Perpetual contracts trading operates 24/7 with settlements every 8 hours. If you're wondering, "Why can't I buy perpetual contracts?" or "How to buy OKX perpetual contracts?", this guide will walk you through the best practices for trading perpetual contracts on OKX.
How to Buy Perpetual Contracts?
Get Started with OKX
- Download the OKX exchange app and register an account.
- Familiarize yourself with perpetual contracts concepts before trading, as they differ significantly from spot trading.
Trading Hours
- Perpetual contracts trade 24/7, with settlements every 8 hours (4:00, 12:00, and 20:00 UTC).
- Trading pauses during settlements and resumes per asset—e.g., Bitcoin may resume later than other cryptocurrencies.
Trade Types
Open/Close Positions:
- Buy to Open Long: Bet on price increases.
- Sell to Close Long: Exit long positions when expecting a downtrend.
- Sell to Open Short: Bet on price declines.
- Buy to Close Short: Exit short positions when anticipating a rebound.
Order Types
Limit Order: Set custom price/quantity. Options:
- Post Only (Maker fee).
- Fill or Kill (Complete or cancel instantly).
- Immediate or Cancel (Partial fills allowed).
- Stop-Limit Order: Trigger trades at preset conditions.
- Market Order: Execute at the best available price.
- Flash Close: Auto-fills orders across 30 price tiers to minimize slippage.
Positions
- Merges same-asset positions into a single Long or Short contract.
Fees
- Maker (0.02–0.05%): Adding liquidity (limit orders).
- Taker (0.05–0.08%): Removing liquidity (market orders).
Liquidity Depth
- Reflects the gap between adjacent buy/sell orders in the order book.
Margin Requirements
- Initial margin varies by leverage (e.g., 10x leverage = 10% margin).
Liquidation
- Occurs when margin can’t cover losses. Higher leverage increases liquidation risk.
FAQs
1. Why does trading pause during settlements?
- Settlements update funding rates and mark prices. Pauses ensure accurate price indexing.
2. How does leverage affect profits/losses?
- Leverage amplifies gains/losses. E.g., 10x leverage turns a 1% price move into a 10% P/L.
3. What’s the difference between Maker and Taker fees?
- Makers (limit orders) pay lower fees for providing market depth; Takers (market orders) pay higher fees for instant execution.
4. How to avoid liquidation?
- Use stop-loss orders, lower leverage, and monitor margin ratios.
5. Can I trade perpetual contracts on mobile?
- Yes! 👉 Download OKX App for iOS/Android.
6. What’s the best strategy for beginners?
- Start with low leverage, practice with demo accounts, and analyze market trends.
Ready to trade? 👉 Join OKX Today and explore perpetual contracts with top-tier liquidity and security.