The proprietary trading firm Topstep is focused on futures markets and known for its trader evaluation programs. The company was established in 2012 by professional trader Michael Patak. Today the firm functions through the official website topstep.com and is headquartered at the Chicago Board of Trade Building, 141 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 4240, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Users can contact the prop firm Topstep via online chat, email, or by phone at +1-888-407-1611.
The company operates as a proprietary trading firm rather than a brokerage service, meaning it is not regulated by financial authorities. Instead, trading activity is conducted through partner brokerage and clearing infrastructures connected to regulated futures markets.
To participate in the program, applicants must complete the registration process on the firm’s website and create a personal account Topstep. Through this portal traders can subscribe to evaluation programs, manage billing, and monitor trading progress. Once registered, participants gain access to a simulated trading environment used for the evaluation stage. The personal account Topstep dashboard serves as the primary interface for managing subscriptions, reviewing performance metrics, and accessing supported trading platforms.
The prop trading firm Topstep focuses exclusively on futures trading and provides access to a variety of contracts commonly traded on U.S. derivatives exchanges. These include:
index futures such as E-mini S&P 500 and Nasdaq contracts,
commodity instruments like crude oil and gold, interest rate futures,
currency futures.
The firm supports several trading platforms:
a proprietary TopstepX interface;
well-known third-party solutions like NinjaTrader and TradingView.
These platforms provide charting tools, order management systems, and analytics designed for active futures traders.
The main evaluation program used by the prop firm Topstep is called the Trading Combine. During this stage traders operate in a simulated account and must demonstrate consistent performance while respecting predefined risk limits.
Typical objectives include reaching a profit target of roughly 6% while maintaining discipline within maximum drawdown thresholds and other risk management parameters.
Several account sizes are available for the evaluation phase, such as $50,000, $100,000, and $150,000 simulated balances, each with its own monthly participation fee ($49, $99, $149).
Topstep traders who successfully meet the requirements may receive access to a funded account where they can trade company capital. Profit distribution typically allows traders to retain around 90% of gains after the initial profit threshold is reached.
Participation in the evaluation program requires paying a subscription or challenge fee. Traders can usually complete payments using:
bank cards,
bank transfers,
other online payment systems depending on their region.
When traders begin earning profits in funded accounts, withdrawing money from Topstep can be requested through several channels including:
bank wires,
PayPal,
ACH transfers,
mailed checks.
The processing time for payouts generally ranges from 1 to 5 business days depending on the selected payment method. More information can be obtained by phone +1-888-407-1611.
The prop trading firm Topstep is considered one of the better-known platforms specializing in futures markets and trader evaluation programs. The company offers structured assessment through its Trading Combine process and supports multiple professional trading platforms. At the same time, participation requires meeting strict risk-management criteria and paying recurring evaluation fees. Prospective participants may wish to review independent Topstep reviews and carefully study the program rules before joining the firm’s trading challenges.
The overwhelming majority of brokers are scammers. Traders can identify illegitimate ones by using free online resources. It is essential to verify the company's registration, the licensing of its services, and its operational history. It is also important to assess the completeness and authenticity of contact information and the transparency of trading conditions.
You can consult specialists who can help evaluate the broker and identify signs of fraud, and if necessary, assist in opening an account with a reliable service provider. A knowledgeable and comprehensive approach will help avoid negative trading experiences.
First and foremost, pay attention to the content of the comments. Excessively emotional opinions without specifics may indicate paid content. Additionally, a broker's positive reputation may be indicated by mass activity on a single online portal or forum. Another sign of fake reviews is their formulaic nature. Such comments are filled with general phrases and advertising slogans. Fraudulent projects use paid content to confuse traders and lure them into cooperation.
It is important not to fall for the tricks of company representatives. This can lead to additional financial losses. With legitimate brokers, withdrawing funds is a free service that is not subject to any fees such as insurance, taxes, commissions, etc.
If you need assistance in withdrawing capital, it is advisable to consult specialists. Timely consultation with experts can help achieve positive results and withdraw funds from the brokerage account.
In the case of scam brokers, account blocking may be related to a simple refusal to withdraw funds. Clients are accused of violating agreements, money laundering, technical work on the platform, etc. Such manipulations are aimed at depriving traders of the ability to withdraw capital.
When a brokerage account or personal account is blocked, it is better to use the services of professionals . Depending on the reason for the blockage, experts can find the optimal solution to the problem.
The reasons for the inactivity of a brokerage company's presentation portal can vary widely. Blocking due to numerous complaints, cessation of project activities, inclusion in the blacklist of trading platforms — all of this can lead to access issues to the broker's site. Additionally, unstable internet connection and browser restrictions can cause improper functioning of the resource.
If the official broker's website does not open, seek help from experts. They will advise on any questions and provide recommendations for further actions.
First and foremost, it is important to ensure that there are no assets in the account and no debts to the broker. If there are instruments in the investment portfolio, they should be sold, and you should wait for the settlements to be completed. After that, you can submit a request for the withdrawal of funds and the closure of the brokerage account.
If the broker refuses to fulfill requests, it is better to consult experts. They can assist in closing the brokerage account and recovering funds through chargebacks . When preparing to dispute transactions, it is necessary to gather all available evidence of cooperation with the project. This will help increase the chances of successfully initiating refunds.
