The first US trap: most bot tutorials assume Binance or Bybit — both of which block US users. So "which exchange works here" comes first. Here's what actually matters in the US, and the alternatives that work.
| Criterion | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| ① US-available exchange | Binance/Bybit block the US. The bot must connect to Coinbase/Kraken (spot) or Hyperliquid (wallet) to be usable. |
| ② Key security | Non-custodial (HL agent key) or a trade-only, no-withdrawal API key. Never give a bot withdrawal rights. |
| ③ Exit management | TP/SL/trailing should be server-managed so a missed alert never strands a position. |
| ④ Honest backtesting | Fee-adjusted results with max drawdown shown. Avoid bots that hide fees or drawdown behind headline returns. |
| ⑤ Price | Many bots run $30-100/mo. Some bundle automation + an AI journal for $23 (below). |
Coinbase & Kraken (spot) automation + Hyperliquid (perps, tokenized stocks, FX). The combo US users can actually use.
Compare →Agent keys on HL, trade-only API keys on exchanges. The bot trades, never withdraws.
How it's secured →Bots, webhooks, backtesting + a weekly AI-coached journal in one plan — often less than a journal-only SaaS alone.
Pricing →Coinbase, Kraken & Hyperliquid automation + AI journal, $23/mo.