Unlock the full potential of your Topstep funded account with expert prop firm passing service, funded account management, and proven scaling strategies. Join thousands of successful traders who trust Prop Funded Kings.
The definitive resource for traders looking to maximize their funded account potential through strategic scaling
Welcome to the most comprehensive guide on Topstep scaling rules available online. If you’re a futures trader looking to grow your funded account, understand the scaling mechanics, or simply want to pass your Topstep challenge with confidence, you’ve arrived at the right destination. At Prop Funded Kings, we’ve helped thousands of traders navigate the complex world of proprietary trading firms, and Topstep remains one of the most respected names in the industry.
The concept of prop firm passing service has revolutionized how traders access capital. Instead of risking your own money, you demonstrate your trading skills through an evaluation process, and upon passing, you receive a funded account with real capital to trade. Topstep, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, has been pioneering this model since 2012, making it one of the oldest and most trusted prop firm services in the market.
But passing the challenge is only the beginning. The real opportunity lies in understanding and leveraging the Topstep scaling plan — a systematic approach that allows successful traders to increase their contract size, amplify their profits, and build a sustainable trading career. This guide will walk you through every aspect of Topstep scaling rules, from the basics to advanced strategies that professional traders use to maximize their returns.
Every day, thousands of traders search for information about how to pass prop firm challenges, Topstep funded rules, and scaling strategies. The reason is simple: understanding these rules is the difference between a trader who barely survives and one who thrives. When you know exactly how the scaling system works, you can plan your trades strategically, manage risk effectively, and build a predictable income stream from trading.
The funded account management service industry has grown exponentially, with more traders than ever seeking professional help to navigate these complex rules. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced trader looking to optimize your approach, this guide provides the knowledge you need to succeed.
Traders who understand and follow Topstep scaling rules consistently earn 3-5x more than those who trade at the base contract level. The scaling plan is designed to reward consistency and disciplined risk management.
Topstep stands out in the crowded prop firm industry for several reasons. First, it’s one of the few firms that specializes exclusively in futures trading, giving traders access to highly liquid markets like the E-mini S&P 500 (ES), Nasdaq 100 (NQ), gold (GC), crude oil (CL), and more. Second, Topstep offers multiple trading platforms including Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView, and Quantower, giving traders flexibility in how they execute their strategies.
Third, Topstep’s scaling plan is one of the most generous in the industry, allowing traders to scale from 1 contract all the way up to 25 contracts. This means that a trader who starts with a $50,000 account can eventually trade with the buying power equivalent of a multi-million dollar account, all while keeping up to 90% of their profits. This is the power of professional funded account management.
Fourth, Topstep has built a strong reputation for fast payouts, transparent rules, and excellent customer support. The firm processes payouts quickly, often within 1-3 business days, and has a track record of paying out millions of dollars to successful traders. This reliability is crucial for traders who depend on their trading income to support their livelihood.
A comprehensive overview of one of the world’s leading proprietary trading firms
Topstep is a proprietary trading firm based in Chicago, Illinois, that provides funded futures trading accounts to traders worldwide. Founded in 2012, Topstep has become one of the most recognized names in the prop firm industry, helping thousands of traders access professional-grade trading capital without risking their own money.
The company operates on a simple but powerful model: traders pay a small fee to participate in an evaluation challenge, demonstrate their trading skills by meeting specific profit targets while following risk management rules, and upon passing, receive a funded account with real capital. Topstep then shares the profits with the trader, typically offering an 80-90% profit split in the trader’s favor.
What makes Topstep trading unique is its focus on futures markets. Unlike forex-focused prop firms, Topstep gives traders access to the world’s most liquid markets including equity indices (ES, NQ, YM, RTY), commodities (gold, silver, crude oil, natural gas), currencies (6E, 6B, 6J), and bonds. These markets offer superior liquidity, tight spreads, and transparent pricing that benefit both day traders and swing traders.
Topstep has processed over $100 million in trader payouts since its inception, making it one of the most successful prop firm passing services in the world. The firm is regulated and operates under strict compliance standards, providing traders with confidence that their profits will be paid promptly and fairly.
Understanding how Topstep works is essential before diving into the scaling rules. The process typically involves three main stages:
Many traders use professional prop firm passing service providers like Prop Funded Kings to help them navigate the evaluation phase. These services use experienced traders and proven strategies to maximize the chances of passing on the first attempt, saving both time and money.
Topstep offers several account sizes to accommodate traders with different experience levels and risk tolerances:
| Account Size | Profit Target | Max Daily Loss | Max Trailing Drawdown | Starting Contracts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 | $2,500 | 1 |
| $100,000 | $6,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | 1 |
| $150,000 | $9,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 | 1 |
Each account size offers the same scaling potential — traders can scale up to 25 contracts regardless of their starting account size. This means that even traders who start with the $50K account can eventually trade with the same contract allocation as those who start with the $150K account, provided they demonstrate consistent profitability.
The Topstep express account is another popular option that allows traders to bypass the traditional combine and get instant access to a funded account. Express accounts have simplified rules with no profit target requirement, but they maintain the same drawdown limits and consistency rules as traditional accounts.
Everything you need to know about scaling your funded account from 1 to 25 contracts
The Topstep scaling plan is one of the most attractive features of the platform, offering traders a clear path to increase their trading size and potential profits. Understanding these rules thoroughly is essential for any trader who wants to maximize their earnings and build a sustainable trading career.
At its core, the scaling plan is designed to reward consistency. Topstep wants to see that you can generate profits reliably over time, not just get lucky on a few trades. The scaling system gradually increases your contract allocation as you demonstrate this consistency, protecting both you and the firm from excessive risk.
The scaling plan operates on a tier-based system. Each tier represents a specific number of contracts you’re allowed to trade, and to move from one tier to the next, you must meet specific profit targets while following all funded account rules. Here’s how the tiers typically work:
Starting point for all funded accounts. Trade 1 contract and prove your consistency.
Scale to 2 contracts after meeting initial profit targets with consistent performance.
Intermediate tier for traders demonstrating reliable profitability over multiple weeks.
Advanced tier requiring sustained performance and strict risk management.
Professional tier for elite traders with proven track records.
Maximum allocation for top-performing traders with exceptional consistency.
To successfully scale your Topstep account, you must meet several key requirements:
Consider this: A trader who consistently makes $200 per day trading 1 contract would earn approximately $4,000 per month (20 trading days). However, a trader who scales to 10 contracts and maintains the same per-contract performance would earn $40,000 per month. This is the transformative power of the Topstep scaling plan.
The timeline for scaling varies based on your trading performance, market conditions, and the specific requirements at each tier. On average, traders who follow a disciplined approach can expect to reach the maximum 25 contracts within 6-12 months of consistent trading. However, some exceptional traders have achieved this in as little as 3-4 months.
It’s important to note that rushing the scaling process often leads to mistakes and rule violations. The most successful traders focus on consistency rather than speed, understanding that sustainable growth is more valuable than rapid but unstable expansion.
Through our experience managing thousands of funded accounts at Prop Funded Kings, we’ve identified several common mistakes that traders make when attempting to scale:
Choose the platform that best fits your trading style and strategy
Tradovate is Topstep’s primary trading platform, offering a modern, intuitive interface with advanced charting tools, one-click trading, and seamless integration with Topstep accounts. Learn how to connect Topstep to Tradovate for the best trading experience.
NinjaTrader is a powerful platform favored by professional futures traders. It offers advanced order types, automated trading capabilities, and extensive customization options for serious traders.
TradingView integration allows traders to use the world’s most popular charting platform with their Topstep funded accounts. Perfect for traders who prefer TradingView’s social features and extensive indicator library.
Quantower offers advanced trading tools including the innovative Project X features, multi-asset trading, and professional-grade analytics for sophisticated trading strategies.
TopstepX is the firm’s proprietary mobile trading app, allowing traders to monitor and manage their accounts on the go. Perfect for traders who need flexibility and mobility.
Rithmic provides low-latency data feeds and execution, preferred by high-frequency traders and those who need the fastest possible order execution.
One of the most common questions we receive is how to connect Topstep to Tradovate. The process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes:
The integration between Topstep and Tradovate is seamless, with real-time data synchronization and instant order execution. Many traders prefer this combination for its reliability and user-friendly interface.
Understanding how and when you get paid is crucial for your trading success
One of the most important aspects of any funded account management service is the payout process. Topstep has established clear and transparent payout rules that ensure traders receive their profits promptly and fairly.
Topstep allows traders to request payouts once they’ve met specific requirements:
To qualify for a payout, traders must meet several requirements:
Most Topstep payouts are processed within 1-3 business days after your request is approved. The first payout may take slightly longer due to additional verification requirements. Topstep is known for its reliable and timely payout processing, which is one reason it’s considered one of the most trustworthy prop firms in the industry.
Understanding the Topstep withdrawal rules is essential for planning your trading strategy. The firm has specific guidelines around when and how you can withdraw your profits:
Topstep offers one of the most competitive profit splits in the industry:
| Account Type | Trader Share | Topstep Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Funded | 80% | 20% | Standard profit split |
| Express Funded | 90% | 10% | Higher split for express accounts |
| Scaled Accounts | 90% | 10% | After reaching certain tiers |
The profit split improves as you scale up, rewarding traders who demonstrate consistent profitability. This is another reason why understanding and following the Topstep scaling rules is so important — not only do you trade larger sizes, but you also keep a larger percentage of your profits.
Skip the combine and get funded immediately with Express accounts
The Topstep Express account represents a revolutionary approach to prop firm funding. Instead of going through the traditional Trading Combine evaluation, Express accounts provide instant access to funded capital, allowing traders to start earning profits immediately.
Topstep Express rules are simplified compared to traditional combine accounts. The key differences include:
Once you have an Express funded account, you must follow these key rules:
If you’re confident in your trading abilities and want to start earning immediately, the Express account is ideal. If you prefer a structured evaluation process with clear milestones, the traditional combine may be better. Many professional traders use both, depending on their current goals and market conditions.
Understanding the differences between two leading prop firms
One of the most common questions in the prop firm industry is how Topstep compares to Apex Trader Funding. Both are reputable firms offering funded futures accounts, but they have distinct differences that may make one more suitable for your trading style.
| Feature | Topstep | Apex Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Chicago, IL | Dallas, TX |
| Account Sizes | $50K – $150K | $25K – $300K |
| Profit Split | 80-90% | 100% (first $25K) |
| Scaling Plan | Up to 25 contracts | Up to 20 contracts |
| Platforms | Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView, Quantower | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic |
| Payout Speed | 1-3 business days | Weekly payouts |
| Activation Fee | $149 (often discounted) | $85 |
| Reset Policy | Reset credits available | Account resets available |
| Consistency Rule | 50% rule | Consistency rules apply |
| Reputation | Excellent, industry pioneer | Very good, growing rapidly |
Both firms have their strengths. Topstep is known for its longer track record, superior platform options, and generous scaling plan. Apex offers lower entry costs and the attractive 100% profit split on the first $25,000 of profits. The choice between them often comes down to your specific trading goals, preferred platforms, and risk tolerance.
At Prop Funded Kings, we provide funded account management services for both Topstep and Apex, allowing you to choose the firm that best fits your needs while benefiting from our professional trading expertise.
Industry-leading prop firm passing service with proven results
Our expert traders have achieved a 95%+ success rate in passing prop firm challenges, significantly higher than the industry average of 10-15%.
We’ve successfully managed over 12,500 funded accounts across multiple prop firms including Topstep, FTMO, Apex, and more.
Your account credentials are encrypted and protected with bank-level security. We never share your information with third parties.
Our dedicated support team is available around the clock via Telegram, WhatsApp, and Discord to answer your questions.
No hidden fees, no surprises. Our pricing is clear and straightforward, with money-back guarantees on all services.
Most challenges are passed within 7-14 days, allowing you to start earning profits as quickly as possible.
At Prop Funded Kings, we offer a full suite of prop firm services designed to help traders at every stage of their journey:
Comprehensive solutions for every stage of your prop trading journey
Our expert traders pass your Topstep challenge using proven strategies, strict risk management, and years of experience. We handle everything from account setup to final certification.
Let our professionals manage your funded account and generate consistent profits. We trade your account while you enjoy the profits, perfect for traders who want passive income.
Specialized forex trading services for currency markets. Our forex experts trade major, minor, and exotic pairs with proven strategies and consistent results.
Comprehensive trading education programs designed to transform beginners into profitable traders. Learn from professionals with decades of combined experience.
Choose the plan that fits your goals and budget
Perfect for beginners
Most popular choice
For serious traders
Real results from real traders who trusted Prop Funded Kings
Our traders have generated over $2.4 million in profits for clients across all prop firms.
We’ve maintained a 98.7% account safety rate, with strict risk management protecting every account.
From beginners to professionals, we’ve successfully managed over 12,500 funded accounts.
At Prop Funded Kings, we use a combination of technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and advanced risk management to pass challenges and manage funded accounts. Our methodology includes:
Real reviews from real traders who achieved success with Prop Funded Kings
“Prop Funded Kings passed my Topstep 100K challenge in just 6 days! I was skeptical at first, but their results speak for themselves. Already scaled to 5 contracts and earning consistent profits.”
“I failed my Topstep challenge 3 times before finding Prop Funded Kings. They passed it on the first try and now manage my funded account. Best investment I’ve made in my trading career.”
“The team at PFK is incredibly professional. They passed my challenge, helped me scale to 15 contracts, and I’m now earning $8,000+ per month. Highly recommend their services!”
“Outstanding service! They not only passed my challenge but also taught me their strategies. I’m now trading profitably on my own. True professionals in every sense.”
“I’ve tried other prop firm passing services before, but Prop Funded Kings is on another level. Fast, reliable, and transparent. My Topstep account is now scaled to 10 contracts.”
“The best decision I made for my trading career. PFK passed my challenge quickly and their account management service has been generating consistent profits for 8 months straight.”
Your satisfaction is our priority
At Prop Funded Kings, we stand behind our services with a comprehensive refund policy. We understand that trust is essential in this industry, and we want you to feel confident in your investment.
We’ve built our reputation on trust and results. With a 95%+ success rate and over 12,500 satisfied clients, we’re confident in our ability to deliver. If we can’t deliver, you don’t pay. It’s that simple.
Your security is our top priority. We use bank-level encryption to protect your account credentials and personal information. All communications are conducted through secure channels, and we never share your data with third parties.
We understand that trust is earned, not given. That’s why we maintain transparent communication, provide regular updates on your account status, and are always available to answer your questions.
Everything you need to know about Topstep scaling rules and our services
The Topstep scaling plan allows funded traders to increase their contract size based on consistent profitable performance. Starting from 1 contract, traders can scale up to 25 contracts by meeting specific profit targets and consistency requirements at each tier.
To scale up on Topstep, you must meet the profit target for your current tier while following all funded account rules. Once you hit the required profit, Topstep automatically increases your contract size at the start of the next trading day. Our funded account management service can help you achieve this efficiently.
The maximum number of contracts you can trade on Topstep through the scaling plan is 25 contracts. This applies across all funded account sizes including 50K, 100K, and 150K accounts.
Yes, Topstep has a consistency rule that requires traders to maintain balanced trading performance. No single trading day should account for more than 50% of your total profits when requesting a payout. This ensures profits come from consistent trading, not one lucky trade.
Topstep Express rules allow traders to bypass the traditional combine and get instant access to a funded account. Express accounts have simplified rules with no profit target requirement but maintain drawdown limits and consistency rules.
Topstep payouts typically take 1-3 business days to process after your payout request is approved. The first payout may take slightly longer for verification purposes. Topstep is known for reliable and timely payout processing.
Topstep trading is a proprietary trading firm that provides funded futures trading accounts to traders who pass their evaluation challenge. Founded in 2012 and based in Chicago, Topstep allows traders to keep up to 90% of their profits.
To connect Topstep to Tradovate, log into your Topstep dashboard, navigate to the platforms section, and use your Topstep credentials to authenticate with Tradovate. The integration is seamless and allows direct trading with your funded account.
Topstep supports multiple trading platforms including Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView, Quantower (with Project X features), and TopstepX mobile app. Each platform offers different features for futures trading.
A reset credit on Topstep allows traders to restart their combine evaluation without paying the full fee again. Reset credits are earned through consistent trading performance or purchased separately. They’re valuable for traders who need a second attempt.
Topstep trading hours follow the CME exchange hours. Most futures markets trade Sunday evening through Friday afternoon (US time). Specific closing times vary by instrument, but typically the main session closes at 4:00 PM CT with electronic trading continuing until 5:00 PM CT.
Topstep operates as a proprietary trading firm and is based in Chicago, Illinois. While prop firms aren’t regulated in the same way as brokers, Topstep maintains high operational standards and has a strong track record of paying traders promptly.
The Topstep consistency target requires that no single trading day accounts for more than 50% of your total profits when requesting a payout. This ensures traders demonstrate consistent performance rather than relying on one large winning day.
The number of gold (GC) contracts you can trade depends on your current scaling tier. Starting at 1 contract, you can scale up to 25 contracts maximum. Gold futures are popular due to their liquidity and volatility.
The Topstep dashboard is your central hub for managing your account, viewing performance metrics, requesting payouts, accessing educational resources, and connecting to trading platforms. It provides comprehensive analytics and account management tools.
Topstep futures markets typically open Sunday at 6:00 PM ET and close Friday at 5:00 PM ET, with a daily maintenance break from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET. Specific hours vary by instrument.
The Topstep 150K account is the largest standard account size offered, with a $9,000 profit target, $4,000 max daily loss, and $5,000 max trailing drawdown. It offers the highest profit potential while maintaining the same scaling opportunities as smaller accounts.
The Topstep 50K account is the entry-level funded account with a $3,000 profit target, $2,000 max daily loss, and $2,500 max trailing drawdown. It’s perfect for beginners looking to start their prop trading journey.
The Topstep 100K account is the most popular account size, offering a balance between profit potential and risk. It has a $6,000 profit target, $3,000 max daily loss, and $4,000 max trailing drawdown.
The Topstep trailing drawdown is a dynamic risk limit that moves up as your account profits increase but never moves down. It protects both you and the firm from excessive losses while allowing your account to grow.
You can copy trades on Topstep using trade copying software compatible with NinjaTrader or Tradovate. Many traders use our prop firm passing service which includes professional trade management.
XFA (Express Funded Account) rules are the simplified rules for Topstep’s instant funding option. They include drawdown limits and consistency requirements but no profit target, allowing immediate trading with real capital.
Yes, you can switch between trading platforms at any time. Topstep supports multiple platforms, and you can use different platforms for different trading sessions based on your preferences.
The Topstep activation fee is a one-time fee paid when you pass the combine and receive your funded account. It’s typically $149 but is often discounted with promo codes. This fee covers account setup and platform access.
Topstep periodically offers promotions that waive or reduce activation fees. Check their website or contact us for current promotions. We often have exclusive Topstep coupon codes for our clients.
The Topstep payout certificate is documentation provided when you request a payout. It confirms your profit amount, the payout calculation, and serves as a record for tax purposes.
Topstep offers PayPal as one of the payout methods, allowing traders to receive their profits quickly and conveniently. Bank transfers are also available for larger payouts.
A Topstep free reset allows you to restart your combine evaluation without paying again. Free resets are earned through consistent performance or included with certain account packages.
Topstep occasionally offers free trials that allow you to test their platform and trading conditions without financial commitment. These are great for beginners wanting to explore prop trading.
If you lose your Topstep live account by violating rules (hitting max drawdown or daily loss), the account is terminated. However, you can purchase a new challenge or use reset credits if available. Our management service helps prevent this.
Topstep offers chat support through their dashboard and website. Support is available during business hours to help with technical issues, account questions, and platform assistance.
The Topstep calendar shows economic events, market holidays, and trading hours. It helps traders plan their trading around high-impact news events and market closures.
Topstep provides email support for non-urgent inquiries. For faster response, use their live chat or contact our team via Telegram for immediate assistance with your account.
TopstepX can be downloaded from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Search for “TopstepX” and install the official app. Log in with your Topstep credentials to access your funded account.
Topstep LLC is a Chicago-based proprietary trading firm founded in 2012. The company has processed over $100 million in trader payouts and is considered one of the pioneers of the modern prop firm industry.
Topstep trading combines are the evaluation challenges traders must pass to receive funded accounts. They test trading skills, risk management, and consistency over a 30-day period (though most pass sooner).
Topstep periodically runs promotions waiving the $149 activation fee. These promotions are time-limited, so act quickly when available. We notify our clients of these opportunities through our Telegram channel.
You can check your Topstep account status through the dashboard, which shows your current P&L, drawdown levels, days traded, and progress toward scaling targets.
The Topstep application process is simple: choose your account size, pay the challenge fee, and start trading. There’s no complex application or approval process — anyone can participate.
The Topstep shop offers educational resources, trading tools, and merchandise for traders. It’s a great place to find additional resources to improve your trading skills.
The Topstep profit split is typically 80/20 in favor of the trader for standard accounts and 90/10 for express and scaled accounts. This is one of the most competitive splits in the industry.
Prop firms with instant funding, like Topstep Express, allow traders to skip the evaluation phase and start trading with real capital immediately. This is ideal for experienced traders who want to start earning right away.
The Topstep combine is the evaluation challenge that tests your trading skills. You must reach a profit target while following risk management rules to qualify for a funded account.
Funded account rules include maximum daily loss limits, trailing drawdown limits, consistency requirements, and minimum trading days. Violating these rules can result in account termination.
The ABC pattern is a common technical analysis pattern consisting of three waves: an initial move (A), a correction (B), and a final move in the original direction (C). It’s used to identify potential entry and exit points.
Gann Arc is a technical analysis tool based on W.D. Gann’s theories. It uses geometric arcs to identify potential support and resistance levels based on time and price relationships.
ATM (Automated Trade Management) strategies on TopstepX can be set through the platform’s order ticket. Configure your stop loss, profit target, and trailing stop to automate trade management.
Quantower Project X is an advanced trading interface within the Quantower platform, offering enhanced charting, multi-asset trading, and professional analytics tools for sophisticated traders.
Back2Funded is a program that helps traders who have lost their funded accounts get back into trading. It offers discounted challenges and support for traders looking for a second chance.
Topstep works with established futures brokers to provide market access and execution. Traders don’t need to open a separate brokerage account — Topstep handles all the infrastructure.
Topstep coupon codes provide discounts on challenge fees, activation fees, and other services. We regularly share exclusive codes with our clients through our Telegram and Discord channels.
Topstep trader promo codes offer special discounts for traders. These codes can save you 20-50% on challenge fees. Contact us for current active promo codes.
Topstep trading hours follow CME exchange hours: Sunday 6:00 PM ET to Friday 5:00 PM ET, with a daily maintenance break from 5:00-6:00 PM ET. Specific instruments may have different hours.
Topstep dashboard login is accessed through the Topstep website using your account credentials. The dashboard provides comprehensive account management, performance tracking, and platform access.
Topstep receives excellent reviews across platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit. Traders praise the firm for fast payouts, transparent rules, excellent support, and generous scaling plan. It’s consistently rated as one of the top prop firms.
The Topstep certificate is awarded when you successfully pass the trading combine. It confirms your qualification for a funded account and serves as proof of your trading competence.
Topstep futures trading allows traders to trade futures contracts on indices, commodities, currencies, and bonds using funded accounts. Futures offer high liquidity, leverage, and profit potential.
A prop firm passing service saves time, reduces risk, and increases your chances of success. Professional traders use proven strategies and strict risk management to pass challenges efficiently, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life while building your trading career.
Yes, Prop Funded Kings is a legitimate and highly-rated prop firm passing service with a 95%+ success rate, over 12,500 satisfied clients, and verified reviews on multiple platforms. We’re transparent about our methods and offer money-back guarantees.
Getting started is simple: contact us via Telegram, WhatsApp, or Discord. We’ll discuss your goals, recommend the best account size, and begin the process. Most challenges are completed within 7-14 days.
Join thousands of successful traders who trust Prop Funded Kings for their prop firm passing service and funded account management needs. Start your journey to financial freedom today.