Apex Trader Funding vs OneUp Trader – Prop Firm Comparison
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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.
Quick Facts
Program Types
| Program | Apex Trader Funding | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Program | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Program | Yes | Not available |
| Scaling Options | Yes | Yes |
| Demo Account | Not available | Yes |
Rules & Assessment
| Criteria | Apex Trader Funding | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | Current EOD/Intraday: 6% ($1,500/$3,000/$6,000/$9,000 by size) | 6% |
| Maximum Drawdown | The Product Line - EOD Trail: End-of-day trailing The Product Line - Intraday Trail: Real-time intraday trailing | Real-time trailing, locks at starting balance; touching the floor breaches; includes commissions and fees |
| Minimum Trading Days | Current EOD/Intraday evaluations can pass in one trading day; payout eligibility requires 5 qualifying profit days | 10 standard; 5 Pro; 3 Express (eligible returning funded traders only) |
| News Trading | Yes | Evaluation: allowed; funded: flat 1 minute before, during and after specified major releases |
| Daily Loss Limit | The Product Line - EOD Trail: Yes ($1,000 on 50K) The Product Line - Intraday Trail: None | Not available |
Fees & Pricing
| Option | Apex Trader Funding | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Futures $25K Account | Intraday Trail / USD 167 / One-time Official Standard one-pack list price. Activation fee after passing: USD 69. Source Checked 2026-08-10 EOD Trail / USD 390 / One-time Official Standard one-pack list price. Activation fee after passing: USD 99. Source Checked 2026-08-10 | Evaluation / USD 65 / Monthly Monthly evaluation price shown on OneUp Trader homepage. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $50K Account | Intraday Trail / USD 249 / One-time Official Standard one-pack list price. Activation fee after passing: USD 79. Source Checked 2026-08-10 EOD Trail / USD 490 / One-time Official Standard one-pack list price. Activation fee after passing: USD 129. Source Checked 2026-08-10 | Evaluation / USD 75 / Monthly Monthly evaluation price shown on OneUp Trader homepage. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $100K Account | Intraday Trail / USD 399 / One-time Official Standard one-pack list price. Activation fee after passing: USD 99. Source Checked 2026-08-10 EOD Trail / USD 790 / One-time Official Standard one-pack list price. Activation fee after passing: USD 139. Source Checked 2026-08-10 | Evaluation / USD 150 / Monthly Monthly evaluation price shown on OneUp Trader homepage. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $150K Account | Intraday Trail / USD 599 / One-time Official Standard one-pack list price. Activation fee after passing: USD 129. Source Checked 2026-08-10 EOD Trail / USD 1490 / One-time Official Standard one-pack list price. Activation fee after passing: USD 159. Source Checked 2026-08-10 | Evaluation / USD 175 / Monthly Monthly evaluation price shown on OneUp Trader homepage. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $250K Account | Not listed in review pricing source | Evaluation / USD 325 / Monthly Monthly evaluation price shown on OneUp Trader homepage. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Refund Policy | Not available | Not available |
| Coupons / Discount | Apex Trader Funding discount | OneUp Trader discount |
Platforms & Markets
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms | Rithmic, Tradovate, WealthCharts, NinjaTrader, TradingView, Quantower, and 8 more | NinjaTrader, R|Trader, R|Trader Pro, Quantower, Sierra Chart, ATAS, and 16 more |
| Forex | Currency futures, not spot Forex | Yes |
| Stocks | No individual shares; equity-index futures only | No |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | Not available | No |
| Bonds | Yes | Yes |
| EA/Algo Trading | Manual order entry required; own-account copying and native risk orders permitted only under the User Agreement | Yes |
Payout
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Terms | Current 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 → | ||
Verdict
| Key Element | Apex Trader Funding | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Choice 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 |
| Weaknesses | 30-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 close | Recurring evaluation fee plus activation; no overnight/weekend holding; funded news windows, weekly activity and 90-day probation rules; Express eligibility restricted |
| Best For | Serious futures day traders seeking scalability and capital protection | Experienced 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
What should I know about Apex Trader Funding’s programs?
Apex Trader Funding was founded in 2021 and carries a JoinProp Rating of 8.8 out of 10. Our comparison table lists a 1-phase evaluation, a 5-6% profit target and a maximum funded account of $300,000. Trading platforms are listed as Tradovate, Rithmic, WealthCharts. On the same table scaling is offered and an entry level program is available. Confirm the current terms for the exact account you buy before you fund it.
What should I know about OneUp Trader’s programs?
OneUp Trader was founded in 2016 and carries a JoinProp Rating of 8 out of 10. Our comparison table lists a 1-phase evaluation, a 6% profit target and a maximum funded account of $250,000. Trading platforms are listed as 20+ including NinjaTrader, Rithmic, ATAS, Quantower, Sierra Chart, Bookmap. On the same table scaling is offered, a demo account is available and an entry level program is available. Confirm the current terms for the exact account you buy before you fund it.
How do payouts differ between Apex Trader Funding and OneUp Trader?
Apex Trader Funding lists a profit split of 100% first $25,000, then 90/10. Its payout terms are listed as Bi-weekly (min 8 trading days between requests, 5 days with $50+ profit).
OneUp Trader lists a profit split of 100% first $10,000, then 90/10. Its payout terms are listed as ACH, Wire transfer, Cryptocurrency.
Which account rules matter when comparing Apex Trader Funding and OneUp Trader?
Apex Trader Funding applies Trailing drawdown (locks at starting balance) as its maximum drawdown. It also lists a 5-6% profit target. On this firm news trading is permitted and EAs and algorithms are permitted.
OneUp Trader applies 2.2%-6% trailing as its maximum drawdown. It also lists a 6% profit target and 15 minimum trading days. On this firm news trading is not permitted and EAs and algorithms are permitted.
Is Apex Trader Funding or OneUp Trader automatically the better choice?
No, neither firm is the automatic pick, and the honest answer depends on how you actually trade.
Apex Trader Funding Strengths: $378M+ payouts verified and 17. Watch-outs: 4:59 PM ET close requirement and 5:1 max risk-to-reward ratio. Best suited to: Serious futures day traders seeking scalability and capital protection.
OneUp Trader Strengths: Founded 2016 one of longest-running and 100% profit on first $10K. Watch-outs: Futures only and No weekend holding. Best suited to: Experienced futures traders seeking established firm with generous early payouts.
Which one wins for you depends on how each firm measures drawdown, what the account actually costs once resets and add-ons are included, and the evaluation objectives on the exact size you buy, rather than on the headline numbers. Check both sets of current terms before you fund an account.
Are Apex Trader and OneUp Trader both futures-only?
Yes. Both fund traders on CME Group futures – index, energy, metals and currency contracts. Neither offers forex or CFD funded accounts, so the choice comes down to rules, platforms and payouts rather than markets.
Which firm pays out faster?
Apex Trader offers bi-weekly payouts, processed within 24 hours, while OneUp Trader offers standard payout processing. Match the payout cadence to how often you plan to withdraw.
Which firm has the better profit split?
Apex Trader keeps up to 100% (100% of first $25,000, then 90/10), and OneUp Trader keeps 100% on first $10,000, then 90/10. The better deal depends on the account tier and how far you scale.
Does either firm offer instant funding?
Apex Trader requires an evaluation, while OneUp Trader offers one (express Funding for returning traders).
Which firm gives more platform choice?
Apex Trader supports Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, WealthCharts, while OneUp Trader supports 20+ platforms incl. free NinjaTrader license.
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