Does Topstep Allow Automated Trading?
The Simple Answer
Yes. Topstep sells paid API access specifically so traders can build and run automated strategies.
Below is how Topstep classifies automated trading, and what that means in practice for the tools you may want to run.
Automation Policy Overview
What This Means In Practice
What you can run
TopstepX API Access is sold explicitly so advanced traders and developers can build automated strategies, connect third-party tools, create custom risk management rules, pull live and historical market data, and execute trades directly through a TopstepX account. It is powered by ProjectX. Coding in Python, Java, .NET or JavaScript against REST and WebSocket APIs is the intended use, though if you use a third-party tool built by someone else no coding is required, you simply plug in your credentials.
What it costs
API Access is $29 per month, discounted 50% to $14.50 per month for Topstep traders using code topstep, with no end date on the discount. Billing is separate from the Topstep subscription and appears as Sim2Funded Solutions on a bank statement.
The hard limits
All trading activity must originate from your personal device. VPS, VPNs and remote servers are prohibited under Topstep’s Terms of Use, and running automation on a VPS can lead to account suspension or removal. Topstep also bans using software, AI, ultra-high speed systems or mass data entry that manipulates, abuses or gains an unfair advantage, and specifically prohibits running scalping algorithms designed to exploit unrealistic simulator fills, making hundreds of rapid trades to exploit queue position, or using tight brackets and auto-breakeven to profit from favourable SIM fills.
Who carries the risk
Orders executed through the API are final, with no review, adjustment or reversal. Topstep is not responsible for the performance of any tool, algo or system built on API Access, and provides no technical support for coding, implementation or troubleshooting. Support routes to the ProjectX developer docs, the Topstep Discord api-trading channel, or ProjectX directly.
Final Comments
Automation rules are one of the fastest moving parts of any prop firm rulebook, and they are also one of the most expensive to get wrong. Before you connect anything to a Topstep account, get your specific setup confirmed in writing by support rather than relying on a general policy line.
Learn more details and compare prop firm discounts here: Propvator.com.
Compare rules, pricing and live discounts across every prop firm in one place.
FAQ
Does Topstep allow automated trading?
Yes. Topstep sells paid API access specifically so traders can build and run automated strategies.
How does Topstep classify automation?
As Flexible. In practice that means you can run your own automated systems to place trades. The sections above set out exactly where the boundary sits.
What you can run: what does Topstep say?
TopstepX API Access is sold explicitly so advanced traders and developers can build automated strategies, connect third-party tools, create custom risk management rules, pull live and historical market data, and execute trades directly through a TopstepX account. It is powered by ProjectX. Coding in Python, Java, .
What it costs: what does Topstep say?
API Access is $29 per month, discounted 50% to $14. 50 per month for Topstep traders using code topstep, with no end date on the discount. Billing is separate from the Topstep subscription and appears as Sim2Funded Solutions on a bank statement.
Do I still need to watch my Topstep bot while it runs?
Assume yes unless the firm says otherwise in writing. Several firms that permit automation still expect a human at the desk, and unattended operation is where accounts get questioned.
