What are crypto futures?

Crypto futures are exchange-traded contracts that give you exposure to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether without owning the underlying asset. They trade on regulated exchanges, are cash-settled, and are used by traders to take a position on crypto price movements or manage exposure.

What markets do crypto futures cover?

Crypto futures cover the major digital asset benchmarks that attract the deepest liquidity and most active trading globally. Availability depends on exchange-listed contracts. See the individual market pages for specifics.

Do I need a digital wallet to trade crypto futures?

No. Crypto futures give you price exposure via a futures contract, not through buying, holding, or transferring cryptocurrency. There is no wallet needed, as you are trading the price instead of the asset.

How do crypto futures differ from spot crypto trading?

Spot crypto trading involves buying and holding the actual asset on an exchange or in a wallet. Crypto futures are exchange-traded contracts tied to the price of that asset, with zero ownership of the underlying cryptocurrency. Futures are cash-settled and let you go long or short, unlike typical spot crypto trades.

Physical coins representing cryptocurrency and digital assets.

Trade Crypto Futures

Crypto without
Compromise

Bitcoin and Ethereum cryptocurrency coins displayed on a metallic platform

Crypto markets move fast. Navigate volatility with Bitcoin, Ether and more by trading crypto futures with a regulated provider.

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Futures trading involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors.

Why trade crypto futures with StoneX?

Regulated

No need to worry about unregulated exchange bankruptcies, digital wallet hacks, or lost private keys.

Two-way markets

Go long or short on crypto futures to take advantage of the volatility, which is sometimes easier than on spot exchanges.

Trade with capital efficiency

Access competitive day trading margins and institutional-grade liquidity.

Precise risk control with micro contracts

Scale your positions with contracts one-tenth the size of standard Bitcoin and Ether futures.

Trading during times of increased volatility involves heightened risk of loss.

Explore crypto futures markets

Close-up illustration of a Bitcoin coin featuring the cryptocurrency symbol and digital circuit patterns.

Bitcoin (BTC)

One of the world’s most actively traded cryptocurrencies, highly sensitive to macroeconomic data.

Deep liquidity among crypto futures
Available in standard and Micro Bitcoin contracts
Tracks both institutional and macro data

Ether (ETH)

The leading altcoin network, known for distinct price trends and massive daily ranges.

High daily volume with significant intraday movement
Available in standard and Micro Ether contracts
Speculate on a broader decentralized ecosystem, unlike Bitcoin futures

Standard and micro crypto futures contracts

Bitcoin and Ether futures give experienced traders maximum notional exposure to crypto price movements.

For traders looking for the same highly liquid markets with more precise risk control, Micro Bitcoin (MBT) and Micro Ether (MET) contracts offer access at one-tenth the size of one Bitcoin or one Ether. *

_{*Futures trading involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors.}

Smartphone displaying a cryptocurrency watchlist with digital asset prices and market data.

Ready to start trading crypto futures?

Access crypto futures with the tools, structure, and insight required to trade with confidence. 

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The trading of derivatives such as futures, options, and over-the-counter (OTC) products or “swaps” may not be suitable for all investors. Derivatives trading involves substantial risk of loss, and you should fully understand the risks prior to trading. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results.

Crypto futures trading FAQs

StoneX: We open markets

Our market expertise, advanced platforms, global reach, culture of full transparency and commitment to our clients’ success all set us apart in the financial marketplace.

Reach

With access to 40+ derivatives exchanges, 180+ foreign exchange markets, nearly every global securities marketplace and numerous bi-lateral liquidity venues, StoneX’s digital network and deep relationships can take clients anywhere they want to go.

Transparency

As a publicly traded company meeting the highest standards of regulatory compliance in the markets we serve, our financials and record of accomplishment are matters of public record. StoneX’s commitment to “doing the right thing over the easy thing” sets us apart in the industry and helps us build respect, client trust and new partnerships.

Expertise

From our proprietary Market Intelligence platform, to “boots on the ground” expertise from award-winning traders and professionals, we connect our clients directly to actionable insights they can use to make more informed decisions and achieve their goals in the global markets.