What is the minimum deposit for Bybit contract trading?

Bybit allows contract trading with as little as $1 margin thanks to high leverage, but low deposits increase liquidation risk and require careful risk management.

Aug 10, 2025 at 03:21 am

Understanding Bybit Contract Trading Deposit Requirements

When engaging in contract trading on Bybit, users must meet certain minimum deposit requirements to open and maintain positions. These deposits are typically referred to as initial margin, which is the amount of funds required to initiate a futures contract. The minimum deposit is not a fixed fee charged by Bybit, but rather depends on the leverage used, the contract size, and the market price of the underlying cryptocurrency. For instance, when trading USDT-margined perpetual contracts, the minimum amount of capital needed to open a position can be as low as $1 to $5, depending on the selected leverage and the asset being traded.

It is essential to understand that Bybit does not impose a universal minimum deposit across all trading pairs. Instead, the effective minimum deposit is calculated dynamically based on the formula:
Position Size × Entry Price ÷ Leverage.

For example, opening a $100 position in BTC/USDT at 10x leverage requires a margin of $10. If the leverage is increased to 100x, the required margin drops to $1, making high leverage a way to reduce the initial capital needed.

Factors Influencing Minimum Margin Requirements

Several variables determine how much a trader must deposit to enter a contract trade on Bybit. The most influential factors include:

• Leverage level: Higher leverage reduces the required margin. Bybit supports leverage up to 100x for BTC/USDT and up to 50x for other major pairs, allowing traders with limited capital to participate.
• Contract value: The notional value of the position directly impacts the margin needed. A larger position size increases the required deposit.
• Maintenance margin: This is the minimum amount of equity that must remain in the position to avoid liquidation. It is separate from the initial margin but affects how much capital should be deposited to sustain a trade.
• Funding fees and trading fees: While not part of the initial deposit, these costs can influence the effective capital needed to maintain a position over time.

Traders should also note that isolated margin mode allows setting a specific amount of margin for a position, giving more control over risk. In cross margin mode, the entire account balance acts as collateral, which may reduce the perceived minimum deposit but increases exposure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Minimum Deposit on Bybit

To determine the actual minimum deposit for a contract trade, follow these steps:

• Choose the trading pair, such as BTC/USDT or ETH/USDT, available in the Derivatives section.
• Set the contract size or desired position value in USDT.
• Select the leverage, visible via the leverage slider on the trading interface.
• Calculate the initial margin using the formula:
  Initial Margin = Position Size ÷ Leverage.
• Ensure your wallet balance meets or exceeds this amount before placing the order.

For example, if you want to open a $50 position on ETH/USDT at 25x leverage, the required margin is $2. This means the minimum deposit in practical terms is $2 for that specific trade. However, depositing only the exact margin is risky due to potential price fluctuations and liquidation.

Deposit Methods and Funding Your Bybit Account

Before trading contracts, users must deposit funds into their Bybit account. The platform supports multiple deposit methods, all of which are crucial for meeting margin requirements:

• Cryptocurrency deposits: Users can deposit USDT, BTC, ETH, and other supported assets directly. USDT is the most common due to its use in USDT-margined contracts.
• Network selection: When depositing USDT, choose the correct blockchain network (e.g., TRC20, ERC20, BEP20) to ensure fast and low-cost transactions.
• Deposit address generation: Navigate to Assets > Deposit > Derivatives Account, select the asset, and copy the unique deposit address.
• Transaction confirmation: Wait for the required number of blockchain confirmations. TRC20 transfers are usually the fastest and cheapest.

It is important to note that there is no minimum deposit amount enforced by Bybit for funding the account. You can deposit as little as $1 worth of USDT, though network fees may make very small deposits impractical.

Risks and Considerations for Low-Capital Traders

While it is technically possible to trade with a very low initial deposit, such as $1, several risks must be considered:

• Liquidation risk: Positions with minimal margin are highly susceptible to liquidation due to small price movements, especially at high leverage.
• Funding rate exposure: Holding positions overnight incurs funding fees, which can erode small account balances quickly.
• Price volatility: Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile; even minor swings can trigger margin calls.
• Trading fees: Both maker and taker fees apply, and on small positions, these fees represent a larger percentage of potential profits.

To mitigate these risks, traders are advised to deposit more than the absolute minimum, use stop-loss orders, and avoid maximum leverage unless experienced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bybit charge a fee to open a contract position?

No, Bybit does not charge an opening fee for contract positions. However, taker fees apply if your order is executed immediately, and maker fees apply if your order adds liquidity. These fees are a percentage of the trade value and vary based on your 30-day trading volume.

Can I start contract trading with less than $10 on Bybit?

Yes, you can start with less than $10. Due to high leverage options, a deposit of $5 or even $1 may be sufficient to open a small position. However, such small deposits carry a high risk of liquidation and may not allow for effective risk management.

Is there a minimum balance required to keep my contract account active?

Bybit does not enforce a minimum account balance to keep your contract trading account active. You can maintain a zero balance without penalties. However, you must have sufficient margin to open or hold positions.

What happens if my margin falls below the maintenance level?

If your equity drops to the maintenance margin level, Bybit will issue a margin call. If the margin continues to fall, the position will be automatically liquidated to prevent further losses. You may also be charged a liquidation fee based on the contract type.