Why trading commissions matter in trading and why Topstep is reintroducing them

Highlights

• Topstep is reintroducing commissions and fees to make simulated trading environments more closely reflect live market conditions.
• Traders should evaluate performance based on the "round trip," which is the total cost of entering and exiting a position, rather than just the initial entry cost.
• New costs include commissions ($1.00 for Minis, $0.50 for Micros), exchange fees, a $0.04 regulatory fee, and a $1.00 platform fee per round trip.

If you’re serious about trading, your environment should reflect what the market is actually like.

That means more than just picking the right direction. It means understanding everything that impacts your performance, including cost.

That’s why Topstep® is reintroducing commissions and fees across all simulated accounts (Trading Combines® and Express Funded®).

We know this is a change.

But this isn’t about adding friction. It’s about closing the gap between simulated trading and real market conditions, so the habits you build here actually hold up in Live futures trading.

What are trading commissions and fees in futures?

In Live markets, every trade has a cost. Not just when you enter. Not just when you exit. But across the full cycle of the trade. That’s called the round trip.

The round trip is the total cost of getting in and out of a position, per contract.

It includes the following transaction fees:

• Commissions (entry + exit)
• Exchange fees (vary by instrument)
• Regulatory fee (the same everywhere)
• Platform-related fees (depending on where you trade)

Most prop firms already include commissions in their simulated environments for this exact reason: to reflect what trading is really like.

Up until now, Topstep hasn’t. But as traders progress, getting closer to real market conditions becomes essential for building habits that actually hold up.

Topstep trading commissions and fees

When you evaluate a trade, think in round-trip cost, not just per side.

Let’s break down what commissions and fees look like in your day-to-day trading at Topstep.

Commissions

• Minis: $1.00 Round Trip
• Micros: $0.50 Round Trip

Fees

• Exchange fee (varies by instrument)
• Regulatory fee: $0.04 RT
• Platform fee: $1.00 RT

It’s a small amount per trade, but over time, it becomes part of your overall performance.

Bridging the gap: How trading commissions prepare you for Live markets

The goal isn’t just to perform well in one environment.

It’s to build a strategy that works anywhere. Your Trading Combine and Express Funded Account should prepare you for what comes next.

That means understanding:

• risk
• execution
• consistency
• and cost

Because the closer your experience is to real trading, the more prepared you’ll be when it counts.

Start your Trading Combine and build habits that hold up in live markets.

Frequently asked questions

What are trading commissions, and how are they calculated?

In futures trading, commissions are the fees charged by a broker or platform to execute a trade. These are typically calculated on a round-trip basis, meaning you are charged for the full cycle of opening and then closing a position.

What is the impact of trading fees on investment returns?

Even small fees add up over time and can impact your profitability. When you account for commissions in a simulated environment, you get a clearer picture of your true net returns and can adjust your strategy accordingly.

How can I avoid paying trading commissions in a simulation?

Some platforms offer commission-free simulations, but that can create unrealistic expectations. Practicing in an environment that includes commissions better prepares you for live markets and helps build the discipline needed to manage real trading costs.