The Basics
The Responsible Trading Program exists because we're seeing a common theme among struggling Traders: inconsistency, emotional tilt, and lack of discipline.
If Topstep sees trading behavior that isn't sustainable in live markets, you may be placed in the Responsible Trading Program (RTP). It's not a punishment — it's a structured path to rebuild discipline, consistency, and sound risk management.
This program gets you back on track — building the discipline and habits needed to trade responsibly in Live markets.
👉 You may need the Responsible Trading Program if:
Multiple accounts hit the Maximum Loss Limit in one day
You max position a majority of your trades
You don’t keep losers smaller than winners
You don’t use stops
You go full port or trade on tilt, FOMO, or revenge
You disrespect your daily limits
Can't trade small? You can't trade big. Consistency first — then size and scale.
Responsible Trading Program Parameters
While in the Responsible Trading Program:
Have up to 20 Trading Combines®
All Trading Combines® and XFAs automatically get a Daily Loss Limit (DLL):
50K accounts = -$1,000
100K accounts = -$2,000
150K accounts = -$3,000
Pass a Trading Combine®? You'll be limited to Express Funded Account (XFA) Consistency — best day must stay under 40% of total profits per Payout period
XFA Standard is unavailable until RTP is completed
If you're placed into RTP with an active XFA Standard:
Your existing XFA Standard account is unaffected
Any new XFAs created during RTP will be XFA Consistency only
If you're removed from RTP with an active XFA Consistency:
Your XFA Consistency account stays unchanged
Going forward, you can choose XFA Standard or XFA Consistency for new accounts
Responsible Trading Program FAQs
How is RTP different from the Focused Trader Plan (FTP)?
How is RTP different from the Focused Trader Plan (FTP)?
Under the Focused Trader Plan, Traders are limited to one Express Funded Account at a time. Under the Responsible Trading Program, Traders may trade up to five Express Funded Accounts while following a consistency requirement during payout periods. You can learn more about the Focused Trader Plan here
Is the RTP replacing the FTP?
Is the RTP replacing the FTP?
Not necessarily. Some traders may still benefit from being in the Focused Trader Program. However, a Trader may be moved from RTP to FTP if they continue to violate our Trader Pledge or carry out the other prohibited trading strategies outlined here.
Is there a limit on Trading Combines in RTP?
Is there a limit on Trading Combines in RTP?
Regular purchase limits still apply without additional restrictions to the number of Trading Combines a Trader is allowed to have at one time. Read this article to learn more about regular purchasing limits
Can I still buy No Activation Fee Trading Combines?
Can I still buy No Activation Fee Trading Combines?
Yes. You can purchase any type and size of Trading Combine, but it will always have a Daily Loss Limit. Only the type of Express Funded Account will be limited.
Is RTP a punishment or restriction?
Is RTP a punishment or restriction?
RTP is not a punishment. It is a support-focused program designed to help Traders improve consistency, develop the mindset to manage emotional tilt, and instill trading discipline, all while maintaining access to multiple Express Funded Accounts. In fact, compared to the prior Focused Trader Plan, RTP allows more flexibility, not less.
Will I always receive a warning before being put in RTP?
Will I always receive a warning before being put in RTP?
While warnings will often be sent out first, Topstep reserves the right to send Traders directly to RTP based on the severity of the violation. Traders are only placed into RTP after thorough reviews from our Risk Team. Trading activity is monitored over time, and placement occurs only if we continue to see patterns that suggest unsustainable or high-risk behavior. If you’re put into RTP, you will be notified directly via email.
How long does RTP last?
How long does RTP last?
After 6 months in RTP, Topstep reviews your account activity. If the behavior that landed you in RTP — plus anything else flagged at the top of this article — is no longer present, you graduate out.
Can I still take payouts on RTP?
Can I still take payouts on RTP?
Yes, Traders in RTP can request payouts of up to $6,000 every 3 trading days, provided consistency requirements are met.
Can I use Back2Funded while in RTP?
Can I use Back2Funded while in RTP?
Yes, traders in RTP can Reactivate their Express Funded Account Consistency using our Back2Funded option. When you Reactivate an account, regardless of the parameters of the original account, the Reactivated Express Funded Account will be created on the Consistency Path. You can learn more about Back2Funded here.
🤝 We hope you use this opportunity to refocus your trading approach and build habits that lead to long-term success.
Take full advantage of the free coaching and resources available to you on TopstepTV and in our Discord community.
👉 We're here to support your growth every step of the way.