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:
All new 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
Standard XFA is unavailable until RTP is completed
If you’re placed into the RTP with an active Trading Combine:
Any Trading Combine subscription started before RTP placement, if reset, will follow RTP rules — it will be a Consistency account with a Daily Loss Limit (DLL). If passed, it may be activated as either an XFA Standard or XFA Consistency account.
If you're placed into the RTP with an active Standard XFA:
Your existing Standard XFA account is unaffected.
Any new XFAs created during RTP will be Consistency XFA only
XFAs activated from Trading Combines purchased before your RTP placement can be Standard or Consistency with a Daily Loss Limit.
If you're removed from RTP with an active Consistency XFA:
Your Consistency XFA account stays unchanged
Going forward, you can choose a Standard or Consistency XFA for new accounts
Responsible Trading Program FAQs
How is RTP different from the Focused Trader Program (FTP)?
How is RTP different from the Focused Trader Program (FTP)?
Under the Focused Trader Program, 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 Program 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.
Are there limitations to what I can purchase while in the Responsible Trading Program?
Are there limitations to what I can purchase while in the Responsible Trading Program?
You can purchase any size and type of Trading Combine — there's no limit on how many you can hold. Each one will automatically have a Daily Loss Limit. For Express Funded Accounts, there's an additional restriction: once you pass a TC while in RTP, you'll be placed on the Consistency path rather than Standard.
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 Program, 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?
There's no set timeline — it depends on you. To move through the Responsible Trader Program, here's what needs to happen:
Get to the Live Program. First, you need to qualify and start trading in a real, Live Funded Account (LFA).
Make $10,000 in profit in your Live Funded Account. Once you're live, you build that Live Funded Account's balance by $10,000 in profit. This profit must come from trading in the Live Funded Account itself, not from a Trading Combine or an Express Funded Account. How fast you reach this depends on how consistent and disciplined your trading is.
Meet with the Risk team. Once you hit that $10,000 mark in your Live Funded Account, the Risk team reviews your recent trading, including position sizes, use of risk controls, and overall activity, to confirm you're trading in a steady, sustainable way before signing off.
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 using our Back2Funded option. The Reactivated Express Funded Account account will follow RTP rules and will be created on the Consistency Path with a Daily Loss Limit, regardless of if the original account was purchased before or after RTP placement. 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.