This page explains every Apex Trader Funding rule that can fail your account or delay a payout, in plain English and with dollar examples. Rules are based on Apex Trader Funding’s published terms as of September 2026; firms change rules often, so check the official help centre before you trade. For our overall verdict, read the Apex Trader Funding review.
Apex Trader Funding rules at a glance
EOD evaluation (Apex 4.0)
| $50K | $3,000 target · $2,500 trailing drawdown (end-of-day) |
|---|---|
| $100K | $6,000 target · $3,000 trailing drawdown |
| $150K | $9,000 target · $5,000 trailing drawdown |
| $25K | Also available; mostly micros |
| Access | 30 calendar days; no consistency rule, no minimum days, no resets |
| Daily loss limit | Applies on EOD accounts (e.g. $1,000 on $50K) |
Performance Account (PA)
| Consistency | 50%; resets after each approved payout |
|---|---|
| Qualifying days | Days meeting a minimum daily profit (e.g. $250 on a $100K) |
| Safety net | Balance must stay above start + drawdown + $100 to withdraw |
| Payout caps | Per cycle, e.g. $1,500 on $50K |
| Split | 100% of first $25,000, then 90% |
What the main rules mean in dollars
On a $50,000 account using the main program’s numbers:
| Rule | Percentage | In dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Profit target (first phase) | 6% | $3,000 |
| Daily loss / daily limit | 2% | $1,000 |
| Maximum loss | 5% | $2,500 |
Apex Trader Funding uses a trailing drawdown that rises with your highest balance on this program. Because it trails, a winning run followed by a normal pullback can breach the account even while you’re above your starting balance. Our trailing vs static drawdown guide has worked examples.
Other rules to know
- Since March 2026, every order must carry an attached stop-loss and take-profit.
- Intraday plans trail from unrealized peaks; end-of-day plans update at the 4:59 PM ET close.
- Automation is reported as allowed in evaluations but not on Performance Accounts; confirm before running a bot.
- Activation is a one-time fee (reported $99 EOD, $79 intraday).
Banned strategies
Placing orders on both sides of a news release, automation on Performance Accounts, and other practices in Apex’s help centre.
Recent rule changes
On March 1, 2026, Apex 4.0 replaced monthly subscriptions with one-time fees, removed the MAE, 5:1 risk-reward and minimum-day rules, dropped the $250K and $300K sizes and removed resets. Legacy accounts keep the old rules.
Evaluation vs funded account
Don’t assume the rules stay the same once you’re funded. Check these funded-account conditions at Apex Trader Funding, and re-read the funded section of the terms the day you pass:
| Payout schedule | Payout ladder once eligible |
|---|---|
| Payout speed and methods | ACH, Wise, Plane or crypto |
| Consistency | None in evaluation; 50% on Performance Accounts |
| Profit split | 100% of first $25K, then 90% |
Apex Trader Funding rules for UK traders
UK futures traders use Apex, whose evaluations and Performance Accounts are simulated. Check Apex’s restricted-countries page before buying, as the list can change. Firms that reset daily limits at 5 PM New York time reset at 22:00 UK time. Fees and payouts are in foreign currency, and payouts are generally taxable income for HMRC.
How traders most often break Apex Trader Funding’s rules
- Choosing intraday trailing when your trades often give back open profit.
- Making most PA profit on one day and failing the 50% consistency test.
- Withdrawing below the safety-net balance.
For a practical plan to avoid these, read how to pass the Apex Trader Funding challenge.
Visit Apex Trader Funding Read our Apex Trader Funding review
Apex Trader Funding rules FAQ
What is the Apex Trader Funding daily loss limit?
On the main program it’s 2% ($1,000 on a $50,000 account). See the tables above for other programs and how it’s calculated.
Is Apex Trader Funding's drawdown static or trailing?
Apex Trader Funding uses a trailing drawdown that rises with your highest balance on its main program.
What strategies does Apex Trader Funding ban?
Placing orders on both sides of a news release, automation on Performance Accounts, and other practices in Apex’s help centre.
How often does Apex Trader Funding pay out?
Payout ladder once eligible. Speed and methods: ACH, Wise, Plane or crypto.
Can UK traders trade with Apex Trader Funding?
UK futures traders use Apex, whose evaluations and Performance Accounts are simulated. Check Apex’s restricted-countries page before buying, as the list can change.