Apex Trader Funding Rules & Evaluation Guide (2026)

Everything you need to know about Apex Trader Funding's 1-step evaluation, drawdown options, payout rules, and funded account requirements — updated for 2026.

✓ Last verified: March 2026

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Rule	Details
Account Sizes	$25K / $50K / $100K / $150K / $300K
Evaluation Type	1-step evaluation (pass and get funded)
Profit Target	$1,500 / $3,000 / $6,000 / $9,000 / $20,000
Trailing Drawdown	$1,500 / $2,500 / $3,000 / $5,000 / $7,500 (intraday or EOD choice)
Daily Loss Limit	None
Consistency Rule	50% rule on payouts — no single day > 50% of profit
Min Trading Days	None in evaluation; 5 profitable days per payout
Max Position Size	Varies by account (micro contracts, e.g., 4–5 micros for $25K up to 35–40 for $300K)
Allowed Instruments	All CME futures
News Trading	Yes, allowed
Weekend Holding	No — must be flat by 4:59 PM ET
Trading Hours	CME Globex hours
Payout Split	100% of first $25K, then 90/10
Payout Frequency	After 5 profitable qualifying days
Platform	Rithmic, CQG
Evaluation Fee	One-time fee (varies by account size)
Evaluation Time Limit	30 days
Reset	New evaluation purchase required
Max Payouts	6 payouts per funded account

Drawdown Rules Explained

Apex offers a choice between intraday trailing and end-of-day (EOD) trailing drawdown. This flexibility is unique among prop firms and lets you pick the style that fits your trading approach.

Intraday Trailing

Your drawdown floor moves up in real time as your account hits new intraday equity highs. This means a sharp reversal after a peak can breach your account even if you close the day flat.

EOD Trailing

Your drawdown floor only updates at the end of each trading day, based on closing balance. This gives you more room for intraday swings.

Worked Example ($50K Account, EOD Trailing)

Starting balance: $50,000. Drawdown: $2,500. Floor: $47,500.

Day 1: You close at $51,200. Floor moves to $48,700 ($51,200 − $2,500).
Day 2: You close at $50,800. Floor stays at $48,700 (doesn't move down).
Day 3: You close at $52,000. Floor moves to $49,500.

Tip: If you take large intraday swings, EOD trailing is usually the safer choice. If you scalp for small, consistent gains, intraday trailing may work fine.

How the 1-Step Evaluation Works

Apex uses a simple 1-step evaluation. There is no second phase — pass once and you get funded.

Purchase an evaluation — choose your account size and pay the one-time fee.
Hit the profit target — reach the required profit within 30 calendar days while respecting the drawdown.
Get funded — once you pass, you receive a funded account with real capital.

In the funded account, you need 5 profitable trading days before each payout request. The 50% consistency rule applies to payouts: no single day can account for more than 50% of your withdrawal amount.

You keep 100% of the first $25,000 in profits, then move to a 90/10 split. Each funded account allows up to 6 payouts.

Common Mistakes That Break Apex Trader Funding Rules

❌ Not being flat by 4:59 PM ET

Apex requires all positions closed by 4:59 PM ET. Automated liquidation can result in slippage and unexpected losses that breach your drawdown.

❌ Choosing the wrong drawdown type

Picking intraday trailing when you take large swings can lead to a breach on a day that would have been fine with EOD trailing. Understand your style first.

❌ Forgetting the 30-day evaluation limit

Unlike some firms with no time limit, Apex evaluations expire after 30 calendar days. Don't wait too long to start trading.

❌ Violating the 50% payout consistency rule

Even after passing, a single massive green day can make your profits non-withdrawable if it exceeds 50% of the total. Spread your gains evenly.

❌ Exceeding max payouts

Each funded account is limited to 6 payouts. Plan your withdrawal strategy accordingly.

Tips for Passing Your Apex Trader Funding Evaluation

Choose EOD trailing if you're a swing-style or news-trading futures trader — it gives you more intraday breathing room.
Start small with micro contracts. You can always scale up once you have a profit buffer above the drawdown.
Build a buffer of at least $500–$1,000 above the drawdown floor before increasing position size.
Aim for consistent $200–$400 daily gains rather than one big trade — this helps with payout consistency too.
Track your 5 profitable days carefully. Use a P&L calendar to know exactly when you qualify for a payout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apex Trader Funding have a daily loss limit?

No. Apex does not impose a separate daily loss limit. Your only constraint is the trailing drawdown (intraday or EOD, depending on your choice).

How many payouts can I take from an Apex funded account?

Each funded account allows a maximum of 6 payouts. After that, you would need a new funded account.

What happens if I don't pass the Apex evaluation in 30 days?

The evaluation expires and you must purchase a new evaluation to try again. There is no reset option — you buy a new evaluation.

Can I hold positions overnight with Apex?

You can hold positions overnight during the trading week, but all positions must be closed by 4:59 PM ET on Friday. No weekend holding is allowed.