A detailed review outlining the top best crypto futures exchanges. Learn about the premier platforms and compare their fees, features, security, customer support options, and more.
Financial experts advise opting for exchanges regulated by financial authorities for purchasing and trading Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. By utilizing bank transfers, UPI transactions, or credit cards to deposit, individuals can legally buy, stake, and trade digital assets.
Summary of Top 5 Best Crypto Futures Exchanges
For novices embarking on their crypto ventures we’ve assessed the top platforms prevalent in the region:
- Bybit – Best Overall Crypto Futures Exchange – https://www.bybit.com/
- Kraken – Best for Security Measures – https://www.kraken.com
- Binance – Ideal for Newbies, Easiest to Use – https://www.binance.com
- Gate.io – Top Choice for Institutional Investors – https://www.gate.io/
- GMX – The Cheapest Decentralized Exchange – https://gmx.io
Bybit Overview
Rated as the premier crypto futures exchange, Bybit excels through its award-winning trading interface, robust security, competitive fee schedule, and immense $4 billion+ daily trading volume.
- Supports futures, options and spot trading on over 770 crypto assets. Bybit offers one of the most extensive portfolios spanning major cryptocurrencies, altcoins, meme coins, and smaller cap gems.
- Maker fees of 0.01% and taker fees of 0.06%. Bybit’s fee schedule is highly competitive, with tight spreads and reduced costs for market makers. Rates fluctuate based on market conditions.
- Leverage up to 25x collateralized with USDC or USDT. Traders can customize leverage from 1x up to 25x for futures contracts using stablecoins USDT or USDC as preferred.
- Generous new user bonuses up to $30,000. Large deposit and trading bonuses incentivize new traders to use Bybit.
Why We Like Bybit:
- Intuitive trading interface and high liquidity
- Localized customer support in Chinese, English, Korean etc.
- Advanced order types including conditional orders
- Collateral flexibility with both USDT and USDC
Kraken Overview
Emerging as a security-focused crypto trading platform, Kraken adheres to strict regulatory standards like FinCEN, FINTRAC, and the UK’s FCA.
- Over 200 spot markets and 100+ margin-enabled crypto assets. Kraken delivers both spot and futures trading for over 100 cryptocurrencies major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum in addition to smaller market cap coins.
- Maker fees of 0.01% and taker fees of 0.02%. Kraken uses a transparent fee schedule with competitive rates for makers and takers.
- Diverse fiat deposit methods including SWIFT, bank transfers, cards, and more. Traders can fund accounts using USD, EUR, CAD, JPY and other national currencies.
- Up to 5x leverage and ample margin limits. Kraken provides up to 5x leverage on futures contracts while offering generous margin requirements to satisfy most traders.
Why We Like Kraken:
- Dedicated customer support and operation security
- Regulatory compliance for major North American markets
- Seamless spot and futures trading within one platform
- Advanced charting through Cryptowatch integration
Binance Overview
Catering to worldwide traders, Binance provides versatile futures options featuring:
- Extensive selection of 300+ coins and altcoins availabe for spot and futures trading
- Competitive fees from 0.02% for makers and 0.06% for takers
- Up to 20x leverage on futures using BTC or stablecoins as collateral
- Multiple deposit options like card, bank transfer and P2P services
Why We Like Binance:
- Strong presence across global markets with multiple localized sites
- Demo account to test platform features with virtual funds
- Backed by Binance research division providing market analysis
- Top choice for purchasing microcap altcoins
Gate.io Overview
Specializing in altcoin derivatives, Gate.io offers:
- Over 1,400 coins and exotic altcoins, the most extensive selection available
- Flat maker and taker fee of 0.02% across all transactions
- Up to 100x leverage on quarterly futures contracts
- No mandatory KYC checks unlike most centralized platforms
Why we Like Gate.io:
- Leading platform for new, long-tail altcoin listings
- Generous referral program with bonus incentives
- Margin lending market to earn interest on holdings
- Support program for blockchain startups
GMX Overview
As a decentralized perpetual exchange built on Arbitrum, GMX provides a non-custodial trading environment with:
- $140+ billion lifetime trading volume and 320k+ traders
- Up to 50x leverage on perpetual swaps supporting major assets
- Direct wallet connectivity for MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, and WalletConnect
- Competitive maker fee of 0.05% and taker fee of 0.07%
Why We Like GMX:
- No KYC requirements unlike centralized platforms
- Price aggregation mechanisms to reduce liquidation risk
- Governance participation and incentives via GMX token
- Empowering users via decentralization and transparency
How Crypto Futures Contracts Work
Crypto futures represent contracts that allow traders to speculate on the future price of digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. They come in two main varieties – perpetual swaps with no expiry, and fixed-date contracts that settle on a specific date.
These derivatives offer leverage up to 100x, allowing traders to open much larger positions compared to their capital. Their prices depend on factors like spot prices, funding rates, trade volumes, and market sentiment. Well-designed futures contracts can promote price discovery and liquidity for cryptoassets.
How to Purchase Cryptocurrencies
For beginners aiming to invest in digital currencies adhere to this detailed, step-by-step guide for lawful and secure transactions:
- Select a reliable, regulated exchange from this guide
- Complete email registration and KYC verification
- Fund your account via bank transfer, card, or e-wallet
- Buy your desired cryptocurrency and quantity
- Transfer to a secure crypto wallet for enhanced security
Conclusion
In conclusion, engaging in crypto futures requires a trusted, regulated platform like Bybit, Kraken, or Binance. Adhering to security best practices allows traders to confidently buy, sell and leverage perpetual futures contracts. Consider fee structures, deposit options, and asset diversity in selecting an exchange that fits your trading style.
FAQs
Which exchange is best for futures?
Bybit offers the premier futures trading experience with market-leading liquidity, a sophisticated trading interface, and reduced risk of liquidations.
What is the cheapest crypto exchange for futures?
GMX features minimal trading spreads starting at just 0.05% for makers and 0.07% for takers, making it very cost-effective.
What is the best crypto futures exchange without KYC?
As a non-custodial decentralized exchange, GMX allows direct wallet connectivity without KYC requirements. However, centralized exchanges typically offer superior liquidity.
Where can I do crypto futures trading?
Our guide recommends using secure platforms like Bybit, Kraken, Binance, Gate.io or GMX to safely engage in crypto futures trading.
