Revisión de Alpaca Broker – Trading API sin comisiones para acciones y criptomonedas

Mercados Alpaca Overviews

Alpaca es un corredor con sede en EE. UU. que ofrece comercio sin comisiones para acciones, ETFs, opciones y criptomonedas seleccionadas. Diseñado para traders algorítmicos y desarrolladores, proporciona una plataforma centrada en API para una automatización de comercio fluida. Aunque destaca en automatización y comercio de acciones fraccionarias, carece de forex, materias primas y herramientas de investigación de servicio completo.

Pros and Cons

Is Mercados Alpaca Safe? Broker Regulations

When choosing a broker, security and regulatory compliance are critical factors. Alpaca is a regulated broker that follows industry standards to ensure customer protection.

Regulatory Status

• FINRA Regulation: Alpaca Securities LLC is registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which oversees brokers and dealers in the U.S.
• SIPC Membership: Alpaca is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which protects customer funds up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash claims) in the event of broker insolvency.
• SEC Compliance: As a U.S.-based broker, Alpaca complies with regulations set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ensuring adherence to federal trading laws.

Security Measures

Alpaca takes security seriously, implementing multiple safeguards to protect user funds and personal data:

• Data Encryption: All communications are encrypted using industry-standard protocols to prevent unauthorized access.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Users can enable 2FA for added security when accessing their accounts.
• Fund Segregation: Customer funds are kept separate from the broker’s operating funds, reducing counterparty risk.
• Risk Management Systems: Alpaca has automated risk management tools to prevent excessive losses and ensure stability in trading.

Trust and Transparency

While Alpaca is a relatively new broker compared to traditional firms, its regulatory oversight and security measures indicate that it operates under strict financial regulations. However, as a commission-free broker, Alpaca’s revenue model is based on payment for order flow (PFOF), meaning orders may be routed through market makers, which could affect the quality of trade execution.

Overall, Alpaca is a safe and regulated broker that provides essential protections for its customers. However, traders should be aware of execution practices and ensure they align with their trading strategy.

What Can I Trade with Mercados Alpaca?

Alpaca offers a simplified selection of assets, primarily aimed at stock and cryptocurrency traders. Although the platform does not support a wide range of asset classes like forex or commodities, it provides essential instruments for participants in the U.S. market.

Available Asset Classes

✅ U.S. Stocks and ETFs: Alpaca provides access to thousands of U.S. stocks that are publicly traded and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Traders can invest in whole or fractional shares.
✅ Options Trading: The platform supports options trading, allowing users to implement various strategies, including covered calls and spreads.
✅ Cryptocurrencies: Alpaca offers select cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), allowing users to diversify into digital assets.
✅ Fractional Shares: Investors can buy fractional shares of high-priced stocks, making it easier to invest with smaller amounts.

Unavailable Asset Classes

❌ No Forex Trading: Unlike some brokers, Alpaca does not support currency pairs.
❌ No Commodities: Precious metals, oil, and agricultural commodities are not available for trading.
❌ No Bonds or Mutual Funds: Fixed-income instruments and mutual funds are not part of Alpaca’s offering.
❌ No Futures Trading: Traders looking for futures contracts will need to use another platform.

Unique Features

• Commission-Free Trading: Alpaca allows traders to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and options without commissions.
• Extended Hours Trading: Traders can participate in pre-market sessions (4:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET) and after-hours (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET).
• Simulated Trading Mode: Users can test strategies without risking real capital.

Although Alpaca lacks diversification in asset classes, it is a solid option for stock and cryptocurrency traders, particularly those interested in automated trading through APIs. Traders looking for commodities, forex, or futures will need to explore alternative brokers.

How to Trade with Mercados Alpaca?

Trading with Alpaca is designed to be seamless, especially for algorithmic traders and developers. The platform offers both manual and API-based trading options. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to trade with Alpaca.

Step 1: Open an Alpaca account

Before you can start trading, you need to sign up and verify your Alpaca account. This process involves submitting personal details and completing identity verification.

Step 2: Fund your trading account

• Navigate to the “Transfers” section of the Alpaca dashboard.
• Choose a deposit method (bank transfer or electronic transfer).
• Initiate the deposit and wait for the funds to reflect in your account (usually within 1 to 3 business days).

Step 3: Choose your trading method

Alpaca supports both manual and algorithmic trading:

• Manual Trading: Use Alpaca’s web-based interface or mobile app to buy and sell assets.
• API Trading: Developers can integrate Alpaca’s API into custom trading algorithms for automated execution.

Step 4: Executing a trade

• For Manual Trading:

  1. Log in to your Alpaca account.
  2. Search for the stock, ETF, or cryptocurrency you want to trade.
  3. Choose between a market order, limit order, or stop order.
  4. Enter the number of shares (or dollar amount for fractional trading).
  5. Confirm and execute your trade.

• For API Trading:

  1. Set up an API key from the Alpaca dashboard.
  2. Use Alpaca’s API documentation to write a script in Python or another programming language.
  3. Define your trading strategy (e.g., market making, trend following, mean reversion).
  4. Execute trades programmatically based on market conditions.

Step 5: Monitor and manage your trades

• Use Alpaca’s real-time charts and analysis to track price movements.
• Set alerts for price changes or order executions.
• Adjust positions based on market conditions or risk management strategies.

Step 6: Withdraw funds

• Navigate to the “Transfers” section.
• Select a withdrawal method (bank transfer or electronic transfer).
• Enter the amount and submit the request.

Trading tools and features

✅ Paper Trading: Allows users to test strategies with virtual funds before committing real capital.
✅ Advanced API Capabilities: Enables full automation of trading strategies.
✅ Real-Time Market Data: Provides access to live stock quotes and historical data.
✅ Commission-Free Model: Helps reduce trading costs, making it ideal for active traders.

Who is Alpaca best for?
🔹 Developers and algorithmic traders looking for API-based execution.
🔹 Retail investors seeking commission-free stock and ETF trading.
🔹 Fintech companies and startups needing brokerage integration.

Limitations: While Alpaca is great for API traders, it lacks advanced charting tools and educational resources for beginner traders.

How Can I Open Mercados Alpaca Account? A Simple Tutorial

Opening an account with Alpaca is a straightforward process, designed to accommodate both individual traders and business entities. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to set up your Alpaca account.

Step 1: Visit the Alpaca website

• Navigate to the official Alpaca page.
• Click on the “Sign Up” button.

Step 2: Choose your account type

Alpaca offers different types of accounts based on user needs:
✅ Individual Account: Designed for personal trading.
✅ Business Account: Ideal for LLCs, corporations, and partnerships looking to operate under a business structure.
✅ Paper Trading Account: A risk-free demo account to test strategies.

Select the appropriate account type before proceeding with registration.

Step 3: Enter personal information

For individual accounts, you need to provide:

• Full Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Date of Birth
• Residential Address
• Social Security Number (SSN) for U.S. residents

For business accounts, you will need:

• Company Name and registration details
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) (for U.S. businesses)
• Authorized representative details

Step 4: Complete identity verification

Alpaca follows Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations__, which require you to verify your identity.

• Upload a government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license).
• Provide proof of residency (utility bill or bank statement).
• Business accounts may require additional documents, such as an Operating Agreement or Articles of Incorporation.

This verification process typically takes 24–48 hours, but may be faster for individual accounts.

Step 5: Fund your account

Once your account is verified, you can deposit funds.

1. Log in to your Alpaca dashboard.
2. Click on “Transfers” and select “Deposit Funds.”
3. Choose a deposit method:
   • ACH Bank Transfer (U.S. only, 1–3 business days)
   • Wire Transfer (International, 2–5 business days)
4. Enter the amount and confirm the transaction.

Alpaca does not require a minimum deposit, making it accessible for all traders.

Step 6: Start trading

• For manual trading, access the Alpaca web platform or mobile app.
• For automated trading, generate API keys to connect your trading bot.
• Use Alpaca’s real-time data and order execution tools to make trades.

Step 7: Withdraw Funds (Optional)

If you wish to withdraw your earnings:

1. Go to the “Transfers” section.
2. Select “Withdraw Funds.”
3. Enter the withdrawal amount and confirm.
4. ACH withdrawals typically take 1–3 business days, while wire transfers may take 2–5 business days.

Mercados Alpaca Charts and Analysis

Alpaca provides traders with essential charting tools and analysis features, although its offerings are more limited compared to full trading platforms like MetaTrader or ThinkorSwim. Alpaca primarily targets API-based traders, making its charting solutions more suitable for algorithmic and quantitative traders.

1. Integrated Charting Tools

Alpaca offers a basic web-based charting system that provides real-time market data. Traders can:
✅ View candlestick, line, and bar charts for stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrency assets.
✅ Adjust timeframes to analyze short-term and long-term trends.
✅ Access historical price data to backtest strategies.

However, Alpaca does not have a sophisticated proprietary charting system with advanced drawing tools or indicators. Traders needing deeper analysis often integrate third-party platforms like TradingView or QuantConnect.

2. Technical Indicators

While Alpaca’s built-in charts are minimal, traders using the Alpaca API can integrate their own technical indicators.
Popular indicators include:
✅ Moving Averages (SMA, EMA)
✅ Bollinger Bands
✅ Relative Strength Index (RSI)
✅ MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence)

By using the market data API from Alpaca, traders can generate real-time calculations for indicators and apply them to custom trading models.

3. Support for Algorithmic and Quantitative Trading

Alpaca excels in supporting traders who prefer automated trading strategies:
✅ Market Data API: Access to real-time and historical price data to feed trading algorithms.
✅ Backtesting Capabilities: Use Python or other programming languages to test strategies before live execution.
✅ Trading Bots: Users can build AI-driven trading bots using the Alpaca API.

4. Third-Party Integrations

Since Alpaca’s charting features are limited, traders often integrate external trading platforms for better analysis:

• TradingView: For advanced charting and indicator support.
• QuantConnect: For backtesting and algorithmic trading.
• Jupyter Notebooks: Used by Python developers for real-time data analysis.

Who will benefit from Alpaca’s charting and analysis tools?

🔹 Algorithmic traders who rely on APIs instead of manual charts.
🔹 Quantitative analysts who need clean and raw market data.
🔹 Developers integrating Alpaca into custom trading applications.

Limitations:
❌ No advanced integrated charting tools like Fibonacci retracements, Elliott Wave analysis, or volume profile.
❌ No in-depth fundamental analysis or stock scanners.

Conclusion:
Alpaca’s charting and analysis tools are more suited for traders who prefer API-based customization rather than integrated technical analysis. For traders needing robust charts, it is recommended to connect Alpaca with TradingView or another third-party platform.

Mercados Alpaca Account Types

Alpaca offers different types of accounts to meet various trading needs, including individual investors, businesses, and algorithmic traders. Below is a breakdown of the available account types and their key features.

Comparison of Alpaca Account Types

Key Aspects

• All account types support API trading, making Alpaca a strong choice for algorithmic traders.
• No minimum deposit is required for individual and simulated trading accounts.
• Margin accounts require a higher balance and have additional risk considerations.
• Business accounts offer features tailored for fintech startups, prop trading firms, and hedge funds.

Who Should Choose Which Account?

🔹 Individual traders seeking a simple, commission-free trading experience should opt for the Individual Account.
🔹 Algorithmic traders and developers should consider Individual or Business Accounts enabled for API.
🔹 Companies and fintech startups requiring trading automation may choose a Business Account.
🔹 Beginners can use Simulated Trading Accounts to test strategies before trading live.
🔹 Active traders using leverage may benefit from a Margin Account, but must be aware of the risks.

Alpaca’s account structure is best suited for traders who prioritize automation, businesses needing API-driven brokerage services, and investors looking for commission-free access to U.S. stock trading.

Do I Have Negative Balance Protection with This Broker?

La protección contra saldo negativo es una característica crucial que evita que los traders pierdan más dinero del que tienen en sus cuentas. Muchos brokers ofrecen esta protección para salvaguardar a los clientes de movimientos extremos del mercado, especialmente al usar apalancamiento.

¿Ofrece Alpaca protección contra saldo negativo?

❌ No, Alpaca no ofrece explícitamente protección contra saldo negativo. A diferencia de algunos brokers europeos regulados bajo las normas de la ESMA (Autoridad Europea de Valores y Mercados), Alpaca no garantiza que el saldo de la cuenta de un trader nunca se vuelva negativo.

Sin embargo, Alpaca implementa medidas de gestión de riesgos para ayudar a minimizar las posibilidades de tener un saldo negativo:

• Mecanismos de Llamada de Margen y Liquidación: Si el nivel de margen de un trader cae por debajo del margen de mantenimiento requerido, Alpaca emitirá una llamada de margen y puede liquidar posiciones para evitar un saldo negativo.
• Monitoreo de Riesgos en Tiempo Real: Alpaca monitorea continuamente los saldos de las cuentas y las posiciones abiertas para gestionar la exposición al riesgo.
• No al Comercio de Alto Apalancamiento: Alpaca ofrece un apalancamiento limitado en comparación con algunos brokers offshore, reduciendo el riesgo de pérdidas extremas.

¿Qué Sucede Si Mi Saldo Se Vuelve Negativo?

Si el saldo de un trader se vuelve negativo debido a la volatilidad del mercado o al uso de apalancamiento, sigue siendo responsable de pagar el saldo negativo. Alpaca puede tomar medidas como:

• Solicitar depósitos adicionales para cubrir el monto negativo.
• Cerrar automáticamente posiciones abiertas para limitar pérdidas adicionales.
• Recuperar fondos de cuentas bancarias vinculadas (si aplica).

Cómo Evitar un Saldo Negativo en Alpaca

✅ Utilizar órdenes de stop-loss para cerrar automáticamente operaciones antes de que las pérdidas se agraven.
✅ Monitorear los requisitos de margen y evitar sobreapalancar posiciones.
✅ Mantener un saldo de cuenta suficiente para prevenir liquidaciones forzadas.
✅ Utilizar trading en papel para probar estrategias de alto riesgo antes de usar fondos reales.

¿Quién Está Más en Riesgo?

🔹 Traders de margen – Usar fondos prestados aumenta la exposición a pérdidas.
🔹 Traders en mercados volátiles – Las acciones, opciones y criptomonedas pueden experimentar fuertes oscilaciones de precios.
🔹 Traders algorítmicos – Si una estrategia automatizada falla, las pérdidas pueden acumularse rápidamente.

Veredicto Final

Si bien Alpaca no proporciona protección formal contra saldo negativo, sus herramientas de gestión de riesgos ayudan a prevenir pérdidas excesivas. Los traders que utilizan apalancamiento o estrategias algorítmicas deben ser especialmente cautelosos y asegurarse de tener salvaguardias en su lugar.

Mercados Alpaca Deposits and Withdrawals

Support Service for Customer

Alpaca proporciona soporte al cliente a través de múltiples canales, pero su modelo de servicio es más enfocado en el autoservicio y la documentación de la API en lugar de soporte humano directo. Aquí hay un desglose de las opciones de soporte al cliente de Alpaca y los tiempos de respuesta.

Canales de Soporte al Cliente

1. Soporte por Correo Electrónico

📩 Los traders pueden contactar a Alpaca a través de support@alpaca.markets para consultas relacionadas con la gestión de cuentas, problemas de trading y solución de problemas de la API.

• Tiempo de respuesta promedio: 1–3 días hábiles
• Mejor para: Problemas de verificación de cuentas, problemas de retiro y consultas generales

2. Soporte por Chat en Vivo

💬 Alpaca ofrece una función de chat en vivo en su sitio web, pero está disponible solo durante el horario laboral.

• Normalmente responde dentro de unas pocas horas.
• Útil para preguntas rápidas relacionadas con depósitos, retiros o preocupaciones básicas de trading.

3. Centro de Ayuda & FAQ

📚 Alpaca mantiene un Centro de Ayuda integral con artículos de autoservicio sobre:
✅ Configuración y verificación de cuentas
✅ Financiamiento y retiros
✅ Estrategias de trading y ejecución
✅ Integración de API y herramientas para desarrolladores

¿Dónde acceder? → Visita el Centro de Ayuda de Alpaca

4. Soporte para Desarrolladores & API

🖥️ Dado que Alpaca es un corredor primero en API, tienen documentación detallada para desarrolladores que utilizan su API de trading.

• Incluye guías sobre creación de cuentas, acceso a datos del mercado y configuración de trading automatizado.
• Los desarrolladores también pueden interactuar con la comunidad en Discord o GitHub para discusiones técnicas.

¿Dónde acceder? → Visita Documentación de la API de Alpaca

5. Soporte en Redes Sociales & Comunidad

🌎 Alpaca interactúa activamente con traders y desarrolladores en:

• Twitter (@AlpacaHQ) para actualizaciones de la plataforma
• Comunidades de Discord & Reddit para solución de problemas y discusiones sobre la API

📢 Sin embargo, estos canales no son servicios oficiales de soporte al cliente y pueden no garantizar respuestas oportunas.

Prohibited Countries: Where Can I Not Trade with this Broker?

Alpaca is a U.S.-based broker that provides services to clients in multiple countries, but due to regulatory restrictions, its platform is not available in certain regions. Below is a breakdown of where Alpaca operates and the countries where it is restricted.

Countries where Alpaca is available

✅ United States (fully supported)
✅ Some international countries (traders outside the U.S. can use Alpaca, but with some restrictions)

Countries where Alpaca is restricted or prohibited

⚠ Note: The above list is not exhaustive. Alpaca may also restrict services in other countries based on regulatory policies and compliance requirements.

Why are some countries prohibited?

❌ U.S. sanctions and regulatory compliance:
Alpaca, as a FINRA-regulated broker, must comply with U.S. government sanctions and cannot offer services to countries with financial restrictions.

❌ Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and KYC policies:
To prevent fraud and illegal trading, Alpaca follows strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) guidelines. Some countries do not meet these compliance requirements.

❌ Local financial regulations:
Certain countries have strict rules regarding online trading, making it difficult for Alpaca to operate there legally.

Can international traders use Alpaca?

🌎 Yes, but with limitations.

• Non-U.S. residents may have restrictions on available features (such as margin trading or certain asset classes).
• Traders in eligible international countries can create accounts, but must verify their identity and banking details before funding their account.

🔹 Who can trade on Alpaca?
✅ U.S. residents (full access)
✅ International traders in allowed countries
✅ Businesses and fintech companies (with regulatory approval)

Special Offers for Customers

Alpaca, unlike many traditional brokers, does not focus much on promotions, bonuses, or deposit rewards. However, it offers unique incentives and special programs aimed at traders, developers, and businesses. Below is a summary of Alpaca’s special offers.

1. Commission-Free Trading

✅ Stocks and ETFs: Alpaca offers commission-free trading for U.S. stocks and ETFs, making it cost-effective for traders.
✅ Options Trading: Commission-free options trading is available, making it attractive for options traders.

🚀 Why is it valuable?

• Reduces trading costs for active traders.
• Makes investing more accessible for small accounts.

2. Simulated Trading Account (Free Demo)

✅ Alpaca provides a risk-free simulated trading environment where users can trade with virtual funds.
✅ The simulated trading feature is completely free, with no deposit required.

🛠 Best For:
🔹 Beginners who want to learn to trade before using real money.
🔹 Developers who want to test API-based trading strategies.
🔹 Algorithmic traders who conduct backtesting before live implementation.

3. Alpaca’s Partner and Referral Program

🎁 Alpaca occasionally runs referral programs where users can earn rewards for inviting new traders to the platform.
✅ Users can earn cash bonuses or free stock credits for referring friends.
✅ These promotions are not always active but are available at certain times.

4. Alpaca for Businesses: Exclusive API Discounts

💼 Businesses and fintech startups using Alpaca’s Broker API to integrate trading services may qualify for exclusive pricing models.
✅ Customized API solutions for businesses.
✅ Discounts for high-volume trading firms.
✅ Priority support for business users.

🔹 Best For:

• Fintech startups building trading platforms.
• Hedge funds and algorithmic traders managing automated strategies.

5. Seasonal Promotions and Exclusive Offers

📢 Alpaca occasionally offers special promotions, such as:
✅ Free trial periods for premium data feeds.
✅ Limited-time commission rebates for new users.
✅ Early access to new trading features.

These promotions are not permanent but may appear throughout the year.

Mercados Alpaca Review Conclusion

Alpaca has positioned itself as a technology-driven and API-focused broker, offering commission-free trading for selected stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies in the U.S. Its focus on automation and algorithmic trading makes it a unique option compared to traditional brokers. However, its limited asset offerings and lack of integrated advanced tools may not be suitable for all traders.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Alpaca es un broker sin comisiones y con enfoque en API diseñado para el comercio de acciones, ETF, opciones y criptomonedas. Se destaca por su enfoque amigable para desarrolladores y su enfoque en comercio algorítmico, lo que lo convierte en una excelente opción para los traders que desean automatización e integración con herramientas de terceros. Sin embargo, tiene algunas limitaciones, particularmente en la oferta de activos y herramientas de investigación.

[/wpsm_list][/wpsm_box]

FAQs

About Author

Robert J. Williams

Robert J. Williams, a finance graduate from the London School of Economics, dove into finance clubs during her studies, honing her skills in portfolio management and risk analysis. With a career spanning prestigious firms like Barclays and HSBC, she's become an authority in asset allocation and investment strategy, known for her insightful reports.

Read more ...