After passing the Trading Combine, Topstep traders move to an Express Funded Account (XFA), a simulated account where they earn payouts.
Key facts
| Starting balance | $0 (size sets buying power) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Loss Limit | Starts at −$2,000 on a 50K; locks at $0 once balance reaches $2,000 |
| After first payout | MLL resets to $0 |
| Payout caps | Per request, e.g. $2,000/$3,000/$5,000 on standard-path accounts from April 28, 2026 |
What it means for your trading
Futures prop accounts combine exchange-traded contracts with firm-specific rules, most often a trailing drawdown and payout conditions. Size positions so a normal losing streak stays well inside the drawdown, prefer micro contracts while building a cushion, and read the funded-account rules before your first payout request.
For UK traders
CME products trade in US dollars, and most activity falls between 9:30 AM and 21:00 UK time. Payouts arrive in USD, so plan for conversion to GBP and keep records for HMRC.
Related reading
See Topstep vs Apex and end-of-day drawdown prop firms.
Prop firms we currently recommend
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1
FundedNext Best for MetaTrader users
- Max account
- $200,000 (up to $4M through scaling)
- Profit split
- 80%, up to 95%
- Fee from
- $59.99 USD (confirm at checkout)
- Our rating
- 4.4 out of 5
-
2
SabioTrade Best for learning while you evaluate
- Max account
- $1,000,000
- Profit split
- 80–90%
- Fee from
- $139 USD (confirm at checkout)
- Our rating
- 4.0 out of 5
FAQ
What should prop traders know about Topstep Express Funded Account?
After passing the Trading Combine, Topstep traders move to an Express Funded Account (XFA), a simulated account where they earn payouts.
Can UK traders trade futures with prop firms?
Yes. Topstep and Apex accept UK traders.
Are futures better than forex for prop trading?
Neither is better overall; futures suit day traders who want exchange data, forex suits MetaTrader users.