What a Topstep Practice Account Is and What It Costs

Topstep is a proprietary trading firm that offers simulated trading accounts where you trade with virtual money instead of your own capital. A practice account lets you trade futures, forex, and other instruments on their platform without real financial risk. The account itself is free to open, but Topstep charges a monthly subscription fee to keep the account active and access their trading platform—this fee varies depending on which subscription tier you choose, typically ranging from around $99 to $299 per month.

The purpose of a practice account is to let you learn their platform, test trading strategies, and build a track record before you move to a funded account (where Topstep provides real capital for you to trade with, taking a split of profits). Many traders use practice accounts for weeks or months to prove they can trade profitably under Topstep's rules before attempting to get funded.

Key Takeaways

  • Topstep practice accounts are free to open but require a monthly subscription fee to use the platform, which you pay directly to Topstep.
  • You will need a valid email address, a way to pay the monthly subscription (credit card or bank account), and to be at least 18 years old.
  • The account setup takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and you can begin trading on their simulated platform when ready after payment clears.
  • Topstep practice accounts use virtual money only—no real capital is at risk, and you cannot withdraw money from a practice account.
  • Your practice account performance does not automatically lead to funding; you must meet Topstep's specific profit targets and follow their trading rules to be considered for a funded account.

Step-by-Step Account Opening Process

Go to Topstep's website and click the button to create a new account. You will be asked to enter your email address and create a password. Topstep will send you a confirmation email—click the link in that email to verify your address. This step usually takes a few minutes.

After email verification, you will fill out a brief profile with your name, date of birth, phone number, and country of residence. Topstep requires you to be at least 18 years old. You do not need to provide a Social Security number or bank account information at this stage—that comes later only if you move to a funded account.

Next, you will choose a subscription plan. Topstep offers several tiers with different features and monthly costs. The basic tier is the least expensive option and gives you access to the platform and simulated trading. Higher tiers may include additional tools, educational content, or higher starting virtual balances. Select the plan that fits your budget and needs.

Enter your payment information (credit card or bank account details) and complete the payment for your first month. Once payment processes, your account is active and you can log in when ready. You will receive a confirmation email with your login credentials and a link to read or access the trading platform.

What You Need Before You Start

You need a valid email address that you check regularly, since Topstep will send account updates, platform notifications, and subscription reminders to this address. Use an email you control and monitor—do not use a shared or temporary email.

You need a way to pay the monthly subscription. Topstep accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and bank account transfers via ACH in the United States. If you are outside the US, payment options may be limited—check Topstep's website for your country before starting the signup process.

You need a computer or device with internet access and a web browser to trade on the platform. Topstep's platform works on Windows and Mac computers. Some traders also use tablets, but the platform is designed primarily for desktop use. You do not need special software beyond what Topstep provides.

Logging In and Accessing Your First Trade

After your account is created and payment clears, log in using the email and password you created during signup. You will land on your account dashboard, which shows your virtual account balance, open positions, and trading history.

Before you place your first trade, spend time exploring the platform. Topstep usually provides a tutorial or walkthrough of the interface. Familiarize yourself with how to place orders, set stop losses, and close positions. The platform is designed to mimic real trading conditions, so the mechanics are similar to what you would use with a live broker, but no real money is at risk.

Your practice account comes with a set amount of virtual capital—this amount depends on which subscription tier you chose. You can trade this balance down to zero without any real financial consequence. If you lose all your virtual capital, you can reset your account balance (the number of resets available depends on your subscription level) and start over.

Understanding Topstep's Trading Rules and Profit Targets

Topstep enforces specific trading rules on all accounts, including practice accounts. These rules exist to teach disciplined trading and to set expectations for what behavior is required if you move to a funded account. Common rules include maximum daily loss limits (you cannot lose more than a certain percentage of your account in a single day), maximum trade size restrictions, and rules about holding positions overnight.

The exact rules depend on which account type and tier you choose. Read Topstep's trading rules document before you place your first trade—violating these rules can result in your account being paused or closed, even on a practice account. The rules are not hidden; Topstep publishes them clearly on their website and in your account settings.

If your goal is to eventually move to a funded account, you will need to hit specific profit targets within a set timeframe. For example, you might need to make 10% profit on your virtual balance within 30 days. These targets vary by account type. Your practice account performance is tracked, and if you meet the targets while following all trading rules, you can then explore for a funded account where Topstep provides real capital.

Monthly Subscription Renewal and Cancellation

Your subscription renews automatically each month on the anniversary of your signup date. Topstep will charge your payment method on file without asking again. You will receive an email reminder a few days before the charge goes through, so you have time to cancel if you want to stop paying.

To cancel your subscription, log into your account settings and look for a subscription or billing section. Most subscription services let you cancel online without contacting support, though you can also email Topstep's support team if you have trouble. Cancellation is when ready—you will not be charged again, but you will lose access to the platform at the end of your current billing period.

If you cancel and later want to reactivate, you can log back in and restart your subscription. Your old account data may or may not be preserved depending on how long you have been inactive—check with Topstep support if you are returning after a long break.

Common Reasons Practice Accounts Get Paused or Closed

Topstep will pause or close a practice account if you violate their trading rules repeatedly. This includes exceeding daily loss limits, trading position sizes larger than allowed, or holding positions in ways that break their guidelines. The platform usually warns you before closing the account, but repeated violations can result in when ready closure.

Accounts can also be closed if payment fails. If your credit card or bank account is declined when your subscription renews, Topstep will typically send you a notice and give you a few days to update your payment method. If payment is not received, your account access will be suspended.

Topstep may also close accounts if they detect fraudulent activity or if you use the account in a way that violates their terms of service (for example, using automated trading bots without permission, or sharing your login credentials with others). Read the full terms of service before opening an account so you understand what behavior is and is not allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw money from my practice account?

No. A practice account uses virtual money only. You cannot withdraw funds because no real money is in the account. If you want to trade with real capital and withdraw profits, you would need to move to a funded account through Topstep's evaluation process, where Topstep provides the capital and you split profits with them.

What happens if I do not meet the profit target?

If you do not hit the profit target within the allowed timeframe, your evaluation period ends and you do not move to a funded account. You can keep your practice account active by paying the monthly subscription and try again, or you can cancel and stop paying. There is no penalty beyond losing access to the platform.

Do I need to provide my Social Security number to open a practice account?

No. A practice account requires only your email, name, date of birth, and payment information. You would only provide a Social Security number if you move to a funded account, since that involves real money and regulatory requirements.

Can I have more than one practice account?

Topstep's terms typically allow one account per person. Opening multiple accounts to circumvent trading rules or profit targets violates their terms and can result in all accounts being closed. Contact Topstep support if you have a legitimate reason to need a second account.

How long does it take to get approved for a funded account after I meet the profit target?

Approval timelines vary, but Topstep typically reviews funded account requests within one to two weeks after you meet the profit target and submit your process. You will need to pass additional verification steps, including identity verification and agreement to their funded account terms, before capital is provided to you.