Topstep Hidden Rules: Complete Guide to Avoiding Account Termination
Topstep has clear rules, but some aren't obvious until they affect your account. Here's everything you need to know.
Profit Split
90%
Max Funding
$150,000
Evaluation
Trading Combine
1. The 50% Consistency Rule
No single trading day can account for more than 50% of your total profits at the time of withdrawal request.
How It Works
Why It Exists
Topstep wants repeatable edge, not lucky gamblers who bet big on one news event. The consistency rule ensures funded traders have sustainable strategies.
How to Manage It
Had a massive winning day? Continue trading smaller size for a few more days to balance the ratio before requesting payout.
Example: If you made 5,000 total:
- Continue trading 2-3 more days
- Target $500-1,000 additional profit
- New ratio: 6,000 = 50% ✅
2. The 3:10 PM CT Deadline
All positions MUST be closed by 3:10 PM Central Time. No exceptions.
Why: Topstep doesn't want overnight gap risk. The 3:10 PM deadline ensures all positions are closed before settlement.
3. Position Size Limits
These aren't always obvious on the marketing page:
You can scale in/out within the max limit, but never exceed total open contracts allowed for your account size.
4. Banned Instruments & Strategies
5. The "Profitable Days" Requirement
For payouts, you typically need a minimum number of profitable trading days, not just total profit.
6. EOD Drawdown Explained
Topstep uses End-of-Day (EOD) drawdown—the most forgiving type:
EOD drawdown means you can be down $2,000 intraday and recover—as long as you're above the limit at close.
Summary
- 50% consistency rule - balance profits before payout
- 3:10 PM CT deadline - strictly enforced
- EOD drawdown - more forgiving than trailing
- Free coaching - use it to understand rules
PropFirmCircle Team
Editorial Team
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