Important Notice
Apex reserves the right to update these rules, policies, requirements, and program details at any time, with or without notice. This FAQ is intended to explain the general Apex Live Prop Trading Program in a clear, public-facing format. The Apex User Agreement, live prop transition paperwork, Apex live member system, written Apex communications, and any applicable broker, exchange, or regulatory requirements will control if there is any conflict.
Quick Overview
The Apex Live Prop Trading Program is an invitation-based progression from the simulated trading environment into Apex’s live prop trading department. Traders are not able to have both Live and Sim accounts at the same time. Once a trader is selected for live trading, they have “graduated” from the Sim Phase and no more Sim accounts, rewards, or services will be available. All current Sim Accounts will be closed, and all positive simulated profit balances will be tallied up and tracked for potential Bonus Vault bonuses ( See below ).
| Topic | Apex Live Program Summary |
| Live selection | Apex may move a trader into live trading at any time based on trading style, P&L, account count, speed of simulated profit accumulation, and trader history with Apex. |
| Simulated accounts | Evaluation Accounts and Performance Accounts are closed or deactivated when the trader is selected for live. Live prop status and simulated status cannot be active at the same time. |
| Evaluation Accounts | Open Evaluation Accounts are closed, and the most recent payment associated with those Evaluation Accounts is refunded. |
| Performance Accounts | Open Performance Accounts are deactivated. Simulated profit balances in profitable Performance Accounts are tracked in the Bonus Vault. |
| Starting live balance | $0 starting balance. |
| Initial drawdown | $3,000 end-of-day drawdown. |
| Initial contract limit | 10 mini contracts / 100 micro contracts. |
| Initial daily loss limit | No Daily Loss Limit at Level 1. |
| Number of Live Accounts | Max 5 Live Accounts based on number of eligible Sim PA Accounts were held. Live traders start with one account and must meet scaling qualification to add on each additional account up to a max of 5 |
| Profit split | 90% to the trader / 10% to Apex on live trading profits. |
| Live payout requests | Daily payout requests are available, with a $500 minimum request amount and enough available live profit to cover the request. |
| Safety Net | Once the profit balances reaches $3,100 the EOD drawdown will stop and the maximum loss limit will be locked at + $100. If the account balance dips down to $100 or below, the Live Account will be closed. The $3,100 “safety net” is maintained in the account to allow buffer / cushion for drawdown. Payout requests are not available on safety net balances until account closure. Payout requests can be made on profit amounts above the Safety Net level of $3,100. |
| Bonus Vault | A tracking ledger of potential eligible simulated profit balances from deactivated Simulated / Demo Performance Accounts. This is not real money, not real profits, not real gains, not live funds, and not a cash account. There are no rights, obligations, duties, gains, or actual stored value in the “Bonus Vault”, it is simply a tracking report. |
| Bonus Vault payout | Eligible traders may receive a monthly 20% Bonus Vault bonus based on live withdrawals, until the Bonus Vault is depleted, subject to Apex approval and active-account requirements. Traders may be eligible to receive a 40% Bonus Vault bonus on their first month of trading each new account. |
| Inactivity | Live accounts are intended for active trading. Accounts with no trading activity for a month or past 30 days may be closed. |
| Live failure path | In the event live accounts are blown, Apex offers the opportunity for a requalification path |
1. Program Overview
What is the Apex Live Prop Trading Program?
The Apex Live Prop Trading Program is the next step for selected traders who have demonstrated performance in the Apex simulated environment, that shows it is time for a different path forward. It is not an introductory evaluation account and it is not a simulated Performance Account. It is a separate live prop trading department with its own onboarding process, live member system, documentation, risk oversight, payout process, and trading rules.
Is moving to live trading automatic?
No. Apex reserves the right to move a trader out of the simulated environment and into the live environment at any time. The decision may be based on observed discipline, consistency, risk management ability, strategy or system performance, total lifetime Sim Payouts, trading style, P&L balances, speed of simulated profit accumulation, trader history with Apex, and any other information Apex considers relevant.
When does Apex begin monitoring a trader for possible live selection?
In general, a trader may begin to be monitored for potential live candidacy after one or more of the following occurs:
For Example:
- Three consecutive withdrawals from one single Simulated PA account.
- Accumulated total simulated profit balances across accounts that indicate the level of trading activity should be generated in the live markets.
These are monitoring guidelines, not automatic qualification rules. Apex may select, review, or move a trader to live trading earlier than these scenarios above or may decide the trader needs more time in Simulation and extend that phase.
Can I have live accounts and simulated Apex accounts at the same time?
No. Once you are selected for Apex live prop trading, you cannot continue with Apex simulated Evaluation Accounts, Performance Accounts, rewards, or other simulated Apex trading services at the same time. The purpose of the Apex trader funding program is to develop disciplined, consistent live traders, not to remain in the simulated environment indefinitely.
2. What Happens When You Are Selected for Live Trading
How will I know if I am being moved to live trading?
Apex will notify you by email and through the Apex members area notification system if you are being moved to live trading. You will also receive instructions to register in the Apex live member system.
What happens after I register in the Apex live member system?
After you are set up in the live system, you will be directed through the required live onboarding steps. These may include documentation, required preparation, training, coaching, and educational materials. This includes education and requirements related to CME and live trading. The live site process will walk you through each step and update your progress and status along the way.
What happens to my Evaluation Accounts?
Evaluation Accounts are closed when you are selected for live trading. The most recent payment associated with those Evaluation Accounts will be refunded.
What happens to my Performance Accounts?
Performance Accounts are deactivated when you move into live trading. Any open Performance Accounts with simulated profit balances will be reviewed, totaled, and tracked in the Bonus Vault.
Does a Performance Account need to have had a payout to be included in the Bonus Vault?
No. A Performance Account is not required to have had at least one payout in order to be considered for the Bonus Vault. Any open Performance Account with a positive simulated profit balance may be included in the total Bonus Vault amount.
What happens to Performance Accounts with no simulated profit balance?
Only open Performance Accounts with positive simulated profit balances are included in the Bonus Vault total. Accounts without eligible simulated profit balances do not add to the Bonus Vault.
3. The Bonus Vault
What is the Bonus Vault?
The Bonus Vault is a tracking ledger that records the total eligible simulated profit balances from your deactivated Apex Performance Accounts when you move to live trading. It is called a vault for tracking purposes only.
The Bonus Vault is not real money. It is not live trading capital. It is not a bank account, brokerage account, cash account, trust account, or separate account holding real funds. It is simply a tracked amount that may be used to calculate potential Bonus Vault bonus payouts based on your live trading withdrawals and continued eligibility.
Why did Apex create the Bonus Vault?
Apex designed the Bonus Vault so traders who built simulated profit balances in Performance Accounts have an opportunity to benefit from that effort after moving into live trading. Instead of requiring all simulated balances to simply be forfeited when the trader transitions live, Apex tracks eligible simulated Performance Account balances and allows eligible traders to receive a monthly bonus tied to live trading withdrawals.
How is the Bonus Vault amount calculated?
When you move to live trading, Apex totals the eligible simulated profit balances from your open, profitable Performance Accounts. That total becomes your Bonus Vault tracking amount.
Example: If you have 5 Performance Accounts with $2,000 of simulated profit balance in each account when you move to live, Apex tracks $10,000 in your Bonus Vault.
How do Bonus Vault payouts work?
While your live account is active and you are making live withdrawals, you may be eligible for a Bonus Vault payout equal to 20% of your monthly live withdrawals. That bonus amount is deducted from your remaining Bonus Vault balance.
Bonus Vault example
| Step | Example |
| Simulated balances at transition | 5 Performance Accounts x $2,000 each = $10,000 tracked in the Bonus Vault. |
| Live withdrawal request | Trader requests a $10,000 live payout. |
| Live profit split | Trader receives $9,000 from live profits, and Apex keeps $1,000 under the 90/10 split. |
| Bonus Vault bonus | Trader is eligible for a 20% Bonus Vault bonus based on the $10,000 live withdrawal request, which equals $2,000. |
| Total payout to trader | $9,000 live profit share + $2,000 Bonus Vault bonus = $11,000 total. |
| Remaining Bonus Vault | The Bonus Vault is reduced by $2,000, leaving $8,000. |
Are Bonus Vault payouts daily or monthly?
Live trading withdrawals may be requested daily, but Bonus Vault payments are calculated and sent once per month. Bonus Vault payments are sent on the 15th of the following month.
Example: If you trade during March and make $10,000 of eligible live withdrawal requests during March, you may be eligible for a $2,000 Bonus Vault bonus. That Bonus Vault payment would be sent on April 15, subject to Apex approval and all eligibility requirements.
How does the Bonus Vault work in my first month?
You may be eligible for a 40% Bonus Vault bonus for the first month on each new account.
Example: If you receive your new live trading account in March, and make $5000 of eligible live withdrawal requests during the first month, you may be eligible for a $2,000 Bonus Vault bonus. That Bonus Vault payment would be sent on April 15, subject to Apex approval and all eligibility requirements.
Do I have to keep the live account active to receive the Bonus Vault payout?
Yes. To be eligible for the Bonus Vault bonus payment on the 15th of the following month, your live account must still be active as of that date. If the live account is blown or closed before the 15th of the following month, the Bonus Vault bonus for that month is no longer eligible to be paid, and that amount remains in the Bonus Vault balance.
Does the Bonus Vault expire immediately if I lose my first live account?
No. During the first three live attempts, 100% of your Bonus Vault balance remains available, subject to the program rules and eligibility requirements. If you lose the live account on the first or second attempt, go through the required process, and return to live trading, your full Bonus Vault balance remains available.
What happens to the Bonus Vault after a third live account failure?
After the third live account cycle, a risk manager will review the situation and determine whether an invitation will be offered for another round of the program, and if any special limitations or customized trading program needs to be put in place to help with progression or areas of improvement. If a fourth round option is not able to be offered in the live environment, then access to ongoing simulated products, accounts, services, simulated rewards payouts, or Bonus Vault bonus options will no longer be available.
If Apex does offer a fourth round, 50% of the remaining Bonus Vault balance will be available for future Bonus Vault payouts. Special probation guidelines may also apply.
4. Live Account Structure
How many live accounts will I receive?
The Apex Live Prop Trading Program starts with one live account with one uniform account structure. The live account is not based on separate $25K, $50K, $100K, or similar simulated account sizes.
Traders start with one live account while they adjust to live trading conditions. Once the account live profit balance reaches $4,500 in profits, an additional account may be added, based on the eligible maximum allowed. This process continues until they have up to five live accounts max, based on eligibility. Each account has the same parameters as the first one.
What is the starting live account balance?
The live account starts with a $0 balance.
What is the initial drawdown?
The live account starts with a $3,000 end-of-day drawdown.
How does the $3,000 end-of-day drawdown work?
Once the live account profit balance reaches +$3,100, the end-of-day drawdown locks at +$100. If the account balance ever reaches $100 or less, the live account will be closed.
This structure is designed to encourage the trader to build a safety cushion and protect the account during the earliest stage of live trading.
5. Account Growth and Scaling Plan
** THE FASTEST SCALING LIVE TRADING PLAN IN THE INDUSTRY! **
Apex uses a live account growth and scaling structure based on live account profit balance. As the live account grows, the account may move into higher levels with higher contract limits and larger protective Daily Loss Limits.
Not only are traders able to scale the contract limits in one account, traders may also scale up to trading 5 Live Accounts simultaneously!
| Level | Live Profit Balance | Contract Limit | Daily Loss Limit | Notes |
| Level 1 | $0 – $10,000 | 10 mini / 100 micro | No DLL | $0 starting balance, $3,000 EOD drawdown, no contract scaling, no consistency rule. |
| Level 2 | $10,000 – $25,000 | 25 mini / 250 micro | $5,000 DLL | DLL is intended as a larger protective limit for flash-crash events or outages, not as a tight daily cap. |
| Level 3 | $25,000 – $50,000 | 30 mini / 300 micro | $10,000 DLL | DLL is intended as a larger protective limit for flash-crash events or outages, not as a tight daily cap. |
| Level 4 | $50,000+ | Custom review | Custom review | Trader may continue under Level 3 or request a meeting with a risk manager to customize a plan. |
What happens at Level 4?
At Level 4, a trader may choose to continue under the Level 3 program, or the trader may request a meeting with a risk manager to discuss a customized plan. A trader at this level may also be considered for additional opportunities, which may include larger accounts, corporate portfolio management, additional markets or instruments, and further coaching or training.
Additional opportunities may also include potential staff-level, employee-level, salary, special bonus, corporate benefit, team lead, management, team performance bonus, training, coaching, and Apex live event opportunities. These opportunities are not guaranteed and are subject to Apex review and approval.
Can a payout move my account down to a lower level?
Yes. Payout requests reduce the live account profit balance. If a payout moves the account balance below a level threshold, the system update at the end of the day may place the account under the lower level parameters, until it crosses back over the next level requirements. This updates at the end of each trading day.
Example: If your live account is at Level 2 and you request a payout that lowers the profit balance below $10,000, the account may update to Level 1 parameters for contract amounts and Daily Loss Limit rules.
How many live accounts am I eligible for?
The amount of live accounts a trader may be eligible to receive is designated at the time of graduation to live, but the number of PA accounts active at the time of graduation
Traders with 1 to 4 PA accounts at graduation will receive eligibility to have up to the equivalent number of live accounts (Example: 3 PA accounts were open at the time of graduation, this trader would be eligible for up to three live accounts.
Traders with 5 or more PA accounts at graduation may be eligible for the maximum of 5 live accounts
How do I activate additional live accounts?
At the time your first account reaches a profit of $4500 or more, you may request a second account. The initial account must maintain a balance of $4500 until the second account is enabled.
As each new account is created, that new account must reach a profit of $4500 or more, and a trader may request another account, up to the maximum of 5 live accounts.
If any account is failed, the trader will continue to focus on the active live accounts without the possibility of new accounts being created.
If all live accounts are failed, the trader may return to the requalification / second-chance program per the guidelines of this program.
6. Live Payout Program
What is the live profit split?
Live trading profits are split 90/10: 90% to the trader and 10% to Apex.
How often can I request a live payout?
You may request live payouts daily.
Is there a minimum payout request amount?
Yes. The minimum live payout request amount is $500.
Are there minimum trading days between live payout requests?
No. There are no minimum trading day requirements between live payout requests.
Is there a minimum daily profit amount between live payout requests?
No. There is no daily minimum profit amount required between live payout requests.
Is there a cap on the live payout request amount?
No. There is no cap or limit on the withdrawal request amount, as long as the request meets the minimum payout amount, available profit, account status, and program requirements.
Can I request the entire account balance?
Payout requests may only be made from profits above the $3,100 safety net level. This is designed to help protect new live accounts during the highest-risk early stage, build a cushion, and improve the long-term potential of the account. Payout request of amounts within the safety net range are only available after 90 days of trading the live account and would cause the account to be closed and future cycles into the live trading environment would no longer be available.
Are live payout requests denied or reviewed?
Live payout requests are not subject to the same simulated-account payout rules and guidelines. To be processed, a live payout request must still meet the $500 minimum request amount, have enough available live profit above the safety net to cover the request, and comply with all account status, payment, security, and compliance requirements.
How long does payout processing take?
Approved live profits are withdrawn and sent to Payment Service Processing within 48 hours of the request.
How do live payouts affect the Bonus Vault?
Eligible live withdrawals may create eligibility for a monthly Bonus Vault payout equal to 20% of the total monthly live withdrawal amount, until the Bonus Vault is depleted and subject to all eligibility requirements.
7. Fees, Costs, Commissions, and Platforms
Does Apex charge an account fee for the live account?
No. Apex does not bill a monthly recurring fee or an up-front one-time fee for the live account itself.
Are there professional data fees?
Yes. As a live trader, you are considered a professional trader for data purposes. Professional data feeds are approximately $140 per month. Apex covers the expense of the initial main data fee. If you trade special or specific instruments that require additional data fees, those additional fees are the trader’s responsibility and decision, and may be added on and purchased through the platform by credit card.
Who sets commissions?
Commissions are set by the broker.
What platform requirements apply?
If you use a platform other than Tradovate or NinjaTrader, you must make sure the charting platform is compatible with Ninja Brokerage. You will need a live license key version of the platform to connect to live data and live trading. A temporary, trial, or demo-only platform license will not connect to live trading. If you choose to use that platform, you are responsible for upgrading to a live license key at your own expense.
8. Inactivity Rule
Is there an inactivity rule?
Yes. Live accounts are intended for ongoing active trading. Apex incurs monthly fees on these accounts, and live traders are treated as professional traders for data purposes.
If there are no trades on the account, or the account is not actively traded for the month or for the past 30 days, the account may be closed.
Can I request an extension if I will be away?
Yes. If you need an extension because you are going out of town, out of the country, or otherwise need time away from trading, submit a ticket to the live help desk before the inactivity issue occurs.
What happens if an account is closed for inactivity?
If the account is closed for inactivity before the account has reached the safety net level and locked the drawdown, the trader is not eligible for payouts from that account upon closure. Profits over the safety net will be paid out to the trader. Safety net amounts are available to be distributed if the account has at least 90 days of executed trading. Accounts closed for inactivity are not eligible for Bonus Vault payout bonuses.
9. Live Account Failure and the Path Back to Live
What happens if I lose or blow the live account?
If you are moved to live trading and lose the live account(s), you may choose to take part in the Second Chance (requalification) process to return to live trading. Details of the Second Chance program may be found below.
Based on the circumstances, trading style, or behavior that caused the account failure, a live trading risk manager may offer suggestions or guidance before you return.
Can I return to the normal simulated Evaluation and Performance Account process?
Only with a special exception from a risk manager. If a risk manager grants an exception, the trader may be limited in the number of simulated Performance Accounts available and may also be limited in the amount of simulated payouts available in those accounts.
For example, a trader may be limited to a maximum of three Performance Accounts in simulation. Once the trader achieves the first payout from those accounts, the trader may then be automatically moved back into live trading.
What happens if I lose the live account a second time?
The same process applies: by following the special Second Chance Eval-to-Live process to return to live trading.
Does the Bonus Vault remain available after the first or second live account failure?
Yes. During the first three live attempts, the full 100% Bonus Vault balance remains available, subject to all Bonus Vault rules and eligibility requirements.
What happens after a third live account failure?
After a third live account failure, a risk manager will review the situation and determine whether Apex will offer an invitation for another round of the live prop program.
If Apex does not offer a fourth round, no more simulated products, accounts, services, or payouts of simulated amounts will be available to the trader, including the Bonus Vault.
If Apex does offer a fourth round, only 50% of the remaining Bonus Vault balance will be available for Bonus Vault payouts. Special probation guidelines may also be added.
What probation guidelines may apply on a fourth round or during risk review?
Probation or risk-support guidelines may include, but are not limited to:
- Smaller starting contract size.
- Contract scaling.
- Daily Loss Limits.
- Consistency rule requirements.
- Minimum trading day requirements between payouts.
- Minimum profit day requirements between payouts.
- A required safety net buffer, where withdrawals may only be made above the buffer amount.
10. Second Chance Eval-to-Live Product (Live Requalification)
The Second Chance Eval-to-Live product is designed for traders who have lost a live account and want to work their way back into the live trading program.
| Rule | Requirement |
| Price | $199, whether it is the first attempt or third attempt. |
| Minimum days to pass | 5 days. |
| Consistency rule | 40%. |
| Minimum daily profit requirement | $250 per day profit required. |
| Drawdown type | Live intraday drawdown. |
| Profit target | $4,000. |
| Trailing drawdown | $2,000. |
| Done-for-Now Loss Limit | $1,000. Each negative $1,000 triggers a Done-for-Now flatten event. |
| Flatten event | Open trades are closed and flattened. The trader is not locked out until the next day and may continue trading that same day if they choose. |
| Contracts | 3 mini contracts / 30 micro contracts. |
| Open Second Chance accounts | Up to 5 open Second Chance accounts at a time max. |
| Live account result | Passing multiple Second Chance accounts does not create multiple live accounts. Only one live account is available on day one, and the additional accounts need to be scaled into. |
| Carry-forward rule | Passed Second Chance accounts do not carry forward. If the new live account is lost, a new Second Chance account must be passed. |
Is there a limit to the number of Second Chance attempts?
No. There is no limit to the number of times a trader may attempt to pass the Second Chance Eval-to-Live product.
Do I automatically get up to 5 live accounts on my second round?
The amount of total Live Accounts available to scale into on the second chance is still based on the max eligible from the first round.
Can I trade different strategies in multiple Second Chance accounts?
Yes. A trader may have up to 5 open Second Chance accounts at one time to trade different strategies. However, only one live account will be available after returning to live trading.
Please note: The number of Second Chance (requalification) Accounts does not determine the eligible number of potential live accounts. This number is determined solely by the original allocation based on Performance Accounts initially graduated when entering the live program. In the event a trader has multiple Second Chance Accounts opened, and one is passed, the remaining Second Chance Accounts will be closed.
11. Longevity Assistance Program
What is the Longevity Assistance Program?
The Longevity Assistance Program is a live risk-support and coaching process designed to help traders preserve their live account and work through periods of struggle, uncertainty, erratic trading, sudden loss streaks, or risk-management issues.
Is the Longevity Assistance Program a punishment?
No. The Longevity Assistance Program is not intended to be a punishment. It is intended to help protect the trader and the live account during periods where losses or behavior patterns may threaten the long-term success of the account.
What can a live trading coach or risk manager do under this program?
At any time during the live trading program, including before a fourth live attempt, a live trading coach or risk manager may implement risk-support measures. These may include smaller contract size, contract scaling, Daily Loss Limits, consistency requirements, minimum trading day or profit day requirements between payouts, or a required safety net buffer.
Apex views the live program as a true partnership and profit split. The goal is to help the trader develop long-term consistency and success.
12. Live Trading Rules, Code of Conduct, and Prohibited Activity
A breach or violation of Apex Trading Rules, professional standards, CME regulations and rules, the Code of Conduct, the Apex User Agreement, the Apex site, live prop transition paperwork, or any other applicable Apex guidelines can result in closure, termination, and forfeiture of the live account and all balances, including simulated balances tracked in the Bonus Vault.
Core live trading rules
- You may only trade Apex-approved instruments.
- All trades must be closed by 4:50 PM ET. Overnight holding through the market close is not permitted.
- Counter positions, hedging, and group trading are not permitted.
- Traders must avoid limit-up and limit-down market conditions.
- Traders must follow all CME guidelines and applicable exchange rules.
- Traders must follow the Apex Code of Conduct and all live prop trading documentation.
VPNs, proxies, cloud servers, and location masking
You may not use VPNs, proxy servers, cloud servers, anonymizing tools, or other methods or tools for the purpose of misrepresenting, concealing, or disguising your identity, device, or location in an attempt to:
- Evade or circumvent Apex rules, security measures, access controls, or geographic restrictions.
- Hide prior violations or detection of violations of the Apex User Agreement, Trading Rules, or Company policies.
- Engage in or facilitate illegal, fraudulent, deceptive, or abusive conduct.
Stop losses and risk management
All trades must have either pending or mental stop losses and a well-defined risk management strategy. Trading without proper risk-management measures is strictly prohibited.
Program abuse and gaming
You may not use Apex services abusively or in a way that attempts to exploit, game, or undermine the purpose or spirit of the program for personal benefit.
High-risk strategies
Strategies that involve small profit targets while risking disproportionately large amounts are not allowed. For example, setting a five-tick profit target with a 150-tick stop loss demonstrates unacceptable risk management.
Unsustainable strategies
Any trading, risk-management approach, or implementation that fails to demonstrate consistent growth and sustainability is prohibited. This includes schemes or behaviors that do not align with responsible trading practices.
Professional standards
Traders must use strategies and risk-management techniques consistent with those they would use in a personally funded account at a registered broker. Apex does not fund traders who deviate from this professional standard.
Unauthorized users
Only the registered account owner may access, verify, or trade the account. Allowing any other individual to access the account, complete verification, or trade the account is strictly prohibited. Apex reserves the right to request additional information, audits, and verification procedures to confirm that only the authorized user is accessing or trading the account.
Account and resource sharing
Sharing MAC addresses, computers, IP addresses, credit cards, or trade copying with other traders is strictly forbidden. Violations may result in account closure, forfeiture of funds, and additional verification or audits.
Multiple account creation
Creating multiple user accounts is prohibited and is a bannable offense. You may not create additional accounts in the household or through associated parties if an existing user account has special provisions, such as an evaluation restriction or trader probation. Doing so may be viewed as an attempt to circumvent account provisions on an existing account. This applies to both business and personal user accounts.
Holding positions through market close
Traders are responsible for making sure all open trade positions are closed before the market close. Holding open positions through market close is prohibited and may result in forfeiture of accounts and associated balances. Apex reserves the right to audit accounts further if there is suspicion of non-compliance.
Automation and algorithm usage
Automation and algorithm usage are not allowed. Apex rewards are intended to recognize human traders actively participating in the learning and trading process, not automated systems executing preprogrammed logic.
13. Common Questions
Can I decline the invitation to move to Apex Live Trading?
Yes. You may decline the invitation to move to live trading. If you decline, your Apex user/member account is fully deactivated. Ongoing Evaluation Accounts, Performance Accounts, simulated accounts, or other Apex Trader Funding services are no longer available.
Apex will consider the member graduated from all simulated account services and will issue a final reward payment in the amount of $3,000 total, which represents the initial risk amount offered in the live account. This payment will be processed and paid within 30 days of declining the invitation to Live.
If you decline the live trading invitation, Bonus Vault amounts and any other simulated balances are forfeited and are not available for use, rewards, payout, or bonus.
Can I request a payout every day?
Yes. You may request payouts daily, provided the request is at least $500, there is enough available live profit to cover the request, and all program requirements are met.
Are there consistency rules on the live account?
There is no consistency rule at Level 1. However, Apex may implement consistency requirements as part of probation guidelines, Longevity Assistance, a fourth-round review, or other risk-management circumstances.
Is there contract scaling on the live account?
There is no contract scaling at Level 1. Contract limits increase by account level based on the live account profit balance. Apex may also implement contract scaling as part of risk-management, probation, Longevity Assistance, or customized Level 5 planning.
Does Apex charge a monthly live account subscription fee?
No. Apex does not charge a monthly recurring account fee or up-front one-time account fee for the live account itself. Data, platform, commission, broker, and special instrument fees may still apply as described in the Fees, Costs, Commissions, and Platforms section.
Can I trade overnight?
No. All trades must be closed by 4:50 PM ET. Overnight holding through market close is not permitted.
Can I use automation or trade algorithms?
No. Automation and algorithm usage are not allowed in the live program.
Can I use a VPN?
You may not use VPNs, proxy servers, cloud servers, anonymizing tools, or other methods to misrepresent, conceal, or disguise your identity, device, or location for the purpose of evading Apex rules, security controls, geographic restrictions, prior violations, or any illegal, fraudulent, deceptive, or abusive conduct.
Can someone else trade my account?
No. Only the registered account owner may access, verify, or trade the account.
What happens if I violate the live trading rules?
A breach or violation of Apex Trading Rules, professional standards, CME regulations and rules, the Code of Conduct, the Apex User Agreement, the Apex site, live prop transition paperwork, or other Apex guidelines can result in closure, termination, and forfeiture of the live account and all balances, including simulated balances tracked in the Bonus Vault.
Depending on the nature and severity of the rule violations, traders may be subject to disciplinary and legal action by the Futures Commission Merchant (Broker), Chicago Mercantile Exchange and/or Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).