Apex Trader Funding 
US Firm Overview
Apex Trader Funding has established itself as one of the largest and most recognizable prop trading firms in the futures space, known for its aggressive discount promotions (frequently 70-90% off), generous profit-sharing model, and flexible trading conditions. Based in the United States with over 2,100 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, Apex offers one of the most accessible entry points into prop trading — especially during promotional periods when evaluation fees can drop as low as $15-20.
What makes Apex stand out in 2025 is their profit split structure: traders keep 100% of their first $25,000 in profits, after which the split becomes 90/10 (90% to the trader). This first-$25K-free policy is unique in the industry and represents a significant financial advantage for funded traders who are just starting to build momentum.
The firm operates through both Rithmic and Tradovate data feeds, supporting NinjaTrader, Tradovate, and Rithmic platforms. Payouts are processed through Deel, offering bank transfer, PayPal, Wise, and crypto options.
Instruments and Assets
Apex focuses exclusively on futures contracts across all CME Group exchanges: equity indices (ES, NQ, YM, RTY), energy (CL, NG), metals (GC, SI), agriculture (ZS, ZC), currencies (6E, 6B), and interest rates (ZB, ZN). All micro contracts are available.
Leverage
Standard 1:10 futures leverage with a contract scaling system. Traders start with half their allowed contracts until reaching a “Safety Net” threshold, after which full contract limits are unlocked. This graduated scaling system protects new funded traders from excessive position sizing.
Commissions
- Tradovate: ~$1.55 per side for equity futures
- Rithmic: ~$1.99 per side
- CME data bundle fees may apply (~$41/month for Level 2)
- A one-time activation fee ($130-$360) is required to convert an evaluation into a Performance Account
Consistency Rules
Apex enforces a 30% consistency rule on funded accounts for payouts — no single trading day’s profit can exceed 30% of your total profits since the last payout. This rule does not apply to the evaluation phase itself, only to payout eligibility. It promotes steady, repeatable performance rather than relying on isolated large wins.
Firm Rules
- One-step evaluation — single phase to pass
- Minimum 7 trading days to pass evaluation (non-consecutive)
- Trailing drawdown — moves up with profits but never retracts. Static drawdown accounts also available as an option
- No daily loss limit during evaluation
- All trades must be closed by 4:59 PM ET each day
- News trading is allowed during evaluation
- Dollar-cost averaging is permitted
- No fully automated hands-off trading systems
- Simultaneous long/short positions (hedging) are prohibited
- High-frequency trading is not allowed
Challenges
| Challenge | Account Size | Monthly Fee | Profit Target | Trailing Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25K Evaluation | $25,000 | $137 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| $50K Evaluation | $50,000 | $167 | $3,000 | $2,500 |
| $100K Evaluation | $100,000 | $207 | $6,000 | $3,000 |
| $250K Evaluation | $250,000 | $517 | $15,000 | $6,500 |
| $300K Evaluation | $300,000 | $787 | $20,000 | $7,500 |
All evaluations run on a monthly subscription model with no time limit. Apex frequently offers 70-90% discount promotions, making evaluations extremely affordable during sale periods. Account resets cost $80 (Rithmic) or $100 (Tradovate).
Payout Policy
Apex’s payout structure is one of its strongest selling points, with the 100% profit retention on the first $25K being a major draw.
- Profit split: 100% of first $25,000, then 90/10 split
- Payout frequency: Twice monthly (1st-5th and 15th-20th of each month)
- First payout: Requires 10 separate trading days
- Subsequent payouts: Minimum 8 trading days between requests, with at least 5 profitable days (minimum $50 profit each)
- 30% consistency rule applies to payout requests
- Minimum payout: $500
- Payout caps: First six payouts may have balance-based caps (e.g., $2,000 max). Caps removed after sixth withdrawal
- Processing: Via Deel — bank transfer, PayPal, Wise, or crypto. Typically 2-4 business days