Most traders who fail the Topstep challenge don’t lack a strategy. They break a risk rule on one bad day. This guide turns Topstep’s rules into a concrete plan: which program to choose, how much to risk per trade, and the specific mistakes that fail Topstep accounts.
Step 1: Choose the right program
For most traders we recommend the $50K Combine, which has the most drawdown room in percentage terms (4%). Here are the rules you’ll be working with:
Trading Combine
| $50K | $3,000 target · $2,000 Maximum Loss Limit · 5 minis / 50 micros |
|---|---|
| $100K | $6,000 target · $3,000 MLL · 10 minis / 100 micros |
| $150K | $9,000 target · $4,500 MLL · 15 minis / 150 micros |
| Consistency Target | No single day over 55% of total profit; target rises (best day ÷ 0.55) |
| Daily loss limit | Optional ($1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000) |
Express Funded Account (XFA)
| Starting balance | $0 (the size sets buying power) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Loss Limit | Starts at −$2,000 on a 50K and locks at $0 once balance reaches $2,000 |
| After first payout | MLL resets to $0 |
| Payout caps | Per-request caps apply (e.g. $2,000 / $3,000 / $5,000 on standard-path accounts from April 28, 2026) |
Step 2: Size every trade against the limits
On a $50,000 account with a 2% daily limit ($1,000), a 4% maximum loss ($2,000) and a 6% target ($3,000):
| Risk per trade | Risk in $ | Full losses to hit daily limit | Full losses to hit max loss | Wins at 2R needed for target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25% | $125 | 8 | 16 | 12 |
| 0.5% | $250 | 4 | 8 | 6 |
| 1% | $500 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
At 0.5% risk you can survive a normal losing streak and still reach the target in a reasonable number of winning trades. At 1%, a single bad morning can end the account. Use our position size calculator to turn this into lot sizes.
Step 3: Set personal limits inside Topstep’s limits
- Stop for the day after losing half the daily allowance ($500).
- Stop after three losing trades in a row, regardless of size.
- Take partial profits so open gains don’t lift the trailing floor and then reverse.
- Close or reduce positions before major news unless your plan specifically trades it.
Step 4: Avoid the mistakes that fail Topstep accounts
- Forgetting the MLL is enforced on unrealized P/L even though it trails end-of-day.
- Having one huge day and seeing the target rise under the 55% Consistency Target.
- Withdrawing too much and leaving no buffer after the MLL resets to $0.
Read the full Topstep rules explained page before your first trade, especially the banned strategies.
Step 5: A realistic timeline
Aim for steady progress of around 0.5–1% on good days rather than hitting the target quickly. At that pace, a 6% target takes several weeks, and with no time limit, there’s no advantage to rushing. Spreading profits across days also keeps you clear of consistency rules.
Fitting the challenge around South African hours
Most South African futures traders focus on the US cash open at 15:30 SAST (US summer) or 16:30 SAST (US winter), when index futures are most active. The trading day ends at the 5 PM New York close, which is 23:00 or 00:00 SAST. Yes. Topstep’s support team announced in 2026 that South Africa is now eligible for Live Funded Accounts, so South Africans can progress through the full Combine, Express Funded and Live path. Eligibility lists change, so check Topstep’s help centre before buying.
Step 6: After you pass
Complete KYC promptly, re-read the funded-account rules (they can differ from the evaluation), and plan your first payout. Payouts at Topstep: On request once eligible; per-request caps; Wise in 1–3 business days for South Africans. Request a modest first payout to confirm the process works.
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FAQ
How long does it take to pass the Topstep challenge?
It depends on your strategy, but at 0.5–1% on good days a 6% target usually takes several weeks. There is no time limit on the main program.
How much should I risk per trade on Topstep?
Most funded traders risk 0.25–0.5% per trade. On a $50,000 account, 0.5% is $250, which allows 4 full losses before the daily limit.
What is the easiest Topstep program to pass?
For most traders, the $50K Combine, which has the most drawdown room in percentage terms (4%).
What fails most Topstep challenges?
Forgetting the MLL is enforced on unrealized P/L even though it trails end-of-day.
Can South Africans take the Topstep challenge?
Yes. Topstep’s support team announced in 2026 that South Africa is now eligible for Live Funded Accounts, so South Africans can progress through the full Combine, Express Funded and Live path. Eligibility lists change, so check Topstep’s help centre before buying.