How to do futures trading on Binance

Binance Futures allows leveraged trading on crypto prices using USDⓈ-M or COIN-M contracts, requiring understanding of margin, liquidation, and funding rates.

Aug 06, 2025 at 12:08 pm

Understanding Binance Futures Trading

Futures trading on Binance allows users to speculate on the future price of cryptocurrencies without owning the underlying asset. This form of trading involves entering into a contract to buy or sell a specific cryptocurrency at a predetermined price at a set date in the future. The primary advantage is the ability to use leverage, which amplifies both potential profits and losses. Before engaging in futures trading, users must understand key terms such as margin, liquidation price, mark price, and funding rate. These elements directly impact the risk and reward profile of each trade.

Setting Up a Binance Futures Account

To begin futures trading on Binance, users must first have a registered Binance account. If not already created, visit the official Binance website and complete the identity verification process (KYC). After logging in, navigate to the top menu and click on "Derivatives", then select "USDⓈ-M Futures" or "COIN-M Futures" depending on settlement preference. USDⓈ-M contracts are settled in stablecoins like USDT, while COIN-M contracts use the underlying cryptocurrency (e.g., BTC). Accept the risk disclosure agreement to activate the futures trading feature. Ensure that two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled for enhanced security.

Funding Your Futures Wallet

Before placing any trades, funds must be transferred to the futures wallet. Click on the "Wallet" icon in the futures interface, then select "Transfer". Choose the source wallet (e.g., Spot Wallet) and the destination (e.g., USDⓈ-M Futures). Enter the amount to transfer and confirm the transaction. Supported assets include USDT, BUSD, BTC, ETH, and others, depending on the contract type. Transfers are typically instantaneous. Always double-check the network and asset to avoid irreversible mistakes. Once the funds appear in the futures wallet, they are ready for use in opening positions.

Placing a Futures Trade

To open a futures position, locate the trading interface after selecting a specific contract, such as BTC/USDT. The interface displays order books, price charts, and order entry panels. Choose between "Isolated" and "Cross" margin modes. Isolated margin limits risk to the allocated amount, while Cross margin uses the entire wallet balance, increasing liquidation risk. Set the leverage level using the slider—common options range from 2x to 125x. Higher leverage increases both gains and losses. To open a long position (betting price will rise), click "Buy"; for a short (betting price will fall), click "Sell". Input the contract quantity or desired USDT value. Select an order type:

• Limit Order: Execute at a specified price or better.
• Market Order: Execute immediately at current market price.
• Stop-Limit/Stop-Market: Triggered when price reaches a set level.
  Review the estimated liquidation price and margin requirements before confirming.
  

  Managing Open Positions and Risk

  
  Once a position is open, it appears in the "Positions" tab. Monitor key metrics including entry price, mark price, unrealized PNL, and liquidation price. To reduce risk, set stop-loss and take-profit orders. Click on "Add TP/SL" under the position to define exit levels. These orders help automate exits when market conditions reach predefined points. Adjust leverage at any time by clicking the leverage icon next to the position. Be cautious: reducing leverage increases the liquidation price for losing positions. Users can also partially close positions by entering a reduced quantity in the "Close" field and selecting "Market" or "Limit".
  

  Closing a Position and Withdrawing Funds

  
  To close a futures position, go to the "Positions" tab and click "Close". Choose between Market or Limit execution. A market close exits immediately at the best available price. After closing, the realized profit or loss is reflected in the futures wallet balance. To move funds back to the spot wallet, return to "Wallet" > "Transfer", select the futures account as the source, and the spot wallet as the destination. Specify the asset and amount. Confirm the transfer. These funds can then be used for spot trading, withdrawn, or held in the spot account.
  

  Frequently Asked Questions

  
  What is the difference between USDⓈ-M and COIN-M futures on Binance?
  USDⓈ-M futures are settled in stablecoins like USDT or BUSD, making PNL calculations more predictable. COIN-M futures are settled in the underlying cryptocurrency, such as BTC or ETH, meaning profits and losses are denominated in that coin, exposing traders to additional volatility from the settlement asset.
  

  How does funding rate work in Binance futures?
  
  The funding rate is a periodic payment exchanged between long and short traders to align the futures price with the spot price. If the rate is positive, longs pay shorts; if negative, shorts pay longs. Funding occurs every 8 hours. Traders holding positions at these intervals will either pay or receive funds based on their position direction.

  Can I trade Binance futures with a mobile app?
  
  Yes, the Binance mobile app supports full futures trading functionality. Download the app from the official website or app store, log in, tap "Trade", then select "Futures". The interface mirrors the desktop version, allowing order placement, position management, and fund transfers.

  What happens if my position gets liquidated?
  
  When the mark price reaches the liquidation price, Binance automatically closes the position to prevent further losses. A portion of the margin is lost, and an insurance clearance fee may apply. Users can view liquidation details in the "Orders" > "Liquidation" section. To avoid liquidation, increase margin or reduce leverage proactively.