Apex Trader Funding vs Elite Trader Funding: The Ultimate 2026 Comparison
Apex Trader Funding and Elite Trader Funding are two of the biggest US futures prop firms. Apex leads on a flat 100% split and a simple one-time-fee evaluation; Elite counters with six evaluation types, TradingView support and twice-weekly payouts. Here is the 2026 breakdown.
Apex Trader Funding
Elite Trader Funding
Apex Trader Funding vs Elite Trader Funding: 2026 at a glance
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | Elite Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Founded | Futures prop, 2021 / Austin, TX | Futures prop, 2022 / Wilmington, Delaware |
| Evaluation model | Single-step (one-time fee); EOD or intraday | 6 types: 1-Step, Fast Track, EOD, Static, Diamond Hands, Direct |
| Account sizes | $25k-$150k | $10k-$150k |
| Fee type | One-time eval fee (frequent discounts) | One-time (Fast Track $100k = $75; $50k = $197) |
| Drawdown | Trailing (EOD or intraday choice) | Trailing or Static (choice by plan) |
| Profit split | 100% (new Performance Accounts) | 80%; 100% on first $12,500 |
| Payout | Up to weekly; 5 qualifying days; max 6/PA | Twice weekly (Mon & Wed) |
| Platforms | Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader | TradingView, NinjaTrader, Rithmic, Tradovate |
| Notable | Apex 4.0 relaunch (Mar 2026) | LIVE ELITE at $25k cumulative payouts |
| Best for | 100% split + one-time-fee eval | Eval-type choice + TradingView |
Apex Trader Funding: one-time fee, 100% split
Apex overhauled its model with Apex 4.0 in March 2026: a single-step evaluation with a one-time fee and a choice between end-of-day or intraday trailing drawdown. Account sizes run $25k to $150k, with dollar-based profit targets and a flat 100% payout split on new Performance Accounts.
Payouts are available up to weekly after five qualifying trading days, capped per request with a maximum of six payouts per account before re-evaluation. A 50% consistency rule applies on funded accounts. Platforms are Tradovate, Rithmic and NinjaTrader.
Pros
- Flat 100% profit split on new Performance Accounts
- One-time, non-recurring evaluation fee since 4.0
- Intraday path can be passed in as little as one day
- Frequent deep discounts and a broad futures menu
Cons
- Max account size capped at $150k since 4.0
- Payouts capped per request; max six per account
- Drawdown is trailing on both EOD and intraday paths
- No TradingView; US-focused with restricted countries
Best for: Futures traders who want to keep 100% of profits with a fast, one-time-fee evaluation.
Visit Apex Trader Funding →Elite Trader Funding: choice of evaluation types
Elite Trader Funding has paid out $13M+ to 13,000+ funded traders. It offers six evaluation paths: 1-Step, Fast Track, End of Day, Static, Diamond Hands and Direct to Funded, across $10k-$150k accounts. A $100k Fast Track is a one-time $75, and a $50k evaluation starts around $197.
Drawdown can be trailing (moving only at session close on realized profit) or a true static option, depending on the plan. Profit split is 80%, with 100% on the first $12,500, and payouts are processed twice weekly (Monday and Wednesday). Platforms are TradingView, NinjaTrader, Rithmic and Tradovate; reaching $25,000 in cumulative payouts unlocks the LIVE ELITE program.
Pros
- Six evaluation types, including a true static drawdown
- TradingView support (which Apex lacks)
- $13M+ paid to 13,000+ funded traders
- Twice-weekly payouts (Monday & Wednesday)
Cons
- Base split is 80% (100% only on the first $12,500)
- One-time activation fees are among the highest
- Max account size $150k
- Trailing drawdown on most plans (Static is a specific plan)
Best for: Futures traders who want a choice of evaluation and drawdown types plus TradingView.
Visit Elite Trader Funding →Head-to-head: the key differences
Two leading US futures firms with different flexibility. Here is the split.
Evaluation choice
Elite offers six distinct paths (including a true static-drawdown plan and Direct to Funded); Apex offers a single-step evaluation with a choice of EOD or intraday trailing. Flexibility favours Elite; simplicity favours Apex.
Profit split
Apex offers a flat 100% on new Performance Accounts; Elite pays 80% (100% only on the first $12,500). For sustained earners, Apex is clearly ahead on split.
Drawdown
Apex is trailing (EOD or intraday); Elite lets you pick trailing or a true static drawdown. Static-drawdown seekers favour Elite.
Platforms & payouts
Elite adds TradingView (Apex lacks it) and pays twice weekly (Mon and Wed); Apex pays up to weekly but caps payouts per request (max six per account). TradingView and cadence favour Elite; higher split favours Apex.
Final verdict
Choose Apex Trader Funding for a flat 100% split and a fast, one-time-fee evaluation. Choose Elite Trader Funding for a choice of six evaluation types (including a true static drawdown), TradingView support and twice-weekly payouts.
Both are US futures firms trading on simulated capital; match the drawdown type and payout cadence to your style.
Frequently asked questions
What is the profit split on Apex and Elite Trader Funding?
Apex offers a flat 100% split on new Performance Accounts. Elite Trader Funding pays 80%, with 100% on the first $12,500.
Do they offer a static drawdown?
Apex uses trailing drawdown (EOD or intraday). Elite Trader Funding lets you choose trailing or a true static drawdown across its six evaluation types.
What platforms do they support?
Apex offers Tradovate, Rithmic and NinjaTrader. Elite adds TradingView alongside NinjaTrader, Rithmic and Tradovate.
How do payouts work?
Apex pays up to weekly after five qualifying days, capped at six payouts per account. Elite pays twice weekly, on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Which has the longer track record?
Elite Trader Funding has paid $13M+ to 13,000+ funded traders since 2022; Apex relaunched as Apex 4.0 in March 2026 with a flat 100% split.