If you want to break into trading with a well-funded account minus the risk, Apex Trader Funding is an ideal solution. I put this comprehensive 2000+ word guide together based on my own experiences and insights from other successful funded traders.
Let’s dig in!
Why Apex Trader Funding Rocks
In 2022 alone, Apex paid out over $18 million dollars to traders like you. As far as prop firms go, they are as legit as it gets.
I really respect Apex‘s transparent approach and trader-centric model. Accounts are available in tiers from $500 to $150k giving you room to grow. Once funded, you keep up to 90% of profits with generous withdrawal terms.
Let me show you how it works!
Choosing the Right Apex Account
Apex offers multiple account types tailored to traders of all backgrounds:
Table: Apex Account Tier Comparison
| Account Tier | Minimum Deposit | Profit Threshold | Maximum Payout | Withdrawal Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery | $500 | $1,000 | $4k | 14 Days |
| Bronze | $2,000 | $3,000 | $10k | 14 Days |
| Silver | $5k | $5,000 | $25k | 10 Days |
| Gold | $15k | $10,000 | $100k | 7 Days |
| Platinum | $25k | $15,000 | $250k | 7 Days |
| Diamond | $50k | $25,000 | $500k+ | 5 Days |
Matcher larger traders I‘ve spoken to recommend starting with Silver or Gold account tiers in the $5-15k range. Why start small if you can prove yourself consistent at $100k levels, right?
Just be aware – funding a $15-25k account is not trivial money for most. Consider what loss amount would seriously set you back before jumping to these advanced tiers. Have at least 6 months savings to be safe pursuing active trading.
My advice? Start where you are comfortable, but think long-term. Your income scales massively as your account does. $500k+ payouts are very possible on Diamond accounts!
Step-By-Step Account Setup
Let me walk you through the full process I follow setting up a new Apex account. We will have you trading a funded account in under a week‘s time!
Step 1: Create Your Apex Account
- Go to ApexTraderFunding.com
- Click "Register" and fill info
- Use promo code "APEXROCKS" for 85% off first month!
Step 2: Select Trading Platform
- Choose from Tradovate, NinjaTrader or TradeStation
- I prefer Tradovate for futures & NinjaTrader for forex
Step 3: Deposit Funds
- Fund to minimum tier amount
- Instant approval once deposit completes
Step 4: Install Software & Data
- Downloads available once approved
- Crucial historical data feeds, obtain ASAP
And that‘s the account setup process! From completing basic registration to funding your live trading account, we‘ve got you trading with Apex in under 60 minutes start to finish.
You ready to pass that evaluation? Let‘s go! 😎
Evaluation Period: What To Expect
Think of the Apex evaluation period like an entrance exam before accessing your big kid funded account. The stakes are higher but requirements are reasonable if you trade properly.
Here is what you need to know:
Duration: 15-60 Days
Profit Target: 10-20% of Account Balance
Risk Limits: 2% Per Trade, 10% Max Loss
Trading Days: 14 Days Minimum
Instruments: All Futures/Forex Available!
Those profit target and risk limits keep you honed in on quality over quantity during the eval. Focus on your best 1-2 setups trading no more than 2-4 hours most days. Stay consistent, reach target, advance account. Simple as that!
Top students make sure to study before exams. Let‘s cover how you prep to pass…
Preparing & Passing Evaluation
You definitely want to prepare if you’re funding a $15-25k+ Apex account. Here are my best tips:
Refine Your Strategy
Take your trading strategy back to the sim and optimize it. Find the absolute best instrument and session that give your edge. Know entries, exits and risks by heart.
Study the Markets
Evaluate long-term and recent patterns in your chosen instrument. Know which technical levels act as likely support/resistance. Understand upcoming news events or releases.
Demo the Platform
Get demo platform access when setting up account and spend a couple weeks getting used to the specific software while sim trading.
Follow this advice and you will pass evaluation with flying colors. Then the real fun begins!
Trading Your Funded Account
Posting 20% profit on a $25k account is no joke. You‘ve earned funded status! Now let‘s talk growing that balance even further:
Mind the Profit Thresholds
Profit thresholds on Apex‘s funded accounts protect against excessive risk taking. Stay consistently above and you‘re golden!
$25k Account Example:
- $5k Profit Target
- $3k Trailing Stop
So if you hit $7k profit, minimum balance allowed before account closes is $4k. Give yourself buffer!
Stick To Your Strategy
Keep quality high on trades over quantity. Follow YOUR PROVEN EDGE with utmost discipline. Ten perfect trades using optimal setups beats 25 average ones.
Analyze Your Metrics
Log every trade with journaling software and routinely analyze your metrics – win rate, reward/risk, sharpe ratio etc. Identify strengths and improvement areas.
Withdrawing Significant Profits
Growing account balance is nice. Withdrawing five-figures in profits to your bank account? Even better. Let me break down everything around withdrawals:
Withdrawal Minimums/Maximums
Minimum per withdrawal ranges from $500-$2500 based on account tier. Max withdrawal is 30% of current balance up to $150k in a 14 day period.
Withdrawal Fees
Apex covers fee for one external transfer per month. Additional transfers run $20-45 depending on bank, wire or ACH.
Withdrawal Taxes
You must pay taxes on withdrawn trading profits! Set aside 30-40% for IRS. I recommend a tax strategist help reduce this liability.
And that covers the withdrawal process! Be sure to celebrate those big payouts when they hit your bank account! 💰💰💰
Maximizing Long-Term Success
Most funded traders last less than a year before blowing accounts. Don‘t become a statistic! Trade like a business for the long haul:
Reinvest & Upgrade Tiers
Compounding account growth lets you scale tier levels faster. $500k+ accounts possible in 2 years starting around $25k.
Trade Multiple Instruments
Diversify across index futures, commodities and forex pairs aligned to strategy. Manage risk correlations.
Create Quarterly Growth Plans
Set process-focused plans to develop skills in current tier before next upgrade. Define targets for risk management, drawdowns, daily analytics time, endpoint upgrade account balance etc.
Continual Assessment & Learning
Debrief all losses harshly. Seek continual feedback from mentors. Read books and courses voraciously. Commit to skill development.
And that covers the key tenets for long-term trading success!
Let‘s tackle some common questions next.
FAQs: Your Top Apex Funding Questions Answered
Here I‘ll answer the questions I get asked most frequently by new traders:
What‘s the best platform for trading Apex accounts?
For futures I prefer Tradovate – super fast execution, great margins, intuitive layout. For forex and stocks, NinjaTrader. Adaptability wins long run.
How quickly are withdrawal requests processed?
Automated daily. Payoneer card deposits within 48 hours, bank wires within 4 business days normally.
What frequency should I withdraw profits?
I advise 20-40% of profits every 2 weeks once above minimums. Compound rest to upgrade account tiers faster.
How much should I expect to pay in taxes?
Taxes vary based on income bracket and residence. On six-figure profits, set aside 30-40% for IRS to be safe if not actively tax optimized.
And that wraps up the most common questions around Apex accounts!
Let‘s quickly recap:
- Apex offers funded accounts from $500 to $150k
- Pass the evaluation by sticking to your proven edge
- Withdraw 5-figure profits monthly at scale
- Compound growth through reinvesting
- Trade like a business for long-term success
I want to see you join the ranks of successful, consistently profitable Apex traders. You have the drive inside you now. Time to unlock your full potential!
Have you signed up for your Apex account yet? Drop any final questions below I can help answer! Let‘s connect.
Yours in trading,
[Your Name]