Copy Trading Software: How It Works and What to Look For
July 4, 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer
Copy trading software is the technology that connects to a brokerage, watches a trader you follow, and places matching trades in your account within the limits you set. Good software connects securely so your login is not shared, keeps your money in your own broker, enforces sizing and loss limits before each order, and shows broker-verified records. When comparing copy trading software, the features that matter most are the broker connection method, whether it takes custody, the risk engine, and how transparent it is. Software does not remove market risk.
Part of the complete guide to copy trading.
Copy trading software is what actually makes copying work: it links to a broker, tracks a trader you follow, and places matching orders in your account. Understanding what it does helps you compare options on the things that matter rather than the marketing.
What copy trading software does
At its core, copy trading software connects to a brokerage account, detects when a trader you follow places a trade, sizes a matching order to your settings, checks it against your risk limits, and routes it to your account. RelayTrades does this on top of the broker you already have, through SnapTrade, so your funds never leave your own account.
Features that matter when comparing
- Broker connection: a secure aggregator (like SnapTrade) so your broker login is never shared.
- Custody: whether the software keeps your money in your own broker or its own; your own is safer.
- Risk engine: sizing multiplier, exposure and daily-loss limits, slippage protection, and a kill switch, all enforced before orders.
- Verified records: leader results that are broker-verified rather than self-reported screenshots.
- Auto and manual modes, and whether it supports the assets you want (stocks, ETFs, options).
The most important thing to evaluate in copy trading software is whether it keeps your money in your own broker and enforces your limits before every order. Software does not remove market risk.
What to keep in mind
No software makes trading safe; it automates a strategy you chose. Favor software that keeps your capital in your own account, connects without sharing your login, and gives you real controls. RelayTrades is automation software, not a broker-dealer or adviser. This is general information, not investment advice, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Frequently asked questions
Related reading
Copy Trading Apps: How They Work and What to Look For
Copy trading apps let you follow other traders and mirror their trades. The biggest difference between them is whether your money stays in your own broker or moves into theirs.
Read moreCan You Copy Trade on Your Own Broker?
Yes. With RelayTrades you copy trades inside your own brokerage account through SnapTrade, so your funds never leave and you keep control.
Read moreAutomated Copy Trading: How It Works and What a "Bot" Really Is
Automated copy trading routes a trader’s live trades into your own account without you approving each one. It is rules-based automation, not a magic bot, and it does not remove risk.
Read moreOr read the complete guide to copy trading and browse the glossary.
Copy trade on your own broker, with safeguards you control.
Connect your account, follow the strategies you choose, and keep position-size limits, slippage protection, and a kill switch in your hands at all times.
Get startedRelayTrades provides software and automation support, not investment advice or capital management. All trading involves risk; past performance is not indicative of future results.