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

# Get Set Up With Rails

> Quickstart guide for developers to begin using Rails Trading APIs

This guide covers the one-time account setup shared by both products. Once you're set up, each product's own quickstart (on its **Overview** page) picks up from there.

<Note>
  The setup flow on this page currently applies to the Sandbox environment. See [Environments](/latest/environments) for environment details.
</Note>

***

### Step 1: Register for a Rails Account

Visit [sandbox.rails.xyz/sign-up](https://sandbox.rails.xyz/sign-up) to register your account. Select **Business** as your account type to enable API access. Upon successful verification, your account will be activated.

***

### Step 2: Deposit USDT

Rails uses USDT on [Stellar](https://stellar.expert/explorer/testnet/) as trading collateral, deposited via Stellar's [Freighter Wallet](https://www.freighter.app/) (install it first). Fund the product you intend to trade — Perpetuals and Options have separate balances. See the [Deposit & Withdraw](/latest/deposit-withdraw) guide.

***

### Step 3: Generate API Key and Authenticate

Create an API key through the Rails user interface. Use this key to authenticate and obtain an access token for REST and WebSocket API requests. For further details, see the [Authorization](/latest/authorization) guide.

***

### Step 4: Choose your product

Your account, API keys, and access token work across both products. Continue to the product you want to trade — each Overview includes its own step-by-step quickstart:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Perpetuals" icon="chart-line" href="/latest/perps/guides/overview">
    Leverage, cross/isolated margin, and funding, with no expiry.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Options" icon="layer-group" href="/latest/options/guides/overview">
    Calls and puts with weekly and monthly expiries.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

Not sure which fits? See [Perpetuals vs Options](/latest/perps-vs-options).

***

### Need help?

Visit our [Help Center](https://help.rails.xyz) or contact Support anytime.