Topstep Payout Rules Explained: How to Get Paid Faster

Ever pass an evaluation and still feel that nagging doubt? Will Topstep actually pay out? Are there hidden rules I don’t know about? We get it. Questions about payout speed, withdrawal limits, profit splits, and even Topstep trading rules are on every trader’s mind.

In this guide, H2T Funding will break down the 2025 Topstep payout rules piece by piece. You’ll learn the exact conditions for payouts, how often you can get paid, the best withdrawal methods, and see real examples from other traders. We’ll also put Topstep head-to-head with other prop firms so you can plan your withdrawals with total confidence.

1. What is Topstep, and why are payout rules important?

Topstep is a financial technology company based in Chicago, founded in 2012. It became known for its Trading Combine, a program where traders prove their skills in simulated accounts before earning access to real, funded accounts. This model allows traders to enter futures markets without risking personal money.

Payout rules at Topstep are critical because they define how and when profits can be withdrawn. Let’s be clear: even a small mistake can get a payout request rejected. Understanding these rules isn’t just about avoiding violations; it’s about making sure your hard-earned trading results actually turn into real income.

2. Topstep payout rules explained (2025 update)

Topstep’s payout rules depend on account type and the number of winning days.

Days do not need to be consecutive.

Account type	Eligibility	Payout amount	Notes
Express Funded	5 winning days ($150+ each)	Up to $5,000 or 50% of the balance	Cycle resets after each payout
Live Funded	5 winning days ($150+ each)	Up to 50% of the balance	Daily payouts unlocked after 30 winning days
Live Funded (30+ days)	30 winning days ($150+ each)	Up to 100% of balance (min $125)	100% payout closes account (balance = MLL $0)

Key points of the Topstep payout policy you need to know:

• You keep 100% of the first $10,000 across accounts.
• After that, a 90/10 split applies to all payouts.
• Payout requests: processed in 1–3 business days, funds arrive within 10 business days.
• Payment methods: Wise, ACH, Wire, SWIFT. ACH/Wire has a $20 fee.
• After your first payout, the Maximum Loss Limit is set to $0, which can affect your account balance and position size.
• Taking 5 payouts in Express usually leads to promotion to Live.
• From July 22, 2025, only Live winning days count toward daily payouts (Express days no longer transfer)

Clear Topstep trading rules for payout give traders a structured path to take money out of their accounts. By tracking winning days and payout limits, you can plan withdrawals with confidence and avoid surprises that disrupt your trading flow.

If you use different trading software, it’s helpful to know what platform Topstep uses. This helps you optimize your strategy and match your setup with their supported systems.

3. How to request and receive payouts from Topstep

Requesting a payout at Topstep is straightforward, but every step must be followed carefully to avoid delays. The process starts in your dashboard and ends with money arriving in your bank or e-wallet.

3.1. Step-by-step to request a payout

Here’s how the request works from start to finish:

• Step 1: Log in to your dashboard and open the payout request form.
• Step 2: Confirm you have enough winning days and meet account eligibility.
• Step 3: Submit payout request with amount (minimum $125).
• Step 4: Upload or confirm banking/KYC documents if required.
• Step 5: Wait for Topstep to review (usually 1–3 business days).
• Step 6: Once approved, funds are sent through your selected method.

Following these steps ensures your payout request is properly recorded and reduces the chance of rejection or extra delays.

3.2. Payment methods and fees

According to the Topstep Help Center, Topstep supports multiple payment options so traders worldwide can access funds:

• Wise: 1–3 business days, no fee mentioned.
• ACH (U.S. only): 1–3 business days, $20 processing fee.
• Wire/SWIFT: 3–5 business days, $20 fee.
• International Wire/SWIFT: 5–10 business days, $20 fee.

Choosing the right payout methods depends on your location. Wise and ACH are faster for U.S. traders, while SWIFT is standard for international payouts but may take longer.

In practice, most traders receive funds within 3–10 business days. Speed depends on your chosen method and your bank’s policies. Extra checks, public holidays, or incorrect forms can extend the wait.

The process is built to give traders predictable access to profits. By submitting accurate details and picking the right method, you can make payouts smooth and stress-free.

For better results, understand Topstep’s account limitations, such as the trailing drawdown rule. And check whether automated trading is allowed under their system before requesting payouts.

4. Real payout example at Topstep

Seeing real trader experiences makes payout rules more tangible. Many traders share their results on forums like Reddit and TopstepX, offering proof that payouts work when rules are followed.

4.1. Case study 1: Small withdrawal after steady gains

One trader requested their first payout of around $500–$1,000 after building consistency over two weeks. The focus was not on the amount but on proving that the system works. They described the emotional impact of finally receiving real money after months of effort.

This shows that even modest withdrawals can provide motivation and validation for traders who are just starting with a funded account.

4.2. Case study 2: Large payout through bank wire

Then there’s the trader who landed a $13.6K payout after just five disciplined days. They mentioned how surreal it felt, a powerful reminder that success becomes real the moment it hits your bank account.

Large payouts like these highlight both the opportunity and the mental challenge of trading. Success feels real when profits leave the screen and enter your bank.

4.3. Community insights and lessons

Beyond numbers, community discussions on Topstep payout Reddit often emphasize managing risk, not just chasing big payouts. Traders warn that without discipline, it’s easy to lose accounts even after multiple withdrawals. Posts explaining the probability of consecutive losses remind others that payouts mean little if account survival isn’t protected.

These stories underline an important point: payouts are real, but sustainable success requires planning, risk control, and steady discipline.

5. Compare Topstep’s old and new payment rules

Topstep has adjusted its payout policy over time to make the process clearer and more consistent. Knowing the differences between Topstep’s new payout rules vs the old ones helps traders avoid confusion, especially if they used the old dashboard before July 2025.

Feature	Old rules (before July 22, 2025)	New rules (after July 22, 2025)
Winning days for payout	Counted from both Express and Live accounts	Only Live account winning days count
Daily payouts eligibility	Could combine Express + Live days	Must reach 30 winning days in Live only
Promotion to Live	After 5 Express payouts, flexible review	Still after 5 Express payouts, but with stricter review by the Risk Team
Profit split	100% up to $10K, then 90/10	No change
Payout process	Same request form, slower approval times	Faster reviews (1–3 days) with dashboard updates

The main shift is that Express winning days no longer carry over to Live. This means traders must build consistency inside the Live account itself before unlocking daily payouts. Other elements, like the profit split and the five-payout promotion rule, remain familiar. 

For new traders, the process is more transparent. But with returning traders, it’s important to adapt to the updated structure to avoid false expectations.

These updates place more weight on performance in the Live Funded Account, ensuring that only consistently profitable traders unlock the benefits of daily payouts and meet risk considerations.

6. Topstep payout rules vs other prop firms

When choosing a proprietary trading firm, the payout rules are a critical factor. These rules decide how and when a trader can access profits, which directly impacts cash flow and trading strategy. Understanding differences in profit splits, payout frequency, and withdrawal conditions helps traders make informed decisions.

Feature	Topstep	FTMO	FundedNext	The 5%ers
Profit Split	100% on the first $10,000, then 90% to the trader	Starts at 80%, scalable to 90%	Up to 95% depending on the account model	Starts at 50%, scalable up to 100%
First Payout	After 5 winning trading days	14 days after the first trade	Varies by account, from 7 to 28 days	14 days after the funded account is active
Payout Frequency	Every 5 winning days (max 50% balance); daily payouts after 30 winning days	On-demand after 14 days, default monthly	Weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the account	Bi-weekly (every 14 days)
Minimum Withdrawal	$125	$20 for bank, $50 for crypto	$20 for standard withdrawals	$150
Payout Conditions	Requires 5 winning days with $150+ Net PNL each before every payout, for a total of 30 days in Live	No minimum trading days after 14 days	At least 5 trading days and a consistency rule	No minimum trading days
Processing Time	1–3 business days	1–2 business days	Usually within 24 hours	Not specified, processed via online hub

Strengths of Topstep’s payout rules

• Traders keep 100% of the first $10,000, a strong incentive for building early capital.
• Daily payouts become available after 30 winning days in Live, offering flexibility not common among competitors.
• The structure is simple and linked to performance (winning days) rather than fixed calendar dates.
• Well-established reputation, responsive trader support, and strong access for U.S. traders.

Limitations of Topstep’s payout rules

• The five-winning-days requirement can slow down withdrawals for traders with lower consistency.
• In the Express Funded Account, payouts are capped at $5,000 or 50% of the balance until moving to Live.
• The minimum withdrawal of $125 is higher than what FTMO and FundedNext require.
• Compared to firms like FundedNext (95% split), Topstep’s long-term split is less competitive.

Topstep stands out with its initial 100% profit split and the option for daily payouts, features that reward consistent performance. However, its structure favors disciplined traders who can generate regular winning days. 

When evaluating a prop firm, payout rules are only one part of the picture. Traders should also weigh factors such as evaluation steps, trading rules like drawdowns, available platforms, and overall firm reliability.

The best choice depends on each trader’s style, risk tolerance, and financial goals. See more on the prop firm review on H2T Funding to choose the right prop firm to suit you.

7. Common mistakes when requesting payouts

Even experienced traders sometimes lose payouts for small errors. I’ve seen cases where traders had enough profits but still got rejected because of overlooked details. Paying attention to the payout rules and process can save you from unnecessary stress.

• Not reading the Rulebook carefully: I once knew a trader who skipped the fine print and lost eligibility. A single overlooked line can cancel a payout request.
• Requesting too early: Asking for money before hitting the required winning days resets your cycle and wastes time. I made this mistake myself once, thinking I could “test” the system.
• Missing the profit threshold: If your Net PNL is below $150 per day (new dashboard), the day won’t count. It feels frustrating when you realize the math doesn’t add up after weeks of trading.
• Forgetting to save proof: Always screenshot your payout form. Without proof, it’s harder to resolve disputes if a payout is delayed or questioned, especially in cases discussed on the Topstep payout rules Reddit.

These mistakes are easy to avoid with a checklist. By double-checking rules, waiting for the right moment, and keeping records, payouts turn into a smooth routine instead of a source of stress.

8. Impact of Topstep payout rules on different trading styles

Topstep’s payout rules don’t impact every trader in the same way. Each trading style, whether short-term or long-term, interacts differently with payout frequency, profit targets, and the Maximum Loss Limit. Understanding these differences helps traders plan smarter and manage risk effectively.

Here’s how the payout structure affects each trading approach:

• Scalpers: Benefit from fast payout cycles thanks to frequent small wins. However, they must control overtrading and respect daily loss limits to avoid payout denial or account resets.
• Day traders: Align naturally with Topstep’s five-winning-day requirement. They can access payouts regularly but need to balance between frequent withdrawals and growing the account for long-term compounding.
• Swing traders: Take longer to meet payout criteria but typically withdraw larger amounts. Their controlled pace lowers the risk of rule violations, making payouts more sustainable.
• Algorithmic traders: Can automate consistency but must ensure bots follow Topstep’s automated trading policy and respect trailing drawdown limits. Continuous trading after payout requests can cause violations.
• Position traders: Experience slower payout rhythms but enjoy more stability. After the first payout, when the Maximum Loss Limit resets to $0, they must focus on preserving equity to stay compliant.

Topstep’s payout rules reward consistent and disciplined performance across all trading styles. The key is aligning your trading rhythm with Topstep’s payout timeline to build long-term, sustainable results.

9. FAQs about Topstep payout rules

10. Conclusion 

Understanding the Topstep payout rules is essential for every funded trader. These rules define when and how you can withdraw profits, what limits apply in Express and Live accounts, and how profit splits change after the first $10,000. 

By following the steps carefully, avoiding common mistakes, and planning withdrawals around winning days, you can access your earnings smoothly and with confidence.

Topstep offers unique benefits, such as 100% profit on the first $10K, the ability to unlock daily payouts in Live accounts, and occasional performance bonuses for consistent traders. While there are conditions to respect, the structure rewards discipline and long-term consistency.

If you want to explore more insights about prop trading, risk management, and firm comparisons, visit the Prop Firm & Trading Strategies category at H2T Funding. There, you’ll find guides that can help you navigate evaluation challenges, scaling plans, and payout systems across different firms.