AquaFutures Win Day Requirements: 5 Days vs 7 Days by Account Type

Written by Paul

Published on

January 13, 2026

Win day requirements vary by account type on AquaFutures: Beginner and Standard evaluation accounts require 5 win days minimum (5 separate calendar days with net positive P&L) before funding approval, while Instant and Instant Pro accounts require 7 win days before first payout eligibility. A "win day" counts when end-of-day balance shows any profit regardless of amount—$50 profit equals $5,000 profit for win day purposes, though both contribute differently toward profit targets. The requirement exists to demonstrate consistency over multiple trading sessions, prevent single lucky trades from qualifying accounts, and ensure traders can replicate profitable performance across different market conditions.

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.

Instant accounts have stricter 7-day requirements because they bypass evaluations (immediate funding without proving consistency first), requiring post-funding verification that traders deserve capital access. Break-even days ($0.00 P&L) don't count as win days, and losing days obviously don't count—only calendar days ending with positive account balance advances the counter. Most traders complete 5 win days in 2-4 weeks during evaluations, though aggressive strategies might achieve it faster (10-15 calendar days) while conservative approaches take longer (6-8 weeks trading 2-3 days weekly).

I'm breaking down exact win day requirements by account type, what qualifies as a valid win day, whether intraday P&L matters or only EOD, how weekends and holidays affect counting, strategies to accumulate win days efficiently, common mistakes that delay win day progress, what happens if you can't achieve requirements, and optimal trading schedules to hit 5-7 win days quickly while maintaining drawdown safety.

Win Day Requirements by Account Type

Account Type	Win Days Required	When Required	Purpose
Beginner ($50K)	5 win days	During evaluation (before funding)	Demonstrate consistency across multiple sessions
Standard ($100K)	5 win days	During evaluation (before funding)	Demonstrate consistency across multiple sessions
Instant ($50K)	7 win days	After funding (before first payout)	Verify consistency post-funding (no evaluation)
Instant Pro ($100K+)	7 win days	After funding (before first payout)	Verify consistency post-funding (no evaluation)

Key difference: Evaluation accounts require 5 win days BEFORE funding. Instant accounts require 7 win days AFTER funding (before first withdrawal).

For account types, see the account types guide.

What Counts as a Win Day

Definition: Any calendar day where your end-of-day (EOD) account balance is higher than start-of-day (SOD) balance.

Example 1: Clear win day

SOD balance: $50,000
Trading: +$500 profit
EOD balance: $50,500
Result: ✅ Win day #1

Example 2: Small profit still counts

SOD balance: $50,500
Trading: +$25 profit
EOD balance: $50,525
Result: ✅ Win day #2 (any profit counts)

Example 3: Large profit

SOD balance: $50,525
Trading: +$2,500 profit
EOD balance: $53,025
Result: ✅ Win day #3 (same as $25 profit for win day purposes)

Example 4: Break-even

SOD balance: $53,025
Trading: $0 profit/loss
EOD balance: $53,025
Result: ❌ NOT a win day (must be positive, even $1)

Example 5: Losing day

SOD balance: $53,025
Trading: -$800 loss
EOD balance: $52,225
Result: ❌ NOT a win day (negative P&L)

Example 6: Intraday volatility (EOD positive)

SOD balance: $52,225
Intraday low: $51,500 (down $725)
Intraday high: $53,000 (up $775)
EOD balance: $52,625 (up $400)
Result: ✅ Win day #4 (EOD determines win day, not intraday)

Key principle: Only EOD balance matters. Intraday swings irrelevant.

For profit tracking, see the trading dashboard guide.

Do Win Days Need to Be Consecutive?

No—win days can be non-consecutive.

Example 1: Non-consecutive (allowed)

Monday: +$500 (Win day 1)
Tuesday: -$300 (Losing day, doesn't reset counter)
Wednesday: +$400 (Win day 2)
Thursday: $0 (Break-even, doesn't count)
Friday: +$600 (Win day 3)
Next Monday: +$200 (Win day 4)
Next Tuesday: +$150 (Win day 5) ✅ 5 win days achieved

Total calendar days: 9 days (including 2 losing/break-even days)

Example 2: All consecutive (faster)

Monday: +$400 (Win day 1)
Tuesday: +$500 (Win day 2)
Wednesday: +$300 (Win day 3)
Thursday: +$450 (Win day 4)
Friday: +$350 (Win day 5) ✅ 5 win days achieved

Total calendar days: 5 days (no losing days)

Which is better?

Non-consecutive: More realistic (reflects normal trading variance)
Consecutive: Faster but higher pressure (must avoid losing days)

Most traders: Achieve 5 win days over 10-20 calendar days (mix of wins, losses, break-evens).

For evaluation timelines, see the evaluation rules guide.

Intraday P&L vs End-of-Day: Which Matters?

Answer: Only end-of-day balance determines win days.

Scenario: Intraday loss, EOD profit

SOD: $50,000
10am: Down to $49,200 (-$800)
2pm: Recover to $50,300 (+$300)
4pm (EOD): $50,600 (+$600)
Result: ✅ Win day (EOD positive despite intraday drawdown)

Scenario: Intraday profit, EOD loss

SOD: $50,600
11am: Up to $51,800 (+$1,200)
3pm: Drop to $50,200 (-$400)
4pm (EOD): $50,400 (-$200 from peak but +$200 from SOD... wait, let me recalculate)

Actually let me fix this:

SOD: $50,600
11am: Up to $51,800 (+$1,200 profit)
3pm: Drop to $50,300 (-$300 from SOD)
4pm (EOD): $50,300 (-$300 final)
Result: ❌ NOT a win day (EOD negative)

Key insight: Can be down intraday and still get win day if you recover by EOD. Can be up intraday but lose win day if you give back profits.

Strategy implication: Close positions before EOD if you're profitable, especially near win day milestones.

How Weekends and Holidays Affect Win Day Counting

Question: If you hold a position over the weekend, does Saturday/Sunday count toward win days?

Answer: No—only days you actively trade count as potential win days.

Example:

Friday EOD: Close at $51,000 (up $400, win day ✅)
Saturday: Markets closed (no trading = can't be win day)
Sunday evening: Reopen at $51,200 (up $200 from Friday)
Sunday EOD: $51,200
Result: ❌ Sunday doesn't count as win day (no active trading session)

Alternative interpretation (some firms):

If you hold positions over weekend and Sunday EOD shows profit from Friday, it counts
Check AquaFutures policy: Does Sunday evening session count if holding positions?

Holidays:

Market closed = no potential win day
Example: July 4 (closed) doesn't count toward win days

Practical impact:

5 win days typically requires 1-2 weeks minimum (accounting for weekends)
Can't achieve 5 win days in 5 calendar days if weekend intervenes

For market hours, see the trading hours guide.

Why Instant Accounts Require 7 Win Days vs 5

Instant accounts bypass evaluation:

Regular eval: Prove consistency during 6-10 week evaluation (5 win days)
Instant: Funded immediately without evaluation (no consistency proof)

7 win days = post-funding verification:

Purpose:

✅ Prove you deserve capital (didn't just get lucky)

✅ Demonstrate sustainable trading (not flash-in-the-pan)

✅ Build profit buffer before first withdrawal (reduce firm risk)

Why more stringent than evals?

Real money at risk (firm's capital, not sim)
No trial period (already funded, higher stakes)
First payout delayed until 7 win days + profit target met

Trade-off:

Pro: Instant funding (no 6-10 week eval wait)
Con: Must prove consistency AFTER funding (7 days + can't withdraw until requirements met)

Most traders: Prefer evaluation model (5 win days during eval, immediate payouts once funded).

For instant accounts, see the account types guide.

Strategies to Accumulate Win Days Efficiently

Strategy 1: Small consistent profits

Method:

Target $200-$500 per trading day
Once hit target, stop trading (lock in win day)
Avoid greed (trying for $2K risks turning win into loss)

Example:

Monday: +$300 → Stop (Win day 1) ✅
Tuesday: +$450 → Stop (Win day 2) ✅
Wednesday: +$250 → Stop (Win day 3) ✅

Result: 3 win days in 3 days

Strategy 2: High win-rate setups only

Method:

Wait for A+ setups (strong support/resistance, clear order flow)
Skip marginal B/C setups
Quality over quantity

Example:

Monday: No A+ setup → Don't trade (no win day, but no loss either)
Tuesday: A+ setup at 10am → +$600 → Stop (Win day 1) ✅
Wednesday: A+ setup at 2pm → +$400 → Stop (Win day 2) ✅

Result: 2 win days over 3 calendar days (selective trading)

Strategy 3: Scale out of winners

Method:

Enter with 4 ES
Exit 2 ES at +5 points = $500 profit (locked)
Let 2 ES run for additional profit (or stop at breakeven)
Guarantees profit for win day even if remaining 2 ES lose

Example:

Entry: 4 ES at 5,200
Exit 2 ES: 5,205 (+5 points × 2 × $50 = $500)
Remaining 2 ES: Stop at breakeven 5,200
Total P&L: +$500 (Win day ✅)

Strategy 4: Trade early, finish early

Method:

Complete trading by 12pm ET
Lock in profits before afternoon volatility
Reduces risk of giving back gains

Example:

9:30am: Market open, take 2 trades (+$400 total)
11:30am: Close all positions, stop trading
EOD: +$400 (Win day ✅)

For trading strategies, see the microscalping guide.

Common Mistakes That Delay Win Day Progress

Mistake 1: Overtrading on win days

Problem:

Up $500 at 11am (win day secured)
Keep trading, lose $700 by EOD
Result: -$200 EOD (lost win day)

Fix: Set profit target, stop once achieved.

Mistake 2: Trying for huge profits

Problem:

Need 5 win days, try to hit $2K+ each day
Overtrade, take risky setups
End up with 2 win days, 3 losing days

Fix: Target small consistent profits ($200-$500).

Mistake 3: Trading break-even days

Problem:

EOD at exactly $0 profit/loss
Doesn't count as win day (wasted day)

Why it happens: Fear of losses, close positions at breakeven

Fix: If up even $50, close and take the win day.

Mistake 4: Holding losers into EOD

Problem:

Down $300 at 3pm
"Hope" it recovers by 4pm (doesn't)
Result: Losing day confirmed

Fix: Cut losses early (preserve capital for next win day attempt).

Mistake 5: Not tracking win days

Problem:

Think you have 4 win days, actually have 3
Request funding, denied (insufficient win days)

Fix: Keep spreadsheet or use dashboard to track.

Mistake 6: Risking win days near end of week

Problem:

Friday, have 4 win days, need 1 more
Aggressively trade trying to get #5
Blow account, lose all progress

Fix: If close to requirements, trade conservatively.

For risk management, see the drawdown guide.

What Happens If You Can't Achieve Win Days?

During evaluation:

Scenario: 8 weeks in, only 3 win days (need 5).

Outcome:

Continue trading (no deadline, just monthly fee)
Eventually achieve 5 win days → Get funded
OR breach account → Restart evaluation

Key: No time limit on achieving win days during eval.

Instant accounts:

Scenario: 6 weeks funded, only 5 win days (need 7).

Outcome:

Can't withdraw until 7 win days met
Continue trading (account remains active)
Eventually achieve 7 win days → First payout eligible
OR breach → Lose account

Key: Must achieve 7 win days before any payouts.

If progress is very slow (6+ months, still not meeting requirements):

Indicates trading strategy issues
Consider taking break, reviewing approach
Might need education/mentorship

For evaluation timeline, see the evaluation guide.

Optimal Trading Schedules for Win Days

Schedule 1: Daily trader (fastest)

Monday-Friday: Trade every day

Timeline: 5 win days in 10-15 calendar days

Example:

Week 1: 3 win days (Mon, Wed, Fri) + 2 losses (Tue, Thu)
Week 2: 2 win days (Mon, Tue) + 3 losses (Wed-Fri)
Total: 5 win days in 10 trading days ✅

Pros: Fastest path to funding

Cons: Higher pressure, more opportunities to lose

Schedule 2: Part-time trader (moderate)

3 days per week (e.g., Mon, Wed, Fri)

Timeline: 5 win days in 4-6 weeks

Example:

Weeks 1-2: 3 win days (6 trading days, 50% win rate)
Weeks 3-4: 2 win days (6 trading days, 33% win rate)
Total: 5 win days in 12 trading days ✅

Pros: Less stress, more selective trading

Cons: Slower path (4-6 weeks vs 2 weeks)

Schedule 3: Weekly trader (conservative)

2 days per week

Timeline: 5 win days in 6-10 weeks

Example:

Weeks 1-5: 1 win day per week (10 trading days, 50% win rate)
Total: 5 win days in 10 trading days ✅

Pros: Maximum selectivity, lowest stress

Cons: Very slow (2+ months)

Recommended for most: Schedule 1 or 2 (daily or 3x/week).

Win Days vs Profit Targets: Which Is Harder?

Two separate requirements:

Win days: 5 or 7 days with positive P&L
Profit target: $3,000 (Beginner) or $6,000 (Standard)

Which is harder?

Scenario A: Hit profit target quickly

Week 1: +$3,500 total profit (5 trading days, 5 win days)
Result: ✅ Both requirements met (fast)

Scenario B: Slow and steady

Weeks 1-6: $500 per week, 1 win day per week
End of Week 6: $3,000 profit ✅, but only 6 win days (need 5, so ✅)
Result: ✅ Both requirements met (slow)

Scenario C: Hit profit target, lacking win days

Week 1: +$4,000 in one day (massive trade)
Week 2-4: Break-even or small losses
Total: $4,000 profit ✅, only 1 win day ❌
Result: Must continue trading to get 4 more win days

Scenario D: Many win days, lacking profit

Weeks 1-8: 12 win days (lots of small $50-$100 wins)
Total profit: $1,500 (insufficient)
Result: ✅ Win days met, ❌ profit target not met

Most traders: Hit both requirements around same time (5 win days = $3K profit naturally).

Edge cases: Lucky traders hit profit fast but need more win days. Conservative traders hit win days but need more profit.

For profit targets, see the profit targets guide.

Win Day Requirements and Consistency Rule

Question: Can you hit 5 win days while violating consistency rule?

Answer: Yes—win days and consistency are separate requirements.

Scenario:

Win day 1: +$300
Win day 2: +$400
Win day 3: +$2,500 (83% of $3,000 total profit)
Win day 4: +$200
Win day 5: +$250
Total profit: $3,650
Win days: 5 ✅
Consistency rule: ❌ Violated (Win day 3 = 68% of profit, exceeds 40% limit)

Result: Can't get funded (consistency violation) despite meeting win days + profit target.

Lesson: Must satisfy ALL requirements:

✅ Win days (5 or 7)

✅ Profit target ($3K or $6K)

✅ Consistency rule (no day >40% of total)

✅ Drawdown limits (stay above threshold)

For consistency rule, see the consistency guide.

Final Thoughts: Win Days = Proof of Consistency

Win day requirements aren't arbitrary—they serve important purpose:

✅ Prevent flukes: One $5K lucky trade ≠ skilled trader

✅ Demonstrate repeatability: 5-7 separate profitable sessions = consistent edge

✅ Build confidence: You AND the firm know you can do it repeatedly

Most traders who pass evaluations:

Achieve 5 win days in 2-4 weeks
Average $200-$800 per win day
Mix of wins and losses (not 100% win rate)

Key principle: Small consistent profits > large inconsistent wins.

If you're struggling to hit win days:

Reduce profit targets ($200/day vs $1,000/day)
Trade high-probability setups only
Stop when profitable (lock in win days)
Track progress religiously

Win days are achievable for any disciplined trader. Focus on consistency, not home runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many win days do you need for AquaFutures?

Beginner/Standard evaluation accounts: 5 win days minimum during evaluation before funding approval. Instant/Instant Pro accounts: 7 win days after funding before first payout eligibility. Win day = any calendar day ending with net positive P&L regardless of amount ($50 profit = $5,000 profit for win day purposes). Break-even days ($0.00 P&L) don't count. Losing days don't count. Only end-of-day balance matters—intraday P&L irrelevant.

Do win days need to be consecutive?

No—win days can be non-consecutive. Example: Monday +$500 (win 1), Tuesday -$300 (losing day, doesn't reset counter), Wednesday +$400 (win 2), Thursday $0 (break-even, doesn't count), Friday +$600 (win 3). Counter accumulates regardless of losing days between wins. Consecutive faster (5 days straight) but non-consecutive more realistic (reflects normal trading variance). Most traders achieve 5 win days over 10-20 calendar days mixing wins, losses, break-evens.

Why do Instant accounts require 7 win days vs 5?

Instant accounts bypass evaluation—funded immediately without proving consistency first. 7 win days = post-funding verification with real money at risk (not sim capital). Purpose: Prove you deserve capital, demonstrate sustainable trading not flash-in-the-pan, build profit buffer before first withdrawal. Trade-off: Pro = instant funding (no 6-10 week eval wait), Con = must prove consistency AFTER funding plus can't withdraw until 7 win days + profit target met.

Does intraday P&L matter for win days?

No—only end-of-day balance determines win days. Example: SOD $50K, intraday low $49.2K (-$800), recover to EOD $50.6K (+$600) = win day (EOD positive despite intraday drawdown). Opposite: SOD $50K, intraday high $51.8K (+$1.8K), drop to EOD $49.7K (-$300) = NOT win day (EOD negative despite intraday profit). Strategy implication: Close positions before EOD if profitable, especially near win day milestones.

What strategies accumulate win days efficiently?

Four strategies: (1) Small consistent profits—target $200-$500/day, stop once hit (lock in win day, avoid greed risking reversal), (2) High win-rate setups only—wait for A+ setups, skip marginal B/C setups (quality over quantity), (3) Scale out of winners—exit half position at +5 points ($500 locked), let remainder run or stop at breakeven (guarantees profit for win day), (4) Trade early finish early—complete by 12pm ET, lock profits before afternoon volatility.

Can you meet win days but violate consistency rule?

Yes—win days and consistency are separate requirements. Example: 5 win days ($300, $400, $2,500, $200, $250 = $3,650 total), but win day 3 = 68% of profit (exceeds 40% consistency limit). Result: Can't get funded despite meeting win days + profit target. Must satisfy ALL requirements: Win days (5 or 7), Profit target ($3K or $6K), Consistency rule (no day >40%), Drawdown limits (stay above threshold).

What happens if you can't achieve win days?

During evaluation: No time limit—continue trading paying monthly fee, eventually achieve 5 win days then get funded, OR breach account and restart. Instant accounts: Can't withdraw until 7 win days met, continue trading (account remains active), eventually achieve 7 win days for first payout eligibility, OR breach and lose account. Slow progress (6+ months not meeting requirements) indicates trading strategy issues—consider break, review approach, seek education/mentorship.

How long does it take to achieve 5-7 win days?

Daily trader (Mon-Fri): 5 win days in 10-15 calendar days (fastest, higher pressure). Part-time (3 days/week): 5 win days in 4-6 weeks (moderate pace, less stress, more selective). Weekly trader (2 days/week): 5 win days in 6-10 weeks (conservative, maximum selectivity, very slow). Most traders: Complete 5 win days in 2-4 weeks during evaluations. Aggressive strategies faster (10-15 calendar days), conservative approaches longer (6-8 weeks trading 2-3 days weekly).