AquaFunded scored 55/100 in our review. It offers a wide range of challenge types, from 1-step to instant funding, with no time limits and solid platform access. But post-funding rules are stricter than most competitors, and key details like average spreads and rule enforcement clarity are missing.
AquaFunded Summary
AquaFunded scores 55/100, held back by strict post-funding rules, inconsistent enforcement, and a lack of key trader tools. While the prop firm offers a wide selection of challenge types, including instant funding and unlimited evaluation time, drawdown traps and rigid consistency limits make it harder to sustain profits once funded.
That said, there’s value here for traders who understand the fine print. The trading platforms are solid, pricing is transparent at the commission level, and optional add-ons unlock fast payouts and 100% splits. But with no average spreads, no resets, and weaker trust signals compared to other top prop firms, AquaFunded is best suited to experienced traders who can manage its limitations.
AquaFunded provides flexibility across one-step, two-step, three-step, instant, and limited-time challenges, but rule inconsistencies, strict funded-stage conditions, and missing trader tools undermine the experience.
There’s no reset option, rule enforcement isn’t always clear, and consistency rules are stricter than competitors, especially post-evaluation.
| Model | Steps | Fee Range (USD) | Account Size | Profit Target | Daily / Max Drawdown | Drawdown Type | Consistency Rule | Min Trading Days | Profit Split | Max Leverage (Forex) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Step Standard | 1 | $47 - $712 | $5K – $200K | 9% | 3% / 6% | Trailing | None | 3 | 90% (100% w/ add-on) | 1:100 |
| 1-Step Pro | 1 | $41 - $629 | $5K – $200K | 12% | 3% / 8% | Trailing | 25% (funded only) | 5 | 90% (100% w/ add-on) | 1:100 |
| 2-Step Standard | 2 | $28 - $698 | $5K – $200K | 8% / 5% | 5% / 8% | Static | None | 3 per step | 90% (100% w/ add-on) | 1:100 |
| 2-Step Pro | 2 | $19 - $649 | $5K – $200K | 10% / 5% | 5% / 10% | Trailing | 25% (funded only) | 5 per step | 90% (100% w/ add-on) | 1:50 |
| 3-Step | 3 | $54 - $474 | $10K – $200K | 6% / 6% / 6% | 4% / 8% | Static | None | None | 90% (100% w/ add-on) | 1:100 |
| AquaMan (Limited-Time) | 1 | $34 - $440 | $2.5K – $100K | 2% | 3% / 5% | Trailing | 15% (funded only) | 5 | 90% (100% w/ add-on) | 1:50 |
| Instant Funding Standard | 0 | $147 - $502 | $5K – $50K | N/A | 3% / 6% | Trailing | 40% | 5 profitable days ≥0.5% | 65% (80% w/ add-on) | 1:50 |
| Instant Funding Pro | 0 | $42 - $875 | $2.5K – $200K | N/A | 3% / 5% | Trailing | 15% | 5 profitable days ≥0.5% | 90% (100% w/ add-on) | 1:50 |
AquaFunded’s 1-step challenges are available in both Standard and Pro versions. The Standard variant requires a 9% profit target with a 3% daily and 6% trailing max drawdown. The Pro version ups the target to 12% with an 8% trailing max drawdown. Both use a trailing drawdown model that locks after the target is hit and includes a 1% buffer for profit withdrawals.
You need just 3 profitable days at 0.5% or higher, and there are no time limits to complete the challenge.
Once funded, a strict 25% consistency rule kicks in. If more than 25% of your profits come from one day, your payout is withheld until profits are diluted. That rule isn’t enforced in the evaluation stage, making it a common trap for new traders.
The 2-step evaluation splits the profit target into 8% and 5% stages (Standard) or 10% and 5% (Pro).
The Standard model uses static drawdowns (5% daily and 8% total) while the Pro version again applies trailing drawdowns with wider limits (5% daily, 10% overall).
Both models require 3 or 5 profitable days per step, depending on the account type. There are no calendar limits, which is helpful for swing traders or those with limited screen time.
The same 25% consistency rule applies to funded Pro accounts. Standard variants have no consistency restrictions, even after funding.
The 3-step model is AquaFunded’s most gradual challenge, with three equal phases each requiring a 6% profit target. The rules are relatively lenient: 4% daily and 8% total static drawdown, and no minimum trading days.
This model suits patient traders who prefer slower compounding. It’s also the only challenge format that doesn’t enforce any form of consistency rule, even once funded. That said, the account options are limited (starts at $10K), and it’s the most time-intensive route.
AquaFunded’s Instant Funding is available in Standard and Pro tiers, ranging from $2.5K to $200K. These accounts skip the evaluation entirely, but enforce some of the strictest consistency and drawdown rules in the industry:
You must hit 0.5% profit on five separate days before your first payout, and the rules apply from day one. While fast payouts and high splits are possible, the tight drawdown and consistency filters make real profits hard to sustain.
AquaMan is a recurring weekend-only challenge that offers a unique twist: a single-step, ultra-low 2% profit target, with 3% daily and 5% trailing max drawdowns. No minimum trading days apply.
It’s a popular entry point for smaller traders, but also one of the most restrictive post-funding. A 15% consistency rule is enforced from the start of the funded stage, limiting how much profit you can generate in a single day without impacting withdrawal eligibility.
AquaFunded offers optional add-ons that unlock faster payouts (in 7 days instead of 14) and boost profit splits to 100%. These are available on most models, including evaluations and instant accounts. There are no recurring or hidden fees, but add-ons must be purchased upfront and can’t be added mid-challenge.
All models at AquaFunded include access to a scaling plan up to $2 million. You must achieve 12% profit in any 3-month window to qualify, at which point your account balance is increased by 25% of its original size. This is a solid structure, though less aggressive than firms offering 100% scale boosts.
For traders on instant accounts, AquaFunded also advertises a path to 95–100% profit split, provided you maintain 4% profit for four consecutive months.
Verdict on Challenges
AquaFunded scores 5/10 for accounts, despite a variety of models and unlimited evaluation time, rule enforcement, lack of resets, and post-funding consistency traps offsets the flexibility. You must pay close attention to the fine print, especially around trailing drawdowns and how profits are assessed.
AquaFunded uses raw ECN pricing across all accounts, but the lack of published minimum or average spread data makes it difficult to assess competitiveness. You can view live test spreads anytime but it’s hard to compare AquaFunded to other prop firms or estimate long-term trading costs.
You’re trading on raw ECN spreads with no markup, and AquaFunded provides live test environments where you can check current pricing on demand. This is a useful feature for evaluating live conditions, but the firm still doesn’t publish any historical spread data or reference points for key pairs like EUR/USD or XAU/USD.
That absence matters. Our methodology prioritises firms that publish typical spread ranges or averages, because it allows for informed cost comparisons. Without that, you’re relying on short-term observation and platform access, which isn’t ideal for forward planning or cost control.
Commission rates are fixed and consistent across models. Forex, metals, and commodities are all charged at $5 per lot, while indices and crypto are commission-free. This keeps costs predictable, even if they’re not especially low compared to firms offering $3.50/lot or better.
| Asset Class | Commission per Lot |
|---|---|
| Forex | $5 |
| Metals | $5 |
| Commodities | $5 |
| Indices | $0 |
| Crypto | $0 |
There are no platform or data feed fees, and commissions apply uniformly regardless of funding model or payout stage.
Verdict on Spreads and Commissions
AquaFunded scores 5/10 in this category. The commission structure is fair and easy to verify, and the ability to view test spreads in real time is a plus. But without published averages or clear benchmarks, it’s hard to compare AquaFunded’s trading costs to other firms.
AquaFunded gives you access to all major asset classes being forex, metals, indices, commodities, and crypto, but doesn’t offer futures or stock markets. Forex offers the most depth, with 28 currency pairs, while other markets are more limited, including just 2 instruments each for metals and commodities, and 4 for crypto.
Leverage is fixed by asset class and funding model, not tiered by account size. That makes it predictable, but also restrictive depending on which model you choose. Evaluation accounts get the highest leverage, but that’s scaled back after funding.
| Asset Class | Instruments | Max Leverage – Evaluation | Max Leverage – Funded (Instant) | Max Leverage – Funded (Standard) | Max Leverage – Funded (Pro) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forex | 28 | 1:100 | 1:50 | 1:30 | 1:50 |
| Metals | 2 | 1:20 | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:10 |
| Indices | 7 | 1:20 | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:10 |
| Commodities | 2 | 1:20 | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:10 |
Leverage on forex drops as soon as you’re funded, especially for standard accounts, which fall to 1:30. That impacts strategies reliant on higher margin efficiency. Crypto leverage is capped at 1:2 and isn’t shown in this table, but it remains the same between evaluation and funded stages.
While you’re not restricted by lot size, AquaFunded does enforce risk limits indirectly, you’re expected to keep individual trades within 1-2% risk and never use more than 80% of your margin.
Verdict on Financial Markets and Leverage
AquaFunded scores 6/10 in this category. You get access to the core asset classes and enough variety to run most common strategies, especially in forex. But the lack of support for stocks and futures, limited depth in non-forex markets, and a noticeable drop in leverage post-evaluation weigh down the flexibility. It’s a decent setup, but not top-tier in scope or consistency.
AquaFunded gives you access to three trading platforms – MT5, TradeLocker, and Match Trader. Each platform supports live ECN pricing, and you can trade directly without additional platform or data fees. You’re free to use EAs and trade copiers across accounts as long as you stick to their strategy rules. The setup is straightforward, but platform flexibility does depend on the model you choose.
MetaTrader 5 is AquaFunded’s most powerful option. You get access to raw ECN spreads, full algo support, and tools like Depth of Market (DOM) and partial bracket orders. MT5 is especially useful if you rely on advanced charting or manage trades using automation. It’s also the only platform where DOM is confirmed to be available. You won’t run into any platform fees or data costs here either.
TradeLocker offers a clean, web-based interface and fast execution. It supports EA use and mirrors AquaFunded’s ECN pricing. While it doesn’t include the full set of professional tools MT5 offers, it works well if you want a simplified, mobile-friendly platform. Many newer traders start here since the layout is less overwhelming than MetaTrader.
Match Trader combines a modern UI with desktop-level performance. You’ll get live spreads, $0 commission on crypto and indices, and full EA compatibility. Match Trader’s layout is smoother than MT5 but more advanced than TradeLocker. That makes it a good middle ground if you want clean execution without the learning curve of MetaTrader.
You can trade with a lot of freedom on AquaFunded, no forced stop losses, no lot size limits, and no weekend restrictions. You’re allowed to hedge, use martingale strategies, and copy trades between AquaFunded accounts (or from legally linked personal accounts).
But there are hard limits too. Overleveraging is capped – don’t risk more than 80% of your margin or 1–2% per trade. News trading is allowed in the evaluation phase, but it’s restricted once you’re funded. That includes a 10-minute no-trade window around red folder events and a full block on trading during FOMC news. Break these and profits get removed.
You can use EAs on all platforms, but they can’t exploit tick manipulation, latency arbitrage, or other restricted strategies. Copy trading across accounts is allowed under specific conditions, like both accounts being owned by the same user.
Verdict on Trading Platforms and Rules
AquaFunded scores 7/10 for its platform setup and trading rules. You get strong platform variety – MT5 for pros, Match Trader for flexibility, and TradeLocker for simplicity. All three support raw pricing and automated trading. The trading rules are clearly defined and give you control, especially during evaluations. But restrictions on news trading and the lack of advanced analytics tools hold it back from a perfect score.
AquaFunded uses a one-time fee model for its challenge and instant-funded accounts. Payouts are handled through a third-party service and are available on a fixed 14-day cycle, with optional 7-day access through an add-on. The overall structure is transparent, but delays and complaints on platforms like Trustpilot show that execution doesn’t always match the policy.
Challenge fees vary widely depending on the model and account size you choose. Entry-level fees start at $19 for smaller Pro accounts and go up to nearly $1,500 for larger instant-funded accounts. All fees are one-off and non-recurring. There are no activation charges or reset costs since AquaFunded allows unlimited time to pass the evaluation, so no retake mechanism is required.
Payments are processed by Paytiko, and you can pay using:
This setup gives flexibility, though refund options are only mentioned in connection with KYC refusal (i.e., if you decline KYC, AquaFunded will refund and close the account).
All funding models follow a bi-weekly payout schedule. Your first payout is available 14 days after your first funded trade, or 7 days if you purchase the fast-payout add-on. From there, you’re paid every 14 days, provided you meet the minimum withdrawal amount of $100.
Payouts are handled by Riseworks.io, a third-party service that supports both bank and crypto withdrawals. This external processing adds legitimacy but has also been the focus of several complaints related to payout delays and enforcement of profit rules.
Profit splits depend on your funding model:
Buffer and consistency rules can impact eligibility:
Verdict on Payments and Payouts
AquaFunded scores 6/10 for payments and profit withdrawals. The process is straightforward and offers fast payout add-ons, high profit splits, and crypto support. But public feedback suggests execution isn’t always smooth, and strict profit distribution rules can catch out users who aren’t aware of them. The system is well structured, but reliability is where the friction lies.
AquaFunded provides multiple ways for you to get assistance, but the quality and accessibility of its support and educational content varies depending on how you reach out. While some tools are helpful for resolving basic issues or learning platform features, the overall experience is mixed when it comes to clarity and depth.
AquaFunded’s support team is available via live chat, email contact form, and Telegram. Live chat is handled through Intercom, and response times are typically fast during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Dubai time). Email replies can take up to 24 hours, and there’s no weekend support, which may delay help with account issues.
There’s no direct phone support, and responses can vary in detail depending on the type of query. While live chat is best for account access and payment-related questions, more complex rule clarifications may require follow-ups.
Support is only offered in English, and there’s no dedicated help desk portal or ticket tracking system.
For prop firm traders looking to learn the ropes, AquaFunded offers beginner-friendly education through FAQs, blog articles, and platform walkthroughs. The FAQs cover core topics like challenge rules, trading limits, and profit payouts, but they’re light on in-depth explanations or case examples.
The AquaFunded blog includes articles about passing challenges, trading psychology, and general forex strategy. However, the content isn’t updated regularly and lacks structured learning paths or formal training modules.
There are no webinars, live coaching, or certified educational programs, which puts AquaFunded behind other prop firms that offer more advanced trader development tools.
Verdict on Customer Support and Education
AquaFunded provides basic, responsive support and a clear FAQ for common questions, but it lacks the depth and infrastructure needed for traders who want detailed help or structured education. If you’re an experienced trader, you’ll likely find what you need, but if you’re newer, the learning curve could be steeper.
AquaFunded has a mixed reputation, with recurring complaints about payout delays, rule enforcement, and transparency despite active engagement across its community channels.
AquaFunded holds a Trustpilot rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, based on nearly 990 reviews. This puts it below the industry leaders in user satisfaction and reflects a highly polarised reputation.
Positive reviews frequently highlight fast support responses, straightforward platform access, and affordable pricing. Many traders say they’ve received payouts on time and appreciate the live help features. Comments like “Support was quick and conditions are fair” appear frequently in five-star reviews.
But there’s a clear downside. Around 18% of all reviews are 1-star, and a consistent theme emerges: payout issues, account bans without warning, and opaque rule enforcement. Several users report account terminations or profit removals with little or no explanation, sometimes citing rules that aren’t clearly published on the site. Others point to inconsistencies around buffer and consistency rules that affect withdrawal eligibility.
AquaFunded replies to just 12% of negative reviews, which is low for a firm of its size and reduces confidence in how well it handles public complaints. The absence of broker backing and lack of publicly named liquidity providers also impacts trust from a risk perspective.
AquaFunded has built a sizable online presence, most notably through its Discord server with over 32,000 members, where traders interact, share updates, and post payout proofs. The firm also maintains active profiles across multiple platforms including YouTube, Instagram, and X, where they share news, challenge announcements, and trader milestones.
Verdict on Trust and Community
AquaFunded scores 4/10 in this category. While its large online community and real-time support channels help build visibility, the lack of broker backing, limited review response rate, and unresolved complaints about payout denials and rule enforcement reduce overall credibility.
Signing up to AquaFunded is fast and fully online, with no recurring fees or complicated onboarding. You can start trading within minutes, whether you’re choosing an evaluation model or going straight for instant funding. Here’s how it works:
AquaFunded offers a wide range of models with unlimited evaluation time and competitive pricing, which gives you flexibility – especially if you’re looking to ease into prop trading with lower pressure. The variety of funding types, from 1-step to instant accounts, is a strength. But rule enforcement, strict post-funding consistency filters, and no reset options create friction. These issues are especially risky for beginner traders who may miss fine-print rules on trailing drawdowns or profit distribution.
The trading platform selection is solid, spreads are raw, and the $5/lot commission is reasonable, but transparency falls short due to missing average spread data and undisclosed liquidity providers. Customer support is fast, and the Discord community is active, but a 3.8/5 star Trustpilot score and low response rate to negative reviews raise concerns. With a total score of 55/100, AquaFunded sits in the middle of the pack. It’s a decent option if you’re confident managing strict rules, but there are more trader-friendly prop firms out there.
AquaFunded processes payouts every 14 days, or in 7 days if you purchase the fast-payout add-on. The first payout is available 14 days after your first funded trade, and all payments are handled via Riseworks through crypto or bank transfer.
AquaFunded partners with brokers like ThinkMarkets and Purple Trading, but does not officially disclose them on its website. These partnerships offer ECN pricing and institutional-grade liquidity, but the firm does not list its liquidity providers publicly.
The maximum loss on AquaFunded depends on the account type, but ranges from 5% to 10% of your account balance. Instant accounts use a trailing drawdown model, while some evaluation models use fixed limits based on your starting balance.
The minimum withdrawal amount on AquaFunded is $100. This applies to all account types, and payouts are processed bi-weekly once you meet the trading requirements and pass KYC.
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