Supported brokers
Which brokers does TraderDesk support?
TraderDesk supports Alpaca, Tradier, Interactive Brokers, Tastytrade, TradeStation, Charles Schwab, OANDA, MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4, plus built-in demo accounts. Each broker page lists the segments shown in the app, the credentials the connection asks for and the setup steps.
Segments are the ones shown in the current build. Your broker account still needs the permissions and market-data subscriptions for each segment. MT4/MT5 availability varies by broker and region.
Connections
How broker connections work
TraderDesk connects to broker APIs or gateways you control. It does not hold your funds, open accounts for you or route orders through a Preemption Softwares server.
- 01
Choose the broker
Open the broker page and check the segments and credentials. Start with a paper or sandbox account where one is available.
- 02
Create API access
In your broker’s dashboard or gateway, create the key, token or login the page describes. Give it only the permissions you need.
- 03
Add the account
In TraderDesk, choose Add Account, pick the broker and paste the credentials. Label the account so you can recognise it on the order ticket.
- 04
Test, then trade
Connect, confirm the account appears, and send a small demo or paper order before using live credentials.
Before you connect
A short checklist
Most connection problems come from permissions, market data or an account ID, not from the order ticket itself.
- API access is enabled for the broker account, not just the website login.
- The key or token has the order and data permissions the broker requires.
- You are using the paper or sandbox environment for the first test.
- The account ID matches the account you intend to trade.
- Any required market-data subscription is active with the broker.
- The segment is permitted on that account (for example, options or futures).
Region and availability
TraderDesk is focused on US markets and US broker accounts. Broker availability, supported instruments and account types differ by region. CFDs are not available to US retail clients. MT4/MT5 are generally not offered to US retail forex clients; read the MetaTrader pages before relying on them.
Broker questions
Common broker questions
Which brokers support options?
Alpaca, Tradier, Interactive Brokers, Tastytrade, TradeStation and Charles Schwab list options in the app. Options approval and the permitted strategies depend on the broker and your account.
Which brokers support futures?
Interactive Brokers and TradeStation show futures segments in the app. Futures permissions and exchanges depend on your broker account and any additional agreements.
Do I need a paid market-data subscription?
For some brokers, yes. A connection can succeed while a live quote feed still requires a subscription with the broker or a data provider. Check your broker’s market-data settings before trading.
Can I route to several accounts at the same broker?
Yes. Add each account as a separate connection in TraderDesk and tick the ones you want on the order ticket. The app treats every account as its own routing target.
Are MT4 and MT5 available to US traders?
MT4/MT5 are generally not offered to US retail forex clients. Availability depends on your broker and region. TraderDesk does not provide brokerage services and does not claim US retail availability for MT4/MT5.
Is there a demo account?
Yes. The built-in demo accounts need no API key and are the recommended starting point. Some brokers also provide paper or sandbox credentials, such as Alpaca paper keys and the Tradier sandbox.
GET STARTED
Pick a broker and follow the setup page.
Each broker page lists the exact credentials and the first test to run. Start with demo accounts if you are not ready to connect.