Should Stop Loss and Take Profit Orders Be Sent After a Position Is Opened?
For brokers that do not support bracket orders, stop loss and take profit orders must be sent after the entry order is filled. Traders should allow a short delay to prevent order rejection.
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Reviewed by Mike Christensen
Fact-checked by Mike Christensen
Can You Send Entry, Stop Loss, and Take Profit Orders at the Same Time?
If a broker does not support bracket orders, traders must ensure that stop loss and take profit orders are sent after the entry order is filled. Sending all orders simultaneously could result in rejection if the broker requires an open position before accepting stop or limit exits.
Some brokers allow traders to submit an entry order along with take profit and stop loss orders as part of a bracket order. Others require separate order submissions. TradersPost provides a Connections page that outlines which brokers support bracket orders.
Best Practices for Managing Stop Loss and Take Profit Orders
• Check Broker Compatibility – Use the TradersPost Connections page to confirm whether a broker supports bracket orders.
• Wait for Entry Order Execution – If the broker does not support bracket orders, wait at least 10-15 seconds after the entry fills before sending stop loss and take profit orders.
• Account for Order Type – Market orders typically execute faster, while limit orders may require more time before placing stop loss and take profit orders.
Why This Matters
• Prevents rejected orders due to missing open positions.
• Ensures risk management tools (stop loss and take profit) are properly placed.
• Avoids execution delays that could affect trade performance.
Conclusion
If a broker does not support bracket orders, traders should wait for their entry order to be executed before sending stop loss and take profit orders. Checking broker compatibility and allowing a short delay after entry will help ensure smooth execution.
