AquaFutures Multiple Accounts Policy: 3 Funded Accounts Maximum Explained

Written by Paul

Published on

January 12, 2026

AquaFutures typically limits traders to 3 funded accounts maximum simultaneously—meaning you can hold 3 active Beginner $50K accounts, OR 2 Standard $100K + 1 Beginner $50K, OR any combination up to 3 total funded accounts at once. The cap exists to manage firm risk exposure (3 accounts = $150K-$300K total capital per trader) and prevent system abuse through excessive account accumulation. You can pass unlimited evaluations, but only 3 can be active/funded simultaneously—if you want a 4th funded account, you must close one of the existing three first.

This differs from having 3 evaluation accounts (allowed—you can run multiple evals concurrently to pass faster) vs 3 funded accounts (the cap). Most successful prop traders max out at 3 funded accounts through copy trading their strategy across all three, generating $10K-$25K monthly from the combined capital. Attempting to bypass the 3-account limit through fake identities, family member accounts, or multiple email addresses violates terms and results in permanent ban across all accounts.

Quick heads-up: This article is based on my real experience with Aquafutures and the info available when I published/updated this. Things change in prop trading — rules, payouts, promos, all of it.

For the absolute latest, check Aquafutures´s website or their faq page.

I'm breaking down the 3-account limit rationale, evaluation vs funded account distinction, how to maximize 3 accounts through copy trading, what happens when you reach the cap, strategies to choose which account types, scaling within the 3-account framework, penalties for circumventing limits, and whether you can close/reopen accounts to rotate.

The 3 Funded Account Maximum

Policy: Maximum 3 funded accounts active simultaneously per trader.

What counts toward the limit:

✅ Funded Beginner accounts ($50K)

✅ Funded Standard accounts ($100K)

✅ Funded Instant accounts ($50K)

✅ Funded Instant Pro accounts ($100K-$200K)

What doesn't count:

❌ Evaluation accounts (unlimited—can have 5 evals running at once)

❌ Breached accounts (terminated, no longer funded)

❌ Closed accounts (voluntarily closed by you)

Examples:

Scenario 1: At the limit

Funded Account A: Beginner $50K
Funded Account B: Standard $100K
Funded Account C: Beginner $50K
Total: 3 funded accounts ✅ (at limit)

Scenario 2: Below the limit

Funded Account A: Beginner $50K
Funded Account B: Beginner $50K
Total: 2 funded accounts ✅ (can add 1 more)

Scenario 3: Exceeds limit (not allowed)

Funded Account A: Beginner $50K
Funded Account B: Standard $100K
Funded Account C: Beginner $50K
Request Account D: Instant $50K
Result: ❌ Denied (already have 3 funded)

For account types, see the account types guide.

Why the 3-Account Limit Exists

Reason 1: Risk Management

Prop firm perspective:

1 trader with 3× $50K accounts = $150K capital exposure
1 trader with 3× $100K accounts = $300K capital exposure
If that trader has bad week, firm loses on 3 accounts simultaneously

Without limits:

Trader could accumulate 10+ funded accounts = $500K-$1M exposure
Single trader's failure = catastrophic loss for firm

Reason 2: Prevent System Abuse

Without limits, traders could:

Pass 20 evaluations quickly
Hold 20 funded accounts
Copy trade across all 20
Generate massive profits (or losses) on firm's capital
Breach all 20, restart with 20 new accounts

With 3-account limit:

Controlled scaling
Traders focus on quality (not quantity)
Sustainable growth

Reason 3: Resource Allocation

Each funded account requires:

Platform access (Rithmic data fees)
Customer support (account management)
Compliance monitoring (trade review)
Payout processing (administrative overhead)

3 accounts per trader = manageable. 10+ accounts = resource strain.

Reason 4: Fair Distribution

If unlimited accounts:

Top 5% of traders could hold 50+ funded accounts
Less capital available for new traders
Reduces opportunity for broader community

With 3-account cap:

More equitable distribution
More traders can get funded
Healthier ecosystem

For funding details, see the funded account guide.

Evaluation Accounts: Unlimited

You CAN have unlimited evaluation accounts running simultaneously.

Why unlimited evals are allowed:

✅ You're paying monthly fees ($114-$196 per account)

✅ No risk to prop firm (you're trading sim capital, not real money)

✅ Faster path to funding (run 3 evals, pass 1-2, get funded faster)

Example:

Evaluation Account 1: Beginner $50K (Week 3, $1,200 profit)
Evaluation Account 2: Standard $100K (Week 2, $2,500 profit)
Evaluation Account 3: Beginner $50K (Week 1, $400 profit)
Evaluation Account 4: Instant $50K (just started)
Total: 4 concurrent evaluations ✅ (allowed)

But once funded:

Account 1 passes → Funded (1/3)
Account 2 passes → Funded (2/3)
Account 3 passes → Funded (3/3)
Account 4 passes → Can't fund (already at 3-account limit)

Result: Account 4 sits in limbo. You must close one of the other three to activate Account 4.

For evaluation rules, see the evaluation rules guide.

What Happens When You Reach 3 Funded Accounts

Scenario: You have 3 funded accounts. You pass a 4th evaluation.

Options:

Option 1: Keep the 3, forfeit the 4th

Maintain current 3 funded accounts
4th evaluation = wasted (can't activate)
Lose evaluation fees ($114-$291)

Option 2: Close 1 of the 3, activate the 4th

Voluntarily close Funded Account A
Activate newly passed Account D
Now have Accounts B, C, D (still 3 total)

Option 3: Breach 1 of the 3, replace with 4th

Trade Account A until it breaches (or gets close)
Account A terminates
Activate Account D
Now have Accounts B, C, D

Option 4: Request exception (rarely granted)

Email AquaFutures:

"Hello,

I've passed 4 evaluations and currently have 3 funded accounts. I'm consistently profitable across all accounts and would like to request an exception to hold a 4th funded account.

My track record:

Account A: $12,000 profit over 6 months
Account B: $8,500 profit over 4 months
Account C: $6,200 profit over 3 months

Can you grant an exception for Account D?

Thank you,[Your Name]"

Typical response: Denied (policy is firm). Rare: Approved for top performers (0.1% of traders).

How to Maximize 3 Funded Accounts

Strategy 1: Copy trade across all 3

Method:

Trade Account 1 manually (master account)
Copy trades to Accounts 2-3 (followers)
All 3 accounts execute identically

Result:

3× profit potential (one $500 win = $1,500 across all three)
Same effort (trading one strategy)
Diversification (if one breaches, still have two)

Example:

Account 1: +$5,000/month
Account 2: +$5,000/month (copying Account 1)
Account 3: +$5,000/month (copying Account 1)
Total: $15,000/month from 3 accounts

Strategy 2: Run different strategies on each

Method:

Account 1: Scalping strategy (ES, NQ)
Account 2: Swing trading strategy (overnight holds)
Account 3: Momentum strategy (breakouts)

Result:

Strategy diversification (not all eggs in one basket)
Learn what works best
One strategy underperforms, others compensate

Strategy 3: Scale account sizes within the 3

Method:

Start with 3× Beginner $50K accounts
Scale Account 1 to $100K (scaling plan)
Scale Account 2 to $100K
Scale Account 3 to $100K
End result: 3× $100K = $300K total capital

This maximizes capital within the 3-account framework.

Strategy 4: Stagger evaluation start dates

Method:

Start Account 1 evaluation: January 1
Start Account 2 evaluation: February 1
Start Account 3 evaluation: March 1

Why:

Spreads win day requirements across different timelines
Reduces pressure (not all 3 needing 5 win days simultaneously)
Better cash flow (funding dates staggered)

For copy trading details, see the copy trading guide.

Choosing Your 3 Account Types

Option A: 3× Beginner $50K accounts

Total capital: $150K

Contract limits: 18 ES total (6 per account)

Pros:

Lowest evaluation cost ($114/month × 3 = $342/month during evals)
Easier to pass (smaller profit targets)
Lower risk (smaller positions)

Cons:

Limited profit potential ($5K-$10K/month total)

Best for: Conservative traders, beginners

Option B: 3× Standard $100K accounts

Total capital: $300K

Contract limits: 27 ES total (9 per account)

Pros:

Higher profit potential ($15K-$25K/month total)
Larger positions (9 ES vs 6)

Cons:

Higher evaluation cost ($196/month × 3 = $588/month during evals)
Harder to pass (larger profit targets)

Best for: Experienced traders, aggressive scaling

Option C: Mixed (1× Standard $100K + 2× Beginner $50K)

Total capital: $200K

Contract limits: 21 ES total (9 + 6 + 6)

Pros:

Balance of capital and cost
Diversification (different account types)

Cons:

Slightly more complex to manage

Best for: Most traders (optimal balance)

Option D: 2× Beginner + 1× Instant

Total capital: $150K ($50K + $50K + $50K)

Contract limits: 18 ES total

Pros:

Instant account = immediate funding (no eval wait)
Two Beginner accounts = sustainable monthly income

Cons:

Instant has stricter rules (7 win days before first payout)

Best for: Traders who want capital immediately while passing evals

For account comparisons, see the account types guide.

Can You Close and Reopen Accounts?

Question: If you have 3 funded accounts, can you close one and open a new one to rotate?

Answer: Yes, technically—but not strategically smart.

Why:

Closing Account A:

Lose all progress on that account
Lose any profit buffer (balance above starting capital)
Have to pass new evaluation for replacement

Opening Account D:

Pay new evaluation fees ($114-$291)
Wait 6-10 weeks to pass
Rebuild profit history

Net result: You're back at 3 accounts, but spent $114-$291 and 2-3 months to replace one you already had.

Better strategy: Keep your 3 funded accounts active, scale them ($50K → $100K → $200K) instead of rotating.

What If You Breach One of Your 3 Accounts?

Scenario: You have 3 funded accounts. Account B breaches.

What happens:

Account B terminates (breached)
You now have 2 funded accounts (A + C)
Slot opens for 3rd account (can activate another)

Your options:

Option 1: Pass new evaluation to replace Account B

Start new Beginner eval
Pass in 6-10 weeks
Activate as 3rd funded account
Back to 3 total

Option 2: Activate pending evaluation

If you already passed Account D (but couldn't activate due to 3-account limit):

Account D automatically becomes fundable
Activate immediately
Back to 3 total (A + C + D)

Option 3: Stay at 2 accounts

Focus on Accounts A + C
Don't replace Account B
Simpler management, less risk

Breach doesn't prevent future funding. You can always pass new evaluations to replace breached accounts.

For breach details, see the breach consequences guide.

Penalties for Circumventing the 3-Account Limit

Violation 1: Using family member's identity

Scenario: You have 3 funded accounts. You use your spouse's name to pass 3 more (total 6).

Detection:

Same IP address (both trading from home)
Same device (using your laptop)
Similar trading style
Copy trading patterns (identical entries/exits)

Result: All 6 accounts terminated, permanent ban for both identities, profits voided.

Violation 2: Multiple email addresses, fake identities

Scenario: You create 3 accounts under your real name, 3 more under fake names.

Detection:

Same payment method (credit card, bank account)
Same IP/device
Same trading patterns

Result: All accounts terminated, permanent ban, possible fraud investigation.

Violation 3: Using friends' accounts

Scenario: You have 3 funded accounts. You pay 2 friends to pass evaluations, then you trade their accounts.

Detection:

Account sharing patterns (your IP on their accounts)
Copy trading across 5 accounts (your 3 + their 2)

Result: All 5 accounts terminated, all 3 people permanently banned.

Why it's not worth it:

Detection is certain (prop firms have sophisticated algorithms)
Permanent ban = can't trade with AquaFutures ever again
Industry blacklist = other prop firms won't accept you
Lose all profits (even if $50K+)

Better: Work within 3-account limit, scale accounts to $100K-$200K each.

Industry Comparison: 3 vs Other Prop Firms

Prop Firm	Funded Account Limit	Notes
AquaFutures	3 accounts max	Up to $300K total capital (3× $100K)
Topstep	5 accounts max	Up to $750K total capital (5× $150K)
FTMO	2 accounts max (initially)	Can request more after proven track record
Apex	10+ accounts allowed	More lenient policy, higher scaling potential

Key insight: AquaFutures' 3-account limit is industry-standard. Some firms allow more (Topstep 5, Apex 10+), others fewer (FTMO 2).

Optimal 3-Account Strategy for Most Traders

Phase 1: Get 1 funded account (Months 1-3)

Pass 1 Beginner $50K evaluation
Learn the ropes, build confidence
Prove you can stay funded

Phase 2: Scale to 2-3 funded accounts (Months 4-6)

Pass 2 more Beginner $50K evaluations (or 1 Standard $100K)
Copy trade across all accounts
Now trading $100K-$150K total capital

Phase 3: Scale individual accounts (Months 7-18)

Scale Account 1: $50K → $100K
Scale Account 2: $50K → $100K
Scale Account 3: $50K → $100K
End result: 3× $100K = $300K total capital

Phase 4: Maintain and profit (Month 19+)

Trade 3× $100K accounts consistently
Generate $15K-$30K/month total profit
Withdraw monthly
Compound growth

This is the path most successful prop traders follow.

For scaling details, see the scaling plan guide.

Final Thoughts: 3 Accounts Is Plenty

$300K in trading capital (3× $100K accounts) is life-changing money for most retail traders.

Monthly profit potential:

Conservative (5% monthly): $15,000/month
Moderate (10% monthly): $30,000/month
Aggressive (15% monthly): $45,000/month

Don't focus on bypassing the 3-account limit. Focus on:

✅ Passing 3 evaluations

✅ Staying funded on all 3

✅ Scaling each account ($50K → $100K → $200K)

✅ Copy trading across all 3 for maximum efficiency

Most traders never reach 3 funded accounts (pass rate is 10-20%). If you can get and maintain 3 funded accounts, you're in the top 5% of prop traders.

That's the real goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many funded accounts can you have with AquaFutures?

Maximum 3 funded accounts simultaneously per trader. Counts toward limit: Funded Beginner ($50K), Standard ($100K), Instant ($50K-$200K). Doesn't count: Evaluation accounts (unlimited), breached accounts (terminated), closed accounts (voluntarily closed). Example: 3× Beginner $50K funded = at limit (can't activate 4th). Must close one of the three to activate additional funded accounts.

Can you have unlimited evaluation accounts?

Yes—unlimited evaluation accounts allowed simultaneously. You're paying monthly fees ($114-$196 per account), trading sim capital (no risk to firm), enables faster path to funding (run 3 evals, pass 1-2). BUT once funded, 3-account cap applies. Example: Pass 4 evaluations, can only activate 3 as funded—4th sits in limbo until you close one of the active three.

What happens when you reach 3 funded accounts?

Four options: (1) Keep the 3, forfeit any additional passed evaluations (wasted eval fees), (2) Close 1 of the 3, activate newly passed account (voluntary closure), (3) Breach 1 of the 3, replace with newly passed (natural replacement), (4) Request exception for 4th account (rarely granted, <0.1% approval rate). Most traders focus on scaling existing 3 accounts ($50K → $100K → $200K) rather than adding more.

Why does the 3-account limit exist?

Four reasons: (1) Risk management—$150K-$300K per trader cap prevents catastrophic losses, (2) Prevent system abuse—without limits traders could accumulate 20+ accounts and breach all simultaneously, (3) Resource allocation—each account requires platform access, support, monitoring (3 manageable, 10+ strains resources), (4) Fair distribution—more equitable capital distribution across broader trader community vs top 5% holding 50+ accounts each.

Can you close and reopen accounts to rotate?

Technically yes, but not strategically smart. Closing funded account: Lose all progress, lose profit buffer (balance above starting), have to pass new evaluation for replacement. Opening replacement: Pay new eval fees ($114-$291), wait 6-10 weeks to pass, rebuild profit history. Better strategy: Keep 3 funded accounts active, scale them ($50K → $100K → $200K) instead of rotating.

How to maximize 3 funded accounts?

Four strategies: (1) Copy trade across all 3 (trade Account 1 manually, copy to Accounts 2-3, 3× profit potential one $500 win = $1,500 total), (2) Run different strategies on each (scalping, swing trading, momentum—diversification), (3) Scale account sizes within the 3 (3× $50K → 3× $100K = $300K total capital), (4) Stagger evaluation start dates (spreads win day requirements, reduces pressure, better cash flow). Most successful: Copy trade strategy.

What are the penalties for circumventing the limit?

Using family identities (spouse's name for 3 more accounts): All 6 accounts terminated, permanent ban for both identities, profits voided. Multiple emails/fake identities: All accounts terminated, permanent ban, possible fraud investigation. Using friends' accounts: All accounts terminated (yours + theirs), all parties permanently banned, lose all profits. Detection certain via IP/device correlation, trading style analysis, payment method matching. Better: Work within 3-account limit, scale to $100K-$200K each.

How does 3-account limit compare to other prop firms?

AquaFutures 3 accounts ($300K max with 3× $100K) is industry-standard. Comparisons: Topstep 5 accounts ($750K max), FTMO 2 accounts initially (more after proven), Apex 10+ accounts allowed (most lenient). AquaFutures middle ground—not most restrictive, not most lenient. Focus on maximizing capital within 3 accounts ($50K → $100K → $200K each = $300K-$600K potential) rather than comparing firm policies.