Apex Trader Funding is a futures-focused prop firm offering accounts up to $300,000, with trading platforms like NinjaTrader and TradingView. While its profit split is appealing, high monthly fees and limited education may impact the prop firms overall value for some.
Apex Trader Funding Summary
Apex Trader Funding Warning
We do not recommend Apex Trader Funding due to high monthly fees, limited platform flexibility, and frequent complaints about payout delays and account terminations.
If you’re looking for a futures-funded account with better support, clear pricing, and fairer trading conditions, we recommend firms like Topstep which performed significantly better in our evaluations.
Best Prop Firms Topstep Review
In our testing of Apex Trader Funding, we scored the firm at 37/100 due to high monthly fees, limited platform flexibility, and minimal educational resources compared to competing futures prop firms.
While Apex offers a solid profit-sharing structure, allowing you to retain 100% of your first $25K in profits, the prop firm fell short in areas like monthly fees and support resources. Apex’s evaluation process is competitive, but lacks the extensive community engagement found in top-scoring firms like Topstep.
Apex Trader Funding offers two account types to suit different trading styles-Tradovate and Rithmic-with the core difference between them being the trading platform each account operates on.
Each account type provides various funded account sizes, starting from $25,000 up to $300,000 and monthly fees from $137, with different contract limits, trailing thresholds, and drawdown structures.
How does Apex Trader Funding work?
The Apex evaluation process is structured to assess your futures trading skills thoroughly before granting you a futures funded account.
To pass the one step evaluation, you must achieve a specific profit target over a minimum of seven trading days, while following set risk management rules.
Profit targets start at $1,500 for the smallest accounts but vary by account size rather than a fixed percentage. Static accounts have much lower profit targets, with the 100K Static Account requiring only a $2,000 target, while 100K full account has a profit goal of $6,000.
Upon passing, you gain access to a funded futures account with full contract limits and no scaling requirements. Apex traders receive a 100% profit split on the first $25,000 earned, followed by a profit split of 75%-95% on amounts beyond this.
Tradovate accounts are designed for traders who prefer an accessible trading setup, with compatibility across web, mobile, and desktop platforms.
This is especially useful if you want the freedom to trade from multiple devices and value having TradingView integration for a more user-friendly experience.
Tradovate eval accounts give you flexibility in position sizes and account scalability, so you can start small and grow as your trading improves.
| Account | Contracts (Micros) | Profit Goal | Trailing Threshold | Compatibility & Platform Included | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25K Full | 4 (40) | $1,500 | $1,500 | TradingView, Tradovate, Mobile, Mac | $147 |
| 50K Full | 10 (100) | $3,000 | $2,500 | TradingView, Tradovate, Mobile, Mac | $167 |
| 75K Full | 12 (120) | $4,250 | $2,750 | TradingView, Tradovate, Mobile, Mac | $187 |
| 100K Full | 14 (140) | $6,000 | $3,000 | TradingView, Tradovate, Mobile, Mac | $207 |
| 100K Static | 2 (20) | $2,000 | None | TradingView, Tradovate, Mobile, Mac | $137 |
| 150K Full | 17 (170) | $9,000 | $5,000 | TradingView, Tradovate, Mobile, Mac | $250 |
| 250K Full | 27 (270) | $15,000 | $6,500 | TradingView, Tradovate, Mobile, Mac | $250 |
| 300K Full | 35 (350) | $20,000 | $7,500 | TradingView, Tradovate, Mobile, Mac | $250 |
Rithmic accounts are suited for traders who prioritise performance and require high-speed execution. These accounts are ideal if you’re focused on more advanced trading tools and need low-latency data feeds to support quick market moves.
Rithmic accounts are compatible with NinjaTrader, which caters to traders who rely on custom indicators, advanced charting, or automated strategies.
Rithmic accounts are ideal if you’re more experienced or trade with strategies that require precise execution.
| Account | Contracts (Micros) | Profit Goal | Trailing Threshold | Platform & Data Fees Included | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25K Full | 4 (40) | $1,500 | $1,500 | NinjaTrader ($75) & Data ($55) | $147 |
| 50K Full | 10 (100) | $3,000 | $2,500 | NinjaTrader ($75) & Data ($55) | $167 |
| 75K Full | 12 (120) | $4,250 | $2,750 | NinjaTrader ($75) & Data ($55) | $187 |
| 100K Full | 14 (140) | $6,000 | $3,000 | NinjaTrader ($75) & Data ($55) | $207 |
| 100K Static | 2 (20) | $2,000 | None | NinjaTrader ($75) & Data ($55) | $137 |
| 150K Full | 17 (170) | $9,000 | $5,000 | NinjaTrader ($75) & Data ($55) | $297 |
| 250K Full | 27 (270) | $15,000 | $6,500 | NinjaTrader ($75) & Data ($55) | $517 |
| 300K Full | 35 (350) | $20,000 | $7,500 | NinjaTrader ($75) & Data ($55) | $657 |
Verdict on Apex Challenges
With account sizes from $25,000 to $300,000 and contracts from 4 up to 35 (or 40 to 350 micros), Apex’s offerings cater to different trading volumes and risk preferences.
Tradovate accounts provide the flexibility for accessible, multi-device trading, making them perfect if you’re focused on convenience and ease of use. Rithmic accounts, on the other hand, offer high-speed performance and are best suited if you’re serious about quick execution and advanced tools.
Apex Trader Funding’s costs can accumulate over time, with monthly fees for evaluation accounts, activation fees for funded accounts, and commission charges per trade. These ongoing expenses, especially with add-ons like Level 2 data, can make a big impact on monthly costs if you are an active trader.
Upon successfully completing the evaluation, traders can opt for a funded Performance Account (PA). This requires an activation fee, which can be paid monthly or as a one-time lifetime fee.
For Rithmic accounts, the monthly fee is $85, or a lifetime fee ranging from $130 to $340, depending on the account size. Tradovate accounts have a monthly fee of $105, or a lifetime fee between $150 and $360.
Commission fees vary based on the trading instrument and platform when futures trading:
During testing we found trading the E-mini S&P 500 (ES) on Rithmic incurs a round-turn commission of $3.98, while on Tradovate, it’s $3.10.
Micro contracts generally have lower commissions; the Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES) has a round-turn commission of $1.02 on Rithmic and $1.04 on Tradovate.
Level 1 market data is included in the monthly fees. However, accessing Level 2 data, which provides depth of market information, incurs additional costs.
For instance, subscribing to the CME Bundle for Level 2 data costs $41 per month, plus a $2 processing fee. These subscriptions are managed through the respective platforms and do not renew automatically.
Verdict on Pricing and Fees
With monthly fees, activation charges, and additional data costs, Apex Trader Funding’s expenses can add up quickly, particularly for active traders or those requiring Level 2 market data.
Apex Trader Funding offers 46 futures markets in total, covering currency, equity, agriculture, energy, metal, and cryptocurrency futures.
Supported exchanges include the CME, CBOT, COMEX, and NYMEX, providing diverse options for futures traders.
Verdict on Futures Markets
While Apex Trader Funding’s range of futures markets are focused on popular, high-liquidity assets, the range may feel limited if you are looking for a broader selection across a larger number of markets.
Apex Trader Funding supports a wide range of trading platforms, including NinjaTrader 8, Tradovate, RTrader Pro, TradingView, and others, across its two main account types: Tradovate and Rithmic.
Each futures trading platform provides specific tools tailored to different needs, from flexible, web-based options to advanced, low-latency setups ideal for high-frequency trading.
Apex traders tend to opt for NinjaTrader 8 as its compatible with both Tradovate and Rithmic accounts.
Known for its powerful charting and technical analysis tools, NinjaTrader 8 is ideal if you require detailed analytics and advanced order types.
The futures platform offers customisable chart settings, indicators, and strategies, making it suitable for algorithmic traders.
Apex provides a free license key for NinjaTrader 8, making it accessible to all funded account holders.
Tradovate is a browser-based platform that also supports mobile and desktop access, primarily available to Tradovate account holders.
The trading platform is known for its ease of use, supporting browser trading as well as compatibility with TradingView, allowing users to trade directly from TradingView charts.
Tradovate’s interface is intuitive, making it ideal for traders who want a streamlined experience across multiple devices.
For Tradovate account holders, TradingView integration provides an additional layer of charting and social trading features, allowing traders to leverage TradingView’s community and charting capabilities.
You can set up trades directly from TradingView charts, which is useful if you prefer a visually driven trading approach and want access to TradingView’s vast library of indicators and drawing tools.
RTrader Pro is available exclusively for Rithmic account holders and is a high-performance platform geared toward traders who need rapid execution and low-latency data.
This platform is often used in combination with NinjaTrader, as it helps activate Rithmic’s data feed and allows for detailed monitoring of account balances, drawdowns, and positions.
RTrader Pro can be particularly useful for traders with high-frequency strategies, as it enables quick access to order entries and market depth.
In addition to its primary platforms, Apex Trader Funding supports several specialised platforms that are compatible with Rithmic accounts only. These platforms provide additional tools and flexibility for traders who require specific functionalities or advanced analytics.
Apex Trader Funding provides primary technical support for NinjaTrader 8, its preferred platform, while partial support is available for other platforms in the lineup.
Apex Trader Funding enforces clear trading rules to ensure consistent and disciplined trading across Evaluation and Performance Accounts.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key rules:
Verdict on Trading Platforms
Apex Trader Funding’s platform offerings cater to a range of trading preferences, from highly flexible, multi-device options like Tradovate and TradingView to advanced execution tools such as NinjaTrader 8 and RTrader Pro.
Tradovate accounts are best suited for those who prioritise accessibility and ease of use, while Rithmic accounts are designed for traders who require high-speed data and advanced trading tools.
You can pay monthly fees and sign up to Apex Trader Funding using a credit card. You get to keep 100% of your initial profits up to $25,000, followed by a 90% split.
Account fees must be paid using the trader’s own credit card (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover), with no option for third-party payments.
Once a card is added, traders can manage their fees and renewals through the Apex dashboard, which also allows for updating card information.
Apex Trader Funding offers a profit-sharing scheme for PA accounts where you keep 100% of profits up to $25,000, and 90% on amounts above this. Payouts for funded traders are processed every eight trading days.
To qualify, you must meet a minimum account balance, including a “safety net” during the first three payouts. Payments take an estimated 3–4 business days for approval, with processing times dependent on your bank.
You may continue trading during payout requests, but requests will be denied if your account balance drops below the required level before approval.
Verdict on Payments and Payouts
Apex Trader Funding supports credit card payments, and you keep 100% of your first $25,000 in profits and 90% beyond that.
Apex Trader Funding provides 24/7 support via an online help desk, where traders can access platform-specific guides and answers to common questions. While the support team is available 24/7, the educational offerings are more limited, with a focus on introductory videos covering trading strategies and risk management basics.
Apex Trader Funding’s support team is available 24/7 via an online help desk. The support team provides resources for platform connection guides and FAQs, assisting traders with platform-specific issues on NinjaTrader, Rithmic, and Tradovate.
Apex Trader Funding’s educational resources are primarily focused on videos covering trading fundamentals, such as risk management and basic trading strategies.
While useful for an introductory understanding, the material is limited compared to other firms that offer in-depth courses or mentorship options.
Verdict on Support
Apex Trader Funding’s support team and educational resources cover the basics, but may fall short if you are seeking comprehensive guidance or one-on-one support.
Apex Trader Funding’s reputation is supported by strong user reviews and a dedicated online community.
Apex Trader Funding has a TrustScore of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 12,700 reviews. The majority of feedback is positive, with users praising customer service and quick payouts, though some reviews mention concerns with platform limitations and support response times.
Apex Trader Funding maintains an active Discord community with around 55,700 members, providing a space for traders to share experiences and insights.
However, compared to larger communities offered by other prop firms, the engagement level and resources in this server are more limited.
Apex Trader Funding has a strong social media presence across multiple platforms. Their private Facebook group, with 27.5K members, provides a space for traders to exchange insights and strategies. On Instagram, they have 32.6K followers, sharing regular updates and engaging content.
Additionally, their YouTube channel, with 23.9K subscribers, features tutorials and webinars. This shows Apex Trader Funding’s commitment to fostering a connected and informed trading community.
Verdict on Trust and Community
Apex Trader Funding has a solid TrustPilot rating of 4.5/5 stars and provides a platform for community interaction, but its Discord resources and engagement may feel limited for those seeking extensive networking or educational opportunities found with larger prop firms.
To sign up with Apex Trader Funding, you’ll need to decide on key preferences before completing the registration. This includes selecting your account size, platform (either Tradovate or Rithmic), and desired drawdown type (trailing or static for specific account types). Each option impacts your monthly fee, trading tools, and compatibility with specific devices.
Once your account setup is configured, registration can be completed online, with payment options available for your chosen monthly subscription fee. After signing up, you can access Apex’s evaluation process to begin working toward a funded account.
Apex Trader Funding provides a straightforward pathway to funded futures trading, offering various account sizes and platform options, including Tradovate and Rithmic.
While it covers basic support needs and has an active Discord community, the educational resources and community engagement may feel limited compared to other prop firms.
With a rating of 37/100, Apex Trader Funding can suit traders who prioritise essential funding options, though those seeking extensive resources and support might explore other prop firms.
Yes, Apex Trader Funding does offer payouts to funded traders. Traders can retain 100% of their profits up to $25,000 and 90% of profits beyond this amount. Payouts are processed every eight trading days, and funds typically arrive within 3–4 business days post-approval.
No Apex Trader Funding is not a scam and is considered a legit prop trading firm, with thousands of positive user reviews and a TrustPilot rating of 4.5/5 based on over 12,700 reviews.
Profit targets at Apex Trader Funding start at $1,500 for the smallest $25,000 account and increase with account size. Targets are fixed amounts rather than percentages, meaning larger accounts have higher absolute profit requirements. For example, a $100,000 full account has a $6,000 target, while the $100,000 static account has a lower $2,000 target.
Apex Trader Funding offers account sizes from $25,000 up to $300,000 for funded accounts. Each size has specific profit targets, drawdown structures, and contract limits. Smaller accounts, like the $25,000 option, have a lower profit target, while larger accounts such as the $300,000 account allow up to 35 contracts or 350 micros, suiting high-volume traders.
Yes, Apex Trader Funding is suitable for day trading, as it offers low-latency platforms like Rithmic and NinjaTrader, which are well-suited for rapid executions and market depth. The firm’s structure allows traders to close all positions by the end of the trading day, aligning with day trading practices.
Topstep generally outperforms Apex Trader Funding, with a higher overall score of 89/100 compared to Apex’s 37/100, based on various criteria including platform options, profit splits, and user support. Our Topstep review found the prop firms structured three-step process and profit-sharing model, which includes a 100% split on the first $10,000, makes it a more competitive choice.
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