How to create an Alpaca account
SmartSwing connects to Alpaca, a commission-free brokerage, to execute trades. You can begin with a free paper trading account — no real money required.
Account availability, eligibility, and onboarding requirements are determined by Alpaca Securities LLC. Last updated: March 29, 2026.
Option 1: Create a paper trading account
Paper trading accounts are free, available globally, and require no identity verification. This is the safest way to test before using real money.
- 1
Go to Alpaca and sign up
Visit app.alpaca.markets/signup and create an account with your email address.
- 2
Create a paper-only account
After email verification, you will land on the Alpaca dashboard. Paper accounts start with $100,000 in simulated capital.
- 3
Navigate to API Keys
In the Alpaca dashboard, find the API Keys section (typically in the right sidebar or account settings).
- 4
Generate paper API credentials
Create a Paper Trading API key pair. You will receive a Key ID and a Secret Key. Store these securely.
- 5
Note: paper credentials are separate from live
Paper API keys connect to the paper trading environment only. They cannot execute real trades.
Option 2: Open a live brokerage account
A live account allows real-money trading. Only open a live account when you are comfortable with the system after observing paper trading performance.
- 1
Start from your Alpaca dashboard
If you already have a paper account, you can apply for a live brokerage account from the same dashboard.
- 2
Complete brokerage onboarding
Alpaca will ask for your legal name, date of birth, address, Social Security Number, employment information, and investment experience.
- 3
Wait for Alpaca review
Alpaca runs KYC/AML verification. Approval typically takes 1-2 business days. Approval is not guaranteed and is determined solely by Alpaca.
- 4
Fund your account
Once approved, fund the account via ACH bank transfer. The minimum deposit for SmartSwing is $100.
- 5
Generate live API credentials
Create a separate Live API key pair. Live credentials are different from paper credentials and connect to the real trading environment.
- 6
Enable live trading only when ready
Real-money trading should only be enabled when you have completed the observe and verify stages of the trust ladder and are comfortable with the system.
Paper vs. live trading
| Feature | Paper | Live |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Testing and validation | Real-money trading |
| Uses real money? | No | Yes |
| Risk level | Zero financial risk | Full market risk |
| Credentials | Paper API key pair | Live API key pair (separate) |
| Environment | Paper trading sandbox | Live brokerage account |
| Best for | Getting started, building confidence | After completing trust ladder stages |
What you will need inside SmartSwing
- 1.Your Alpaca API Key ID
- 2.Your Alpaca API Secret Key
- 3.Knowledge of whether you are connecting paper or live credentials
Always verify that you have selected the correct environment (paper or live) before enabling automated trading. Your API keys are encrypted using AES-256-GCM and are never stored in plaintext.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a live brokerage account to start?
No. You can start with a free paper trading account. Paper trading lets you test SmartSwing with simulated capital and zero financial risk.
Can I test with paper trading first?
Yes. SmartSwing's trust ladder begins with an Observe stage that uses paper trading exclusively. You can watch the system operate before committing real money.
Are paper and live API keys the same?
No. Paper trading credentials and live trading credentials are completely separate. They connect to different Alpaca environments. Always verify which credentials you are using before enabling live trading.
Who approves the live brokerage account?
Alpaca Securities LLC handles all account approval, KYC/AML verification, and compliance. SmartSwing does not approve, manage, or custody brokerage accounts.
Can I switch from paper to live later?
Yes. You can upgrade from paper to live trading at any time by opening a live brokerage account with Alpaca and connecting your live API credentials in SmartSwing settings.
Ready to see investing differently?
Begin with paper trading. Observe the system. No credit card required.
Investing involves risk. SmartSwing does not guarantee returns.