When trading futures, having access to real-time market data from exchanges like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) is crucial. To access this data, all traders are required to sign a CME Market Data Agreement.
What is the CME Agreement?
The CME Agreement outlines the terms under which traders can access and use market data. It is a legally binding document that ensures compliance with exchange rules. As part of the agreement, traders must also declare whether they qualify as professional or non-professional users based on their trading activity.
Why do I need to sign the CME agreement?
Signing the CME Agreement and selecting non-professional status is mandatory for Topstep traders to access market data and comply with CME rules.
Access to Real-Time Data: The CME Agreement allows traders to legally access the market data they need to trade.
Non-Professional Status: Topstep traders must choose the non-professional status.
Compliance: Signing the agreement ensures that both Topstep and its traders comply with regulatory requirements.
How do I sign my CME agreement and select the non-professional status?
For the TopstepX™ trading platform, the non-professional CME Agreement will be displayed automatically to sign when you log in to the platform for the first time.
For the Tradovate trading platform, you’ll need to choose between professional or non-professional status. Please select non-professional and sign the CME Agreement through your Topstep Dashboard.
For all Rithmic-based trading platforms, you have to choose between professional and non-professional. Make sure to select non-professional when you are displayed these options. You must log in to R|Trader Pro to sign your CME Agreement. You only need to complete this step once, even if you use multiple Rithmic-compatible platforms.
For the T4 trading platform, you have to choose between professional and non-professional. Make sure to select non-professional when you are displayed these options. You will sign your CME Agreement on the T4 platform. Mac users will use this link to sign the agreement.
CME Agreement Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble signing your CME Agreement, please try the following steps to resolve the issue:
Reset your password from the dashboard
Clear your web browser cookies and cache, or use “Incognito” or “privacy” mode to log in
Ensure that all the fields in your user profile (such as your address and telephone number) are completed. We have seen instances where the wrong information is populated, so clearing any pre-populated fields and manually typing them in can help.
Verify that the Zip Code field has 5 digits.
Try signing the CME agreement on a mobile device. Many traders find that filling out agreements on their phones yields better results due to different compatibility. Try signing the agreement on a mobile device. Some traders have reported better compatibility with mobile browsers.