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Topstep rule traps, by account stage. The checked official sources split risk rules across Trading Combine, Express Funded Account, and Live Funded Account. Start with the stage before reading any payout or loss-limit rule.
Stage Rule Picker
Pick the account stage you are checking. This highlights the rules to inspect first.
What can trip you up
At A Glance
Rows To Inspect First
Real-time MLL breach
Maximum Loss Limit is monitored with unrealized P&L. A trade can trigger liquidation even if the final fill later prints above the line.
DLL is not the same thing everywhere
Daily Loss Limit is optional in Combine and XFA but automatic in Live. Topstep describes a DLL hit as a session lockout; an MLL hit can have different account consequences.
Two XFA payout paths
Standard uses 5 winning days of $150+. Consistency uses 3 trading days and a 40% consistency target.
No overnight hold
Topstep is futures-only and says positions must be closed by 3:10 PM CT each weekday.
Rules To Check Before Trading
| Area | Checked rule snapshot | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Loss Limit Core rule |
MLL values: 50K=$2,000, 100K=$3,000, 150K=$4,500. It trails upward with end-of-day balance and never moves down. | Topstep’s XFA article uses a net-profit style balance that starts at $0, with the loss floor trailing upward and locking at $0 once reached. After your first payout, the checked source says MLL is set to $0.
Official sourceWhat is the Maximum Loss Limit?, checked July 6, 2026. |
| Daily Loss Limit Optional or automatic |
Optional in Trading Combine and XFA, automatic in LFA. Checkout DLL values are 50K=$1,000, 100K=$2,000, 150K=$3,000. | Topstep describes a DLL trigger as a temporary session break. Purchase-set DLL cannot be changed later, while manual personal limits can be adjusted unless locked. Verify which limit type you set.
Official sourceDaily Loss Limit in the Trading Combine and Express Funded Account, checked July 6, 2026. |
| Trading Combine objectives Pass criteria |
One rule: do not hit/go below MLL. Objectives include reaching Profit Target and meeting Consistency Target. | Topstep says your best single day should stay below 50% of Profit Target to avoid increasing the Consistency Target.
Official sourceTrading Combine Parameters, checked July 6, 2026. |
| Payout paths XFA and LFA |
XFA Standard needs 5 winning days of $150+ and positive net profit since last payout. XFA Consistency needs 3 trading days and a 40% consistency target. Minimum payout is $125. | XFA caps depend on account size and path. Live Funded Account payouts are not dollar-capped in the checked policy, but winning-day rules still apply.
Official sourceTopstep Payout Policy, checked July 6, 2026. |
| Products and hours Futures-only |
Topstep says it is a futures-only day-trading program. Positions must be closed by 3:10 PM CT each weekday and trading resumes at 5:00 PM CT. | Some products have earlier closes or pauses. Check product-specific hours before holding into the daily close.
Official sourceWhen and What Products Can I Trade?, checked July 6, 2026. |
Official sources checked
Verified 2026-07-06. Checked against official Topstep help pages. Rules, optional add-ons, and limited-time payout-cap offers can change, so verify the active account terms before trading or requesting a payout.
Not covered by this scan
This page does not verify every prohibited strategy, automation rule, account agreement term, tax/payment restriction, eligibility rule, or limited-time offer. Use it as a fast official-source checklist, then confirm your exact account in Topstep support or dashboard.
