My Payout Journey with Elite Trader Funding (ETF): The Full Review
Last Updated: April 30, 2025
Watch the full video review here
If you've been exploring the world of prop trading firms, Elite Trader Funding (ETF) has likely appeared on your radar. With promises of up to 20 linked accounts and similarities to other budget firms like Apex, it's certainly an enticing option for traders looking to scale their operations. But the real question remains: Is ETF legit when it comes to payouts?
Today, I'm sharing my complete, unfiltered experience attempting to withdraw $2,000 from an ETF account – from evaluation to funding to the final payout process. If you're considering ETF or researching their withdrawal process, this real-world journey will give you exactly what you need to know.
The Initial Trading Results: Building Profit for Withdrawal
Stats on the ETF funded account
After acquiring a $50,000 Elite One Step account during a significant discount sale, I implemented a straightforward strategy focusing on consistent daily profits around $400. My target was to reach approximately $4,000 within 10 trading days, providing sufficient buffer while staying within their consistency requirements.
The results exceeded expectations:
10 complete trading days
$4,600 profit
98% win rate
Beautiful upward-sloping equity curve
Is this sustainable long-term? Definitely not – I hit a nice streak. But the results positioned me perfectly for my first withdrawal request.
The First Withdrawal Request: Where Things Get Interesting
On day 10, with over $4,600 in profits, I submitted my first payout request for the maximum allowed $2,000. The dashboard showed:
Account value: $54,600+
Request date: March 27
Amount requested: $2,000
Status: Requested
Then began the waiting game. According to ETF's rules, you cannot trade the account while the payout is under review – a policy that differs from some of the more trader-friendly firms in the market.
First Roadblock: Withdrawal Declined
After several days of waiting and checking their Discord for other traders' experiences, I received disappointing news. My withdrawal was declined – not for a VPN issue (which seemingly affects many ETF traders), but for "high frequency trading."
Despite maintaining a 98% win rate and consistent profits, my scalping approach apparently violated their rules. Their solution? Trade for 8 more days.
While I considered abandoning the account at this point, I decided to continue for the purpose of this review.
Looking for a more straightforward prop firm experience? I recommend TakeProfitTrader – use code "OPINICUS" to save on your evaluation. Their withdrawal process is dramatically more efficient and their rules more transparent.
The Second Withdrawal Attempt: Eight More Trading Days
I traded the account for 8 additional days, maintaining consistent profits with my slightly adjusted approach. By day 18, the account had grown to approximately $7,200 in profit – all green days.
On April 15th, I submitted my second withdrawal request for $2,000.
The Approval/Unapproval Fiasco
Two days later, on April 17th, I received an email from ETF with an invitation to complete KYC verification through Rise – a positive sign that my withdrawal was progressing. After completing the verification, I received confirmation that my withdrawal was approved and scheduled for processing on April 23rd.
Celebration time, right? Not so fast.
Less than two hours later, I received another email stating: "I stand corrected. Your payout request is currently under review. Payout audits typically take 24-48 hours."
This unexpected reversal was concerning. Telling a customer their withdrawal is approved and then going back on it represents unprofessional business conduct at best. Even more disappointing was the lack of an apology or proper explanation.
A Positive Exchange with ETF's Owner
After sharing my experience in their Discord, I had a surprisingly positive exchange with ETF's owner. When I explained the confusing approval/unapproval situation, he acknowledged that mistakes happen and promised to look into it.
This conversation gave me hope that perhaps ETF was serious about improving their service and that my withdrawal might still go through.
The Final Result: Withdrawal Approved
The next day, April 18th, I received confirmation that my withdrawal was approved. The $2,000 was deposited into my Rise account on April 22nd and transferred to my bank account shortly after.
In total, from initial request to money in my account, the process took about 26 days – significantly longer than many competing prop firms.
Recent Positive Changes at ETF
To ETF's credit, they've recently made some positive changes:
VPN policy update - They no longer decline payouts due to VPN usage, and even honored previously declined payouts from the past 30 days.
Reduced activation fees - They've lowered their one-time activation fee to $150, which aligns with industry standards (down from their previous $350+ fee).
Unique account options - ETF offers some interesting account types, including a rare swing trading option (Diamond Hand Evaluation) that allows overnight holding.
Would I Recommend Elite Trader Funding?
The answer depends on your situation:
For developing traders: There are definitely more straightforward options. TakeProfitTrader (use code "OPINICUS" for a discount) offers a much cleaner evaluation and payout process without unnecessary hurdles. This is by far the best prop firm offering right now, with a great produce, easy payouts, and good customer service.
For experienced traders seeking maximum leverage: ETF's option to link up to 20 accounts could be valuable if you can navigate their rules and tolerate their lengthy payout process.
My current plan is to continue using ETF and work toward linking 20 accounts, staggering them so that one hits the payout window almost daily. However, I'm approaching with caution given the hurdles experienced so far.
Key Takeaways from My ETF Experience
ETF does eventually pay out, but expect a lengthy and potentially frustrating process
Scalping strategies may be flagged as "high frequency trading"
Their payout review process needs improvement, especially regarding communication
The 20-account linkage option remains their most attractive feature for experienced traders
Recent policy changes show they may be listening to trader feedback
Ready to accelerate your trading journey? Join me in the Trader's Thinktank community where we trade together daily and share real-time insights.
Looking for a more reliable prop firm? Check out TakeProfitTrader and use code "OPINICUS" to save on your evaluation!
Have you had experience with Elite Trader Funding or other prop firms? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Don't forget to watch the complete video review to see the entire journey unfold, including screenshots of all communications and dashboard results.
