AquaFutures Payout Process: Complete Guide to Withdrawing Your Profits

Written by Paul

Published on

January 12, 2026

The AquaFutures payout process involves five stages: building available profit (current balance minus starting balance), meeting minimum withdrawal thresholds ($250 first payout, $500 subsequent), submitting withdrawal request through dashboard, completing KYC/AML verification (first payout only, 24-72 hours), and receiving funds via chosen method (ACH 2-5 days, wire same day-1 day, crypto 1-24 hours). First payouts take 7-14 business days due to compliance review, recurring payouts process within 48 business hours for most traders.

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.

Payout frequency follows two models: standard bi-weekly payouts (every 14 calendar days from first payout date), or Instant Pro weekly payouts (every 7 days for premium accounts). Available withdrawal amount equals current account balance minus starting balance—if you started at $50K and currently have $54K, you can withdraw up to $4K (though maintaining a buffer for drawdown protection is recommended). Most successful traders withdraw 60-80% of profits monthly while leaving 20-40% as account buffer to prevent breaches from normal trading variance.

I'm breaking down step-by-step withdrawal procedures, first vs recurring payout differences, how to calculate available withdrawal amounts, withdrawal timing strategies, partial vs full withdrawal decisions, common rejection reasons, payout tracking through dashboard, tax implications, and optimal withdrawal schedules for different account sizes.

Step-by-Step Payout Process

Step 1: Build available profit

Calculation: Current balance - Starting balance = Available profit

Example:

Starting balance: $50,000 (Beginner account)
Current balance: $53,500
Available profit: $3,500

Minimum required: $250 (first payout) or $500 (subsequent payouts)

Your profit: $3,500 ✅ (exceeds minimum)

Step 2: Wait for eligible payout date

First payout: Anytime after profit target + win days achieved

Subsequent payouts: 14 days from last payout (or 7 days for Instant Pro)

Example:

First payout: June 1
Second payout: Earliest June 15 (14 days later)
Third payout: Earliest June 29 (14 days after that)

Step 3: Submit withdrawal request

Method: Log into AquaFutures dashboard

Navigation:

Dashboard → Payouts
Click "Request Withdrawal"
Enter amount: $2,000 (example)
Select payment method: ACH, Wire, Crypto, Riseworks
Confirm withdrawal request

Confirmation: Email sent: "Your withdrawal request for $2,000 has been received."

Step 4: Complete KYC verification (first payout only)

If first withdrawal:

Email: "Please complete KYC verification to process your withdrawal"
Submit government ID, proof of address, selfie
Wait 24-72 hours for verification approval

If subsequent withdrawal:

Skip this step (already verified)

For KYC details, see the KYC/AML guide.

Step 5: Wait for processing

First payout: 7-14 business days (compliance review + processing)

Subsequent payouts: 2-5 business days (48 business hours standard)

Step 6: Receive funds

ACH: 2-5 business days from approval

Wire: Same day-1 business day

Crypto: 1-24 hours

Riseworks/PayPal: Instant-24 hours

For withdrawal methods, see the withdrawal methods guide.

First Payout vs Recurring Payouts

Aspect	First Payout	Recurring Payouts
Minimum Amount	$250 (Beginner/Standard)	$500 (Beginner/Standard)
Processing Time	7-14 business days	2-5 business days (48 hours standard)
KYC Required	Yes (ID + address verification)	No (already verified)
Manual Review	Yes (trade history, compliance checks)	Minimal (automated processing)
Frequency Limit	N/A (first time only)	Every 14 days (7 for Instant Pro)
Typical Issues	KYC rejection, trade review flags	Insufficient buffer, requesting too soon

Key insight: First payout takes longest (compliance vetting). Once established, recurring payouts are fast and routine.

How to Calculate Available Withdrawal Amount

Formula: Current balance - Starting balance - Desired buffer = Available withdrawal

Example 1: Conservative (maintain large buffer)

Starting balance: $50,000
Current balance: $54,500
Gross profit: $4,500
Desired buffer: $2,000 (safety cushion)
Available withdrawal: $4,500 - $2,000 = $2,500

Example 2: Aggressive (withdraw maximum)

Starting balance: $50,000
Current balance: $54,500
Gross profit: $4,500
Desired buffer: $500 (minimal)
Available withdrawal: $4,500 - $500 = $4,000

Example 3: After withdrawal

Starting balance: $50,000
Current balance: $54,500
First withdrawal: $3,000
New current balance: $51,500
New available: $51,500 - $50,000 = $1,500
Next withdrawal: Must wait 14 days, can withdraw up to $1,500 + new profits

Why maintain a buffer:

✅ Drawdown protection: Normal trading variance causes swings

✅ Psychological comfort: Trading with cushion reduces stress

✅ Avoid breaches: Withdrawing too much leaves account vulnerable

Most traders: Withdraw 60-80% of profits, keep 20-40% as buffer.

For minimum withdrawals, see the minimum withdrawal guide.

Payout Frequency Rules

Standard accounts (Beginner, Standard):

Rule: Every 14 calendar days from first payout date

Example:

First payout: June 1
Second payout: Earliest June 15 (14 days)
Third payout: Earliest June 29 (14 days)
Fourth payout: Earliest July 13 (14 days)

Instant Pro accounts:

Rule: Every 7 calendar days from first payout date

Example:

First payout: June 1
Second payout: Earliest June 8 (7 days)
Third payout: Earliest June 15 (7 days)
Fourth payout: Earliest June 22 (7 days)

Important: These are MINIMUM wait periods. You can wait longer (e.g., monthly withdrawals instead of bi-weekly).

Cannot withdraw more frequently than allowed period.

For account types, see the account types guide.

Partial vs Full Withdrawals

Partial withdrawal (recommended):

Example:

Available profit: $5,000
Withdraw: $3,000
Keep in account: $2,000

Pros:

✅ Lock in profits (secure $3,000)

✅ Maintain buffer ($2,000 cushion)

✅ Continue trading safely

Cons:

❌ Some profits remain at risk

Full withdrawal:

Example:

Available profit: $5,000
Withdraw: $5,000
Keep in account: $0

Pros:

✅ Maximize secured profits

✅ No profits left at risk

Cons:

❌ Zero buffer (account back to starting balance)

❌ High breach risk (one bad trade = immediate breach)

❌ Psychological pressure (trading with no cushion)

Most successful traders: Partial withdrawals. Never withdraw 100% of profits.

Recommended split:

Withdraw: 70% of profits
Buffer: 30% of profits

Example:

$5,000 profit → Withdraw $3,500, keep $1,500 buffer

Common Payout Rejection Reasons

Rejection 1: Below minimum threshold

Problem: Requested $400 withdrawal (first payout, $250 minimum for Beginner/Standard but $500 for Instant)

Fix: Wait until you have $500+ profit, then request withdrawal.

Rejection 2: Too soon (frequency limit)

Problem: Last payout was June 10, trying to withdraw June 20 (only 10 days)

Fix: Wait until June 24 (14 days from last payout).

Rejection 3: Insufficient buffer

Problem:

Current balance: $50,500
Starting balance: $50,000
Requested withdrawal: $500 (entire profit)
Drawdown threshold: $47,500

Issue: Withdrawing $500 puts you at $50,000—zero cushion above threshold.

Firm response: "Withdrawal denied. Maintain minimum $500 buffer above threshold."

Fix: Request $300 withdrawal, keep $200 buffer.

Rejection 4: KYC incomplete

Problem: First payout, haven't submitted ID verification

Fix: Complete KYC verification, resubmit withdrawal request.

Rejection 5: Rule violations under investigation

Problem: Account flagged for potential coordinated trading, news trading violations, etc.

Result: Withdrawals frozen pending investigation.

Fix: Respond to compliance inquiry, provide explanation, wait for clearance.

Rejection 6: Incorrect payment information

Problem: Bank account number has typo, crypto wallet address invalid

Fix: Update payment information, resubmit request.

For verification details, see the KYC/AML guide.

Tracking Payouts Through Dashboard

Dashboard sections:

1. Available Balance

Shows: Current account balance vs starting balance

Example:

Starting: $50,000
Current: $53,200
Available profit: $3,200

2. Payout History

Shows: All previous withdrawals

Example:

June 1: $2,000 (Approved, ACH, 5 days)
June 20: $1,500 (Approved, ACH, 3 days)
July 5: $2,500 (Pending)

3. Next Eligible Payout Date

Shows: Earliest date for next withdrawal

Example:

Last payout: July 5
Next eligible: July 19 (14 days)

4. Pending Withdrawals

Shows: Current requests in processing

Status options:

Pending: Submitted, awaiting review
Processing: Approved, funds being sent
Completed: Funds delivered
Rejected: Request denied (see reason)

5. Total Withdrawn (Lifetime)

Shows: Cumulative withdrawals since funded

Example:

Total withdrawn: $18,500 (across 8 payouts over 6 months)

For dashboard details, see the trading dashboard guide.

Optimal Withdrawal Strategies

Strategy 1: Monthly withdrawals

Method: Withdraw once per month (even though eligible every 14 days)

Example:

June 1: Withdraw $3,000
June 15-30: Skip eligible payout date
July 1: Withdraw $4,500 (accumulated June 1-July 1 profits)

Pros:

✅ Simpler tracking (monthly rhythm)

✅ Larger withdrawals (less frequent, more substantial)

✅ Reduces processing overhead

Cons:

❌ Profits at risk longer (30 days vs 14)

Strategy 2: Bi-weekly withdrawals (maximum frequency)

Method: Withdraw every 14 days as soon as eligible

Example:

June 1: $2,000
June 15: $1,800
June 29: $2,200
July 13: $1,500

Pros:

✅ Lock in profits faster (reduce risk exposure)

✅ Consistent cash flow (regular income)

Cons:

❌ More frequent processing (more chances for issues)

Strategy 3: Threshold-based withdrawals

Method: Withdraw when profit buffer exceeds target amount

Example:

Target: Maintain $2,000 buffer
Current profit: $5,200
Withdraw: $3,200 (keeps $2,000 buffer)

Pros:

✅ Flexible (not tied to calendar)

✅ Always maintain safety cushion

Cons:

❌ Irregular timing (harder to plan personal finances)

Strategy 4: Percentage-based withdrawals

Method: Withdraw fixed percentage of profits monthly

Example:

Rule: Withdraw 70% of monthly profits
June profit: $4,000
Withdraw: $2,800 (70%)
Buffer: $1,200 (30%)

Pros:

✅ Consistent buffer maintenance

✅ Automatic risk management

Cons:

❌ Requires discipline (tempting to withdraw more)

Most traders: Strategy 1 (monthly) or Strategy 4 (percentage-based).

Tax Implications of Withdrawals

U.S. traders:

Tax treatment: Prop trading profits = ordinary income (not capital gains)

Tax rate: Your marginal tax bracket (22-37% federal for most)

Form: 1099-MISC (from AquaFutures)

Withholding: None (prop firms don't withhold taxes)

Your responsibility: Set aside 25-35% of withdrawals for taxes

Example:

Withdraw $5,000 in June
Set aside $1,500 (30%) for taxes
Spendable income: $3,500

Quarterly estimated taxes:

If you earn >$1,000 from prop trading annually, you must pay quarterly estimated taxes (April 15, June 15, Sept 15, Jan 15).

Non-U.S. traders:

Tax treatment: Varies by country

Common scenarios:

Some countries: No tax on prop trading income (check local laws)
Some countries: Capital gains tax applies
Some countries: Income tax + VAT

W-8BEN form: Non-U.S. traders complete W-8BEN (Certificate of Foreign Status) to certify non-U.S. tax residency.

Consult tax professional in your country for proper treatment.

For verification details, see the KYC/AML guide.

What Happens to Withdrawals If Account Breaches

Scenario: You request withdrawal on July 1, account breaches on July 3 (before withdrawal processes).

Outcome depends on breach timing:

If withdrawal approved before breach:

Withdrawal processes normally
You receive funds
Account terminates after payout

If withdrawal pending when breach occurs:

Withdrawal canceled
Account terminates
No payout (profits lost with account)

Best practice: Don't withdraw right before risky trades. Secure profits first, then trade conservatively.

Example:

Bad: Request $4,000 withdrawal July 1, take aggressive trades July 2-3, breach July 3 (withdrawal canceled)
Good: Request $4,000 withdrawal July 1, wait for processing (July 2-4), resume trading July 5 after funds secured

For breach consequences, see the breach guide.

Payout Process for Multiple Accounts

Question: If you have 3 funded accounts, can you withdraw from all 3 simultaneously?

Answer: Yes—each account has independent payout schedule.

Example:

Account A:

First payout: June 1 ($2,000)
Second payout: June 15 ($1,500)

Account B:

First payout: June 10 ($2,500)
Second payout: June 24 ($2,000)

Account C:

First payout: June 20 ($1,800)
Second payout: July 4 ($1,200)

Total June withdrawals: $7,800 across 3 accounts

Important: Each account's 14-day cycle is independent. Coordinate withdrawals for consistent monthly cash flow.

Tax impact: All withdrawals reported on single 1099-MISC (aggregate income).

For multiple accounts, see the multiple accounts policy.

Final Thoughts: Withdraw Regularly, Maintain Buffers

The biggest mistake prop traders make: Leaving all profits in account.

Why it's a mistake:

One bad week wipes out months of profit
Breach = lose everything
Psychological pressure trading with $10K+ buffer

The smart approach:

✅ Withdraw 60-80% of profits monthly

✅ Maintain 20-40% buffer ($1,000-$2,000 for $50K account)

✅ Set recurring withdrawal schedule (monthly or bi-weekly)

✅ Track payouts (dashboard, spreadsheet, calendar)

✅ Set aside 30% for taxes (U.S. traders)

Your funded account isn't a savings account—it's a working capital account. Secure profits regularly. Trade with buffers. Scale sustainably.

Successful prop traders treat payouts as routine business operations—not special events.

Withdraw often. Withdraw smart. Keep trading.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do AquaFutures payouts take?

First payout: 7-14 business days (includes KYC verification 24-72 hours + compliance review + processing). Recurring payouts: 2-5 business days (48 business hours standard for most). Method impacts speed: ACH 2-5 days, wire same day-1 day, crypto 1-24 hours, Riseworks/PayPal instant-24 hours. Instant Pro accounts: Every 7 days frequency vs 14 days for standard accounts.

What's the minimum withdrawal amount?

First payout: $250 (Beginner/Standard), $500 (Instant/Instant Pro). Subsequent payouts: $500 all account types. Available withdrawal = current balance - starting balance - desired buffer. Example: $50K start, $54K current, $2K buffer desired = $2K available to withdraw. Partial withdrawals allowed above minimums—withdraw $700 from $1,200 available.

How often can you withdraw profits?

Standard accounts (Beginner/Standard): Every 14 calendar days from first payout date. Instant Pro: Every 7 calendar days. Example: First payout June 1, second earliest June 15 (standard) or June 8 (Instant Pro). These are minimum wait periods—can wait longer like monthly withdrawals. Cannot withdraw more frequently than allowed period.

What's the difference between first and recurring payouts?

First payout: $250 minimum, 7-14 days processing, KYC required (ID + address), manual review (trade history/compliance checks), typical issues KYC rejection/trade review flags. Recurring payouts: $500 minimum, 2-5 days processing (48 hours standard), no KYC (already verified), automated processing minimal review, typical issues insufficient buffer/requesting too soon. First takes longest for compliance vetting, recurring fast and routine.

How much should you withdraw vs keep as buffer?

Recommended: Withdraw 60-80% of profits, maintain 20-40% buffer. Example: $5,000 profit → withdraw $3,500 (70%), keep $1,500 buffer (30%). Why maintain buffer: Drawdown protection from normal trading variance, psychological comfort reduces stress, avoid breaches from withdrawing too much. Never withdraw 100% of profits—leaves zero cushion, high breach risk, excessive psychological pressure trading at starting balance.

What happens if you request withdrawal then breach?

If withdrawal approved before breach: Processes normally, you receive funds, account terminates after payout. If withdrawal pending when breach occurs: Withdrawal canceled, account terminates, no payout (profits lost). Best practice: Secure profits first (request withdrawal, wait for processing 2-5 days), then resume aggressive trading. Don't withdraw right before risky trades.

Can you withdraw from multiple accounts simultaneously?

Yes—each account has independent payout schedule. Example: Account A first payout June 1, Account B first payout June 10, Account C first payout June 20, all eligible for second payouts 14 days later independently. Coordinate withdrawals for consistent monthly cash flow. Tax impact: All withdrawals reported on single 1099-MISC (aggregate income).

What are common payout rejection reasons?

Six reasons: (1) Below minimum threshold ($400 requested when $500 minimum), (2) Too soon (10 days since last payout, need 14), (3) Insufficient buffer (withdrawing entire $500 profit leaves zero cushion above drawdown threshold), (4) KYC incomplete (first payout without ID verification), (5) Rule violations under investigation (coordinated trading, news trading violations—withdrawals frozen pending review), (6) Incorrect payment information (bank account typo, invalid crypto wallet). Update info and resubmit to resolve.