How to use contracts on OKX? OKX perpetual contract trading introductory tutorial

OKX offers perpetual contracts with no expiration, allowing traders to speculate on crypto prices without owning assets; learn to trade with this guide.

Jun 14, 2025 at 12:28 am

OKX is a leading cryptocurrency exchange that offers a variety of trading products, including perpetual contracts. Perpetual contracts are a type of futures contract with no expiration date, allowing traders to speculate on the price movements of cryptocurrencies without owning the underlying asset. This introductory tutorial will guide you through the process of using contracts on OKX, from setting up your account to executing your first trade.

Setting Up Your OKX Account

Before you can start trading perpetual contracts on OKX, you need to set up an account. Here's how you can do it:

• Visit the OKX website and click on the "Sign Up" button.
• Enter your email address and create a strong password.
• Verify your email by clicking on the link sent to your inbox.
• Complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process. This typically involves submitting a photo of your government-issued ID and a selfie.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.

Once your account is set up and verified, you can proceed to fund your account and start trading.

Funding Your Account

To trade perpetual contracts, you need to deposit funds into your OKX account. Here's how you can do it:

• Navigate to the "Funds" section on the OKX platform.
• Select the cryptocurrency you want to deposit, such as USDT or BTC.
• Click on "Deposit" and follow the instructions to generate a deposit address.
• Transfer the funds from your external wallet to the provided deposit address.
• Wait for the transaction to be confirmed on the blockchain.

Once your funds are available, you can move on to the next step: understanding perpetual contracts.

Understanding Perpetual Contracts

Perpetual contracts are a popular derivative product on OKX. They allow traders to go long or short on a cryptocurrency without an expiration date. Here are some key features of perpetual contracts:

• No Expiration Date: Unlike traditional futures contracts, perpetual contracts do not have an expiration date, allowing traders to hold positions indefinitely.
• Funding Rate: Perpetual contracts have a funding rate mechanism that ensures the contract price stays close to the spot price of the underlying asset. Traders may pay or receive funding fees based on the funding rate.
• Leverage: OKX offers leverage on perpetual contracts, allowing traders to amplify their exposure to the market. However, leverage also increases the risk of liquidation.

Understanding these features is crucial before you start trading perpetual contracts on OKX.

Placing Your First Trade

Now that you have a funded account and a basic understanding of perpetual contracts, you can place your first trade. Here's how to do it:

• Navigate to the "Trade" section on the OKX platform.
• Select the perpetual contract you want to trade, such as BTC/USDT.
• Choose your leverage level. Be cautious, as higher leverage increases the risk of liquidation.
• Enter the amount you want to trade and set your entry price.
• Click on "Buy/Long" or "Sell/Short" to open your position.

After placing your trade, you can monitor your position and adjust it as needed.

Managing Your Position

Once your position is open, you need to manage it effectively to maximize your potential profits and minimize losses. Here are some tips for managing your position:

• Set Stop-Loss and Take-Profit Orders: Use stop-loss orders to limit your potential losses and take-profit orders to secure your profits.
• Monitor the Funding Rate: Keep an eye on the funding rate, as it can impact your position's profitability.
• Adjust Your Leverage: If the market moves against your position, you may need to adjust your leverage to avoid liquidation.

Effective position management is key to successful trading on OKX.

Closing Your Position

When you're ready to close your position, follow these steps:

• Navigate to the "Open Orders" section on the OKX platform.
• Find the position you want to close.
• Click on "Close Position" to exit your trade.

After closing your position, you can withdraw your funds or use them to open new trades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I trade perpetual contracts on OKX with a mobile app?

A: Yes, OKX offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to trade perpetual contracts on the go.

Q: What is the minimum amount required to start trading perpetual contracts on OKX?

A: The minimum amount required to start trading perpetual contracts on OKX varies depending on the contract and the leverage you choose. It's best to check the specific requirements on the OKX platform.

Q: How often is the funding rate calculated for perpetual contracts on OKX?

A: The funding rate for perpetual contracts on OKX is typically calculated every 8 hours.

Q: Can I trade perpetual contracts on OKX 24/7?

A: Yes, OKX operates 24/7, allowing you to trade perpetual contracts at any time.