The biggest reason traders miss signals isn't a bad copier — it's that their MetaTrader was closed. Your PC slept, Windows updated, the VPS bill lapsed, or you simply turned the laptop off. Meanwhile the signal that would have been your best trade of the week fired at 3 a.m.
Cloud execution moves the broker connection to your selected provider, so you do not need a local terminal or VPS. Execution still depends on TradeJournal Pro, the provider, the broker and market availability.
How cloud execution works
- Choose a supported MT4/MT5 route — MetaTrader API 2.0 is the default for new connections; its REST connector is beta. cTrader Cloud is not available.
- Attach your provider connection — for MetaTrader API, connect the broker in its dashboard first, then enter the existing seat's account UUID and trading API key in Cloud Workspace. This does not buy or provision a provider seat. MetaApi uses its separate token and broker-credentials flow.
- Signals route to the provider — when a monitored channel posts a trade, the system parses it and submits an order through the connected execution provider. Provider and broker timing varies.
- Review execution evidence — inspect receipts, open positions and the journal. Updates depend on provider reporting and reconciliation; a parsed signal or connection badge is not a confirmed fill.
There's nothing to install. You can close your laptop, put your phone in your pocket, and trades still execute.
Choose your execution provider
You select a provider per account when you connect:
- MetaTrader API 2.0 — the default new-account option, billed by the provider per connected-account seat. Attach your existing seat using its UUID and trading API key. (setup guide, provider pricing)
- MetaApi — a separate pay-as-you-go option using your own MetaApi token. (setup guide)
Provider fees are separate from your Cloud plan. The shared parser and risk controls do not make every provider identical: MetaTrader API currently uses REST, not WebSocket streaming, and requires broker-native SL/TP. Hidden/virtual stops are unavailable on that connector. Validate the full order-management lifecycle on your own broker demo before live use. Existing legacy accounts are not moved automatically.
Cloud vs EA — which should you pick?
TradeJournal Pro offers two execution lines:
| EA line | Cloud line | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Your own MT4/MT5 terminal | Connected cloud provider, subject to provider and broker availability |
| Needs a PC/VPS on | Yes | No |
| Setup | Install the EA once | Attach a supported provider connection |
| Best for | Traders who already run a VPS or leave a PC on | Hands-off traders, phone-only users |
| Starter, billed monthly | $25/mo | $39/mo |
| Starter, annual paid upfront | $240/year | $372/year |
Both lines can use the same parser, configurable risk controls, and channel grading. The important difference is where the trade is placed and which external services are involved.
Can it be used with a prop-firm account?
Available controls depend on the route and include configurable delays, daily-loss and max-drawdown guards, and FIFO handling. MetaTrader API requires broker-native SL/TP, not hidden or virtual stops. Controls cannot interpret a firm's current terms or guarantee compliance. Confirm the exact rules for your firm and product, leave a manual buffer, and test the complete order lifecycle on demo first.
Security
Credentials are encrypted, and a trading password only ever places trades — it can't withdraw funds. You can disconnect an account at any time, which tears down its cloud terminal immediately.
When cloud wins
- You trade from your phone and don't want to babysit a PC.
- You don't want to pay for and maintain a VPS.
- You want provider-hosted execution without keeping your own PC or VPS online.
If you already run a reliable VPS, the EA line is cheaper and gives you full local control. If you'd rather never think about infrastructure again, cloud is the answer.
Start free — the permanent free offer covers the EA on one channel, one account, and up to 12 signals per calendar month. Cloud execution requires a paid Cloud plan.
Not financial advice. Trading carries risk.