TradeStation Setup Guide

Setting up TradeStation with TraderFlow is straightforward. Once you have your API credentials, the integration is relatively hands-off.

Prerequisites

• Active TradeStation account
• TradeStation API access approved
• Trading permissions enabled

Step 1: Request API Access

1. Contact TradeStation

   • Log in to your TradeStation account
   • Navigate to "Account Settings" or contact support
   • Request API access for your account

2. Wait for Approval

   • TradeStation will review your request
   • Approval typically takes 1-3 business days
   • You'll receive an email when approved

Step 2: Create API Application

1. Access API Portal

   • Go to TradeStation API Portal
   • Log in with your TradeStation credentials

2. Register New Application

   • Click "Register Application" or "Create App"
   • Fill in application details:
     • Application Name: "TraderFlow" (or your preferred name)
     • Redirect URI: Use the URI provided by TraderFlow
     • Description: "TraderFlow trading application"

3. Save Your Credentials

   • API Key (Client ID): Copy this value
   • API Secret (Client Secret): Copy this value
   • Store these securely - you'll need them for TraderFlow

Important: Keep your API Secret secure. Never share it or commit it to version control.

Step 3: Configure TraderFlow

1. Open TraderFlow Settings

   • Launch TraderFlow application
   • Go to Settings → Broker Configuration

2. Enter TradeStation Credentials

   • Broker Type: Select "TradeStation"
   • API Key (Client ID): Paste the API Key from Step 2
   • API Secret (Client Secret): Paste the API Secret from Step 2

3. Authenticate

   • Click "Connect" or "Authenticate"
   • You'll be redirected to TradeStation login page
   • Log in and authorize TraderFlow
   • You'll be redirected back to TraderFlow automatically

4. Verify Connection

   • TraderFlow should display "Connected" status
   • You should see your account information loaded

Step 4: Configure Trading Permissions

1. Set Account Permissions

   • In TradeStation API Portal, verify your app has:
     • Read account information
     • Place orders
     • View positions and orders
     • Stream market data (if available)

2. Enable Real-Time Data (Optional)

   • If you have real-time data subscriptions, enable them in API settings
   • This improves TraderFlow's market data quality

Common Issues

"Invalid API credentials"

• Double-check your API Key and Secret are copied correctly
• Ensure there are no extra spaces or characters
• Verify your API application is active in the portal

"Authorization failed"

• Make sure your TradeStation account is active
• Verify API access was approved for your account
• Check that trading permissions are enabled

"Market data not available"

• TradeStation API may have delayed data by default
• Subscribe to real-time data in TradeStation if needed
• Verify market data permissions in API settings

Security Best Practices

• Store API credentials securely
• Never share your API Secret
• Regularly rotate your API credentials (every 90 days recommended)
• Monitor API activity in TradeStation portal
• Revoke access immediately if credentials are compromised

TradeStation API Limitations

• Rate Limits: TradeStation API has rate limits on requests

  • TraderFlow automatically handles rate limiting
  • Excessive requests may result in temporary throttling

• Market Data: Real-time data may require additional subscriptions

• Order Types: Some complex order types may not be available via API

Next Steps

Once connected:

• Start with paper trading to test your setup
• Configure risk management settings in TraderFlow
• Set up alerts and notifications
• Review the Known Issues page

Additional Resources

• TradeStation API Documentation
• TradeStation API Portal
• TraderFlow Support: support@superdaytrader.com

Comparison with IBKR

TradeStation setup is generally easier than IBKR:

• ✅ No additional software to install (no TWS/Gateway equivalent)
• ✅ Simpler authentication process (OAuth 2.0)
• ✅ Direct API connection (no separate application running)
• ⚠️ Rate limits may be more restrictive
• ⚠️ Some advanced features may not be available

For detailed IBKR setup, see Interactive Brokers Setup.