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Trade Crypto Futures
What are Cryptocurrency Futures?
Cryptocurrency futures are standardized contracts that let traders gain exposure to digital assets like Bitcoin and Ether without owning the underlying cryptocurrency.
Traded on regulated exchanges like the CME, these contracts provide institutional-grade tools, transparent pricing, and the structure of traditional futures markets. Offered in both standard and micro sizes, crypto futures can complement a variety of trading strategies, though it’s important to understand the risks involved with market volatility and leverage.
Bitcoin
Trade the price of the world’s most popular cryptocurrency through Bitcoin futures, offering access to BTC’s price movement without holding the underlying asset.
Ethereum
Speculate on the price of Ether, the second-largest crypto by market cap and leading DeFi platform by using regulated Ethereum futures contracts.
Ether/Bitcoin Ratio
Trade the price relationship between Ether and Bitcoin with a single futures contract to capture relative performance without taking standalone exposure.
Trade Cryptocurrency Futures
at MetroTrade
Contracts Available
| Code | Product Name | Contract Size | Min. Tick Size | Trading Hours (EST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| /BTC | Bitcoin Futures | 5 Bitcoin | $5.00 per Bitcoin = $25.00 | Sun 6 PM – Fri 5 PM |
| /MBT | Micro Bitcoin Futures | 0.10 Bitcoin | $5.00 per Bitcoin = $0.50 | Sun 6 PM – Fri 5 PM |
| /BTE | Bitcoin Euro Futures | 5 Bitcoin | €5.00 per Bitcoin = €25.00 | Sun 6 PM – Fri 5 PM |
| /EBM | Micro Bitcoin Euro Futures | 0.10 Bitcoin | €5.00 per Bitcoin = €0.50 | Sun 6 PM – Fri 5 PM |
| /ETH | Ether Futures | 50 Ether | $0.50 per Ether = $25.00 | Sun 6 PM – Fri 5 PM |
| /MET | Micro Ether Futures | 0.10 Ether | $0.50 per Ether = $0.05 | Sun 6 PM – Fri 5 PM |
| /ETE | Ether Euro Futures | 50 Ether | €0.50 per Ether = €25.00 | Sun 6 PM – Fri 5 PM |
| /EEM | Micro Ether Euro Futures | 0.10 Ether | €0.50 per Ether = €0.05 | Sun 6 PM – Fri 5 PM |
| /EBR | Ether/Bitcoin Ratio Futures | $1,000,000 × ETH/BTC Ratio | $0.00001 = $5.00 | Sun 6 PM – Fri 5 PM |
Access Contracts of All Sizes
Full Size
Full-size futures contracts represent the standard, complete unit of a financial index or commodity in the futures market. These contracts offer larger position sizes and potentially greater profit (or loss) potential, they also require more capital and carry higher risk compared to their E-mini and Micro counterparts.
E-mini
E-minis are a standard futures contract that is broken down into a fractional portion of a financial index. The “E” designates it is traded electronically. When launched in 1997, E-minis were a fraction of the size of pit-traded contracts, but they have come to dominate the futures markets.
Micro E-mini
Trade a slice of CME’s liquid futures markets and get the same capital efficiency as standard E-mini contracts with less upfront financial commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why trade futures instead of buying crypto directly?
Futures offer several advantages over spot crypto trading, including the ability to use margin, trade in regulated markets, and avoid the complexity of managing wallets and private keys. You can also profit in both rising and falling markets.
How are cryptocurrency futures settled?
Crypto futures on CME are cash-settled, meaning you don’t receive actual Bitcoin or Ether at expiration. Instead, profits and losses are settled in U.S. dollars based on the index price, eliminating the need for crypto wallets or transfers.
What are the most popular cryptocurrency futures contracts?
The most actively traded contracts include BTC (Bitcoin Futures), MBT (Micro Bitcoin), ETH (Ether Futures), MET (Micro Ether), and EBR (Ether/Bitcoin Ratio Futures). These offer a range of sizing and strategies for both individual and institutional traders.
Are crypto futures only for large accounts?
Not at all. Micro contracts like MBT and MET are designed with smaller multipliers, making them accessible for individual traders who want exposure to crypto price movements with less capital at risk.
When can I trade crypto futures?
Crypto futures trade nearly 24 hours a day, five days a week, from Sunday at 6 PM to Friday at 5 PM (EST). This around-the-clock schedule allows traders to respond to global crypto market news in real time.
Can I hedge my crypto portfolio with futures?
Yes. If you already hold Bitcoin or Ether, you can use futures to hedge against downside risk. By taking an offsetting futures position, you can help stabilize your portfolio during periods of high volatility.
No Minimum Deposit Required
Whether you’re new to futures trading or an experienced trader, we get you on track to begin your trading journey with flexibility. No need for large initial deposits—start with an amount that suits you and grow from there.
Virtual Currencies Contracts Risk
METROTRADE LLC IS A MEMBER OF NFA AND IS SUBJECT TO NFA’S REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AND EXAMINATIONS. HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT NFA DOES NOT HAVE REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY OVER UNDERLYING OR SPOT VIRTUAL CURRENCY PRODUCTS OR TRANSACTIONS OR VIRTUAL CURRENCY EXCHANGES, CUSTODIANS OR MARKETS.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE NFA’S CRYPTOCURRENCY REGULATIONS:
NFA Investor Advisory – Futures on Virtual Currencies Including Bitcoin