What is a COIN-M vs USDT-M contract?

Cryptocurrency futures contracts come in two main types: COIN-M, which uses crypto as margin, and USDT-M, which uses stablecoins, each offering distinct advantages for traders.

Aug 06, 2025 at 12:28 pm

Understanding the Basics of Cryptocurrency Futures Contracts

Cryptocurrency futures contracts allow traders to speculate on the future price of digital assets without owning the underlying coins. These contracts come in two primary forms: COIN-M and USDT-M contracts. Both are used on major cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance, Bybit, and OKX, but they differ significantly in terms of settlement currency, profit and loss calculation, and trading mechanics. Understanding these differences is crucial for traders who want to optimize their futures trading strategies.

What is a COIN-M Contract?

A COIN-M contract, short for Coin-Margined contract, is a type of futures contract where the collateral and settlement currency is the cryptocurrency itself rather than a stablecoin. For example, if you're trading a Bitcoin COIN-M perpetual contract, your margin and profits or losses will be calculated in BTC.

• Margin is denominated in the underlying asset: Traders must deposit BTC, ETH, or another crypto asset to open a position.
• PnL (Profit and Loss) is settled in the same asset: If you're long on BTC and the price goes up, you earn more BTC.
• Exposure to asset volatility: Since the margin is in crypto, traders are exposed to additional price risk if the value of the collateral drops.

This structure makes COIN-M contracts more suitable for traders who already hold the native cryptocurrency and want to avoid converting it into stablecoins.

What is a USDT-M Contract?

A USDT-M contract, or Tether-Margined contract, is a futures contract where the collateral and settlement currency is a stablecoin, typically USDT (Tether). This is the most popular type of futures contract for beginners due to its price stability and predictable margin requirements.

• Margin is denominated in USDT: Traders deposit USDT to open a position, regardless of the underlying asset being traded.
• PnL is settled in USDT: Profits or losses are shown in stablecoin, reducing the risk of margin liquidation due to asset volatility.
• Easier to manage for fiat-like traders: Traders can better control their risk since the margin isn't affected by the price of the underlying asset.

USDT-M contracts are ideal for traders who want to avoid crypto-margined volatility and prefer a more fiat-like trading experience.

Key Differences Between COIN-M and USDT-M Contracts

The distinction between COIN-M and USDT-M contracts lies in several critical areas:

• Collateral Type: COIN-M uses the native cryptocurrency (e.g., BTC), while USDT-M uses a stablecoin like USDT.
• Profit and Loss Calculation: In COIN-M contracts, PnL is denominated in the underlying asset, which can amplify gains or losses depending on price movement. In USDT-M contracts, PnL is denominated in USDT, making it more predictable.
• Liquidation Risk: COIN-M contracts carry higher liquidation risk because if the value of the margin asset drops, the trader's equity declines even if the trade is in profit.
• Use Cases: COIN-M suits experienced traders with large crypto holdings, while USDT-M is more beginner-friendly and accessible.

These differences make each contract type suitable for different trading strategies and risk profiles.

How to Choose Between COIN-M and USDT-M Contracts

Choosing the right contract type depends on your trading goals, risk tolerance, and available capital.

• Consider COIN-M contracts if:

  • You already hold significant amounts of the underlying cryptocurrency.
  • You are comfortable with crypto-margined volatility.
  • You want to avoid converting assets to stablecoins.
  • You are an experienced trader looking for advanced risk exposure.

• Consider USDT-M contracts if:

  • You prefer stable margin and PnL calculations.
  • You're new to futures trading and want to minimize liquidation risk.
  • You want to preserve your crypto holdings without using them as margin.
  • You're trading with a fiat-based mindset and want to avoid crypto volatility in your margin.

Understanding these factors helps traders select the contract type that aligns with their strategy and risk appetite.

Step-by-Step Guide to Trading COIN-M Contracts

If you decide to trade COIN-M contracts, follow these steps carefully:

• Step 1: Deposit the native cryptocurrency into your futures wallet on the exchange.
• Step 2: Select the COIN-M futures market for the asset you want to trade (e.g., BTC/USD COIN-M).
• Step 3: Set your leverage based on your risk tolerance and account size.
• Step 4: Open a long or short position using the native asset as margin.
• Step 5: Monitor both the price of the asset and your margin balance to avoid liquidation.
• Step 6: Close the position when you're satisfied with the profit or to cut losses.
• Step 7: Withdraw or reinvest your earnings, which will be in the native cryptocurrency.

Each step requires careful attention, especially because margin is in crypto, and price fluctuations can impact your equity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Trading USDT-M Contracts

For those opting for USDT-M contracts, the process is slightly different:

• Step 1: Deposit USDT into your futures wallet.
• Step 2: Choose the USDT-M futures market for the asset you want to trade.
• Step 3: Select your leverage and set up your trading pair.
• Step 4: Open a long or short position using USDT as margin.
• Step 5: Monitor the price of the asset and your liquidation price.
• Step 6: Close the position manually or via a take-profit/stop-loss order.
• Step 7: Withdraw or reinvest your profits, which will be in USDT.

This method is generally less risky in terms of margin management, making it ideal for traders who want to avoid crypto volatility in their collateral.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch between COIN-M and USDT-M contracts on the same exchange?

Yes, most major exchanges allow users to trade both COIN-M and USDT-M contracts simultaneously. You just need to navigate to the appropriate futures market section and ensure you have the correct margin currency in your futures wallet.

Is one contract type more profitable than the other?

Profitability depends on your trading strategy, market conditions, and risk management. Neither COIN-M nor USDT-M contracts are inherently more profitable. However, COIN-M contracts can offer amplified gains or losses due to margin volatility, while USDT-M contracts provide more predictable outcomes.

Can I lose more than my initial investment in either contract type?

Yes, if you're trading with leverage and your position gets liquidated, you can lose more than your initial margin. However, many exchanges offer bankruptcy protection or auto-deleveraging mechanisms to prevent excessive losses. It's essential to understand the liquidation mechanics of the contract type you're using.

Do I need to convert my crypto to USDT to trade USDT-M contracts?

Yes, to trade USDT-M contracts, you must have USDT in your futures wallet. You can either deposit USDT directly or convert your existing crypto holdings into USDT using the exchange's spot market before transferring it to your futures wallet.