Topstep Payout Policy Review: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Understanding Topstep's Funded Account Types

Topstep operates two distinct funded account programs, each with different payout timelines and requirements:

Express Funded Accounts are designed for traders who want faster access to payouts. You'll need to hit 5 non-consecutive winning days (each with at least $150 in net P&L) before you can request your first withdrawal. These accounts cap individual payouts at either $5,000 or 50% of your account balance, whichever is lower.

Live Funded Accounts represent the premium tier in Topstep's ecosystem. While the initial payout requirement is the same 5 winning days, these accounts unlock significant advantages once you reach 30 total winning days. At that milestone, you gain access to daily payout requests and the ability to withdraw 100% of your balance.

It's worth noting that as of July 29, 2025, Topstep updated their winning day threshold. If you're using the new dashboard, a winning day now requires a minimum of $150 in net P&L, down from the legacy $200 requirement.

The Drawdown Reset You Need to Know About

Here's where Topstep's policy gets interesting—and potentially restrictive depending on your trading style. After you take your first payout, your Maximum Loss Limit resets to $0. This means your remaining account balance becomes your entire drawdown allowance.

For conservative traders, this isn't necessarily problematic. But if you're accustomed to using your full drawdown buffer, taking an early payout could significantly constrain your risk management approach. This policy clearly incentivizes building your account before taking distributions, rather than extracting profits aggressively.

How to Actually Request Your Money

The payout process itself is straightforward, though timing varies by payment method:

First, you'll log into your Topstep dashboard and verify you've met the winning day requirement. You'll need to complete KYC verification and submit your banking details through their Adobe form integration. Once submitted, approval typically takes 1-3 business days.

Payment processing times depend on your chosen method. Wise and ACH transfers generally arrive within 1-3 business days, while Wire and SWIFT transfers can take anywhere from 3-10 business days depending on your location. One important note: if you're on the new dashboard, ACH and Wire requests now include a $20 processing fee.

The Profit Split Structure

Topstep's profit split is actually one of their more favorable features. You keep 100% of your trading profits until you've withdrawn a cumulative total of $10,000 across all funded accounts. Only after crossing that threshold does the 90/10 split kick in (you keep 90%, Topstep takes 10%).

This is a per-trader limit, not per-account, so your withdrawal history follows you across multiple funded accounts. For newer traders, this means your first $10,000 in profits are entirely yours—a competitive advantage over firms that implement profit splits from day one.

Graduating From Express to Live Accounts

After completing five successful payouts from a single Express Funded Account, Topstep's Risk Team may promote you to a Live Funded Account. Your new starting balance will be the lesser of either your largest Express account size or your current remaining balance.

There's a significant policy change to be aware of: as of July 22, 2025, winning days accumulated in Express accounts no longer carry over to the 30-day requirement for daily payouts in Live accounts. This means if you're upgraded, you're essentially starting from scratch on that 30-day countdown.

Also note that once you receive a Live account, you lose the ability to open new Express accounts. This is a one-way door, so make sure you're prepared for the transition.

Our Honest Assessment

Strengths:

• Transparent payout requirements with clear milestones
• 100% profit retention up to $10,000 in withdrawals
• Multiple payout methods with reasonable processing times
• Live accounts offer genuine flexibility with daily payouts

Considerations:

• The drawdown reset after first payout can be restrictive
• Winning days reset after each payout request (plan timing carefully)
• $20 fee on ACH/Wire transfers on the new dashboard
• Winning days don't transfer from Express to Live accounts

Bottom Line

Topstep's payout policy rewards consistency and long-term thinking over quick extractions. The structure makes sense for traders who view their funded account as a business to grow rather than an ATM to drain.

The winning day requirements are achievable, and the 100% profit split for your first $10,000 is genuinely competitive. However, the drawdown reset and winning day tracking require strategic thinking about when to request payouts versus when to keep building.

If you're a disciplined trader comfortable with these constraints, Topstep's payout system works well. Just make sure you understand the rules before you start withdrawing, because the Maximum Loss reset can catch aggressive traders off guard.

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Quick Reference: Payout Requirements

Express Funded Account:

• 5 non-consecutive winning days (≥$150 net P&L each)
• Max payout: $5,000 or 50% of balance
• Winning days reset after each payout

Live Funded Account (Standard):

• 5 winning days for initial payout eligibility
• Max payout: 50% of balance
• Winning days reset after each payout

Live Funded Account (After 30 Days):

• Daily payout requests available
• 100% balance withdrawal allowed
• Premium tier benefits unlocked

Remember: Your Maximum Loss Limit becomes $0 after your first payout, regardless of account type.