Cryptocurrency represents an entirely new asset class, requiring extra caution when trading due to fundamentally different rules compared to traditional markets like stocks. This guide covers all essential cryptocurrency trading rules—equip yourself with this knowledge before diving into digital asset trading for a seamless experience.
1. Trading Hours
Unlike traditional markets, cryptocurrency operates 24/7, 365 days a year, with no holidays or closures—even during global events like wars or major festivals. Bitcoin’s price chart, for example, shows continuous fluctuations at every moment.
2. Minimum Order Size
- Stocks: Require purchasing whole shares (e.g., 1 share of Apple = ~$227). Fractional shares (e.g., 1.1 shares) aren’t allowed.
- Crypto: Enables micro-investing—**as little as $1**. Platforms like OKX’s "Flash Swap" let users exchange $1 directly for Bitcoin instantly, lowering barriers for small investors.
3. Deposit/Withdrawal Channels
Traditional Markets (Stocks)
- Deposit: Convert local currency (e.g., CNY) → USD/HKD → Transfer to Hong Kong bank → Fund brokerage account.
- Withdrawal: Sell stocks → Withdraw USD/HKD → Convert to local currency.
Cryptocurrency
Uses C2C (peer-to-peer) trading via exchanges (e.g., OKX, Binance).
- Buy: Purchase USDT from merchants using bank transfers; exchanges act as escrow.
- Sell: Merchants pay you directly after receiving USDT, secured by the platform’s arbitration.
👉 Explore secure P2P trading on OKX
4. Trading Fees
Stocks
- Brokerage commissions.
- Currency conversion fees (e.g., HKD ↔ USD).
Cryptocurrency
Trading Fees:
- Maker (limit orders): 0.08% (adds liquidity).
- Taker (market orders): 0.1% (removes liquidity).
- Funding Rate (Perpetual Contracts): Balances futures/spot prices via periodic payments between longs/shorts.
- Spread: Minor buy-sell price gaps (e.g., 7.00 CNY/USDT buy vs. 6.95 sell).
5. Price Volatility
- Stocks: Halt trading via circuit breakers (e.g., 7% drop → 15-min pause).
- Crypto: No limits—Bitcoin can surge 45% or crash 10% in a day. Tip: Bitcoin’s low correlation with other assets makes it a hedge in portfolios.
6. Staking & Airdrops
Hold certain tokens (e.g., BNB, FDUSD) to earn airdropped assets (e.g., Binance Launchpool rewards). Similar to stock dividends but in crypto form.
7. Unit Price Psychology
- Bitcoin: 1 BTC = ~$46K → Buy 0.002 BTC ($100).
- Dogecoin: 1 DOGE = $0.05 → Buy 2,000 DOGE ($100).
Key: Price per unit ≠ value—focus on total investment worth.
8. Ticker Symbols & Pairs
- Coins: 3–7 letters (e.g., BTC = Bitcoin; ETH = Ethereum).
- Pairs: ETH/USDT = 2,660 → 1 ETH = $2,660.
- Cross Rates (ETH/BTC): Indicates Bitcoin’s dominance (e.g., ratio decline = BTC gaining market share).
9. Price Colors
- Green = Up; Red = Down (aligned with USD conventions). Bubble charts visualize top gainers (e.g., +51%) and losers (-24%).
FAQs
Q1: Can I trade crypto on weekends?
Yes—markets never close.
Q2: Why are crypto fees higher for market orders?
Exchanges incentivize liquidity providers (makers) with lower fees.
Q3: Is Bitcoin safer than altcoins for beginners?
Generally yes—it’s more established and less volatile than smaller-cap coins.
Key Terms: Cryptocurrency trading, Bitcoin rules, C2C exchange, trading fees, staking airdrops, volatility management.