Account Structure and Ownership – DRB API testing

Multiple accounts for one user

In certain scenarios, a single user may require separation of trading to multiple accounts. Deribit supports this through following setup options.

Subaccounts

Each main account can create up to 20 subaccounts, all operating under the same main account identity.
Subaccounts allow users to separate funds, positions, and strategies across isolated environments. Only the main account needs to be verified.
Transfers between subaccounts are instant and free of charge.

Tip

Please refer to Subaccounts article for more details.

Completely independent accounts

Completely independent accounts with separate funds and trading. May be registered under same or different legal entities. Each main account can have up to 20 subaccounts; so combination with other setup is possible.

Multiple accounts cannot register with the same email.
Each account will have to be verified separately.
The accounts can not transfer any funds between them other than using the regular withdrawal features.

Multiple traders on one account

For the scenarios when multiple users may require use of the same account, following setup options are available.

Separate subaccounts

Each trader or trader group has their own subaccount.

Subaccounts are independent instances directly connected to the main account. As subaccounts are independent they will not share margin and/or portfolios with the main account or other subaccounts. Subaccounts can be utilized with or without setting a separate login. Subaccounts do not require a separate verification.

Both the main account and subaccounts can also use the below tools:

Multiple logins by security keys

All logins share the same email and password combination.
Each security key functions as a separate login.
You can assign a different set of access scopes to each security key, allowing for tailored permissions per key.

Login by API key

API keys can be used not only for programmatic access but also to log in via the web interface. This allows traders to operate securely without sharing credentials.

Tip

Please refer to the Logging in to your Deribit Account article for more details on using API keys to access the web interface.

Each trader can have their own API key(s) configured, with customized scopes and permissions, enabling independent access while maintaining operational separation.

When API keys are used:

All actions performed using a given API key are marked with that specific key in the transaction log.
This provides clear traceability of who performed which operation.

Note

However, if multiple traders log in using the same email and password but authenticate via different two-factor authentication (2FA) devices, all their actions will appear under the same user login in the transaction log, with no distinction between individuals.

Tip

For instructions on generating and managing keys, see the Creating new API key on Deribit article.