Can I trade options on OKX?

OKX offers Bitcoin and Ethereum options trading with USDT settlement, European-style exercise, and tools for advanced strategies like spreads and straddles.

Aug 08, 2025 at 11:01 am

Understanding Options Trading on OKX

Yes, you can trade options on OKX. OKX is one of the leading cryptocurrency derivatives exchanges that offers a dedicated options trading platform for digital assets. This service allows users to speculate on the future price movements of major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) using standardized options contracts. The exchange supports both call options and put options, giving traders flexibility in bullish and bearish market conditions. Options on OKX are cash-settled in USDT, which simplifies the settlement process and avoids complications related to asset transfers.

The options market on OKX operates with multiple expiration dates and strike prices, enabling users to create various trading strategies such as straddles, strangles, spreads, and covered calls. The platform provides real-time data on implied volatility, open interest, and Greeks (Delta, Gamma, Theta, Vega), which are essential tools for advanced traders managing risk and positioning. All options contracts are European-style, meaning they can only be exercised at expiration, not before.

How to Access the Options Trading Interface

To begin trading options on OKX, you must first log in to your account and navigate to the derivatives section. The steps are as follows:

• Go to the OKX homepage and sign in.
• Click on the "Derivatives" tab located in the top navigation menu.
• From the dropdown, select "Options".
• Choose your preferred trading pair, such as BTC-USD or ETH-USD.
• Ensure your account has sufficient USDT balance in the funding wallet, as options are settled in USDT.
  

  The interface displays a grid of available contracts categorized by expiration date and strike price. You can filter contracts by in-the-money (ITM), out-of-the-money (OTM), or at-the-money (ATM) status. Market depth, recent trades, and order book data are visible on the right panel, allowing for informed decision-making.

  Placing an Options Trade on OKX

  
  Once you are on the options trading page, placing a trade involves several precise steps:
• Select the specific contract you want to trade by clicking on the desired strike price and expiration date.
• Choose between "Buy" (to open a long position) or "Sell" (to open a short position).
• Decide whether you are purchasing a call option (betting the price will rise) or a put option (betting the price will fall).
• Enter the quantity of contracts you wish to trade.
• Select the order type: limit order or market order.
• Review the premium price, estimated fee, and margin requirement (for sellers).
• Confirm the trade by clicking "Buy" or "Sell".
  

  Sellers of options must post margin as collateral since they assume the obligation to fulfill the contract if assigned. OKX uses a risk engine to calculate margin requirements based on volatility, time to expiration, and position size. Buyers pay the full premium upfront, and their maximum risk is limited to that amount.

  Managing Open Options Positions

  
  After opening a position, you can monitor and manage it under the "Positions" tab in the options section. Here, you’ll see:
• The current mark price of your contract.
• Unrealized profit and loss (PnL) based on market movements.
• Time decay (Theta) impact on your position.
• Option to close the position early by placing an offsetting order.
  

  If you are long an option, you can sell it back to the market before expiration to realize gains or cut losses. If you are short, you can buy back the contract to close the obligation. The platform also supports exercise instructions for in-the-money contracts as expiration approaches, though automatic exercise applies to contracts above a certain threshold.

  Risk management tools such as stop-loss and take-profit orders are not directly available for options, so traders often use delta-hedging or pair trades with spot or futures to manage exposure.

  Fees and Settlement Process

  
  OKX applies a taker and maker fee structure to options trading. Makers who provide liquidity by placing limit orders receive lower fees or rebates, while takers who remove liquidity with market orders pay higher fees. The exact rates depend on your 30-day trading volume and VIP level.
  

  When a contract expires:

  • In-the-money contracts are automatically settled in USDT.
  • The payout is calculated as the difference between the strike price and the final settlement price (based on a time-weighted average price, or TWAP).
  • Out-of-the-money contracts expire worthless, and no funds are transferred.

  For example, if you hold a BTC 50,000 call option and the final settlement price is 52,000, you receive (52,000 - 50,000) × contract size in USDT. The contract size for BTC options is typically 0.1 BTC per contract.

  Security and Account Requirements

  
  To trade options on OKX, your account must meet certain prerequisites:
• Complete KYC (Know Your Customer) verification at Level 2.
• Enable derivatives trading in your account settings.
• Maintain sufficient USDT balance for premiums or margin.
• Comply with regional restrictions—options may not be available in all jurisdictions.
  

  OKX employs advanced security measures including cold wallet storage, multi-signature technology, and regular audits to protect user funds. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is strongly recommended to prevent unauthorized access.

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  FAQs

  What is the minimum amount required to start trading options on OKX?
  
  There is no fixed minimum account balance, but you must have enough USDT to cover the premium cost of at least one contract. For example, if a BTC call option is priced at $200 per contract, you need at least $200 plus fees to buy it. Margin requirements for sellers are higher and depend on risk models.

  Can I trade options on cryptocurrencies other than BTC and ETH?
  
  Currently, OKX only offers options contracts for BTC and ETH. Other cryptocurrencies are not supported in the options market, though they may be available for futures or spot trading.

  How does OKX determine the settlement price for expired options?
  
  The settlement price is calculated using a Time-Weighted Average Price (TWAP) of the underlying asset’s spot price over the final hour before expiration. This method prevents price manipulation and ensures fairness.

  Is options trading on OKX available to U.S. users?
  
  No, due to regulatory restrictions, U.S. residents are prohibited from accessing derivatives products, including options, on OKX. The platform enforces geographic restrictions through IP checks and identity verification.