Best Crypto Futures Platform in 2024
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The top platforms for crypto futures include Binance, Bybit, MEXC, and Kraken, offering great leverage and competitive fees.
Choose a platform based on fees, leverage, and cryptocurrency options, then sign up, deposit funds, and start trading.
Crypto futures trading is growing, especially among traders who want to profit from price movements without holding assets. With crypto futures, you can use leverage to increase your exposure, potentially boosting your profits in rising and falling markets. Here’s a guide to the best crypto futures platforms, along with tips on how to get started and what to consider when choosing the right platform for you.
What are the best crypto futures trading platforms?
Here are our expert selections of the best crypto futures trading platforms available on the market today.
Binance is one of the biggest names in the crypto space, offering futures trading with over 340 different cryptocurrency pairs. It allows traders to use leverage up to 125x, which is appealing for those looking to amplify their gains. Binance also stands out with low trading fees, ranging from 0.02% to 0.04%.
For both beginners and experienced traders, Binance is a solid choice thanks to its high liquidity and wide selection of crypto assets. US residents need to use Binance.US.
Pros
Huge selection of cryptocurrencies
Competitive trading fees
High leverage (up to 125x)
Cons
Not available for US traders (use Binance.US)
Binance’s dominance in volume and liquidity, combined with its high leverage and low fees, make it the go-to choice for a wide range of traders. It’s ideal for those who want access to many crypto assets and maximum flexibility. Learn more: does Binance report to the IRS?
Bitget has become popular quickly thanks to features like copy trading, which allows users to mimic the trades of more experienced investors. It offers leverage up to 125x and supports futures contracts in multiple currencies, including USDT and USDC. New traders will appreciate the platform’s ease of use, along with bonuses and promotions that help get them started.
Bitget also supports automated trading tools, making it a great option for traders who want to set up trades without constantly monitoring the markets.
Pros
Copy trading and automated tools
High leverage (up to 125x)
Easy for beginners
Cons
Less established than older platforms
Bitget’s focus on helping beginners through copy trading and bonuses makes it an attractive option for those new to crypto futures trading. It’s a user-friendly platform that gives beginners a head start.
Bybit is known for its speed and reliable performance. The platform offers leverage up to 100x on popular coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. It’s designed for traders who want fast order execution and a smooth trading experience. Plus, Bybit has strong customer support, making it a good option for both new and experienced traders.
While Bybit isn’t available in some countries, including the US, it’s a great option for traders who want a fast, no-fuss platform with high leverage.
Pros
Fast order execution
High leverage (up to 100x)
Strong customer support
Cons
Not available in certain countries, including the US
Bybit excels in delivering a fast and smooth trading experience with high leverage. Its strong customer support and speed make it a top choice for active traders who need reliable execution.
Kraken is one of the few crypto futures platforms available to US traders. It offers futures contracts on 95 different cryptocurrencies with leverage up to 50x. Kraken is well-known for its security measures, which are some of the best in the industry. Its user-friendly interface and advanced tools make it a great option for all levels of traders.
Though it doesn’t offer the highest leverage compared to other platforms, Kraken is still a top choice, especially for those trading in the US where options can be limited.
Pros
Strong security features
Available to US traders
Easy-to-use interface
Cons
Lower relative leverage (50x)
Kraken’s strong reputation for security, along with its availability to US traders, makes it one of the safest platforms for trading crypto futures in the US.
KuCoin is known for its high trading volumes and wide variety of futures contracts. It supports both linear and inverse futures with leverage up to 100x. KuCoin is a top choice for traders who want access to a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including meme coins and other niche tokens.
While KuCoin’s fees are slightly higher than some competitors, its liquidity and market depth make it an attractive option for frequent traders.
Pros
High trading volumes
Supports a wide range of cryptos, including meme coins
Leverage up to 100x
Cons
Higher trading fees (0.06%)
KuCoin offers high liquidity and access to a wide variety of futures contracts, making it a favorite among traders who prioritize volume and variety.
MEXC is a solid choice if you’re looking for perpetual futures contracts, which let you keep your positions open without an expiration date. MEXC offers leverage up to 200x on Bitcoin futures, making it one of the highest-leverage platforms available. The platform is also known for its low fees, starting at just 0.02%, and supports a wide variety of altcoins.
If you’re a fan of altcoins or looking to trade less common cryptocurrencies, MEXC could be the right choice for you. However, it doesn’t offer options trading, so keep that in mind if that’s something you’re looking for.
Pros
Very high leverage (up to 200x)
Supports a wide range of altcoins
Low fees
Cons
No options trading
MEXC offers some of the highest leverage in the market along with a wide variety of altcoins, making it perfect for traders looking to take on risk for bigger rewards.
OKX is another top choice for crypto futures trading, offering a wide range of products including perpetual swaps and futures. With leverage up to 100x, OKX provides plenty of flexibility for traders. One unique feature is the OKX trading bot marketplace, which lets users automate their trades and follow strategies set by others.
This makes OKX a good platform for traders who want to experiment with different strategies, including those who want to set up automated trades.
Pros
Low fees
Advanced trading tools, including trading bots
Wide range of cryptocurrencies
Cons
Not available in the US
OKX stands out for its variety of crypto futures contracts and innovative trading tools like the bot marketplace. It’s perfect for traders who want to try out multiple strategies or automate their trades.
Steps to consider when choosing a crypto futures trading platform
Choosing the right crypto futures trading platform comes down to several key factors. One of the most important is the amount of leverage a platform offers. Different exchanges offer different leverage options, so you’ll want to find one that fits your risk tolerance. Platforms like Binance and Bybit offer high leverage, which can increase both potential gains and losses.
Another factor to look at is trading fees. High-frequency traders, in particular, need to consider how much they’re paying in fees, as these costs can add up quickly. Platforms like MEXC and OKX have relatively low fees, which can make a big difference over time.
Finally, consider the types of cryptocurrencies each platform supports. If you’re planning to trade altcoins or lesser-known cryptos, you’ll need to make sure the platform you choose supports those assets. KuCoin and MEXC are known for offering a wide variety of altcoins, so they might be the best fit for altcoin traders.
See our expert picks of the best crypto exchanges available to US traders.
What are crypto futures?
Crypto futures let you bet on the future price of a cryptocurrency without owning the actual asset. You can make money whether the price goes up or down, as long as you predict the movement correctly. With crypto futures, traders often use leverage to increase their buying power, leading to higher profits and greater risks.
There are a few different types of futures contracts. Perpetual futures don’t have an expiration date so you can hold them indefinitely. On the other hand, delivery futures must be settled by a specific date, which means the asset must be delivered at the agreed-upon price. Inverse futures use cryptocurrency instead of traditional fiat money as the base currency.
Types of crypto futures
There are two primary types of crypto futures:
Perpetual futures
These contracts don’t expire, allowing traders to hold their positions for as long as they like. This type of contract closely follows the spot price of the asset.
Delivery futures
Delivery futures have a set expiration date, at which point the contract is settled. The buyer must purchase the asset, and the seller must deliver the asset.
Is crypto futures trading profitable?
Crypto futures trading can be very profitable, especially when you use leverage. Leverage lets you control larger positions with less upfront capital, which can multiply your profits if the market moves in your favor. However, the same leverage can also amplify your losses, so using a solid risk management strategy is important.
Futures trading also allows you to make money in both rising and falling markets, giving traders more flexibility compared to spot trading. However, there’s always a risk of liquidation if your trade goes against you and your margin isn’t sufficient. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the risks before diving into futures trading.
Looking to calculate your crypto profit? Try our free crypto profit calculator.
How to get started with crypto futures trading in the US
Here’s a quick rundown of how to begin trading crypto futures in the US.
Choose your platform.
The first step is to pick a platform that suits your trading style. Look for factors like leverage, fees, and the cryptocurrencies you want to trade.
Create your account.
Sign up and complete any required verification. Most platforms require proof of identity for regulatory reasons.
Deposit funds.
You’ll need to deposit fiat or stablecoins like USDT to start trading futures. Make sure you meet the platform’s minimum deposit requirements.
Place your first trade.
Familiarize yourself with how orders work (market, limit, stop-loss), and place your first futures trade. Be sure to set stop-losses to manage your risk.
Best crypto futures platform FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the best crypto futures trading platform.
How do you make money on crypto futures?
You make money by predicting the price movement of a cryptocurrency. If the price moves in your expected direction, you can close the contract at a profit. Leverage can increase your potential gains, but it also increases your risk.
Where can you trade futures in the US?
Platforms like Kraken and Bitget offer futures trading for US-based traders. To ensure a safe trading experience, always make sure the platform complies with US regulations.
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