Overview
Moving to the Live Funded Account® (LFA) isn't automatic — it's earned. And staying there requires the same consistency that got you in. This article covers both the Call Up (moving to Live) and the Call Down (the Shoulder Tap back to a simulated account).
📈 The Call Up — Moving to Live
When does it happen?
All Traders are unique and the Risk Team reviews each Trader on a case by case basis— it may happen earlier or later based on your overall performance and history.
What do we look at?
Your full trading profile. Not just one metric.
Consistency
Risk management
Position sizing
Products traded
Use of stops and risk tools
Previous call-ups to Live
Payout history
Overall account behavior
Every Trader is evaluated individually using comprehensive monitoring tools.
What balance will I start with in Live?
20% of your cumulative Express Funded Account® (XFA) balance, OR a minimum of $10,000 (whichever applies)
If needed, additional capital will be transferred from your Reserve Balance to ensure you begin your Live Funded Account with $10,000.
📉 The Call Down — The Shoulder Tap
What is it?
A Shoulder Tap moves a Live Trader back to a simulated account to reset and rebuild consistency. This is standard risk management at proprietary trading firms.
It is not a penalty. It's an opportunity for the Risk Team to connect with a trader and help address excessive or extreme trading behaviors that could negatively impact long-term performance.
When does it happen?
A single trade, trading day, or isolated mistake typically won't trigger a Shoulder Tap. Instead, the Risk Team looks for recurring patterns over time, including:
Significant drawdown of seeded capital (excluding profits and bonuses)
Patterns of YOLO behavior or lack of discipline, including but not limited to:
Repeatedly hitting the Daily Loss Limit
Activity that resembles gambling rather than disciplined trading
Inconsistent performance with a risk/reward imbalance — daily losses far exceeding typical wins.
Improper per-trade or per-session risk sizing as a % of account
Continuous over-leveraging, especially during inflection points
Revenge Trading: consistently taking oversized or impulsive trades after a loss in an attempt to quickly recover, rather than following a trading plan.
Large swings in position size
Every case is reviewed individually.
👉 We want our Live traders to protect and grow their accounts, as well as build the habits that lead to long-term success. Our goal is to help traders make the most of the opportunity they've earned, not gamble or take YOLO shots that put it all at risk.
What account will I trade?
A single Shoulder Tap Express Funded Account
Balance reflects your remaining Live capital
Follows standard XFA parameters and Payout Policy
You are limited to 1 Shoulder Tap XFA — no multiple accounts
Can I move back to Live?
Yes. The Risk Team continues to monitor your account and once consistency and discipline are demonstrated again, you may be moved back to Live through the standard review process.
FAQs
Do I need 5 payouts to move to Live?
Do I need 5 payouts to move to Live?
No. All decisions are based on overall performance and Risk Team review.
Will I get a warning before a Shoulder Tap?
Will I get a warning before a Shoulder Tap?
No. There is no warning before being called down.
Can I trade multiple accounts while in a Shoulder Tap?
Can I trade multiple accounts while in a Shoulder Tap?
No. You are limited to 1 Shoulder Tap Express Funded Account.
Is Back2Funded available for Shoulder Tap accounts?
Is Back2Funded available for Shoulder Tap accounts?
No. Back2Funded Reactivation does not apply to Shoulder Tap accounts.
How long will I remain in a Shoulder Tap account?
How long will I remain in a Shoulder Tap account?
Until you are called back to Live or the account balance reaches zero.
What happens if I lose my Shoulder Tap account?
What happens if I lose my Shoulder Tap account?
If the balance reaches zero, any remaining Live reserve is forfeited.
Is returning to Live guaranteed after a certain number of payouts?
Is returning to Live guaranteed after a certain number of payouts?
No. Returning to Live depends on demonstrated consistency and overall performance. It is never automatic.
What happens to my Reserve Balance if I'm called down?
What happens to my Reserve Balance if I'm called down?
When a Trader is called back up to Live, they will continue trading in their Live Funded Account with the same balance that they had when they were called down. Any seed capital still held in reserve by Topstep will be available to unlock as the Trader reaches the designated profit targets based on account size.
If the Shoulder Tap XFA is traded to $0, the remaining seed capital will be forfeited.