What Traders Need to Know About the New Rules, Drawdown Models, and Payout Structure
Prop trading firms evolve quickly, and Apex Trader Funding has recently introduced several changes to how their accounts operate, the best part is the EOD DD. These updates affect how drawdown is calculated, how accounts behave during trading, and how withdrawals work once a trader passes an evaluation.
For traders exploring futures prop firm opportunities, understanding these changes is essential. The structure of an account determines how risk is measured, how flexible trading can be, and how quickly withdrawals can occur.
In this article we break down:
- What has changed with Apex Trader Funding
- How the new system differs from the older model
- What is required to pass an evaluation
- What happens after passing
- When withdrawals can start and how much can be withdrawn
What Has Changed at Apex Trader Funding
One of the most significant recent updates is the introduction of End-of-Day (EOD) drawdown accounts, alongside the traditional intraday drawdown model.
This fundamentally changes how account risk is measured.
Previously, the drawdown level would move dynamically during trades. Now, depending on the account type selected, the drawdown may only adjust at the end of the trading day.
This provides a different trading environment and has become a major talking point among futures traders.
How the Old System Worked
Historically, Apex accounts used a trailing drawdown that followed the highest unrealised equity during a trade.
For example:
Example – $50,000 account
Starting balance
$50,000
Maximum drawdown
$2,500
Initial threshold
$47,500
If the account briefly reached $50,875 during a trade, the trailing threshold would move to $48,375 even if the trade later closed lower.
This meant the drawdown level could move higher during open trades, which sometimes caused accounts to fail even when the final trade result was profitable.
The New End-of-Day Drawdown Model
The newer account model adjusts the drawdown once per day instead of continuously during trades.
With an End-of-Day drawdown structure:
- the drawdown is recalculated based on the closing balance of the day
- temporary fluctuations during trades do not immediately change the drawdown level
- the next trading session starts with a new threshold based on the prior day’s result
This creates a different type of trading environment compared with intraday trailing drawdown models.
What Is Required to Pass the Apex Evaluation
To access a funded account, traders must complete an evaluation stage.
While details vary slightly by account size, the process generally includes:
1. Reach the profit target
Each account has a defined profit goal.
Example:
50K evaluation account
Typical target
$3,000
100K evaluation account
Typical target
$6,000
There is no fixed time limit, allowing traders to progress at their own pace.
2. Stay within the maximum drawdown
Each account has a maximum loss limit.
Example
50K account
Maximum loss threshold $2,500
If the account equity drops below that level, the evaluation ends.
3. Follow the consistency rule
Apex applies a rule where no single trading day can represent more than 30% of total profits when requesting withdrawals.
Example
If your highest day is
$1,500 profit
Your total account profit must be at least
$5,000
before requesting a withdrawal.
This rule is designed to encourage consistent trading rather than relying on one large day.
What Happens After Passing
Once the evaluation target is reached and all conditions are satisfied, the account transitions into a Performance Account (PA).
At this stage the trader continues trading under the same risk structure but becomes eligible to request withdrawals.
Withdrawal Structure Explained
Apex uses a structured withdrawal system with several important details.
Profit split
- 100% of the first $25,000 in profits goes to the trader
- After that the split becomes 90 / 10 (trader keeps 90%)
This structure is applied per account.
When Can the First Withdrawal Be Requested
Traders cannot withdraw immediately after passing.
To request a payout the following conditions typically apply:
- at least 8 trading days must pass
- at least 5 profitable trading days must be recorded
Once these requirements are met, a withdrawal request can be submitted through the Apex dashboard.
Payout requests are usually reviewed within about two business days, with funds arriving several days later depending on the payment provider.
Minimum Balance Required Before Withdrawing
Before requesting a withdrawal, the account must remain above a minimum threshold.
Example thresholds
| Account Size | Minimum Balance |
|---|---|
| 50K account | $52,600 |
| 100K account | $103,100 |
These thresholds ensure the account remains above the drawdown limit after a withdrawal.
How Much Can Be Withdrawn Initially
Early withdrawals have limits depending on the account size.
Example limits for the first five withdrawals:
| Account Size | Maximum Withdrawal |
|---|---|
| 50K account | $2,000 |
| 100K account | $2,500 |
| 150K account | $2,750 |
The minimum withdrawal amount is typically $500.
After the first several payouts, restrictions may be lifted and withdrawals can become significantly larger if the account balance allows.
Example Timeline from Evaluation to First Withdrawal
A simplified example using a 50K account:
Step 1
Purchase evaluation account
Step 2
Reach $3,000 profit target while remaining above the drawdown threshold
Step 3
Receive Performance Account
Step 4
Trade at least 8 days with at least 5 profitable days
Step 5
Account reaches minimum withdrawal level of $52,600
Step 6
Request first withdrawal (up to $2,000)
Processing time
Usually about 5 to 11 business days from request to funds arriving depending on location.
Costs to Maintain an Apex Account
Accounts require a monthly data and platform fee.
Typical cost range
Approximately
$85 to $105 per month depending on the platform connection.
This fee continues while the account remains active.
Final Take on the EOD DD Changes
The recent updates from Apex Trader Funding have introduced a more flexible account structure, particularly with the addition of End-of-Day drawdown models.
Understanding how the evaluation works, how drawdown is calculated, and how withdrawals operate can help traders better prepare before attempting a challenge.
While the rules are structured, they are designed to measure consistency, risk control, and discipline over time.
For traders researching futures prop trading opportunities, taking the time to understand the mechanics of each account type is a critical step before getting started.
