Dịch vụ How Much Are Market Data Fees for Topstep? (2025 Full Guide)

If you’re considering joining Topstep, one of the most popular futures prop trading firms, you’ve probably come across a line in their pricing section about market data fees.


These fees can confuse new traders — they’re often small but essential, and not always included in your subscription.


So, how much are market data fees for Topstep, and why do they exist?


In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll explain exactly what market data fees are, how much Topstep charges, how they’re billed, and what you get for your money.


What Is Topstep?

Topstep is a U.S.-based proprietary trading firm that funds traders to trade futures contracts using firm capital.


Instead of risking your own money, you start with a Trading Combine® — an evaluation process where you prove your skill and discipline under real market conditions.


Once you pass, you get access to a funded futures account and keep up to 90% of your profits.


But before you can trade, you need live market data — and that’s where market data fees come in.


What Are Market Data Fees?

Market data fees are small monthly charges that traders pay to access live price quotes, order book depth, and trade data from futures exchanges like:

• CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange)
• CBOT (Chicago Board of Trade)
• NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange)
• COMEX (Commodity Exchange)

These fees go directly to the exchanges — not to Topstep — and are required by U.S. regulations for any trader accessing real-time futures market information.


In short:



How Much Are Market Data Fees for Topstep?

As of 2025, Topstep traders typically pay around $39–$150 per month for market data access, depending on their account setup and exchange access.


Let’s break it down.


💼 Topstep Market Data Fee Breakdown

Type of Account Fee Amount Frequency Description Trading Combine® (evaluation account)$0IncludedMarket data is covered by your monthly subscription during the evaluation.Funded Account~$150/monthMonthlyReal-time CME data package for live trading. Required once funded.LiveSim / Practice Mode$39/monthMonthlyOptional continuation after Combine, with delayed or limited data.

✅ In the Combine:
You don’t pay extra market data fees — they’re built into your monthly Combine fee (e.g., $165/month for a $50K account).


❌ After funding:
When you pass and receive your Funded Account, you’ll start paying exchange fees directly to maintain live market access.


📊 Detailed Breakdown of CME Exchange Data (Professional vs. Non-Professional)

The exact fee depends on how many exchanges you choose to access.
For most Topstep traders, the CME Group Non-Professional Data Bundle is used.


Exchange Monthly Fee (Non-Pro) Included in Bundle? CME$12✅CBOT$12✅NYMEX$12✅COMEX$12✅CME Group Bundle (All 4)$40–$50 total✅

However, Topstep’s total monthly market data fee for funded traders is often closer to $150, because it includes:

• CME exchange access (bundle)
• Platform connection fee (e.g., Rithmic or Tradovate)
• Administrative and clearing fees

This total ensures your account connects to real-time order flow and execution systems.


When Do You Start Paying Market Data Fees?

Here’s how it works step-by-step:

1. During the Combine (Evaluation Phase):
   • You pay your Combine fee (e.g., $165/month).
   • Topstep covers all your data and platform access during this time.
   • No separate market data fee is charged.
2. After You Pass the Combine:
   • Once approved for a Funded Account, you’ll receive setup instructions.
   • At that point, you’ll need to activate your live exchange data.
   • This is when the $150/month market data fee begins.
3. If You Pause or Cancel:
   • If you take a break or your account becomes inactive, you can cancel your data package.
   • When you return, you’ll simply reactivate it for another month.

💡 Pro Tip:
Some traders choose to stay in the Combine longer instead of activating the funded account right away — to delay paying market data fees until they’re fully ready.


Why Topstep (and Other Futures Firms) Charge Market Data Fees

Market data fees are not an arbitrary cost — they exist because futures exchanges require firms and traders to pay for real-time access.


These fees:

• Support the infrastructure of global futures markets.
• Ensure data accuracy across brokers and platforms.
• Help enforce fair access regulations (professional vs. non-professional).

Every U.S.-regulated futures trader — whether at Topstep, Apex Trader Funding, or Tradovate — pays these same data costs.


So, Topstep isn’t profiting from these fees — they’re simply passing along the exchange’s required cost.


How Market Data Fees Compare to Other Firms

If you’re comparing prop firms, here’s how Topstep stacks up against competitors:


Firm Market Data Fee (Funded Account) Model Topstep~$150/monthCME exchange data + platformApex Trader Funding$85/monthRithmic data + exchange bundleEarn2Trade$105/monthIncludes data and simulatorLeeloo Trading$88/monthStandard CME accessUprofit Trader$120/monthCME + clearing fee included

💡 Observation:
Topstep’s data cost is slightly higher than some competitors, but it includes premium support, integrated technology, and high-quality execution speed.


Are Market Data Fees Refundable?

No — market data fees are not refundable, since they go directly to the CME exchanges.
Even if you don’t trade that month, the exchanges still charge for data access once it’s activated.


However, you can pause or cancel your account to avoid future fees.


How to Reduce or Manage Market Data Costs

Here are a few smart ways to control your expenses while using Topstep:

1. Stay in Evaluation Until You’re Ready
   • No data fees in the Combine phase — use that time to refine your strategy.
2. Pause During Breaks
   • If you’re not trading actively, cancel your funded account for a month.
3. Trade Fewer Exchanges
   • Stick to the CME bundle (major indices like ES, NQ) instead of adding all four.
4. Use Rithmic or Tradovate Efficiently
   • Avoid maintaining multiple connected platforms at once, which may duplicate data charges.
5. Track ROI
   • If you’re making consistent profits, the $150/month becomes a minor operational expense — not a burden.

Is the Market Data Fee Worth It?

Yes — if you’re actively trading a funded account.


Here’s why:

• You get real-time CME-level data with professional-grade accuracy.
• You can trade faster and more efficiently (no lag or delays).
• You’re trading with Topstep’s capital, so you’re not risking your own funds.

For professional futures traders, $150/month is a standard business expense, comparable to software or platform fees.
It’s part of running a legitimate, scalable trading operation.


Final Thoughts: How Much Are Market Data Fees for Topstep?

To summarize:


Phase Market Data Fee Notes Evaluation (Combine)$0Included in monthly Combine feeFunded Account~$150/monthCharged once you go livePaused/Inactive$0Cancel anytime to stop charges

✅ Key takeaway:
Market data fees for Topstep typically cost around $150/month once you’re funded.
These fees cover CME exchange access and real-time trading connectivity — required for any serious futures trader.


While it’s an extra cost, it’s an investment in professional-grade data accuracy, reliability, and transparency.


If you treat trading like a business, market data isn’t just an expense — it’s part of your competitive edge.