Topstep rule changes in November 2026: profile holds, Micro Bitcoin limits and the AI wording algo traders should read
By Hristo Skulev · 12 November 2026
Topstep updated several rules in its help centre in early November 2026. The changes that matter most for algo and bot traders are a new profile hold, which pauses purchases and payout requests for a review of up to 7 business days, Micro Bitcoin (MBT) position limits by account size, and prohibited-conduct wording that names software and AI. Topstep's help pages don't show calendar dates, so the dates below are approximate; the change tracker at PipBack logs them between 3 and 10 November.
What changed
- Profile holds. Topstep can place a hold on a trader's profile that blocks purchases and payout requests while it reviews the account, for up to 7 business days, according to its prohibited conduct page.
- Software and AI wording. The same page lists using "software, AI, ultra-high speed systems" to gain an unfair advantage among prohibited conduct.
- Micro Bitcoin limits. MBT position limits are 5, 10 and 15 contracts on the $50K, $100K and $150K accounts, according to Topstep's risk adjustments page.
- New Combines and Live tiers. PipBack's tracker also logs new Live tiers (around 3 November) and two $50K Daily Payouts+ Combines, one with an end-of-day drawdown and one with a static drawdown (around 5 November). Check the current options on Topstep's own site before buying.
What it means for bots on Topstep
Topstep allows automated trading only through the TopstepX API, and not on Live Funded accounts or from a VPS; our guide to Topstep's algo trading rules has the details. The new wording doesn't ban bots that follow those rules, but it gives Topstep room to review accounts whose trading looks like it relies on speed or automation to exploit the platform, and a profile hold now pauses payouts while that happens.
In practice:
- Keep evidence of your strategy: the rules, the backtest and the settings your bot runs, in case an account is reviewed.
- Avoid patterns that look like exploits: very high trade frequency, holding positions for seconds, or trading the same way across several accounts.
- Size MBT strategies to the new limits before you run them.
Test a Topstep challenge before you pay for it
The prop firm challenge simulator in Strategy Lab includes a Topstep 50K preset and custom rules, and replays your strategy's backtest from every week or month start with limits checked inside each candle. That shows how often it would pass and how close its worst day comes to the limits. See also prop firm algo rules in 2026.
Rules change often. Check Topstep's help centre for the current rules before you trade.
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