Day Trader Funding vs Apex Trader Funding
See why traders are switching.
A transparent, side-by-side breakdown of pricing, rules, drawdown, fees, and payouts. No fluff — just facts so you can make the right choice.
Last updated: February 2026 • Pricing verified against apextraderfunding.com
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 🟢 Day Trader Funding | Apex Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | One-time fee | Monthly subscription |
| 50K Account Cost | $249 | $167/mo (80% off sales → ~$33/mo) |
| 100K Account Cost | $419 | $207/mo (→ ~$41/mo on sale) |
| 150K Account Cost | $599 | $297/mo (→ ~$59/mo on sale) |
| Drawdown Type | EOD (Eval) → Two‑phase Funded (intraday → EOD) | Trailing Threshold (Intraday) |
| Daily Loss Limit | None ✅ | No (but trailing threshold acts similarly) |
| Min Trading Days | 3 days | 7 days |
| Data Fees | $0 — included | $85/mo for Rithmic data |
| Reset Cost | $79 / $129 / $169 | $80 per reset |
| Payout Speed | Same-day / next business day | Monthly payouts (after consistency period) |
| Profit Split | 80% | 100% on first $25K, then 90/10 |
| Evaluation Steps | 1 step | 1 step → Performance Account (PA) |
| News Trading | Allowed | Allowed |
| Time Limit | None | None |
About Apex Trader Funding Pricing — What You'll Actually Pay
Apex is famous for running near-permanent 80% off promotions. Their 'list price' is essentially fiction — almost nobody pays it. A 50K account that lists at $167/mo typically costs ~$33/mo. However, you still pay $85/mo in Rithmic data fees on top of the sale price.
We're showing you both prices because we believe in honesty. Every trader who's shopped around knows these sales exist. Pretending otherwise would be dishonest.
But here's the thing: Even at their typical sale price of ~$33/mo for a 50K account, you'd pay $708 over 6 months vs Day Trader Funding's one-time $249. That's still $459 more — and the gap keeps growing every month.
Where Apex Trader Funding Wins 👏
We believe in honesty. Here's where Apex has genuine advantages:
- ✓Very popular with a large community of traders
- ✓Frequent sales and coupon codes (often 50–80% off)
- ✓100% profit split on first $25K payouts
- ✓Larger account sizes available (up to 300K)
- ✓No daily loss limit
- ✓Generous trailing threshold amounts
Where Day Trader Funding Wins 🏆
Here's why thousands of traders are switching to DTF:
- 💰One-Time Fee vs Monthly Subscription
Pay once ($249–$599) and trade forever. No recurring charges draining your account while you're still learning. Apex Trader Funding charges $167–$657/mo — that adds up fast.
- 📡$0 Data Fees — Forever
Real-time CME, CBOT, NYMEX & COMEX data included at no charge. Other firms charge $55–$135/mo for the same feeds. Apex Trader Funding charges $85/mo.
- 📊Two‑Phase Drawdown (Intraday → EOD)
Funded accounts start with intraday trailing while you clear the buffer, then switch to EOD trailing after it’s cleared — more room for intraday swings. Evaluation uses EOD trailing from the start. Apex uses a trailing threshold drawdown that follows your account balance in real-time during the trading day. This is more restrictive than EOD trailing and can stop you out during normal market pullbacks.
- ⚡3-Day Minimum — Pass in 3 Days
No waiting around. Hit your profit target in one session and you're funded. Apex Trader Funding requires a minimum of 7 trading days.
- 🚫No Daily Loss Limit
One bad session won't end your account. You only need to stay above your trailing drawdown floor — no arbitrary daily caps.
- 🔄Cheapest Resets in the Industry
Reset your evaluation for just $79 (50K), $129 (100K), or $169 (150K). Most competitors charge more — or force you to re-subscribe for a full month.
- 💸Day-1 payout Eligibility
Request a payout from your very first day as a funded trader. Same-day or next business day processing. No waiting periods.
Cost Comparison Over 6 Months
Most traders take 2–6 months to pass an evaluation. Here's what each firm costs if you're still evaluating after 6 months — the reality for many traders.
50K Account
You save with DTF (vs sale price)
$459
vs list price: save $1,263
100K Account
You save with DTF (vs sale price)
$337
vs list price: save $1,333
150K Account
You save with DTF (vs sale price)
$265
vs list price: save $1,693
* Apex Trader Funding list price = monthly fee × 6 months + $85/mo data fees. Sale price reflects typical 80% off discount (near-permanent — sales run almost every week). Day Trader Funding is a one-time fee with no additional charges.
12-Month Cost Breakdown
Here's the real math: what you'll spend over a full year, including typical resets.
Apex Trader Funding (50K Account)
Day Trader Funding (50K Account)
Your 12-month savings with DTF
$1,169
That's $97/month back in your pocket
“Apex's 80% off sales looked great until I realized I was still paying $118/month with data fees. After 10 months of intraday trailing drawdown wrecking my trades, I was down $1,180 with nothing to show. DTF's one-time $249 and EOD drawdown finally let me trade my actual strategy.”
David R.
Switched from Apex after 10 months ($1,180 spent)
The Bottom Line
Apex Trader Funding is a solid prop firm with very popular with a large community of traders. If you value very popular with a large community of traders, Apex could be a reasonable choice.
But here's the math that matters: Apex Trader Funding's monthly subscription means you're paying every month whether you're actively trading or taking a break. At list price ($167/mo), 6 months costs $1,512 for a 50K account. Even at their typical sale price (~$33/mo), that's still $708 — vs Day Trader Funding's one-time $249.
Add in DTF's two‑phase drawdown (intraday → EOD after buffer), $0 data fees, 3-day minimum, no daily loss limit, and day-1 payout eligibility — and the choice becomes clear.
If you're tired of paying monthly for the privilege of proving yourself, Day Trader Funding lets you pay once and focus on what matters: your trading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apex Trader Funding or DayTrader Funding cheaper?▼
Does Apex have EOD drawdown?▼
How long does it take to pass Apex?▼
Does Apex charge data fees?▼
Ready to Stop Paying Monthly?
Get your funded futures account with a one-time fee. $0 data fees. Two‑phase drawdown: intraday while clearing buffer → EOD after. 3-day minimum. Day-1 payouts.
50K, 100K & 150K accounts available • See full trading rules