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7 Best Crypto Derivatives Trading Platforms
Want to trade crypto derivatives but not sure where to start? After reviewing 50+ platforms, we’ve chosen the 7 best exchanges for trading futures and perpetual contracts. You’ll find pros, cons, and expert advice to guide your trading decisions.
By:
Reviewed By:
Updated: Aug 17, 2025
74M users and $30bn daily volume, with 600 futures markets, options on BTC/ETH/SOL, and MiCA regulatory approval.
2,000+ tokens and 630+ futures markets, plus copy trading, bots, and detailed Proof of Reserves.
Almost zero taker fees, 100x leverage, and low funding costs across 380+ futures markets.
530+ futures markets, advanced TradingView tools, and institutional-grade API with $750M insurance fund.
Feature-rich app with deep liquidity, 280+ futures markets, and simple options mode for BTC/ETH.
760+ futures markets, up to 500x leverage, and 0% maker fees with competitive funding rates.
Industry leader with 85% options market share, 75% of all BTC options, and automatic contract settlement.
How Did FXEmpire Choose the Best Derivatives Trading Platforms?
- Licensing and Regulation: We focused on exchanges licensed by leading financial authorities in regions like the US, UK, and Europe. Regulatory oversight ensures each platform operates to high standards and follows global financial rules.
- Exchange Security: We looked for strong safety measures such as Proof of Reserves, regulatory compliance, and robust account security to ensure user assets are well protected.
- Maximum Leverage Levels: We favored platforms that offer higher leverage to support traders using high-risk, high-reward strategies.
- Number of Futures Markets: We compared the range of futures markets, including niche tokens, to find platforms that support a variety of trading strategies and user preferences.
- Exchange Liquidity and Open Interest: We assessed liquidity and open interest to ensure smooth order execution. High volume helps reduce slippage and supports larger trades.
- Low Trading Fees: We analyzed maker-taker fees and pricing structures to highlight platforms with competitive rates, better profitability, and volume-based discounts.
- Funding Rates: We compared the cost of holding positions to help identify exchanges with the most favorable funding rates for long-term and swing traders.
- Perpetual, Delivery Contracts, and Options: We prioritized platforms offering both perpetual and delivery futures, as well as options trading, to give advanced traders more flexibility.
- Bot and Copy Trading Compatibility: We checked for built-in bots and copy trading features that help beginners automate strategies and follow experienced traders.
- Advanced and User-Friendly Interface: We tested each platform’s layout and tools, favoring exchanges that balance powerful features with an intuitive interface for all experience levels.
Best Crypto Exchanges for Derivatives Trading Comparison Table
| Exchange | Ranking | Taker/Maker | Available Crypto | Accepts Fiat | Payment Methods | KYC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bybit | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 519 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
Gate.io | 4.4 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 2139 | No | Yes | |
Flipster | No Rating Read Review | - | 360 | No | Yes | |
Bitget | 4.7 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 686 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
OKX | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.08% | 296 | Yes | +6 | YES |
MEXC | 4.6 Read Review | 0.01% / 0% | 1848 | Yes | +3 | No |
Deribit | 3.6 Read Review | 0% / 0% | 1 | No | Yes |
Best Overall
- 519Available Crypto
- Payment Methods
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
Bybit is one of the most popular crypto derivatives exchanges, with over 74 million users and $30 billion in daily futures trading volume. It offers 600 futures markets, including USDT, USDC, and inverse contracts, plus options on crypto, forex, indices, and commodities. The platform is fully licensed in the EU under MiCA and features strong security and transparency.
- Range of Futures Markets: Bybit offers 600 crypto futures markets, covering USDT, USDC, and Inverse futures with up to 100x leverage. It also offers options trading on forex, indices, and commodities, offering greater flexibility for advanced traders.
- Options Trading: Bybit offers Crypto Options trading on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. This is perfect for advanced traders who have mastered Futures and are looking to progress into Options trading.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 600 futures markets
- Up to 100x leverage
- Options trading available
- Copy, bot, and API trading supported
- MiCA licensed in the EU
Cons
- Futures restricted in some regions
- Not available in the US
Best for Perpetual Futures
- 2139Available Crypto
- Payment Methods
- FeesMedium
Why We Picked It
Gate.io is known for its unmatched market variety, offering over 2,000 spot tokens and 630+ futures markets. It supports advanced trading strategies with bots, quant tools, and copy trading. Traders benefit from deep liquidity, transparent audits, and Proof of Reserves.
- Industry-Leading Market Selection: With over 630 futures markets, Gate.io offers more futures markets than almost all its competitors, giving traders greater choice and flexibility when it comes to choosing which markets to trade.
- Copy Trading Platform: Gate.io features a comprehensive futures copy trading platform that lets users choose expert traders to copy. It offers an intuitive interface that shows all the key metrics you need to choose a lead trader that suits your risk tolerance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 630+ futures markets
- Up to 125x leverage
- 0.02%/0.05% trading fees
- Proof of Reserves & audits
- Copy, bot, and API trading
Cons
- Not available in the US
- Limited regulatory licenses
Best for Low Fees
No Rating Available
- -Available Crypto
- Payment Methods
- Fees-
Why We Picked It
Flipster is an exchange that stands out for ultra-low trading fees. It charges 0.05% taker fees on all futures, making it ideal for cost-conscious high-leverage traders. The platform also offers low funding rates and an advanced interface suited to experienced users.
- High Leverage: With up to 100x leverage, Flipster is perfect for all types of traders, including experienced traders looking to trade advanced strategies that require high leverage.
- Competitive Funding Fees: Flipster’s funding fees are extremely competitive, with fees often lower than leading exchanges like Bybit or Binance. Its funding fees are low for both large-caps and niche altcoins.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 380+ futures markets
- Up to 100x leverage
- 0.05% Taker Fees
- Low funding fees
- High transparency
Cons
- Lower liquidity than top competitors
- No copy or bot trading
Best for Advanced Trading
- 686Available Crypto
- Payment Methods
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
Bitget supports 530+ futures markets and over $30 billion in daily trading volume. It’s designed for advanced traders, with institutional-grade API access, TradingView integration, and up to 125x leverage. The platform also offers a $750 million insurance fund to protect user funds.
- Advanced Trading Tool: Bitget offers an advanced trading platform, with TradingView integration that offers over 100 technical indicators for in-depth technical analysis. It also offers highly customizable conditional orders that support a range of trading strategies.
- Advanced API Access: Bitget provides institutional-grade API features that supports high-frequency and algorithmic trading, enabling advanced traders to make the most of fractional dips in the market.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 530+ futures markets
- Up to 125x leverage
- 0.02%/0.05% trading fees
- Copy, bot, and API trading
- $750M insurance fund
Cons
- No TWAP or iceberg orders
- Poor customer support
Best for Mobile Trading
- 296Available Crypto
- Payment Methods+4
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
OKX is one of the top global derivatives exchanges, offering a full-featured mobile app with deep liquidity, advanced charting, and strong security. It supports both futures and options trading, and is licensed under MiCA in the EU for full regulatory compliance.
- Deep Liquidity: OKX ranks among the top 3 exchanges for daily futures volume (over $35bn), ensuring fast and reliable order execution even during market volatility.
- Options Trading: OKX offers options trading (BTC and ETH). Its mobile platform offers a simple options mode that is perfect for traders looking to start trading options.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 280+ futures markets
- Up to 125x leverage
- Options trading supported
- Copy, bot, and API trading
- Fully MiCA licensed
Cons
- Not available in the US
- No Lite mode for beginners
Best with Highest Leverage
- 1848Available Crypto
- Payment Methods+1
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
MEXC is a high-leverage exchange offering up to 500x leverage on select futures. It supports over 760 markets and charges 0% maker and 0.02% taker fees. It’s ideal for experienced traders who prioritize variety, leverage, and low fees.
- Industry-High Leverage: MEXC offers up to 500x available on certain futures markets. This makes it perfect for high-leverage trading strategies that capitalize on the finest of movements in the market.
- 0% Maker Fees: MEXC is one of the most cost effective exchanges to trade with, as the exchange does not charge any maker fees. Taker fees are also competitive, at just 0.02%, making it perfect for trading large positions with high leverage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 760+ futures markets
- Up to 500x leverage
- 0% maker fees
- Competitive funding rates
- Copy & API trading
Cons
- Limited regulatory licenses
- No bot trading
Best for Options Trading
- 10Available Crypto
- Payment Methods
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
Deribit is the leading platform for crypto options, holding over 85% market share. Since launching its options market in 2016, it has become the go-to for experienced traders and institutions. Deribit offers options on BTC, ETH, PAXG, BNB, SOL, and XRP, with unmatched liquidity and institutional-grade infrastructure.
- Options-Focused Platform: Deribit dominates the crypto options space, with the deepest liquidity and highest open interest across BTC and ETH options.
- Automatic Settlement: All options are automatically settled at expiry, making trade execution seamless and efficient.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Deepest liquidity for BTC options
- Options on BTC, ETH, PAXG, BNB, SOL & XRP
- 0% maker fees on futures
- Detailed Proof of Reserves
- Strong security & compliance
Cons
- Only 33 futures markets
- Complex fee structure
How to Choose the Best Derivatives Trading Exchange?
What Is Crypto Derivatives Trading?
Crypto derivatives are financial contracts whose value is derived from an underlying crypto asset, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. The most common types in crypto are:
- Perpetual Futures (do not expire)
- Delivery Futures (expire on a set date)
- Options (give the right, but not obligation, to buy/sell)
Rather than owning crypto directly, you trade on future price movements. Derivatives allow for leverage, which can amplify both profits and losses, making this type of trading riskier than spot markets.
What Is Leverage in Derivatives Trading?
Leverage allows you to open larger positions than your actual account balance. For example:
- 10x leverage means a $100 deposit controls a $1,000 position.
- Profits and losses are multiplied by the same factor.
Start with low leverage (2x-5x) to minimize the risk of liquidation.
Advanced traders may use higher leverage, but should always apply:
- Strict risk management
- Stop-loss orders
- Close monitoring of open positions
What Feature Should I Look For in a Derivatives Trading Exchange?
Choose an exchange that offers:
- A wide range of supported assets (BTC, ETH, altcoins)
- Deep liquidity for smoother order execution
- Advanced charting tools (e.g., TradingView integration)
- Risk control tools: stop-loss, take-profit, trailing stops
- Demo or paper trading mode to test strategies
- Proof of Reserves and regulatory transparency
Why Are Volume and Open Interest Important?
| Metric | What It Means | Why It Matters |
| Trading Volume | Total value of contracts traded | Higher volume = better liquidity, tighter spreads |
| Open Interest | Total number of active positions | Indicates market participation & sentiment |
Low volume and open interest can lead to:
- Slippage
- Difficulty exiting trades
- Potential market manipulation
Which Indicators are Commonly Used in Derivatives Trading?
- RSI (Relative Strength Index): Measures overbought/oversold conditions
- MACD: Highlights trend direction and momentum
- Bollinger Bands: Identify volatility and potential breakouts
- Funding Rates: Help gauge market sentiment (long vs short pressure)
- Order Book Depth: Shows real-time market liquidity
Test indicators through demo accounts to find what works best for your strategy.
What Are the Main Risks in Derivatives Trading?
- Liquidation Risk: If the market moves against you and your margin balance falls too low, the exchange will forcibly close your position.
- Over-leverage: Amplifies small price moves into big losses.
- Volatility: Crypto markets are extremely volatile, which increases risk.
- Funding Costs: Holding positions over time may incur high funding fees.
What Risk Management Tools Do Crypto Exchanges Offer?
Exchanges typically offer isolated/cross margin modes, stop-losses/trailing stop, and take profit orders. Risk calculators can also be used to show your liquidation price before you enter the trade.
| Tool | Purpose |
| Isolated/Cross Margin | Choose between shared or separate margin balances |
| Stop-Loss Orders | Limit losses by closing at a set price |
| Take-Profit Orders | Automatically lock in gains |
| Risk Calculators | Estimate liquidation price before opening a trade |
What Fees Should I Expect When Trading Derivatives?
These are the following fees that typically apply when derivatives trading:
- Maker/Taker Fees: fees for opening and closing positions
- Funding Fees: periodic payments made between long and short traders to keep futures prices in-line with spot prices.
- Deposit/Withdrawal Fees: fees for transferring funds in or out of the exchange.
What to Avoid When Choosing a Derivatives Exchange?
Stay cautious of platforms that:
- Have low liquidity or minimal open interest
- Don’t clearly explain liquidation policies
- Lack security transparency or history of hacks
- Are unregulated or don’t show Proof of Reserves
FAQ
Is Derivatives Trading Legal?
Crypto derivatives trading is legal in many countries but restricted or banned in others. Where it is legal, platforms often need to register with local financial regulators to offer derivatives products. Always check the laws in your country before trading derivatives.
Is Crypto Derivatives Trading Safe for Beginners?
No, derivatives trading is not considered safe for beginners. The combination of high volatility and leverage can result in rapid losses. Beginners are better off starting with spot trading or using a demo account to learn the basics first.
Why Is Leverage Trading More Risky Than Spot Trading?
Leverage multiplies your gains and losses, so a 1 percent price drop with 10x leverage can cause a 10 percent loss. This makes liquidation more likely compared to spot trading, where you simply hold the asset without borrowing.
Can I Lose More Than I Invested In Derivatives Trading?
Most crypto exchanges with isolated margin limit your losses to your initial position. However, with cross margin or more advanced products, your entire account balance can be at risk, so strong risk management is essential.
What Is a Perpetual Futures Contract?
A perpetual contract is a type of futures product with no expiration date. It tracks the spot price of the underlying asset using a funding fee system, allowing traders to hold positions indefinitely as long as margin requirements are met.
What Is The Funding Rate In Crypto Derivatives?
The funding rate is a periodic payment between long and short traders to keep the perpetual contract price aligned with the spot market. Depending on market sentiment, you might either pay or receive funding, usually every 8 hours.
How Do I Choose The Best Exchange For Derivatives Trading?
Choose an exchange with deep liquidity, fast order execution, transparent fees, and risk controls like stop-loss orders. Also look for strong security, a good reputation, and access to a wide range of trading pairs.
Do I Need To Complete KYC To Trade Crypto Derivatives?
Most leading exchanges require full KYC to access derivatives due to compliance rules. However, some non-KYC platforms still allow derivatives trading, though they typically have limited fiat options and may carry additional risks.
About the Author
Shennon Hewaauthor
Shennon Hewa is a crypto trader and crypto journalist based in London. Active in the crypto space since 2017, he specializes in scalping, derivatives day trading, and swing trading. At FXEmpire, he has reviewed dozens of crypto exchanges and has extensive knowledge of platform strengths and weaknesses.
Why you can trust FXEmpire
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough, and accurate exchange reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.
Why you can trust FXEmpire
Table of Contents
- List of Top Crypto Exchanges for Derivatives Trading
- How Did FXEmpire Choose the Best Derivatives Trading Platforms?
- Best Crypto Exchanges for Derivatives Trading Comparison Table
- Best Overall
- Best for Perpetual Futures
- Best for Low Fees
- Best for Advanced Trading
- Best for Mobile Trading
- Best with Highest Leverage
- Best for Options Trading
- How to Choose the Best Derivatives Trading Exchange?
- FAQ