Broker Downloads vs BrokerConnect: Importing Trade History into TradeLog

If you use TradeLog mainly at tax time — once or twice a year — choosing the right way to import your trade history can save time and reduce frustration.

TradeLog supports two primary approaches for importing trades:

• Broker Downloads (trade history files you download from your broker)
• BrokerConnect, powered by SnapTrade

Both are reliable and fully supported, but they’re designed for different workflows. For users who import infrequently, Broker Downloads are often the simpler and more predictable option.

What Do We Mean by “Broker Downloads”

Broker Downloads refer to trade history files exported directly from your broker — typically in CSV, Excel, or TXT format — and then imported into TradeLog.

Nearly all brokers provide a way to download trade activity in one of these formats, making this approach widely available and easy to use.

Why Broker Downloads Work Best for Occasional Users

If you only import trade history once or twice per year, Broker Downloads offer several practical advantages.

Clear, Controlled Imports

You decide exactly which date range to export, and you can review the file before importing it into TradeLog. This removes uncertainty about what data is included.

Fewer Technical Limitations

Downloaded files usually contain the full trade history for the selected period, without the date-range restrictions or availability gaps that can sometimes affect automated connections.

Easier Verification and Reconciliation

If trade details don’t look right after import or you have matching errors, having the original downloaded file makes it much easier to compare your broker’s data with what appears in TradeLog and identify discrepancies. The TradeLog Support Team can also use that history to help you get on track faster.

For year-end users, this file-based approach tends to be calmer and more predictable than troubleshooting an API connection.

When BrokerConnect Is the Better Choice

BrokerConnect allows you to securely link supported brokerage accounts and automatically import trades through APIs.

This option shines when you:

• Import trades frequently (daily, or weekly)
• Want to minimize manual downloads
• Prefer an automated, ongoing workflow throughout the year
• Have an Interactive Brokers account – this is the most robust BrokerConnect API in TradeLog.

For active traders who keep TradeLog updated regularly, BrokerConnect can be a major time-saver.

Why Automation Isn’t Always Ideal for Annual Imports

When you only use TradeLog at tax time, automation can sometimes add unnecessary complexity. BrokerConnect APIs are highly dependent on broker-hosted systems, which can be impacted by factors beyond TradeLog’s control.

Broker Downloads align better with annual workflows because they allow you to:

• Import the entire tax year in one step
• Re-import the same file if adjustments are needed
• Quickly confirm holdings against broker statements
• Share the exact import data with TradeLog Support if help is required

In short, Broker Downloads provide a stable snapshot of your trade history — which is ideal when accuracy and review matter more than ongoing automation.

Which Import Method Should You Use?

A simple guideline:

Your Usage Pattern	Recommended Method
Import once or twice per year	Broker Downloads
Import throughout the year	BrokerConnect
Broker not supported by BrokerConnect	Broker Downloads

Both methods are fully supported in TradeLog. The best choice depends on how often you import and how much hands-on review you want during the process.

Final Tip: Always Review After Import

Regardless of how you import, it’s always a good idea to review your trades in TradeLog and confirm they match your broker’s records. A few minutes of verification can prevent issues later when generating reports.