Can I move from the Express Funded Account to the Live Funded Account at any time?
No, you cannot move from the Express Funded Account to the Live Funded Account at any time.
Our Risk Managers closely monitor our traders in the Express Funded Account and will reach out when they believe you should be moved to the Live Account. Based on performance and consistency, this will vary for each trader on a case-by-case basis.
What are the fees for the Express Funded Account or Live Funded Account?
Learn more about fees for the Express Funded Account or Live Funded Account below:
There’s no monthly subscription fee for an Express Funded Account since the Trading Combine subscription ends once you pass the Trading Combine.
If your trading platform was free in the Trading Combine, it’ll also be free to use in the Express Funded Account.
If you were paying a monthly fee for your trading platform, you’d continue to pay that once you earn the Express Funded Account.
The Activation Fee is required as a one-time payment per Express Funded Account. To prevent delays in receiving your Express Funded Account credentials, make sure to use the same email address associated with your Topstep.com account when paying the Activation Fee.
You can view the full details for costs in the Live Funded Account here: What are the costs in the Live Funded Account?
What are the parameters for the Express Funded Account?
The parameters for the Express Funded Account are found here: Express Funded Account Parameters.
How long does it take to receive my Express Funded Account?
You should receive the credentials for your new Express Funded Account (which is sometimes referred to as XFA) within 1-2 business days after submitting your contract and paying the Activation Fee
This process can take up to 2 full business days, so we appreciate your patience while we work to prepare your new Express Funded Account!
How long do I have to pay my Activation Fee and get started with the Express Funded Account?
You have 30 days from the time you pass your Trading Combine to pay your Activation Fee and get started with the Express Funded Account.
What happens if I lose my Express Funded Account due to violating the Maximum Loss Limit?
If you lose your funding due to violating the Maximum Loss Limit rule, you can start a new Trading Combine for another chance at earning an Express Funded Account
There is no option to reset if you hit your Maximum Loss Limit in an Express Funded Account or Live Account (Learn more here: Funded Rule Violation FAQ). Another Trading Combine will have to be completed to earn funding again.
Why does the balance in my new Express Funded Account show $0 or N/A?
When you start trading in your new Express Funded Account (also known as XFA), it will initially show a balance of zero ($0) or N/A in your trading platform. However, the buying power for this Express Funded Account remains the same as the corresponding Trading Combine account size you passed, whether it's 50K, 100K, or 150K.
Even though your account balance appears as zero, your buying power is still aligned with your Trading Combine account size.
Can I decline the invitation to move to a Live Funded Account and stay in the Express Funded Account instead?
No, it is not possible to stay in an Express Funded Account and decline to move to a Live Funded Account. Once our Risk Managers determine you're ready to move to a Live Funded Account, your options are to make the switch from Express to Live or close your Express Funded Account.
How do I request a payout?
Traders in an Express Funded Account or Live Funded Account can request a payout of up to 50% of their account balance after accumulating five winning trading days per payout request.
A winning trading day is counted when a day’s Net PNL is $200 or more.
You cannot request a payout in a Trading Combine account, since payouts are only available to Funded Traders who have passed the Trading Combine.
What Happens When I Transfer to the Live Funded Account?
Below is the process of transferring to a Live Funded Account:
When Topstep determines that a trader has shown consistent success in the Express Funded Account, then that trader will receive an email to transfer to a Live Funded Account. At that time, the Express Funded Account will be closed to transfer funds and open the Live Funded Account.
The full balance of the Express Funded Account will be the starting balance of the subsequent Live Funded Account. A payout can be requested during your transfer from the Express Funded Account to the Live account. The Live Funded Account Maximum Loss Limit is set at $0.
How do I earn payouts from a simulated account?
The Express Funded Account is a simulated account that allows you to earn from your trading without additional fees. This account speeds up your time to earning (get started in two business days!) while allowing Topstep to manage risk more effectively. Your trades inform our live prop firm trades, and we both earn real money.
After passing the Trading Combine, can I switch to a new platform for my Express Funded Account?
No, you cannot switch to a different platform when starting an Express Funded Account; after passing your Trading Combine, your Express Funded Account will be created with the same platform as the Trading Combine.
If you want an Express Funded Account on a different platform, you will need to start a new Trading Combine and pass to earn an Express Funded Account on your desired platform.
Topstep is not able to offer any exceptions to this policy.
Can I take a break from trading my Express Funded Account or put it on hold?
You can take a break from trading your Express Funded Account for less than 30 days at a time.
If there is no trading activity (no trades entered) on your Express Funded Account for more than 30 days, it may be subject to closure due to inactivity.
It is never possible to put an Express Funded Account on hold.