Topstep, the benchmark of US futures prop firms, is overhauling its funding model: two Trading Combine subscription routes, including a new No Activation Fee route that removes the $149 activation fee for the Express Funded Account. A change the market is watching closely: it is one of the most structural pricing shifts in the futures segment in months.
The old Topstep model
Until now, the Topstep journey was linear: a Trading Combine subscription (from $49/month for $50K buying power), then, once the objectives are met, a $149 activation fee to unlock the Express Funded Account, with a 100% profit split on the first $5,000 of gains and weekly payouts. A proven model, but with that final activation cost that irritates traders.
The new model: two routes, same rules
Concretely, when launching a Combine, traders now choose between:
- Standard route: reduced subscription ($49/month at 50K), with the $149 XFA activation fee paid once the Combine is passed
- No Activation Fee route: higher monthly subscription, but $0 Express Funded Account activation upon passing
The rules and objectives stay identical on both routes: same profit target, same 55% Consistency Target, same Max Loss Limit (Topstep's "One Rule", a 2% to 3% daily drawdown depending on account size). The firm also states it has lowered the Standard route XFA activation fee, and now offers two payout options: Standard (5 winning days at $150) or Consistency (best day below 40% of total profit, higher withdrawal caps). If you fail before the first payout, the Back2Funded option lets you reactivate the account.
Impact: a real economic trade-off
The No Activation Fee route is aimed at disciplined traders: if you pass in one or two attempts, the extra subscription cost is quickly absorbed by the $149 saved. If you know you will fail several times, the Standard route stays cheaper overall. It is a risk transfer: Topstep collects the activation through the subscription, and the trader pays for the uncertain outcomes along the way. The full reasoning (plus mental preparation for the Challenge) is in our guides, and Topstep's positioning against Apex or MyFundedFutures is visible on our prop firm comparator.
The break-even to calculate before choosing
Example at $50K: the Standard route costs $49/month + $149 activation; the No Activation Fee route, roughly $85-95/month. The break-even sits around 3 months of subscription: pass in under 3 months and the No Activation Fee route wins; take longer and the Standard route remains the better deal. Assess your track record honestly before deciding, and reread our drawdown management advice: Topstep's One Rule forgives no more once activation is free.
Conclusion
Shifting rules, changing prices: that is the daily reality of prop firms in 2026. Before choosing or paying, always compare up-to-date conditions on our prop firm comparator. And if you would rather focus on your trading than on rule compliance, our challenge passing service takes the challenges for you in 2 weeks.
