Apex Trader Funding: Rules, Payouts & Benefits

Introduction

If you’re looking for ways to trade futures without risking your own large capital, Apex Trader Funding is one of the most popular prop trading firms in the market. Launched in 2021 by trader and educator Darrell Martin, Apex provides traders with access to funded accounts after completing a simple evaluation. The firm claims to have paid out hundreds of millions of dollars to traders worldwide, making it an attractive choice for both beginners and experienced futures traders.

But is Apex Trader Funding worth it? How do its rules, fees, and payouts work? In this detailed blogpost, we’ll cover everything you need to know — from evaluation rules and profit splits to pros, cons, and real trader feedback.

What Is Apex Trader Funding?

Apex Trader Funding is a futures prop firm. This means they fund traders with company money instead of requiring traders to use their own capital. In return, traders share a percentage of profits with the firm.

Unlike other prop firms that focus on forex or stocks, Apex is entirely futures‑based, giving access to popular market like the E‑mini S&P 500 (ES), Nasdaq (NQ), Dow Jones (YM), and commodities such as crude oil, gold, and natural gas.

The company’s main selling point is its one‑step evaluation — traders pass a single test to qualify for funding instead of multiple phases, making the process simpler and faster.

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How Apex Trader Funding Works

Step 1: Choose an Evaluation Account

Traders start by selecting an evaluation account size. Common account sizes include:

• $25,000
• $50,000
• $75,000
• $100,000
• $150,000
• $250,000
• $300,000

Each account has its own profit target and trailing drawdown (risk limit). For example, a $50,000 account might require you to make $3,000 profit without dropping below a $2,500 trailing threshold.

Step 2: Meet the Profit Target

You trade futures in a simulated account. To pass the evaluation, you must:

• Reach the required profit target
• Avoid breaking the trailing drawdown
• Trade for at least 7–8 active trading days

There are no daily loss limits, no scaling requirements, and no news trading restrictions — making it far less stressful compared to other firms.

Step 3: Get Funded

Once you pass, Apex converts your account into a Performance Account (funded account). This is where you trade with real money and can request withdrawals (payouts).

Profit Split and Payouts

Apex has one of the most generous profit splits in the industry:

• First $25,000 in profit: 100% goes to the trader
• After $25,000: 90% to the trader, 10% to Apex

Payouts are available every 8 trading days once you meet the minimum criteria. Many traders report receiving payouts within a few business days.

Fees and Costs

Evaluation Fees

Evaluation accounts have monthly fees that vary depending on account size. On average:

• Smallest accounts start around $147/month
• Larger accounts can cost $600+ per month

Apex frequently runs discount promotions (sometimes up to 80% off), making entry costs very low for new traders.

Reset Fees

If you fail an evaluation (e.g., violate the drawdown), you can reset your account for a fee (usually $80–$100). There is no limit on resets, which is both good (flexibility) and bad (can lead to overspending).

Performance Account Fees

Once funded, traders pay monthly data/platform fees (around $85–$105) per account. This covers exchange data and platform access.

Key Features That Set Apex Apart

1. One‑Step Evaluation

Unlike other firms that require multiple stages, Apex only requires one phase. This reduces time and stress, allowing faster access to funded trading.

2. High Profit Split

The 100% profit up to $25,000 is unmatched by most competitors. Even after that, a 90/10 split remains extremely competitive.

3. Multiple Funded Accounts

Apex allows traders to manage up to 20 funded accounts simultaneously. Many traders copy trades across accounts to scale profits.

4. Flexible Rules

No daily drawdown, no scaling limits, and no news restrictions give traders freedom to execute their strategies.

5. Futures Focus

Apex specializes in full‑size futures contracts, offering better profit potential for experienced traders compared to micro‑focused firms.

Platforms Supported

Apex supports several popular trading platforms, including:

• NinjaTrader
• Tradovate
• Rithmic‑connected platforms (like RTrader Pro)
• Bookmap
• TradingView (via Rithmic)
• WealthCharts and ATAS

This wide compatibility allows traders to choose their preferred tools and execution environments.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Generous profit split (100% first $25K, 90% after)
• Single‑step evaluation — fast and simple
• No scaling or news restrictions
• Frequent discounts make it affordable
• Allows up to 20 funded accounts
• Futures‑focused for high leverage potential

Cons

• Ongoing monthly fees even after funding
• Unregulated firm — payout risk depends on company policy
• Some traders report tech glitches (e.g., ghost orders on Tradovate)
• Customer support delays for complex issues
• Rule changes have caused payout disputes for some users

Real Trader Feedback

Positive Reviews

Many traders praise Apex for:

• Fast payouts
• Easy evaluation rules
• Affordable entry with discounts
• Ability to scale multiple accounts

One trader noted:

“I passed the $50K account in under two weeks and got paid out within a few days. The 100% profit up to $25K is unbeatable.”

Negative Reviews

Criticism often focuses on:

• Payout denials due to vague rule interpretations
• Technical issues with orders or platform connections
• Slow response times for support tickets

For example:

“I passed the challenge but my payout was denied after they claimed I violated a rule I never saw before. Support took over a week to respond.”

Comparison with Other Prop Firms

Feature	Apex Trader Funding	FTMO	Topstep
Asset Focus	Futures	Forex, Indices	Futures
Profit Split	100% up to $25K, 90% after	80–90%	80%
Evaluation Steps	1 Step	2 Steps	2 Steps
Payout Frequency	Every 8 days	Monthly	Bi‑weekly
Cost (Typical)	$147–$600/month	$400+ one‑time	$165–$325/month
Scaling Accounts	Up to 20 accounts	1–2 accounts	1 account

Tips for Succeeding with Apex Trader Funding

• Understand the trailing drawdown – Know exactly how it works; many traders fail from misunderstanding this rule.
• Document every trade – Keep screenshots and trade logs in case of payout disputes.
• Use risk management – Treat it like real money; blowing multiple resets can get expensive fast.
• Take advantage of discounts – Apex regularly offers massive promo codes. Start during sales.
• Trade liquid markets – Stick to E‑mini contracts (ES, NQ) to avoid slippage and fill issues.
• Stay updated on rule changes – Read their announcements and FAQs before every payout request.

Should You Join Apex Trader Funding?

Apex Trader Funding is best suited for experienced futures traders who:

• Want fast funding with simple evaluation
• Can manage risk within trailing drawdown rules
• Prefer high profit splits and multiple accounts for scaling

It may not suit new traders who lack discipline or those uncomfortable with monthly fees and unregulated environments.

Common FAQs About Apex Trader Funding

Conclusion

Apex Trader Funding stands out in the prop trading space for its simple rules, generous profit split, and futures‑only focus. While there are concerns about support speed and occasional payout disputes, many traders have successfully built consistent income through Apex’s model.

If you understand futures markets, manage risk properly, and take advantage of their frequent discounts, Apex can be one of the most cost‑effective ways to access significant trading capital.

Bonus Points About Apex Trader Funding

Frequent Discount Offers

• Apex often runs seasonal promotions with 50% to 90% discounts on evaluation fees, making it one of the most affordable prop firms to start with.

Flexible Trading Hours

• Traders can participate in almost 24‑hour futures markets (Sunday evening to Friday afternoon), allowing you to trade around your personal schedule.

Multiple Account Scaling

• You can manage up to 20 funded accounts at once, significantly increasing potential earnings for profitable strategies.

Support for Algo and Copy Trading

• Apex permits automated strategies and trade copying, which is ideal for traders using bots or managing multiple accounts simultaneously.

No Minimum Withdrawal Amount After Funding

• Once funded, you can request payouts every 8 trading days without a strict minimum, giving you control over cash flow.

Global Accessibility

• Apex accepts traders from over 150 countries, so you don’t need to be based in the U.S. to participate.

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