What different order types are available to use on KuCoin Futures?

Understanding Order Types on KuCoin Futures

KuCoin Futures offers a comprehensive range of order types to accommodate different trading strategies and risk management preferences. Traders can execute precise entries and exits by selecting from various order mechanisms designed for flexibility and control. These include market orders, limit orders, stop-limit orders, stop-market orders, take-profit orders, trailing stop orders, and conditional orders. Each order type serves a distinct purpose and operates under specific rules that determine execution timing, price, and trigger conditions.

Market Orders: Immediate Execution at Current Price

A market order is the most straightforward type of order, designed to execute a trade immediately at the best available market price. When placing a market order on KuCoin Futures, the system fills your buy or sell request instantly based on current order book liquidity. This ensures fast execution but does not guarantee a specific price, especially in volatile markets or when trading large volumes.

• Navigate to the Futures trading interface on KuCoin.
• Select the desired contract (e.g., BTC/USDT).
• Choose Market from the order type dropdown.
• Enter the quantity you wish to trade.
• Click Buy/Long or Sell/Short to execute.

This order type is ideal for traders who prioritize speed of execution over price precision. However, slippage may occur, particularly during high volatility, meaning the final execution price could differ from the expected price.

Limit Orders: Control Over Entry and Exit Prices

A limit order allows traders to set a specific price at which they are willing to buy or sell a futures contract. The order will only execute when the market reaches or surpasses the specified limit price. This provides price certainty but does not guarantee execution if the market never reaches the set price.

• In the trading panel, switch the order type to Limit.
• Input your desired price in the price field.
• Enter the contract amount or USDT value.
• Confirm the direction (Buy or Sell).
• Click Place Order.

Limit orders are commonly used to enter positions at favorable levels or to secure profits at predetermined targets. They remain active in the order book until filled, canceled, or expired. Traders can also set post-only options to ensure their limit orders are placed as makers, avoiding taker fees.

Stop-Market Orders: Triggering Market Execution on Price Breaks

A stop-market order is a conditional order that becomes a market order once a specified trigger price is reached. It is often used to limit losses or enter a trade when the market breaks a key level.

• Select Stop-Market from the order type menu.
• Set the trigger price (the price that activates the order).
• Define the order size.
• Choose the direction (Buy or Sell).
• Click Place Order.

For example, if you hold a long position and want to minimize losses if the price drops to $30,000, you can set a stop-market sell order with a trigger at $30,000. Once the mark price hits that level, the system will issue a market sell order to close your position. Note that execution occurs at the next available market price, which may differ from the trigger due to volatility.

Stop-Limit Orders: Combining Price Control and Conditional Triggers

A stop-limit order combines features of stop and limit orders. It activates when the trigger price is reached but then executes as a limit order at a specified limit price or better. This gives traders more control over execution price but risks non-execution if the market moves too quickly.

• Choose Stop-Limit as the order type.
• Enter the stop price (trigger).
• Set the limit price (execution price).
• Specify the quantity.
• Confirm the order direction.
• Submit the order.

Suppose Bitcoin is trading at $32,000 and you want to buy if it breaks upward, but not pay more than $32,500. You could set a stop-limit buy with a stop price of $32,200 and a limit price of $32,500. When the price hits $32,200, the order activates and attempts to buy at $32,500 or lower. If liquidity is insufficient at that price, the order may only partially fill or not fill at all.

Take-Profit and Trailing Stop Orders: Automating Profit-Taking and Risk Management

KuCoin Futures supports take-profit orders and trailing stop orders to automate profit capture and dynamic stop-loss adjustments.

Take-profit orders are limit or market orders that execute when the price reaches a predefined target. They are often placed alongside stop-loss orders to define risk-reward ratios.

• While opening or managing a position, access the Take Profit/Stop Loss panel.
• Enable Take Profit.
• Choose Limit or Market execution.
• Set the target price.
• Confirm.

Trailing stop orders follow the market price at a set distance. If the price moves favorably, the stop level adjusts; if it reverses, the stop remains fixed and may trigger a market sell/buy.

• Select Trailing Stop as the order type.
• Input the callback rate (e.g., 2%) or distance in price.
• Set the quantity.
• Place the order.

For instance, with a 5% callback rate, if the price rises, the stop price rises too. If the price drops by 5% from its peak, the trailing stop triggers a market order to close the position.

Conditional Orders: Advanced Execution Based on Market Conditions

Conditional orders on KuCoin Futures allow traders to set complex entry or exit rules based on the mark price or last traded price. These are particularly useful for automated strategies without constant monitoring.

• Go to the Conditional Order tab.
• Define the trigger condition (e.g., Mark Price ≥ $35,000).
• Choose the order type to execute upon trigger (Limit, Market, etc.).
• Set the execution price and size.
• Submit the order.

These orders remain inactive until the condition is met. They are widely used for breakout entries, gap fills, or hedging during specific market events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mark price and last traded price in trigger conditions?The mark price is a fair value estimate used to prevent liquidations due to price manipulation. It is derived from the underlying spot price and funding rates. The last traded price is the most recent transaction price on the order book. KuCoin uses mark price by default for stop and conditional orders to enhance fairness.

Can I modify or cancel a conditional order after placement?Yes. Navigate to the Open Orders section, locate the conditional order, and click Cancel. Modification is not directly supported; you must cancel the existing order and place a new one with updated parameters.

Do trailing stop orders work when my device is offline?Yes. Trailing stop orders are processed on KuCoin’s servers. As long as the order is successfully placed, it remains active regardless of your device status or app activity.

Are there fees associated with unfilled limit orders?No. KuCoin applies fees only upon successful execution. If a limit order is filled as a maker, you may receive a fee rebate. Taker orders incur standard trading fees. Unfilled or canceled orders generate no charges.