What Is Apex Trader Funding?
Apex Trader Funding is one of the most trader-friendly proprietary trading firms on the market. It offers a unique opportunity for traders to access substantial capital without needing to invest their own money upfront. Unlike traditional trading routes that often require a large deposit or brokerage account, Apex gives traders the chance to prove themselves in a simulated environment and, if successful, transition to live trading with real funds.
The firm’s core model is built around funding futures traders through a structured evaluation challenge. Traders sign up, pick an account size, and then trade within specific rules. If they hit the profit target and manage risk correctly, they can earn a funded account. It’s a gateway for talented traders who may lack the capital to scale their strategies.
Apex’s reputation has grown rapidly because of its low-cost evaluations, flexible trading rules, and generous profit splits. With minimal restrictions and the potential to grow, it appeals to everyone from day trading rookies to experienced professionals seeking additional capital.
The philosophy behind Apex is simple: provide serious traders with a fair shot at professional funding. There’s no need for pedigree, Wall Street connections, or flashy credentials. If you can trade well and stick to the rules, Apex is ready to back you.
How the Apex Trader Funding Prop Firm Challenge Works
The Apex Trader Funding Challenge is the first gateway for aspiring traders who want access to funded accounts. This challenge is designed to simulate a realistic trading environment where you prove your ability to manage risk and generate profits within specific guidelines. Let’s break down how it works.
Choose Your Account Size and Profit Split
At the start of the challenge, you select an account size that aligns with your trading style and risk tolerance. Apex offers a range of accounts starting from $25,000 and going all the way up to $300,000. Each account has a corresponding profit target, drawdown limits, and monthly subscription fee.
You also choose your profit split during signup. The most common option is an 80/20 model, where you retain 80 percent of your profits and the firm keeps 20 percent. For high-performing traders or promotional events, Apex sometimes offers a 90/10 split. The flexibility to choose between these models makes the program adaptable to both conservative and aggressive traders.
It’s worth noting that Apex frequently runs discount promotions, making it more affordable to get started compared to other top prop firms. Traders can even take multiple evaluations simultaneously, which is perfect for those who want to increase their chances of success or diversify their trading strategies.
Complete the Apex Trader Funding Prop Firm Challenge
Once you’ve selected your account, the next step is to hit your profit target without breaking the risk rules. These targets vary depending on the account size. For example, a $50,000 account may require a $3,000 profit to pass the challenge.
The firm does not impose a minimum number of trading days. This is a game-changer for skilled traders who can achieve the profit goal quickly. Whether it takes three days or thirty, the only thing that matters is meeting the target while staying within the maximum drawdown limits.
Traders are also allowed to use a variety of strategies, including scalping, swing trading, and intraday positions. Apex permits the use of expert advisors (EAs), which opens the door for algorithmic traders who want to automate parts of their execution.
Pass Evaluation and Get Funded
When you complete the challenge successfully, you’re promoted to a funded account, often referred to as a Performance Account. At this stage, you’re trading real money provided by Apex under the same general risk guidelines used during evaluation.
The transition from demo to live status includes signing a trader agreement that outlines responsibilities, payout procedures, and compliance rules. It’s essential to read this document carefully, since it governs your relationship with the firm and ensures that you maintain your funded status.
Mistakes like overleveraging or violating drawdown rules can still lead to account termination, so discipline and adherence to the rules remain critical even after funding.
- Unlock a Funded Account upon Successful Completion
- Diverse Selection of Packages at Your Disposal
- Start with a simulation account
- Need good trading skills to pass
What Are the Options For Funded Accounts?
Apex Trader Funding provides a structured set of account options tailored for futures traders at every level. Whether you’re a cautious beginner or a seasoned pro with high-volume strategies, there’s an account that fits your trading style and risk appetite.
All Apex funded accounts operate under consistent performance metrics: a 6 percent profit target and a 3 percent trailing drawdown. These standardized rules simplify the evaluation process while still offering the flexibility to select an account size and fee structure that matches your capital goals.
Below is a full comparison of the available account types:
Account Size | Challenge Fee (Monthly) | Profit Target (6%) | Max Daily Drawdown (3%) | Max Overall Drawdown (6%) |
$25,000 | $147 | $1,500 | $625 | $750 |
$50,000 | $167 | $3,000 | $1,250 | $1,500 |
$100,000 | $207 | $6,000 | $2,500 | $3,000 |
$150,000 | $297 | $9,000 | $3,750 | $4,500 |
$250,000 | $399 | $15,000 | $6,250 | $7,500 |
$300,000 | $399 | $18,000 | $7,500 | $9,000 |
Each account tier increases in scale, offering greater profit potential and higher drawdown limits as you move up. The $25K and $50K accounts are perfect for traders who prefer tight risk control, while the $150K and above tiers are suited for more experienced traders who require larger margins and trade volume flexibility.
One of the standout advantages of Apex is that even its highest-tier accounts maintain the same monthly fee as the mid-tier. For instance, both the $250K and $300K accounts cost $399 per month, making the top-tier plan a particularly high-value choice.
Regardless of the account size you choose, Apex’s trader-centric model, flexible rules, and generous profit splits make it one of the most accessible and scalable prop firms available in 2025.
Apex Trader Funding Rules and Restrictions
While Apex Trader Funding is widely considered one of the most trader-friendly prop firms in the industry, they still have a clear set of rules designed to promote discipline, consistency, and long-term trading success. These rules are not meant to box you in but to help you trade responsibly and avoid blowing your funded account due to preventable mistakes.
Let’s walk through the most important guidelines that govern your evaluation and funded account phases.
Risk Management Guidelines (Trailing Drawdown and Max Daily Loss)
Two of the most critical risk control mechanisms at Apex are the Trailing Drawdown and the Max Daily Loss. These are the pillars of risk discipline, and breaking them is the fastest way to disqualify yourself from funding or get your funded account terminated.
- Trailing Drawdown (3%): This is a moving drawdown calculated from your highest account balance. As your account grows, the trailing drawdown moves upward but never retreats. If your equity drops below this threshold, the account is breached. It’s designed to reward upward momentum while controlling downside risk.
- Max Daily Loss: This cap sets the maximum you can lose in a single trading day. It resets each trading session and keeps you from spiraling during a bad streak. Each account size has its own Max Daily Loss tied to a percentage of the starting balance.
Understanding and managing these drawdowns is non-negotiable. Apex does not give second chances if you violate them, even by a dollar.
News Trading, Overnight Holds, and Other Restrictions
Apex allows a generous degree of flexibility when it comes to trading styles and strategies, but there are some important boundaries.
- News Trading: Apex previously restricted trading during high-impact news releases, but in recent updates, they’ve relaxed these rules for funded accounts. However, you should still be cautious around volatile events and always check the current policy before trading FOMC, NFP, or CPI days.
- Overnight and Weekend Holds: Holding trades overnight is typically not allowed unless explicitly stated. Apex accounts are generally designed for intra-day trading, and positions must be closed by the daily market close (usually around 4:10 PM EST for most instruments).
- Automated Trading and EAs: Apex does allow automated strategies and the use of expert advisors (EAs), provided you follow all their risk parameters and use platforms compatible with their data feed (such as NinjaTrader or Rithmic-based tools).
Consistency and Scaling Rules
While Apex doesn’t enforce traditional consistency rules during evaluations (like forcing profits to be evenly spread out across days), once you’re funded, they monitor your consistency for scaling and payout eligibility.
Key expectations include:
- Avoiding “all-in” behavior: They want to see stable performance over time, not one lucky trade followed by poor discipline.
- Adherence to lot size limits: You must follow the firm’s recommended lot size per account tier. This helps prevent excessive risk and promotes gradual scaling.
- Scaling Up: If you demonstrate strong, consistent results, Apex may allow you to scale into higher-capital accounts or increase your position sizing privileges.
Traders who respect the structure typically find themselves growing with the firm and accessing larger pools of capital over time.
Payment, Withdrawals, and Payout Process
Getting paid is one of the most exciting parts of the trading journey, and Apex Trader Funding does not disappoint in this area. Their payment system is designed to be transparent, efficient, and trader-centric, with a straightforward structure for challenge fees, funded account maintenance, and profit withdrawals.
Fee Payments (for Challenges and Funded Accounts)
Apex uses a monthly subscription model for its evaluation accounts. This means that instead of paying a one-time hefty fee, you’re charged a monthly fee based on the account size you choose. This approach makes it more affordable for traders to participate and gives them the flexibility to cancel or restart at any time.
Here’s a quick recap of the monthly evaluation fees:
- $25,000 Account: $147/month
- $50,000 Account: $167/month
- $100,000 Account: $207/month
- $150,000 Account: $297/month
- $250,000 and $300,000 Accounts: $399/month
Once you pass the evaluation, Apex charges a one-time activation fee to convert your account to a Performance Account (live funded account). This fee helps cover administrative costs, legal compliance, and the licensing of real-time data feeds.
After activation, there are no monthly fees for maintaining a funded account unless you add services or request platform access beyond the basics. This is a big win for traders looking to build profits without being drained by recurring costs.
Profit Withdrawals and Payout Schedules
Now for the good stuff: withdrawals. Apex’s payout model is structured to reward discipline and performance, especially in the early stages.
- First $25,000 Withdrawn: You keep 100% of the profit. That’s right, the first 25 grand goes directly into your pocket, no split.
- Beyond $25,000: The standard 80/20 split kicks in. Apex keeps 20 percent, and you retain 80 percent of every dollar earned after that. In some cases, high performers can qualify for 90/10 splits.
Payout Frequency: Traders can request withdrawals as often as bi-weekly, though specific eligibility dates depend on the account start date and consistency of trading activity.
To withdraw profits, you’ll need to meet these basic requirements:
- Account must be in good standing (no rule violations)
- You must have at least 10 trading days (some conditions apply)
- Withdrawal amount must exceed the minimum threshold, typically ,000
Payments are usually processed via ACH (bank transfer), PayPal, or other available fintech channels, depending on your region and preferences.
This payout model not only rewards strong performance but also encourages consistency and long-term growth.
Comparison: Apex Trader Funding vs TopStep and My Funded Futures
With the prop trading space booming, it’s important to know how Apex Trader Funding stacks up against other popular firms like TopStep and My Funded Futures. Each firm has its own strengths and quirks, but Apex has carved a niche by being more accessible and trader-friendly.
Here’s a head-to-head breakdown to help you decide which firm might be the best fit for your trading journey:
Feature | Apex Trader Funding | TopStep | My Funded Futures |
Account Sizes | $25K to $300K | $50K to $150K | $25K to $250K |
Monthly Fee | $147–$399 | $165–$375 | $145–$325 |
Profit Split | 100% of first $25K, then 80/20 or 90/10 | 100% of first $5K, then 80/20 | 100% of first $10K, then 80/20 or 85/15 |
Minimum Trading Days | None | 5–15 depending on account | Typically 10 days |
Trailing Drawdown | Yes (3%) | Yes (static or trailing) | Yes (percentage-based) |
Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly | Weekly or monthly | Weekly (after lock-in) |
Activation Fee | Yes (one-time) | Yes (varies by account) | Yes (one-time) |
News Trading Allowed | Usually yes (check current rules) | No during major releases | With restrictions |
Overnight Holding | No | No | No |
Automation Allowed | Yes (with conditions) | No | Yes (with approval) |
Scaling Plans | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Apex Trader Funding: The Trader-Friendly Choice
Apex stands out by offering no minimum trading days during evaluations, which is a huge plus for skilled traders who want to pass quickly. The generous 100% profit retention on the first $25,000 is also a standout feature. Traders also appreciate the high account variety and the ability to stack multiple evaluations at once, something not all firms support.
TopStep: The Industry Veteran
TopStep is one of the oldest names in the business, and it shows in their well-polished systems and strict compliance standards. However, they’re known for being stricter with rules, especially around news trading and platform limitations. Their payouts are a bit less generous upfront, and automation is generally not allowed, which may turn away algo traders.
My Funded Futures: The New Challenger
My Funded Futures is gaining popularity for offering lower fees and reasonable scaling options. Their profit split improves over time, and automation is allowed with prior approval. However, their consistency requirements and 10-day minimum rule may slow down fast-paced traders, and the platform variety is still maturing compared to Apex or TopStep.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for maximum flexibility, fast funding, and minimal red tape, Apex is hard to beat. It’s especially attractive to experienced traders who want to pass challenges quickly, trade multiple accounts, or use automation. TopStep is best for those who prefer a more traditional, regulated experience, while My Funded Futures offers a balanced mix of affordability
Apex Trader Funding Customer Support and Help
Apex Trader Funding has a support section that you can access on their website where you can fill in a support ticket to get help with whatever you need.
Social Media Profiles
- Instagram profile with 5,505 followers
- Twitter account with 5,162 followers
- Facebook page with 12.7k followers
- Linkedin page with 1,984 followers
Apex Trader Funding Trust Pilot Reviews
Apex Trader Funding has received great customer feedback from its traders on Trust Pilot. With an overall score of 4.6 out of 5 from 718 reviews.
Conclusion
Apex Trader Funding has quickly established itself as a leading force in the prop trading world, and it’s easy to see why. With a wide variety of account sizes, generous profit splits, no minimum trading day requirements, and trader-focused rules, Apex makes it easier than ever for serious traders to access meaningful capital.
For those looking to grow without risking personal savings, Apex offers an affordable and flexible pathway to funded trading. Whether you’re a scalper testing your edge, a swing trader seeking capital expansion, or a futures specialist ready to scale, Apex gives you the platform to prove your skill and earn real income.
Its transparent fee structure, smooth evaluation process, and favorable payout terms make it one of the most trader-friendly options on the market today. While it still enforces crucial risk controls like the trailing drawdown and daily loss limits, these measures are fair and designed to help traders build long-term consistency.
Compared to other futures prop firms like TopStep or newer alternatives like My Funded Futures, Apex stands out for its accessibility, flexibility, and performance-based rewards. It supports a wide range of platforms, allows automation, and even rewards high-performing traders with potential scaling options.
In short, Apex Trader Funding is not just another prop firm—it’s a serious gateway for ambitious traders who are ready to treat trading like a business. If you’re confident in your strategy and disciplined in execution, this could be the opportunity that transforms your trading career.
FAQ’s
Apex Trader Funding primarily focuses on the futures and forex markets, providing traders with a platform to access global financial markets. They may also offer opportunities in indices and commodities, allowing traders a diversified trading experience.
Apex offers up to 80% profit-sharing with traders on successful trades, which is a competitive rate in the industry. This model incentivizes traders to perform well as they retain a significant portion of the profits generated.
Apex shoulders the losses from unsuccessful trades, thereby substantially reducing personal financial risks for traders. They may have a set maximum drawdown limit to manage the risks, and once a trader hits this limit, the trading account may be reviewed or closed.
Yes, Apex Trader Funding adheres strictly to all required financial regulations, ensuring a secure and transparent trading environment. They comply with the regulatory standards set by financial authorities in the jurisdictions they operate.
Apex Trader Funding offers exceptional customer support to all its traders, addressing all queries and concerns efficiently. They may provide support through various channels like email, phone, or live chat, ensuring that traders receive timely assistance whenever needed.
About the Author
Andrew Edwards is the co-founder of SecretsToTrading101 and has years of practical experience in online trading, prop firm evaluations and financial content review. He specialises in helping traders understand trading rules, challenge requirements and platform conditions so they can make informed decisions. Andrew oversees the accuracy of our prop firm guides and ensures all information is reviewed against current programme terms and risk standards.
