Head to head
AquaFunded vs Core Funded
Core Funded grades higher overall, 6.0 to 3.4. Across 21 measurable rows, AquaFunded comes out ahead on 6 and Core Funded on 12.
Cheap challenges wrapped in a dense, shifting rulebook and a damaged reputation
Cheap, well-documented rules, with payouts paid out in capped installments
Key differences
In short
- A $100K evaluation is cheaper at AquaFunded ($279.20 vs $562 at Core Funded).
- Core Funded has the stronger payout record (7.6 vs 0.0).
- AquaFunded carries more hidden-rule risk (6.9 vs 3.6), led by: floating-loss caps close accounts instantly.
- Core Funded allows more capital ($10,000,000 vs $400,000).
- MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker, Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView are only available at AquaFunded.
AquaFunded vs Core Funded, side by side
The better value in each row is marked
| Criterion | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grade | ||
| Overall score | E3.4 | C6.0 |
| Payouts | 0.0 | 7.6 |
| Transparency | 1.7 | 5.3 |
| Rules & trading conditions | 8.4 | 5.7 |
| Reputation | 2.2 | 5.2 |
| Platforms & execution | 6.4 | 3.8 |
| Support | 3.9 | 7.2 |
| Evidence | ||
| Trustpilot | ≈2.2(estimate; Trustpilot hides this firm's score) (1.2K) | 4.1 (136) |
| Pass rate | 8%Estimate | 15%Estimate |
| Hidden risk | 6.9 Very highHidden risk 6.9 out of 10, Very high | 3.6 ModerateHidden risk 3.6 out of 10, Moderate |
| Negative recent reviews | 80.5% | 19% |
| Offer | ||
| $100K challenge | $279.20 | $562 |
| Cheapest account | $20 | $51 |
| Max allocation | $400K | $10M |
| Max profit split | 100% | 95% |
| Payouts | Every 14 days by default… | On demand… |
| Programs | instant, 1-step, 2-step | instant, 1-step, 2-step |
| Current offer | — | 50% OFF· WELCOME |
| Company | ||
| Headquarters | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Dover, United States |
| Years in business | 3 | 1 |
| Trading | ||
| Platforms | MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader, TradeLocker, Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView | Match-Trader |
| Assets | Forex, Indices, Metals, Commodities, Energies, Crypto, Futures | Forex, Indices, Metals, Commodities, Energies, Crypto, Stocks |
| EAs | Restricted | Allowed |
| News trading | Restricted | Restricted |
| Weekend holding | Restricted | Allowed |
| Copy trading | Restricted | Restricted |
| Hedging | Restricted | Allowed |
Which should you choose?
By trading style
| You are… | Pick | |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Core Funded | Sub-$30 starter promos and no time limit make it cheap to learn on, but the 0.5%-per-day and consistency rules, both in the public rulebook, have tripped up several first-time traders in reviews, so read them before trading. |
| Experienced traders | Either | AquaFunded: Low prices and no time limits suit disciplined traders who audit every rule for their model and accept manual payout reviews and a 3% payout fee. |
| Swing traders | Core Funded | Overnight and weekend positions are allowed on every account type with no extra fee or restriction mentioned. |
| Scalpers | Core Funded | No stop-loss or hold-time minimum is enforced, but more than half your trades under a minute without a documented strategy is defined as prohibited gambling, and several reviewers report wide spreads. |
| EA & algo traders | Core Funded | EAs, trade copiers and copy trading between your own accounts are explicitly allowed, though Match-Trader's EA ecosystem is narrower than MT4/MT5 and the strategy must stay the same from challenge to funded account. |
| News traders | Core Funded | News trading is unrestricted during the evaluation, but the funded account adds a 5-minute blackout around high-impact releases unless you pay for the News Trading upgrade. |
Verdicts
AquaFunded verdict
Cheap challenges wrapped in a dense, shifting rulebook and a damaged reputation
Best for: Disciplined traders with small, steady risk per trade who want cheap 2-step pricing, no time limits and a choice of four CFD platforms, and who will read every rule for their model.
Avoid if: You scalp, trade news, run EAs on a VPS, share a network with other traders, or need a firm with a clean, verifiable payout reputation.
Core Funded verdict
Cheap, well-documented rules, with payouts paid out in capped installments
Best for: Cost-conscious traders who want clearly documented targets and static drawdowns, and who plan to withdraw profit in smaller, regular amounts rather than one large payout.
Avoid if: You need a platform choice beyond Match-Trader, a long independent track record, or certainty that a disputed account decision can be appealed.
AquaFunded vs Core Funded FAQ
Questions traders ask
Is AquaFunded better than Core Funded?
On our grading Core Funded scores higher overall (6.0 vs 3.4, grade C vs E). AquaFunded still comes out ahead on conditions, platforms. The better choice depends on your style: compare the rules rows above before buying.
Which is cheaper, AquaFunded or Core Funded?
At list price a $100K evaluation costs $279.20 at AquaFunded and $562 at Core Funded, so AquaFunded is cheaper. The smallest accounts start at $20 and $51. Discounts change often, so check the offers page.
Which pays out more reliably, AquaFunded or Core Funded?
Core Funded has the stronger payout score (AquaFunded 0.0 vs Core Funded 7.6). AquaFunded pays every 14 days by default; 7-day cycles (evaluations) or on-demand requests (instant) as paid add-ons; futures models pay on demand, daily or every 5-6 winning days; Core Funded pays on demand; after the first payout, 3 qualifying trading days (each at least 0.5% net profit) are required since the previous payout.
Which has fewer hidden rules, AquaFunded or Core Funded?
Core Funded has the lower Hidden Risk score (AquaFunded 6.9, very high; Core Funded 3.6, moderate). Each review lists the specific rules behind the score.
Is it easier to pass AquaFunded or Core Funded?
AquaFunded: 8% (estimate). Core Funded: 15% (estimate). Estimates are a guide to difficulty only; drawdown type and daily loss rules matter as much as the target.
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