Crypto options are a type of derivative contract that gives a trader or an investor the right to buy or sell an asset at a determined date and price. With options, the holder can predict price alterations and take advantage of them.
Crypto buyers favor options trading because it is a relatively low-risk and low-cost solution. When crypto traders are involved in buying and selling derivative contracts, it is called “crypto options trading”. There are two types of crypto options:
- Call: the right to buy an underlying asset
- Put: the right to sell an underlying asset
- American options: the right to exercise options within a specified timeframe.
- European options: the right to exercise options on a specific expiration date
To get involved in crypto options trading, you need to choose a crypto options exchange. Today, choosing a crypto options trading platform is a challenging task because new platforms are being launched every day. But don’t worry, we have done all the legwork to fill you in on some of the best platforms right in this guide. Let’s cover some basics of crypto options trading first.
How Do Crypto Options Work?
As we’ve already mentioned, there are four types of crypto options. The first major type of option is called a call option.
Call
A call option allows you to buy a digital asset at a certain price.
For example, let’s assume that you decided to buy KeeperCoins which are selling for $1,300. You believe that the price of KeeperCoins is going to increase next month, so you purchased a call option for 10 KeeperCoins at a strike price of $1,500. The call option allows you to buy these coins at the strike price. You don’t have to pay $1,500 x 10 = $15,000 for these coins. The exchange imagines that you bought 10 coins for $1,500.
You bought the options, and it costs $100. After a month, your prediction was right and the coins are selling at $1,700 each. You bought the right to buy 10 KeeperCoins for $1,500 each, a total of $15,000. Hence, your profit would be $17,000 (current price) minus $15,000 = $2,000. Deduct $100 for the options and your profit is $1,900.
Put
The put option is the exact opposite of the call option. It gives you the right to sell a digital asset within a given period at a specific price. Let’s take the example of KeeperCoins again.
After doing all the technical research, you believe that the price of KeeperCoins is going to drop. Following this, you purchased a put option, giving you an opportunity to sell at the strike price.
You sold the put option of 10 KeeperCoins at a strike price of $1,000 in 30 days. And you spent $100 on the put option. If the price of KeeperCoins falls to $700 on the maturity date, your profit will be $300 per KeeperCoin. Finally, you deduct the $100 you spent on the put option, and the profit is $2,900.
If the price of the KeeperCoin rose by $1,000, selling would turn out to be worthless. Here, you should let the option expire and sustain a loss of $100.
European and American Options
The above call and put examples are European-style trades. The KeeperCoins options are either exercised or expired on the maturity date. A majority of exchanges leverage this system.
However, some options trading platforms use American-style options, where options can be exercised at any time, even past the maturity date. The American style of options trading is not for the faint of heart. It requires bravery as you will be tempted to sell even though your profits are increasing or evaporating if you wait for a day or a week. This makes it a high-anxiety affair.
Simple Trading Strategies for Crypto Options
Strategies to make money from crypto options trading don’t have to be complex. So, here are two simple crypto-options trading strategies:
Bull markets
Call options:
If the market is bearish and the prices are witnessing an upward trajectory, then buying a call option is a better strategy. When you buy a call option, you book a profit if the soar, and the risk is limited to the cost of the contract premium.
Bear markets
Put options:
Investors are always worried when the crypto market goes down, but crypto traders can still make a profit during a downward trajectory of the market. When a trader buys a put contract, they can exercise a sell at their predetermined price.
Choosing a Crypto Options Trading Platform
As said earlier, choosing a crypto options trading platform is a labor-intensive task. It requires a lot of research and man-hours to find an options trading platform that suits you. Therefore, we have highlighted a few pointers as to what to look for in an options trading platform. Shall we start?
Options Offered
The majority of crypto options-trading platforms support BTC trading, but there are a lot of tier 1 and 2 assets that are just as rewarding as Bitcoin. If you are looking for a crypto options trading platform, look for one that offers a lot of altcoin contracts. Other than that, look for high liquidity if you are planning to get involved with new altcoins.
Fees
Be it a trader or an investor, nobody can escape the fees charged by trading platforms. A profitable trade can turn sour quickly if the fees are too high. Therefore, if you are a trader that makes several trades in a day, compare the fees of different platforms and choose the one that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. Remember, the fees might seem nominal, but they can quickly add up.
Reputation
It goes without saying that when choosing a crypto options trading platform, a reputation check is a must. Look for customer reviews, Google the platform, and see if it has been hacked in the past. If it was, how did the platform mitigate the risk? Is the customer service satisfactory? You’ll have to minutely examine all aspects because your funds are at stake here.
Payment Methods
Another factor to consider is the payment method a trading platform accepts. There are several crypto-options trading platforms that accept only cryptocurrency as payment. While this may be a rigid system for some traders, others might find it time-saving. If you want a more flexible payment system, look for a crypto-options trading platform that offers multiple payment options. Additionally, before choosing a platform, find out whether a platform limits withdrawals or not.
KYC Requirements
Safety is a critical factor while trading. Some of the best crypto options trading platforms perform a thorough KYC before you begin trading. However, some traders prefer trading anonymously. Choose a trading platform based on your trading strategy.
Customer Support
If you run into a problem while trading, you have to rely on customer support to resolve the issue. Even seasoned traders need assistance every once in a while. Therefore, choose a platform with a reliable customer support system for greater peace of mind.
Software Integration
The more you trade, the more tools you need. Select a platform that offers advanced software integrations and plenty of features. For instance, you need an advanced trading view that is constantly updated.
5 Best Crypto Options Trading Platforms
1. Gemini
Gemini is a reputable cryptocurrency exchange and custodian founded in 2014 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, known as the Winklevoss twins. Headquartered in New York City, the platform offers individuals and institutions a secure and reliable place to buy, sell, and store various cryptocurrencies.
Security is a top priority for Gemini, as they employ stringent measures to protect user funds and personal information. The majority of customer assets are held in offline, cold storage wallets, ensuring enhanced security. In terms of compliance, Gemini adheres to robust anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures to prevent illicit activities and maintain a safe trading environment.
2. CEX.io
CEX.io has been operating since 2013. It provides a platform for users to buy, sell, and trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies using fiat currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, and RUB. With a global presence, CEX.io caters to both individual retail traders and institutional investors.
One of the key aspects of CEX.io is its support for multiple cryptocurrencies. Users can trade popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), Stellar (XLM), and more. The availability of specific cryptocurrencies may vary based on the user's location.
For more experienced traders, CEX.io offers margin trading services. Margin trading allows users to trade with leverage, potentially amplifying their profits. However, it's important to note that margin trading also carries higher risks, so it is recommended for traders with a good understanding of the market and risk management strategies.
3. Binance.US
Binance is the largest crypto exchange in the world, but little do people know that it is also one of the best platforms for trading crypto options. It has the widest selection of crypto assets with the highest asset liquidity.
Options traders can use a leverage of 125x while trading options, and to put the cherry on the trading cake, they can withdraw the money in under 30 minutes. This makes it an easier platform to use and a practical choice for options trading.
4. Kraken
Kraken is one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges in the industry. It has built a strong reputation for its robust security measures and comprehensive range of trading options. The platform enables users to buy, sell, and trade a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Litecoin (LTC), and many more.
Kraken offers multiple trading options to cater to different user preferences. Spot trading allows users to trade cryptocurrencies at real-time market prices. Margin trading provides the ability to trade with leverage, potentially increasing potential profits. Additionally, Kraken offers futures trading, allowing users to trade cryptocurrency contracts with predetermined settlement dates and prices.
5. Coinbase
Coinbase is a prominent cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2012. It has established itself as one of the most trusted and widely used platforms for buying, selling, and storing cryptocurrencies. With a user-friendly interface, Coinbase aims to make cryptocurrency trading accessible to both beginners and experienced traders alike.
Coinbase also offers an advanced trading platform called Coinbase Pro, which caters to more experienced traders. Coinbase Pro provides additional features such as advanced order types, charting capabilities, and lower trading fees compared to the regular Coinbase platform.
Wrapping it Up
Crypto-options trading is one of the most versatile ways to make money because, in traditional trading, you can only make money when the market goes up. However, with options trading, you can make money when the market is going down. Also, we should not forget that it is a risky venture, and you should do thorough research before starting.
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