How Does Topstep Payout Work? Full Guide for Traders

If you’re considering joining a prop firm, the first question is always the same: Will I actually get paid? Stories of delayed or denied withdrawals are common in trading forums. That’s why understanding how does Topstep payout works is essential before you risk your time and discipline in the Trading Combine.

Topstep has a clear payout policy: traders can keep 100% of their first $10,000 in profit and then 90% of anything beyond that. Payments are processed through its payout partner, Deel, which offers secure methods like Wise, bank transfer, and more.  

In this guide from H2T Funding, you’ll see why payout is the ultimate measure of trust, and how the process works in practice. You also see the conditions to qualify, real-life proof from funded traders, and how Topstep compares with other firms.

1. Why is payment an important factor when choosing a support company?

Payment is the foundation of trust between traders and a prop firm. A payout system that is clear, fast, and transparent directly shapes the real value of the partnership. If withdrawals are delayed or rules are unclear, even consistent profits lose their meaning, and trader motivation drops.

A Finance Magnates survey shows that 79% of traders prioritize prop firms with clear operating rules. Meanwhile, 75% focus on fast payouts, ensuring their earnings can be accessed without delay. On the other hand, restrictive policies like trailing drawdowns (54%), strict consistency rules (53%), and bans on news trading (37%) create doubts and limit trader confidence.

Impact on trader earnings

• Profit split: The share you keep versus what the firm retains defines your true income. A fair split motivates traders to grow steadily.
• Fees and deductions: Hidden charges reduce net profits. Transparency ensures traders understand exactly what they take home.
• Payout frequency: Weekly or monthly withdrawals affect financial planning. More frequent options help traders maintain a stable cash flow.

Trust and firm sustainability

• Timely payouts: Firms that pay on schedule build trust and long-term loyalty.
• Financial stability: A sound business model reduces the risk of interrupted or delayed payments.
• Clear rules: Straightforward policies without complex terms show professionalism and honesty. Traders should always review the prop firm rules before committing.

Key points to evaluate

• Review the profit split model and how it may scale with performance.
• Understand the withdrawal process and expected timelines.
• Check for extra costs such as subscriptions or processing fees.
• Verify community feedback to confirm payout consistency.

In summary, payout is not just about withdrawing profits; it reflects the firm’s transparency, stability, and respect for traders. A prop firm with timely payouts and fair rules offers a solid foundation for long-term success.

2. How does Topstep payout work

Topstep has a clear payout structure that rewards traders for consistency and discipline. You keep 100% of your first $10,000 profit across all payouts. After reaching this lifetime cap, the profit split moves to 90% for the trader and 10% for Topstep. 

This payout model also helps answer common questions like how does Topstep monthly payment works, especially for traders planning their cash flow.

Step-by-step payout process

1. Pass the Trading Combine -> Earn an Express Funded Account.
2. Accumulate winning days -> At least five non-consecutive days with $150+ net PnL.
3. Submit payout request -> Use the dashboard form to request funds.
4. Approval and processing -> Topstep reviews the request, deducts from the account balance, and processes the payment.
5. Receive funds -> Payments usually arrive within 1–3 business days, depending on the method.

Topstep payouts follow a simple but disciplined path: qualify with winning days, submit your request, and get paid quickly through trusted methods. Giving you 100% of your early profits before shifting to a 90/10 split is what makes their system feel fair to traders while ensuring the firm stays viable long-term.

3. Conditions to receive payout on Topstep

To unlock a payout at Topstep, traders must prove consistency and respect the firm’s payout policy. The system requires steady profits, controlled risk, and discipline before real money can be withdrawn. These rules apply in both the Express Funded Account and Live Funded Account, though specific conditions vary slightly.

Key eligibility rules

Condition	Requirement	Notes
Winning Trading Days	At least 5 non-consecutive winning days	At least 5 non-consecutive winning days, with a minimum $150+ net PnL on the new For traders still using the Legacy Dashboard, the requirement remains $200+ per day
After Payout	Another 5 winning days	Needed before next payout request
Per Payout Cap	Up to $5,000 or 50% of account balance (whichever is lower)	Applies to each Express Funded Account payout
Minimum Payout	$125 account profit	This is the minimum amount you can request
Profit Split	100% up to $10,000 lifetime, then 90/10	The trader keeps the majority of the profits
Express Funded Account	Max $5,000 or 50% of account balance (whichever is less)	Multiple accounts can combine up to $25,000
Live Funded Account	Only Live days count (from July 22, 2025)	Express days no longer carry over
Account Balance	Must stay positive	Falling below resets eligibility
Maximum Loss Limit	Cannot be breached	Violations remove payout rights
Discipline & Risk Rules	Must be followed	Reviewed by the Risk Team

These conditions ensure payouts are based on consistent trading, not one lucky streak. By requiring multiple winning days and enforcing the maximum loss limit, Topstep builds habits that support long-term success. Traders who follow the rules maintain eligibility, while those who cut corners risk losing payout rights.

You must show consistency, maintain account discipline, and submit a clean request to receive payouts. Meeting these rules proves that profits are sustainable and that traders can manage risk responsibly.

After five successful payouts from a single Express Funded Account, Topstep may invite the trader to transition to a Live Funded Account. This move reflects consistent performance and trust. Once promoted, all new payouts will follow Live Account rules and oversight from the Risk Team.

4. Withdrawal method (payment method)

Topstep partners with Deel, a global payroll and compliance platform, to process payouts securely and efficiently. After submitting a payout request on the Topstep dashboard, traders manage their withdrawal through Deel. This allows traders worldwide to select their preferred method, such as Wise, ACH for U.S. traders, or international bank transfers (SWIFT).

Before payouts are processed, traders must complete required forms such as ACH, Wire, or SWIFT details and submit KYC documents. Using the email linked to your Topstep account is mandatory; otherwise, the request will be delayed. 

In rare cases, international banks may ask for a verification letter, but Topstep allows traders to provide a copy of their Express Funded Account Agreement instead.

Available payout methods

Method	Processing Time	Fee	Notes
Wise	1–3 business days	None	Fast option for many countries
ACH (U.S.)	1–3 business days	$20	Common for U.S. traders
Wire / SWIFT	3–5 business days	$20	Standard bank transfer
International SWIFT	5–10 business days	$20	Slower due to compliance checks

Payments are processed daily, giving traders flexibility similar to Daily Payouts in other prop firms, while still maintaining Topstep’s strict eligibility rules. The trader support may also review requests for accuracy, which can add to the timeline. Always check that your banking information is up to date to avoid unnecessary delays.

In rare cases, international banks may request additional verification. Traders can provide a copy of their Express Funded Account Agreement as proof of identity and income. Ensure your KYC information (name, address, banking details) exactly matches your Topstep and Deel profiles to prevent delays.

5. Real-life example of payout at Topstep

Understanding the payout policy is easier when you see it in action. Let’s imagine a trader who reaches $7,000 net P&L in their Express Funded Account. They meet all the eligibility conditions: five non-consecutive winning trading days, no breach of the max loss limit, and a clean account balance. With these rules met, they submit a payout request.

According to Topstep’s structure, if this is the trader’s first payout and they haven’t yet withdrawn $10,000 in total, the entire $7,000 is paid out at 100%.

But another trader has previously withdrawn $8,000 and now requests another $4,000.

• The first $2,000 of this payout brings the trader to their $10,000 lifetime threshold (since they had already withdrawn $8,000, adding $2,000 reaches $10,000). The trader receives 100% of this portion, which equals $2,000.
• The remaining $2,000 of the payout is subject to the 90/10 split. Under this rule, the trader receives 90% ($1,800) and Topstep receives 10% ($200).

In total, the trader will receive $3,800 for this payout request.

Many traders have shared screenshots and confirmations on Reddit and trading forums, proving that payouts are processed as promised. These community proofs highlight that with discipline and adherence to rules, payouts arrive smoothly, often within 1–3 business days. 

This is exactly how your screen profits turn into actual cash in your bank account. By following the rules, traders can confidently withdraw earnings, and the trader support team ensures that funds are transferred without delay.

6. Compare Topstep payout with other prop firms

Every prop firm has a different payout policy, and traders often compare them before committing. Topstep stands out with its unique 100% first $10,000 payout and a shift to a 90/10 profit split afterward. On the flip side, you have firms like FTMO and FundedNext with different structures, often with shorter payout cycles but stricter rules.

For example, FTMO allows bi-weekly payouts with a 90/10 split from the start. FundedNext also offers fast payout requests, sometimes weekly, but applies consistency and risk rules that some traders find restrictive. By comparison, Topstep requires winning trading days before each withdrawal, prioritizing discipline over speed.

Payout comparison

Prop Firm	Profit Split	Payout Frequency	Eligibility	Methods & Time
Topstep	100% first $10k, then 90/10	After 5 winning days, repeat for the next	$150+ net PnL, non-consecutive days, account balance positive	Wise, ACH, Wire (1–10 days)
FTMO	90/10 from the start	Bi-weekly	Pass challenge, follow risk rules	Bank transfer, Skrill (1–3 days)
FundedNext	Up to 90/10	Weekly or bi-weekly	Consistency and risk management are required	Bank/Wise (1–5 days)

Traders often ask on Reddit whether Topstep really pays. The answer is yes, but its model focuses on long-term success rather than immediate cash-outs. While FTMO and FundedNext may offer faster cycles, Topstep provides extra security with clear performance-based eligibility.

So, while Topstep might not offer the fastest cash-out, its system is clearly built to reward consistent, disciplined trading. This makes it a strong option for traders who value structure, accountability, and a steady path to profitability.

7. Notes & mistakes when requesting payout

Even with a clear payout policy, many traders lose eligibility because of simple but costly errors. Some forget to complete the required winning trading days, while others ignore risk rules or fail to read the withdrawal conditions carefully. Understanding these pitfalls helps you protect your account balance and avoid rejected payout requests.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not meeting minimum trading days: You need five non-consecutive winning trading days with $150+ net PnL in the same Express Funded Account. Splitting days across accounts won’t count.
• Breaking risk management rules: Violating the max loss limit or ignoring account discipline instantly removes payout eligibility.
• Skipping withdrawal conditions: Traders often miss fine print in the payout policy, such as the need for new winning days after each payout.
• Forgetting the Live transition: After five payouts, you are moved into a Live Funded Account. Your Express accounts close, and the Risk Team enforces stricter rules. 
• Ignoring July 2025 updates: Only Live Funded Account days count toward future eligibility. Express days no longer transfer.
• Requesting payouts too often: Taking frequent small withdrawals can leave your account balance too thin to survive a losing streak.

Remember that after multiple payouts, if you no longer wish to continue trading, you can also opt for Voluntary Closure, which ends the account on your terms.

Look, most payout issues happen for simple reasons: traders get rushed or just skim the details. If there’s one piece of advice to take away, it’s this: slow down. Actually read the rules, and make your withdrawal strategy a core part of your trading plan. When you respect the payout policy and manage your withdrawals wisely, you’ll not only get paid; you’ll build habits for long-term success.

8. FAQs about Topstep payout

9. Conclusion

So, knowing how does Topstep payout work is the key to trading with confidence. Topstep’s payout structure: 100% of the first $10,000 profit and 90% afterward, gives traders both transparency and fair rewards. With multiple withdrawal methods and reliable processing times, Topstep has built a reputation as one of the most consistent prop firms in the industry.

For any trader, getting paid is the ultimate proof that your discipline and performance can translate into real-world income. By knowing the rules and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure your trading profits are always accessible.

If you want to explore more insights, comparisons, and strategies, check out the Prop Firm & Trading Strategies section on H2T Funding. There, you’ll find detailed guides, reviews, and practical tips to help you grow as a funded trader.