Apex Trader Funding is a well-known prop trading firm from the United States.
But is Apex Trader Funding a scam?
No, it isn’t!
Our review and experience show that Apex Trader Funding is a safe proprietary trading firm.
Sign up with Apex Trader Funding now!
You can share your experiences with Apex Trader Funding within our comment section.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Apex Trader Funding is a legit prop trading firm which has paid over $100 million to traders since 2022. And it paid over $7 million in monthly payouts since the start of 2023
- Allows you to keep 100% of your profits up to $25,000, and then enjoy a 90/10 profit share. You can withdraw 2 payouts every month
- Our review of Apex Trader Funding is about the company’s features, trading instruments, and rules and regulations
About Apex Trader Funding
Apex Trader Funding was established in 2008 by Darrell Martin, a rancher and day trader. He has a background in financial markets and risk management. Currently, the company is Headquartered in Austin, Texas, and has become a global prop firm with 30,000 members across at least 150 countries.
| Name | Apex Trader Funding |
|---|---|
| Website | apextraderfunding.com |
| Company | Apex Trader Funding Inc. |
| Address | 2028 E. Ben White Blvd, Ste 240 -9873, Austin, TX 78741, United States |
| CEO | Darrell Martin |
| Founder | Darrell Martin |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Contact | Live Chat, Mail, Phone, Ticket System |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | +1 (0)855 2739873 |
| Starting Capital | $25,000 to $300,000 |
| Profit Share | 100% for the first $25,000, 90% afterwards |
| Evaluation | at least 7 days |
| Fee | $147 to $677 per month |
| Payment Methods | Credit Card |
| Instruments | Futures |
| Platform | NinjaTrader, Rithmic |
| Withdrawals | twice per month |
| Languages | English |
The data on their website shows a total compensation of $100,659,815 to customers since the beginning of 2022. On average, $7,302,827 has been paid out monthly since the start of 2023.
Safety and Regulation
Based on our experience of using the platform and after speaking with thousands of active traders, we reached to the conclusion that Apex Trader Funding is a safe and legit company. The prop firm has great feedback on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter and excellent ratings on Trustpilot.
Since they have a large community of traders across 150 countries, it’s relatively easy to learn about others’ experiences and find out if the program is worth your time.
As of today, the total compensation for the last 90 days is at $37,214,490, which seems like an increase in compensation compared to the average. That’s a good sign and means the company is growing.
We have also verified the payouts and can tell you that the numbers are real and can be trusted.
Also, Apex Trader Funding isn’t regulated and doesn’t fall under the same regulations as brokers.
Accepted Countries
The company can’t offer its services to many countries for reasons such as, sanctions, risk of fraud, and lack of access to the trading platforms.
That’s why people from countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and North Korea can’t get into the Apex Trader Funding program.
We have put together a list of the most important countries below:
- Australia: Yes, registration is possible
- Canada: Yes, registration is possible
- Ghana: Yes, registration is possible
- Hong Kong: Yes, registration is possible
- India: No, registration isn’t possible
- Ireland: Yes, registration is possible
- Kenya: No, registration isn’t possible
- New Zealand: Yes, registration is possible
- Nigeria: Yes, registration is possible
- Pakistan: Yes, registration is possible
- Philippines: Yes, registration is possible
- Singapore: Yes, registration is possible
- South Africa: Yes, registration is possible
- United Kingdom: Yes, registration is possible
- United States: Yes, registration is possible
Evaluation Process
Like all other trading companies, you have to go through an evaluation program. However, our team discovered through using the program that getting approved with Apex Trader Funding is easier and faster.
It only takes 7 days to complete the evaluation and become a partner if you manage to reach the profit goal. We’ll discuss the evaluation and verification in detail below.
Evaluation Account
You can get an evaluation account without a credit check, background check, or any proof of your assets. All you need to do is pay the evaluation fee and quickly begin the 7-day evaluation test.
Here, you’ll need to demonstrate your trading skills using the simulation account and make a profit using real data. For example, if you have a $25K full account, then you need to earn $1500 in profit.
If you successfully use your trading strategies and meet the minimum profit threshold, you’ll qualify for a Funded Prop Account. After that, Apex will perform the standard checks (ID verification, etc.) and ask you to sign a contract.
Apex Trader Funding offers eight account sizes ($25k – $300k) with profit goals that grow with size.
The different account options are:
| Starting Capital | $25,000 | $50,000 | $75,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 | $250,000 | $300,000 | $100,000 STATIC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | $1,500 | $3,000 | $4,250 | $6,000 | $9,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 | $2,000 |
| Maximum Daily Loss | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Maximum Loss | $1,500 | $2,500 | $2,750 | $3,000 | $5,000 | $6,500 | $7,500 | $625 |
| Minimum Trading Days | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Fee (per Month) | $147 – $167 | $167 – $187 | $187 – $207 | $207 – $227 | $297 – $317 | $517 – $537 | $657 – $677 | $137 – $157 |
| Discount | Check now | Check now | Check now | Check now | Check now | Check now | Check now | Check now |
Apex offers a safety net in case you struggle during the evaluation phase to make a profit. You can reset the challenge and start fresh by paying a one-time fee of $100.
Apex Trader Funding Trader
Once you pass the evaluation test, you can enter their funding program and receive a funded account. The size of your funded account will set your trading limits.
You can trade up to 35 contracts (or 350 micros) at the same time, depending on the trading plans. Funded accounts are of 2 types; full account, and static account.
Full accounts have a trailing threshold as a risk management strategy. This rule increases the maximum loss limit as your profit grows, giving you much-needed flexibility.
The static accounts have a drawdown loss limit instead, which is fixed, making the risk more controlled.
Scaling
You can’t scale your account with Apex. But on a positive note, you can trade with the entire capital of yours immediately.
Also, the company wants you to focus on consistent profitability and avoid the pressure of taking bigger risks to increase profitability.
Challenge Trading Rules
Here are the trading rules you must follow:
- Profit Target
- Profit Split
- Trading Period
- Minimum Trading Days
- Maximum Daily Loss
- Maximum Loss
- Maximum Position Size
- Maximum Capital Allocation and Multiple Accounts
- Trading Types
- Leverage
- Trading Style
- Trading Hours
- News Trading
- Weekend and Overnight Trading
- Expert Advisor
- Copy Trading
Profit Target
The profit target depends on the account size. As far as I know, Apex Trader Funding offers you a choice of eight account models. Below, I have compiled all Apex account models with the key facts.
- 25k Full with $25,000 starting capital: Target $1,500 (Trailing Threshold $1,500)
- 50k Full with $50,000 starting capital: Target $3,000 (Trailing Threshold $2,500)
- 75k Full with $75,000 starting capital: Target $4,250 (Trailing Threshold $2,750)
- 100k Full with $100,000 starting capital: Target $6,000 (Trailing Threshold $3,000)
- 150k Full with $150,000 starting capital: Target $9,000 (Trailing Threshold $5,000)
- 250k Full with $250,000 starting capital: Target $15,000 (Trailing Threshold $6,500)
- 300k Full with $300,000 starting capital: Target $20,000 (Trailing Threshold $7,500)
- 100k Static with $100,000 starting capital: Target $2,000 (Fixed Drawdown $625)
If your trades are not successful, you can trigger a reset at any time, regardless of the limits. You pay a one-time fee of $100 for this. Additionally, there are monthly reset account costs.
Profit Split
When it comes to profit sharing, they offer the best deal on the market. You can keep 100% of your first profits up to $25,000. After that, it’s a 90/10 split, where you take 90% of the profit home.
Trading Period
Trade period is 7 days, so you have to make the required profit within the time frame while following the rules.
Minimum Trading Days
There are no minimum trading days, as the goal is to reach the profit target for the evaluation account. Once you’ve hit the profit target, even if it happens within the first 1-2 days, you’ll become a regular prop trader at Apex Trader Funding.
You can also verify if you have met the requirement of 7 trading days. To launch Rtrader, go to Windows > Launch Bar > Apex Order History, and then export a CSV file to see your trade history.
Maximum Daily Loss
What sets Apex apart from other prop trading firms is that there’s no daily maximum loss limit for regular accounts. It gives you a large margin of error and also gives you the required flexibility to earn more.
However, this feature is not available for static accounts.
Maximum Loss
There’s no maximum loss for regular accounts. However, the prop trading firm has a trailing drawdown rule. This means your capital can’t fall below a certain amount.
For example, with the 25k account, the trailing drawdown is $1500. So, the account equity can’t fall more than $1500 below its all-time high.
Maximum Position Size
The maximum position size completely depends on your capital size. The table below will make it clear:
| Account Type | Maximum Position |
|---|---|
| 25k Full | 4 Contracts (40 Micros) |
| 50k Full | 10 Contracts (100 Micros) |
| 75k Full | 12 Contracts (120 Micros) |
| 100k Full | 14 Contracts (140 Micros) |
| 150k Full | 17 Contracts (170 Micros) |
| 250k Full | 27 Contracts (270 Micros) |
| 300k Full | 35 Contracts (350 Micros) |
| 100k Static | 2 Contracts (2 Micros) |
Maximum Capital Allocation and Multiple Accounts
A certain maximum number of amount can be traded in the account. Apex allows you to create multiple accounts but places some restrictions. A household can have a maximum of 20 accounts and private and company accounts are allowed.
For example, if you own a company that has 5 accounts, while you have 15, then your wife can have 5 accounts.
Trading Types
Apex offers a good number of trading strategies from which to choose. The large number of options will help you find assets that suit your trading approach. And the options available to you are –
- Stock Futures
- Cryptocurrencies
- Foreign exchange futures
- Interest rate futures
- Agricultural futures
- Metal Futures
- Energy Futures
- Micro Futures
Leverage
There’s no leverage offered by Apex. That means you can only trade with the capital available in your account.
So, your account balance is the actual trading balance.
Trading Style
Apex allows you to use the strategy you’re comfortable with. That’s a great advantage as you can build your own approach that works, and the experienced users can stick to their proven strategies.
Trading Hours
You can place and manage trades for most of the day as the platform is open for trading for 23 hours. All open positions must be closed by 4:59 PM each day. You can start trading again from 6 PM.
News Trading
News trading means placing trades based on anticipated news, which is not allowed in Apex. It protects users against making risky decisions during volatile events. However, you can continue to trade during the news phase.
Weekend and Overnight Trading
Apex offers a wide trading window, allowing you to trade for 23 hours of the day from 6:00 PM ET one day to 4:59 PM the next day. It will enable you to work outside the traditional hours.
You can place trades even on holidays. However, the key point is that you must close the trade before 4:59 PM.
Expert Advisor
No, Apex doesn’t allow expert advisors or any software that automates trading. It wants traders to manage and place trades by themselves and thus prohibits bot trading.
However, it allows the usage of software to place trades faster, like setting stop-loss and take-profit limits. For example, the platform accepts auto-trading bots in The Ninja Suite.
Copy Trading
There’s no clear guideline on whether copy trading is permitted. However, as it often means copying the trades of other traders, it can be seen as automation and might cause a problem for you.
However, you can copy your trades across your various accounts without issues.
Trading Platforms
In our experience, NinjaTrader is the preferred futures trading platform by the Apex Trader Funding.
They provide a free license key for NinjaTrader 8 and offer technical support as well. The app works with Tradovate, but the web version doesn’t support Tradovate.
You need Rithmic RTrader Pro (free access) running to connect to other platforms and manage your account.
There are 14 other cutting-edge trading platforms available, but you won’t receive technical support or license keys from Apex for them.
- ATAS
- BOOKMAP
- Edge Clear / EdgeProX
- Finamark
- Jigsaw Trading
- MotiveWave
- NinjaTrader
- Quantower
- RTrader Pro (PC only)
- Rithmic Trader Pro Mobile (Android & iPhone)
- Rithmic RTrader Pro – Web
- Sierra Chart (active broker account required)
- Volfix
- Wealthcharts
Trading Instruments
The firm allows you to place future contracts on a wide range of assets. However, you might not be allowed to trade on all assets. So, if you place an order on a restricted asset, the order will simply be rejected.
To check the available assets for you, log in to RTrader and go to “View Risk Parameters” from the trader dashboard. There, you’ll find the available assets to you.
- Stock futures: E-mini S&P 500, E-mini NASDAQ 100, Nikkei NKD, Mini-DOW, Russell 2000, E-mini Midcap 400, among others
- Foreign exchange futures: British Pound, Euro FX, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Swiss Franc, Japanese Yen,
- Agricultural Futures: Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Soybean Oil, Soybean Meal, among others
- Interest rate futures: Micro 10 Year Yield Futures, 30-Year Bonds, 5-Year Note, 2-Year Note, 10-Year Note, Ultra-Bond
- Metal Futures: Gold, Silver, Palladium, Copper, E-mini Silver, E-mini Gold, Platinum, among others
- Micro Futures: Micro E-Mini S&P 500, E-Micro AUD/USD, Micro E-Mini Nasdaq-100, Micro E-Mini Russell 2000, E-Micro EUR/ USD, Micro E-Mini Dow Jones, E-Micro Gold, Micro Crude Oil
- Energy Futures: Crude Oil, Mini Crude Oil, Heating Oil, Natural Gas, New York Harbor, E-mini Natural Gas
- EUREX: DAX Index, Mini-DAX, Micro DAX Index, Micro Euro Stoxx 50, Euro-Buxl, VSTOXX, STOXX Europe 600, Euro-Schatz, Euro-Bobl, Euro-Bund, Euro Stoxx 50
- Cryptocurrencies: Micro Bitcoin, Micro Ethereum, among others
- ICE: Mini-MSCI Emerging Mkt, Sugar No. 11, Cotton, US Dollar Index, Coffee, Cocoa, Mini Gold, Mini Silver
We listed Apex Trader Funding as Best Futures Prop Trading Firm, Best Options Prop Trading Firm and in the Top 5 Prop Trading Firms.
Brokers
Our findings show that Apex doesn’t use any external brokers. Their official website also doesn’t acknowledge any partnership with brokers.
Other Products
Here, I’ll briefly discuss the other products offered by Apex Trading Funding that will help you with prop trading.
Tools
Apex Trader Funding doesn’t offer any future trading tools or trading software, but there are numerous third-party tools and resources that you can use, such as Trade Copier, Tick Strike, and Dyno Trading.
Testimonials
The testimonial section shares experiences from the funded traders, who discuss various topics such as payouts and trading tips.
News
Apex has a dedicated news section that summarizes important financial news worldwide. This saves traders time when researching financial news and data themselves.
It also helps them identify potential future trading opportunities to make profits. However, Apex doesn’t allow news trading.
Merchandise
Apex Trader funding sells merchandise like t-shirt, mugs, embellished with the company logo. You can purchase them through zazzle shop.
Prices and Challenge Fees
Apex Trader Funding uses a monthly subscription model for both evaluation and funded accounts. The amount is the same for both accounts. However, if you fail to evaluate and want to reset, you’ll need to pay a one-time fee of $100.
The initial monthly payment varies depending on the capital package and the platform. Here’s the overview for you –
Rithmic/NinjaTrader Plan
- 25k Full = $147 monthly
- 50k Full = $167 monthly
- 75k Full = $187 monthly
- 100k Full = $207 monthly
- 150k Full = $297 monthly
- 250k Full = $517 monthly
- 300k Full = $657 monthly
- 100k Static = $137 monthly
Tradovate/NinjaTrader Plan
- 25k Full = $167 monthly
- 50k Full = $187 monthly
- 75k Full = $207 monthly
- 100k Full = $227 monthly
- 150k Full = $317 monthly
- 250k Full = $537 monthly
- 300k Full = $677 monthly
- 100k Static = $157 monthly
The price for the package includes a Ninja Trader license worth $75 and real-time data fees worth $55.
Payment Methods and Payout System
Based on our firsthand trading experience, it’s very easy to make payments to Apex. They accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
After 10 days of trading activities, you can request a payout. You can request and receive withdrawals twice a month –
- 1st-5th for payout on the 15th
- 15th-20th for payout on the 30th (or last day of the month)
Approval for payout takes place between the request date and the payout date. Note that approval does not mean immediate payout. It can take 3-7 business days for the funds to reach your bank account after approval.
Also, your account balance must be above a minimum threshold to request a withdrawal. This minimum is your starting balance plus $100.
Registration and KYC
The registration process is pretty simple and intuitive. I’ve listed the steps for you below –
- Go to the Apex Trader Funding’s website
- Click the yellow “Signup” button in the top right corner
- Scroll down and select your preferred starter package (account size and monthly fee). Click “Start Now” to proceed. The registration form will appear. Here you can –
- Fill in your personal information
- Set your username and password
- Choose your payment method
- Enter a promo code (if applicable)
- Confirm the terms and conditions again. Click the button to complete your registration and login
- You’ll be directed to a payment page to pay the first month’s fee
- Once payment is complete, you can start trading
Your verification will happen separately after the evaluation. For that you’ll need to submit either personal or company documents.
Voucher and Promo Code
At the time of our test, Apex is offering an 80% discount on the evaluation fees for new accounts. To avail of the offer, you need to enter the code “FVBHUBJX” during checkout.
This discount applies only to new accounts. Existing accounts or past evaluations cannot use this code.
Free Trial and Demo Account
From our own experience, we’ve not found any free or trial demo account option for Apex Trader Funding.
Mobile App
The company offers a dedicated mobile app for trading. Android users can find the app on Google Play, while iPhone and iPad users can download it from the App Store.
Customer Service and Support
To submit a query, you can start a ticket with your specific request. Customer service representatives will then address your request as soon as possible.
If you need is urgent, you can start a live chat with the representative. A customer service person will become available to you soon. You can also contact the company by a phone call. There’s also a FAQs section to answer common queries.
Taxes
You’re responsible for submitting your income tax. Learn more in our dedicated guide about “Prop Trading Taxes“.
The Apex Trader Funding prop firm sends you a 1099-NEC by January 31st to report the total amount they paid you. You will need this form to file your US tax return.
If you are not a US citizen, Apex will not send you a 1099-NEC. In that case, you need to talk to a tax advisor for your tax return.
Alternatives to Apex Trader Funding
Here are some good alternative proprietary trading firms to Apex Trader Funding.
FTMO
FTMO is a good option for beginners as it offers a lot of trading tools to help traders become successful. They also offer a demo account and refund you if you pass the evaluation test.
Topstep
If you want to start trading almost immediately, Topstep can be the perfect solution for you, as you can complete the evaluation stage in just two days.
Topstep offers bi-weekly group coaching webinars and paid Performance Coaching to help you develop advanced trading skills and reach your trading goals by following different trading methods.
UProfit
People with a need of regular cashflow can choose Uprofit as it offers daily payouts and can offer you an immediate income. The verification process is also quite simple as you only need to pass one-step stage.
Conclusion
Apex Trader Funding is a legit company with a stellar reputation and offers a wide range of account sizes and trading platforms. Hundreds of thousands of people use the prop firm daily and earn from it.
Our research has found that most users, including us, had mostly positive experiences with the company.
Sign up with Apex Trader Funding now!
If you are a new trader, you can start with a small account, and once you’re confident in your skills, you can get an account with bigger capital. The trading profits sharing is one of the best in the market as you get to keep the entire profit till $25000 and 90% of the share after that.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answered these popular questions about Apex Trader Funding:
Is Apex Trader Funding legit or a scam?
It’s a legit prop trading company and people are earning through them. Learn more about this in the “Safety and Regulation” section.
Is Apex Trader Funding regulated?
No, Apex Trader Funding isn’t regulated. Learn more about this in the “Safety and Regulation” section.
What is Apex Trader Funding?
The Apex Trader Funding is a proprietary trading firm. Learn more about this in the “About Apex Trader Funding” section.
Which broker does Apex Trader Funding work with?
The company doesn’t work with any broker. Learn more about this in the “Brokers” section.
How many Apex Trader Funding Accounts can I have?
A maximum of 20 trading accounts is allowed per household. Learn more about this in the “Maximum Capital Allocation and Multiple Accounts” section.
Where is Apex Trader Funding based?
It’s based in Austin, United States. Learn more about this in the “About Apex Trader Funding” section.
Does Apex Trader Funding allow the use of an Expert Advisor or Copy Trading?
It doesn’t allow expert advisor, however, their stance on copy trading isn’t clear. Learn more about this in the “Expert Advisor” and “Copy Trading” section.
Is Apex Trader Funding Legal in the United States?
Yes, it’s legal in the United States. Learn more about this in the “Accepted Countries” section.
How long has Apex Trader Funding been around?
It was founded in 2008. Learn more about this in the “About Apex Trader Funding” section.
How Much does Apex Trader Funding cost?
It depends on the size of the starting package and starts at $147 / month. Learn more about this in the “Prices and Challenge Fees“.
How often does FTMO pay out?
You can get payouts twice a month. Learn more about this in the “Payment Methods and Payout System“.
Having more than eight years of trading experience, I know how hard it is to find a good and reliable Prop Trading Firm and not to choose the wrong one. With PropTradingScam.com I want to help you to pick the right one, stay safe, and share your experience.
