> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://blackboard-fi.gitbook.io/blackboard-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://blackboard-fi.gitbook.io/blackboard-docs/getting-started/quick-start.md).

# Quick Start

Getting from zero to your first trade on Blackboard takes just 5 minutes.

## Step 1: Create an Account

1. Go to [blackboard.fi](https://blackboard.fi).
2. Choose a **login method**:
   * Google account
   * Apple account
   * Email
   * Connect an existing wallet (MetaMask, WalletConnect, etc.)
3. Once logged in, an embedded wallet is automatically created for you.

{% hint style="info" %}
Wallets created via social login are still self-custodial. Blackboard has no access to your private keys.
{% endhint %}

Details: [Create Account](/blackboard-docs/account/account-creation.md)

## Step 2: Deposit

Fund your Blackboard Wallet to start trading.

* **USDC**: instant with no fee on Arbitrum, Polygon, HyperEVM, and Solana; routed on Ethereum, Base, and BNB Chain
* **USDT**: routed and received as USDC ($10 minimum)
* **Crypto**: BTC, ETH, SOL, and HYPE deposits are routed automatically
* **Card Payment** *(Coming Soon)*: Buy funds directly with a credit/debit card

Details: [Deposit](/blackboard-docs/account/deposit.md)

## Step 3: Trade

### Perpetual Futures

1. Select an asset (e.g., BTC-PERP)
2. Choose Long/Short, set leverage, enter size
3. Click **Execute Order**

### Prediction Markets

1. Select an event
2. Choose a YES or NO position
3. Enter your amount and place the order

### Options

1. Pick an asset and a window (e.g. BTC, 5 minutes)
2. Choose Up or Down
3. Enter your amount and place the order

### Spot Trading

1. Select an asset (e.g. BTC)
2. Choose Buy/Sell or Swap, enter the amount
3. Click **Execute Order**

### Trading Cards

1. Browse the card market for the card you want
2. Choose Buy or Sell
3. The trade settles on-chain in seconds

{% hint style="info" %}
Agentic Trading, Vault, and Marketplace have not launched yet. See the [Automation](broken://pages/6nS3Rg4HvarHG2bz5oqw) section for how they will work.
{% endhint %}

## Step 4: Manage Positions

* **Dashboard**: Monitor all positions, unrealized PnL, and margin status in real time
* **TP/SL Settings**: Set automatic take-profit and stop-loss orders
* **Withdraw**: Transfer assets to another wallet or exchange at any time

## Next Steps

* [Order Types](/blackboard-docs/trade/order-types.md) — Market, limit, and stop orders in detail
* [Margin & Leverage](/blackboard-docs/trade/margin-and-leverage.md) — Understanding margin modes