Trade-Only API Keys for Crypto Bots: What to Enable (and What to Never Enable)
A simple checklist for exchange API key permissions for trading bots. Learn what “trade-only” really means, why withdrawal permissions increase risk, and how to reduce blast radius.
Vantixs Team
Trading Education
Trade-Only API Keys for Crypto Bots: What to Enable (and What to Never Enable)
One important rule: withdrawals should not be enabled for a trading bot.
Recommended permissions
- ✅ Read: balances, orders, positions
- ✅ Trade: place/cancel orders
- ❌ Withdrawals
Reduce blast radius
- Use separate API keys per exchange and per environment
- Restrict symbols/accounts if your exchange supports it
- Use small limits at the bot/risk-engine layer
Next reads
- Safety hub: /blog/crypto-trading-bot-safety-guide-2026
- Exchange setup: /docs/live-trading/exchange-setup
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