As the crypto realm continues to expand, the allure of uncovering the best crypto contract trading platforms continues to attract the attention of both seasoned and curious newcomers who want to rake in some extra gains at an initial low price.
Crypto contract trading platforms offer a cost-friendly gateway into the crypto market where you can trade derivatives like futures, options, and perpetual swaps.
Crypto exchanges open the chance to start cryptocurrency contract trading. However, some platforms are better than others owing to having superior trading features, like more diverse options, higher liquidity, and lower fees.
This is where we step in. Our team of crypto and tech experts has hands-on tested the best crypto contract trading platforms to help you find one that aligns with your trading strategies for maximum returns.
Binance and MEXC made it to the top of our list, alongside Blofin and Margex. Let’s explore why.
The Top Cryptocurrency Contract Trading Platforms at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of our favorite contract trading crypto platforms.
- Binance — 700+ Options Contracts With Real-Time Data
- MEXC — Zero Makers Fees; 90% Trading Pairs Have Top-Notch Liquidity
- Blofin — 1K+ Futures Trading Pairs Featuring 24-Hour Price Dynamics
- Margex — No-KYC Exchange With 50 Trading Pairs Pegged to USD
- PrimeXBT — 1000x Leverage on Specific Trading Pairs & 50+ Advanced Charts
- Bybit — Open Private Futures & Options Contracts in Just 30 Seconds
The Best Solutions Reviewed
Now you’ve got a rough idea of where the best crypto contract trading platforms shine, let’s explore all they’ve got to offer in greater detail.
1. Binance – 700+ Options Contracts With Real-Time Data
A key benefit of contract trading crypto on Binance is the ability to use leverage up to 125x when trading options and futures contracts to magnify profits (and possible losses) with a small initial capital amount.
When options trading on the CEX, you can pick from six $USDT crypto pairs ($SOL, $BTC, $ETH, $BNB, $XRP, and $DOGE) across 700+ contracts. Maker-and-taker fees are just 0.03%.
The ‘Options Home’ section showcases key details such as the strike price, implied volatility (IV), and the position, ask, and bid sizes — all of which help you assess the potential profitability of the crypto you’re eyeing.
Additionally, the exchange offers ‘Classic’ and ‘Easy’ options contracts, enabling you to speculate on price changes.
The CEX also offers 417 trading pairs across various perpetual and futures contracts, including:
- USDT Perpetual: Settles futures trades in the Tether stablecoin $USDT. With no expiry date, you can hold the position for however long you wish.
- USDC Perpetual: Works the same as USDT Perpetual contracts but is settled in $USDC, a different stablecoin. These contracts also do not have expiration dates.
- Coin-M Perpetual: Both the collateral and settlements are in a particular crypto (like $BTC or $ETH). Again, because it’s perpetual, no expiry date is required.
- USDT Delivery: Trades are settled in $USDT and have a specific delivery date when the contract expires.
- Coin-M Delivery: Similar to Coin-M Perpetual. However, the contract requires you pick a certain delivery and expiry date.
What makes futures trading appealing is that it only takes 30 seconds to set up, with competitive trading fees of 0.02% for makers and 0.05% for takers.
However, when using Binance, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. It doesn’t offer derivatives for US traders. KYC (Know Your Customer) verification is required for full exchange access and higher withdrawal limits (currently over 0.06 BTC per day at the time of writing).
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Leverage
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Up to 125x
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|---|---|
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KYC
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Need to be verified for unlimited access
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Trading Fees
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Futures: 0.02% for makers and 0.05% for takers
Options: 0.03% for makers and takers
|
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Trading pairs supported
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Futures: 417
Options: 6
|
Open options and futures contracts on Binance.
2. MEXC — Zero Makers Fees; 90% Trading Pairs Have Top-Notch Liquidity
Another top-tier platform for crypto contract trading, MEXC stands out as an attractive choice for futures trading, offering various options like USDT-M Futures, Coin-M Futures, and USDC-M Futures.
With leverage of up to a massive 400x, MEXC provides traders with the potential for substantial returns, making it a solid option for those looking to leverage their positions.
When futures trading on MEXC, you can trade over 600 futures trading pairs. Over 90% of them have top-notch liquidity to ensure stability during unfavorable market dynamics.
And if its fees aren’t costless, they’re cost-friendly. Futures makers don’t have to pay any fees, while takers need to fork out just 0.020%, making it a superb option if you want to maximize your profit margins – the core concept of futures trading.
Moreover, when contract trading in crypto, MEXC gives real-time data on futures trading and positions to help enhance your trading stance, including long-term and short-term ratios, liquidations, and insights into professionals’ trading tactics to help bolster your returns.
Notably, you need not partake in KYC verification to sign up and use the exchange. But there’s a slight catch: you’ll need to complete ‘Advanced KYC’ (hand over your details and partake in facial recognition) if you want to withdraw crypto worth the equivalent of 200 $BTC or more.
If you encounter any issues at any time, fear not. MEXC offers 24/7 support to address any problems that may arise.
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Leverage
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Up to 400x |
|---|---|
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KYC
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No (only to withdraw 200 $BTC+) |
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Trading Fees
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Futures: 0% makers and 0.020% takers |
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Trading pairs supported
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Futures: 600+ |
Enjoy zero maker fees on MEXC.
3. BloFin — 1K+ Futures Trading Pairs Featuring 24-Hour Price Dynamics
Catering to both seasoned and novice traders alike, BloFin is a great crypto contract trading platform. It has a comprehensive futures trading environment that spotlights over 1K futures trading pairs with up to 100x leverage.
Next to the trading pairs are detailed market data for each contract (including 24-hour price dynamics and volume) – such transparency can significantly help you optimize your trading strategy and manage possible risks.
All of BloFin’s futures trading pairs are paired with $USDT, which means all of its futures contracts are settled in a stable value that mirrors the US dollar’s value.
Each of its contracts is labeled ‘Perp’ because – yup, you guessed it – they’re each perpetual; you can hold your positions for however long you wish.
Suppose you’re looking for exposure to a specific sector within the web3 arena. In that case, you’ll likely appreciate that it segments futures by various categories for easy contract browsing. It even includes futures contracts of the best meme coins and DeFi tokens.
Not to mention, its futures trading bot and demo trading feature allow you to execute trades without constantly monitoring dynamics and take advantage of their efficiency and speed in a fast-moving market.
It’s also worth noting that its futures trading fees are reasonable at just 0.02% for makers and 0.06% for takers.
All of these perks can be enjoyed without KYC. The only time you’d have to hand over your data is if you were to bring in the big bucks and wanted to withdraw over 1M $USDT in one day.
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Leverage
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Up to 100x |
|---|---|
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KYC
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No (only to withdraw 1M $USDT+ in one day) |
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Trading Fees
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Futures: 0.02% for makers and 0.06% for takers. |
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Trading pairs supported
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Futures: 1K+ |
Futures trade 1K+ crypto pairs on BloFin.
4. Margex — No-KYC Exchange With 50 Trading Pairs Pegged to USD
Margex is our favorite overall exchange for 2025. In this case, we appreciate that it focuses exclusively on futures trading with high leverage (100x), dynamic trading strategies, and advanced charting options. All without having to give up your data – yipee!
When futures trading on Margex, you’ll get the chance to trade approximately 50 pairs, each paired against the US dollar, likely for the currency’s stability and familiarity.
To strategically buy and sell orders at predetermined prices, it has ‘Set buy stop’ and ‘Set sell stop’ tools so you can manage your positions automatically.
Its advanced charting options are not to be ignored. Each feature has different time frames and indications for technical analysis, so you can analyze trends and price movements to forecast price actions more accurately and help you drive your earnings.
Margex also has a contract trading crypto app (available on Google Play and the Apple App Store), which enables you to leverage its broad range of powerful tools while on the move.
One downside of the exchange is that its trading fees are more expensive than most: 0.6% for takers and 0.019% for makers. This is especially true when compared to MEXC, which doesn’t require taker fees.
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Leverage
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Up to 100x |
|---|---|
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KYC
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No |
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Trading Fees
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Futures: 0.6% for takers and 0.019% for makers |
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Trading pairs supported
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Futures: 50+ |
Capitalize on 50+ USD crypto pairs on Margex.
5. PrimeXBT — 1000x Leverage on Specific Trading Pairs & 50+ Advanced Charts
If you are searching for a multi-asset contract trading platform, PrimeXBT might be just the place for you.
Beyond crypto contracts, this trading platform also gives you access to commodities, indices, and forex contracts – all from its user-friendly interface, where you can simultaneously monitor each of your investments.
But let’s get back to why we’re here: crypto. Its future crypto contracts allow you to trade over 30+ trading pairs, including the popular $BTC/$USD, with a whopping 1000x leverage for short-term scalping, which makes it an excellent option for $BTC contract trading.
Moreover, it offers over 50 Trading View technical indicators so that you can strategically monitor price movements and market trends to improve your chances of profitability.
Depending on your futures trading volume, you can anticipate fees of 0.01% for makers and 0.045% to 0.02% for takers.
Being a no-KYC exchange means the onboarding process is ultra-fast. Owing to this, an impressive 150+ countries use the platform to trade futures without handing over their data.
An added benefit is the platform’s live currency exchange rates, which accurately mirror current market trends and conditions to help you trade promptly and effectively.
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Leverage
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Up to 100x |
|---|---|
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KYC
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No |
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Trading Fees
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Futures: 0.01% makers and 0.045% – 0.02% takers |
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Trading pairs supported
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Futures: 30+ |
Gain from 100x leverage on PrimeXBT.
6. Bybit — Open Private Futures & Options Contracts in Just 30 Seconds
Bybit is a solid crypto contract trading platform for leveraging futures and options without bypassing KYC, a significant boon for security-conscious traders.
It only takes 30 seconds to get started. All you need to do is provide your email address, check your inbox for a six-digit code, and enter the code into the verification page – then, wollah, you’re now a Bybit member.
Settled in either $USDT or $USDC (depending on the contract), Bybit offers a variety of futures contracts across 590+ trading pairs with up to 100x leverage so you can maximize potential returns.
It specializes in perpetual contracts, so you can hold positions without worrying about time constraints. The fee rate for perpetual and future contract trading starts at 0.055% takers and 0.02% makers, but as you trade more, your fees decrease when reaching higher VIP levels.
Moreover, offering options contracts in $USDT or $USDC means you can speculate on the price movements of $BTC, $ETH, $SOL, and $XRP without owning the assets. Taker fees start at 0.03% and maker fees at 0.02%.
Its powerful tools also make it easy to track top-performing investments and market movements; you can capitalize on the best trading opportunities in real time, hassle-free.
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Leverage
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Up to 100x |
|---|---|
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KYC
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No |
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Trading Fees
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Futures: Starts at 0.055% takers and 0.02% makers Options: Starts at 0.03% takers and 0.02% makers |
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Trading pairs supported
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Futures: 590+ Options: 4 |
Benefit from attractive fee structures on Bybit.
What is Crypto Contract Trading?
When trading cryptocurrency contracts, you’re speculating on price movements without actually owning the underlying asset. This allows you to control a large position with a relatively small investment, exposing you to potential gains whether prices move up or down, now or in the future.
The contracts typically entail the asset, its opening and closing price, settlement terms, expiration date (for futures), and liquidation price (the value of which the position will be closed to prevent losses).
If the crypto hits the price as speculated, the exchange will pay you the difference based on the higher amount. But if it doesn’t go as planned, you’re on the hook to repay the funds borrowed.
Long-term vs Short-term Contracts
The crypto contracts are categorized depending on their time horizons.
Long-term contracts involve holding crypto in a specific position for weeks, months, and even years to capitalize on its price appreciation over time, weathering short-term volatility. If your prediction is correct, you’ll receive hefty returns.
On the flip side, short-term contracts focus on capturing profits from price changes that occur within a much shorter timeframe, whether it be minutes or days. Ultimately, they accumulate smaller gains but more frequently.
The former contracts are typically based on fundamental analysis (like broader market trends, adoption rates, and technological advancements). In stark contrast, the latter usually needs technical analysis (like studying charts and indicators) to identify favorable entry and exit points.
The Different Crypto Contracts Explained
There are various types of crypto contracts that you can partake in for the hope of significant gains. Some of which include:
- Futures contracts: Agreements to purchase and sell crypto at a specific price in the future. They each have expiration dates on which the trade will automatically close.
- Perpetual contracts: Open the chance to indefinitely speculate on a crypto’s price movements. The funding rate (a fee exchanged between long and short positions) helps maintain the asset’s price.
- Options contracts: Gives you the right to buy (call) or sell (put) a crypto at any price before a certain expiry date. All you need to do is pay a small fee, you’ll lose if you don’t go ahead with the option (nothing else).
- Event contracts: Allows you to speculate on the outcome of specific events using crypto, like election outcomes. For instance, $BTC spiked to $100K after crypto-friendly Trump resumed the US presidency. He has now even launched his own stablecoin.
How We Selected the Best Contract Trading Platforms
To ensure our reviews can be trusted and meet the needs of all types of traders, there are many essential factors that we consider, including:
- Leverage options: We assess which crypto exchanges have the most competitive leverage ratios so you can maximize your positions while managing potential risks.
- Trading features/tools: We select platforms with advanced trading tools, order types, and sometimes automated strategies to enhance and simplify your trading experience.
- Performance reliability: We only consider platforms with high performance, as evidenced by their continuous uptime, speedy execution, and high liquidity to ensure a stress-free experience.
- User-friendly interface: We look for trading platforms with easy yet intuitive designs that both new and pro traders can use effortlessly.
How We Selected the Best Contract Trading Platforms
To ensure our reviews can be trusted and meet the needs of all types of traders, there are many essential factors that we consider, including:
- Leverage options: We assess which crypto exchanges have the most competitive leverage ratios so you can maximize your positions while managing potential risks.
- Trading features/tools: We select platforms with advanced trading tools, order types, and sometimes automated strategies to enhance and simplify your trading experience.
- Performance reliability: We only consider platforms with high performance, as evidenced by their continuous uptime, speedy execution, and high liquidity to ensure a stress-free experience.
- User-friendly interface: We look for trading platforms with easy yet intuitive designs that both new and pro traders can use effortlessly.
- Security measures: We only highlight exchanges with strong security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA) and high reserves to prevent the likelihood of lost funds. We only highlight exchanges with strong security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA) and high reserves to prevent the likelihood of lost funds.
Pros and Cons of Contract Trading
Crypto contract trading can be an excellent option if you’re seeking high returns. But like all good things, it comes with a few risks.
Pros
- Leverage: You can control higher positions with a smaller amount of capital (margins) with leverage to increase potential profits.
- Hedging: You can hedge against price volatility to protect your assets from unfavorable market conditions.
- Profit during volatility: You can still profit when the market is down, depending on your contract (like a short future position).
- Diversification: You can diversify and enhance your crypto portfolio costlessly because you do not need to own the underlying asset.
Cons
- High risk: You can significantly amplify losses if the leverage you select is much greater than your initial investment.
- Complexity: You might find contract crypto trading confusing if you are new to the crypto realm. To come out on top, you should fully grasp the terms of contract fundamentals.
- Liquidity issues: You might find it tricky to enter or exit positions at your desired price if the exchange and asset you pick suffer from low liquidity. This can also cause price slippage.
- Regulatory uncertainty: You might find challenges depending on where you’re based because crypto regulations vary worldwide and significantly influence market dynamics, possibly volatility.
Disclaimer: We don’t give financial advice. You must always do due diligence before making any type of investment.
Concluding Our Guide on Crypto Contract Trading
Simply put, selecting the best crypto contract trading platform depends on your trading needs and preferences.
If you are new to the crypto realm and you want to access a broad range of cryptocurrency contract trading types, Binance might be the place to go.
On the flip side, if you want to maximize short-term profits as much as possible, with up to 1000x leverage, you’re best to head to PrimeXBT.
Each platform has its pros and cons, ranging from more advanced tools to contract flexibility. If you want to frequently trade crypto contracts without cutting into your profits, be sure to also check out which ones have the lowest fees (in this case, MEXC).
Still, the information we’ve given is purely for informational purposes. Each crypto trading platform involves risks, so you must always do your homework before signing up and injecting cash into it.
FAQs
1. Is crypto trading profitable?
Yes, crypto trading can be highly profitable, wildly, when cryptocurrency contract trading because you can speculate on a crypto’s price movements without having to fork out for the underlying asset. With the right strategies, like high leverage to control a more prominent position, you can receive significant returns if the trade goes in the direction you anticipated.
2. Is crypto contract trading legal?
Crypto contract trading is legal or illegal, depending on your country/jurisdiction. For example, it’s legal in the US, EU, Canada, UK, and Australia, but banned in China and under scrutiny in India. Each country has its own crypto laws. Some countries embrace crypto as modern finance, while others ban it due to stability issues and a lack of control.
3. What is the difference between crypto contract trading and spot trading?
The difference between crypto contract trading and spot trading is that the former is based on crypto’s future prices without having to own the underlying asset, while the latter entails directly buying or selling crypto for immediate delivery.
4. Is it safe to use contract trading?
Yes, it can be safe. However, it does involve a higher level of risk and complexity than spot trading because crypto contract trading platforms often offer high leverage, enabling you to multiply your exposure to price movements. While this can substantially boost profits, it can also lead to hefty losses that can exceed your initial investment.