Apex Trader Funding FAQ & Complete Apex 4.0 Guide
Learn how Apex 4.0 works, understand new rule changes, compare Legacy vs 4.0 accounts, master payout requirements, and automate your trading workflow with confidence.
Jump to a Section
Apex Basics
What is Apex Trader Funding?
Apex Trader Funding is a US-based futures prop firm founded in 2018 by Darrell Martin. You pay a one-time evaluation fee, hit a profit target without breaching drawdown rules, and graduate to a Performance Account where Apex pays you 90-100% of profits (minus a small reserve on the first $25K). Apex is the largest US futures prop firm by branded search volume, roughly 135,000 monthly Google searches and 2.7M monthly site visits as of 2026.
Who owns Apex and when was it founded?
Apex Trader Funding was founded in 2018 by Darrell Martin, who remains CEO. Headquartered in the United States. The firm is privately held; ownership is concentrated with founding-team investors and not publicly disclosed.
Is Apex Trader Funding legit or a scam in 2026?
Apex is legit by every standard prop firm metric, they have paid out hundreds of millions of dollars over the firm's lifetime, are profiled on Trustpilot with thousands of reviews, and have run continuously since 2018 through the 80+ prop firm collapses of 2024-2025. The 4.0 launch in March 2026 modernized the model further. Common complaints (payout "Under Review" delays, rule confusion, hedging detection) exist but are policy disputes, not scam indicators. Read the funded trader agreement carefully before paying.
How much money has Apex paid out to traders?
Apex publicly cites "hundreds of millions" in lifetime payouts and is consistently in the top 10 industry payout league tables (Q1 2026 saw $115M tracked across the top 10 firms collectively). The exact monthly figure varies but Apex has been one of the largest single payout sources in the futures prop industry for several years.
Is Apex regulated as a broker?
No. Apex is a technology / contractor company that provides simulated trading evaluations and pays winning traders as independent contractors. It is not registered as a broker-dealer or FCM with the SEC, CFTC, or FINRA. The legal relationship is governed by the Apex Funded Trader Agreement, not exchange rules. The CFTC has been increasing scrutiny of retail prop firms in 2024-2026 but no firm-specific regulation has been finalized.
Are Apex accounts real money or simulated?
Evaluations are 100% simulated. Performance Accounts (PA), the funded phase, are also simulated for most traders, with payouts coming from Apex's challenge revenue. Live Funded Accounts (LFA) are a separate tier where some real capital is involved, accessible by invitation after demonstrating consistency. The vast majority of Apex traders never reach LFA; most run sim → PA → payout indefinitely.
Does Apex actually take real positions in the market?
Not on most accounts. Apex aggregates exposure across the trader base and hedges select positions in real markets where their book demands it, but the typical trader's individual orders fill on simulated quotes that mirror real-time market data. LFA traders have real fills.
Why does Apex have mixed Trustpilot reviews?
A few common patterns. Negative reviews concentrate on payout "Under Review" delays during the Legacy 3.0 era (now mostly resolved with 4.0 automated payouts via Deel), the June 12 2025 connection outage where Apex did not reverse losses, and rule misreadings (especially trailing drawdown shock and consistency rule). Positive reviews focus on actual payouts received, the 4.0 rule improvements, and customer support response time. The 4.0 model removed the biggest historical pain points.
Where can I see real Apex payout proof?
Apex publishes a payouts page at apextraderfunding.com/payouts/ with live and lifetime figures. Independent verification on r/PropFirm, Trustpilot, and trader Discord servers shows consistent payout patterns. Affiliate review sites (ProTradingVibes, BestPropFirms, TradersSecondBrain) also aggregate community payout reports. Always cross-reference Apex's claimed figures with community proofs before trusting headline numbers.
Who is Darrell Martin?
Darrell Martin is the founder and CEO of Apex Trader Funding. He has a long background in retail futures trading and education prior to founding Apex; his face appears prominently on Apex marketing and educational content. Active on YouTube and Apex social channels.
Apex 4.0 vs Legacy 3.0
What is Apex 4.0?
Apex 4.0 is the new product version launched March 1,2026, the biggest restructure in Apex's history. It replaced monthly subscriptions with one-time fees, eliminated the MAE rule, removed the 5:1 risk-reward rule on evaluations, removed the One-Direction rule, dropped the 7-day minimum trading days down to 5, automated payouts via Deel, and relaxed consistency from 30% to 50%. Existing Legacy 3.0 accounts keep their old rules; new accounts are 4.0 by default.
When did Apex 4.0 launch?
March 1,2026. Every new evaluation purchased on or after that date runs on 4.0 rules. Accounts purchased before March 1,2026 are Legacy 3.0 and stay on the original rule set unless you choose to migrate.
What's the difference between Apex 3.0 and 4.0?
4.0 changes vs 3.0: monthly subscription removed (now one-time eval fee + one-time PA activation fee); MAE rule removed; 5:1 risk-reward rule on eval removed; One-Direction rule removed; minimum trading days dropped from 7 to 5; consistency rule relaxed from 30% to 50%; payouts automated via Deel (no more "Under Review" delays); evaluation has a hard 30 calendar day limit (no resets); $250K and $300K plans removed from new lineup. Legacy 3.0 accounts still operate under the old rules.
Are my old Legacy / 3.0 accounts still active under old rules?
Yes. Legacy 3.0 accounts keep all their original rules, MAE, 5:1 RR, One-Direction, 30% consistency, 7-day minimum, monthly subscription. Nothing about 4.0 was retroactive. The two product versions run side by side, which is why double-checking which version your account is on matters.
Will Apex force me to migrate my Legacy account to 4.0?
No forced migration as of April 2026. Apex has indicated Legacy accounts will continue to operate indefinitely on 3.0 rules. If you want 4.0 rules, you have to purchase a new evaluation under the 4.0 model, your existing 3.0 account is not auto-converted.
Did Apex remove the MAE rule?
Yes, in 4.0. The Maximum Adverse Excursion (MAE) rule, which capped open-trade unrealized loss at a percentage of the daily target, was eliminated entirely. Legacy 3.0 accounts still have it.
Did Apex remove the 5:1 risk-reward rule?
Yes, on 4.0 evaluations. The 5:1 rule (no single trade can risk more than 1/5 of daily realized profit at any point) was removed. Legacy 3.0 evaluations still enforce it.
Did Apex remove the One-Direction rule?
Yes in 4.0. The One-Direction rule that restricted same-instrument long and short simultaneously was removed. Hedging across multiple Apex accounts is still banned, but within-account opposite directions are now permitted on 4.0.
Did Apex remove the 7-day minimum trading day requirement?
Reduced, not eliminated. 4.0 requires 5 qualifying trading days for first payout (down from 7). Legacy 3.0 still has the 7-day rule.
Did Apex stop charging monthly subscription fees?
Yes on 4.0. The monthly $85 (or similar) subscription is gone, replaced by a one-time evaluation fee plus a one-time PA activation fee ($79 Intraday or $99 EOD). Legacy 3.0 accounts still bill monthly until they end.
Are 4.0 evaluations harder or easier than Legacy?
Easier overall for most traders. The relaxed consistency rule (30% → 50%), removed MAE/5:1/One-Direction rules, and 5-day minimum (vs 7) all reduce friction. The 30 calendar day hard limit on evaluations is the one tightening, there are no resets in 4.0, so if you can't pass in 30 days, you have to buy a new evaluation. For traders who pass quickly, 4.0 is a clear win; for traders who need multiple resets, the math is more nuanced.
How do I tell if my account is 3.0 or 4.0?
Check the purchase date in your dashboard. Anything purchased before March 1,2026 is Legacy 3.0; anything on or after is 4.0. The dashboard also displays the rule set tied to each account; if you see references to MAE, 5:1, or One-Direction, you are on Legacy. If you see "50% consistency" and no MAE references, you are on 4.0.
Account Types: Eval, PA, LFA
What's the difference between Evaluation Account and Performance Account?
Evaluation is the test phase, you must hit the profit target without breaching drawdown. Performance Account (PA) is the funded phase you graduate into, where there is no profit target and you can request payouts. PA rules are slightly looser (no profit target requirement), but the trailing drawdown still applies, plus the consistency rule and minimum-day rules for first payout. The PA is where you actually make money.
Is the Performance Account real or simulated?
Simulated. Apex pays real cash for PA performance, but the underlying account is sim, your orders fill against simulated quotes that mirror real market data. This is the standard model for almost all retail futures props.
What is a Live Funded Account (LFA) at Apex?
Live Funded Account is Apex's tier where real capital is in play. It is invitation-only, granted to PA traders who have demonstrated consistent payouts over time. LFA rules are different: no trailing drawdown (only daily loss limit), no consistency rule, real exchange fills. Most Apex traders never reach LFA, and the path is opaque.
How do I get invited to a Live Funded Account?
Apex doesn't publish exact criteria. Generally requires multiple successful payouts on a PA, demonstrated low-volatility profitability, KYC complete, no rule violations. The invitation is at Apex's discretion. Plan to live on PA indefinitely, LFA is a bonus, not a guaranteed outcome.
Does Apex offer one-step or two-step evaluations?
One-step. You hit the profit target without breaching drawdown, then you graduate to PA. There is no separate phase 2 verification.
Can I skip the evaluation and go straight to a PA?
No. Apex does not offer instant funding. You must pass an evaluation to access a PA.
Once I pass the eval, how long until I get my PA?
PA activation is typically immediate after you pay the activation fee ($79 Intraday or $99 EOD on 4.0). You have 7 calendar days from passing the eval to activate; miss the window and the pass expires. Once activated, the PA goes live within hours.
What happens if I don't activate my PA within 7 days?
The pass expires and you lose access to that PA opportunity. You'd have to buy a new evaluation and start over. Set a reminder, the 7-day window catches a lot of traders, especially those who pass on a Friday and forget over the weekend.
Do I have to pay a monthly fee on a PA in 4.0?
No. Apex 4.0 PAs have a one-time activation fee only, no recurring monthly subscription. Legacy 3.0 PAs still bill monthly.
Does my PA expire?
PAs do not have a hard expiration but can go inactive. Apex enforces an inactivity rule, no trades for 30+ days flags the account; longer inactivity may close it. Trade at least once a month to keep the PA active.
Can I run multiple PAs at the same time?
Yes, up to 20 active PA accounts per household (Apex's 20-cap rule). You can buy multiple evaluations, pass each, and run all the resulting PAs in parallel. Same-direction copy trading across your own accounts is permitted; hedging is not.
How are PA rules different from LFA rules?
PA: trailing drawdown applies, consistency rule applies, daily loss limit applies, payouts capped on first 5 then uncapped. LFA: no trailing drawdown (only DLL), no consistency rule, real fills, payouts processed differently. LFA is structurally easier to trade because the trailing drawdown is removed; the path to LFA is the hard part.
Plan Sizes & Pricing
What account sizes does Apex offer in 2026?
Apex 4.0 offers $25K, $50K, $75K, $100K, and $150K plans. The $250K and $300K Legacy plans were removed from the new 4.0 lineup. Existing Legacy 3.0 holders of $250K/$300K accounts retain those, but new buyers cannot acquire them under 4.0.
How much does the $25K Apex eval cost?
List price around $199 one-time on 4.0, frequently 50-90% off with discount codes. Black Friday and seasonal promos push to $20-$40 territory. Verify the live price on apextraderfunding.com, discounts run almost continuously.
How much does the $50K Apex eval cost?
List around $249 one-time on 4.0; with discount codes typically $50-$130 depending on promotion. The $50K is the most popular plan among new traders because it balances eval cost against meaningful contract size.
How much does the $100K Apex eval cost?
List around $399 one-time on 4.0; discounted to $100-$220 typical. Recommended for traders who specifically want full-size ES/NQ access (the $25K and $50K plans are usually micros-only).
How much does the $150K Apex eval cost?
List around $599 one-time on 4.0; discounted to $200-$350 typical. The largest 4.0 plan available; the $250K and $300K Legacy plans were retired.
Did Apex remove the $250K and $300K plans in 4.0?
Yes, the $250K and $300K plans are not available on the 4.0 product. Existing Legacy 3.0 holders of those accounts retain access to them; new buyers can only go up to $150K under 4.0.
What's the EOD activation fee?
$99 one-time on 4.0 for EOD trailing drawdown plans. Paid after passing the evaluation, before the PA activates.
What's the Intraday activation fee?
$79 one-time on 4.0 for Intraday trailing drawdown plans. Cheaper than the EOD activation fee because Intraday accounts are riskier to trade.
Why is the EOD account more expensive than the Intraday?
Because EOD trailing drawdown is dramatically friendlier to the trader, your trail only updates at the close of each day, so intraday wicks don't kill the account. Apex prices the EOD activation higher because more traders pass and reach payout on EOD plans, so Apex needs more revenue per account to balance the economics.
Is the activation fee a one-time charge or recurring?
One-time on 4.0. Pay it once when you activate your PA; no recurring billing. Legacy 3.0 has different mechanics where the monthly subscription continues.
Does Apex still bill monthly under 4.0?
No. Apex 4.0 eliminated monthly billing entirely. You pay the eval fee once, then the activation fee once when you pass, no recurring charges. Legacy 3.0 accounts still bill monthly until terminated.
Does Apex accept crypto / PayPal / credit cards?
Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are the primary payment methods. PayPal availability varies. Crypto for evaluation purchase is not standard. Apex does pay OUT in crypto via Deel for international traders, but inbound payments are typically card-based.
Discount Codes & Promotions
What's the current Apex discount code in April 2026?
Apex publishes active codes at apextraderfunding.com/coupon-code/, they rotate frequently. Affiliate aggregators (SaveOnPropFirms, ProTradingVibes, BestPropFirms) also list current codes. Always pull the live code from one of those sources at purchase time; codes expire weekly.
How often does Apex run discount promos?
Almost continuously. There is rarely a week without an active promo code. Major events (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Memorial Day, Easter, July 4th, anniversary of Apex's founding) push deeper discounts, often 80%+ off list. Patient traders never pay list price.
What's the maximum discount Apex offers?
Up to 90% off the list price during major promotions. The headline 90% number requires a flagship promo (Black Friday, anniversary). Day-to-day codes typically run 50-70% off. The realistic effective price for a $50K eval with code stacking is around $50-$130.
Do discount codes apply to PA activation fees?
No. Discount codes apply to evaluation purchases only. The PA activation fee ($79 Intraday or $99 EOD) is fixed and not discounted.
Do discount codes apply to resets?
Apex 4.0 does not have resets, failed evaluations require buying a new evaluation, which can use a discount code. Legacy 3.0 reset purchases sometimes accept codes; varies by promotion.
Can I stack multiple Apex coupon codes?
No. Only one code per checkout. The aggressive "stack two codes for 95% off" claims you see online don't work, checkout rejects the second code.
Where do I find verified discount codes?
Three sources: apextraderfunding.com/coupon-code/ (Apex's own page), Apex's email newsletter (subscribe for the freshest codes), and aggregator sites (SaveOnPropFirms, ProTradingVibes). Avoid random YouTube comment codes, many are stale or affiliate-only.
Does Apex offer a holiday Black Friday deal each year?
Yes, every year. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have historically been Apex's deepest discounts of the year, 80-90% off list across all plan sizes. Apex emails subscribers a few days in advance. If you can wait until late November, the Black Friday eval is the cheapest entry point.
Profit Targets
What's the profit target on a $25K eval?
$1,500 net P&L on the standard 4.0 $25K plan. Hit it without breaching trailing drawdown and you've passed the eval. Verify on apextraderfunding.com, Apex occasionally adjusts targets per plan version.
What's the profit target on a $50K eval?
$3,000 net P&L on the standard 4.0 $50K plan. The most popular eval target, accessible with disciplined micro-contract scalping over 5-10 trading days.
What's the profit target on a $75K eval?
$4,250 on the standard 4.0 $75K plan.
What's the profit target on a $100K eval?
$6,000 on the standard 4.0 $100K plan. The plan size where full-size ES/NQ trading becomes practical given the larger drawdown buffer.
What's the profit target on a $150K eval?
$9,000 on the standard 4.0 $150K plan, the largest 4.0 size available.
Do profit targets exist on PA accounts?
No. PAs have no profit target. The targets are eval-only. On the PA you focus on hitting payout-eligible thresholds (consistency, qualifying days, minimum profit cushion) rather than a target.
Can I exceed the profit target before passing?
Yes, there is no upper cap. You can hit a $3,000 target and finish at $5,000. Watch the consistency rule though: a single huge day can lock you into needing more days to balance the percentage at PA payout time.
Does the profit target round up or down with floating P&L?
The eval evaluates target hit on closing balance, not floating equity. So you have to actually close trades to bank the profit. Floating $3,500 with a $3,000 target doesn't pass, close the position and watch the closing balance hit $3,000+ to lock the pass.
What happens if I hit the profit target on day 1?
On Apex 4.0, you've passed, there is no minimum trading day requirement on evaluation. The 5-day minimum applies to PA payout eligibility, not eval pass. Hit target day 1, pay activation fee, start the PA, then grind the 5 qualifying days for first payout.
Can I take payouts during evaluation?
No. Payouts are PA-only. The eval is a test, there is no payout mechanism on it. Pass the eval, activate the PA, then earn payouts.
Drawdowns: Trailing & Daily
What is Apex's trailing drawdown?
A maximum loss floor that ratchets up with your peak balance but never decreases. On a $50K Intraday account with $2,500 trailing drawdown, the starting floor is $47,500. Hit a peak of $52,000 and the floor moves to $49,500. Touch the floor and the account dies.
How is intraday trailing drawdown calculated tick by tick?
On Intraday plans, every tick of unrealized profit raises the floor. So if you go from $50,000 starting balance to $51,500 unrealized peak (without closing), the floor moves to $49,000. If price then retraces $2,500 against the open position, the floor is breached even though you haven't closed the trade. Intraday trailing punishes you for "holding through the breath", close trades to lock balance progress against the trail.
Does the trailing drawdown move on unrealized profit?
Intraday: yes, every tick of unrealized profit moves the floor up. EOD: no, only closing balance moves the floor. This single difference is why most Apex traders pick EOD plans (the $99 activation fee is worth it for the dramatically friendlier mechanics).
Does intraday trailing drawdown reset overnight?
No, it never resets and never moves down. Once the floor ratchets up, it stays at that level until the freeze condition is met (starting balance + drawdown + $100). Many new traders assume the trail resets at midnight; it does not.
What is End-of-Day (EOD) trailing drawdown?
A trailing drawdown that only updates based on each day's closing balance, intraday spikes do not move the floor. Apex 4.0 lets you pick EOD at activation for the higher $99 fee. EOD is dramatically friendlier than Intraday and is what most discretionary traders should choose.
Intraday vs EOD, which should I pick?
EOD for almost all traders. The $20 extra activation fee ($99 vs $79) is the cheapest insurance you'll buy in trading. EOD lets you ride bigger trades without fearing intraday wicks killing the account. Pick Intraday only if you have a strategy that closes every trade quickly and never lets unrealized profit drift, and even then, EOD is usually still the better choice.
When does the trailing drawdown stop trailing?
Apex locks the trail at "starting balance + $100." So on a $50K account, once your peak balance hits $52,600 ($50K starting + $2,500 drawdown + $100 buffer), the floor freezes at $50,100 and stops trailing. From that point forward, you have a static drawdown of $50,100. Reaching the freeze threshold is a major Apex milestone, your account is structurally safer afterward.
What happens when my account hits the trailing threshold?
The account is breached. Open positions are auto-liquidated. The account is closed and cannot be reset under 4.0, you would have to buy a new evaluation. Legacy 3.0 accounts can sometimes use a paid reset.
Are open positions auto-liquidated at the threshold?
Yes. The platform (Tradovate / Rithmic / NinjaTrader) auto-flattens positions the moment the trailing drawdown is breached. There's no human in the loop and no override.
What's the trailing drawdown amount on a $25K account?
$1,500 on the 4.0 $25K plan. Tight relative to position size, most $25K traders run micros only.
What's the trailing drawdown amount on a $50K account?
$2,500 on the 4.0 $50K plan. Workable for micro contract scalping with 1-2 contract risk.
What's the trailing drawdown amount on a $100K account?
$3,000 on the 4.0 $100K plan. Roomier; allows full-size ES/NQ at 1 contract risk.
What's the trailing drawdown amount on a $150K account?
$5,000 on the 4.0 $150K plan. The most flexible 4.0 size, comfortable margin for swing-style intraday holds.
What happens when I hit the daily loss limit?
Open positions auto-liquidate, you are paused for the rest of that trading day, and you come back tomorrow. Hitting the DLL does not fail the account, it just suspends trading until 6:00 PM ET (the CME daily reset).
Does the trailing drawdown apply to Live (LFA) accounts?
No. LFA accounts have only the daily loss limit, not the trailing drawdown. This is a major reason traders work toward LFA, the rule structure is significantly easier once you're there.
Why did my drawdown move when my open position was profitable but I hadn't closed?
You're on an Intraday account. Every tick of unrealized profit moves the floor up, that's the defining behavior of Intraday. Then if price retraces, the elevated floor catches you. The fix is either close trades sooner to lock balance, or switch to EOD on your next account.
Consistency Rule
What is the consistency rule on Apex?
Your single largest profit day cannot exceed a percentage of your total cumulative profit at payout time. Apex 4.0 = 50%. Legacy 3.0 = 30%. So at 50%, if your total profit is $10,000, your best day can be at most $5,000. The rule applies at PA payout request, not during evaluation.
Did the consistency rule change in 4.0?
Yes, relaxed from 30% (Legacy 3.0) to 50% (4.0). This is one of the biggest reasons traders prefer 4.0 to Legacy. A 50% rule needs much less padding from small days to qualify a big day for payout.
How is the consistency rule calculated?
Best single day's net P&L divided by total cumulative net P&L, multiplied by 100. To stay under 50%, total profit ≥ best day / 0.50. So a $2,000 best day requires at least $4,000 total before payout. Use Apex's payout calculator or fundedmath.com to check before requesting.
Does the consistency rule apply during evaluation?
No on Apex 4.0, eval has no consistency requirement. The rule only applies at PA payout. You can have a single huge day on the eval and still pass; it just may make the first PA payout harder.
Does going over the consistency threshold fail my account?
No, it just blocks the payout. The account survives. Trade more small profitable days to dilute the best-day percentage, then re-request the payout. This is the most-misunderstood rule on r/PropFirm.
How do I bring my consistency back under 50%?
Trade more small winning days. Every additional profitable day adds to the total denominator and lowers the percentage. Some traders deliberately log $50-100 days for a week after a big day to balance the ratio.
Does the consistency rule reset after a payout?
Yes, the consistency clock resets after each approved payout. The next cycle starts fresh.
When does the consistency rule stop applying?
After the 6th payout on the same PA, the consistency rule stops applying. Once you've established a track record, Apex relaxes the rule. The first 5 payouts are when consistency matters most.
Does the 30% rule still apply on Legacy 3.0 accounts?
Yes. Legacy 3.0 PAs still enforce the 30% consistency rule. The 50% relaxation only applies to 4.0 accounts.
Is there a tool to calculate my Apex consistency?
fundedmath.com has an Apex consistency calculator. Apex's own dashboard also shows the percentage. Both are useful before clicking "request payout", knowing you'll be denied saves the support ticket.
Trading Days, Hours & Holidays
What is a "qualifying day" on Apex?
A trading day where you generated at least the minimum profit threshold (typically $50 net on a $25K, scaling up by account size). Token trades that don't meet the threshold don't count. The 5 qualifying days for first payout (4.0) must all individually meet the minimum.
How many qualifying days do I need for first payout?
5 qualifying days on Apex 4.0 (down from 7 on Legacy). The days don't need to be consecutive, but each must hit the minimum profit threshold for that account size.
Does the minimum profit per qualifying day vary by account size?
Yes, scales with account size. Roughly $50 minimum on a $25K, $100 on $50K, $200 on $100K, $300 on $150K. Verify exact thresholds in your dashboard for the specific account.
Do qualifying days have to be consecutive?
No. The 5 qualifying days can be spread across as long as you want, with non-trading days in between. As long as you eventually log 5 days that each meet the profit minimum, the count progresses.
What are Apex trading hours?
CME trading hours: 6:00 PM ET Sunday open through 4:59 PM ET Friday close, with daily breaks at 5:00-6:00 PM ET. Apex auto-flattens positions at 4:59 PM ET each day. Sunday open at 6:00 PM ET is the start of a new trading week.
What time must positions be closed daily?
4:59 PM ET. Apex auto-flattens any open positions at this time across all accounts and platforms. Anything still open at 4:59 gets liquidated at the closing price, sometimes with bad fills if the market is moving.
Can I hold positions overnight at Apex?
No. Apex auto-flattens at 4:59 PM ET every day. There is no swing or overnight account option.
When does the trading day reset?
6:00 PM ET. After the 5:00-6:00 PM CME maintenance break, the next trading day begins. Daily loss limit resets here, not at midnight. Many new traders trip up by treating midnight as the day boundary; it's not.
Are weekends and holidays considered trading days?
Saturdays no, CME is closed. Holidays generally no, markets close. Sunday opens at 6 PM ET so Sunday evening can technically count as the start of Monday's trading day for daily counting purposes.
Does Apex support trading during CME holiday schedules?
Yes, whenever CME is open, Apex accounts can trade. Holiday early-close days (like the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve) follow CME's schedule. Apex's auto-flatten time adjusts to match CME's early close.
Mandatory Stop-Loss / Take-Profit (March 2026)
Did Apex really make stop-loss mandatory in March 2026?
Yes. As of March 2026, every order on an Apex account must have an attached stop-loss and take-profit. The platform layer (Tradovate, Rithmic) enforces this, orders without SL/TP are rejected at submission.
Does every order need both an SL and a TP attached?
Yes. Both required. Single-sided orders (just SL or just TP) are rejected. Apex requires bracketed orders, entry + stop + target, for every position.
Will Tradovate reject my order without SL/TP?
Yes. Tradovate's order entry rejects unbracketed orders on Apex accounts as of March 2026. The error message references the SL/TP requirement. Same on Rithmic and ProjectX.
Will Rithmic reject my order without SL/TP?
Yes, same enforcement on Rithmic. Apex's rule applies to the account, not the platform.
How does this affect manual entries?
You have to use the platform's bracket-order interface for every entry. Tradovate has bracket orders built in; Rithmic does too. Discretionary scalpers who used to fire one-click entries now have to set SL/TP at the same moment, slower and requires planning before the click.
How does this affect TradingView alerts and webhooks?
If your TradingView strategy has stop-loss and take-profit logic defined, PickMyTrade reads those values from the alert and sends them to Apex automatically. Alternatively, if your strategy only handles entry orders (buy/sell signals), you can configure SL and TP directly inside PickMyTrade when generating your alert, your TradingView strategy handles the entries, and PMT handles the exits using the values you configured.
Does PickMyTrade automatically attach SL/TP?
Yes, in two ways. If your TradingView strategy already includes stop-loss and take-profit logic, PMT reads those values from the alert and forwards them to Apex. If your strategy only sends entry signals, you can configure SL and TP directly inside PickMyTrade during alert setup, PMT then applies those exit values to every outgoing order automatically.
What happens if my strategy doesn't define a stop-loss?
If your strategy doesn't define a stop-loss or take-profit, PMT will forward only the entry order (buy/sell) to your Apex broker, which is fine if that's all you need. If you want SL and TP applied to every trade, you can configure them directly in PickMyTrade when setting up your alert. Enter your desired SL and TP values in the PMT alert configuration and they will be applied to all outgoing orders automatically.
Instruments & Metals Halt
What instruments can I trade on Apex?
Equity index futures (ES, NQ, YM, RTY plus micros MES, MNQ, MYM, M2K), energy (CL, NG plus MCL), rates (ZB, ZN, ZF), currency futures (6E, 6B, 6J, 6A), agricultural (ZC, ZS, ZW), and EUREX (DAX). Metals are currently halted (Gold, Silver, Copper, Platinum, Palladium plus all micros).
Why did Apex halt metals trading in 2026?
Apex halted GC, SI, MGC, HG, PL, PA in early 2026 citing extreme volatility and risk-management considerations. The decision was platform-wide, applies to Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, and ProjectX-hosted Apex accounts. No public timeline for return.
Are Gold, Silver, Micro Gold banned now?
Yes, GC (Gold), SI (Silver), MGC (Micro Gold), QO (Mini Gold), QI (Mini Silver) are all halted. The halt covers full-size and micro contracts equally. Many Apex traders specialized in MGC scalping and had to migrate strategies to other instruments.
Are Copper, Platinum, Palladium also halted?
Yes, HG (Copper), PL (Platinum), PA (Palladium) are also halted along with Gold/Silver. The full metals complex is suspended.
When will metals come back to Apex?
No public timeline as of April 2026. Apex stated they're reviewing quarterly. Watch the Apex announcements page or X account for updates.
Does the metals halt apply to LFA accounts too?
Yes, the halt is firm-wide across Eval, PA, and LFA accounts.
What are the most popular instruments to trade on Apex?
MES (Micro E-mini S&P) and MNQ (Micro E-mini Nasdaq) dominate by trader count, especially on $25K and $50K accounts. ES and NQ get more volume on $100K+ plans. CL (crude oil) is popular for trend-following. With metals halted, traders have shifted toward MES, MNQ, and CL.
Does Apex allow agricultural futures?
Yes, ZC (corn), ZS (soybeans), ZW (wheat) are tradable. Volume is lower than equity index futures, but they trade.
Does Apex allow crypto futures (BTC, ETH)?
Limited. Bitcoin micro futures (MBT) availability varies by account size and platform; full-size BTC futures are typically not allowed on smaller plans due to tick value. Verify your specific account's instrument list in Apex's dashboard.
Are micro futures available on every plan?
Yes, micros are universally available across all Apex plan sizes. They're the primary instrument for $25K and $50K traders.
Hedging, Copy Trading & Multi-Account
Is hedging allowed on Apex?
Cross-account hedging is universally banned (long on one Apex account, short same instrument on another). Within-account opposite directions are now allowed on Apex 4.0 (the One-Direction rule was removed); Legacy 3.0 still prohibits it.
Does the hedging rule apply across multiple accounts?
Yes, strictly enforced. Holding ES long on one Apex account while holding ES short on another is detected (sub-second order timing across IPs and device fingerprints) and triggers immediate account closure plus payout forfeiture. Apex shares blacklist data with other major futures props.
Can I run different strategies long on one Apex account and short on another?
Same instrument, no, that's the hedging ban. Different instruments, yes, long ES on one account, short NQ on another is fine because they're correlated but different products. Same-instrument cross-account opposites is the line.
How many Apex PA accounts can I have?
20 active PA accounts maximum per household. The cap counts across all platforms (Tradovate + Rithmic + NinjaTrader). Buy more than 20 evals and pass them, you can hold the additional ones inactive but only 20 can be active simultaneously.
Does the 20-cap apply across Tradovate, Rithmic, and NinjaTrader?
Yes, 20 across all platforms combined, not 20 per platform. So 10 Tradovate PAs + 10 Rithmic PAs hits the cap.
Can my spouse have separate Apex accounts?
Technically yes, but they count toward the same 20-account household limit per Apex's rules. Apex monitors household relationships and treats spouses as same household. Trying to scale by opening accounts under family members is detected and counted against the cap.
Is copy trading allowed across my own Apex accounts?
Same-direction copy trading across your own multiple Apex accounts is generally permitted, check the official Apex website for the latest compliance rules. With PickMyTrade's Manual Trade Copier, you can copy trades from one Apex account to multiple Apex accounts simultaneously, whether those are your own accounts or client accounts.
Is copy trading from another trader's account allowed?
No. Copy trading from another trader (signal services, follow-trader services, paid Discord rooms) is banned. Only your own strategies on your own accounts.
Will Apex monitor for hedging across spouses' accounts?
Yes. Apex's risk team uses IP, device fingerprint, billing address, and behavioral patterns to identify household-linked accounts. Cross-account hedging detected between spouses' "separate" accounts triggers the same ban as a single-trader violation.
Can I use a VPN to access Apex?
No, Apex prohibits VPN use. Detection is straightforward (datacenter IP ranges flag), and VPN access can result in account closure. If you legitimately need a VPN for security, contact Apex support before connecting; they can sometimes whitelist.
Automation, EAs & Bots
Does Apex allow automated trading?
Yes, semi-automated trading is permitted. Apex requires "actively monitored" automation, meaning a human can intervene. Pure set-and-forget 24/7 unattended bots are prohibited. TradingView alert + webhook + broker = compliant if you supervise.
Are Expert Advisors (EAs) allowed?
Yes for trader-owned EAs that you supervise. Rented or commercial EAs (anything you didn't write yourself) are banned because they create correlated risk across users.
Are bots allowed?
Trader-owned bots: yes. Rented bots and signal-service bots: no. The line is "your code, your strategy, your supervision" vs "someone else's code running unsupervised on your account."
Is high-frequency trading allowed?
No. HFT is banned at Apex, typically defined as sub-2-second hold times, sub-second order rates, or any pattern that exploits simulation tick mechanics. Standard scalping (10+ second holds, 20-50 trades/day) is fine.
Is latency arbitrage allowed?
No, explicitly banned. Latency arb exploits the gap between Apex's simulated quotes and real exchange prices, which is unfair to the simulation. Detection is reliable and bans are immediate.
Are TradingView alerts and webhook automation allowed?
Yes, semi-automated and explicitly allowed. The TradingView alert fires from your charts (your signal source), routes through a webhook bridge like PickMyTrade, and executes on your Apex broker. Apex considers this compliant as long as you're supervising.
Are 24/7 set-and-forget bots allowed?
No. Apex requires human supervision. A bot that runs unsupervised for days while you're on vacation violates the "actively monitored" requirement and risks account closure if detected.
Can I use NinjaTrader strategies (NT8 .cs files)?
Yes, your own NinjaScript strategies are allowed on Apex's NinjaTrader connection. Standard semi-automated supervised use case.
Can I use a copy-trading service across my own Apex accounts?
Yes, same-direction across your own accounts is permitted. PickMyTrade is a well-regarded solution for Apex traders on Tradovate and Rithmic, recognized through customer reviews and community discussions as a reliable fit for multi-account routing. Different traders coordinating on the same signal would still be banned.
What automation will get my account immediately closed?
HFT, latency arbitrage, news straddle bots, fully unsupervised 24/7 bots, copy-trading from another trader's account, and bots violating the SL/TP requirement (post-March 2026). Trader-owned, supervised, normal-frequency strategies are fine.
Platforms: Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, ProjectX
Which platforms does Apex support?
Tradovate (cloud-first, web + desktop + mobile), Rithmic (low-latency execution layer with R|Trader Pro front-end), NinjaTrader (charting + execution, especially popular for Apex). ProjectX support is experimental at Apex as of 2026; primary execution still goes through Tradovate or Rithmic.
How do I set up my Apex account on Tradovate?
Apex provisions Tradovate credentials when you activate your PA. Log in to the Tradovate web app or download the desktop client, paste in your Apex-issued credentials, and the account appears. The dashboard shows your trailing drawdown level in real time.
How do I set up my Apex account on Rithmic?
Apex provides Rithmic credentials and connection details when you activate. You connect through R|Trader Pro or any Rithmic-compatible front-end (NinjaTrader, Quantower, Sierra Chart). Pick the Chicago Area gateway for best latency.
How do I set up Apex with NinjaTrader?
NinjaTrader connects to Apex via either Tradovate or Rithmic underneath. Install NinjaTrader 8, open the Connections menu, add a new connection using your Apex Tradovate or Rithmic credentials, and the account appears. NinjaScript strategies and ATM Strategies work normally.
Does Apex work with TradingView natively?
Apex doesn't have a native TradingView broker panel, there's no "Trade Apex from chart" button in TradingView. The integration is through Tradovate (which IS in TradingView's broker panel for manual orders only). For Pine Script-driven automation, you need a webhook bridge.
How do I connect TradingView to Apex via Tradovate?
There are two ways. For manual trading: connect TradingView to Tradovate using the Tradovate broker plugin inside TradingView (a paid Tradovate subscription is required) and place orders directly from the chart. For strategy automation: use PickMyTrade, connect your Tradovate (Apex) account to PMT, generate a webhook alert in TradingView, and configure it so your strategy's buy/sell signals are routed directly to your Tradovate (Apex) account. You can also use PickMyTrade's Manual Trade Copier to connect multiple Tradovate accounts simultaneously, trade on one account and PMT broadcasts every order to all connected accounts instantly.
Can I trade Apex on ProjectX?
Apex is not supported on ProjectX. ProjectX is designed for prop firms such as Topstep. Apex uses Tradovate and Rithmic as its execution platforms. Check the official ProjectX website and documentation for the current list of supported prop firms.
Why am I getting Rithmic connection errors?
Common causes: wrong gateway selected (use Chicago Area for Apex), VPN active (Rithmic blocks VPN), data feed agreement not signed, credentials still propagating after PA activation, or Rithmic-side outage. Try reconnecting after disabling VPN and re-checking the gateway. If persistent, contact Apex support.
What's the difference between Tradovate and Rithmic for Apex?
Both are excellent platforms for trading Apex. Tradovate is a modern cloud-based platform with an easy-to-use interface available on web, desktop, and mobile, widely used among Apex traders for its simplicity. Rithmic is a professional-grade execution layer known for fast, reliable order routing, often preferred by traders who want more technical control. PickMyTrade fully supports Apex on both Tradovate and Rithmic.
Can I trade the same Apex account on multiple platforms?
No, each Apex account is linked to one platform at activation. You can have multiple Apex accounts each on different platforms, but a single account doesn't run on Tradovate and Rithmic simultaneously.
Does Apex provide free CME data?
Apex includes basic CME data on PA accounts. Real-time CME data on the trader's TradingView side requires a separate subscription ($7/mo retail bundle), Apex's data and TradingView's data are independent.
Can I use mobile apps with Apex?
Yes, Tradovate has full iOS and Android apps that work with Apex accounts. Order entry, position management, P&L viewing all work on mobile. NinjaTrader's mobile is more limited.
PickMyTrade Webhook Setup
Can I automate Apex with PickMyTrade?
Yes, PickMyTrade supports Apex on both Tradovate and Rithmic. For Tradovate, use pickmytrade.trade. For Rithmic, use pickmytrade.io. To set up: connect your Apex broker account in PickMyTrade, then go to Generate Alert to get your JSON configuration and webhook URL. Paste the JSON into your TradingView alert message and add the webhook URL. Once configured, every time your TradingView strategy or indicator fires an alert, it is sent to PickMyTrade which routes it to your broker for execution.
Does PMT work with Apex on Tradovate?
Yes, PickMyTrade fully supports Apex on Tradovate. Tradovate is widely used among Apex traders for its modern cloud interface, ease of setup, and availability on web, desktop, and mobile. Connect your Tradovate (Apex) account at pickmytrade.trade to get started.
Does PMT work with Apex on Rithmic?
Yes, PickMyTrade supports Apex on Rithmic. To connect, go to pickmytrade.io, add a new Rithmic broker connection, and enter your Rithmic username, password, and system name. Rithmic is popular among Apex traders who prefer professional-grade execution. Full setup guide: https://docs.pickmytrade.io/docs/pickmytrade-rithmic-setup/
Does PMT work with Apex on ProjectX?
Apex is not supported on ProjectX. As per the latest update, ProjectX supports Topstep only, check the official ProjectX website for the current list of supported prop firms. For Apex automation with PickMyTrade, connect via Tradovate at pickmytrade.trade or via Rithmic at pickmytrade.io.
How fast is PMT alert to Apex execution?
Sub-200ms median end-to-end: from TradingView alert firing, to PMT receiving, to broker API, to fill confirmation. Worst-case under load: 1-3 seconds. This compares to 10-60 seconds for manual click-through. Fast execution matters for Apex specifically because intraday trailing drawdown can be impacted by slow fills.
Can I automate multiple Apex accounts simultaneously with PMT?
Yes, PickMyTrade supports multiple Apex accounts. Each broker account connection requires its own subscription. You can add and manage all your accounts from a single PickMyTrade dashboard, and each connected account receives the TradingView alerts you configure for it. For a full guide on setting up and managing multiple accounts, see: https://docs.pickmytrade.trade/docs/pickmytrade-account-management/
Does PMT auto-attach the mandatory SL/TP on Apex orders?
PickMyTrade handles SL/TP in two ways. If your TradingView strategy already includes stop-loss and take-profit logic, PMT reads those values from the alert and forwards them to Apex. If your strategy only sends entry signals, you can configure SL and TP directly inside PickMyTrade when setting up your alert, PMT then applies those exit values to every outgoing order automatically.
Will PMT alert me before I breach the trailing drawdown?
You can protect yourself from breaching the drawdown by configuring stop-loss, take-profit, and trailing stop-loss on your trades through PickMyTrade, this ensures each position has defined exits before it can hit your drawdown floor. Additionally, if you want an extra layer of protection at the broker level, you can configure risk settings directly in Tradovate such as trailing max drawdown controls, which will close positions automatically when triggered.
Can PMT enforce Apex's 4:59 PM ET flatten rule?
Yes, using PickMyTrade's Trading Time Settings, you can set a session end time of 16:59 ET (4:59 PM) and configure it to automatically close all open positions and cancel open orders when the session ends. This keeps you flat before the broker cutoff. You can define multiple trading sessions, apply settings per account, and combine with news-aware controls. Full guide: https://docs.pickmytrade.trade/docs/trading-time-settings/
How much does PMT cost on top of Apex fees?
$50/month per broker connection. PickMyTrade supports unlimited accounts under the same broker login with a single subscription, so all your Apex accounts on one Tradovate login are covered under one plan. If you have accounts under a different broker login (e.g., a separate Rithmic login), each login requires its own subscription. Every broker platform has its own separate subscription, Tradovate, Rithmic, IBKR, and others are each $50/month. No per-trade fees. There is a 5-day free trial, no card required, start at pickmytrade.com.
Payouts
How does Apex pay out winners?
Apex 4.0 uses Deel for automated payouts. Request from your dashboard, Deel processes within 24-48 hours. Legacy 3.0 used a manual review process (Wise/ACH) that frequently went into "Under Review" status and could take 7-14 days. The 4.0 automation eliminated most of that delay.
What's the Apex profit split?
100% of the first $25,000 lifetime profit on a PA, then 90/10 split (90% to trader, 10% to Apex) on every dollar above that. The 100% threshold is per-account, not per-trader.
When am I eligible for my first payout?
After 5 qualifying trading days on Apex 4.0 (each must hit the minimum profit threshold for that account size). Plus you must be at least the minimum profit cushion above the trailing drawdown freeze level. Plus you must pass the consistency rule.
What are the payout caps for the first 5 payouts?
First 5 payouts are capped, the cap varies by plan size, roughly $1,500-$5,000 per payout. Cap exists to prevent immediate cash-out after one big day. Verify exact caps for your specific account in the Apex dashboard.
When do payout caps disappear?
After the 6th successful payout on the same PA, caps are removed. From the 6th payout onward you can request the full available profit balance.
What is the safety net rule for first 3 payouts?
For the first 3 payouts, you must maintain a "safety net" cushion, typically $100 above the trailing drawdown freeze level, after the payout is processed. So if a payout would put your balance below the safety net, the payout amount is reduced.
What payout methods does Apex support?
Apex 4.0 uses Deel as the primary processor, supports ACH (US), wire, and crypto (USDT/USDC) for international traders. Plane is also used for international payouts. Wise is no longer the primary path post-4.0. Verify available methods for your country in the dashboard.
How long do ACH payouts take?
1-3 business days through Deel for US ACH on 4.0. International transfers take longer depending on country.
Why does my dashboard say "PAID" but funds haven't arrived?
Apex marks "PAID" when Deel processes the payout, but the bank's posting timeline is independent. ACH typically takes 1-3 business days after Apex's "PAID" status. Crypto is faster, usually within hours.
Are payouts still going "Under Review" in 2026?
Largely no on Apex 4.0 thanks to automation via Deel. Legacy 3.0 still occasionally hits "Under Review" status especially on large payouts. The 4.0 model was specifically designed to eliminate the historical Legacy 3.0 review delays.
Why was my Apex payout denied?
Top causes: consistency rule violation (best day too large vs total), insufficient qualifying days, KYC mismatch (name, address, ID document issue), safety net cushion not met (first 3 payouts), payout cap exceeded (first 5 payouts), or rule violation flagged on the account. Apex emails the specific reason; check the dashboard for details.
Can I request multiple payouts in a month?
Yes, once you've passed the first-payout requirements, subsequent payouts can be requested on a regular cadence. Apex doesn't enforce a hard "one per month" limit; some traders take weekly payouts.
Can I take a payout while holding open positions?
No. The payout calculation uses closed-balance, and Apex requires the account to be flat at the moment of payout request. Close positions, wait for confirmation, then request.
Does Apex withhold taxes from payouts?
No. Apex pays the gross amount and issues a 1099-NEC for US traders. You're responsible for self-employment tax (15.3%) plus ordinary income tax. Set aside ~30-35% of payouts for tax obligations.
Reset, Failure & Recovery
Can I reset a failed Apex evaluation?
Apex 4.0: no, there are no resets. A failed eval requires buying a new evaluation. Apex Legacy 3.0: yes, paid resets are available. The 4.0 model deliberately removed resets in exchange for one-time fees and tighter rules.
How much does an Apex Legacy reset cost?
$80-$160 typical for Legacy 3.0 resets depending on account size. Verify current pricing on the Apex dashboard. Sometimes there are discount codes that apply to resets, sometimes not.
Are reset fees refundable?
No. Reset fees are non-refundable.
What happens after my eval expires unfinished?
Apex 4.0 evaluations have a 30-calendar-day hard limit. If you don't pass within 30 days, the eval expires and you forfeit the evaluation fee. No resets, no extensions, start a new evaluation if you want to try again.
What's the easiest way to recover from a failed Apex account?
For 4.0: buy a new evaluation when a discount code is active (Black Friday, anniversary, weekly promos). Don't immediately re-buy, wait 24 hours, journal what failed, then start fresh with a clear plan. Most "blew 50 accounts" stories on r/PropFirm are about not waiting and re-deploying broken discipline.
What gets my Apex account banned?
Cross-account hedging, copy trading from another trader, HFT, latency arbitrage, VPN use, account sharing, identity fraud (using someone else's KYC documents), credit card chargebacks. These trigger immediate account closure with no refund and may include cross-firm blacklist.
Can I dispute an Apex charge with my bank?
Don't. Chargebacks against Apex result in immediate account closure plus a permanent ban from Apex. They also flag you with the cross-firm prop blacklist. If you have a refund issue, work with Apex support directly.
"Did I breach the trailing drawdown", how can I check?
Open your Apex dashboard or Tradovate platform and look for "BREACHED" or similar status. Apex emails within minutes of a breach. If you're on Intraday and your equity touched the trail at any point, you've breached even if price reversed afterward, the touch is what counts.
Tax, Mobile, Restricted Countries & Comparisons
Will Apex send me a 1099?
Yes, 1099-NEC if you're a US trader who received $600+ in payouts during the tax year. Apex distributes 1099s in late January / early February of the following year via the registered mailing address.
What 1099 form does Apex use?
1099-NEC (Non-Employee Compensation). The income is contractor income, not capital gains. Reported on Schedule C of your tax return.
Are Apex eval fees tax-deductible?
Generally yes as a Schedule C business expense, especially if you're a consistent profitable trader (clear business intent). Failed evals from someone who never passes may be classified as hobby losses. Consult a CPA.
Are failed Apex resets tax-deductible?
Same as eval fees, typically yes as ordinary business expense if you have a serious trading business. Document each one for your records.
Do I file Apex income on Schedule C?
Yes for US traders. Apex payouts go on Schedule C as gross receipts, and you deduct trading-related expenses (eval fees, platform fees, data fees, automation tools, VPS, education) on the same Schedule C. Self-employment tax is calculated on Schedule SE based on net Schedule C income.
Do I owe self-employment tax on Apex payouts?
Yes, 15.3% on the first ~$168,600 in 2026 (verify SSA wage base for the current year), then 2.9% on amounts above. This is on top of ordinary income tax, which can push the total tax rate to 35-50%+. Set aside 30-35% of every payout for tax obligations.
What countries are restricted from Apex?
Roughly 84 restricted countries as of April 2026. The list includes OFAC-sanctioned countries (Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Russia, Belarus) plus some FATF gray-list countries and regions where KYC infrastructure is unreliable. Verify your country at support.apextraderfunding.com before purchasing.
Can I trade Apex if I'm originally from a restricted country but live in the US?
Generally yes if you have legal US residency and US-issued KYC documents (driver's license, SSN, US address). Country of birth doesn't disqualify you, current residency and KYC documents do.
Does Apex have a mobile app?
Apex itself doesn't have a branded mobile app, but Tradovate (Apex's primary platform) has full iOS and Android apps. You can monitor your Apex account, place orders, and manage positions from the Tradovate mobile app.
Can I trade Apex on iPhone / Android?
Yes via Tradovate's mobile app. Order entry, charts, P&L, drawdown level all visible on mobile. Mobile is fine for monitoring and emergency exits but most traders run their primary desktop setup for active trading.
Apex vs Topstep, which is better in 2026?
Apex 4.0 has more flexible rules (50% consistency vs Topstep's stricter rules, no min trading days vs Topstep's 5, allows news trading), more platform options (Tradovate / Rithmic / NinjaTrader / ProjectX vs TopstepX exclusive), and one-time fees vs Topstep's monthly. Topstep has the OG reputation and slightly tighter integration. For automation specifically, Apex wins because TopstepX restricts third-party platforms.
Apex vs MyFundedFutures (MFFU), which is cheaper?
MFFU's Core plan is generally cheaper than Apex's eval at the same account size, especially because MFFU eliminated activation fees entirely in July 2025. Apex 4.0 eval + activation fee combined sometimes exceeds MFFU's all-in cost. Both allow automation; MFFU is more permissive on copy trading.
Apex vs Tradeify, quality comparison?
Tradeify 3.0 (March 2026) eliminated subscriptions like Apex 4.0 did. Tradeify's Lightning plan offers instant funding which Apex doesn't. Tradeify allows news trading freely; Apex 4.0 also allows it. Apex has bigger search volume and longer track record; Tradeify has won "Most User Friendly" prop firm awards. Both are reasonable choices.
Did Topstep also halt metals like Apex did?
Topstep restricted some metals contracts in early 2026, similar industry response to volatility. Specifics vary; check Topstep's permitted products list for current state.
Can I run Apex on Mac?
Yes. Tradovate has a native Mac client. NinjaTrader requires Parallels or a VM on Mac. Most Mac users go with Tradovate web or the Tradovate desktop app for Apex.
What's the Apex Discord, is it official?
Apex maintains an official Discord community accessible from the support site. Active community discussions, payout announcements, rule clarifications. Always verify "official Apex" Discord links from apextraderfunding.com, fake Apex Discords exist for phishing.
Automate Your Apex Account in 5 Minutes
PickMyTrade routes TradingView alerts to Apex via Tradovate and Rithmic. Include SL/TP in your alert JSON to meet the mandatory March 2026 bracket rule. Sub-200ms execution. $50/month per broker connection.
Disclaimer
This FAQ is for informational and educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Apex Trader Funding rule references are compiled from apextraderfunding.com, support.apextraderfunding.com, the Apex Funded Trader Agreement, real user discussions on Reddit (r/PropFirm, r/Daytrading, r/futures), Discord, and our day-to-day work helping traders automate Apex accounts. Apex updates rules frequently, verify directly on the official help center before acting.
Apex 4.0 launched March 1,2026 and replaced the legacy Apex 3.0 model. Many published resources online still reference 3.0 rules (MAE, 5:1 risk-reward, 7-day minimum trading days, monthly subscriptions). This page is written for the 4.0 model and flags Legacy 3.0 differences where relevant; if you hold a Legacy 3.0 account, the original rules of that account version still apply.
PickMyTrade is an automation bridge between TradingView and supported brokers. PickMyTrade is not a broker, not a prop firm, and not affiliated with Apex Trader Funding. PickMyTrade does not hold customer funds, does not place trades without your alert, and does not guarantee trade outcomes. Apex rule decisions, payout approval, account closure, and KYC are between you and Apex.
Past performance does not predict future results. Prop firm trading carries a real risk of loss including loss of evaluation fees, activation fees, and reset fees. Most Apex accounts (eval and PA) are simulated; Live Funded Accounts are a separate tier. Statistical pass rates are industry estimates. Consult a licensed financial advisor and a tax professional before trading or relying on Apex income. Apex 1099-NEC reporting and the resulting US tax treatment are your responsibility.
"Apex Trader Funding," "Tradovate," "Rithmic," "ProjectX," "NinjaTrader," "TradingView," "Pine Script," "PickMyTrade," and other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Subreddit names (r/PropFirm, r/Daytrading, r/futures, r/algotrading) are independent communities not affiliated with Apex or PickMyTrade.
Last updated: April 2026. Reflects Apex 4.0 (launched March 1,2026), the metals halt (early 2026), and the mandatory SL/TP rule (March 2026).