Responsible Trading Program (RTP) Overview
This program is designed to help Traders get back on track and develop the discipline and habits needed to trade responsibly, consistently, and profitably in the live markets.
If we see you exhibiting behaviors that aren't sustainable in the live markets, we may place you in the Responsible Trading Program (RTP), a path designed to instill stronger discipline and risk management into your strategy. While enrolled, all accounts will automatically include a Daily Loss Limit and the Consistency Path, which requires keeping your best trading day under 40% of total profits during any given Payout period.
You may need the Responsible Trading Program if:
Multiple accounts hit the Maximum Loss Limit in one day
You use maximum position size on the majority of your trades
You don't keep losers smaller than winners
You don't use stops
If you can't trade small, you can't trade big. This program will guide your approach so you can trade more responsibly, manage your emotions, and control your behaviors. Consistency first, then size and scale.
Responsible Trading Program Scenarios
If you are in the Responsible Trading Program:
Once you pass a Trading Combine, you’ll be limited to choosing Express Funded Account Consistency.
The Express Funded Account Standard will not be available until RTP is completed
Your account(s) will automatically have a Daily Loss Limit
There's no limit to the number of Trading Combines you can have
Entering RTP with an active Express Funded Account Standard:
If you are placed into RTP while already holding an active XFA Standard account, nothing changes for your existing XFA Standard account
Any new XFA accounts created while in the RTP will be limited to XFA Consistency
If you are removed from RTP but still have an active Express Funded Account Consistency:
Your Express Funded Account Consistency account will remain unchanged
After leaving RTP, you will be able to choose between XFA Standard and XFA Consistency for new XFA accounts going forward
Responsible Trading Program FAQs
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 there a limit on Trading Combines in RTP?
There’s no limit to the number of Trading Combines you can have. Regular purchase limits still apply.
Read this article to learn more about regular purchasing limits.
Can I still buy No Activation Fee Trading Combines?
Yes. You can purchase any type and size of Trading Combine. Only the type of Express Funded Account will be limited.
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.
Is the Responsible Trading Program replacing the Focused Trader Program?
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.
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?
After 6 months in the Responsible Trading Program, Topstep will review your account for graduation out of 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.
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.