Apex Trader vs TradeDay - Prop Firm Comparison
Introduction
Apex Trader Funding and TradeDay are both American futures firms built for traders chasing funded futures accounts, which makes this a closer matchup than most. Apex, founded in Austin in 2021, is the heavyweight by sheer volume, with more than 17,800 Trustpilot reviews at 4.4/5. TradeDay, founded in Chicago in 2020, is smaller but rated even higher at 4.6/5, and it leans on a reputation for trader education and support.
Their evaluations look alike at first glance: both are single-step challenges with a 6% profit target and a trailing drawdown that freezes once you reach your starting balance. The differences sit in the detail. Apex offers a wider ladder of account sizes, from $25K up to $250K, and pays up to 100% of profits (the full first $25,000, then 90/10). TradeDay keeps a tighter set, at $50K, $100K and $150K, and starts you on an 80% split from day one that rises toward 95%. TradeDay also lets you choose your drawdown type and asks for only 5 minimum trading days, against 7 at Apex.
So the gap is less about what you trade and more about how you want to be funded. Apex appeals if you want the largest community, the biggest account ceiling, and a shot at an effective 100% split. TradeDay appeals if you value a higher satisfaction rating, a lower 5-day minimum, an 80%-from-day-one structure, and a say in how your drawdown works. Both are credible futures firms; this one comes down to account size, split structure, and how much the drawdown rules matter to your style.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | TradeDay |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Founded | 2021 | — |
| Profit Split | 100% first $25,000, then 90/10 | 50/50 below $4,000; 80/20 above $4,000; 90/10 at Funded Live |
| Maximum Account Size | $300,000 | — |
| Evaluation Phases | 1 | 1 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Expert Grade | 8.8 | 8.9 |
Program Types
| Program | Apex Trader Funding | TradeDay |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Program | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Program | Yes | Yes |
| Scaling Options | Yes | Yes |
| Demo Account | — | Yes |
Rules & Assessment
| Criteria | Apex Trader Funding | TradeDay |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | 5-6% | $10,000 gross ceiling (Quick Pay) |
| Maximum Drawdown | Trailing drawdown (locks at starting balance) | $2,000/$3,000/$4,500 by account size; trailing, freezing at starting balance |
| Minimum Trading Days | — | 5 |
| News Trading | Yes | No |
Fees & Pricing
| Option | Apex Trader Funding | TradeDay |
|---|---|---|
| $10K Account | — | — |
| $25K Account | $47 | — |
| $50K Account | $67 | — |
| $100K Account | $97 | 115-160/month |
| $200K Account | — | — |
| Refund Policy | — | No refunds after purchase |
| Coupons / Discount | Apex Trader Funding discount | TradeDay discount |
Platforms & Markets
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | TradeDay |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms | Tradovate, Rithmic, WealthCharts | — |
| Forex | Yes | No |
| Stocks | Yes | No |
| Indices | Yes | — |
| Commodities | Yes | No |
| Cryptocurrencies | — | No |
| Bonds | Yes | — |
| EA/Algo Trading | Yes | — |
Payout
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | TradeDay |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Terms | Bi-weekly (min 8 trading days between requests, 5 days with $50+ profit) | Minimum $250 |
| See all prop firm payouts → | ||
Verdict
| Key Element | Apex Trader Funding | TradeDay |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | $378M+ payouts verified, 17,800+ Trustpilot reviews, 20 simultaneous accounts, No daily loss limit, 100% profit on first $25K per account | No daily drawdown, earned split, transparent pass rates (36%), trader-friendly consistency rule, Day One payouts |
| Weaknesses | 4:59 PM ET close requirement, 5:1 max risk-to-reward ratio, 30% consistency rule at payout, Learning curve for beginners | $10,000 profit ceiling confiscates excess, 50/50 starting split, metals banned, Quick Pay converts to intraday when funded, monthly subscription model |
| Best For | Serious futures day traders seeking scalability and capital protection | Futures traders avoiding daily loss limits; transparent disclosure valued |
FAQ
Are Apex Trader and TradeDay both futures-only?
Yes. Both firms fund traders exclusively on CME Group futures – index, energy, metals and currency contracts. Neither offers forex or CFD funded accounts.
Which firm pays out faster?
TradeDay is the faster of the two for new funded traders, offering day-one payouts with no consistency rule. Apex Trader processes bi-weekly payouts within 24 hours of request.
Which firm has the better profit split?
Apex Trader pays 100% of your first $25,000 then 90/10, giving the larger upfront window. TradeDay starts at 80% from day one and scales up to 95% for consistent performers, so it can edge ahead over the long run.
Can I trade during news on each firm?
Apex Trader permits news trading. TradeDay does not allow trading during major economic news releases, which is common among futures specialists to limit slippage risk.
How do account sizes and scaling compare?
Apex Trader offers larger individual accounts, up to $250,000. TradeDay caps individual accounts at $150,000 but lets you run up to six simultaneous accounts to scale total exposure.
Apex Trader vs TradeDay: which has the higher profit split?
Apex has the higher ceiling. It pays 100% of your first $25,000 in profit and 90/10 after that, so a strong run can reach an effective 100%. TradeDay starts everyone at 80% from day one and scales toward 95%. If maximum split is the priority, Apex edges it; if you want a solid split from your very first payout, TradeDay’s 80%-from-day-one is appealing.
Which is faster to get funded, Apex or TradeDay?
TradeDay has the lower time bar, a 5 trading day minimum versus Apex’s 7. Both use a single-step, 6% target evaluation, so the difficulty is similar; TradeDay simply lets you complete it in fewer days, which can shorten the time to a funded account.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
This comparison was compiled using the published review data on JoinProp for each firm. All figures – account sizes, profit splits, drawdown rules, platforms and payout structures – are taken from each firm’s review page. Where a detail is not publicly disclosed, the cell reads “Not specified.” Verify current terms directly with Apex Trader and TradeDay before purchasing a challenge.
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