What Is Spot Trading in Crypto? Spot vs Futures Explained
Spot is the simplest way to buy crypto: you pay and get the coins right away. Here's how spot differs from futures and why people usually start with it.
What it is
Spot is a market where you buy an asset right away at the current price and it lands in your balance. Bought 0.01 BTC — you have 0.01 BTC in your account, and you can hold it, sell it or withdraw it to a cold wallet.
Spot vs. futures
| Spot | Futures | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | The asset itself | A contract on the price |
| Leverage | No | Yes |
| Liquidation | No | Possible |
| Bet on a price drop | Not possible | Possible (short) |
More details in spot vs. futures.
Spot risks
There's no liquidation, but the price can fall sharply and for a long time. So you need a plan on spot too: what share of your account you're risking and where you exit. You can start with how to buy your first crypto.
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- Spot is buying the asset itself at the current price.
- No leverage and no liquidation, but the price can still fall.
- Beginners usually start with spot.
Frequently asked questions
Can I lose more than I invested on spot?
No. The maximum is the value of the asset you bought, if it falls to zero.
Do I need a stop-loss on spot?
If you're trading rather than holding long term, yes. It limits your loss in a sharp drop.
Are spot and margin trading the same thing?
No. Margin trading means trading with borrowed money, with leverage and the risk of liquidation.
Start with free education
A step-by-step OKX guide and free Aspiro Academy courses: 26 lessons on investing and trading from scratch, with practice and a certificate.