Trading crypto futures contracts

What are Cryptocurrency futures?

Cryptocurrency futures allow you to trade on your view of the price and future performance of two leading cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin and Ether. 

Prior to the introduction of crypto futures trading, cryptocurrencies were bought and sold at full price on a digital currency exchange—traders could buy and hold them, but they were limited from going short. 

Cryptocurrency futures contracts provide the ability to go long or short easily in a volatile marketplace, hedge existing holdings in cryptocurrencies, and operate in highly regulated and well-established trading environment. 

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Trade the leading cryptocurrency benchmarks

Cryptocurrency futures consist of two key futures contracts that represent different ways cryptocurrency can be used:

Bitcoin symbol

Bitcoin futures

Bitcoin was primarily created as an alternative to traditional currencies to provide a decentralized environment for transactions. Since the number of Bitcoins is capped at 21 million, it's also considered an alternative way to store value.

Ethereum Icon

Ether futures

Ether is the cryptocurrency that powers and facilitates operations within the Ethereum network—a digital platform for blockchain development and innovation that allows for electronic decentralized smart contracts.

Why trade cryptocurrency futures?

Benefits of trading cryptocurrency futures include:

  • Transactions occur at a highly regulated US-based exchange that matches and guarantees transactions  
  • Ability to go long or short easily virtually 24 hours a day
  • Instant transactions with lower and predictable costs
  • Opportunity to hedge active holdings of actual cryptocurrencies 
  • No need for a digital wallet or concerns about a potential loss from hackers

Trade Bitcoin at a fraction of the cost

At 1/10th the size of one Bitcoin, Micro Bitcoin futures allow traders to access this highly active cryptocurrency market with reduced costs and low margins. Other advantages of trading these bite-sized contracts include:

  • Highly leveraged markets for more buying power
  • Start with a smaller account vs. full-size Bitcoin contract
  • Increased flexibility for better position management

Micro Bitcoin futures contracts provide an ideal entry point for new futures traders to start small and scale up as you become more comfortable in the live markets. 

Leverage also increases the risk associated with futures trading and only risk capital should be used for trading.

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Become a cryptocurrency futures trader today

Ready to start trading cryptocurrency futures? NinjaTrader is here to support you. With award-winning features and daily premium market commentary with industry pros, NinjaTrader equips you with the cryptocurrency trading tools you need to embark on your trading journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocurrency Futures

Yes, you can trade Bitcoin and Ether futures with NinjaTrader. NinjaTrader is a unique futures trading provider centralizing all the tools and services needed for both new and experienced traders to enter the global futures markets. NinjaTrader offers a comprehensive set of cutting-edge trading tools for both new and experienced futures traders. You can place orders and analyze the Bitcoin and Ether futures markets from multiple platforms including the award-winning NinjaTrader Desktop.
Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts are tradable instruments to buy or sell digital currencies. Each of these exchange-traded contracts has a unique set of contract specifications for point value, expiration date, and are financially settled.
Traders can actively buy or sell Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts at current market prices virtually 24 hours a day, through a well-regulated futures broker like NinjaTrader. Cryptocurrency futures offer traders direct trading exposure to these interesting global markets.
Cryptocurrency futures provide traders with many more advantages and flexibility than trading these same instruments on a digital exchange. Bitcoin and Ether futures can be traded on margin with much lower account capital requirements. Traders can go long and short with good liquidity throughout the trading session.
Cryptocurrency futures trading requires a funded account at a licensed futures broker dealer. Traders can then buy and sell the desired futures contract by putting up a good faith margin deposit to cover potential losses.
Trading Bitcoin and Ether futures comes with several potential risks. It is important for traders to always be aware of the factors that can affect the price of the futures that they are trading. Following a risk management plan should be a critical component of all trading strategies. As futures trading offers greater leverage for potentially increased profits, that leverage also increases the possibility of greater losses. Traders should only trade with risk capital. Risk capital is money you can afford to lose without affecting your lifestyle or changing your retirement horizon.