For traders looking to break into the competitive world of futures trading, TopStep offers a unique platform. Their structure allows aspiring traders to prove their skills in a simulated environment before advancing to a funded account. While their rules are generally designed to promote discipline, one common question from new users is whether there is an inactivity rule with TopStep. Understanding how inactivity affects your evaluation or funded account status is important for anyone looking to succeed with this proprietary trading firm.
TLDR: Too Long, Didn’t Read
Yes, TopStep does have rules related to inactivity, though they vary depending on whether you’re in the evaluation phase or holding a funded account. If you are inactive for a prolonged period, your access to your account may be paused or even revoked. It’s important to stay engaged regularly and check for updates or rule changes directly from TopStep. This ensures that your progress isn’t lost due to oversights and inactive behavior.
Understanding TopStep’s Structure
TopStep’s business model consists of a multi-phase approach to trading:
- Trading Combine (Evaluation Phase): Traders start in a simulated account where they must meet specific profit and risk management goals.
- Funded Level: After successfully completing the evaluation, traders may progress to a funded account provided by TopStep.
Each of these stages comes with different expectations, rules, and, in some cases, consequences for inactivity.
Inactivity During the Trading Combine
While TopStep does not list a specific “inactivity rule” on the surface for the evaluation phase, inactivity can still impact traders in indirect ways.
1. Subscription-Based Model
The most critical detail to note is that the Trading Combine is a subscription-based model. That means you’re paying a monthly fee to maintain access. If you’re inactive for one or more months, you’re still being charged—even if you’re not placing any trades. There is no refund or pause in fees due to inactivity unless you cancel your subscription altogether.
2. Performance Timer
In TopStep’s model, your account is evaluated based on active trading days. These are days where at least one trade is placed. The platform requires a set minimum number of trading days (usually 5-15, depending on the program) to complete the evaluation. If you stop trading, the counter doesn’t move. So, while there’s no direct penalty, inactivity delays your progress and keeps you in a paying loop.
What Happens If You Are Inactive?
Let’s break it down:
- You Miss Opportunities: Reflection on performance and refinement of strategy suffer with long absences.
- Your Mindset Wanes: Trading success is highly psychological. A break can make it harder to re-establish your rhythm.
- You Continue Paying: As stated, TopStep continues to charge your monthly fee regardless of usage.
While TopStep doesn’t “kick you out” of the program for being inactive in the short term during the evaluation, ongoing inactivity eventually forces you to restart or cancel the subscription, leading to wasted time and money.
Inactivity in the Funded Account
This is where things start to look more concrete. Inactivity in a Funded Account is treated more seriously. According to TopStep’s terms and community feedback, if you are completely inactive for 30 consecutive calendar days, TopStep reserves the right to revoke your funded status.
Why Does TopStep Enforce This?
The funded account represents actual capital that TopStep is putting behind you. Allowing it to remain idle for a prolonged period is an inefficient use of their resources.
Forms of Inactivity That May Trigger Revocation:
- No placed trades over a 30-day span.
- No login or platform engagement, leading to the appearance of disengagement.
- Failure to respond to TopStep notifications or emails regarding activity recommendations.
To keep your status active, TopStep generally encourages placing at least one trade every 30 days. Even minimal activity can keep your account in good standing and shows them you’re still committed to the program.
How to Manage Inactivity
If you find yourself needing a break, don’t worry—TopStep offers ways to manage short- or medium-term inactivity:
1. Cancel and Resume Your Evaluation
If you’re unable to trade for a while due to personal circumstances, you can choose to cancel your evaluation subscription and rejoin later. Be aware that your progress will not be saved unless confirmed by TopStep.
2. Pause Notifications
Set alerts on your calendar or phone to remind yourself to check into the platform at least once a week. Remaining mentally engaged can keep you ‘in the game’, even without executing constant trades.
3. Notify Support
If you have a valid reason for extended inactivity—such as health issues or travel—it’s best to notify TopStep support directly. While there’s no formal freeze policy, reaching out can help them make account-specific accommodations based on your history.
Tips to Maintain Active Status
If you plan to stay on top of your trading game, it’s crucial to avoid falling into an inactive cycle. Here’s how:
- Set Weekly Trading Goals: Even if it’s just one or two trades, regular engagement limits the chances of inactivity penalties.
- Use Time Block Scheduling: Block time during your week dedicated solely to trading sessions or market research.
- Participate in Community Forums: TopStep offers webinars, mentorship, and forums to stay mentally immersed in the practice.
- Use Trading Simulators: If you’re hesitant to place real trades due to market instability, spend time in practice environments to keep your skills sharp.
Transparency of Rules
TopStep emphasizes trader discipline and maintaining a professional framework. The platform updates its rulebook and FAQs regularly. You can usually find the most recent information in the Trader Dashboard or TopStep’s Help Center. Being proactive in checking these resources can help you avoid misunderstandings, especially regarding inactivity policies.
Listen to the Community
Traders on Reddit, Discord, and other trading communities often share their experiences with TopStep policies. A recurring theme is that the firm is generally supportive of active traders and flexible with reasonable communication. However, those who suddenly go silent without informing the firm may find their funded account status revoked without much warning.
Conclusion: Stay Proactive
To answer the original question—yes, there is an inactivity rule at TopStep, especially in the funded account phase. While the Trading Combine is more lenient in this regard, inactivity still means delay, extra costs, and a missed opportunity for growth. In a platform designed to mimic professional trading environments, maintaining a consistent presence is just as critical as making profitable trades.
If you’re serious about your trading journey with TopStep, make it a habit to stay active, even in small ways. It’s not just about meeting profit targets, but about showing you can commit long-term. And in that sense, activity is your badge of honor.
