AquaFutures One Trade Per Week Rule: Account Activity Requirements Explained

Written by Paul

Published on

January 12, 2026

The one trade per week rule (if enforced by AquaFutures) requires funded accounts to execute at least 1 completed trade (entry + exit) every 7 calendar days to maintain active status and avoid inactivity penalties. A "completed trade" means opening and closing a position—not just having an open position—so holding a swing trade for 2 weeks counts as zero trades until you close it. The rule exists to ensure capital isn't sitting idle (prop firms allocate capital expecting active trading), maintain platform access justification (data feeds and infrastructure cost money), and identify inactive traders who should return capital for redistribution.

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.

Violating the activity requirement typically triggers: warning email after 7 days no trading, account review after 14 days, potential account closure after 30 days of complete inactivity, though specific consequences vary by firm policy. The rule doesn't apply during evaluations (you control your pace) but activates once funded. Most traders easily meet the requirement through normal trading (3-5 trades per week is standard), but vacation planning, injury/illness, or strategy changes requiring patience can create compliance challenges requiring communication with support.

I'm breaking down what counts as a trade, how weekly periods are calculated, consequences of missing the requirement, how to handle vacation or extended absences, whether swing trading satisfies the rule, inactivity fee implications, reactivation procedures, and strategies to maintain compliance without overtrading.

What Counts as "One Trade"

Definition: A completed round-trip trade = entry + exit on any futures contract.

Examples that count:

✅ Scalp trade: Buy 2 ES at 5,200, sell at 5,202 (2-minute hold)

✅ Day trade: Buy 4 NQ at 17,000, sell at 17,015 (4-hour hold)

✅ Swing trade: Buy 3 ES Monday, close Friday (multi-day hold)

✅ Losing trade: Buy 4 ES at 5,200, stop out at 5,195

✅ Break-even trade: Buy 3 ES at 5,200, exit at 5,200.00

✅ Multiple contracts: Buy 6 ES, sell all 6 = counts as 1 trade

Examples that don't count:

❌ Open position without exit: Buy 4 ES on Monday, still holding on Sunday (no completed trade)

❌ Orders placed but not filled: Limit order sits unfilled all week

❌ Paper trading: Simulation account trades don't count

❌ Evaluation accounts: Only funded accounts have activity requirements

Key principle: Entry + Exit = 1 trade. Doesn't matter if profitable, break-even, or loss. Just needs to be completed.

For funded account rules, see the funded account guide.

How Weekly Periods Are Calculated

Method 1: Rolling 7-day window (most common)

How it works:

Day 1 (Monday): Last trade completed
Day 8 (next Monday): Must complete at least 1 trade by this day
If no trade by Day 8: Warning triggered

Example:

Jan 1 (Monday): Complete trade at 10am
Jan 8 (next Monday): Deadline to complete next trade
Jan 7 (Sunday) 11pm: Complete trade
Result: ✅ Compliant (traded within 7 days)

Method 2: Calendar week (Monday-Sunday)

How it works:

Week 1 (Jan 1-7): Must complete at least 1 trade
Week 2 (Jan 8-14): Must complete at least 1 trade
Each calendar week = fresh requirement

Example:

Week of Jan 1-7: Complete trade on Jan 2
Week of Jan 8-14: Complete trade on Jan 10
Result: ✅ Compliant (1 trade each calendar week)

Method 3: 30-day average (lenient)

How it works:

Must average 4+ trades per 30 days (1 per week × 4 weeks)
More flexible (can skip 1-2 weeks if you trade more in other weeks)

Example:

Week 1: 5 trades
Week 2: 0 trades
Week 3: 4 trades
Week 4: 3 trades
Total: 12 trades in 30 days ✅ (average 3 per week, exceeds 1 minimum)

Check AquaFutures policy: Rolling 7-day is most common, but confirm specific calculation method.

For activity policies, see the funded account guide.

Consequences of Missing the Requirement

Week 1 (7 days no trading):

Action: Automated email sent

"Hello,

We noticed no trading activity on your funded account for 7 days. Per our activity policy, funded accounts must complete at least 1 trade per week.

Please resume trading within the next 7 days to avoid account review.

If you're on vacation or have questions, contact support.

Thank you,AquaFutures Team"

Status: Warning only, no penalty

Week 2 (14 days no trading):

Action: Account flagged for review

Status:

Account remains active
Support may contact you
Request explanation for inactivity

Week 3-4 (21-30 days no trading):

Action: Account closure risk

Possible outcomes:

Option A: Temporary suspension

Account locked (can't trade)
Must contact support to reactivate
Explain reason for inactivity
Agree to resume trading

Option B: Forced closure

Account closed permanently
Must withdraw remaining balance
Can reapply for new evaluation

Week 4+ (30+ days no trading):

Action: Likely account closure

Firm's perspective:

Capital sitting idle for 30+ days
Paying for platform access you're not using
Better to allocate capital to active trader

Result: Account closed, balance returned (if positive), must restart evaluation process.

For breach consequences, see the breach guide.

Does Swing Trading Satisfy the Rule?

Scenario: You're a swing trader who holds positions 5-10 days.

Question: Does 1 swing trade per month = 4 trades per month?

Answer: No—until you close the trade, it doesn't count.

Example:

Jan 1: Enter long 4 ES at 5,200
Jan 1-14: Hold position (still open)
Jan 14: Exit at 5,280
Trades completed: 1 (only counts when closed on Jan 14)
Week 1 (Jan 1-7): 0 completed trades ❌
Week 2 (Jan 8-14): 1 completed trade ✅

Problem: You violated Week 1 activity requirement (7 days no completed trades).

Solution for swing traders:

Option 1: Close positions weekly, reopen

Jan 1: Enter long 4 ES at 5,200
Jan 6: Close at 5,210 (lock in profit, satisfy activity requirement)
Jan 7: Re-enter long 4 ES at 5,208 (resume swing position)
Jan 13: Close at 5,225

Result: 2 completed trades, both weeks compliant

Option 2: Trade small positions during swing trades

Main position: 4 ES swing trade (held 10 days)
Activity trades: 1-2 ES scalps each week (quick in/out)

Result: Swing trade + weekly scalps = compliant

Option 3: Request exception for swing trading style

Email support:

"Hello,

I'm a swing trader with typical hold periods of 7-14 days. This means I don't complete trades weekly, though I'm actively managing positions.

Can you waive the 1 trade per week requirement for my account, or allow 2 trades per month instead?

Thank you,[Your Name]"

Some firms: Grant exceptions for documented swing traders

Others: Enforce weekly rule regardless of strategy

For trading strategies, see the microscalping vs scalping guide.

Handling Vacation or Extended Absences

Scenario 1: Planned vacation (1-2 weeks)

Step 1: Email support BEFORE vacation

"Hello,

I'll be on vacation from [date] to [date] (10 days) and won't have access to trading.

Can you please note my account to avoid inactivity penalties during this period?

I'll resume trading immediately upon return.

Thank you,[Your Name]"

Step 2: Wait for confirmation

Typical response:

"Your account has been noted for vacation from [dates]. Activity requirements waived during this period. Have a great trip!"

Step 3: Resume trading within 2-3 days of return

Result: No inactivity penalties ✅

Scenario 2: Medical emergency or family situation

Step 1: Email support as soon as possible

"Hello,

I'm experiencing a family emergency and won't be able to trade for approximately [timeframe].

Please suspend activity requirements until [estimated return date].

I'll notify you when I'm ready to resume.

Thank you,[Your Name]"

Step 2: Provide updates if situation extends

Most firms: Grant exceptions for legitimate emergencies

Scenario 3: Work travel or schedule changes

Similar process: Notify support, provide dates, request temporary waiver.

Key principle: Communication prevents inactivity penalties. Silence = account closure risk.

For customer support, see the support guide.

Inactivity Fees vs Account Closure

Some prop firms charge inactivity fees instead of closing accounts.

Example inactivity fee structure:

Days 1-30: No fee
Days 31-60: $50/month inactivity fee
Days 61-90: $100/month inactivity fee
Days 91+: Account closed

Alternative: Account closed after 30 days (no fees, just closure).

Check AquaFutures policy:

Do they charge inactivity fees?
Or do they close inactive accounts?

If fees exist:

Your balance: $5,000

Inactive for 45 days: -$50 fee (charged month 2)

New balance: $4,950

Inactive for 75 days: -$100 fee (charged month 3)

New balance: $4,850

Why fees exist: Offset costs of maintaining inactive accounts (data feeds, platform access, support).

For fee details, see the processing fee guide.

Reactivating Closed Inactive Accounts

If your account closes due to inactivity:

Step 1: Contact support

"Hello,

My funded account was closed due to inactivity. I'd like to reactivate it and resume trading.

Original account details:

Account ID: [X]
Balance at closure: $[X]

Can I reactivate, or must I start a new evaluation?

Thank you,[Your Name]"

Step 2: Possible outcomes

Outcome A: Reactivation (if balance is positive)

Support reactivates account
Your balance restored
Resume trading immediately
Must agree to maintain activity going forward

Outcome B: Balance returned, new evaluation required

If account closed >90 days ago
Balance returned via withdrawal
Must pass new evaluation to get funded again

Outcome C: Denied reactivation

If you violated other rules (not just inactivity)
Account permanently closed
Must restart completely

Best practice: Don't let accounts go inactive—easier to maintain than reactivate.

Strategies to Maintain Compliance Without Overtrading

Strategy 1: Set weekly reminders

Method:

Every Monday 9am: Phone reminder "Complete 1 trade this week"
Check off once done
Prevents forgetting

Strategy 2: "Maintenance trades"

If you don't have strong setup:

Enter small position (1-2 ES)
Set tight profit target (3-5 points)
Exit quickly
Purpose: Satisfy activity requirement, minimal risk

Strategy 3: Trade Sunday evening

Method:

ES trades Sunday 6pm-Friday 4pm ET
If you haven't traded all week, take small Sunday evening trade
Ensures weekly compliance

Strategy 4: Automate with alerts

Use TradingView alerts:

Alert: "No trade completed this week—take maintenance trade"
Triggers every Sunday 3pm if no trades logged

Strategy 5: Keep trade journal

Track completion dates:

Jan 2: Completed 3 trades ✅
Jan 10: Completed 2 trades ✅
Jan 17: Completed 1 trade ✅

Visual confirmation: You're compliant week-over-week

What NOT to do:

❌ Force trades on bad setups (activity compliance ≠ reckless trading)

❌ Overtrade to "stockpile" activity (15 trades Week 1 doesn't excuse 0 trades Week 2)

❌ Ignore the rule and hope for leniency (communication required if you can't comply)

For trade tracking, see the trading dashboard guide.

Does the Rule Apply to Evaluation Accounts?

No—evaluations have no weekly activity requirements.

Why:

You're paying evaluation fees ($114-$196/month)
You control your pace (pass in 2 weeks or 10 weeks—your choice)
Firm has no risk (sim capital, not real money)

Evaluation activity:

Trade as much or little as you want
Take weeks off if needed
Only requirements: profit target, drawdown management, win days

Once funded:

Activity requirement activates
Must trade weekly to stay active

For evaluation rules, see the evaluation guide.

Multiple Accounts: Does Each Need 1 Trade Per Week?

Question: If you have 3 funded accounts, do you need 1 trade per account per week (3 total), or 1 trade across all accounts?

Answer: 1 trade per account per week (3 total if you have 3 accounts).

Example:

Week of Jan 1-7:

Account A: 5 trades completed ✅
Account B: 1 trade completed ✅
Account C: 0 trades completed ❌

Result: Accounts A + B compliant, Account C violation (warning sent).

Why each account needs activity:

Each account has separate capital allocation
Each account costs firm money (platform, data)
Inactive account = wasted capital

Managing multiple accounts:

Copy trade across all accounts: 1 manual trade on Account A copies to B + C = all 3 compliant
Rotate trading: Account A this week, Account B next week = both compliant over 2-week period
Set different strategies: Account A scalping (daily trades), Account B swing (weekly trades), Account C backup (minimal activity trades)

For multiple accounts, see the multiple accounts policy.

Final Thoughts: Stay Active, Communicate Issues

The 1 trade per week rule is easy to satisfy for active traders.

If you trade 3-5 days per week (normal for prop traders), you'll naturally exceed the requirement.

Only becomes an issue if:

You're a swing trader (hold positions 7+ days)
You take extended breaks (vacation, illness)
Your strategy requires patience (waiting for specific setups)

In these cases:

✅ Communicate with support (request exceptions, notify absences)

✅ Take small "maintenance trades" (satisfy requirement without risking account)

✅ Plan around the rule (close swing trades weekly, reopen)

Don't let a simple activity requirement cost you your funded account. Set reminders, track compliance, communicate issues.

Stay active, stay funded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as one trade for the weekly requirement?

Completed round-trip trade (entry + exit) on any futures contract. Examples that count: scalp (buy 2 ES at 5,200, sell at 5,202), day trade (4-hour hold), swing trade (multi-day hold), losing trade (stop out), break-even trade, multiple contracts (6 ES bought/sold = 1 trade). Doesn't count: open position without exit, unfilled limit orders, paper trading, evaluation account trades. Key: Entry + Exit = 1 trade regardless of profit/loss.

How is the weekly period calculated?

Three methods depending on firm: (1) Rolling 7-day window—trade Monday Jan 1, must trade by Monday Jan 8 (most common), (2) Calendar week Monday-Sunday—each week needs 1 trade, (3) 30-day average—must average 4+ trades per 30 days (more flexible). Check AquaFutures specific policy. Rolling 7-day most common calculation method.

What happens if you don't trade for a week?

Week 1 (7 days): Warning email sent, no penalty. Week 2 (14 days): Account flagged for review, still active. Week 3-4 (21-30 days): Account closure risk—temporary suspension requiring support contact or forced closure. Week 4+ (30+ days): Likely permanent account closure, balance returned, must restart evaluation. Some firms charge inactivity fees ($50-$100/month) instead of closure.

Does swing trading satisfy the weekly requirement?

No—trade doesn't count until closed. Example: Enter Jan 1, hold 14 days, close Jan 14 = 0 trades Week 1 (violation), 1 trade Week 2. Solutions for swing traders: (1) Close positions weekly and reopen (lock profits, satisfy requirement), (2) Trade small scalp positions during swing trades (1-2 ES quick in/out each week), (3) Request exception from support (some firms grant for documented swing traders).

How to handle vacation or extended absences?

Email support BEFORE absence: "I'll be on vacation [dates], won't have trading access. Please note my account to avoid inactivity penalties." Wait for confirmation: "Activity requirements waived during this period." Resume trading within 2-3 days of return. Also works for medical emergencies, family situations, work travel. Key: Communication prevents penalties, silence = account closure risk.

Does the rule apply during evaluations?

No—evaluations have no weekly activity requirements. Why: You're paying monthly fees ($114-$196), you control pace (pass in 2 weeks or 10 weeks), firm has no risk (sim capital). Only evaluation requirements: profit target, drawdown management, win days. Once funded, weekly activity requirement activates—must trade to stay active.

If you have 3 accounts, do you need 3 trades per week?

Yes—1 trade per account per week (3 total for 3 accounts). Each account needs independent activity: Account A 5 trades ✅, Account B 1 trade ✅, Account C 0 trades ❌ = violation on Account C only. Managing multiple accounts: Copy trade across all accounts (1 manual trade copies to others = all compliant), rotate trading between accounts, set different strategies per account. Each account separate capital allocation and platform costs.

Can you reactivate an account closed for inactivity?

Possible outcomes: (1) Reactivation if balance positive and closure <90 days—support reactivates, balance restored, must agree to maintain activity, (2) Balance returned, new evaluation required if closure >90 days, (3) Denied if violated other rules beyond inactivity. Contact support: "My account closed due to inactivity, balance was $X, can I reactivate?" Best practice: Don't let accounts go inactive—easier to maintain (1 trade/week) than reactivate.