Proprietary trading firms, commonly known as prop firms, are financial entities that provide traders with access to the firm’s capital in exchange for a share of the profits. Traders are typically required to pass an evaluation that tests profitability, risk management, and discipline, allowing them to trade larger positions without risking their own funds. Among the many firms in the space, Apex Trader Funding is a proprietary trading firm that provides futures traders access to funded accounts through a performance-based evaluation while allowing them to trade with firm capital instead of their own.
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What is Apex Trader Funding?
Apex Trader Funding operates within the growing proprietary trading ecosystem, positioning itself as a performance-based capital access platform for futures traders seeking scale without deploying substantial personal capital. Its core proposition centers on a single-step evaluation model, emphasizing risk discipline and consistency over multi-phase challenges, reflecting an industry shift toward simplified qualification frameworks designed to attract high-volume and retail-professional traders.
From an analytical standpoint, Apex’s model transfers market risk away from traders while retaining operational control through predefined drawdown limits and behavioral trading rules. This structure enables the firm to monetize evaluation fees while selectively allocating capital to compliant traders, positioning Apex less as a traditional investment partner and more as a risk-filtering intermediary within the futures trading ecosystem.
Apex Trader Funding: Key Features
- Single-Step Evaluation Model – Traders qualify for a funded account through one evaluation phase, requiring them to meet a predefined profit target while strictly adhering to risk management rules, without progressing through multiple challenge stages.
- High Profit Retention Structure – Funded traders keep 100% of the first $25,000 in profits generated on each account, after which a 90% profit split applies, allowing consistent long-term earning potential.
- No Daily Loss Limits – Apex does not enforce daily drawdown restrictions, enabling traders to execute strategies without daily reset pressure, provided overall risk thresholds are respected.
- Trailing Threshold Risk Management – Instead of daily drawdowns, a trailing threshold follows the account balance upward as profits grow, locking in gains while controlling maximum downside risk.
- Frequent and Structured Payouts – Eligible traders can request profit payouts every 8 days, supporting consistent cash flow rather than infrequent withdrawal cycles.
- Full-Sized Futures Contracts Allowed – Traders are permitted to trade standard, full-size futures contracts during both evaluation and funded phases, supporting professional trading strategies.
- News and Holiday Trading Permitted – Traders may use their normal trading strategies during economic news releases and on holidays when futures markets remain open.
- Extended Trading Availability – Trading is allowed for up to 23 hours per day, accommodating global trading sessions and different time-zone strategies.
- Multiple Account Capability – Traders can manage up to 20 accounts simultaneously, enabling capital scaling while following Apex’s account management rules.
- Real-Time Market Data Included – Live futures market data is provided as part of the trading plans, removing the need for separate data subscriptions.
Also, you may read 10 Best Futures Prop Trading Firms
How Apex Trader Funding works: A step-by-step guide
- Select an Evaluation Plan– Traders begin by choosing an evaluation account based on their preferred account size, profit target, and contract limits. Each plan defines the maximum risk parameters and trading capacity available during the evaluation stage.
- Subscribe to the Evaluation Account– After selecting a plan, traders pay a subscription fee to access the evaluation account. This provides entry to real-time market data and supported trading platforms, enabling traders to begin trading immediately.
- Trade the Evaluation Account- Traders execute trades using the evaluation account under Apex’s predefined rules. Trading is permitted for up to 23 hours per day, including during news events and holidays, allowing flexibility across global market sessions.
- Meet Profit Targets While Managing Risk– To pass the evaluation, traders must reach the specified profit target without breaching the trailing threshold or maximum drawdown limits. There are no daily drawdown restrictions, but overall risk management remains strictly enforced.
- Complete the Minimum Trading Days Requirement– In addition to achieving the profit target, traders must complete a minimum number of trading days to demonstrate consistency and rule compliance.
- Qualify for a Funded (Performance) Account– Once all evaluation criteria are met, the trader becomes eligible for a funded performance account, granting access to firm capital while maintaining the same core trading rules.
- Trade with Firm Capital- In the funded account, traders continue trading futures contracts using Apex’s capital. Full-sized contracts are allowed, enabling professional-level trading strategies.
- Earn and Share Profits- Traders retain 100% of the first portion of profits up to a defined threshold, after which a high profit split applies. This structure is designed to reward consistent performance over time.
- Request Regular Payouts– Eligible traders can request payouts on a recurring schedule, providing ongoing access to earned profits rather than infrequent withdrawal windows.
- Scale Through Multiple Accounts– Apex allows traders to manage multiple accounts simultaneously, enabling capital scaling while following the firm’s account management rules.
Apex Trader Funding Challenge Structure Overview
Plans are divided as follows:
- Tradovate Plan: A web-based futures trading plan offering multi-device access, real-time data, and Apex’s standard risk rules.
- Rithmic Plan: A low-latency, professional futures trading plan with NinjaTrader access and built-in real-time market data.
- WealthCharts Plan: A chart-focused trading plan designed for visual analysis, advanced indicators, and simplified risk management.
WealthCharts Plan Table
| Plan / Account Size | Starting Capital | Contracts (Max) | Profit Goal | Trailing Threshold / Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25K FULL | $25,000 | 4 (40 Micros) | $1,500 | $1,500 (Trailing) |
| 50K FULL | $50,000 | 10 (100 Micros) | $3,000 | $2,500 (Trailing) |
| 100K FULL | $100,000 | 14 (140 Micros) | $6,000 | $3,000 (Trailing) |
| 150K FULL | $150,000 | 17 (170 Micros) | $9,000 | $5,000 (Trailing) |
| 250K FULL | $250,000 | 27 (270 Micros) | $15,000 | $6,500 (Trailing) |
| 300K FULL | $300,000 | 35 (350 Micros) | $20,000 | $7,500 (Trailing) |
| 100K STATIC | $100,000 | 2 (20 Micros) | $2,000 | $625 (Static Max Drawdown) |
- Daily Drawdown: WealthCharts plans have no daily drawdown limits. Risk management is handled through a trailing drawdown for FULL accounts or a fixed maximum drawdown for STATIC accounts.
- Scaling: WealthCharts plans do not offer scaling. All trading parameters, including contract limits, profit targets, and drawdown rules, remain fixed during both evaluation and funded phases.
- Real-Time Data: Live market data is included with every WealthCharts plan. The standard $55/month data fee is fully covered by Apex Trader Funding.
- Monthly Price: All WealthCharts plans are priced at a flat $196 per month, regardless of account size, and include platform access and real-time data.
Rithmic Plan Table
| Plan / Account Size | Starting Capital | Contracts (Max) | Profit Goal | Trailing Threshold / Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25K FULL | $25,000 | 4 (40 Micros) | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| 50K FULL | $50,000 | 10 (100 Micros) | $3,000 | $2,500 |
| 100K FULL | $100,000 | 14 (140 Micros) | $6,000 | $3,000 |
| 150K FULL | $150,000 | 17 (170 Micros) | $9,000 | $5,000 |
| 250K FULL | $250,000 | 27 (270 Micros) | $15,000 | $6,500 |
| 300K FULL | $300,000 | 35 (350 Micros) | $20,000 | $7,500 |
| 100K STATIC | $100,000 | 2 (20 Micros) | $2,000 | $625 (Static Max Drawdown) |
- Daily Drawdown: No daily drawdown limits apply. Risk is managed through a trailing drawdown for FULL accounts or a fixed maximum drawdown for STATIC accounts.
- Scaling: No scaling is offered for Rithmic plans. Contract limits remain fixed throughout both the evaluation and funded phases.
- Real-Time Data: Live market data is included with the plan, eliminating the need for a separate data subscription (typically valued at around $55 per month).
- Platform Access: NinjaTrader platform access is included, providing full trading functionality without an additional platform fee (typically valued at around $75).
- Monthly Price: All Rithmic plans are priced at $196 per month, inclusive of platform access and real-time market data.
Tradovate Plan Table
| Plan / Account Size | Starting Capital | Contracts (Max) | Profit Goal | Trailing Threshold / Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25K FULL | $25,000 | 4 (40 Micros) | $1,500 | $1,500 (Trailing) |
| 50K FULL | $50,000 | 10 (100 Micros) | $3,000 | $2,500 (Trailing) |
| 100K FULL | $100,000 | 14 (140 Micros) | $6,000 | $3,000 (Trailing) |
| 150K FULL | $150,000 | 17 (170 Micros) | $9,000 | $5,000 (Trailing) |
| 250K FULL | $250,000 | 27 (270 Micros) | $15,000 | $6,500 (Trailing) |
| 300K FULL | $300,000 | 35 (350 Micros) | $20,000 | $7,500 (Trailing) |
| 100K STATIC | $100,000 | 2 (20 Micros) | $2,000 | $625 (Static Max Drawdown) |
- Risk Management: Tradovate plans have no daily drawdown limits. Risk is controlled through a trailing drawdown for FULL accounts or a fixed maximum drawdown for STATIC accounts, ensuring consistent capital protection.
- Scaling: No scaling is offered. Contract limits and risk parameters remain fixed throughout both the evaluation and funded phases.
- Market Data: Live market data is included once exchange agreements are completed, with no additional data subscription required.
- Platform Access: Tradovate offers a web-based, desktop, and mobile trading platform, allowing seamless account access across multiple devices.
- Monthly Price: All Tradovate plans are priced at $196 per month, inclusive of platform access and real-time market data.
Apex Trader Funding: Security & Safety
Apex Trader Funding states that it uses data encryption and secure servers to protect user information, along with regular data backups to minimize the risk of data loss or unauthorized access.
For payment security, the platform confirms that it does not store credit or debit card details. All transactions are handled through trusted third-party payment processors, reducing direct exposure to sensitive financial data.
To prevent unauthorized access, Apex applies login protection measures, including blocking repeated failed login attempts and restricting suspicious IP addresses, supported by 24/7 system monitoring through its hosting infrastructure.
In terms of privacy, Apex states that personal user data is not shared with third parties and is used primarily to improve platform performance and user experience, with only non-identifiable data used for internal analysis.
Apex Trader Funding vs FundedNext
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | FundedNext |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Model | Single-step evaluation to qualify for a funded account by meeting profit targets and risk rules. | Multiple models including one-step, two-step, instant, and lite challenges. |
| Profit Split | 100% of profits up to a defined threshold, then 90% thereafter. | Profit splits up to 95%, with some models offering higher splits. |
| Supported Platforms | Futures platforms such as Rithmic, Tradovate, and WealthCharts. | MT4, MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader for CFDs; Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView for futures. |
| Tradable Instruments | Futures markets only. | CFDs and Futures, depending on the selected model. |
| Risk Management | Trailing threshold drawdown system with no daily loss limits. | Fixed drawdown and daily loss limits based on the challenge type. |
| Time Limits | No fixed time limit beyond minimum trading day requirements. | No time limits on many challenge models. |
| Payout Structure | Payout eligibility after funded status, subject to compliance with rules. | Performance rewards available after funding, with fast payout options in certain models. |
| Account Sizes | Account sizes start from lower tiers and scale upward. | Account sizes scale up to higher capital tiers with growth plans. |
| Key Differentiator | Simple structure with one evaluation phase and trailing drawdown. | Wide variety of funding models and platform flexibility. |
Also, you may read FundedNext: Review
Apex Trader Funding is best suited for futures traders who prefer a simple, single-step evaluation with trailing drawdown rules
FundedNext is better for traders seeking multiple challenge options, broader instrument access, and platform flexibility.
Partnership and Affiliate Programs
- Apex Trader Funding offers an affiliate program that allows individuals and businesses to earn referral commissions by promoting its evaluation plans and services.
- Commission Structure – Affiliates earn a referral commission, typically around 15% of the net sale value, on evaluation plan purchases and account resets made by referred users.
- Lifetime Referral Earnings – Once a trader is referred, affiliates continue to earn commissions for as long as the referred user makes qualifying purchases, subject to program terms.
- Eligibility Requirements – Applicants are expected to have a credible online presence in trading, finance, or education, such as social media channels, trading communities, blogs, or content platforms.
- Content Quality Expectations – Affiliates are encouraged to create original, high-quality educational or informational content that adds value to the trading community.
- Referral Tracking System – Referrals are tracked using unique affiliate links and cookies, ensuring accurate attribution within the defined tracking period.
- Payout Schedule – Affiliate commissions are calculated monthly and typically paid by the 15th of the following month, subject to a minimum payout threshold.
- Affiliate Dashboard & Support – Participants receive access to tracking dashboards and support tools to monitor referrals, commissions, and performance.
Support and Community Ecosystem
Apex Trader Funding offers a structured support ecosystem through its official Help Center, which includes detailed FAQs, rule explanations, platform guides, payout information, and billing support. Traders can access a searchable knowledge base or submit support tickets for account-specific or technical assistance.
The platform also highlights testimonials and payout showcases, allowing traders to review shared experiences and feedback from funded participants. Apex promotes community engagement through its social channels and private community groups, where updates, announcements, and trader interactions are shared.
In addition, Apex integrates its Affiliate & Partnership Program into the ecosystem, enabling traders and educators to earn recurring commissions by referring new users. Together, these elements form a centralized support and community framework designed to assist, educate, and engage traders throughout their journey.
Who is Apex Trader Funding best suited for?
Apex Trader Funding is best suited for futures traders seeking access to firm capital rather than trading exclusively with personal funds. The platform appeals to traders who prefer a simple, one-step evaluation process with clearly defined profit targets and risk rules, avoiding complex multi-phase challenges.
It is particularly well-aligned for traders who value flexible trading conditions, including the ability to trade up to 23 hours a day, trade during holidays and normal market news events, and operate without daily drawdown restrictions. Additionally, traders focused on earnings potential may benefit from Apex’s high profit-sharing structure, which allows 100% profit retention up to a set threshold and 90% thereafter, along with regular payout opportunities and the ability to scale across multiple funded accounts.
Conclusion
Apex Trader Funding positions itself as a futures-focused prop firm offering a simple one-step evaluation, high profit splits, and flexible risk management through a trailing threshold. With features such as no daily drawdowns, frequent payouts, and the ability to trade full-sized contracts, news events, and holidays, the platform is designed for traders seeking funded capital with fewer restrictions. Overall, Apex presents a structured yet flexible funding framework for disciplined futures traders looking to scale their trading without using personal capital.
Who founded Apex Trader Funding?
Apex Trader Funding was founded by Darrell Martin, an experienced trader and entrepreneur who built the company to create a better funding model for traders.
Can traders trade during news and holidays?
Yes, traders are allowed to trade during news events and holidays, and trading is available for up to 23 hours per day.
How often can traders request payouts?
Traders who reach funded status can request profit payouts at regular intervals once payout conditions are met.
