What to expect after passing a Trading Combine
In the Legacy Dashboard:
After passing the Trading Combine, you must wait until your Trade Report is updated to reflect that you’ve passed. This happens between 5-6 PM CT Monday through Friday. (Trade Reports are not updated over the weekend when the markets are closed.)
Example: You pass your Trading Combine at 12:45 PM CT on Friday. By 6 PM CT, you should receive notifications that you’ve passed the Trading Combine.
In the new Topstep Dashboard:
Trade reports are updated in real time, so you can pass your Trading Combine and activate quickly.
Please note: it may take up to 30 minutes for your Trading Combine status to reflect that you’ve passed in the dashboard.
If you recently passed a Trading Combine, you will be able to activate right from your Dashboard!
You’ll receive an email from Topstep congratulating you for passing your Trading Combine.
The Trade Report of the passed Trading Combine will have a button on the right-hand side that says “Start Express Funded Account!” Click that button to activate.
Next, you'll need to choose the type of Express Funded Account you'd like, check the agreement boxes to accept the terms of the Account and Activation Fee Payment. Once you confirm your shipping information and your payment is processed, you'll be redirected to a confirmation page stating "XFA Activation Fee Payment Successful!"
Note: If you already have five (5) active Express Funded Accounts or a Live Funded Account, the blue button will be greyed out and you won’t be able to click “Start Express Funded Account”. This is because there is a limit to the Express Funded Account.
Choose Your Path to Funding
Topstep now offers two types of Trading Combines, with different paths to activate your Express Funded Account™:
Option 1: Standard Path
$49 Trading Combine® subscription + $149 activation fee when you pass
Lower upfront cost
Best for traders who are learning and working on their strategy.
Option 2: No Activation Fee Path
$109 Trading Combine subscription + no activation fee when you pass
Pay a little more up front, and nothing when you pass.
Best for traders who are dialed in and can pass in 1-2 attempts.
Same Combine. Same rules. Now you choose the path that meets you where you are in your trading journey.
The Standard path is best for traders who want to keep monthly costs low while they work on consistency and strategy. You’ll only pay the Activation Fee once you’ve proven you’re ready for funding, making it a budget-friendly way to build skills over time.
The No Activation Fee path is ideal for traders who have their strategy dialed in and are confident they can pass the Trading Combine in one or two attempts. By paying more upfront, you skip the Activation Fee entirely once funded, saving money overall if you pass quickly.
Are the objectives the same?
Yes, the objectives stay the same as the Standard Combine, and the requirements to pass the Combine is the same.
Do traders really pay no activation fees?
Yes, there are no hidden fees - upon passing Combine, traders will go through the same Express Funded Account activation process but bypass the payment frame and not pay a fee.
How do I choose between the No Activation and Standard paths?
The No Activation Fee option is for experienced, confident traders who have a consistent strategy and higher likelihood to pass Combine. For newer traders who are still honing their skills, we recommend the Standard path.
What happens if I don't pass the Trading Combine on the No Activation Path?
Same as with Standard, if a trader does not pass the No Activation Fee Combine, they will need to pay for a reset to start over. The price for a reset is the same as the initial cost, depending on account size.
Does a Rebill on a No Activation Fee Combine still bank a reset?
Yes, it would bank a reset for the same account size and type.
Can I use the reset in my Reset Bank to reset my No Activation Fee Combine?
It depends, banked resets are eligible for resetting Combines of the same account type and size. So if your reset was banked from a No Activation Fee Combine, it will work to reset the same account type.
How can I tell what account I have in the dashboard?
In the dashboard under Accounts, the account type will be listed as either “Standard” or “No Activation Fee”.
How much does it cost to reset my No Activation Fee Combine?
Same as with Standard, the price for a reset is the same as the initial cost, depending on account size. For No Activation Fee Combines, it is the following:
50k No Fee - $109
100k No Fee - $159
150k No Fee - $209
Can I convert a Standard Combine to a No Activation Fee Combine or vice versa?
No, any account purchased cannot be refunded, so a trader would need to purchase a new account if they wish to switch.
If I pass a No Activation Fee Combine, what does the activation look like?
Upon passing the Trading Combine, traders will go through the same Express Funded Account activation process but bypass the payment frame.
Do discounts or promo codes work on No Activation Fee Combines?
Only discounts or promo codes that are meant for No Activation Fee Combines will work - promo codes will typically have eligibility set for specific account types.
How do I pay my Activation Fee and get started?
Paying your Activation Fee and getting started is quicker and easier than ever! These steps will walk you through the exact process:
Please note: It is the trader's responsibility to make sure the correct Activation Fee is being paid. If you've passed multiple Trading Combines simultaneously, carefully confirm the account name and ensure it matches the one on your Trade Report before paying your Activation Fee. Topstep does not provide refunds or make exceptions for activating the wrong Express Funded Account.
Click the “Start Express Funded Account” button from the Trade Report of the passed Trading Combine you want to activate. If you have multiple passed Trading Combines, make sure you’re clicking on the correct account before activating.
You'll be asked to select your Express Funded Account path on the next page:
*to learn more about each type of Express Funded Account, go here.
Once you select your Express Funded Account type, you'll be directed to read the document on the Express Funded Account Agreement page and check both boxes to acknowledge that you’ve read and agree to the terms and conditions. Click “Continue” after checking both boxes.
Next, read the terms on the Activation Fee Agreement page and check all 3 boxes to acknowledge that you’ve read and agree to the terms and conditions. Click “Continue” after checking all boxes.
Almost done! You’re now ready to pay your Activation Fee on the Activation Fee Payment page. Enter your payment information (you can use a credit card or debit card), and click “Complete Payment to Activate".
You’ll then see a screen that says “Tips from our Coaches” with helpful tips and reminders as you start your new account. On the left-hand side of the screen, you’ll see confirmations of everything you’ve completed during the activation process. Click “Finish” to return to your dashboard and your new Express Funded Account.
How long do I have to pay the Activation Fee and get started with my Express Funded Account?
If you have less than five (5) active Express Funded Accounts and do not have a Live Funded Account, you have 30 days from passing your Trading Combine to pay your Activation Fee and get started with the Express Funded Account.
If you pass a Trading Combine and already have a maximum of five (5) active Express Funded Accounts or an open Live Funded Account, your additional account will be on hold. You will have 30 days to pay the Activation Fee and get started the next time the Express Funded Account becomes available to you.
Can I take a break or put my Express Funded Account on hold?
Your Express Funded Account must have at least one trade every 30 days to remain open. If there is no trading activity for over 30 days, the account may be subject to closure due to inactivity. It is never possible to put an Express Funded Account on hold.