> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bitbrokertrade.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How does BitBrokerTrade work? Get started in five steps

> From sign-up to your first automated trade: discover how BitBrokerTrade works for you in five steps, using your own crypto exchange account.

BitBrokerTrade takes over cryptocurrency trading completely for you. The software analyzes the market day and night and automatically places buy and sell orders through your own exchange account. In five concrete steps you are fully operational.

## From zero to automated trading in five steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign up with BitBrokerTrade">
    Create a free account on the BitBrokerTrade platform. Signing up only takes a few minutes. All you need is a valid email address.

    Once you are logged in, you see the dashboard and the menu sections that guide you through the next steps. Want to know what you will see after logging in? Read [First login and menu](/getting-started/first-login-and-menu).

    <Tip>
      Don't have an account yet? Go to the [sign-up page](/getting-started/sign-up) and register within five minutes.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create an account at an exchange">
    To be able to trade, you need an account at an **exchange**, a crypto exchange where you can convert euros into cryptocurrencies and vice versa. Think of it as a bank account, but specifically for crypto.

    BitBrokerTrade works with the following exchanges:

    <CardGroup cols={3}>
      <Card title="Bitvavo" icon="building-columns" href="/exchanges/bitvavo" />

      <Card title="Binance" icon="building-columns" href="/exchanges/binance" />

      <Card title="Bybit" icon="building-columns" href="/exchanges/bybit" />

      <Card title="Bitstamp" icon="building-columns" href="/exchanges/bitstamp" />

      <Card title="Coinbase" icon="building-columns" href="/exchanges/coinbase" />

      <Card title="KuCoin" icon="building-columns" href="/exchanges/kucoin" />
    </CardGroup>

    Create an account at the exchange of your choice, verify your identity and deposit euros into your account. The exchange pages in this documentation guide you step by step through this process.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect BitBrokerTrade to the exchange">
    Once your exchange account is active and contains a balance, you connect BitBrokerTrade using an **API key**. API stands for *Application Programming Interface*, the technical bridge that lets two software systems communicate with each other.

    <Accordion title="What exactly is an API connection?">
      Imagine a lamp and a power strip. The lamp only works when you plug it into the power strip, which then supplies electricity to the lamp. An API connection works in the same way: instead of electricity, data is exchanged between two software systems. Through the API key from your exchange, BitBrokerTrade can communicate with your account and send buy and sell instructions.
    </Accordion>

    You request an API key through your exchange account settings and then enter it in BitBrokerTrade under **Settings → Exchanges → Add exchange**. Detailed instructions per exchange are available in the [Exchanges](/exchanges/what-is-an-exchange) chapter.

    <Note>
      Through the API connection, the trader can **never** transfer money to a third-party account. The software may only adjust the composition of your exchange account: exchanging euros for crypto or vice versa. You always withdraw money to your bank account yourself through the exchange.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure the trader">
    Set the parameters for the trader in the **Traders** menu. This includes, for example, the minimum return percentage a position must reach before the trader sells. More explanation about all settings is available on the [Trader settings](/traders/trader-settings) page.

    Once the trader is active, the software starts collecting trading data and analyzing price movements based on the **MACD method**.

    <Accordion title="How does the MACD method work?">
      MACD stands for **Moving Average Convergence Divergence**, a technical indicator that recognizes upward and downward price trends. The indicator consists of two lines:

      * **The MACD line**: the difference between the moving average of the past 26 days and that of the past 12 days.
      * **The signal line**: the exponentially measured average of the past 12 days.

      When the MACD line crosses the signal line **upward**, there is a buy signal. When the MACD line crosses the signal line **downward**, there is a sell signal. The greater the distance between the two lines, the stronger the trend.

      Read more on the [Trading strategy](/traders/trading-strategy) page.
    </Accordion>

    **How large is a transaction?** By default, the trader invests **18% of your available euro balance** on your exchange account per purchase. With a balance of € 1,000, the trader trades with roughly € 180 per transaction. This ensures spread across multiple positions. The minimum transaction size is **€ 25**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start earning">
    You are ready. The trader now runs 24/7 for you: it buys during an upward price trend and sells as soon as the return on a position exceeds your set target percentage and a downward trend is visible.

    Track your results live through the **Dashboard**. Here you see, among other things, your total gross profit, open positions and completed sell transactions.

    <CardGroup cols={2}>
      <Card title="View dashboard" icon="chart-line" href="/getting-started/dashboard">
        Understand all figures and statistics in your personal dashboard.
      </Card>

      <Card title="Buy transactions" icon="arrow-down" href="/getting-started/buy-transactions">
        View all active positions the trader has opened for you.
      </Card>
    </CardGroup>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Frequently asked questions about how it works

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="What is an exchange?" icon="circle-question" href="/exchanges/what-is-an-exchange">
    More explanation about crypto exchanges and which one suits you.
  </Card>

  <Card title="What is a trader?" icon="circle-question" href="/traders/what-is-a-trader">
    Everything about how the trader software works and what to expect.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pricing and credits" icon="circle-question" href="/introduction/pricing-and-credits">
    How does the no-cure-no-pay system work and how many credits do you need?
  </Card>

  <Card title="FAQ general" icon="circle-question" href="/faq/general">
    Answers to the most frequently asked questions from users.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>