Leverage allows traders to buy or sell large amounts of crypto with borrowed funds. For instance, trading $100 with 50x leverage would amplify the position to $5,000. An increasing number of exchanges now offer options for trading cryptocurrencies with leverage.
This guide explains everything you need about crypto leverage trading, including best practices, benefits, and risk management. We also reveal and compare the best exchanges with the highest leverage multipliers and the lowest fees.
The Top Crypto Leverage Trading Platforms
The following crypto leverage trading platforms offer the overall best experience:
- PrimeXBT – Overall best leverage trading platform supporting multiple assets
- Margex – 100x leverage crypto exchange with copy trading
- MEXC – Trade hundreds of derivative markets with up to 200x leverage
- OKX – Top leverage trading platform for spot and derivatives trading
- BloFin – High leverage crypto exchange with top-level security
- Binance – Highest leverage crypto exchange with more than 600 cryptocurrencies
- Bybit – Over 400 perpetual Markets With Low Fees and Demo Trading Tools
- BingX – Secure Leverage Exchange With Anonymous Trading Accounts
- KuCoin – A Great Option for Trading Leveraged Tokens Without Liquidation Risks
- Pionex – User-Friendly Exchange With Demo Trading and Automated Bots
- KCEX – Commission-Free Leverage Trading When Placing Limit Orders
The Best Crypto Leverage Trading Platforms Reviewed
Read on to choose the right Bitcoin leverage trading platform. The top providers are reviewed for fees, available markets, leverage limits, and other important variables.
1. PrimeXBT – Overall Best Leverage Trading Platform Supporting Multiple Assets
- Max Leverage: 200x
- Leveraged Crypto Markets Supported: 31 futures markets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin
- Leverage Trading Fees: 0.01% (maker) and 0.020% (taker)
PrimeXBT is our overall top pick and best crypto exchange for leverage trading – as users can apply up to 200x leverage on trades.
The platform offers perpetual futures at competitive commissions. If you use market orders, there’s a fee of 0.02% for each slide, but if you go for a limit order, you can slash that down to just 0.01%. Leverage financing fees average 0.01%, charged every 8 hours.
The maximum leverage limit is up to 1:2, allowing traders to increase their position sizes and risks. Additionally, there’s a $10 margin requirement for every $2,000 traded.
PrimeXBT also supports other trading markets, including commodities like gold and oil, forex, and indices. Non-crypto products are traded as contracts-for-differences, meaning leverage is also available.
PrimeXBT utilizes multi-signature access and cold storage to enhance the security of user funds. It is accessible on various devices and supports fiat payment deposits, including Visa and MasterCard.
Pros
- Trade futures contracts from 0.01% per slide
- Offers leverage of up to 200x
- Offers multi-signature access
Cons
- US clients aren’t accepted
2. Margex – No KYC 100X Leverage Crypto Exchange With Copy Trading
- Max Leverage: 100x
- Leveraged Crypto Markets Supported: 55+ crypto pairs
- Leverage Trading Fees: 0.019% (maker) and 0.06% (taker)
Margex is a popular and best trading crypto with leverage, allowing users to apply leverage of up to 100x on their trades.
This platform, which is used by over 500,000 traders, is also one of the best no-KYC crypto exchanges, and accounts take under a minute to open.
Margex supports dozens of perpetual futures, including Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Litecoin to XRP, Ethereum, and Solana.
The maximum leverage limit is 100x, but some perpetual markets are limited to 20x or 50x. Margex offers industry-leading fees: 0.019% for limit orders and 0.06% for market orders. Leverage funding fees are charged every 8 hours, and vary by cryptocurrency.
Our detailed Margex review reveals that this popular trading platform also offers copy trading tools. Beginners can replicate the positions of an experienced trader at their preferred investment size.
Note that Margex is an unregulated platform, and US clients are not accepted.
Pros
- Open an account with an email address only
- Offers leverage limits of up to 100x
- Commissions start from just 0.019%
Cons
- Operates without regulation
3. MEXC – Trade Hundreds of Derivative Markets With up to 200x Leverage
- Max Leverage: 200x
- Leveraged Crypto Markets Supported: Perpetual futures covering BTC, ETH, SOL, and USDT
- Leverage Trading Fees: 0.000% (maker) and 0.020% (taker)
MEXC is a top choice and crypto exchange with the highest leverage and a wide range of markets. These include hundreds of derivative products with high leverage of up to 200x, transforming a $100 balance into a $20,000 trading position. Some of the best cryptocurrencies to buy are listed, including Bitcoin, Cardano, Shiba Inu, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Solana.
Perpetual futures are the most popular trading product, with contracts settled in USDT. That said, high-risk traders can opt for futures settled in the underlying crypto. Either way, MEXC offers commission-free trading when placing limit orders. Market orders attract a small commission of 0.01%.
MEXC accounts have no KYC requirements (limits apply), and withdrawal requests are processed instantly. The platform offers spot trading, staking rewards, and a P2P exchange.
MEXC is accessible worldwide but unavailable for crypto leverage trading in the USA.
Pros
- Offers maximum leverage limits of 200x
- Perpetuals are settled in USDT or the underlying crypto
- No futures commissions when placing limit orders
Cons
- Lacks cryptocurrency options, and withdrawal fees can exceed the network fee
4. OKX – Crypto Leverage Trading Platform With 100x Leverage And Competitive Fees
- Max Leverage: 100x
- Leveraged Crypto Markets Supported: Perpetual futures, Bitcoin and Ethereum options
- Leverage Trading Fees: from 0.05% (futures) and 0.03% (options)
OKX is an outstanding crypto exchange for leverage trading. The maximum leverage limit is 100x, so that’s $10,000 in trading capital for every $100 deposited. Leverage markets are offered via crypto derivative products.
The most popular is perpetual futures, which covers over 100 crypto markets, including some of the best meme coins, as well as popular coins like Bitcoin, Solana, BNB, and Cardano. OKX perpetuals can be settled in USDT, USDC, or the underlying crypto. Alternatively, traders can also access leverage via options.
However, just two options markets are available: BTC/USD and ETH/USD. Fees are competitive at OKX; futures trading commissions cost just 0.5% per slide. Options commissions are 0.03%. Discounts are available when placing limit orders or trading larger amounts. Additional features include advanced charting tools and high staking yields.
Pros
- Markets include perpetual futures and options
- Trading commissions are competitive
- Easily deposit funds with a debit/credit card
Cons
- The options department supports just two coins with restrictions for users in the USA
5. BloFin – High Leverage Crypto Exchange With Top-Level Security
- Max Leverage: 150x
- Leveraged Crypto Markets Supported: 400 crypto futures contracts
- Leverage Trading Fees: from 0.0200% (maker) and 0.0600% (taker)
BloFin is a leading high-leverage crypto trading platform with no KYC requirements for crypto spot and futures trading. The exchange supports over 400 crypto futures contracts and more than 230 coins. It boasts a daily average crypto derivatives trading volume of $10 billion, and its top pairs include BTC-USDT, ETH-USDT, and SOL-USDT.
Launched in 2019, BloFin is committed to providing a user-friendly crypto trading experience with top-notch security. The platform holds a 1:1 reserve of digital assets for all user accounts. This ensures transparency in crypto holdings and is convenient for those seeking more storage accountability. Additionally, BloFin partners with Fireblocks to bolster digital asset management and protection.
Traders can open positions with up to 150x leverage, and no-KYC users can withdraw up to $20,000 daily through crypto transactions. Users looking for automated solutions will find several opportunities with BloFin. The platform offers copy trading and bot trading that complement its suite of spot and futures trading products.
Pros
- No KYC required
- 1:1 proof of crypto holdings
- Supports 400+ crypto futures and 300+ coins
Cons
- Could use more educational articles and resources
6. Binance – The Best Crypto Exchange for Leverage Trading with Over 600 Cryptocurrencies
- Max Leverage: 100x
- Leveraged Crypto Markets Supported: Futures and options
- Leverage Trading Fees: Start from 0.02% and 0.3%
Among the best leverage trading platforms to consider is Binance – the largest exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance supports multiple derivative products, including hundreds of perpetual futures, which means you can find all the best altcoins here. It also supports options markets, including Dogecoin and XRP.
One of the stand-out features is that leveraged products can be traded via automated bots. Over 114,000 pre-built bots are available, created by existing Binance users. Strategies include arbitrage trading, rebalancing, and short-selling. Additionally, with 87,000+ independent trading bots, Binance is one of the top automated crypto trading platforms.
Each bot specifies the leverage amount, the historical return on investment, and the runtime. No fees are charged when using bots, but traders must cover standard commissions. This starts at 0.02% and 0.3% when trading futures and options, respectively. Binance also offers one of the best P2P crypto exchanges, making it seamless to deposit funds.
Pros
- Trade leveraged markets via automated bots
- Over 114,000 pre-built strategies to choose from
- Hundreds of futures and options markets available
Cons
- Leveraged markets are blocked in some countries
7. Bybit – Over 400 Perpetual Markets With Low Fees and Demo Trading Tools
- Max Leverage: 125x
- Leveraged Crypto Markets Supported: USDT-backed perpetual futures, traditional futures, options, inverse contracts
- Leverage Trading Fees: Start from 0.055% (futures) and 0.02% (options)
Bybit is one of the largest derivative trading platforms globally and a popular Binance alternative, with a similar feel. Almost 34 million active traders use Bybit, resulting in deep order books and premium liquidity. Bybit lists more than 400 perpetual futures markets, including new cryptocurrencies with small valuations.
Depending on the market, Bybit offers leverage of up to 125x. In addition to perpetuals, Bybit also offers options markets and delivery futures. Moreover, contracts can be settled inversely or via USDT/USDC. Another feature is Bybit’s demo trading facility, which mirrors live market prices. This is a solid way to learn the ins and outs of crypto leverage trading.
The demo platform offers charting tools and technical indicators, so you’ll get a real trading experience without risking money. Bybit charges derivative trading commissions of 0.02% per slide. This is reduced to 0.055% when placing limit orders on perpetual futures.
Pros
- Supports over 400 perpetual markets
- Market takers pay just 0.02% per slide
- Offers a risk-free demo trading facility
Cons
- Traders in the US are banned, and the lack of regulation may be a concerning
8. BingX – Secure Leverage Exchange With Anonymous Trading Accounts
- Max Leverage: 125x
- Leveraged Crypto Markets Supported: USDⓢ-M Perp Futures, Coin-M Perp Futures, traditional futures
- Leverage Trading Fees: 0.02% (maker) and 0.05% (taker)
BingX is another popular leverage platform that offers a private trading experience and allows anonymous accounts. The daily withdrawal limit is $50,000, meaning you can trade large amounts without uploading ID verification documents. Moreover, BingX offers a maximum leverage limit of 125x.
Perpetual and standard futures are supported, with hundreds of crypto markets to choose from. Traders can find a suitable market by the trading category, such as layer-1 coins, meme coins, or RWA tokens. Contracts can be settled in the underlying crypto or USDT. Commissions are just 0.05% when trading perpetuals.
Standard futures are slightly cheaper at 0.045% per slide. BingX is also a great option for technical traders. Its advanced charting screen covers multiple time frames, indicators, and drawing tools. BingX has also integrated its charts with TradingView. BingX is considered a safe exchange; it offers 100% proof of reserves.
Pros
- Advanced charting tools with TradingView integration
- Low trading commissions and leverage funding fees
- It also offers copy-trading tools
Cons
- P2P payments only support USDT
9. KuCoin – The Best Option for Trading Leveraged Tokens Without Liquidation Risks
- Max Leverage: 100x
- Leveraged Crypto Markets Supported: Futures, perpetual futures, and inverse contracts
- Leverage Trading Fees: start from 0.06%
Like many crypto leverage trading platforms, KuCoin offers a comprehensive selection of perpetual futures. Over 300 futures contracts are listed, including Ethereum, Pepe, FLOKI, Solana, and Dogecoin. Contract settlement options include USDC, USDT, and the underlying crypto.
The maximum leverage limit on perpetual futures is 100x. KuCoin also offers leveraged tokens, which track real-time cryptocurrency prices with a fixed multiplier. For instance, Bitcoin can be traded with a 3x leverage, either long or short. If the spot price of Bitcoin increases by 2%, those who are trading with 3x long leverage would realize a 6% gain.
The best thing about leveraged tokens is that positions can’t be liquidated.
KuCoin offers many other features, including advanced charting tools, savings accounts, and crypto loans.
Pros
- It also offers leveraged tokens without liquidation risks
- Used by over 30 million traders globally
- Robust security features, including 2FA
Cons
- KYC is mandatory for all account holders
10. Pionex – User-Friendly Exchange With Demo Trading and Automated Bots
- Max Leverage: 100x
- Leveraged Crypto Markets Supported: 380 crypto markets
- Leverage Trading Fees: from 0.1% (maker) and 0.1% (taker) for leveraged tokens, and from 0.02% (maker) and 0.05% (taker) for futures
The next cryptocurrency leverage trading exchange to consider is Pionex, one of the best options for beginners trading. Not only is the Pionex trading dashboard user-friendly, but it comes with demo facilities. This means newbies can try technical indicators and drawing tools without risking funds.
What’s more, Pionex offers passive investing tools via automated bots. 16 pre-built strategies are available, including arbitrage and futures trading. Pionex offers leverage of up to 100x when trading perpetuals. Almost 380 crypto markets are supported. This includes Toncoin, Dogecoin, Litecoin, Cardano, BNB, Pepe, and Bitcoin.
Pionex also offers competitive commissions. Market orders on futures trades cost just 0.05% per slide, and limit orders are charged 0.02%. Pionex is also a solid option for depositing fiat money. EUR and GBP bank transfers are fee-free. Debit/credit cards and e-wallets are also accepted, covering over 90 currencies.
Pros
- One of the best leverage platforms for beginners
- Offers automated bots for passive trading
- Accepts fee-free bank transfers in EUR and GBP
Cons
- Doesn’t offer leverage trading crypto in the USA
11. KCEX – Commission-Free Leverage Trading When Placing Limit Orders
- Max Leverage: 200x
- Leveraged Crypto Markets Supported: 100 perpetual futures
- Leverage Trading Fees: 0% (maker) and 0.02% (taker)
Last on this list of Bitcoin leverage trading platforms is KCEX, which offers traders access to over 100 perpetual futures. The markets are organized by project categories, including GameFi, DeFi, and meme coins. The maximum leverage available is 200x, although smaller-cap tokens have lower limits.
Best of all, KCEX offers commission-free trading when placing limit orders. Those placing market orders pay 0.02% slide. Accounts take seconds to open – no KYC is needed (limits apply). This is ideal for trading leverage markets anonymously. The KCEX trading dashboard is fully customizable and comes with TradingView integration.
Bespoke order types, in-depth order books, and dozens of technical indicators are available. KCEX can be accessed on browsers or the native mobile app. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat. There’s also an extensive help center with trading guides. KCEX is also a good option for spot trading.
Pros
- Trade commission-free when placing limit orders
- No KYC verification when joining
- Top-notch support is available 24/7
Cons
- Doesn’t offer leveraged options markets
What Is Leverage in Crypto?
Leverage is a popular trading tool that amplifies position values. It enables traders to buy and sell cryptocurrencies with more than they have in their accounts. For example, suppose you trade $500 with 10x leverage. This increases the position size to $5,000 – even though you only risk $500. In this case, the initial $500 would represent your margin.
The trading platform supplies the excess funds, which incur interest payments known as funding fees. Leverage is a high-risk strategy, as liquidation will automatically close the position. This means the trading platform keeps the initial margin. The liquidation risk increases as more leverage is taken, so beginners should tread carefully.
How Does Leverage Trading Crypto Work?
Leverage is essentially a loan between the trader and the exchange. The initial margin is the amount put up front by the trader. This is amplified depending on how much leverage is taken.
- For example, let’s say you risk $1,000 at leverage of 25x.
- This increases the trade value from $1,000 to $25,000 – meaning you’ve borrowed $24,000.
- That $24,000 will incur funding fees – usually charged every 8 hours.
Now, this example shows that the margin requirement was 4%. This is because you entered a $25,000 trade but only risked $1,000. So, if the trade value declines by 4% – it will be liquidated. The result? The position is closed automatically, and you lose that $1,000 margin.
Nonetheless, crypto leverage trading remains popular with high-risk traders. After all, significant gains can be made without needing a lot of upfront capital.
What is the Difference Between Leverage and Margin Trading?
Leverage is the multiple by which you are amplifying your position. For example, on a 1000x leverage crypto exchange, for every $1 you invest, you control $1000 worth of the asset.
Margin refers to borrowing funds to establish a leveraged position. For instance, if the margin requirement for a $100 position is 10%, you need to provide $10.
How to Choose the Best Crypto Leverage Trading Platform?
To find the best crypto exchange for leverage trading, pay attention to the following factors:
Benefits of Crypto Leverage Trading
Leverage trading comes with many strategic benefits for advanced traders, such as:
Risks of Crypto Leverage Trading
Leverage trading is a complex, short-term strategy that’s not suitable for beginners as it comes with certain risks, such as:
How to Start Trading Crypto With Leverage
Beginners can follow the steps below to get started with PrimeXBT- our top pick for crypto leverage trading in 2024:
- Step 1: Open a PrimeXBT Account – Visit the PrimeXBT website and open an account. Since the platform has no KYC requirements, users only need to provide an email address and a strong password to start trading.
- Step 2: Deposit Funds – Non-verified PrimeXBT accounts can deposit any supported crypto. On the other hand, those who opt to verify their accounts can deposit funds with fiat money – including debit/credit cards.
- Step 3: Choose a Leverage Market – Choose between crypto CFD trading or futures. Then select the coin you want to trade with leverage.
- Step 4: Place an Order – Set up a buy (long) or sell (short) order, depending on the required market direction. Type in the initial margin and the leverage multiple. State the stop-loss order price for risk management. Check everything is correct and confirm the order.
Legality of Crypto Leverage Trading
Crypto leverage trading is legal in most countries. However, there are some exceptions.
- Most platforms prohibit US clients from joining. This is because leverage providers must be approved and licensed by relevant US bodies. This includes the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) when trading leveraged futures. In contrast, crypto leverage exchanges are typically unregulated and based offshore, which doesn’t conform with US regulatory requirements.
- Another exception is retail clients from the UK. This covers any UK resident who sits outside of the professional-client landscape. As per the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), leveraged crypto derivatives have been banned since 2021. This includes perpetual and delivery futures, options, and contracts-for-differences.
- Similar to the UK, Canadian clients are also prohibited from crypto leverage trading. The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), among other regulatory guidelines, made the ruling in late 2022.
- While Australian retail clients can legally trade crypto with leverage – limits apply. As per the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), crypto leverage is capped at 2x.
Ultimately, regulations and limits will vary depending on the jurisdiction. Before proceeding, spend some time exploring the rules in your home country.
Conclusion
Leverage can be a useful tool when used wisely – especially when trading crypto with a small capital balance. However, as more exchanges offer options for trading cryptocurrencies with leverage, risk management is crucial.
Traders should understand the risks of liquidation and the rules on margin calls and funding fees. To avoid excessive losses, stop-loss orders should always be deployed.
