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

# Getting Started

### 1. Sign in

Sign in at [imperial.trade](https://imperial.trade) with a Solana wallet (Phantom, Solflare and others), or with email, Google, X or Telegram. Email and social logins create an embedded Solana wallet for you.

### 2. Get access

Imperial is in early access. Opening a position requires an invite code: enter it when prompted, or open an invite link (`imperial.trade/?armada=CODE`). Need a code? Ask in our Discord.

Closing positions and withdrawing are never gated.

### 3. Deposit USDC

Imperial uses **USDC on Solana** as collateral. You can fund your account three ways:

* **From your wallet.** Transfer USDC from your connected wallet.
* **Receive USDC.** Send USDC from an exchange or another wallet to your profile's deposit address (shown with a QR code). Send only USDC on Solana to this address.
* **Card or bank.** Buy USDC with a card or bank transfer, then deposit it.

SOL sent to your deposit address is converted to USDC automatically within about 30 minutes.

### 4. Place a trade

Pick a market, choose long or short, set your size and leverage, and choose **Isolated** or **Cross** margin. Add a take profit or stop loss if you like, then submit. Most trades settle within a few seconds.

### Profiles

Your wallet can hold up to six **profiles** (subaccounts). Each has its own balance, positions and margin mode, which lets you separate strategies. Your first profile is called **Main** and is created automatically on your first deposit or order.

See [Deposits & Withdrawals](https://docs.imperial.space/intro/deposits-and-withdrawals) for more.