> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.trada.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.trada.io/connecting-accounts/credential-sets-oauth.md).
# Credential sets & OAuth brokers
How Trada stores connection details as reusable credential sets, and which brokers connect by secure sign-in.
Trada connects to your trading accounts using stored connection details called credential sets. This page explains what a credential set holds, and how cTrader connects by secure sign-in while the other platforms connect with credentials.
Credential sets — saved connection details, plus secure sign-in for cTrader.
## Understand credential sets
A credential set is the stored connection detail for a platform or broker — the authorization or connection fields Trada needs to read an account. Keeping these as a reusable set means you set up the connection method once, then attach it when you add an account instead of re-entering everything each time.
Credential sets are managed at `/credential-sets`, a pre-connection step. You usually arrive there from the **Add Account** dialog when the platform you picked needs authorization or API-key setup before the account can be attached. Secure sign-in setup lives at `/credential-sets/oauth`.
Trada is journaling and trade-copier software — not a broker or trading platform. A credential set only lets Trada read and (where you configure copying) act on the account you connect; you keep your account with your broker or prop firm.
{% hint style="info" %}
Storage and encryption of connection details are handled by the platform. Trada's documentation does not describe the internal security implementation.
{% endhint %}
## Connect by secure sign-in (cTrader)
cTrader connects through secure sign-in (OAuth). Instead of typing account credentials into Trada, you authorize the connection on cTrader's own sign-in screen, and cTrader returns access to Trada.
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Open the Add Account dialog
On `/accounts/forex`, click **Add Account**. Choose the Forex/CFD instrument, then select **cTrader** as the platform.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Start secure sign-in
Trada opens the cTrader authorization flow. The connection moves through its states — idle, loading, connected — as authorization completes.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Sign in at cTrader
Complete sign-in on cTrader's screen. You enter your details with cTrader, not with Trada.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Select the account to connect
After authorization, choose which account to attach. The connection is then added and appears in your Forex accounts table.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
If authorization does not complete, Trada shows "Authorization failed. Please try again." and returns the dialog to the platform-selection step so you can retry.
## Connect with credentials
The other platforms connect with credentials or API-key fields rather than secure sign-in. The public platform list is:
* **Forex / CFD** — MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader (secure sign-in), TradeLocker, DXTrade, MatchTrader
* **Futures** — NinjaTrader, Rithmic, DXFeed
For a credential-based platform, the **Add Account** dialog follows a linear four-step flow.
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Select the instrument
Choose Forex/CFD or Futures. Changing the instrument later clears the downstream selections.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Select the platform
Pick your platform from the ones available for that instrument.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Select the broker or prop firm
Choose your broker or prop firm. A **PARTNER** badge marks accounts that may qualify for Free Starter benefits — see [Partner accounts](/connecting-accounts/partner-accounts.md).
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Enter the connection fields and connect
Fill in the required fields for that platform, then click **Connect Account**. On success the account is validated and added to your accounts table.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
## Manage connected accounts
Once an account is attached, you manage it from the accounts tables at `/accounts/forex` and `/accounts/futures`: **Edit** the name, **Connect** or **Disconnect**, or **Delete** with a two-step confirmation. Connection status shows as Connected, Disconnected, or Syncing.
{% hint style="warning" %}
When editing an account, the platform is read-only. To move an account to a different platform, delete it and add it again through the **Add Account** dialog.
{% endhint %}
For what happens when an account stops updating, and how to re-establish a dropped connection, see [Syncing & troubleshooting](/connecting-accounts/syncing-troubleshooting.md).
## Related
* [Supported platforms](/connecting-accounts/supported-platforms.md)
* [Connect a Forex account](/connecting-accounts/connect-forex.md)
* [Connect a Futures account](/connecting-accounts/connect-futures.md)
* [Partner accounts](/connecting-accounts/partner-accounts.md)
---
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