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
Most Important Rule
No single trading day can account for more than 50% of your total profits at the time of withdrawal request.
How It Works
| Scenario | Total Profit | Best Day | Okay? |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | $5,000 | $2,400 | ✅ (48%) |
| B | $5,000 | $2,600 | ❌ (52%) |
| C | $10,000 | $4,900 | ✅ (49%) |
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
Simple Fix
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
Strict Enforcement
All positions MUST be closed by 3:10 PM Central Time. No exceptions.
| What It Means | Details |
|---|---|
| Hard deadline | 3:10 PM CT every trading day |
| Consequence | Open position = rule violation |
| Market close | 4:00 PM CT, but YOU must close at 3:10 |
| Buffer time | Give yourself 5-10 minute cushion |
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:
| Account Size | Max Contracts | During Combine |
|---|---|---|
| $50K | 5 contracts | Same |
| $100K | 10 contracts | Same |
| $150K | 15 contracts | Same |
Scaling Within Day
You can scale in/out within the max limit, but never exceed total open contracts allowed for your account size.
4. Banned Instruments & Strategies
| What | Status |
|---|---|
| Most standard futures | ✅ Allowed |
| News trading | ✅ Allowed |
| Overnight holding | ❌ Not allowed (3:10 PM rule) |
| High-frequency trading | ❌ Banned |
| Trade copiers (external) | ❌ Banned |
| Same strategy different firms | ⚠️ Proceed with caution |
5. The "Profitable Days" Requirement
Often Missed
For payouts, you typically need a minimum number of profitable trading days, not just total profit.
| Stage | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Combine | 5+ trading days |
| First Payout | 5+ profitable days recommended |
| Ongoing | Consistent activity expected |
6. EOD Drawdown Explained
Topstep uses End-of-Day (EOD) drawdown—the most forgiving type:
| Calculation | When |
|---|---|
| At market close | 4:00 PM CT |
| Intraday drops | Don't count |
| Floating losses | Only matter if still open at close |
Your Advantage
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
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