How to close a position on Bitstamp futures?

On Bitstamp Futures, you can manually close or set automatic TP/SL orders to manage risk—and don’t forget to check realized P&L afterward. (154 characters)

Jul 28, 2025 at 10:50 am

Understanding Futures Positions on Bitstamp

Before closing a position on Bitstamp futures, it’s essential to understand what a futures position entails. A futures contract allows traders to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price at a set date in the future. On Bitstamp, users can open long (buy) or short (sell) positions depending on their market outlook. A long position profits when the price of the underlying asset rises, while a short position profits when the price falls. Each open position has specific details like entry price, leverage used, liquidation price, and unrealized profit or loss. These must be clearly visible in your Bitstamp futures trading interface before proceeding to close the trade.

Navigating the Bitstamp Futures Interface

To close a position, access your Bitstamp account and navigate to the Futures tab. Once there, locate the “Open Positions” section—this displays all active trades. Each position will show critical data including:

• Position size (in USD or crypto)
• Entry price
• Mark price (current market value)
• Unrealized P&L
• Liquidation price
• Leverage applied
  Clicking on the specific position you wish to close will open additional options. Ensure that the position you're viewing is the one you intend to close—mistakenly closing the wrong trade can lead to unintended losses or missed opportunities.
  

  Manual Closure of a Futures Position

  
  To manually close a position:
• Click the “Close Position” button associated with the selected trade
• A pop-up will appear asking for confirmation
• Choose your preferred method: Market Close or Limit Close
• If selecting Market Close, the position will be closed instantly at the best available market price
• If selecting Limit Close, input the exact price at which you want the position to close
  For example, if you have a long position and want to lock in profits at a specific price, set a limit order slightly below the current mark price. This gives you more control but may not execute immediately if the market doesn’t reach your specified level.
  

  Using Take Profit and Stop Loss Orders

  
  Bitstamp allows traders to set automatic exit conditions when opening a position. If you’ve already placed a Take Profit (TP) or Stop Loss (SL) order, the system will automatically close the position when the market hits your specified price. To verify or modify these orders:
• Go to the “Orders” tab within the Futures section
• Locate your active TP/SL orders
• Edit or cancel them as needed before they trigger
  This feature is especially useful for risk management. For instance, setting a stop loss at 10% below your entry price ensures you don’t lose more than intended if the market moves against you unexpectedly.
  

  Partial Position Closure Options

  
  Bitstamp supports partial closure of futures positions, allowing you to reduce exposure without exiting entirely. To do this:
• Click on the open position
• Select “Partially Close”
• Enter the amount (in USD or base currency) you wish to close
• Confirm the action
  This is ideal when you want to secure some profits while maintaining exposure to potential further gains. For example, if you have a $1,000 long position and the market moves favorably, you might choose to close $500 to lock in gains while leaving $500 open for additional upside.
  

  Confirming the Closure and Checking Results

  
  After closing a position—whether fully or partially—check the following:
• The position should disappear from the “Open Positions” tab
• A new entry will appear in the “Closed Positions” or “Trade History” section
• Review the realized P&L, fees, and final settlement price
  This step ensures accuracy and helps with record-keeping for tax or performance tracking. If any discrepancies appear—such as unexpected fees or incorrect P&L—contact Bitstamp support immediately with screenshots and timestamps for resolution.
  

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  Frequently Asked Questions

  Can I close a futures position on Bitstamp using the mobile app?
  
  Yes. The Bitstamp mobile app supports full futures trading functionality. Navigate to Futures > Open Positions, tap the position, and select “Close Position.” The same options—Market, Limit, or Partial—apply as on the desktop platform.

  What happens if I don’t manually close a futures position before expiry?
  
  Bitstamp automatically settles the position at the time of contract expiry using the final settlement price. You do not need to take action, but this may result in less favorable pricing compared to manually closing earlier.

  Why does my position show a negative unrealized P&L even after closing?
  
  This typically occurs due to timing delays in the interface or unsettled fees. Wait a few minutes and refresh the page. If the issue persists, check your transaction history for any pending fees or adjustments.

  Is there a fee to close a futures position on Bitstamp?
  
  Yes. Bitstamp charges a taker fee when you close a position via Market order, and a maker fee if you use a Limit order that doesn’t immediately match. These fees are displayed before confirmation and vary based on your 30-day trading volume.