AquaFunded states that it offers traders a documented path to scale funded capital up to $4 million. Not as a broad marketing claim, but as a system with defined milestones and a stated ceiling outlined in their documentation.
This review breaks down how that scaling structure works, how the rules are applied in practice, and who this kind of setup appears to be designed for. There is no affiliate framing here. Just the mechanics, as described.
By the end, you should have a clearer sense of what progressing from a smaller funded account to the upper tiers could look like, and whether AquaFunded’s structure aligns with how you trade.
How AquaFunded’s scaling system is structured
The headline feature is the $4M cap, but the more important detail is how scaling is triggered.
According to AquaFunded’s published support documentation, scaling follows a rule-based plan that links performance over time to account growth.
The scaling rule (as described by AquaFunded)
AquaFunded states that when a trader reaches 12 percent profit within a 3 month period, the account becomes eligible for a 25 percent increase.
The measurement is period-based rather than tied to individual trades or single trading days. Per their documentation, traders may withdraw during the period, provided the overall performance requirement is still met.
AquaFunded also notes that the 3 month window begins from the trader’s first funded trade, not from fixed calendar dates. This gives traders control over when their scaling period starts.
The structure favors consistency over short bursts of performance.
What the timeline can look like in practice
AquaFunded does not publish an official timeline for reaching the upper capital tiers.
However, applying the scaling rule outlined in their documentation produces a clear mathematical progression based on starting balance and frequency of compliance.
Rather than treating this as an expectation, it is more accurate to view any timeline as an illustration of how the system compounds if the published milestones are met consistently.
Starting from smaller balances implies a longer runway. Starting from larger balances compresses that runway significantly. That outcome follows directly from the scaling mechanics AquaFunded describes.
Account merging and starting position
According to AquaFunded’s support materials, traders are permitted to operate multiple evaluation accounts and later merge funded accounts up to a defined cap.
In practical terms, this means traders who pass more than one evaluation may consolidate funded accounts into a larger starting position before continuing to scale. AquaFunded also states that Instant Funding accounts are excluded from merging.
It helps to separate the two mechanisms clearly:
- Merging affects your starting balance, up to $400,000
- Scaling is the process that allows growth beyond that point, up to the $4M ceiling
The benefit of merging is not only speed. It also simplifies risk management by reducing the number of drawdown thresholds a trader must track.
Scaling requests and repeatability
Per AquaFunded’s documentation, scaling is tied to the same performance requirement each time. When the threshold is met within the defined period, the account becomes eligible for the next increase.
The specific processing timeline is less important than the consistency of the rule itself. There are no discretionary performance reviews built into the scaling trigger.
As long as performance remains compliant with the stated conditions, the same process can be repeated, allowing capital to grow progressively toward the published maximum.
Challenge pathways and instant funding options
AquaFunded structures its offering around two distinct routes:
- Challenge pathways, which involve evaluation phases
- Instant Funding, which provides immediate access under a separate rule set
Keeping these separate matters, because they are designed for different trader profiles and operate under different mechanics.
Challenge pathways (evaluation-based)
The challenge pathways are the evaluation-based programs where traders demonstrate performance before reaching funded status.
According to AquaFunded’s model descriptions, these pathways differ mainly in how they balance speed, drawdown structure, and whether consistency rules apply at the funded stage. None are positioned as universally better. The right fit depends on how a trader manages risk and performance over time.
The challenge pathways include:
- 1-Step Standard
- 1-Step Pro
- 2-Step Standard
- 2-Step Pro
- 3-Step
Challenge Pathways Overview
| Pathway | Profit Target | Drawdown Type | Consistency Rule | Best For |
| 1-Step Standard | 9% | Trailing | None | Simpler rules |
| 1-Step Pro | 6% | Trailing | Funded-stage only | Smoother equity curves |
| 2-Step Standard | 8%, then 5% | Static | None | Traditional structure |
| 2-Step Pro | 10%, then 5% | Trailing | Funded-stage only | More room |
| 3-Step | 6% per phase | Static | None | Slower progression |
This set is finite and consistent. No overlap, no re-labelling.
Instant funding (separate route)
Instant Funding is not a challenge pathway.
According to AquaFunded, it provides immediate access to a funded account without an evaluation phase and operates under a different risk framework. Because validation is skipped, the rules and protections are applied from the start.
Instant Funding is best viewed as an alternative access route, not another variation of the challenge structure.
Drawdown and consistency, explained simply
According to AquaFunded’s trading rules, different programs use either trailing or static drawdown structures.
- Trailing drawdown adjusts upward as equity reaches new highs and may lock once a defined threshold is reached
- Static drawdown remains fixed relative to the starting balance
Some challenge pathways apply consistency requirements at the funded stage. AquaFunded states these are intended to limit how much profit can come from a single trading day during a payout period.
Across all variations, the stated goal is the same: prioritising repeatable performance over isolated outlier results.
Rules that apply across the board
Based on AquaFunded’s general documentation, several elements apply regardless of the route chosen:
- Evaluations have no maximum time limit
- Multiple accounts are permitted
- Lot size is not capped
- Trading costs are published and transparent
Regarding fees, AquaFunded states that evaluation fees are refundable after multiple compliant payouts, rather than immediately after funding. The refund mechanism is tied to sustained rule adherence, not a single successful withdrawal.
Risk controls on funded accounts
According to AquaFunded’s support documentation, funded accounts are subject to automated risk controls designed to limit large intraday losses.
One of these controls is Wave Stop, which monitors floating losses across all open positions. If losses reach a defined threshold, open trades are closed automatically.
AquaFunded notes that if Wave Stop is triggered repeatedly, consequences escalate. The stated purpose is to reinforce position sizing discipline before short-term volatility becomes account-threatening.
Trading flexibility
Within the boundaries outlined in AquaFunded’s rules:
- News trading is restricted only during short windows around high-impact events on funded accounts
- Copy trading and Expert Advisors are allowed under specified conditions
- Hedging within the same account is permitted
- Overnight and weekend holding is allowed
Leverage is higher during evaluation phases and reduced on funded accounts. AquaFunded notes that leverage adjustments may be available based on demonstrated risk management.
Overall, the rulebook emphasises flexibility within clearly defined limits.
Payout structure and profit split
Per AquaFunded’s payout policy, the standard profit split is 90 percent to the trader, with an optional upgrade to 100 percent.
Payout eligibility follows a defined schedule, and processing timelines are published. AquaFunded also advertises a separate reward guarantee framework that applies under specific business-hour conditions.
For larger accounts, AquaFunded states that initial withdrawals are capped for a limited period as part of their review process. These limits are removed after the early payout phase.
Who this model fits best
Based on how the rules are structured, AquaFunded appears best suited for traders who already operate with a repeatable process and are comfortable working within predefined limits.
The framework favours progression over immediacy and consistency over volatility. As AquaFunded’s documentation makes clear, the system does not create an edge. It is designed to reward one.
A clear scaling framework for traders who prioritise consistency
AquaFunded’s scaling framework is simple in structure and strict in execution. Performance over time unlocks growth. Consistency unlocks scale. The ceiling is clearly stated. If you value published rules, predictable progression, and a defined upper limit on capital allocation, the structure does what it claims.
The rest is execution.
FAQs
1. What is the profit split at AquaFunded?
Traders receive a 90% profit split as standard. For example, if you earn $5,000 in profit and request a payout, you’ll receive $4,500. You can upgrade to a 100% profit split at checkout for an additional fee.
2. How many accounts can I trade simultaneously?
You can purchase and trade multiple evaluation accounts at the same time. For funded accounts, you’re allowed to merge them up to a maximum of $400,000. Note that instant funding accounts cannot be merged. AquaFunded’s scaling plan allows you to grow your merged account to $4,000,000.
3. Is there a time limit to complete the evaluation?
No. AquaFunded offers unlimited time to complete your evaluation, which is rare in the prop firm industry. There are no expiration deadlines or artificial time pressure. The firm emphasises unlimited time over discounted retries.
4. How does the scaling plan work?
To scale your account, you need to achieve 12% net profit within any rolling 3-month period. Once you hit this target, your account size increases by 25% of your initial balance. You can request scaling increases through your dashboard, and approval typically takes 24-48 hours.
5. Is the evaluation fee refundable?
Yes. The evaluation fee is 100% refundable after you receive your fourth payout. This means your net cost to entry becomes zero once you’re funded and receive your first reward. If you fail the evaluation, the fee is not refundable.
The above information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by London Loves Business for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involves risk. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.
