Introduction to OKEx Futures Trading
Among major global crypto trading platforms, OKEx stands out with the highest futures trading volume. This guide walks you through futures contract trading on OKX (formerly OKEx).
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Getting Started
Account Setup
- Create an OKX Account: Register on the OKX platform
Enable Futures Trading:
- Navigate to "Futures Trading" in the top menu
- Complete the mandatory learning module and pass a short test
Trading Interface Overview
The simplified trading interface offers these features:
Available Trading Pairs
OKX supports eight major cryptocurrencies:
- BTC
- LTC
- ETH
- ETC
- BCH
- XRP
- EOS
- BTG
Key Trading Parameters
| Parameter | Options | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Margin Mode | Cross-margin/Isolated | Risk management preference |
| Leverage | 10x or 20x | Amplifies gains/losses |
| Pricing Unit | USD/CNY | Contract valuation |
| Contract Unit | Contracts/BTC | 1 contract = $100 USD value |
Margin Modes Explained
- Cross-Margin: Shared across positions (ideal for hedging/arbitrage)
- Isolated Margin: Per-position segregation (better for high-leverage trades)
Contract Types
Three expiration periods available:
- Weekly contracts
- Bi-weekly contracts
- Quarterly contracts (Recommended for most traders)
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Funding Your Account
- Purchase BTC via spot trading
- Navigate to "Fund Management"
- Transfer BTC to your futures account
Placing Orders
Order Types
- Limit Order: Set specific entry/exit prices
- Stop Order: Triggers at predetermined levels
- Trailing Stop: Follows favorable price movements
- Iceberg Order: Large orders executed discreetly
- TWAP Order: Time-weighted average price execution
Position Management
- Buy Open Long: Bullish position opening
- Sell Close Long: Long position closing
- Sell Open Short: Bearish position opening
- Buy Close Short: Short position closing
Risk Management Features
Auto-Margin Top-Up
Available in isolated margin mode:
- Automatically prevents liquidation
- Maintains 90% (10x) or 80% (20x) margin ratio
Settlement Rules
- Uses 1-hour price average at expiry
- Handles forced liquidations
- Implements socialized loss coverage
- Weekly settlements every Friday 16:00 UTC+8
Liquidation Mechanics
- Cross-Margin: Entire account liquidated
- Isolated Margin: Only affected position liquidated
- Maximum loss = Position margin
Pro Trading Tips
Position Sizing
- Allocate only 10-20% of capital to futures
- Prevents catastrophic account wipeouts
Dollar-Cost Averaging
When uncertain:
- Split positions into smaller chunks
- Enter at multiple price levels
Platform Setup
- Use USD pricing for global standard
- Web platform recommended for advanced charting
FAQ Section
Q: What's the minimum deposit for OKX futures?
A: No minimum deposit, but sufficient margin required per contract.
Q: Can I change margin modes after opening positions?
A: No, margin mode is locked per position.
Q: How often are futures contracts settled?
A: Weekly contracts settle every Friday; quarterly contracts every 3 months.
Q: What happens if I get liquidated?
A: The system automatically closes your position at bankruptcy price.
Q: Is futures trading suitable for beginners?
A: Start with paper trading to practice risk-free before using real funds.