Topstep, one of the longest-running futures prop firms, is implementing several updates effective April 28, 2026. The changes focus primarily on monthly pricing for No Activation Fee Trading Combines and payout caps for smaller Express Funded Accounts (XFA).
These adjustments reflect Topstep’s ongoing efforts to balance accessibility, sustainability, and risk management as the firm scales its offerings.
Pricing Changes for Trading Combines
Topstep offers two parallel paths for its Trading Combine:
- Standard Path: Lower monthly fee + one-time $149 activation fee upon passing (increased from $129 earlier in 2026).
- No Activation Fee Path: Higher monthly subscription but no activation fee when moving to funded status.
Updated No Activation Fee Pricing (effective April 28, 2026):
Reset fees for these plans will also reflect the new monthly rates. The Standard Path monthly rates remain more affordable upfront but require the activation fee after passing.
Traders should calculate their expected timeline to pass when choosing between paths — faster passers may benefit more from the No Activation Fee option, while those anticipating multiple attempts might prefer the lower monthly Standard Path.
XFA Payout Cap Updates
Alongside the pricing changes, Topstep is adjusting maximum payout amounts for $50K and $100K Express Funded Accounts. The $150K tier remains unchanged.
Payout Path Details (introduced February 2026):
- Standard Path: Requires 5 winning days of $150+ net P&L (not necessarily consecutive) and overall profitability since the last payout. Up to 50% of account balance per request, subject to the cap.
- Consistency Path: Faster eligibility — as few as 3 trading days meeting a 40% consistency target. Offers the higher payout cap, making it attractive for steady traders.
Profit split remains 90/10 (trader/firm) on Express Funded Accounts. First payouts are generally more flexible, while subsequent ones require staying profitable since the prior withdrawal.
Context and Implications for Traders
Mathematically, these lowered payout caps reduce the speed at which traders can extract profits from their Express Funded Accounts, directly impacting cash-flow velocity and ROI realization. For a $50K XFA, the new caps of $2,000 (Standard Path) or $3,000 (Consistency Path) represent only 4–6% of the account balance per payout.
A trader generating a realistic 8–12% gross monthly return (after the 90/10 split) will now require more payout cycles — and therefore more time — to withdraw equivalent amounts compared to previous limits. This extends the payback period on challenge fees and any activation costs while increasing the opportunity cost of capital remaining in the account.
Ultimately, the change shifts the math in favor of long-term scaling: smaller accounts become less efficient for frequent withdrawals, pushing disciplined traders toward larger account sizes or Live Funded programs where payout potential scales more favorably.
For aspiring traders:
- The updated No Activation Fee pricing makes monthly costs more predictable for those who pass quickly.
- Tighter caps on smaller XFAs may encourage scaling to larger accounts or focusing on consistency to maximize withdrawals.
For funded traders:
- Smaller accounts now have reduced per-payout limits, shifting emphasis toward building account size and utilizing the Consistency Path where possible.
- Topstep continues to offer pathways to Live Funded Accounts with higher limits and uncapped potential for top performers.
Bottom Line
Topstep’s April 28 updates represent a measured evolution rather than a drastic overhaul. By tweaking pricing and payout caps, the firm aims to sustain long-term payouts while encouraging disciplined, consistent trading.
Traders are advised to log into their Topstep dashboard to review exact current pricing, rules, and any promotional offers before making decisions. As always, success in prop trading depends far more on risk management and edge than on fee structures.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Trading futures involves substantial risk of loss. Always verify the latest details directly on Topstep’s website or help center, as terms can change.
