Topstep (topstep.com), the Chicago-based futures prop firm and one of the oldest players in the retail prop trading space, has announced the permanent elimination of its funded account activation fee. Previously, traders who successfully completed the Trading Combine were required to pay a one-time $149 activation fee before accessing their live funded account. That fee is gone as of April 2026.
Topstep's $149 activation fee has been permanently removed. Combine passers now move directly to a funded account at no additional cost.
What Changed and Why
Topstep's pricing architecture has evolved significantly over the past two years. The firm already dropped its monthly Combine subscription model in favor of one-time challenge fees — a move that aligned them with the industry-standard evaluation format. Removing the activation fee is the next logical step, particularly as competition from Apex Trader Funding and Blue Guardian has intensified in the futures prop segment.
Full Cost Breakdown (Post-Change)
- $50K Trading Combine: $165 one-time fee (no activation fee)
- $100K Trading Combine: $325 one-time fee (no activation fee)
- $150K Trading Combine: $375 one-time fee (no activation fee)
- Profit split: 90% to trader after first $10K withdrawn
- No monthly data fees while on funded account
How Topstep Compares Now
With the activation fee removed, Topstep's all-in cost to get funded is now among the most competitive in the CME futures category. The firm still differentiates on its coaching resources, community, and the credibility of its Chicago trading heritage — factors that matter to traders who want more than just a cheap funded account.
Removing activation fees is table stakes in 2026. Topstep needed to make this move to stay relevant with the current generation of futures traders.
- FundCoupon Analysis
Existing Combine Holders
Traders who are currently mid-Combine are not eligible for a retroactive refund of any previously paid activation fees. The elimination applies only to accounts that pass the Combine going forward from April 2026.
Topstep coupon codes are available on FundCoupon and can be stacked on top of this change for additional savings on new Combine registrations.
FundCoupon Verification Note
Promotions, rules, and checkout terms can change. Verify the current offer and evaluation rules on the official firm website before paying for any challenge.