📈 The Call Up (Moving to Live)
When will I be called up?
Most Traders are moved to a Live Funded Account between their 3rd and 5th payout.
However, the Risk Team reviews each Trader individually and may contact you earlier or later based on your overall performance.
How do we decide?
We look at your full trading profile, not just one metric.
This includes things like:
Consistency
Risk management
Position sizing
Products traded
Use of stops and risk tools
Payout history
Overall account behavior
Every Trader is different, so Topstep uses a comprehensive set of monitoring tools and our dedicated Risk Team to evaluate each trader individually. This ensures that call ups to Live are based on personalized performance rather than a one-size-fits-all process.
What balance will I start with?
Live Traders begin with:
20% of their cumulative XFA balance OR
A minimum of $10,000
If needed, additional capital may be transferred from your Reserve Balance to ensure you have a stable starting cushion.
Why do we do it this way?
The goal is simple: to give Traders enough room to trade consistently in Live markets within structured risk parameters.
📉 The Call Down (The “Shoulder Tap”)
What is it?
A Call Down, also known as a “Shoulder Tap,” happens when a Live Trader is moved back to a simulated account to reset and rebuild consistency.
This is part of standard risk management at proprietary trading firms.
Why does it happen?
A Shoulder Tap may occur if we see:
Repeated loss limit breaches
Significant inconsistency in performance
Excessive risk-taking
Large swings in position size
Signs of loss of discipline
Every case is reviewed individually by the Risk Team.
What account will I trade?
You will transition to a single Shoulder Tap Express Funded Account:
The balance will reflect your remaining Live capital
The account follows standard Express Funded Account parameters and payout policy
Can I move back to Live?
Yes. The Risk Team continues to monitor performance. Once consistency and discipline are demonstrated again, you may be moved back to Live through the standard review process.
Why do we do this?
The goal is simple: to protect firm capital while giving Traders the opportunity to reset, rebuild discipline, and return stronger.
FAQs
Do I need five payouts to move to or return to Live?
No. Three to five payouts is a general guideline. All decisions are based on overall performance and Risk Team review.
Can I trade multiple accounts while in a Shoulder Tap account?
No. You are limited to one Shoulder Tap Express Funded Account.
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?
Until you are called back to Live or the account balance reaches zero.
Will I get a warning before I get a Shoulder Tap?
There is no warning before being called down.
Is returning to Live guaranteed after a certain number of payouts?
No. Returning to Live depends on demonstrated consistency and overall performance.
What happens if I lose my Shoulder Tap account?
If the account balance reaches zero, any remaining Live reserve is forfeited.