Best Crypto Futures Trading Platforms

Kraken is another name that often comes up when talking about the best crypto futures trading platforms. As one of the most established exchanges in the world, it has built a solid reputation among crypto fans for its high reliability, robust security, and strict regulatory compliance.

The platform also seems to have just about everything a trader could ask for. From basic services like buying and selling crypto to an advanced derivatives market, both beginners and pros alike should feel at home.

As of writing this top crypto futures exchanges guide, Kraken provides access to over 200 perpetual contracts. Some popular assets you can trade include:

• Bitcoin
• Ethereum
• Tether
• Solana
• Dogecoin
• Cardano
• and more!

Kraken gives you ample flexibility when it comes to risk management. If you're more risk-averse, you can opt for an isolated margin to play it safe and limit your risk to a single trade. But if you're a seasoned pro, you might want to choose cross margin option for riskier trades with better flexibility.

Now, if you want to spice things up, Kraken offers up to 50x leverage, allowing you to open bigger positions than what’s in your wallet. Keep in mind, though, that while leverage can multiply profits, it also increases potential losses. So, use it wisely!

Fee-wise, Kraken has one of the most competitive structures in the industry. Its maker-taker fees for futures trading range from 0.02% to 0.05%, with rates dropping as low as -0.006% for makers and 0.01% for takers if you’re a high-volume trader.

You won't have to worry much about price slippage and volatility. Kraken's deep liquidity keeps trades on track at the price you expect, with spreads as tight as 1 pip. As the largest exchange by euro trading volume and a top player in Bitcoin liquidity, the platform ensures your trades always stay quick and smooth.

What's more, Kraken also provides an impressive set of advanced tools. You can access in-depth trading analytics, historical performance tracking, and a consolidated portfolio view to help you make informed decisions. The platform also has a clean and intuitive interface, which makes it easy to navigate, manage accounts, and execute trades.

Topping that with a wide array of funding options and extensive coin support, Kraken stands out among the top cryptocurrency trading platforms, especially if you're looking for a reliable altcoins and Bitcoin futures exchange.

If you're living in the States and wondering, “Where can I trade crypto futures in the US reliably?” Coinbase is definitely one of the top options to consider.

The platform is well-regarded for being secure, trustworthy, and accessible to newcomers. It's primarily known for spot trading, cryptocurrency wallets, and staking. However, the exchange also offers futures contracts for those looking to diversify their portfolios.

Now, Coinbase doesn’t have the biggest lineup of futures contracts compared to some of its competitors. As of writing, they’ve got about 11 products, including Nano Bitcoin, Nano Ether, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Polkadot, and Shiba Inu.

Sure, the list of contracts isn't the longest, but it’s more than enough to get started for those mainly interested in big-name coins. So, if it's the Bitcoin futures exchange you're looking for, this platform will do just fine.

Coinbase uses a tiered fee structure that starts at 0.60%. While that’s a bit more expensive than some other best crypto futures trading platforms, those rates can drop significantly with higher transaction volumes. Plus, Coinbase occasionally offers promotional discounts to make the fees go even lower.

Another thing I also like about Coinbase is its focus on security. It employs top-notch encryption protocol, automatic two-factor authentication, and hardware security keys if you’re extra cautious.

And if you’re super serious about safety, the Coinbase vault features a multi-approval withdrawal option that you can utilize. This way, you can trade futures contracts with peace of mind, knowing your digital assets are well protected.

The exchange is also known for its strict legal compliance. As a US-based platform, it follows rigorous regulatory standards and requires you to complete a KYC process even just to create a free account. While this step might feel like a hassle, it’s an important measure for protecting users and ensuring a secure trading environment.

So, while Coinbase might not have the widest selection of futures contracts or the lowest fees, it definitely shines in terms of security, ease of use, and legal conformity. It's certainly the first name that comes to mind if you ask me, "Where can I trade crypto futures in the US safely?".

BYDFi is a user-friendly trading platform designed for both beginner and experienced users. It offers various services, including spot trading, perpetual contracts, and copy trading, with support for hundreds of cryptocurrencies.

The platform provides you with all the essential tools to get started, along with some advanced features to explore the limitless potential of crypto trading once you're ready to level up.

BYDFi offers a decent lineup of over 150 trading pairs, with leverage going up to 200x. Sure, it may not have the wildest selection of altcoins, but it still covers popular options like BTC, ETH, and XRP. This is more than enough for most traders who used to trade the big names in crypto.

Talking about the fees, I think it has pretty reasonable rates of 0.06% for both USDT-M & COIN-M perpetual contracts. These are still budget-friendly compared to other platforms in the market.

Additionally, BYDFi scores points for its intuitive and user-friendly interface. The platform layout is clean and easy to navigate, with clearly displayed features that make executing trades very easy, even if you're a first-timer.

What stands out to me is its commitment to regulatory compliance across multiple regions. By following international regulations, BYDFi ensures a safe and compliant trading experience. It should give you peace of mind knowing that everything is aligned with global standards.

And yes, the exchange has regulatory conformity in the United States! So, if you’re asking, “Where can I trade crypto futures in the US?” BYDFi is definitely worth adding to your list of go-to platforms.

If you're hunting for an underrated Bitcoin futures exchange, Phemex might just be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for.

Built with a focus on flexibility and user control, the platform combines a semi-centralized model with elements of DAO governance. It’s accessible to traders in over 200 countries, though, regrettably, it’s restricted in the US, UK, Canada, China, and Hong Kong.

Phemex provides two types of futures contracts: USDT-M and COIN-M options, with leverage reaching up to 100x for those willing to take on the risks for higher rewards. Note that if you’re trading COIN-M contracts, you’re limited to BTC and ETH as margin options.

The platform’s maker-taker fees start at 0.01% and 0.06%. These rates are pretty competitive, even among the best crypto futures trading platforms on the market. For those aiming to cut costs even further, Phemex also has a tier-based VIP structure that offers extra discounts based on your trading volume.

That said, more experienced users will appreciate the advanced tools packed into the interface of the platform. These handy kits are designed for seamless navigation and unlocking your full trading potential.

If you’re just starting out, don’t worry! Phemex has you covered with its mock trading feature. It will allow you to test strategies without putting real cash on the line. It’s a safe way to get comfortable before jumping into live trading.

Now, imagine you’ve made quite a gain from trading futures contracts and want to take it a bit easy. Phemex has you covered with its flexible earning and savings program. This "crypto piggy bank" allows you to park your fortune and earn passive income with interest rates of up to 10%. It’s a really nice setup if you want to grow your holdings with lower risk!

In short, Phemex is a versatile platform that deserves a spot among the best crypto futures trading platforms and is undoubtedly worth a look!

Uphold is a digital money platform that allows users to buy, sell, and trade a wide range of assets, including cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, precious metals, and even some stocks. Founded in 2013 by Halsey Minor, Uphold aims to make financial services more accessible and transparent.

The platform supports more than 300 different cryptocurrencies, including popular ones like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Ripple (XRP), as well as many lesser-known altcoins.

One of its key features is the ability to trade directly between different asset classes in a single step. For example, you can easily exchange Bitcoin (BTC) for gold or US dollars for euros without multiple transactions or conversions.

In terms of crypto investment, Uphold also offers staking, allowing you to lock up your assets and receive rewards of up to 14.4% APY. As of now, Uphold supports 19 digital assets on its staking platform.

Uphold is known for its transparency, publishing its assets and liabilities every 30 seconds for anyone to see. This "100% reserve" model aims to assure users that their funds are safe and available. The platform also has SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 certifications, which further enhances its credibility and demonstrates its commitment to secure and reliable operations.

Disclaimer: don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

Crypto.com is a prominent player in the cryptocurrency world, offering a comprehensive suite of financial services centered around digital assets. Founded in 2016, the platform has grown rapidly, boasting a user base of over 100 million by mid-2024.

Crypto.com provides a user-friendly app for buying, selling, and trading around 400 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and many altcoins. Beyond its exchange services, Crypto.com offers a non-custodial DeFi wallet, an NFT marketplace, and even a direct payment service for cryptocurrency transactions.

One of Crypto.com's most recognizable features is its Visa card, which allows users to earn cashback in CRO, the platform's native token, on their everyday spending. The card comes in various tiers, each offering different levels of rewards and perks, such as rebates on streaming subscriptions and airport lounge access.

Crypto.com also takes security seriously. It holds all customer assets deposited on our platform in institutional-grade reserve accounts on a 1:1 basis. Users’ accounts are protected by the latest security advancements, including Passkeys, HSMs, and FIDO2, as well as MFA methods like passwords, biometrics, and authenticator codes.

It also runs an active bug bounty program on Hacker One, where people can disclose security vulnerabilities on the platform and get rewards.

Cryptomus is a multi-functional crypto platform designed to meet the needs of both individual traders and businesses. Whether you're just starting out in crypto or you’re an active trader looking for efficient transactions, Cryptomus offers a user-friendly experience with plenty of useful features.

It provides spot trading, quick crypto purchasing, and even a handy conversion tool to swap between currencies easily. On top of that, users can earn rewards by staking select cryptocurrencies, with TRX staking offering up to a 20% return.

For businesses and merchants, Cryptomus goes beyond typical exchanges by offering a crypto payment gateway that can be integrated into websites through APIs, SDKs, or plugins. This integration allows companies to accept both crypto and fiat payments seamlessly, thanks to features like auto-conversion into stablecoins to mitigate market volatility.

Plus, the platform supports mass payouts and even a white-label option, meaning you can brand the service as your own.

Cryptomus stands out for its low fees (maker fees starting at 0.08% and taker fees at 0.1%), high liquidity, and robust security measures such as two-factor authentication, PIN protection, and regular security audits. It’s available in over 200 countries and supports a wide range of fiat currencies, making it accessible to a global audience.

Although Cryptomus currently focuses on spot trading with a limited range of cryptocurrencies (as of writing, it supports 18 assets), its clean, intuitive design makes it a great choice for anyone looking to simplify their crypto management and expand their earning opportunities – all with just one account.

Binance.US is a cryptocurrency exchange platform tailored specifically for users in the United States. It was launched in 2019 as a separate entity from Binance, the globally recognized exchange, to comply with US regulatory requirements.

While both platforms share branding and some technological infrastructure, Binance.US operates independently under BAM Trading Services and follows strict US financial regulations.

The main difference between Binance.US and the global Binance platform is the reduced number of supported cryptocurrencies and trading pairs. Due to US regulatory constraints, Binance.US offers fewer digital assets and features compared to its international counterpart.

For instance, certain tokens available globally may not be listed on Binance.US because of compliance concerns. Additionally, the exchange does not offer derivatives trading, which is a significant part of Binance’s global offering.

Binance.US is known for its relatively low trading fees compared to other US-based exchanges, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious traders. The platform supports various order types, including market, limit, and stop-limit orders.

Some key features of Binance.US include:

• Low Fees: Competitive trading fees, often lower than other US-based platforms.
• Limited Selection: Fewer cryptocurrencies compared to Binance Global.
• Staking: Earn rewards by staking supported cryptocurrencies.
• Regulatory Compliance: Operates under US financial laws and regulations.
• Simple Interface: User-friendly platform suitable for beginners and experienced traders.

Overall, Binance.US is a streamlined, regulation-compliant exchange designed to meet the needs of US cryptocurrency traders, although it sacrifices some of the global platform’s extensive offerings.

Robinhood is a popular commission-free investment platform that gained widespread recognition for democratizing access to financial markets. Initially known for its user-friendly mobile app and commission-free stock trading, Robinhood has expanded its offerings to include options trading, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and cryptocurrencies.

The platform's intuitive interface and simplified trading experience have attracted a younger generation of investors, making it easier for them to start investing with smaller amounts of capital. Robinhood's appeal lies in its ease of use, particularly for beginners who might find traditional brokerage platforms intimidating.

While Robinhood offers access to a growing number of cryptocurrencies, its selection is generally smaller compared to dedicated crypto exchanges at around 40 assets.

Despite that, Robinhood takes security seriously. It holds the majority of users' coins in cold storage, entirely disconnected from the internet. Robinhood also carries crime insurance that protects a portion of the assets held across its storage systems against losses from theft, including cybersecurity breaches.

The platform also provides multi-factor authentication on all accounts, so users can protect their assets even further. Last but not least, Robinhood maintains strong US regulatory compliance, holding licenses from the New York State Department of Financial Services and FinCEN.

Gemini is a prominent cryptocurrency exchange established in 2014 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss with its headquarters in New York. It caters to both novice and experienced traders, offering a secure and user-friendly platform for buying, selling, and storing digital assets.

Currently, Gemini supports around 70 cryptocurrencies, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and some meme coins like Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Pepe (PEPE). While this list is relatively limited to other big names in the market, it still allows users to diversify their portfolios and explore other investment opportunities.

The platform is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for newcomers to buy, sell, and manage cryptocurrencies. For more experienced users, Gemini provides ActiveTrader, a platform with advanced charting tools, multiple order types, and faster order execution.

Another notable feature is Gemini Earn, which allows users to earn interest on their cryptocurrency holdings. Security is also a cornerstone of Gemini's operations. The exchange implements robust measures to protect user assets and data, including:

• Cold Storage: The majority of user funds are stored in offline, air-gapped cold storage systems, safeguarding them from online threats.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Users are required to enable 2FA, adding an extra layer of security to account access.
• SOC Certifications: Gemini has achieved SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications, demonstrating its commitment to industry-leading security standards.
• Insurance Coverage: Digital assets held in Gemini's hot wallet are insured against security breaches and fraudulent transfers.

All in all, Gemini stands out as a reliable and secure cryptocurrency exchange, offering a comprehensive suite of features tailored to meet the needs of a diverse user base.