What is the initial margin on Coinbase?

On Coinbase, initial margin is the minimum deposit needed to open a leveraged trade—e.g., 25% margin means $250 for a $1,000 position—available on Advanced Trade or Pro.

Jul 25, 2025 at 08:42 am

Understanding Initial Margin on Coinbase

Initial margin on Coinbase refers to the minimum amount of funds a trader must deposit to open a leveraged position. This concept is central to margin trading, where users borrow funds from the exchange to increase their exposure to a particular asset. On Coinbase, this feature is primarily available through Coinbase Advanced Trade or Coinbase Pro, not the standard Coinbase app. The initial margin requirement is expressed as a percentage of the total position size. For example, if the initial margin is set at 25%, a trader must deposit at least $250** to open a **$1,000 leveraged position.

Determining Initial Margin Requirements

Initial margin requirements vary depending on the asset and the leverage selected. Common leverage options on Coinbase include 2x, 3x, 5x, and sometimes up to 10x. Each leverage level has a corresponding initial margin percentage:

• 2x leverage = 50% initial margin
• 3x leverage = 33.3% initial margin
• 5x leverage = 20% initial margin
• 10x leverage = 10% initial margin
  

  These percentages are enforced automatically when you place a margin order. If your account balance does not meet the required initial margin, the trade will be rejected. Always verify the exact margin requirement for the specific cryptocurrency pair you're trading, as some assets may have stricter rules due to volatility.

  How to Check Initial Margin on Coinbase

  
  To view the initial margin for a specific trade on Coinbase Advanced Trade:
• Navigate to the trading interface for your desired asset (e.g., BTC-USD).
• Select the "Margin" tab instead of "Spot".
• Choose your desired leverage from the dropdown menu (e.g., 5x).
• Enter the size of your order in either USD or crypto.
• The platform will display the required initial margin in real time beneath your order input box.
  

  This dynamic preview ensures you know exactly how much collateral is needed before confirming the trade. If you're using the API or mobile app, the same information is accessible through the order preview screen or by calling the /margin/requirements endpoint in the Coinbase Advanced Trade API.

  Funding Your Margin Account

  
  To begin margin trading, you must first transfer funds into your margin wallet:
• Go to your Coinbase portfolio dashboard.
• Click on "Accounts" and locate your "Spot Wallet".
• Select the asset you want to use as collateral (e.g., USDC or BTC).
• Click "Transfer" and choose "Margin Wallet" as the destination.
• Enter the amount and confirm the transfer.
  

  Once funds are in your margin wallet, they become eligible for use as initial margin. Note that only certain assets are accepted as collateral—typically stablecoins like USDC and major cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, and SOL. Unsupported assets cannot be used to meet initial margin requirements.

  Common Mistakes When Calculating Initial Margin

  
  Many new traders make avoidable errors when calculating initial margin:
• Ignoring fees: Trading fees are deducted from your margin balance and can reduce available collateral.
• Misreading leverage: Confusing 5x leverage with 5% margin is a frequent mistake—remember, 5x means 20% margin, not 5%.
• Overlooking maintenance margin: Initial margin is just the entry requirement; you must also maintain a higher balance (maintenance margin) to avoid liquidation.
• Using incorrect asset value: If you're using BTC as collateral, its USD value fluctuates constantly—ensure your margin meets the minimum even during price dips.
  

  Always double-check your order summary before confirming. Coinbase will show a warning if your balance is insufficient to meet the initial margin.

  FAQs

  Q: Can I use any cryptocurrency as initial margin on Coinbase?
  
  No. Only approved assets like USDC, BTC, ETH, and a few others can be used as collateral. You must check the supported list under the "Margin" section of your account settings.

  Q: What happens if my initial margin falls below the required amount after opening a position?
  
  If the value of your collateral drops due to market movement or fees, you may receive a margin call. Coinbase will require you to add more funds or risk automatic liquidation of your position.

  Q: Is the initial margin the same for long and short positions on Coinbase?
  
  Yes. Whether you're going long (buying) or short (selling), the initial margin requirement is calculated the same way based on leverage and position size.

  Q: How quickly can I start margin trading after transferring funds to my margin wallet?
  
  Funds transferred from your Spot Wallet to your Margin Wallet are typically available instantly. No waiting period is required unless there's a system-wide delay or maintenance.