Apex Trader Funding vs OneUp Trader – Prop Firm Comparison

Published: · Last updated:

Introduction

Apex Trader and OneUp Trader are both futures prop firms built around CME Group markets, which makes them direct competitors for traders who want funded access to contracts like ES, NQ, CL and GC. Apex Trader, founded 2021 (Austin, TX) funds $25K to $300K accounts on CME futures, keeps up to 100% (100% of first $25,000, then 90/10), and runs 1-step evaluation, with bi-weekly payouts, processed within 24 hours. OneUp Trader, founded 2016 (United States) funds $25K to $250K accounts on CME futures, keeps 100% on first $10,000, then 90/10, and runs 1-Step Evaluation, with standard payout processing. Apex Trader is best for active intraday futures traders who want large accounts and aggressive discounts, while OneUp Trader suits traders who want a long-established firm with free platform tools and no daily loss limit.

FeatureApex Trader FundingOneUp Trader
Apex Trader Funding OneUp Trader
Founded20212016
Profit Split100% first $10,000, then 90/10
Maximum Account SizeCurrent EOD/Intraday: $150K nominal account size; larger Legacy tiers have separate terms$250,000
Evaluation Phases11
Trustpilot Rating4.44.7
Expert Grade8.88
ProgramApex Trader FundingOneUp Trader
Entry Level ProgramYesYes
Advanced ProgramYes
Scaling OptionsYesYes
Demo AccountYes
CriteriaApex Trader FundingOneUp Trader
Profit TargetCurrent EOD/Intraday: 6% ($1,500/$3,000/$6,000/$9,000 by size)6%
Maximum DrawdownReal-time trailing, locks at starting balance; touching the floor breaches; includes commissions and fees
Minimum Trading DaysCurrent EOD/Intraday evaluations can pass in one trading day; payout eligibility requires 5 qualifying profit days10 standard; 5 Pro; 3 Express (eligible returning funded traders only)
News TradingYesEvaluation: allowed; funded: flat 1 minute before, during and after specified major releases
Daily Loss Limit
OptionApex Trader FundingOneUp Trader
Futures $25K Account
Futures $50K Account
Futures $100K Account
Futures $150K Account
Futures $250K Account
Refund Policy
Coupons / DiscountApex Trader Funding discountOneUp Trader discount
FeatureApex Trader FundingOneUp Trader
Trading PlatformsRithmic, Tradovate, WealthCharts, NinjaTrader, TradingView, Quantower, and 8 moreNinjaTrader, R|Trader, R|Trader Pro, Quantower, Sierra Chart, ATAS, and 16 more
ForexCurrency futures, not spot ForexYes
StocksNo individual shares; equity-index futures onlyNo
IndicesYesYes
CommoditiesYesYes
CryptocurrenciesNo
BondsYesYes
EA/Algo TradingManual order entry required; own-account copying and native risk orders permitted only under the User AgreementYes
FeatureApex Trader FundingOneUp Trader
Payout TermsCurrent EOD/Intraday PAs: $500 minimum, 5 qualifying profit days, below-50% best-day consistency, lifetime safety net and size/type-specific caps; maximum 6 payouts. Legacy rules differ.Weekday requests; retained buffer; $1,000 minimum trader share. Wire receipt 1–3 business days. Crypto: once/week, $3,000 cap, 5% fee, up to 14 business days after approval.
See all prop firm payouts →
Key ElementApex Trader FundingOneUp Trader
StrengthsChoice of EOD or Intraday evaluation; up to 20 PAs subject to household limits; 100% of approved current simulated-PA payouts. EOD has a daily loss limit; Intraday evaluation does not.Founded 2016 one of longest-running, 100% profit on first $10K, No daily loss limit, 20+ platform support, Free NinjaTrader license, 4.7/5 Trustpilot
Weaknesses30-day current evaluations with no resets; funded scaling tiers; 50% PA consistency threshold; lifetime payout safety net; six-payout PA limit; no holding through market closeRecurring evaluation fee plus activation; no overnight/weekend holding; funded news windows, weekly activity and 90-day probation rules; Express eligibility restricted
Best ForSerious futures day traders seeking scalability and capital protectionExperienced futures traders seeking established firm with generous early payouts

Conclusion and Final Recommendation

Choose Apex Trader Funding if you want a larger funded ceiling at $300K, coverage of stocks that the other does not offer and news trading allowed. Choose OneUp Trader if a cheaper entry, from USD 65 matters more to you. Neither firm is better in the abstract. The right choice depends on your strategy, your budget and the instruments you trade, so read both full reviews before you commit. Verify current rules and pricing on each firm’s own site before purchasing.

Frequently asked questions

How We Compared Apex Trader and OneUp Trader

Both firms carry a JoinProp Rating out of 10, scored on the same nine weighted factors, led by payout reliability at 20%, then fee structure, drawdown rules and profit split at 15% each. The scores come from our own firm reviews, built from each firm’s current terms rather than its marketing pages and re-checked at least every 90 days. Affiliate relationships have no effect on any rating, and ratings are never sold. The tables above are the evidence behind those scores. Read our full ranking methodology.

Related comparison: Compare all futures prop firms

View More Elite Prop Firms Compared: The Trading Pit vs The5ers

The Trading Pit vs The5ers