How to Start Trading Futures: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Futures trading has become one of the most dynamic ways to participate in the crypto market, offering traders the ability to speculate on price movements with leverage and flexible strategies. 

For beginners stepping into this fast-paced environment, understanding how to open an account, manage collateral, and execute positions safely is essential. 

This guide walks you through the complete process of starting futures trading on Bitrue, from funding your account to using advanced features such as the Unified Futures Trading Account. 

With careful risk management and a structured approach, new traders can build confidence while navigating the futures market with clarity.

What Are Crypto Futures?

Crypto futures are derivative contracts that allow traders to speculate on the price movement of digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other tokens. Instead of purchasing the underlying asset, you trade on whether the price will rise or fall. 

This makes futures popular for hedging, amplification of gains via leverage, and strategic positioning in volatile markets. 

Beginners often choose futures because the mechanics are straightforward: select long if you expect the price to increase, or short if you anticipate a decline. However, this simplicity must be paired with disciplined risk management and an understanding of margin requirements.

Read Also: How to DYOR Trading Crypto: A Guide for Smarter Decisions

How to Start Trading Futures on Bitrue

1. Deposit Funds

Begin by depositing fiat or cryptocurrency such as BTC or ETH into your Bitrue main wallet. This serves as your primary funding source before moving assets into a futures wallet.

2. Transfer to a Futures Wallet

Bitrue supports three types of futures wallets:

• USDT Futures Wallet

• USDC Futures Wallet

• Coins Futures Wallet (BTC, ETH, etc. as collateral)

Transfer your funds to the wallet type that aligns with your preferred futures market.

3. Select a Futures Contract

Choose the contract you want to trade. Decide whether to go Long/Buy (expecting price to rise) or Short/Sell (expecting price to drop).

4. Place Your First Trade

Enter your position size and choose long or short. Set Stop Loss (SL) and Take Profit (TP) levels to automatically manage downside and secure gains.

5. Monitor Open Positions

Watch your margin ratio, especially when using leverage. A high margin ratio means increased liquidation risk, so adjustments may be needed.

6. Close Your Trade

Close positions manually or allow them to close automatically via your SL/TP settings.

These steps create a structured and safer starting point for new futures traders, ensuring each decision is backed by awareness and control.

Read Also: How to Use Prediction Markets to Hedge Crypto in 2025

Using Bitrue’s Unified Futures Trading Account

Bitrue’s new Unified Futures Trading Account simplifies and modernizes the entire futures trading experience by consolidating multiple assets into one flexible margin system.

1. Upgrade to Unified Futures

Upgrade through either:

• The Futures page, or

• The Assets page

Ensure your Bitrue app is updated to version 6.0.18 or higher.

2. Access the Unified Futures Interface

After upgrading, you’ll see the new interface showing:

• Initial Margin Ratio (IM) – 100% means all margin is in use.

• Maintenance Margin Ratio (MM) – 100% indicates liquidation risk.

• Total Assets – all assets in your unified account.

• Available Margin – margin after conversions and unrealized PnL.

• Asset List – includes collateral settings for each token.

Only tokens marked as collateral count toward your unified margin balance.

3. Key Formula Breakdown

• Available Margin = Margin Value – Frozen Margin

• Margin Value = Collateral Amount × Conversion Rate × Index Price

• Asset Amount = Wallet Balance + Unrealized PnL – Borrowed Amount

These formulas help traders understand how margin scales under different market conditions.

4. Start Trading in Unified Mode

Switch to the Unified Futures Account in the trading interface.

Note: Mixed-margin features are available only under cross-margin mode.

5. Borrowing & Repaying Assets

• Borrowing: View history in the transaction log.

• Auto Repayment: Deposit the borrowed token; the system repays automatically.

• Manual Repayment: Select "Repay" manually (1% fee applies).

This system enhances flexibility for traders managing multiple assets and positions simultaneously.

Read Also: How to Set Up a Trading Bot on Bitrue: A Complete Guide for 2025

Risk Management for Beginners

Futures trading magnifies both opportunities and risks. Beginners should prioritize:

• Low leverage when starting

• Consistent use of stop loss

• Avoiding overexposure to volatile markets

• Monitoring liquidation thresholds

• Trading within personal risk tolerance

A structured approach prevents emotional decision-making and supports long-term growth in futures trading.

Conclusion

Starting futures trading becomes significantly more manageable when using Bitrue’s intuitive tools and Unified Futures Account. From initial deposits to risk management, each step is structured to provide clarity and control for beginners entering leveraged markets. 

As always, traders should conduct independent research and explore the full suite of educational resources available on the Bitrue platform before making investment decisions.

Read Also: How to Invest 1K in Crypto for Beginners: Smart Strategies That Actually Work

FAQ

What do I need to start trading futures on Bitrue?

You need a funded Bitrue account and a transfer to a futures or unified futures wallet.

Is futures trading suitable for beginners? 

Yes, but beginners should start with low leverage and strong risk management.

What is the difference between long and short? 

Long means you expect the price to rise; short means you expect it to fall.

What is the Unified Futures Account?

It’s an upgraded system combining multiple assets into a single flexible margin account.

How do I avoid liquidation? 

Monitor your margin ratio, use stop loss, and avoid over-leveraging.

Bitrue Official Website:

Website: https://www.bitrue.com/

Sign Up: https://www.bitrue.com/user/register

Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.