> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.everstrike.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Start Trading on Everstrike: Complete 5-Step Guide

> Set up your Everstrike account, connect your wallet, deposit USDC, and mint evUSD to start trading perpetual futures and options in five steps.

To trade on Everstrike you need an account, a connected wallet (DEX mode) or a managed wallet (CEX mode), and evUSD in your trading balance. This guide walks you through every step from sign-up to your first trade. If you are unsure which mode to choose, read [DEX Mode vs. CEX Mode](/account/dex-mode-vs-cex-mode) first.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="DEX Mode">
    DEX mode lets you connect and control your own wallet. Complete the following steps in order.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Create your account">
        Go to [app.everstrike.io](https://app.everstrike.io/app/register) and enter your email address to sign up.

        When prompted, choose a **nickname**. Your nickname appears in Everstrike Chat and on the leaderboard — you cannot change it later, so choose carefully.

        Check your inbox for the verification email and confirm your address to activate the account.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Connect your wallet">
        Open the **Portfolio** view after logging in and click **Connect Wallet**.

        Choose **MetaMask** or **WalletConnect**. On desktop, MetaMask is usually the simplest option.

        <Tip>
          If you just installed the MetaMask browser extension, refresh the page before clicking Connect Wallet so the extension is detected correctly.
        </Tip>

        Make sure your wallet is set to a [network supported by Everstrike](/account/supported-networks-and-stablecoins) — Arbitrum One, Base, Ethereum, or Binance Smart Chain.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Confirm your primary wallet">
        Everstrike shows you the wallet address it detected. Review it carefully, then click to confirm.

        This links the wallet permanently to your account. Each account supports **one wallet address only**. If you want to use a different address in the future, you must create a new account with a different email.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Sign the ownership message">
        Your wallet will prompt you with a signature request. Sign the message to prove you own the wallet.

        Everstrike uses a message in this exact format:

        ```
        I want to register this wallet with Everstrike and my unique account ID is <UNIQUE ACCOUNT ID>
        ```

        This message proves ownership — it does **not** authorize any asset transfers. You only sign it once, the first time you connect the wallet.

        <Warning>
          Never sign a message you do not fully understand. Read the full text before approving it in your wallet.
        </Warning>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Fund your trading balance and start trading">
        Everstrike uses `evUSD` as trading collateral. To get `evUSD`, complete three sub-steps in order:

        1. **Deposit USDC** — transfer USDC from your wallet into Everstrike
        2. **Stake USDC** — convert your deposited USDC into a staked balance
        3. **Mint evUSD** — generate evUSD from your staked balance

        See [How to Deposit, Withdraw, and Stake on Everstrike](/account/how-to-deposit-withdraw-and-stake-on-everstrike) for the full step-by-step flow.

        Once you have evUSD, open [app.everstrike.io/app/trade](https://app.everstrike.io/app/trade) and start trading perpetual futures, perpetual options, or spot markets.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="CEX Mode">
    CEX mode is the easiest way to get started. Everstrike creates and manages a wallet for you — you do not need an existing Web3 wallet.

    **To start in CEX mode:**

    1. Go to [app.everstrike.io](https://app.everstrike.io/app/register) and sign up with your email.
    2. When asked about wallet mode, select **CEX mode**.
    3. Deposit funds through the standard deposit interface — no wallet approval or signing required.
    4. Everstrike automatically handles wallet creation and custody on your behalf.
    5. Open [app.everstrike.io/app/trade](https://app.everstrike.io/app/trade) and start trading.

    <Note>
      In CEX mode, Everstrike holds the wallet credentials. You trade with the convenience of a centralized exchange while still settling on-chain. See [DEX Mode vs. CEX Mode](/account/dex-mode-vs-cex-mode) to understand the custody trade-offs before choosing this option.
    </Note>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Frequently asked questions

<Accordion title="Can I connect multiple wallets to one account?">
  No. Each account can only have one connected wallet. Once you confirm a wallet address, it is permanently linked to your account and cannot be changed.

  If you need to use a different wallet address, create a new account with a different email address.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Can I trade with USDC directly?">
  No. Everstrike uses `evUSD` as trading collateral. You must deposit USDC, stake it, then mint evUSD before you can open any positions.

  This one-time conversion keeps the collateral system uniform across all markets.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="How do I convert evUSD back to USDC?">
  Use the **Redeem** operation in the Portfolio Overview:

  1. Click **Redeem** next to `evUSD`.
  2. Enter the amount you want to redeem and confirm.

  Redemption requests can take up to 24 hours, but are usually processed instantly.

  You can also swap evUSD for USDC through one of Everstrike's [spot markets](https://app.everstrike.io/app/markets) if you prefer immediate execution.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Is email login secure?">
  Email login lets anyone who controls your inbox sign in and place trades. To protect your account:

  * Enable **2FA** for an extra layer of security.
  * Note that deposits, withdrawals, and wallet confirmation still require a wallet signature — email access alone is not enough for fund movements.

  Treat your email account security as seriously as your wallet security.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="What is the testnet and should I use it?">
  The Everstrike testnet is a risk-free environment at [app.testnet.everstrike.io](https://app.testnet.everstrike.io) where you can practise the full deposit, staking, and trading flow without using real funds.

  Try the testnet first before depositing mainnet funds. It runs the same interface as the main app, so everything you learn transfers directly.
</Accordion>