Tradovate Account Types: Individual, Joint, IRA & More
Before you fill out a single field on the Tradovate application, you have to answer one question: whose account is this? Here's how each account type works so you can choose with confidence.
Before you fill out a single field on the Tradovate application, you have to answer one question: whose account is this? Are you trading your own money, sharing an account with a partner, running it through a company, or investing for retirement? Each answer points you to a different account type, and picking the wrong one is the fastest way to stall your application. Here's how each type works so you can choose with confidence.
What Are Tradovate Account Types?
A Tradovate account type is the legal ownership structure you choose when you open a futures trading account. It decides who owns the account, how the profits get taxed, and which documents you'll have to submit with your application. Tradovate offers individual, joint, entity (corporate, LLC, partnership and trust) and IRA/retirement accounts. Match the account to your situation up front, and funding and trading go a lot smoother.
Tradovate Account Types Explained: Step-by-Step
Individual and Joint Accounts
An individual account is owned and traded by one person, and it's the quickest to open. The online application usually takes only a few minutes. A joint account is shared by two or more people, say a spouse or a business partner. Every holder gets named on the application, and each one provides their own identity documents, so gather those before you start.
Entity Accounts (Corporate, LLC, Partnership, Trust)
Trade through a business or legal structure and Tradovate has you covered with corporate, LLC, partnership and trust accounts. These are owned by the entity rather than an individual, so expect more paperwork: formation documents, an EIN or tax ID, and the names of everyone authorized to trade on the account. Pick the structure that matches how the business is actually registered, not the one that sounds closest.
IRA and Retirement Accounts
Yes, you can trade futures inside a retirement account. Tradovate offers IRA accounts through a third-party custodian, Equity Trust, which partners with Tradovate to service retirement clients. When you apply, select IRA as the Account Type and enter Equity Trust as your Account Custodian. Equity Trust holds the retirement funds while you trade futures inside the IRA. One thing that trips people up: even if you already have a Tradovate or NinjaTrader login, you still have to complete a separate application for the IRA.
Select Your Account Type in the Application
Open the Tradovate account application and choose your account type from the Account Type field, then enter your personal or entity details and upload the required identity documents. Submit the form, and Tradovate's New Accounts team reviews it and emails you once processing is complete. Minimum deposit requirements vary by account type and change over time, so check Tradovate's current funding requirements before you move any money.
Why You'd Need This
- Choosing the right ownership and tax structure before you apply
- Opening a joint account to trade alongside a spouse or partner
- Trading futures through a company using a corporate, LLC, partnership or trust account
- Investing for retirement in a tax-advantaged IRA via Equity Trust
- Having the correct documents ready so your application isn't delayed
Automate This with PickMyTrade
Once your Tradovate account is open, PickMyTrade links your TradingView alerts straight to it, so entries, exits and bracket orders fire automatically across whichever account type you chose, with no manual clicks.
Automate Your Tradovate Trades
Once your account is open, let entries, exits, and brackets fire automatically. PickMyTrade links your TradingView alerts straight to your Tradovate account.
Start Your Free 5-Day TrialFrequently Asked Questions
Yes. Tradovate supports IRA and retirement accounts through its custodian partner, Equity Trust. Select IRA as the Account Type and enter Equity Trust as your Account Custodian when you apply.
Yes. A joint account lets two or more people share one trading account. Every holder is listed on the application, and each must provide identity documents.
Minimums vary by account type and change over time, so check Tradovate's current funding requirements. A live futures account should hold enough to cover its margin requirements.
This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and is not financial, investment, or trading advice. Trading futures and other leveraged products carries a substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. PickMyTrade is an independent third-party automation platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Tradovate, Inc. "Tradovate" and all related names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Platform features and steps change over time, so always confirm the current process in the official Tradovate platform and documentation before acting.