> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://references.everstrike.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://references.everstrike.io/trading/how-to-start-trading-on-everstrike.md).

# How to start trading on Everstrike

Use this guide if you want to trade in [DEX mode](/account/dex-mode-vs.-cex-mode.md).

To get started, you need to:

1. Create an account with your email.
2. Connect your wallet.
3. Confirm wallet ownership.
4. Deposit USDC, stake it, and mint `evUSD`.

After that, you can trade on Everstrike.

If you prefer not to manage your own wallet, use [CEX mode](/account/dex-mode-vs.-cex-mode.md). Everstrike creates and manages a wallet for you.

### Choose your mode

* Use **DEX mode** if you want to connect your own wallet.
* Use **CEX mode** if you want Everstrike to manage the wallet.

See [DEX Mode vs. CEX Mode](/account/dex-mode-vs.-cex-mode.md) for the difference.

### Before you start

Make sure you have:

* Access to your email inbox.
* A supported wallet, such as [MetaMask](https://metamask.io/) or a [WalletConnect](https://explorer.walletconnect.com/) wallet.
* A wallet connected to a [network supported by Everstrike](/account/supported-networks-and-stablecoins.md).

### Start in DEX mode

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Create your account

Go to [Sign Up](https://app.testnet.everstrike.io/app/register) and enter your email.

Choose a nickname when prompted. Your nickname appears in Everstrike Chat and on the leaderboard. You cannot change it later.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect your wallet

Open the Portfolio view and click **Connect Wallet**.

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

If you just installed the MetaMask extension, refresh the page before connecting.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Confirm your primary wallet

Review the wallet address shown by Everstrike, then confirm it.

This links the wallet to your account. You can only connect one wallet per account and per email.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Sign the ownership message

Your wallet shows a signature request. Sign the message to prove that you own the wallet.

You only do this once, the first time you connect the wallet.

{% hint style="warning" %}
After you confirm a wallet, you cannot change it. To use another wallet address, create a new account with a different email.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Fund your trading balance

Everstrike uses `evUSD` as trading collateral.

To get `evUSD`, complete these steps:

1. Deposit USDC.
2. Stake USDC.
3. Mint `evUSD`.

Follow [How to Deposit, Withdraw and Stake On Everstrike](/account/how-to-deposit-withdraw-and-stake-on-everstrike.md) for the full process.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Once your wallet is confirmed, you can deposit, withdraw, stake, mint, redeem, and trade.

### Why email login?

Email login lets you access your account from any device where you can access your inbox.

This is useful if your wallet is only available on one device.

### Is email login secure?

Email access lets someone sign in to your account and place trades.

Deposits, withdrawals, and wallet confirmation still require wallet approval.

Protect your account with 2FA if you want an extra layer of security.

### Which wallets are supported?

Everstrike supports [MetaMask](https://metamask.io/) and wallets supported by [WalletConnect](https://explorer.walletconnect.com/).

### What happens after I connect my wallet?

You can deposit, withdraw, and stake.

To start trading, deposit USDC, stake it, and mint `evUSD`.

### Can I connect multiple wallets?

No. Each account can only have one connected wallet.

### Do I need to confirm ownership of my wallet?

Yes. You confirm ownership by signing a message and publishing it to the blockchain.

You only do this once.

### Can I use Everstrike like a CEX?

Yes. Use [CEX mode](/account/dex-mode-vs.-cex-mode.md) if you want Everstrike to create and manage the wallet for you.

### Is it safe to sign a message with my wallet?

Yes, if you understand exactly what the message does.

Everstrike uses a message in this format:

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

This message proves wallet ownership. It does not authorize asset transfers.

Never sign a message you do not understand.

### Can I trade with USDC?

No. Everstrike uses `evUSD` as collateral.

### How do I get `evUSD` in my account?

Complete these steps:

* Deposit USDC.
* Stake USDC.
* Mint `evUSD`.

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

### How do I convert `evUSD` back to USDC?

Use the **Redeem** operation:

* Click **Redeem** next to `evUSD` in the Portfolio Overview.
* Confirm the amount to redeem.

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

You can also trade `evUSD` for USDC through one of Everstrike's [spot markets](https://app.testnet.everstrike.io/app/markets).

### What’s next?

* Learn the full wallet flow in [How to Deposit, Withdraw and Stake On Everstrike](/account/how-to-deposit-withdraw-and-stake-on-everstrike.md).
* Compare account modes in [DEX Mode vs. CEX Mode](/account/dex-mode-vs.-cex-mode.md).