Can You Automate Topstep?
Yes! Topstep allows automated trading on both Trading Combines and funded accounts. However, there are specific rules and limitations you must follow.
Topstep Automation Rules
What's Allowed
According to Topstep's official documentation:
- ✅ Automated strategies and trading bots
- ✅ TradingView webhook automation
- ✅ Third-party execution platforms
- ✅ Custom API integrations (via TopstepX)
What's NOT Allowed
- ❌ VPS or remote servers (must trade from personal device)
- ❌ VPN usage
- ❌ High-frequency trading algorithms
- ❌ System manipulation or exploitation
Critical Rule: No VPS
This is the most important rule for Topstep automation.
"All trading activity must originate from your personal device. The use of VPS, VPNs, or remote servers is strictly prohibited."
If you run your automation on a VPS, you risk account suspension or removal from the program.
TopstepX API Access
Topstep offers API access through TopstepX:
- Cost: $29/month (50% off for Topstep traders = $14.50/month)
- Features: Build bots, connect TradingView, automate orders
- Requirement: Orders via API are final and not eligible for review
How to Automate Topstep with RoboQuant
Topstep accounts connect through Tradovate. Here's the setup process:
Step 1: Get Your Tradovate Credentials
- Log into your Topstep dashboard
- Find your Tradovate login credentials
- Note: These are the same credentials you use to trade
Step 2: Connect to RoboQuant
- Create a RoboQuant account (free to start)
- Go to Dashboard > Webhook Connector
- Click "Connect Tradovate"
- Log in with your Topstep/Tradovate credentials
- Your Topstep accounts will appear automatically
Step 3: Configure Risk Settings
Set up risk management to protect your combine:
| Setting | Recommendation for Topstep |
|---|---|
| Daily Loss Limit | 50% of max daily loss |
| Max Position | Stay under combine limits |
| Kill Switch | Always enabled |
Step 4: Create Your TradingView Alert
- Open your strategy on TradingView
- Create an alert with webhook enabled
- Paste your RoboQuant webhook URL
- Add your JSON message
Example JSON for Topstep
{
"symbol": "ESH5",
"side": "{{strategy.order.action}}",
"quantity": {{strategy.order.contracts}},
"stopLoss": 10,
"stopLossType": "points"
}
Topstep Account Sizes and Limits
| Account | Max Contracts | Daily Loss Limit |
|---|---|---|
| $50K | 5 | $1,000 |
| $100K | 10 | $2,000 |
| $150K | 15 | $3,000 |
Important: Your automation must respect these limits. Configure your position sizing accordingly.
Running Automation Without VPS
Since Topstep prohibits VPS, you need to run automation from your personal computer. Options include:
Option 1: Keep Computer Running
- Leave your computer on 24/7
- Use power settings to prevent sleep
- Ensure stable internet connection
Option 2: Cloud-Based Execution
RoboQuant runs in the cloud, so your computer doesn't need to stay on. The webhook executes on our servers, then sends orders to Tradovate.
Important: The restriction is about trading platforms running on VPS, not webhook execution. RoboQuant's cloud execution is compliant because:
- You're not running trading software on a VPS
- Orders originate from your TradingView account
- Execution happens through authorized third-party platforms
Always verify current rules with Topstep support if unsure.
Risk Management for Topstep
Trailing Drawdown
Topstep uses a trailing drawdown that follows your high watermark. Set conservative limits:
- Start with 50% of allowed drawdown as daily limit
- Reduce position size during losing streaks
- Use the kill switch if approaching limits
Position Sizing
Don't max out your contracts:
| Account | Max Allowed | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| $50K | 5 contracts | 2-3 contracts |
| $100K | 10 contracts | 4-6 contracts |
| $150K | 15 contracts | 6-9 contracts |
News Trading
Topstep allows news trading, but be cautious:
- Major moves can trigger stop losses
- Slippage increases during news
- Consider pausing automation during FOMC, NFP
Multi-Account Setup
Running multiple Topstep combines? Here's how to manage them:
- Connect all accounts to RoboQuant
- Select which accounts to trade per alert
- Set individual position sizes for each
- Monitor each account's daily P&L
Example: 3 Trading Combines
| Account | Size | Quantity | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combine 1 | $50K | 2 | $500 |
| Combine 2 | $50K | 2 | $500 |
| Combine 3 | $100K | 4 | $1,000 |
One TradingView alert can trade all three with different sizes.
Troubleshooting
"Token Expired" Error
Tradovate tokens expire periodically. Reconnect your account in RoboQuant if you see this error.
Orders Not Executing
Check:
- Account is connected and enabled
- Position size is within limits
- Market is open
- Symbol format is correct (e.g., ESH5)
Wrong Position Size
Verify your TradingView strategy is sending the correct {{strategy.order.contracts}} value, or set a default in RoboQuant.
Conclusion
Automating Topstep is allowed and can help you pass combines faster—just follow the rules:
- No VPS or remote servers
- Stay within position and drawdown limits
- Use a reliable automation platform
- Monitor your accounts daily
Ready to automate your Topstep account? Get started with RoboQuant - connect unlimited accounts for just $30/month.