Frequently Asked Questions
19 answers across 5 categories — getting started, features, pricing, security, and tax reporting for US and Canadian investors. Can't find what you need? Our team responds within 48 hours.
Getting Started
What is HCC StockWatcher?
HCC StockWatcher is a portfolio tracking tool for US and Canadian investors. It uses a transaction-ledger approach — you import your buy/sell transactions via CSV, and the system computes holdings, cost basis, estimated P&L, dividends, and estimated tax reports automatically.
Learn more about us →How do I get started?
Create a free account (no credit card required), export your transaction history as CSV from your brokerage, and import the file into StockWatcher. The system auto-detects your brokerage format and maps all transactions. Your holdings and analytics update immediately.
See how it works →Which brokerages are supported?
We support CSV imports from 12 major brokerages: Questrade, Wealthsimple, Fidelity, Schwab, Robinhood, RBC Direct Investing, BMO InvestorLine, E*Trade, Vanguard, Scotia iTRADE, NBDB, and Interactive Brokers. Each has a dedicated import parser with step-by-step guides.
View import guides →Do I need to share my brokerage login credentials?
No. HCC StockWatcher uses CSV file imports only. You download a CSV from your brokerage and upload it to StockWatcher. We never ask for, store, or have access to your brokerage login credentials.
Features & Functionality
What features are included in the free plan?
The free plan includes core portfolio tracking: dashboard, holdings, transactions, CSV import, and up to 25 transactions in 1 portfolio. Advanced features like AI tools, dividends, tax reports, and analytics require Standard or Pro plans.
Compare plans →How does cost basis calculation work?
StockWatcher calculates estimated cost basis using FIFO (First In, First Out) for US investors and the average cost method (ACB) for Canadian investors. Each buy transaction creates a tax lot tracked with its purchase price, date, and commission. When you sell, the system matches lots and calculates estimated gains or losses.
Tax reporting features →What currencies are supported?
StockWatcher supports 11 currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, SEK, NZD, and HKD. You choose a base currency for reporting, and all holdings are automatically converted using daily exchange rates from the Frankfurter API.
Multi-currency features →What AI features are available?
Pro and Standard plans include AI-powered tools: a chat assistant for portfolio questions, portfolio insights that surface patterns, smart notes on holdings, a natural language stock screener, alert explanations, Google-grounded search, daily market briefs, and a voice assistant. All AI features are powered by Google Gemini.
AI analysis features →Can I track options and fixed income?
Yes. Option and bond trades are recorded in the same transaction ledger as everything else, on any plan. The analytics built on top of them differ. Bond analytics and maturity tracking are available on the Standard and Pro plans. Options P&L and covered call analysis are on the Pro plan.
Options tracking features →Pricing & Billing
Is there a free trial?
Yes. All new accounts start with a free 14-day Pro trial with full access to every feature. No credit card is required. After the trial, you can continue on the free tier or choose a paid plan.
View pricing →What is the refund policy?
Monthly plans offer a full refund within 7 days of the initial subscription. Annual plans offer a full refund within 30 days minus usage. After those windows, cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. Billing errors and duplicate charges are refunded immediately.
View terms of service →What payment methods are accepted?
Payment is processed securely by Stripe. We accept all major credit and debit cards. We never see or store your card numbers — all payment data is handled by Stripe, a PCI DSS Level 1 certified provider.
Can I switch plans or cancel anytime?
Yes. You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel your subscription at any time from your account settings. When you cancel, you retain access to your current plan features until the end of the billing period.
Data & Security
How is my data protected?
All data is encrypted at rest using AES-256 and in transit using TLS 1.2+. Row-Level Security (RLS) at the database level ensures each user can only access their own data. Your portfolio is completely isolated from other users.
Security details →Can I export or delete my data?
Yes. You can export your complete transaction history and portfolio data at any time. You can also request permanent deletion of your account and all associated data. We comply with GDPR and PIPEDA data rights requirements.
Privacy policy →Does StockWatcher sell my data?
No. We do not sell, rent, or share your personal or financial data with third parties for advertising or marketing purposes. Your data is used solely to provide the portfolio tracking service.
Privacy policy →Tax & Reporting
Are the tax reports official?
No. All tax reports and calculations are estimates for informational and reference purposes only. They are not a substitute for official brokerage statements (1099-B, T5008) or professional tax advice. Always consult a qualified tax professional and use your official brokerage documents when filing your tax return.
Tax reporting features →Does StockWatcher handle wash sales and superficial losses?
StockWatcher provides informational awareness of potential wash sale (US) and superficial loss (Canada) situations by flagging repurchases within the 30-day window. These flags are informational only — the determination of whether a wash sale or superficial loss has occurred should be made by a qualified tax professional.
Can I use StockWatcher for both US and Canadian tax reporting?
Yes. StockWatcher generates estimated Form 8949 and Schedule D reference data for US investors, and tracks Adjusted Cost Base (ACB) for Canadian investors. Cross-border dividend tracking includes withholding tax information for potential foreign tax credit claims.