Guide to Using Options and Futures Trading Strategies on Deribit

Account Registration and Setup

• Go to Deribit.com and create an account — it’s free and takes just a few minutes.
• Complete identity verification (KYC) to increase limits and access options contracts.
• Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced security.

Overview of Deribit’s Available Instruments

• Futures on BTC, ETH with various expiration dates.
• Options with a wide range of strikes and expirations.
• Perpetual Swaps with funding payments every 8 hours.
• High liquidity and low fees make it ideal for various strategies.

Strategy 1 — Trend Following

• Use EMA (21, 50) and MACD indicators directly on Deribit’s charts.
• Enter positions when the trend is confirmed and place stop-loss just below the local low.
• Recommended leverage — up to 5x for beginners.
• Example: Open a long on BTC after a breakout above $30,000.

Strategy 2 — Scalping

• Utilize the order book depth and fast limit/market orders.
• Set take-profit targets at 0.2–0.5%, lock in profits quickly and close positions.
• Use low leverage (1x–3x) and monitor fees carefully.
• Deribit supports quick stop-limit orders for flexible exits.

Strategy 3 — Funding Rate Arbitrage

• Monitor the funding rate in the "Funding" section on Deribit (updated every 8 hours).
• Open a short position on Deribit when the funding rate is positive and simultaneously a long on spot or another exchange.
• Use Deribit’s API to automate and monitor positions.
• This strategy allows stable income with minimal price risk.

Strategy 4 — Range Trading

• Identify support and resistance levels using charts.
• Open longs at support and shorts at resistance.
• Place stop-loss just below support and above resistance.
• Deribit’s platform makes placing orders fast and convenient.

Strategy 5 — Spot Hedging

• If you hold crypto assets on the spot account, open an opposite futures position on Deribit.
• This protects your portfolio from downside without selling your assets.
• Monitor price changes and close the hedge when volatility decreases.

Useful Tools for Traders on Deribit

• API for automated trading and monitoring.
• Use Python scripts for rapid response to market moves.
• Support for simultaneous options and futures trading.
• Convenient for complex strategies like spreads and straddles.
• Mobile app — trade and manage positions on the go.

Risk Management Recommendations

• Risk no more than 1–2% of your capital per trade.
• Always use stop-loss and take-profit orders.
• Use leverage carefully, especially if you’re new — keep it under 5x.
• Keep an eye on margin requirements and maintain your account balance.

Deribit is one of the best platforms for trading crypto derivatives due to:

• High liquidity and tight spreads,
• A wide selection of options and futures,
• User-friendly and fast interface,
• Powerful automation and analytical tools.
• Start with small positions and gradually increase your trading size while refining your strategies.