How to use KuCoin contract's hidden order function? How to avoid exposure of large transactions?

KuCoin's hidden order function in contract trading helps execute large transactions discreetly, minimizing market impact. Use strategies like order splitting and time-based execution for optimal results.

May 07, 2025 at 09:15 am

The KuCoin exchange offers a variety of trading tools to enhance the user experience, one of which is the hidden order function within its contract trading platform. This feature is particularly useful for traders looking to execute large transactions without impacting the market price. In this article, we will explore how to use KuCoin's contract hidden order function and discuss strategies to avoid the exposure of large transactions.

Understanding Hidden Orders on KuCoin

Hidden orders are a type of order that does not appear in the public order book. This means that other traders cannot see the size or price of your order, which can be advantageous when you want to buy or sell a large amount of a cryptocurrency without influencing the market. On KuCoin, hidden orders are available for contract trading, allowing users to place large orders discreetly.

To use the hidden order function, you need to be familiar with the contract trading interface on KuCoin. Navigate to the contract trading section, and you will find the option to place a hidden order alongside other order types like limit and market orders.

Steps to Place a Hidden Order on KuCoin

To place a hidden order on KuCoin, follow these detailed steps:

• Log into your KuCoin account and navigate to the contract trading section.
• Select the cryptocurrency pair you wish to trade. For example, if you want to trade Bitcoin contracts, select the BTC/USDT pair.
• Click on the "Order" tab to open the order placement interface.
• Choose the order type as "Hidden Order." This option might be labeled differently, such as "Iceberg Order" or "Hidden Order," depending on the interface.
• Enter the total order size you want to execute. This is the total amount of the cryptocurrency you wish to buy or sell.
• Set the price at which you want the order to be executed. This is crucial for limit orders, as the order will only be filled at this price or better.
• Specify the visible size of the order. This is the portion of your order that will be visible in the order book. The rest of the order remains hidden.
• Review your order details carefully, ensuring that the total order size, price, and visible size are correct.
• Click "Place Order" to submit your hidden order.

Once your hidden order is placed, it will begin to execute based on the market conditions and the parameters you set. The visible portion of your order will appear in the order book, while the rest remains hidden from other traders.

Strategies to Avoid Exposure of Large Transactions

Using hidden orders is just one part of a broader strategy to avoid the exposure of large transactions. Here are some additional tactics you can employ:

• Splitting Orders: Instead of placing one large order, consider splitting it into smaller orders. This can be done manually or through the use of trading bots that can execute orders at different times or at different price levels.
• Time-Based Execution: Use time-based strategies to spread out your orders over a period. This can help minimize the impact on the market price and reduce the visibility of your trading activity.
• Using Multiple Exchanges: If you are trading a significant volume, consider using multiple exchanges to distribute your orders. This can help prevent any single exchange from being overwhelmed by your trading activity.
• Liquidity Provision: If you are a market maker or have the capacity to provide liquidity, consider using liquidity provision strategies. This can involve placing both buy and sell orders at different price levels to create a more stable market environment.

Monitoring and Adjusting Hidden Orders

After placing a hidden order, it is important to monitor its execution and make adjustments as necessary. Here are some tips for monitoring and adjusting your hidden orders:

• Use the Order History: Check your order history regularly to see the status of your hidden orders. This will help you understand how much of your order has been filled and at what price.
• Adjust the Visible Size: If you find that your hidden order is not being filled as quickly as you would like, consider adjusting the visible size. Increasing the visible size can attract more attention to your order and potentially speed up its execution.
• Cancel and Repost: If market conditions change significantly, you may need to cancel your hidden order and repost it with new parameters. This can help you adapt to the changing market environment and improve your chances of getting a favorable execution.

Risks and Considerations

While hidden orders can be a powerful tool for executing large transactions, there are some risks and considerations to keep in mind:

• Slippage: Hidden orders may experience more slippage than visible orders, as they are not immediately visible to other traders. This means that your order may be filled at a less favorable price than you anticipated.
• Partial Fills: Depending on the market conditions, your hidden order may only be partially filled. This can leave you with a position that is smaller than you intended, which may impact your trading strategy.
• Market Impact: Even though hidden orders are not visible in the order book, large orders can still have an impact on the market. If the market is thin or if there is low liquidity, your hidden order may still influence the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use hidden orders for spot trading on KuCoin?

A: No, hidden orders are currently only available for contract trading on KuCoin. If you are interested in using hidden orders, you will need to navigate to the contract trading section of the platform.

Q: Are there any fees associated with using hidden orders on KuCoin?

A: The fees for using hidden orders are the same as those for other types of orders on KuCoin. However, it is always a good idea to check the fee schedule on the KuCoin website to ensure you are aware of any changes or updates.

Q: Can I cancel a hidden order after it has been placed?

A: Yes, you can cancel a hidden order at any time before it is fully executed. To do this, go to your order history, find the hidden order you wish to cancel, and click on the "Cancel" button.

Q: How can I tell if my hidden order has been filled?

A: You can check the status of your hidden order in your order history. If the order has been fully filled, it will show as "Filled." If it has been partially filled, it will show as "Partially Filled," and you will be able to see the amount that has been executed.