Our verdict
A long-running, feature-rich bot terminal for people who want to automate their own rules across exchanges. Not a classic copy trading platform — and its 2022 API key incident is a reminder to lock down key permissions. Best for users who want control rather than delegation.
Scores reflect our editorial assessment of the copy trading product for followers (risk controls, transparency, product range, cost clarity, ease of use), based on public information. They are opinions, not ratings by users.
Key facts
- Type
- Trading bot and smart-trading terminal (third-party, connects via API)
- Main tools
- DCA bots, grid bots, signal bots, SmartTrade terminal
- Custody
- Funds stay on your exchange; 3Commas uses API keys
- Pricing
- Subscription plans — check the official pricing page
- Security note
- Confirmed leak of some users' API keys in late 2022
- Exchanges
- Many major exchanges via API
What we like
- Powerful automation across several exchanges
- SmartTrade terminal with advanced order types
- Signal bots can execute alerts from external sources
- Funds remain on your exchange account
What to watch
- Not a classic copy trading leaderboard
- Subscription cost even in losing months
- Steeper learning curve
- 2022 API key leak shows third-party risk
What 3Commas actually is
3Commas is a third-party platform that connects to your exchange accounts through API keys and lets you automate trading. It is not an exchange, and it is not primarily a place to copy other people. Its core tools are DCA bots, which buy in steps as price falls and sell at a target; grid bots, which trade between levels in a range; signal bots, which execute trading signals (for example from charting alerts); and a SmartTrade terminal with advanced order types such as trailing take-profit and multi-target exits.
It shows up in copy trading searches because it can be used to follow strategies and signals, and because automation and copying solve a similar problem: trading without sitting in front of a chart all day. But the philosophy is different — you control the rules instead of delegating decisions to a lead trader.
Bots vs copy trading
You define or choose rules. Results depend on whether the rules fit the market. You pay a subscription and trading fees.
You choose a trader. Results depend on their skill. You pay trading fees plus profit share on gains.
See copy trading bots for a deeper comparison, and AI crypto trading bots for how to judge automation claims.
Main tools in practice
| Tool | What it does | Works best when | Fails when |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCA bot | Averages into a position as price drops | Price dips then recovers | Prolonged downtrend exhausts funds |
| Grid bot | Buys low and sells high inside a range | Sideways, choppy markets | Breakout out of the range |
| Signal bot | Executes external alerts or signals | Signals are well tested | Signals are poor or misparsed |
| SmartTrade | Manual trades with advanced exits | You want precise trade management | Used without a plan |
Security: the 2022 API key incident
In late 2022, 3Commas confirmed that API keys belonging to some users had been leaked, after users reported unauthorised trades on their exchange accounts. Exchanges responded by revoking affected keys. The incident is an important reminder about any third-party tool connected via API:
- Trade-only permissionsNever enable withdrawals on API keys used by third parties.
- IP restrictionsWhitelist the tool's IP addresses where the exchange supports it.
- Sub-accountsConnect a sub-account holding only what the bot needs.
- Rotate keysPeriodically delete and recreate keys, and immediately after any incident.
Even with trade-only keys, a compromised key can be used to place damaging trades. Limit the funds any connected account can reach.
Pricing
3Commas uses tiered subscription plans that unlock more bots, features and exchanges. You pay the subscription regardless of results, plus normal exchange trading fees. Plans and prices change, so check the official pricing page rather than third-party summaries.
Who 3Commas suits
Good fit
- Traders who want to automate their own rules
- Users managing several exchange accounts
- People comfortable with API key security
Less ideal
- Beginners looking to follow a trader
- Users unwilling to pay a subscription
- Anyone uncomfortable granting API access
If you would rather follow a trader than build rules, start with exchange copy trading via our platform comparison. If you want both bots and copy trading inside one exchange account, KuCoin and Bitget are worth a look.
Getting started safely with a bot terminal
- Create a sub-accountOn your exchange, holding only the funds you want bots to use.
- Generate trade-only API keysNo withdrawal permission; restrict by IP if supported.
- Start with paper trading or tiny sizeWhere available, test bots without real funds first.
- Run one bot typeLearn how a single DCA or grid bot behaves before stacking strategies.
- Review weeklyBots do not adapt by themselves. Stop or adjust them when the market regime changes.
DCA bots: the hidden risk
DCA bots buy more as price falls, lowering the average entry price. In markets that dip and recover, that produces many small wins. In a sustained downtrend, the bot can use up all its safety orders and sit on a large loss, sometimes for months. Leveraged DCA bots on futures add liquidation risk on top. Before running one, work out the worst case: how far can price fall before all safety orders are filled, and what is your loss at that point?
Copy trading features, profit share rules, minimums and regional availability change frequently. We summarise public information; always confirm the current terms on 3Commas's official website and read its risk disclosures. Leveraged trading carries a high risk of loss.
Frequently asked questions
Does 3Commas offer copy trading?
3Commas is mainly a trading bot and terminal platform. It has offered features for following strategies and signals over the years, but its core is automation you configure — DCA, grid and signal bots — connected to your exchange accounts via API.
Is 3Commas safe?
3Commas connects to exchanges through API keys and does not hold your funds directly. In late 2022 it confirmed that API keys of some users had been leaked, which led to unauthorised trades. Use trade-only keys, restrict them by IP where possible and follow its current security guidance.
How much does 3Commas cost?
3Commas uses subscription plans with different feature limits. Prices and plans change, so check the official pricing page.
Which exchanges does 3Commas support?
3Commas supports many major exchanges through API connections. The list changes; check the official site for current integrations.
Is 3Commas a copy trading platform?
Not in the classic sense. Exchange copy trading lets you follow a lead trader inside the exchange. 3Commas is a third-party terminal where you build or choose automated strategies — DCA, grid and signal bots — that run on your own exchange accounts through API keys. It can follow signals, but you remain responsible for the rules and settings.
What are good alternatives to 3Commas?
If you want automation without a third-party connection, many exchanges have built-in grid and DCA bots, for example KuCoin and Bitget. If you want to follow a trader rather than run rules, exchange copy trading on platforms such as Binance, OKX or Bitget is the more direct option. Compare them on our platform comparison page.
Can I lose money with 3Commas bots?
Yes. Bots execute rules exactly, including in market conditions where those rules lose money. DCA bots can accumulate large losses in long downtrends, and grid bots can be left holding assets after a breakdown. Leverage makes both risks larger. Always size bots so the worst case is acceptable.
How do I protect my exchange account when using 3Commas?
Use API keys with trading permission only, never withdrawals. Restrict keys to the platform's IP addresses where your exchange supports it, connect a sub-account with limited funds, enable two-factor authentication on both services and rotate keys periodically.
