> 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/plans-and-billing/free-starter.md).
# Free Starter (partner unlock)
Qualifying funded traders get Starter features at no cost by connecting a partner account.
Connecting a qualifying account from a partnered prop firm or broker unlocks the full Starter feature set at $0. The unlock runs as a rolling 30-day subscription that renews automatically for as long as the account keeps meeting the criteria.
Free Starter — connect a qualifying partner account to unlock Starter at no cost.
## Understand what the unlock grants
The partner unlock is a growth path from **Free** to Starter without payment. It is not the standing $0 **Free** plan — it grants Starter limits and features, billed at $0.
| Item | Value |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Plan shown | **Starter (Partner)** |
| Price | $0 |
| Connected accounts | 5 |
| Copy setups | 1 |
| Support | Standard |
| Term | Rolling 30 days, auto-renewed while criteria hold |
| Yearly option | Not applicable |
{% hint style="info" %}
While the unlock is active your plan appears in **Billing** as **Starter (Partner)**. That label is how you confirm the unlock is applied — a plain **Starter** label means you are on the paid tier instead.
{% endhint %}
## Meet the qualifying criteria
The account you connect must come from a partnered firm or broker and clear the thresholds below. Trada does not name individual partners here — the partner list is maintained internally and is expanding, so an account that does not qualify today may qualify later.
| Account type | Requirement |
| ------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Prop firm | Connected from a partnered prop firm, **$50,000+** starting balance |
| Broker | Connected from a partnered broker, **$500+** balance, on a live server, with active trading (2+ trades per week) |
{% hint style="info" %}
Currency thresholds are evaluated in USD, the only currency Trada uses. Amounts on other-currency accounts are read in their USD equivalent.
{% endhint %}
## Connect a qualifying account
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Open Add Account
From **Accounts**, choose **Add Account** and select your platform. If you are at your Free plan limit, the tooltip offers **Add Partner Account** as the path to a free slot.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Connect the account
Complete the connection for your platform. For OAuth platforms such as cTrader, this is a secure sign-in; for others, attach the credentials you set up beforehand. See [Connect partner accounts](/connecting-accounts/partner-accounts.md) for the full flow.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Confirm the partner badge
Once the account is verified against the criteria, a **Partner** badge appears on it. Partner accounts are exempt from plan limits.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Check your plan label
Open **Billing** and confirm the plan reads **Starter (Partner)** with a $0 next charge. Starter features are now active across your workspace.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
## Track renewal and expiry
The unlock starts when a qualifying account is connected and runs for 30 days. Near the end of each term Trada re-checks the account against the criteria:
* **Criteria still met** — the term auto-renews for another 30 days at $0.
* **Criteria no longer met** — the unlock ends at the close of the current term, and the plan reverts to **Free** limits (2 accounts, 1 copy setup). Accounts beyond the Free limit are disconnected, following the standard downgrade behaviour.
You can extend or reinforce the unlock by connecting additional qualifying partner accounts, so a single account dropping below criteria does not necessarily end the unlock.
{% hint style="info" %}
Renewal and expiry notices appear in-app only, under **Notifications** and the top-nav bell. Trada does not send email or push alerts.
{% endhint %}
## Move to a paid plan
If you need more than 5 accounts or a second copy setup, upgrade from **Billing**. Paid tiers add capacity and, on yearly billing, bonus accounts and setups. See [Upgrade and downgrade](/plans-and-billing/upgrade-downgrade.md) and [Add-ons](/plans-and-billing/add-ons.md) for capacity options.
{% hint style="warning" %}
Subscription cancellation is not self-service. To cancel a paid plan, contact support — the partner unlock itself simply lapses on its own when criteria stop being met.
{% endhint %}
## Related
* [Connect partner accounts](/connecting-accounts/partner-accounts.md)
* [Plans and billing overview](/plans-and-billing/plans-billing.md)
* [Upgrade and downgrade](/plans-and-billing/upgrade-downgrade.md)
* [Supported platforms](/connecting-accounts/supported-platforms.md)
---
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