> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.buildmarkets.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick Start: Self-Directed Investing

> A step-by-step walkthrough to make your first authenticated Buildmarkets API call, open an account, fund it, place an order, and check positions.

This guide enables users to make their first API call in under 10 minutes.

## Prerequisites

* A Buildmarkets partner account
* Initial API key pair from onboarding or Partner Dashboard
* `curl` or an HTTP client

## Step 1: Confirm Your Credentials

Authentication requires two headers:

* `X-API-Key: <your-api-key>`
* `X-API-Secret: <your-api-secret>`

Test credentials via health endpoint. A `200 OK` response indicates success; `401` suggests credential issues.

## Step 2: Open a Brokerage Account

Create an account using POST request to `/v1/accounts` with account type, contact information, identity details, disclosures, agreements, and investment profile. In sandbox testing, using SSN ending in `0001` produces immediate KYC approval.

Account response includes: `id`, `account_number`, `status`, `kyc_status`, `currency`, `last_equity`, `created_at`, and `account_type`.

## Step 3: Link a Bank Account

POST to `/v1/accounts/{accountId}/ach-relationships` with bank details including owner name, bank name, account type, routing number, and account number.

Response includes: `id`, `status`, `bank_name`, `bank_account_type`, and `created_at`.

## Step 4: Deposit Funds

POST to `/v1/accounts/{accountId}/funding/deposits` using the ACH relationship ID, amount, and description. In sandbox, deposits settle immediately; production typically requires 1–3 business days.

## Step 5: Place Your First Order

POST to `/v1/accounts/{accountId}/orders` with `symbol`, `asset_class`, `order_type`, `side`, `quantity`, `time_in_force`, and `client_order_id`.

Order response includes: `id`, `client_order_id`, `symbol`, `asset_class`, `order_type`, `side`, `quantity`, `status`, and `created_at`.

## Step 6: Check Your Position

GET `/v1/accounts/{accountId}/positions/{symbol}` to verify filled orders.

## What's Next?

* Authentication Overview
* Account Opening (deep dive)
* Placing Orders
* Webhooks Overview
* Error Codes