Topstep trades closed by what time [New updated]

You know the feeling. You're in the zone, the trade is deep in the green, and your confidence is soaring. Nailing the exit right on time isn't just about following a rule; it's the signature of a trader who acts with intention and precision.

So if you’ve been wondering, Topstep trades closed by what time?, here’s your edge: every trade must be closed by 3:10 PM Central Time (CT), Monday through Friday. No grace period. No hesitation.

It’s not just a rule; it’s a daily opportunity to sharpen your focus. Because in prop trading, the ones who succeed aren’t just skilled; they’re consistent. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to stay in control, protect your progress, and turn smart habits into long-term success.

1. Understanding the 3:10 PM CT rule

Mastering this rule isn’t just about avoiding disqualification; it’s a sign you’re trading like a pro. Knowing exactly Topstep trades closed by what time shows you’re serious, disciplined, and ready for funding. It’s not a burden, it’s your edge.

1.1. The hard cutoff time and when trading resumes

The 3:10 PM CT deadline is a key guardrail that helps traders avoid unexpected overnight losses. All open positions must be closed before that time, no exceptions. This rule reflects Topstep’s core philosophy: protecting traders from unnecessary risk when markets turn unpredictable after hours.

Once the market closes, you're free to resume trading at 5:00 PM CT for the next session. The new trading week kicks off every Sunday at 5:00 PM CT, giving you time to reset and prepare.

1.2. Use Topstep's official clock

Don’t trust your phone clock; it betrayed me once, and it cost me an evaluation I’d spent three solid weeks passing with flying colors. Just a few seconds off, and my account was gone. That’s how brutal timing can be, especially under the consistency rule on Topstep Express account, where every detail matters. 

The only time that matters is Topstep's official clock. You'll find it on your dashboard's Resources Page. Make checking it a part of your pre-close ritual. It's a small habit that prevents a world of frustration.

2. Navigating the 2025 holiday trading schedule

Holiday schedules are a silent trap for even seasoned traders. Markets shut early, and your trading window shrinks without warning. Miss that cutoff, even by a minute, and you’re facing an instant rule violation. 

Worse still, the closing time isn’t always the same for the Trading Combine® and a Funded Account®. If you're trading with real capital, the stakes are even higher. Don’t leave it to chance, know what you’re risking. Check out Topstep: What if I lose my live account? to see how one misstep could put everything you’ve worked for on the line.

3. Products that close before 3:10 PM CT

While the answer to by what time must Topstep trades be closed? is usually 3:10 PM CT, it's not always that simple. Assuming a one-size-fits-all closing time is a fast track to a rule violation. Certain futures contracts follow their own exchange-mandated hours.

• CBOT Agricultural Products: Wheat (ZW), Corn (ZC), and Soybeans (ZS) close at 1:20 PM CT.
• CME Livestock Futures: Live Cattle (LE) and Lean Hogs (HE) close even earlier at 1:05 PM CT.
• Other Contracts: Always verify the session hours for any product you trade on the official CME Group website.

Even experienced traders have made costly mistakes by assuming all instruments follow the 3:10 PM CT rule. It’s a painful way to learn that not all products operate the same way. 

Every great trader starts with one simple habit: double-checking the product’s official trading hours, whether through the CME website or your broker’s platform. It’s a small step that builds serious confidence. 

And if you’re just starting out, learning the best trading strategy for beginners gives you clarity, helps you stay focused, and turns rookie mistakes into valuable lessons. Getting the basics right feels good, and it sets you up for real progress.

4. What happens if you miss the closing time?

Failing to close your trades by the daily cutoff can trigger Topstep’s automatic protection system and lead to rule violations that may end your evaluation or funded account.

4.1. The automated "flattening" process

To shield traders from dangerous after-hours volatility, Topstep uses an automated flattening system that takes no chances. Around 3:08 PM CT, the Risk Team steps in and begins closing any open positions, well before the hard 3:10 PM cutoff. 

On market holidays, the system may trigger even earlier, catching unprepared traders off guard. If you're still holding positions at that point, you're already too late.

But here’s the catch, if you’re counting on it day after day, that’s not smart risk management; that’s gambling with time. It shows a lack of control, and in this game, lack of control is the fastest way to fail. Prop trading rewards discipline, not delay. 

If your dream is to prove yourself and trade real capital, don’t leave it to luck. Learn how to get a funded trading account with purpose, and start trading like your future depends on it, because it does.

4.2. The consequences of a rule violation

Letting Topstep flatten your trades is more than just a technicality; it’s a rule violation that reflects poor discipline. And in a high-stakes environment like the Trading Combine, it could cost you your shot at funding. 

Unlike Topstep, some other prop firms, like Funding Pips, offer specific tools designed to help traders manage risk more proactively. So, before you assume every firm operates the same way, take a closer look: does FundingPips have a risk management tool? 

The right tools, and the right habits can make or break your trading journey.

5. FAQs about Topstep trades closed by what time

6. Conclusion

Staying compliant on Topstep isn’t about fear; it’s about ownership. You’ve already put in the work, so let these habits become part of your winning routine:

• Always be flat before 3:10 PM CT, that’s your daily finish line.
• Keep an eye on the holiday calendar; early closes are easy to stay ahead of.
• Double-check your product’s trading hours, clarity keeps your edge sharp.

Learning Topstep trades closed by what time isn’t just following rules; it’s building the mindset of a focused, confident trader. And the more you master these small details, the more control you’ll feel over your growth.

Ready to level up? Explore H2T Funding hands-on guides, real-world strategies, and pro tips waiting for you in the Prop Firm & Trading Strategies section at Blog H2T Funding. Your progress is just getting started.