TopStep and NinjaTrader are two of the most respected names in the futures trading community. TopStep offers traders a safe, structured way to prove their trading skills without risking personal capital, while NinjaTrader is one of the most powerful trading platforms for futures and forex markets. If you’re ready to combine their strengths, linking your TopStep account to NinjaTrader is a straightforward process—but it does require careful attention to a few critical steps. This article will walk you through the entire process to ensure a seamless experience, from initial setup to executing your first trades.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
To link your TopStep account with NinjaTrader, you must first ensure you have qualified for a funded account through TopStep. Then, you’ll receive your live credentials from their trading partner, typically ‘Tradovate’. Next, you download and install NinjaTrader, configure your connection settings with credentials supplied by TopStep, and verify data feed integration. This allows you to trade TopStep’s funded account directly through the NinjaTrader interface.
Step 1: Complete the TopStep Evaluation and Get Funded
If you haven’t already been funded by TopStep, that’s your first mission. TopStep does not offer direct trading access just by creating an account. You must demonstrate consistent and responsible trading habits by passing either the one-step or two-step evaluation processes. These simulations test your ability to manage risk and deliver profits using real market data, without putting real money at stake.
- Sign up on the TopStep website.
- Select your preferred evaluation plan (usually based on buying power or account type).
- Complete the necessary trading days with required profitability and risk management.
Once you’ve passed the evaluation, TopStep will contact you with the next steps to configure and access your funded trading account, often provisioned via partners such as Tradovate or NinjaTrader directly.
Step 2: Receive Your Funded Account Credentials
After finishing the evaluation and signing TopStep’s Trader Agreement, you’ll receive your funded account credentials. Most often, this will be through a brokerage integration like Tradovate or Phillip Capital, depending on TopStep’s current brokerage partnerships. These credentials are required to connect to external platforms like NinjaTrader. Keep these credentials safe and easily accessible, as you’ll soon need them during the NinjaTrader configuration.
Ensure you receive the following from TopStep or their broker:
- Live account username and password
- Server address or name (e.g., for CQG or Rithmic data)
- Risk parameters and trading symbol list
- Login URL or software-specific instructions
Step 3: Download and Install NinjaTrader
If you have not yet installed the NinjaTrader platform, now is the time. Head over to the NinjaTrader official website (ninjatrader.com) and download the latest version. NinjaTrader 8 is the current iteration and is fully compatible with TopStep’s supported data feeds.
NinjaTrader comes in both free and paid versions. For executing trades and linking with TopStep, the free version typically suffices, though professional traders may benefit from the paid license for advanced features such as automated trading and enhanced charting tools.
Step 4: Connect NinjaTrader to the Correct Data Feed
The actual ‘linking’ step involves linking NinjaTrader to the data feed used by your TopStep-funded account. TopStep most commonly supports data providers like:
- CQG – Frequently used with Tradovate
- Rithmic – High-performance data feed often favored for low latency trading
Here’s how to connect NinjaTrader to your data feed (example using Rithmic):
- Launch NinjaTrader 8
- Navigate to Connections > Configure
- Click Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage or CQG, depending on your TopStep partner
- Click the add button (‘+’) to move it to the configured section
- Enter the username and password provided by TopStep/your broker
- Ensure the server field exactly matches the one assigned to you (e.g., Rithmic Paper Chicago)
- Check the boxes for enabled historical data and real-time quotes as needed
- Click OK and then Connections > Select the new connection
You should see a green indicator in the bottom-left of NinjaTrader confirming you’re connected. Always double-check by opening a chart and ensuring market data populates correctly for popular contracts like ES, NQ, or CL.
Step 5: Test the Integration Before Live Trading
Before you step into the live trading arena, always verify your setup using simulation tools or practice environments. NinjaTrader allows you to test different scenarios by using their built-in simulated data feed or third-party demo environments.
Also consider verifying the following:
- Orders are being correctly transmitted and acknowledged
- Stop-loss and profit target levels appear appropriately
- Your consolidated PnL is being reported accurately across sessions
Testing early can prevent costly errors during live trading, especially since TopStep enforces strict daily loss limits.
Step 6: Understand TopStep-Specific Guidelines
Even though you’re now technically connected and authorized to trade, TopStep maintains certain rules designed to enforce risk management. Violating these guidelines could result in account disqualification, even when trading through NinjaTrader. Be sure to review:
- Daily loss limit – Automatic removal from funded status if breached
- Maximum position sizes – Ensure your configuration doesn’t exceed this
- Trading times – Many TopStep accounts are restricted from trading over weekends or beyond specific hours
If NinjaTrader allows automated strategies, always double-check that those strategies comply with your TopStep limitations to avoid unwanted disconnection.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Connecting NinjaTrader to external data feeds for TopStep trading can sometimes lead to configuration or connectivity challenges. Here are common problems and their solutions:
- Incorrect username/password – Ensure there are no spaces or capital letter mismatches
- Data not showing up – You may need to manually map symbol names or correct your server selection
- Latency or drop-out – Consider upgrading your internet connection or switching to a different server location
If problems persist, consult NinjaTrader’s and TopStep’s customer support. Both platforms maintain active support ticket systems and community forums with detailed FAQs.
Security and Best Practices
Always safeguard your trading credentials and double-authentication mechanisms. Make sure auto-login is disabled on shared computers and regularly update your software to patch any vulnerabilities. If you’re running a trading bot or indicator through NinjaTrader, make sure it’s from a verified source and does not conflict with TopStep’s trading rules.
Finally, back up your workspace and settings regularly. NinjaTrader allows you to export strategies, chart layouts, and indicator setups, which is essential in case of an unexpected failure or transition to a new machine.
Conclusion
When combined, TopStep’s proprietary funding service and NinjaTrader’s powerful trading platform create an unbeatable duo for futures traders. While the setup involves specific steps and attention to detail, the rewards include access to professional-grade tools and the opportunity to trade with substantial real capital. By understanding the technical and operational requirements—and consistently adhering to TopStep’s policies—you pave the way for both profitable and compliant trading success.
