# Buying a contract using API
**URL:** https://community.deriv.com/t/buying-a-contract-using-api/87979
**Category:** Developers
**Created:** [March 9, 2025, 4:45am UTC](https://community.deriv.com/t/buying-a-contract-using-api/87979 "2025-03-09T04:45:25Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@ciliate-aliency-2](https://community.deriv.com/u/ciliate-aliency-2)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2025, 4:45am UTC](https://community.deriv.com/t/buying-a-contract-using-api/87979/1 "2025-03-09T04:45:25Z")
Hi, I’m trying to automate trading by initiating a buy using API. When I try to initiate a proposal for BOOM500 symbol using the below parameters, I get an error
{
“proposal”: 1,
“amount”: 100,
“basis”: “stake”,
“contract\_type”: “CALL”,
“currency”: “USD”,
“duration”: 3,
“duration\_unit”: “m”,
“symbol”: “BOOM500”
}
The error is:
{
“code”
:
“OfferingsValidationError”
“details”
{
“field”
“contract\_category”
message: “Trading is not offered for this asset.”
When I try using Volatility R\_100, it works OK and I’m able to get the proposal ID.
Could someone help with the required parameters for BOOM500?
---
### Author:  [@Faazil\_deriv](https://community.deriv.com/u/Faazil_deriv)
#### Post date: [March 12, 2025, 6:24am UTC](https://community.deriv.com/t/buying-a-contract-using-api/87979/2 "2025-03-12T06:24:16Z")
Hello there,
Thank you for joining the community and for leaving us a comment.
Our available symbols and contract types vary based on the jurisdiction and location due to regulatory compliance. This means that you may not have access to all offerings. To check which trading symbols are available, use the **[Active Symbols API](https://api.deriv.com/api-explorer/#active_symbols)**. This API lists accessible symbols based on your location and account settings. Since you might not have access to all offerings, it ensures you’re viewing only the products you can trade.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Centre or contact us via Live Chat and WhatsApp.
---
### Author:  [@ciliate-aliency-2](https://community.deriv.com/u/ciliate-aliency-2)
#### Post date: [March 12, 2025, 12:57pm UTC](https://community.deriv.com/t/buying-a-contract-using-api/87979/3 "2025-03-12T12:57:56Z")
Hi Faazil,
I have access to BOMM500 as attached.
Can I get a sample code for sending a JSON request for Price Proposal?
The API only gives me the payload which when I test on the API explorer, it works but when I use my code with the header, App ID and Token it does’t work.
Regards,
James
}
> **(attachments)**
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---
### Author:  [@ciliate-aliency-2](https://community.deriv.com/u/ciliate-aliency-2)
#### Post date: [March 16, 2025, 10:29am UTC](https://community.deriv.com/t/buying-a-contract-using-api/87979/4 "2025-03-16T10:29:50Z")
Hi,
I’m getting an error that “Trading is not offered for this asset”.
What does this mean? Is there a way around it?
Regards,
James
---
### Author:  [@Faazil\_deriv](https://community.deriv.com/u/Faazil_deriv)
#### Post date: [March 19, 2025, 7:06am UTC](https://community.deriv.com/t/buying-a-contract-using-api/87979/5 "2025-03-19T07:06:24Z")
Hello there,
As mentioned before please note that symbols and contract types differ depending on the jurisdiction and location due to regulatory requirements.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Centre or contact us via Live Chat and WhatsApp.