What Are Perpetual Futures?
Perpetual Futures are derivative contracts that track the price of an underlying asset, similar to traditional futures but without an expiration date. This allows traders to maintain positions indefinitely, provided they have sufficient margin. Key features include:
- No Expiration: Positions can remain open as long as margin requirements are met.
- Funding Mechanism: Ensures price convergence every 8 hours (unlike expiry futures, which settle at maturity).
- Settlement: Contracts are denominated in cryptocurrencies like BTC or stablecoins like USDT (for crypto-margin or USDT-margin futures).
Step-by-Step Guide to Trading Perpetual Futures on OKX
1. Access the Perpetual Futures Trading Section
- Web Platform: Navigate to Trade > Perpetual Futures on the OKX homepage.
- Mobile App: Log in, select Trade from the bottom menu, then choose Perpetual.
2. Fund Your Trading Account
- Transfer assets from your funding account to your trading account via the Assets dropdown menu.
- Select Transfer after entering the amount and currency.
3. Select a Contract
- Choose between Crypto-Margin (settled in the underlying crypto) or USDT-Margin (settled in USDT).
- Filter pairs (e.g., BTCUSDT) using the search bar or category tabs (Top, DeFi, Altcoins).
4. Configure Leverage and Margin
Margin Modes:
- Isolated: Only designated funds are used as margin.
- Cross: Entire account balance serves as margin.
- Leverage: Adjust the multiplier based on risk tolerance (e.g., 10x, 20x).
5. Account Modes (Unified Account System)
OKX offers three modes for advanced risk management:
- Single-Currency: Only the traded currency is used as margin.
- Multi-Currency: All account assets act as margin.
- Portfolio: USD value of the entire balance is margin.
6. Place an Order
- Order Types: Limit, Market, or BBO (Best Bid/Offer).
- Execution: Enter price/amount, then click Buy (Long) or Sell (Short).
- Optional TP/SL: Set take-profit or stop-loss parameters before confirming.
7. Monitor and Close Positions
- Check open positions under Trade History.
- Close positions via Limit Order (lower fees) or Market Close All (instant exit at taker fees).
👉 Maximize your trading potential with OKX’s advanced tools
Key Resources for Perpetual Futures Trading
OKX provides:
- Dashboard Guides: Positions, liquidation history, funding rates.
- Fee Structure: Review taker/maker fees for cost-effective trading.
FAQs
What’s the difference between perpetual and expiry futures?
Perpetual futures lack an expiration date and use a funding mechanism to align prices, while expiry futures settle at maturity.
How often is the funding rate applied?
Every 8 hours for perpetual contracts.
Can I adjust leverage after opening a position?
Yes, via the position details panel.
Is isolated or cross-margin better for beginners?
Isolated margin limits risk to designated funds, making it safer for new traders.
Where can I track historical funding rates?
Under the Information tab on the trading dashboard.
👉 Start trading perpetual futures on OKX today
### Keywords:
1. Perpetual Futures
2. OKX Trading
3. Leverage
4. Margin Modes
5. Funding Rate
6. BTCUSDT
7. Risk Management