Apex Trader Funding Payout Policy: Complete Guide to Rules in 2025
Understanding Apex Trader Funding's payout structure is crucial for maximizing your earnings. From profit splits to safety nets and withdrawal timelines, here's everything you need to know about getting paid in 2025.
When choosing a prop trading firm, the payout structure can make or break your experience. Apex Trader Funding has built a reputation in the futures trading space, but their payout rules contain important details that every trader should understand before requesting their first withdrawal. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Apex's 2025 payout policy.
Profit Split Structure
Apex offers one of the more competitive profit splits in the industry, though it operates on a tiered system:
- First $25,000: You keep 100% of profits across all your accounts
- After $25,000: You receive 90% of profits
This means if you're trading multiple accounts, once you've collectively earned $25,000 in payouts, all subsequent withdrawals will be at the 90% split rate.
Payout Frequency and Trading Day Requirements
One of Apex's standout features is their relatively fast payout cycle. You can request a withdrawal every 8 trading days, which is more frequent than many competitors.
What Counts as a Trading Day?
A trading day runs from 6 PM ET to 5 PM ET the next day. This is crucial to understand because:
- Trading Sunday at 6 PM and Monday morning counts as one trading day (Monday)
- Trading Monday morning and Tuesday morning counts as two separate trading days
- Early market close holidays typically don't count as separate trading days
To request a payout, you must have:
- 8 separate trading days with actual trades placed
- At least 5 of those days with $50+ profit
- Met the minimum balance requirements (detailed below)
Your trading day count updates after 6 PM ET, so if today is your 8th trading day, you'll need to wait until after 6 PM to submit your request.
Minimum Balance Requirements
Before you can request a payout, your account must exceed the trailing drawdown level. Here are the minimum balances required:
- $25K Account: $26,600 minimum balance
- $50K Account: $52,600 minimum balance
- $100K Account: $103,100 minimum balance
- $150K Account: $155,100 minimum balance
- $250K Account: $256,600 minimum balance
- $300K Account: $307,600 minimum balance
- $100K Static Account: $102,600 minimum balance
For example, with a $50K account at $52,000, you cannot request a payout. You need at least $52,600.
The Safety Net Rule (First Three Payouts)
Apex implements a safety net requirement for your first three approved payouts. This is designed to protect both you and the firm from excessive account drawdown.
How the Safety Net Works
The safety net equals your account's max drawdown plus $100. For a $50K account with a $2,500 drawdown limit, the safety net is $2,600.
Key Rules:
- Applies only to payouts 1-3
- You can always request the minimum $500 payout once you hit the minimum balance
- For payouts above $500, your balance must exceed the safety net by the additional amount requested
Safety Net Example
Let's say you have a $50K account (safety net = $2,600) and your balance is $52,600:
- You can request $500 minimum (leaving $52,100, which encroaches on the safety net by the allowed $500)
- To request $1,200, you'd need a balance of at least $53,300 (safety net + $700 additional above the $500 minimum)
- After requesting $1,200, your balance would be $52,100, which is acceptable
Maximum Payout Limits
Apex places caps on your first five payouts, but these limits are removed starting with your sixth withdrawal.
First Five Payouts (Maximum Amounts)
- $25K Account: $1,500 maximum per payout period
- $50K Account: $2,000 maximum per payout period
- $100K Account: $2,500 maximum per payout period
- $150K Account: $2,750 maximum per payout period
- $250K Account: $3,000 maximum per payout period
- $300K Account: $3,500 maximum per payout period
- $100K Static Account: $1,000 maximum per payout period
Minimum payout: $500 for all account sizes
Sixth Payout and Beyond: 100% Access
Starting with your sixth approved payout, all maximum limits are removed. You can withdraw any amount, provided you maintain the minimum balance threshold.
This means you can reach full payout potential in as few as 48 trading days (approximately 2 months and one week) if you request payouts every 8 trading days.
Payout Processing Timeline
Understanding the approval and payment timeline is critical for managing your expectations and cash flow.
Approval Process
- Requests are reviewed and approved within 2 business days
- If your request is still "under review" by the morning of the third business day, Apex has likely requested additional information from you
- Special case reviews may take longer depending on response time
Payment Delivery
Once approved, payments take 3-4 business days to reach your bank account, though this can vary based on your financial institution and factors like weekends and holidays.
Important: Do not submit support tickets about payment status until 7 business days after approval.
Critical Payout Request Rules
Cannot Edit or Cancel
Once you submit a payout request, it cannot be changed, edited, or canceled. This is firm policy with no exceptions.
As soon as you request a payout, trade your account as if that money has already been removed from your balance.
Trading During Pending Payouts
Yes, you can continue trading immediately after requesting a payout. You don't need to wait for approval.
However, if your balance falls below the minimum required before approval, your request will be denied. There's no need to request cancellation—it will simply be denied automatically.
What Happens If You Blow the Account?
- Pending or Under Review: If you blow the account while your request is pending, you will not receive the payout
- Approved: If your request is already approved and then you blow the account, you will still receive the approved amount
Managing Multiple Accounts
Each account is treated as a separate, standalone entity. This creates significant earning potential:
If you have 10 $50K accounts, you can withdraw $2,000 from each account every 8 trading days for a total of $20,000 per cycle, or $40,000 every 16 trading days.
Your $25,000 100% profit threshold applies across all accounts combined, not per account.
Probation and Compliance
If your account is placed on probation, you must address specific compliance issues before you can continue requesting payouts. Review your member dashboard for probation details and required next steps.
Payout approvals require full compliance with the PA Contract Agreement and Consistency Rules, which are available on the Apex website and in your member area.
Payment Method and Tax Information
Setting Up Payments
You must complete the PA Payout Method section in your back office before you can submit payout requests. Ensure your payment details are accurate, as requests cannot be edited after submission.
Tax Obligations
- You're paid as an independent contractor
- US citizens and entities receive a 1099-NEC form by January 31 each year
- Keep your address updated to receive tax documents
- Non-US citizens do not receive 1099 forms
Apex cannot provide tax advice. Consult a tax professional for questions about filings, citizenship, work visas, or tax obligations.
Best Practices for Apex Payouts
- Track your trading days carefully using Rithmic or Tradovate to know when you're eligible
- Plan your payout amounts around the safety net rules for your first three withdrawals
- Submit requests strategically knowing they cannot be canceled
- Continue trading conservatively after requesting a payout, accounting for the requested amount
- Meet the 5-day profit requirement by ensuring at least 5 of your 8 trading days show $50+ profit
- Don't contact support prematurely about approval status or payment delivery
- Maintain accurate payment information to avoid delays or issues
Final Thoughts
Apex Trader Funding's payout structure is competitive, particularly with the 8-day cycle and eventual removal of maximum limits. The safety net rule adds complexity to your first three payouts, but it's manageable with proper planning.
The key to success with Apex is understanding these rules thoroughly before you start trading. Know your minimum balance requirements, track your trading days accurately, and plan your payout requests carefully since they cannot be modified.
With the potential to reach unlimited payouts by your sixth withdrawal in just over two months, Apex offers an attractive path for consistent traders who can navigate the initial safety net period and maintain compliance with their trading rules.
Disclaimer: Payout policies can change. Always verify the current rules directly with Apex Trader Funding before making trading or financial decisions. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.