What is API trading and how to set it up on Bybit EU

What is API Trading and how to set it up on Bybit EU

API trading allows external or self-built software connect to a Bybit EU account through an application programming interface, or API. Instead of completing every action manually through the website or app, users can connect software such as trading bots, custom terminals, portfolio dashboards or internal trading systems. Depending on the permissions granted, the connected software can retrieve data, monitor account activity and place or manage orders.

What is API Trading?

An API is a structured connection between Bybit EU and another software application. API trading can be used to:

• Access market data

• View balances and account information

• Review orders and positions

• Place, amend or cancel orders

• Monitor order and execution updates

• Retrieve permitted transfer or conversion records

• Automate predefined trading processes



The API does not create a strategy or independently decide when to trade. It processes requests and instructions generated by the connected software. For example, a user may connect:

• A trading bot that places orders when predefined conditions are met

• A portfolio dashboard that displays balances and positions

• A risk-monitoring system that tracks exposure

• A custom trading terminal

• A supported third-party application

How API Trading works

The general process is:

1. The user creates an API key in their Bybit EU account.

2. The user selects what the key is permitted to access.

3. The key is connected to the selected software.

4. The software authenticates and sends requests to Bybit EU.

5. Bybit EU processes the requests and returns the relevant data, confirmation or error message.

The API key’s permissions determine what the connected software can do. A read-only key can retrieve approved information but cannot place or manage orders. A read-write key can perform the specific trading or account actions selected by the user.

REST API and WebSocket API

A typical API integration uses both REST and WebSocket interfaces.

REST API

REST is used to send individual requests or instructions. For example:

• Retrieve an account balance

• View open orders

• Place an order

• Amend an order

• Cancel an order

• Request recent transaction information

Bybit V5 REST requests return a structured response containing a result, a response message and a success or error code.

WebSocket API

WebSocket maintains a live connection between Bybit and the connected software. It can be used to receive ongoing updates about:

• Market prices

• Public trades

• Order status

• Trade executions

• Positions

• Account activity

Public WebSocket data does not normally require authentication. Private account and trading data requires an authenticated connection.

How to create an API Key on Bybit EU

Step 1: Open API management

Log in to Bybit EU, open the profile dropdown menu and select API.



Step 2: API dashboard

This opens the API Management dashboard, where API keys can be created, reviewed, edited and deleted.

• Select Create New Key in the top-right corner to begin.

Step 3: Choose the API key type

Users can choose between a system-generated API key and a self-generated API key.



Step 4: Select the API key usage

The information required depends on the selected key type. Choose one of the following:

• API Transaction: Select this option when connecting your own software directly to Bybit EU.

• Connect to Third-Party Applications: Select this option when authorizing a supported external platform to connect to your Bybit EU account.

Step 5: Provide the key information

The required information depends on the selected key type.

For a system-generated key, enter a name for the API key.

For a self-generated key: Generate an RSA public and private key pair. Paste the public key into the Your Public Key field. Enter a name for the API key.

Use a name that clearly identifies the key’s purpose, such as:

• Spot Trading Bot

• Portfolio Dashboard

• Risk Monitoring Tool

• Internal Trading System

Step 6: Choose Read-Only or Read-Write Access

Select the level of access required by the connected software.

Step 7: Configure IP restrictions

Users can choose between IP-restricted and unrestricted access.

Step 8: Select the API permissions

Choose which trading and account functions the API key can access. Available permissions include:

Step 9: Submit & verify

Before submitting, review:

• The key type

• The API key usage

• The key name

• Read-only or read-write access

• IP restrictions

• Trading and account permissions

Once submitted, confirm your details via email authentication & Google 2FA



Select Submit once the configuration is correct.

Once submitted, confirm your details via email authentication & Google 2FA

Step 10: Key successfully added

After submiting, you will get a popup with your key key information

• The API key name

• The API key

• The API secret

• The selected permissions



The API secret is displayed only once. Copy it immediately and store it securely before selecting Understood. For a self-generated API key, retain the RSA private key created before the setup. The private key should not be submitted to Bybit EU or shared with another unauthorized party.



API secrets and private keys should never be:

• Included in screenshots or videos

• Stored in public source code

• Uploaded to public repositories

• Shared through unsecured messages

• Provided to unauthorized people

Step 11: Manage the API key

After submission, the key appears in the API Management dashboard.From the dashboard, users can:

• Review the key’s permissions

• Edit its configuration

• Add or update approved IP addresses

• Enable a symbol whitelist

• Delete the key

The API secret for a system-generated key will no longer be visible after the initial creation screen.

Start using the Bybit EU API

Once your API key is configured, use the Bybit V5 documentation to connect your software, authenticate requests and access the available API endpoints.



Explore the V5 API Documentation



For setup questions and ongoing support, join the Bybit API Telegram community.



For further assistance, contact our Customer Support team through Live Chat or submit a case using this form.



Investing in crypto‑assets is associated with risks, including high volatility and the potential loss of capital. Inform yourself thoroughly about the risks before making an investment decision. The information provided in this article is strictly for educational and informational purposes and should not be construed as financial or investment advice.