Which one has richer leverage products, Kraken or BitMEX?

Kraken offers up to 5x margin and 50x futures leverage, while BitMEX provides up to 100x for perpetual swaps and futures, catering to different trader experiences.

Apr 19, 2025 at 10:49 am

When comparing the leverage products offered by Kraken and BitMEX, it's essential to delve into the specifics of what each platform provides. Kraken and BitMEX both cater to traders looking to leverage their positions, but they differ significantly in their offerings, user experience, and target audience. In this article, we will explore the leverage products available on both platforms to determine which one offers a richer variety.

Kraken's Leverage Products

Kraken, established in 2011, has evolved from a simple exchange to a comprehensive trading platform offering various financial products. One of the key leverage products on Kraken is margin trading.

• Margin Trading on Kraken: Kraken allows users to trade with up to 5x leverage on certain trading pairs. This means that traders can amplify their positions by borrowing funds from the platform. To start margin trading on Kraken, follow these steps:
  • Log into your Kraken account.
  • Navigate to the 'Trade' section.
  • Select the trading pair you wish to trade on margin.
  • Choose the 'Margin' tab.
  • Set your leverage level (up to 5x).
  • Place your order, ensuring you have sufficient collateral in your account.

Kraken also offers futures trading, though it's less extensive compared to other platforms. The futures products on Kraken are limited to a few major cryptocurrencies, with leverage up to 50x.

• Futures Trading on Kraken: To trade futures on Kraken, follow these steps:
  • Log into your Kraken account.
  • Go to the 'Futures' section.
  • Choose the futures contract you wish to trade.
  • Set your leverage (up to 50x).
  • Place your order, ensuring you understand the risks associated with futures trading.

BitMEX's Leverage Products

BitMEX, launched in 2014, is renowned for its high-leverage trading products, particularly its perpetual swap contracts. BitMEX is often considered a pioneer in the crypto derivatives market.

• Perpetual Swaps on BitMEX: BitMEX offers perpetual swaps with leverage up to 100x. These contracts do not have an expiration date, allowing traders to hold positions indefinitely. To trade perpetual swaps on BitMEX, follow these steps:
  • Log into your BitMEX account.
  • Navigate to the 'Trade' section.
  • Select the perpetual swap you wish to trade.
  • Set your leverage (up to 100x).
  • Place your order, ensuring you have sufficient margin in your account.

BitMEX also provides traditional futures contracts, which have a set expiration date. These contracts can be traded with leverage up to 100x.

• Futures Trading on BitMEX: To trade futures on BitMEX, follow these steps:
  • Log into your BitMEX account.
  • Go to the 'Futures' section.
  • Choose the futures contract you wish to trade.
  • Set your leverage (up to 100x).
  • Place your order, ensuring you understand the risks associated with futures trading.

Comparing Leverage Levels

When it comes to leverage levels, BitMEX clearly offers higher leverage than Kraken. BitMEX's maximum leverage of 100x for both perpetual swaps and futures contracts is significantly higher than Kraken's 5x for margin trading and 50x for futures. This higher leverage can be attractive to experienced traders looking to maximize their potential returns, but it also comes with increased risk.

Variety of Products

In terms of the variety of leverage products, BitMEX again has a richer offering. BitMEX provides a wide range of perpetual swaps and futures contracts across various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins. Kraken, on the other hand, offers margin trading and a limited selection of futures contracts, primarily focused on major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

User Experience and Accessibility

The user experience and accessibility of leverage products also differ between Kraken and BitMEX. Kraken is known for its user-friendly interface and is often recommended for beginners. The platform provides educational resources and a more straightforward approach to margin and futures trading.

• Kraken's User Experience: Kraken's platform is designed to be intuitive, with clear instructions and a simple layout. The margin trading interface is easy to navigate, and the futures trading section, while less extensive, is still accessible to users of varying experience levels.

BitMEX, on the other hand, is geared more towards experienced traders. The platform's interface can be complex, and it requires a higher level of understanding of derivatives trading.

• BitMEX's User Experience: BitMEX's platform is more advanced, with a variety of tools and charts designed for professional traders. The high leverage and complex products on BitMEX can be intimidating for beginners, but they offer a rich experience for those who are well-versed in trading.

Risk Management and Safety

Both platforms have measures in place to manage risk, but they approach it differently. Kraken has a more conservative approach to leverage, with lower maximum leverage levels and stricter margin requirements. This can help mitigate risk for users who are new to leverage trading.

• Kraken's Risk Management: Kraken requires users to maintain a certain level of collateral in their accounts to cover potential losses. The platform also has automatic liquidation mechanisms to close positions if the account balance falls below the required margin level.

BitMEX, with its higher leverage, has more aggressive risk management policies. The platform uses a sophisticated liquidation engine to manage positions, but the high leverage can lead to rapid liquidations if the market moves against a trader.

• BitMEX's Risk Management: BitMEX's risk management system is designed to handle the high volatility and leverage of its products. The platform uses a tiered margin system, where the required margin increases as the position size grows. This helps to protect the platform and its users from extreme market movements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use leverage on Kraken for all trading pairs?

A: No, Kraken offers leverage trading on select trading pairs. You can check the specific pairs available for margin trading and futures on their platform.

Q: Is BitMEX suitable for beginners?

A: BitMEX is generally not recommended for beginners due to its high leverage and complex trading products. It is better suited for experienced traders who understand the risks associated with derivatives trading.

Q: What are the fees for leverage trading on Kraken and BitMEX?

A: Kraken charges a maker fee of 0.16% and a taker fee of 0.26% for margin trading, with different fees for futures trading. BitMEX charges a maker fee of -0.025% and a taker fee of 0.075% for perpetual swaps and futures. Always check the latest fee structure on their respective websites.

Q: How can I manage my risk when using leverage on these platforms?

A: To manage risk, always use stop-loss orders, monitor your positions closely, and never trade with more leverage than you can afford to lose. Both platforms have tools and resources to help you manage your risk effectively.