Topstep exists to turn market access into real opportunity — so you can learn, trade, and earn. Everything you do here is prep for Live markets, whether you're trading our money or your own. We're scouting for serious Traders. Consistent. Disciplined. Profitable. That's who gets funded — and that's who stays funded.

✅ Trade it like it's real, so you're ready when it is.

Responsible traders treat simulated funds like their own. Topstep is a learning ground, so you don't have to risk your life savings. Build a foundation that will carry you long term, rather than focusing on quick, easy wins. You shouldn't want to be a SIM trader forever. SIM is a stepping stone to Live trading.

✅ Define your risk before you trade.

Responsible traders protect their capital above all else. Before setting goals on how much you want to make each month, consider what you're willing to risk for the week, the day, and on each trade. You have to think about survival before going after the reward.

✅ Trade with intention, not emotion.

Responsible traders start each day with a plan. Your plan is the backbone of your trading, and in the heat of the moment, it will keep you from overleveraging and blowing accounts. Don't let FOMO (fear of missing out) or revenge trading cloud decision-making. If emotions are high, step away and take a 15-minute break.

✅ Use the TopstepX tools that keep you in control.

Responsible traders use risk settings to stay on track. Long-term success in trading requires a blend of discipline, strategy, and robust tools. From locking out to limiting downside, our tools help you stay in control, manage risk effectively, and trade with confidence.

Greed turns winning days into losing ones. Set a realistic profit target before you start. When you hit it — close trades and step away.

TopstepX™ has a Personal Daily Profit Target and lockout feature to make this automatic. If you want to keep trading past your target, set a hard stop to protect what you've made.

The "one more trade" mindset is a trap. Set a loss limit before the session starts — a dollar amount or a number of trades. When you hit it, flatten and walk away. There's always another day.

Maximum position size is a tool, not a default setting. Even in the Trading Combine® (TC), start with 1–2 lots. Build your balance gradually. Use max size strategically — not habitually.

Trade like you would with real money. If we see habits that won't hold up in Live markets, we'll put you on the Responsible Trading Program.

You might end up here if you:

Can't trade small? You can't trade big. This program builds the discipline and risk management your strategy needs. Consistency first — then size and scale.

Learn more about the Responsible Trading Program.

To help you trade responsibly, we've built risk tools designed to reinforce discipline, manage emotion, and keep your best behaviors in check.

Prohibited Conduct

Know the rules before you trade. A few things that'll get you flagged:

Trade with integrity and you've got nothing to worry about. Full details: Topstep's Prohibited Conduct.

Other helpful links: