Best Crypto Futures Trading Platforms Of UK for 2024
Written by Charles
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This article has been reviewed by crypto market experts at SCM to ensure all the content, sources, and claims adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
Last Updated on September 28, 2024
Trading crypto futures in the UK has never been more accessible or exciting.
Platforms like Binance and Kraken offer advanced tools and high liquidity, enabling you to execute trades quickly and efficiently.
You have various assets with options ranging from Bitcoin and Ethereum to lesser-known altcoins.
Whether you’re interested in speculating on price movements or hedging your portfolio, some platforms provide robust options tailored to your trading needs.
Top 11 Best Crypto Futures Exchanges in UK
- Bybit – best for crypto futures trading in UK
- BingX – best for bitcoin futures trading in UK
- Phemex – best for perpetual futures trading
- Deribit: Known for futures and options on Bitcoin and Ethereum
- Bitget – best for quarterly futures
- Kraken: Favored by professionals for its advanced trading features
- Kucoin: Highly rated for copy trading
- PrimeXBT: Offers both crypto and traditional asset trading
- Binance: Offers the most cryptocurrencies and high liquidity
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Where To Trade Crypto Futures in UK?
#1. Bybit Futures UK
Bybit, founded in 2018 by Ben Zhou, is a leading crypto exchange platform based in Singapore. Known for its robust crypto futures trading services, Bybit has attracted millions of users globally, including a strong presence in the UK.
Bybit serves millions of users worldwide, with a daily trading volume often exceeding $10 billion. This makes Bybit one of the most active platforms in the crypto space.
Bybit supports over 373 cryptocurrencies, offering various futures contracts and trading pairs. You can leverage up to 100x on your trades, providing substantial potential gains, though with associated risks.
Bybit offers two main types of futures contracts: physically settled and cash-settled. The platform charges competitive trading fees of 0.1% for maker and taker orders.
Bybit prioritizes security with multi-signature wallets, cold storage for digital assets, and SSL encryption, ensuring that your funds and data are well-protected.
Bybit provides 24/7 customer support through various channels, including live chat and email, ensuring UK traders can resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
For crypto futures trading, Bybit offers several order types, including limit orders, market orders, and conditional orders, giving you the flexibility to manage your trades effectively.
Pros:
- High leverage options
- Low trading fees
- Strong security measures
Cons:
- Mobile app usability issues
- Limited fiat currency support
Bybit stands out as a reliable and efficient platform for crypto futures trading, particularly well-suited for traders in the UK. It combines high leverage, low fees, and robust security, making it a favored choice for many in the trading community.
#2. BingX
BingX, founded in 2018, is a global cryptocurrency exchange with a strong reputation in futures trading. Based in Singapore, it serves millions of users worldwide, including the UK.
BingX boasts over 5 million users and a high daily trading volume. The platform supports over 750 coins and tokens, providing a broad range of trading pairs.
You can trade various futures contracts, including USDⓢ-M Perp Futures, with leverage up to 125x, amplifying potential gains and risks.
BingX charges low trading fees, which are competitive in the industry.
BingX ensures the security of your assets with advanced encryption and multi-layer security protocols. The platform offers 24/7 customer support for any issues or queries.
For futures trading, BingX provides several order types, including market orders, limit orders, and stop-limit orders, allowing you to execute trades according to your strategy.
Pros:
- High liquidity
- Wide range of supported coins
- Competitive trading fees
- Advanced security measures
Cons:
- High leverage can be risky
- Interface may be complex for beginners
BingX remains a popular choice for futures trading, combining high liquidity, a wide range of supported coins, and competitive fees with robust security measures.
#3. Phemex
#4. MEXC
MEXC was founded in 2018 by a group of blockchain enthusiasts and experts. With its headquarters in Singapore, MEXC has established a solid reputation in the UK for its comprehensive crypto futures trading services.
MEXC serves millions of users globally, with a substantial daily trading volume consistently ranking among the top exchanges. You can explore various futures contracts with over 200 supported coins, offering up to 200x leverage.
The platform provides USDT-Margined Futures and Coin-Margined Futures, giving you flexibility in trading.
Futures Trading Fees:
- Maker Fees: 0.02%
- Taker Fees: 0.06%
Your account security is a priority for MEXC, featuring measures like two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage wallets, and regular security audits. The platform offers 24/7 customer support for any issues or queries.
When trading crypto futures in the UK on MEXC, you can choose from several order types: limit, market, and stop-limit.
Pros:
- High leverage up to 200x
- Wide range of supported coins and trading pairs
- Competitive trading fees
- Strong security features
Cons:
- High leverage can be risky for inexperienced traders
- Limited fiat deposit options
MEXC provides a robust and secure platform for your crypto futures trading needs, allowing you to manage and grow your investment portfolio effectively.
#5. Bitget
Bitget is a prominent crypto futures trading platform launched in 2018 by Sandra Lou. With its headquarters in Singapore, Bitget has gained a strong reputation in the UK for its advanced futures trading capabilities.
You can trust Bitget, which has a large user base of over 20 million globally. The platform boasts an impressive daily trading volume, often exceeding $21 billion.
You will find many options on Bitget, supporting over 500 cryptocurrencies and more than 500 trading pairs. The platform allows for significant leverage, up to 125x, enhancing your potential gains and risks.
Bitget offers various futures contracts, including perpetual contracts, which don’t have an expiration date. The trading fees are competitive, and using the BGB token can provide up to 20% discount on these fees.
Security is paramount for Bitget, employing two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage, and comprehensive risk management protocols. Excellent customer support is available to assist UK users 24/7.
When trading crypto futures on Bitget, you can access multiple order types like limit, market, and stop orders, enabling flexible and strategic trading.
Pros
- High Leverage: Up to 125x leverage
- Wide Range of Supported Coins: Over 500 cryptocurrencies
- Competitive Fees: Discounts available with the BGB token
- Robust Security Measures: 2FA, cold storage
- 24/7 Customer Support: Available in multiple languages
Cons
- High Risk with High Leverage: Potential for significant losses
- Complex for Beginners: Requires a learning curve
Bitget remains a favored choice for many traders, combining diverse offerings with solid security and support.
#6. BYDFi
BYDFi, launched in 2019, has quickly gained a reputation in the crypto futures trading market. Founded by a team of blockchain enthusiasts with a mission to simplify trading for everyone, BYDFi was formerly known as BitYard.
Based in Singapore, BYDFi has extended its services to the UK and various parts of the world.
BYDFi has amassed over 500,000 users, with a daily trading volume reaching $200 million. This solid and active user base makes it a reliable option for traders in the UK.
The platform supports more than 200 cryptocurrencies and offers a variety of futures contracts. You can trade with up to 100x leverage, providing significant opportunities for seasoned traders.
BYDFi offers several types of futures contracts, including perpetual and quarterly futures. The fees are competitive, with a maximum trading fee of 0.3% on spot trades and varying rates for futures trading.
BYDFi ensures robust security with multiple layers of protection, including 2FA, anti-phishing codes, and cold wallets. Customer support is available 24/7 through live chat and email, ensuring your trading experience is well-supported.
On BYDFi, you can choose from various order types, such as market orders, limit orders, stop orders, and trailing stop orders.
Pros:
- Low trading fees
- Wide range of supported coins
- High leverage options
Cons:
- It may be complex for beginners
- Limited fiat trading options
BYDFi provides a robust and diverse platform for crypto futures trading, offering competitive fees and extensive security measures, making it a strong choice for traders globally.
#7. Deribit
Deribit, founded in 2016 by John Jansen and Marius Jansen, is based in the Netherlands. It has gained a solid reputation as a leading platform for crypto futures trading, particularly in the UK.
Deribit serves over 10,000 active users and boasts a daily trading volume exceeding $1 billion. It supports popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
You can trade a variety of futures contracts with up to 50x leverage. The platform’s fee structure is competitive: Bitcoin futures have a maker rebate of 0.02% and a taker fee of 0.05%. Ethereum futures feature a 0.025% maker rebate and a 0.075% taker fee.
Security measures include two-factor authentication, robust encryption protocols, and cold storage for most user funds. Customer support offers 24/7 assistance via email and a comprehensive help center.
Order types available are market, limit, stop-limit, and more specialized options, giving you flexibility and control over your trades.
Pros:
- High liquidity
- Competitive fees
- Advanced trading tools
- Strong security features
Cons:
- Limited customer support channels
- Complexity for beginners
Deribit provides a robust platform for crypto futures trading, combining advanced features with a user-friendly interface.
#8. OKX
OKX was founded in 2017 by Star Xu and is headquartered in Malta. It has developed a strong reputation in the UK for crypto futures trading.
OKX boasts millions of users globally, with a daily trading volume surpassing billions of dollars. This extensive user base and high liquidity make it a top choice.
You can trade over 200 cryptocurrencies on OKX, with high-leverage options available (up to 200x). The platform supports a wide range of futures contracts and trading pairs.
Both perpetual and delivery futures contracts are available. The fees will be competitive for futures, with a 0% maker fee and a 0.01% taker fee.
Security is robust, with features like multi-signature wallets, two-factor authentication, and advanced encryption. Customer support is accessible and responsive, ensuring you get help when needed.
The platform offers multiple order types, including limit, market, and stop orders, providing flexibility for various trading strategies.
Pros:
- High leverage (up to 200x)
- Low trading fees (0% maker, 0.01% taker)
- Wide range of supported cryptocurrencies and futures contracts
- Strong security measures
- Responsive customer support
Cons:
- High leverage can lead to significant losses
- Complex interface for beginners
OKX continues to be a comprehensive and reliable choice for novice and experienced UK traders.
#9. Kraken Futures UK
Kraken, founded in 2011 by Jesse Powell, is based in San Francisco. It is recognized for its reliability and robust trading platform, especially in the UK crypto futures market.
Kraken boasts over 9 million users globally, with a daily trading volume exceeding $500 million. You gain access to a wide variety of assets, including more than 50 supported coins, over 100 futures contracts, and numerous trading pairs.
Future contracts on Kraken include future contracts for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The platform offers up to 50x leverage, which can significantly amplify your positions.
Trading fees range from 0.02% for makers to 0.05% for takers, making it competitive among significant exchanges.
For most of its digital assets, Kraken prioritizes security with advanced features such as two-factor authentication and cold storage. Customer support is robust, offering 24/7 assistance via multiple channels.
Order types available to you include market, limit, stop-loss, take-profit, and more, providing flexibility for your trading strategies.
Pros:
- High liquidity and low latency
- Extensive security measures
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Complex for beginners
- Limited support for some altcoins
#10. Binance Futures UK
Established in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao, Binance is headquartered in Malta and has quickly gained a strong reputation in the crypto industry. It is particularly well-regarded in the UK for its advanced crypto futures trading capabilities.
Binance boasts over 100 million users globally, with a daily trading volume exceeding $2 billion. It supports over 600 cryptocurrencies and offers various futures contracts, providing leverage of up to 125x.
Binance supports various futures contracts, including USDⓈ-M and COIN-M Futures. The trading fees are competitive, with a maker fee of 0.02% and a taker fee of 0.04%.
Security is a priority at Binance, with measures such as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), cold storage for funds, and an insurance fund to protect users’ assets.
Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email to assist with any issues.
For trading, Binance offers several order types, including limit orders, market orders, stop-limit orders, and stop-market orders, providing flexibility in executing trades.
Pros:
- High liquidity
- Wide range of supported coins and pairs
- Competitive fees
Cons:
- Regulatory scrutiny
- Potentially complex for beginners
Binance remains a dominant force in the crypto market, offering extensive features, high liquidity, and robust security, making it a top choice for traders globally.
#11. BitMEX
BitMEX, founded in 2014 by Arthur Hayes, Ben Delo, and Samuel Reed, is headquartered in the Republic of Seychelles.
It has established itself as a reputed platform for crypto futures trading, including within the UK market. BitMEX is appealing due to its robust user base and high trading volumes.
It boasts millions of users globally, with daily trading volumes often exceeding billions of dollars. The platform supports over 100 cryptocurrencies and offers a variety of futures contracts with leverage of up to 100x.
BitMEX provides several futures contracts, including perpetual swaps, traditional futures, options, and pre-launch futures. The trading fees are competitive, with a maker fee of -0.025% and a taker fee of 0.075%.
Security is a top priority for BitMEX, with multi-signature wallets, cold storage, and two-factor authentication, ensuring a secure user trading environment.
Customer support is available through various channels, including email support and an extensive FAQ section.
For trading, BitMEX offers multiple order types, including market orders, limit orders, stop orders, trailing stop orders, and take profit orders.
How to Trade Crypto Futures in UK?
Trading crypto futures in the UK involves several steps. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
- Choose a Reputable Platform
- Select an FCA-registered exchange.
- Consider platforms like Kraken or Deribit for their futures and margin trading options.
- Create and Verify Your Account
- Register on the chosen platform.
- Complete identity verification (KYC process).
- Deposit Funds
- Deposit cryptocurrency or fiat currency into your account.
- Ensure your account is adequately funded for trading.
- Navigate to the Futures Trading Section
- Find and access the futures trading section on the exchange.
- Familiarize yourself with the interface.
- Select Your Desired Contract
- Choose between perpetual or quarterly futures contracts.
- Decide on the cryptocurrency you want to trade (e.g., Bitcoin, Ether).
- Place Your Order
- Specify the type of order: market, limit, or stop loss.
- Set the contract amount and leverage.
- Monitor and Manage Your Position
- Keep track of your open positions.
- Use tools like stop-loss orders to mitigate risks.
- Close Your Position
- Decide when to make a profit or cut losses.
- Execute the closing trade through the platform.
These steps will help you start your journey in trading crypto futures in the UK. Always consider market conditions and trade responsibly.
FAQs
This section answers some of traders’ most important questions about trading crypto futures in the UK, including legal considerations and popular platforms.
Is crypto futures trading allowed in UK?
Yes, trading crypto futures is permitted in the UK, but it operates under strict regulatory guidelines. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) oversees these activities to ensure consumer protection and market integrity. Be aware that regulations may change, impacting how futures are traded and which platforms are allowed to operate.
What is the best crypto futures trading platform in the UK?
Several platforms stand out for crypto futures trading in the UK. Kraken is frequently highlighted for its security features and user base. CoinJar and eToro are also famous for beginners and instant buy options. Professional traders may prefer PrimeXBT for its comprehensive range of features. Choose a platform that suits your trading needs and skill level.
Can I trade futures in the UK?
You can trade a variety of futures in the UK, including cryptocurrency futures. Popular exchanges offering this service include Kraken, Deribit, and PrimeXBT. Ensure that the platform you choose complies with UK regulations, as trading on non-compliant platforms can result in penalties or legal action.
Is Bybit futures legal in UK?
Bybit faces regulatory scrutiny in numerous jurisdictions, including the UK. While traders can technically access Bybit, the platform’s operations may not fully align with FCA guidelines. Exercise caution and consider alternative, fully regulated exchanges to mitigate risks.
Is crypto futures trading allowed in the UK?
Crypto futures trading is permitted, but the FCA heavily regulates it. These regulations aim to protect investors and ensure transparency. Stay updated with the latest regulatory changes to keep your trading activities compliant. Always use platforms that adhere to local laws to avoid complications.
Can you use KuCoin Futures in the UK?
KuCoin offers futures trading, but its regulatory status in the UK is uncertain. While you may access the platform, it might not comply with all FCA requirements. Consider using FCA-compliant platforms like Kraken or Coinbase to avoid potential legal issues.
Can you trade perpetual Futures on Coinbase UK?
Coinbase allows perpetual futures trading, but this service is typically more accessible to UK citizens on platforms like Kraken or Deribit. Always verify the specific offerings of Coinbase UK to ensure they meet your trading needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right platform for trading crypto futures in the UK is crucial for optimizing your trading experience and minimizing risks.
Several options are available, each offering unique features and advantages.
Regulatory changes could impact your trading experience, so staying informed about UK regulations is essential. Future developments may introduce new assets and opportunities.
Consider the fees, user interface, and additional features each platform offers to find the one that best suits your needs.
Selecting a platform requires thoughtful consideration of your current needs and plans in the ever-evolving crypto market.
