Apex Trader Funding Review: Truth New Traders Must Know

If you’ve ever wished you could trade with a large account—but didn’t want to risk your own money—then proprietary trading firms (or prop firms) might be the solution you’re looking for. And if you’re leaning toward futures trading, Apex Trader Funding is one of the biggest names out there. With millions paid out monthly and a growing global community, it’s gained a lot of attention—for good reason.

In this Apex Trader Funding review, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about this prop trading firm. Whether you’re new to trading or just new to the prop firm world, this guide is designed to help you understand how it works, what you’ll get, what it costs, and whether it’s the right fit for your trading goals. We’ll start with the basics—because before you decide if Apex is right for you, you first need to understand how prop firms operate.

Apex Trader Funding Review: Quick Overview

What Is a Prop Firm, Anyway?

A proprietary trading firm (or “prop firm” for short) is a company that gives traders access to capital so they can trade—without using their own money. In return, the firm takes a cut of the profits you generate. But here’s the good part: if you’re profitable and can follow their risk rules, you get to keep a significant share—often more than you’d earn trading for a hedge fund or on your own.

Think of it as a funding partnership. Instead of depositing thousands of dollars into your own brokerage account and hoping for the best, you can pay a small monthly fee to prove your skills in a demo environment. If you hit the profit target without violating the risk rules, the firm funds you with a live account—and you get to trade big while managing your downside.

Not all prop firms are created equal, though. Some have complicated rules, hidden restrictions, or strict drawdowns that stop you out too early. That’s where Apex Trader Funding stands out—and that’s exactly what we’re diving into next.

Who Is Apex Trader Funding?

Apex Trader Funding was launched in 2021 by Darrell Martin, a trader who had tried nearly every funding company out there—and wasn’t impressed. Frustrated by confusing rules and limited payout structures, he set out to build something better. His goal? To create a funding model that he, as a trader, would actually want to use. The result is Apex: one of the best futures prop firms that prioritizes trader flexibility, high payouts, and fewer restrictions.

Based in Austin, Texas, Apex has grown into one of the largest futures funding firms in the world, with tens of thousands of traders across more than 150 countries. Since 2022 alone, it’s paid out over $538 million to traders, with an average of nearly $15 million distributed every month.

What really sets Apex apart is its simple one-step evaluation, no daily drawdowns, generous contract sizes, and the ability to trade during holidays and major news events. Plus, traders receive 100% of their first $25,000 in profits, and 90% after that—with payouts processed every 8 days.

In a space crowded with complicated terms and limitations, Apex offers something refreshingly straightforward—and trader-friendly. But to really understand what makes it tick, let’s take a closer look at how the evaluation works and what comes after.

Is Apex Trader Funding Legit or a Scam?

Yes — Apex Trader Funding is legit. It’s natural to wonder whether a prop firm is the real deal — especially when you’re being asked to pay upfront for an evaluation. But when it comes to Apex Trader Funding, several signs point to it being a credible and trader-focused firm.

For one, Apex doesn’t make money off your losses — it profits from evaluation fees, not trading commissions or spreads. That means their incentives are aligned with yours: they want you to succeed. The firm also offers clear, rule-based evaluations with no hidden traps, no bait-and-switch tactics, and no vague fine print. Traders get what they pay for — and can start withdrawing real payouts once funded, with many public testimonials and social proof to back it up.

In short, Apex’s business model, transparent operations, and consistent payouts all check the boxes for legitimacy.

Now let’s look at how the process actually works, from evaluation to payout.

How Apex Trader Funding Works

Apex uses what’s called a one-step evaluation model—and that’s great news for new and experienced traders alike. Unlike other firms that require you to pass through multiple phases or meet complicated scaling rules, Apex keeps things simple: trade for a minimum of 7 days, hit the profit target, stay above the trailing threshold, and you’re in.

Let’s break that down a bit:

• You choose an evaluation account (they range from $25K to $300K in simulated buying power).
• Your goal is to reach a set profit target (which varies based on account size) without violating the trailing drawdown—a live-moving risk limit that adjusts as your account grows.
• There are no daily drawdowns, no weird “don’t trade during news” restrictions, and no penalties for going over your contract size (the system just blocks the extra contracts—you don’t fail).
• You can use any strategy you want, whether it’s scalping, swing trading, or something in between.
• Once you pass, you’re offered a Paid Performance Account (PA)—a live-funded account where you can earn real payouts.

And it doesn’t stop there. Apex lets you manage up to 20 funded accounts at once, helping you diversify strategies and scale up your income potential. Whether you’re building one solid account or spreading your risk across several, the model is flexible enough to support both approaches.

Key Features & Benefits

So what makes Apex Trader Funding stand out in a sea of prop firms? It’s not just the payout structure (which we’ll get to in a second)—it’s how unrestrictive and trader-centric the entire experience is.

Here’s what traders love most:

• No daily drawdowns – You won’t be knocked out because of one bad day. The only risk rule to watch is the trailing threshold, and it updates live inside your platform.
• No scaling rules – You’re allowed to trade at full contract size from day one. If your plan says you can trade 14 contracts, you can use all 14—no waiting or gradual unlocks.
• Trade during news and holidays – You don’t have to pause your strategy every time an economic event hits. Apex lets you stay in the market 23 hours a day, 6 days a week.
• Flexible trading platforms – Choose from NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic, WealthCharts, or even TradingView (via Tradovate). And yes, mobile, Mac, and browser-based setups are all supported.
• Free tools included – Every account comes with real-time data, and funded traders also get a free NinjaTrader license—a $75/month value.
• Generous payouts – In your first funded account, you keep 100% of your first $25,000 in profits. After that, it’s a 90/10 split in your favor, with payouts available every 8 calendar days.
• Low-cost resets – Made a mistake in evaluation? You can reset your account for just $80–$100, depending on your platform.

Apex isn’t just offering capital—it’s giving traders room to grow, fail, learn, and scale up. There’s no pressure to be perfect out of the gate, and the structure rewards consistency over flashiness.

Account Types and Pricing

One of the most important decisions you’ll make with Apex is choosing the right evaluation account—and there are plenty of options, depending on your goals, budget, and trading style. Thankfully, Apex keeps the rules across plans consistent, so it’s mostly about selecting your preferred account size and platform.

Here’s how it works:

🔹 Evaluation Accounts

These are your test accounts—the ones you’ll use to prove you can trade responsibly before getting funded.

You can choose from several starting balances: $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, $250K, and $300K. Each comes with its own profit target and trailing drawdown, but the trading rules stay the same across the board:

💡 You can trade these accounts through different platforms like Rithmic, Tradovate, NinjaTrader, or WealthCharts. The features are mostly the same, but pricing and compatibility can vary slightly.

There are also Static Accounts, which work a bit differently: instead of a trailing drawdown, you have a fixed max loss. These are better suited for traders who like tight risk control.

Evaluation Reset Fees

Made a mistake or hit your drawdown? No worries—you can reset any evaluation account for a fee:

• $80 (WealthCharts / Rithmic)
• $100 (Tradovate)

There’s no limit to how many times you can reset.

Paid (Funded) Performance Accounts

Once you pass your evaluation, you’re offered a Performance Account (PA). This is where you earn real money payouts.

• Starts with the same contract size and parameters as your evaluation
• No new scaling rules or drawdown changes
• You receive 100% of your first $25,000 in profits, then 90% thereafter
• Payouts every 8 calendar days

Each PA has a monthly maintenance fee of:

• $85 to $105 per account, depending on your platform
• Real-time data and platform licenses are included

And yes, you can manage up to 20 funded accounts at once. Many traders scale their income by combining multiple smaller accounts instead of relying on one big one.

Trading Instruments Available

Apex is a futures-only prop firm—so if you’re looking to trade forex, crypto, or stocks, you’ll want to look elsewhere. But if CME Group markets excite you (like the S&P 500, Nasdaq, or gold), you’re in exactly the right place.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can trade:

🟦 Core Futures Markets

• Equity Futures – E-mini S&P 500 (ES), E-mini Nasdaq (NQ), Dow (YM), Russell 2000 (RTY), and more
• Currency Futures – Like the Euro, Yen, British Pound, etc.
• Energy Futures – Crude oil, natural gas
• Metal Futures – Gold, silver
• Agricultural Futures – Corn, wheat, soybeans
• Micro Futures – Perfect for smaller positions and tighter risk management

🌍 International Markets (Platform Dependent)

• EUREX Instruments – Like the DAX or EuroStoxx (available only on Tradovate)
• Nikkei (NKD) – Also tradable via certain platforms

📌 Not all instruments are available on every platform. For example, WealthCharts may not support some international exchanges.

The good news? You can use nearly any futures strategy you like—momentum, trend-following, scalping, you name it. Just make sure it aligns with Apex’s simple rules: no news-specific strategies or “pre-news windfalls,” but you can trade during the news using your normal approach.

Platforms and Compatibility

One of the things traders love about Apex is that you’re not locked into a single platform. Whether you’re a fan of the classic NinjaTrader, prefer browser-based tools like Tradovate, or want a more modern interface like WealthCharts, Apex makes it easy to plug into the futures market with tools that fit your style.

Here’s a quick breakdown of your platform choices:

All evaluation accounts come with real-time data, and funded accounts also get a free NinjaTrader license, which normally costs around $75/month. That’s a solid value—especially if you’re scaling multiple accounts.

And yes, you can trade on Mac, mobile, or in the cloud using platforms like Tradovate or WealthCharts—no more being tied to a Windows desktop.

💡 Not every feature is available on all platforms. For example, DAX futures may only be tradable through Tradovate. Always double-check compatibility based on what you trade.

Performance Metrics and Reputation

Apex isn’t just another prop firm—it’s become one of the top names in the futures trading space, especially among retail traders.

Here are the key numbers that speak for themselves:

• Founded: 2021
• Total Payouts to Traders: Over $538 million (since 2022)
• Average Monthly Payouts: Nearly $15 million
• Countries Served: Over 150
• Trader Base: +75,000 (globally)
• Maximum Accounts Per Trader: 20 funded accounts

It’s not just the numbers that impress. Apex has built a strong reputation in the trading community for being transparent, responsive, and consistently innovating. Their active presence on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and various trading forums shows they’re serious about engaging with—and supporting—their trader base.

While no prop firm is perfect, Apex is widely praised for its simple rules, fast payouts, and fair structure. You’ll also find plenty of real trader testimonials highlighting how Apex helped them grow with limited risk.

What Are the Trading Rules at Apex Trader Funding?

Apex Trader Funding has built its reputation on offering flexible, trader-friendly rules — but that doesn’t mean there are no boundaries. Whether you’re in the evaluation phase or trading a funded (PA) account, following the rules is essential if you want to stay qualified and get paid. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Trailing Threshold (Drawdown Limit)

This is the main rule traders need to respect. Apex uses a Trailing Threshold (commonly called a trailing drawdown), which moves up as your account balance grows — but never moves back down. If your balance ever dips below this threshold, your account is disqualified.

Tip: The threshold trails your highest unrealized profit, so even floating gains can trigger disqualification if they reverse.

2. Minimum Trading Days

To qualify for a payout, you must trade a minimum number of days:

• 7 days for most accounts
• 10 days for larger or promotional accounts

This rule encourages consistency, not just one lucky day.

3. No Daily Drawdown Rule

Unlike some prop firms, Apex doesn’t use a daily loss limit, which gives you more flexibility and breathing room in your strategy. That’s a big deal for many traders.

4. Allowed Position Sizing

Each account has a maximum number of contracts you can trade at once. Go above that, even by accident, and you’ll risk disqualification. Always double-check your lot size before placing trades.

5. No Copy Trading or Hedging Across Accounts

Apex strictly prohibits:

• Mirroring trades across multiple accounts
• Hedging between accounts (e.g. going long on one and short on another)

Even if done accidentally through trade copier software, these can lead to an immediate ban.

6. Platform Behavior & Order Execution

Always use supported platforms, and avoid strategies that involve intentionally spamming orders, using glitches, or exploiting latency. Apex reserves the right to deny payouts or shut accounts down for abuse — and they monitor behavior closely.

Apex’s rules are fair but firm. They’re designed to reward discipline, not restrict creativity. Stick to the guidelines, and you’ll find that Apex gives more freedom and fewer restrictions than most firms in the industry.

Apex Trader Funding Trustpilot Reviews 

If you scroll through Apex Trader Funding’s Trustpilot reviews, one thing stands out: traders who understand the rules, stay disciplined, and communicate respectfully tend to walk away with strong, positive results.

One U.S.-based trader, Odin, praised how the firm allowed him to consistently earn more day trading with Apex than at his full-time job — all while trading just a few hours a day.

Another long-term user described Apex as “professional, reliable, and rewarding,” highlighting fast payouts, responsive support, and the personal growth he gained from trading under a structured program. These reviews don’t just celebrate profits — they appreciate Apex’s trader-first system, built to reward consistency and effort.

But not everyone has the same story. One frustrated user, Ivan Kolev, accused Apex of closing all his accounts following what he claims was a technical error during a trade. He believes Apex overreacted and lacked transparency in their response, especially after he had requested payouts.

While Apex hasn’t responded publicly to his claims, it’s worth noting that trading prop accounts — especially with multiple funded accounts — involves strict guidelines and tools like trade copiers can complicate things. Mistakes, even unintentional ones, may still breach terms if they’re seen as giving an unfair advantage.

So, what’s the takeaway? Apex seems to genuinely reward traders who play by the rules, but like any professional trading environment, it’s not forgiving when those rules are broken — intentionally or not. Transparency and clearer communication would go a long way in reinforcing trust, especially when real money is involved.

🚨 What to Do If You Get Flagged — And How to Stay Safe

If your Apex account ever gets flagged or shut down, don’t panic — but don’t go silent either. First, review the rules in full (especially around trade copying, lot sizing, and hedging across accounts). Then, calmly reach out to support with a detailed explanation of what happened, including screenshots and timestamps. Apex has helped many traders get reinstated when the issue was genuine and well-documented.

To avoid issues in the first place, here’s what seasoned traders recommend: stick to one evaluation per account, avoid aggressive position sizing, and don’t use automation tools or trade copiers unless you’re fully confident they comply with Apex’s policies. Lastly, treat prop trading like real trading — with risk management, discipline, and respect for the platform. That mindset not only helps you avoid disqualifications but also builds the habits that set funded traders apart from the rest.

Pros and Cons

Every trader has different needs, so let’s lay out the clear strengths and possible drawbacks of using Apex Trader Funding.

✅ Pros

• One-step evaluation – Simple pass/fail model with no scaling rules
• No daily drawdowns – Only one rule to focus on: the trailing threshold
• Generous payouts – 100% of the first $25K, 90% after, with 8-day payout windows
• Multiple platforms supported – NinjaTrader, Tradovate, WealthCharts, Rithmic, and TradingView
• Up to 20 accounts per trader – Scale income with diversified strategies
• Trade during news and holidays – No restrictive schedules
• Low-cost resets and frequent promos – Often discounted accounts and resets (watch for coupon codes)
• Strong community support – Educational content, live events, and trader groups

❌ Cons

• Futures only – No forex, stocks, or crypto trading
• Trailing drawdown can be tricky – Especially for traders unfamiliar with how it works
• Platform choice affects price – Some platforms (like Tradovate) have slightly higher monthly fees
• No Mac desktop support for NinjaTrader – Requires a Windows setup or workaround

Who Apex Is Best For

Apex Trader Funding isn’t for everyone — and that’s a good thing. It’s designed specifically for a certain type of trader: someone who’s serious about futures, wants to grow without risking personal capital, and values simple rules over complicated scaling plans.

Here’s who will get the most out of Apex:

👨‍💻 Beginner to Intermediate Traders

If you’ve got a strategy that works in SIM and want to test it under real conditions — but don’t want to blow your own savings — Apex gives you the chance to scale with low risk. The rules are beginner-friendly and don’t punish you for minor mistakes.

🧠 Strategy-Driven Futures Traders

Whether you trade E-minis, micros, metals, or crude oil, if you’ve got a system and want access to larger capital without giving up your edge, Apex gives you room to grow.

⚖️ Traders Who Value Flexibility

Trading during news, holding overnight, scaling multiple accounts — these are freedoms that many other prop firms limit or restrict. Apex leaves those choices to you.

❌ Who It’s Not For

• Stock or forex traders (Apex doesn’t offer these)
• Traders who rely heavily on martingale or news-exploit strategies
• Anyone who isn’t ready to trade with discipline

If you fall into one of those groups, there are other prop firms that might suit your style better. But if you’re ready to trade futures with a clear, fair setup, Apex is likely a great fit.

Apex vs Topstep vs FundedNext vs Take Profit Trader

There’s no shortage of prop firms out there. But how does Apex really compare to big names like Topstep, FundedNext, and Take Profit Trader?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

🔍 So, what’s the takeaway?

• Choose Apex if you want no scaling, fast payouts, and the freedom to trade your strategy without micromanagement.
• Topstep is better for very cautious traders who like structure, but its rules can feel restrictive.
• FundedNext fits forex traders who want MetaTrader and international instruments.
• Take Profit Trader is a solid alternative for futures, though less flexible than Apex.

Compare also ↓

Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep

10 Best Futures Prop Firms 2025: Complete Beginner’s Guide

How to Get Started with Apex

If Apex sounds like your kind of prop firm, getting started is surprisingly easy. Here’s how to begin:

✅ Step 1: Choose Your Evaluation Account

Head to the Apex Trader Funding website and pick your account size — options range from $25K to $300K in simulated buying power. Look out for discount codes — they run promos often.

🛒 Step 2: Sign Up and Pay

Create your account, choose your platform (like NinjaTrader or Tradovate), and pay for your evaluation. Prices vary based on size and platform, but promos often cut it down by 50% or more.

⚙️ Step 3: Start Trading the Evaluation

Trade for at least 7 calendar days and reach the profit target without breaking the trailing drawdown rule. You can use any strategy, hold overnight, and trade during news.

🧾 Step 4: Pass & Sign Agreements

Once you pass, you’ll get a congratulatory email and documents to sign. These include payout terms and trader agreements. You’ll also select your withdrawal method (like Deel or ACH).

💸 Step 5: Get Funded & Start Earning

Your evaluation account is converted into a Performance Account (PA). Now you’re trading live capital, and any profits you make above the trailing threshold can be withdrawn every 8 days.

💡 Pro tip: Once funded, stay consistent. Apex rewards long-term discipline more than risky short-term gains.

Apex Trader Funding Review: Final Verdict

Apex Trader Funding has carved out a strong name in the futures prop space for a reason. With its simple rules, fast payouts, and access to large capital, it offers retail traders a realistic shot at scaling — without the red tape and frustration of more restrictive firms.

Whether you’re brand new to the world of prop trading or you’re looking to stack multiple funded accounts, Apex gives you a clear, flexible, and low-cost way to grow. Add in their active community, regular promos, and beginner-friendly structure — and you’ve got a prop firm that’s not just good on paper, but proven in real-world results.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

• What happens if I hit my trailing threshold?

If your account balance drops below the trailing threshold during evaluation or in your funded account, the account is disqualified. You’ll need to reset or purchase a new evaluation account to try again.

• Can I trade multiple accounts at once?

Yes. Apex allows traders to hold and manage up to 20 funded accounts simultaneously. Many traders use this to scale up profits or test different strategies in parallel.

• Are there refunds or guarantees?

No refunds are offered once payment is made. However, Apex often runs lifetime discount promotions (like 80–90% off evaluation fees), so you can start small with low risk.

• What are the payout methods?

Apex processes payouts via Deel, ACH, or wire transfer. You can request withdrawals as early as every 8 calendar days, with no minimum withdrawal amount required.

• Can I switch platforms?

Yes. Apex supports a range of platforms including NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic, WealthCharts, and TradingView (via Tradovate). Switching between them is possible but may require setting up a new account.

• Is Apex Trader Funding legit?

Yes, Apex is a well-established prop firm with a strong reputation. Since launching in 2021, it has paid over $538 million to traders and serves users in 150+ countries.

• Is Apex Trader Funding regulated?

No, like most prop firms, Apex is not regulated by financial authorities. That’s because traders operate in simulated accounts or funded accounts under the firm’s capital — not as licensed brokers.

• How does Apex Trader Funding work?

You pay for an evaluation account and aim to hit a profit target without breaking the trailing drawdown. Pass that, and you receive a live-funded Performance Account, where you keep 100% of the first $25,000 in profits and 90% afterward.

• Where is Apex Trader Funding located?

Apex is based in Austin, Texas, USA, but it serves a global community of traders around the world.

• Who owns Apex Trader Funding?

Apex was founded by Darrell Martin, a veteran trader and educator known for his background in futures and options. He launched Apex to give traders a fairer, more flexible alternative to traditional prop firms.