The Basics
The Live Funded Account® (LFA) is Topstep's live trading account — real capital, real markets. Your LFA size is based on the average size of your active and eligible Express Funded Accounts® (XFA). When you're called up, all Express Funded Accounts are closed.
Live Account Size
Your LFA size is based on the average of all active, eligible XFAs — only accounts with at least 1 Payout count. The average is rounded up to the nearest tier ($50K, $100K, or $150K).
Example: Four 50K XFAs + one 150K XFA = 70K average → rounds up to $100K LFA.
Starting Balance and Reserve
At Live activation:
20% of combined XFA balances is available for trading immediately
Minimum starting balance: $10,000 (Topstep supplements from Reserve if needed)
80% held in Reserve — unlocked in 4 increments as you hit profit thresholds
Each threshold = 25% of Reserve released
Example: $75K combined profit → $15K to trade, $60K in Reserve.
⚠️ Starting balance is capped at your account size. Can't transfer more than $100K into a $100K LFA. The excess is forfeited.
Capital Expansion — Unlocking Your Reserve
Reserve funds unlock in 25% increments each time you hit the Profit Target for your LFA size. The Profit Target mirrors your Trading Combine® profit target:
LFA Size | Profit Target to Unlock Reserve Increment |
$50K | $3,000 |
$100K | $6,000 |
$150K | $9,000 |
Capital Expansion is:
Reviewed every Monday morning
Funds deposited within 1-2 business days
Can be delayed or denied for excessive or reckless risk behavior
You cannot unlock multiple tiers with a single large win — each threshold requires net profit since the last expansion.
Important: If your LFA balance drops below $1,000, the account is immediately liquidated and closed at end of the trading day. The remaining balance is sent as a final Payout.
Daily Loss Limit and Maximum Position Size
LFAs start with a DLL based on account size:
LFA Size | Standard DLL |
$50K | $2,000 |
$100K | $3,000 |
$150K | $4,500 |
Regardless of account size, if your tradable balance drops to lower thresholds, the DLL and Maximum Position Size automatically adjust:
Tradable Balance | DLL | Max Position Size |
$10,000 or below | $2,000 | 5 |
$5,000 or below | $1,000 | 3 |
☝️ These limits update on Fridays and return to standard levels once your balance rises back above the thresholds.
Shoulder Tap Express Funded Account
A Shoulder Tap XFA is a simulated funded account created after a call down from Live. Part of the LFA risk framework — a structured path back to Live trading if needed. Call-back is discretionary, based on overall trading behavior. Learn more →
Live Funded Account FAQs
Can I decline the invitation to move to Live and stay in my XFA?
Can I decline the invitation to move to Live and stay in my XFA?
No. Once the Risk Team determines you're ready, your options are to move to Live or close your Express Funded Account.
How long does it take to create a Live Funded Account?
How long does it take to create a Live Funded Account?
7 to 10 business days. Topstep will notify you as soon as it's ready.
Can I have more than one Live Funded Account?
Can I have more than one Live Funded Account?
You can only have one (1) Live Funded Account active. When you receive a Live Funded Account, all Express Funded Accounts are closed.
If I lose my LFA, can I go straight back to an XFA without a Trading Combine?
If I lose my LFA, can I go straight back to an XFA without a Trading Combine?
No. You must pass a Trading Combine first. From there, demonstrate consistency in an XFA before being called back up to Live.
Can I take Payouts before unlocking all my Reserve?
Can I take Payouts before unlocking all my Reserve?
Yes. Payout eligibility is not tied to capital expansion. You can take Payouts while still trading with partial account access.
How do I request a Payout?
How do I request a Payout?
👉 Check out our Payout Policy for steps
Is the live trading capital my money?
Is the live trading capital my money?
No. It's Topstep's prop firm capital made available as you demonstrate consistent performance. Once you withdraw funds via a Payout, those funds are yours.
Can I unlock multiple Reserve tiers at once with a big win?
Can I unlock multiple Reserve tiers at once with a big win?
No. Each tier requires net profit since the last expansion, reviewed weekly. Single oversized wins do not bypass this.
Can I use automated strategies in my LFA?
Can I use automated strategies in my LFA?
Automated strategies are permitted, but Topstep cannot help set them up or troubleshoot them. Automated trading via the ProjectX API is prohibited in the LFA.
How does trading Live benefit me over SIM?
How does trading Live benefit me over SIM?
Trading Live is the goal. It means managing real money, which helps develop discipline and skills under real market conditions, preparing you for real-world trading at Topstep and beyond.
Once my funds are transferred to Live and I have 30 winning days, can I take a 100% payout?
Once my funds are transferred to Live and I have 30 winning days, can I take a 100% payout?
Yes. Once you are called up to Live and your Live Funded Account is created, you are eligible to withdraw up to 100% of your unlocked balance. We encourage traders to take full advantage of the benefits of Live trading with Topstep, including unlimited growth potential and uncapped daily payouts. Please note that payouts can only be taken from your unlocked balance, not from your Live Funded Account Reserve.
As you reach each profit target, additional funds are released from your Reserve into your unlocked balance. Once 100% of your balance has been unlocked, you may withdraw those funds as well.
What happens if I lose my 20% starting balance?
What happens if I lose my 20% starting balance?
If your Live Funded Account balance drops below $1,000, the account will be liquidated immediately and closed at the end of the trading day. The remaining balance will be sent to you as a final payout before the account is closed.
Can I use automated strategies in the Live Funded Account?
Can I use automated strategies in the Live Funded Account?
Yes, automated strategies are permitted, with a few things to note:
Topstep cannot help set up or troubleshoot automated strategies and will not make exceptions for errant trades or malfunctions.
Automated trading through the ProjectX API is prohibited with Live Funded Accounts
Tip: You can duplicate trades across multiple accounts using a trade copier. Learn more here.