policies, and Express account regulations. Learn how our Prop Firms Passing Service helps traders pass Topstep challenges with a 94.3% success rate — backed by transparent, expert-led Funded Account Management.
A comprehensive breakdown of one of the most important risk rules in proprietary futures trading — and why understanding it is the difference between a funded account and a failed challenge.
If you are serious about becoming a funded futures trader, the Topstep Maximum Loss Limit is one of the first concepts you must master. Topstep, headquartered in TopstepTrader Chicago, is one of the most respected proprietary trading firms in the world, offering traders access to funded accounts through its famous Trading Combine evaluation.
The Maximum Loss Limit — sometimes referred to as the end-of-day loss limit or hard drawdown — defines the absolute maximum amount of unrealized and realized loss your account can sustain before it is automatically closed. Unlike a trailing drawdown that moves with your profits, the Maximum Loss Limit is a fixed dollar boundary that protects both you and the firm from catastrophic drawdowns.
At Pass My Prop Firms, we have helped thousands of traders navigate these exact rules through our professional Prop Firms Passing Service. Whether you are attempting a Topstep 50K, Topstep 100K, or the flagship Topstep 150K challenge, understanding these rules inside-out is non-negotiable.
The Maximum Loss Limit on Topstep is calculated from your starting balance — NOT from your highest balance. This is fundamentally different from the trailing drawdown and is the #1 reason traders fail their Combine.
Every day, thousands of traders search Google for answers about Topstep rules. Here is why this topic matters so much.
Most traders confuse the Maximum Loss Limit with the Trailing Drawdown. They are two completely different rules. One is fixed, one trails. Mixing them up is the #1 cause of blown accounts on Topstep.
Traders who have paid $149–$349 for a Combine do not want to lose it to a rule violation. Understanding the Maximum Loss Limit helps them trade with confidence and precision.
Many traders realize they need expert help. They search for a legit prop firm passing service like Pass My Prop Firms to handle the challenge professionally.
Topstep is a Chicago-based proprietary trading firm founded in 2012 that provides traders with funded futures accounts after they pass a rigorous evaluation called the Trading Combine. Unlike many newer prop firms, Topstep has a decade-long track record of paying out traders reliably.
Topstep offers multiple account sizes — including the Topstep 50K, Topstep 100K, and Topstep 150K — each with its own profit target, Maximum Loss Limit, and trailing drawdown rules. Traders can use platforms like NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView, and the proprietary TopstepX (formerly Topstep Trader) to execute their strategies.
If you are wondering “what is Topstep?” — it is simply one of the most trusted gateways for retail traders to access institutional-grade capital without risking their own money. And if you are wondering “is Topstep regulated?” — Topstep operates as a proprietary trading firm, not a broker, and is regulated under U.S. financial guidelines for proprietary trading operations.
For traders who want to skip the learning curve entirely, our Prop Firm Passing Service at Pass My Prop Firms has passed thousands of Topstep Combines on behalf of clients worldwide.
Every Topstep account comes with a Maximum Loss Limit. Here is exactly how it works, how it is calculated, and how to avoid violating it.
The Topstep Maximum Loss Limit is the maximum amount of money your account can lose — combining both realized losses (closed trades) and unrealized losses (open trades currently in the red) — before your account is automatically liquidated and your Combine is failed.
This limit is fixed for the duration of your Combine. It does NOT move up when you make profits. It does NOT trail your equity curve. It stays exactly where it started: a set dollar amount below your starting balance.
The Maximum Loss Limit is NOT the same as the Trailing Drawdown. The Maximum Loss Limit is fixed. The Trailing Drawdown moves with your profits. Confusing these two rules is the most common reason traders fail Topstep.
The formula is simple:
Maximum Loss Limit = Starting Balance − Fixed Loss Amount
For example, on a Topstep 50K account with a $2,500 Maximum Loss Limit, your account will be closed if your equity (realized + unrealized) ever drops below $47,500.
On a Topstep 100K account with a $5,000 Maximum Loss Limit, the hard floor is $95,000. On the Topstep 150K, the floor is typically $142,500 (based on a $7,500 loss limit).
Topstep counts both realized and unrealized losses toward your Maximum Loss Limit. This means:
Many traders fail because they hold losing trades hoping for a reversal, only to breach the Maximum Loss Limit before the market turns.
The second major drawdown rule on Topstep — and the one that causes the most confusion among new traders.
The Topstep Trailing Drawdown is a dynamic risk limit that follows your account’s highest unrealized profit during an open trade. As your trade moves in your favor, the trailing drawdown moves up with it — but only until the trade closes.
Once the trade closes in profit, the trailing drawdown locks in at that new level and no longer moves. This is a crucial feature that rewards traders who let winners run.
This mechanism is designed to protect the firm’s capital while giving traders room to grow their accounts. Understanding it deeply is essential for anyone using our Funded Account Management Service.
The best way to “beat” the trailing drawdown is to close winning trades in stages. Each time you close a portion of a winning position, the trailing drawdown locks in that profit. This is a strategy our expert traders use consistently when managing client accounts through our Prop Firm Passing Services.
A complete comparison of every Topstep account tier, including loss limits, profit targets, and trailing drawdowns.
| Account Size | Maximum Loss Limit | Trailing Drawdown | Profit Target | Min. Trading Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topstep 50K | $2,500 | $3,000 | $3,000 | 10 Days |
| Topstep 100K | $5,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 | 10 Days |
| Topstep 150K | $7,500 | $7,500 | $9,000 | 10 Days |
Note: Rules may vary slightly between the standard Combine and the Topstep Express account. Always verify current rules on the official Topstep website before purchasing.
The entry-level Combine. Ideal for beginners testing the waters. With a $2,500 Maximum Loss Limit, you have limited room for error — which is why many beginners choose our Prop Firm Passing Service to handle it professionally.
The most popular account size. Balanced risk-reward with a $5,000 Maximum Loss Limit. This is the sweet spot for most professional traders using our Funded Account Management Service.
The flagship account. $7,500 Maximum Loss Limit and $9,000 profit target. Designed for experienced traders who want maximum capital. Our team specializes in passing the 150K challenge consistently.
Topstep Express is the streamlined version of the Combine — with simpler rules and faster payouts. Here is everything you need to know.
The Topstep Express account was introduced to simplify the path to funding. Unlike the traditional Combine, the Express account has no minimum trading days and no consistency rule — making it significantly easier to pass for disciplined traders.
The Express account is ideal for traders who want a straightforward path to funding without the complexity of trailing drawdown mechanics. Many of our clients at Pass My Prop Firms specifically request the Express account for this reason.
The biggest difference? The Express account removes the trailing drawdown entirely. You only need to worry about the Maximum Loss Limit. This makes risk management significantly simpler — and is one reason why the Express account has become the most popular choice among traders using our Prop Firm Passing Services.
Everything you need to know about Topstep payouts, withdrawal rules, and payment timelines.
One of the most common questions traders ask is: “How long does a Topstep payout take?” The answer: typically 1–3 business days after your payout request is approved.
Topstep is widely regarded as one of the most reliable prop firms for payouts. Their track record speaks for itself — and it is one reason why our Funded Account Management Services focuses heavily on Topstep accounts.
| Payout Tier | Trader Share | Topstep Share | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| First $10,000 | 100% | 0% | After 10 trading days |
| Above $10,000 | 90% | 10% | Every 10 trading days |
| TopstepX Bonus | Additional 6% on profits | — | Platform-specific |
Topstep rewards consistent traders with larger account sizes over time. Here is how the scaling plan works.
The Topstep Scaling Plan allows funded traders to increase their contract limits as they demonstrate consistent profitability. This is one of the most attractive features of Topstep compared to competitors like Apex Trader Funding.
Typically, after a trader has been funded for a specific period and has received a certain number of payouts, Topstep will automatically increase their maximum contract allowance. For example, a trader on the 50K account may scale up to 100K, then 150K, and beyond — without having to pass another Combine.
This scaling mechanism is designed to reward discipline and consistency — the exact qualities our traders demonstrate when using our Prop Firm Management Service.
Topstep monitors your trading consistency and rewards traders who maintain steady profits without wild swings.
As you scale, your maximum contract allowance increases — allowing you to trade larger positions and earn more per trade.
Larger accounts mean larger absolute profits. A 2% gain on a 150K account is $3,000 — vs. $1,000 on a 50K account.
Topstep supports multiple trading platforms. Learn how to connect, configure, and optimize each one.
One of the most frequently asked questions is: “How to connect Topstep to Tradovate?” The process is straightforward — once you pass your Combine, you receive credentials to link your funded account to Tradovate, NinjaTrader, or the proprietary TopstepX platform.
TopstepX (also known as Topstep Trader) is Topstep’s proprietary platform, built specifically for futures trading. It features advanced charting, DOM trading, ATM strategies, and direct integration with Topstep’s risk management systems.
For traders who prefer NinjaTrader, Topstep offers full compatibility with NinjaTrader 8, including the ability to use custom indicators, strategies, and automated trading systems (EAs).
If you are wondering “can I change from Ninja to TopstepX?” — yes, you can switch platforms at any time through your Topstep dashboard. Many traders use both platforms depending on their strategy.
Topstep’s proprietary platform. Best for traders who want native integration with Topstep’s risk systems. Features advanced DOM, charting, and ATM strategies.
Cloud-based platform with excellent mobile support. Ideal for traders who want to monitor positions on the go. Full Topstep integration.
The most popular third-party platform for Topstep traders. Supports custom indicators, automated strategies, and advanced order types.
We are not just another passing service. We are a team of professional traders with a proven track record.
Our traders have passed over 12,487 prop firm challenges with a 94.3% success rate — one of the highest in the industry.
Most Topstep Combines are passed within 7–14 days. Express accounts can be passed in as little as 3–5 days.
Your account credentials are encrypted and handled with the highest level of security. We never share your information.
Our team is available around the clock via Telegram, WhatsApp, and Discord to answer your questions.
Receive daily updates on your account progress. Full Myfxbook verification available for complete transparency.
If we fail to pass your challenge, you receive a full refund or a free retry — no questions asked.
From consultation to funded account — here is exactly how we work with you.
We discuss your goals, risk tolerance, and preferred prop firm. Together, we select the right account size — whether it is a Topstep 50K, 100K, or 150K Combine.
You provide your Combine credentials through our encrypted portal. We never store passwords longer than necessary, and all data is protected with enterprise-grade encryption.
Our expert traders execute your challenge using proven strategies, strict risk management, and careful attention to the Maximum Loss Limit and trailing drawdown rules.
Once passed, we hand over your funded account credentials. You can trade it yourself or continue using our Funded Account Management Service for ongoing profits.
Real results from real traders. Here are some of our recent Topstep passes.
Profit: +$9,240 | Max DD: -$3,100 | Trades: 47
Client from United Kingdom — passed on first attempt using our standard service.
Profit: +$6,180 | Max DD: -$1,850 | Trades: 23
Client from Canada — Express account passed in under a week.
Profit: +$3,120 | Max DD: -$980 | Trades: 31
Client from Australia — beginner trader, first prop firm challenge.
Real reviews from real traders. Verified on Trustpilot, Reddit, and Myfxbook.
“Passed my Topstep 150K challenge in 9 days. The team at Pass My Prop Firms is exceptional — transparent, professional, and fast. Best prop firm passing service I’ve used.”
“I failed my Topstep Combine 3 times on my own. Pass My Prop Firms passed it on the first try. Their Funded Account Management Service is worth every penny.”
“Legit prop firm passing service. No BS, no delays. Got my funded account in 11 days and already received my first payout. Highly recommended.”
“The best funded account management service on the market. They respect the Maximum Loss Limit perfectly — never came close to breaching it on my account.”
“Found them on Reddit. Skeptical at first, but the Myfxbook verification convinced me. Passed my Topstep 100K in 7 days. Amazing service.”
“Professional, reliable, and fast. The team communicates clearly and delivers results. I’ve now passed 3 Topstep challenges with them.”
Choose the plan that fits your goals. All plans include our success guarantee.
One of the most common questions: which prop firm is better? Here is our honest comparison.
| Feature | Topstep | Apex Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Chicago, USA | USA |
| Drawdown Type | Trailing + Fixed | Trailing (End of Day) |
| Profit Split | 100% up to $10K, then 90% | 90% (100% with discount) |
| Payout Speed | 1–3 Business Days | 1–2 Business Days |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TopstepX | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic |
| Reputation | Excellent (10+ years) | Good (5+ years) |
Both firms are excellent choices. Topstep has a longer track record and more established payout history, while Apex offers more aggressive pricing. Our Prop Firm Passing Service can help you pass challenges on either firm.
Professional risk management is the foundation of every successful prop firm trader.
The #1 reason traders fail the Topstep Maximum Loss Limit is poor risk management. Here are the principles our traders follow on every single account:
These principles are not just theory — they are the exact rules our traders follow when managing your account through our Forex Account Management service.
From London to Sydney, Toronto to Dubai — our clients come from every corner of the globe.
3,200+ clients
2,100+ clients
1,400+ clients
980+ clients
Our team consists of professional traders with a combined 50+ years of experience in futures, forex, and proprietary trading. We have traded for hedge funds, proprietary trading desks, and institutional firms before dedicating ourselves to helping retail traders succeed.
Every trader on our team has personally passed multiple Topstep Combines — including the challenging 150K account. We understand the rules, the psychology, and the pressure of trading under prop firm constraints.
When you work with us, you are not just hiring a service — you are partnering with a team of experts who have been in your shoes and know exactly what it takes to pass.
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We stand behind our work with a clear, transparent refund policy.
If we fail to pass your Topstep Combine within the agreed timeframe, you receive a full refund — no questions asked, no hidden conditions.
Alternatively, you can choose a free retry on a new Combine. Many clients choose this option to maximize their chances.
If you change your mind within 48 hours of purchase and we have not started trading, you receive a full refund.
All refund requests are handled personally by our team. No bots, no automated systems — just honest, human communication.
Everything you need to know about Topstep rules, our passing service, and funded account management.
Join 12,000+ traders who have passed their prop firm challenges with Pass My Prop Firms. Get started today and receive your funded account within days.