User and Account Types
User Types
Tiger OpenAPI is designed for two primary user groups:
- Retail investors: Open and fund a Tiger Brokers account, then activate API access on the OpenAPI Application Page. Once activation is complete, follow the Quick Start guide to begin integrating.
- Institutional investors: Register as a developer and apply for API access through the Tiger Brokers Institutional Center. For details, see the Institutional Account Center.
If you encounter any issues during the application process, contact us.
Account Types
- Prime Account: Supports all markets and allows orders to be placed at any time. Available as a margin or cash account, it supports stocks, warrants, callable bull/bear contracts (CBBCs), options, and futures. Margin trading is available for selected stocks.
- Global Account: A legacy account type that is not recommended for new users. It supports all markets and allows orders to be placed at any time. Available as a margin or cash account, it supports stocks, options, and futures. Margin trading is available for selected stocks.
- Paper Trading Account: Supports trading in US stocks, Hong Kong stocks, A-shares, and options.
Account Type Comparison
| Feature | Prime Account | Global Account | Paper Trading Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account nature | Live | Live | Virtual funds |
| Recommendation | Recommended | Not recommended (legacy) | Suitable for testing |
| Supported markets | US, Hong Kong, China A-shares (Stock Connect), Singapore, Australia | US, Hong Kong, China A-shares (Stock Connect), Singapore, Australia | US, Hong Kong, China A-shares |
| Stock trading | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Options trading | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Futures trading | Supported | Supported | Not supported |
| Warrants/CBBCs | Supported | Not supported | Not supported |
| Margin trading and short selling | Supported for selected stocks | Supported for selected stocks | Not supported |
| Account structures | Margin/Cash | Margin/Cash | — |
| Pre-market and after-hours orders | Supported | Supported | Supported |
The Prime Account is the recommended live account type and offers the broadest feature set. The Global Account is a legacy account type; new users should choose a Prime Account. The Paper Trading Account is intended for development and testing and does not require funding.
Updated 15 days ago
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