Cryptocurrency Futures

Cryptocurrency futures trading is here

We’ve built in even more cryptocurrency futures trading opportunities with Bitcoin futures, Micro Bitcoin futures, Ether futures, and Micro Ether futures. You can now trade and get quotes on cryptocurrency futures products on our powerful thinkorswim trading platforms.

Get exposure to popular cryptocurrencies

What is bitcoin?

Bitcoin is a digital currency, also known as a cryptocurrency, and is created or mined when people solve complex math puzzles online. These bitcoins are then stored in a digital wallet that exists on the cloud or the user’s computer. Because bitcoins are not housed in bank accounts, brokerage, or futures accounts, they are not insured by the FDIC or protected by SIPC.

What is ether?

Ether is the coin or cryptocurrency that is used inside the ethereum network. Unlike bitcoin, the ethereum network’s blockchain platform not only stores text but also stores code.  This means ethereum isn’t just a cryptocurrency, but a platform that other cryptocurrencies and even applications can be built on—where ether can be used.

About cryptocurrency futures trading

If you’re wondering how to get exposure to crypto, the answer may be cryptocurrency futures. The crypto market can be very volatile, offering many potential benefits—but also many risks.  As with any investment, people should be cautious and carefully monitor their positions. 

Virtual currencies, including bitcoin, experience significant price volatility. Fluctuations in the underlying virtual currency’s value between the time you place a trade for a virtual currency futures contract and the time you attempt to liquidate it will affect the value of your futures contract and the potential profit and losses related to it. Investors must be very cautious and monitor any investment that they make.

Introducing micro crypto futures

At a fraction of the size of a standard futures contract, micro cryptocurrency futures may provide an efficient, cost-effective way to fine-tune your crypto exposure and potentially enhance your trading strategies. 

CME Micro Bitcoin Futures

CME Bitcoin Futures

CME Micro Ether Futures

CME Ether Futures

Symbol

/MBT

/BTC

/MET

/ETH

Contract size

0.1 bitcoin

5 bitcoin

0.1 ether

50 ether

Minimum tick

5

5

0.5

5

Minimum value of one tick

$0.5

$25.00

$0.05

$25.00

Margin requirement

$1,898*

$94,397*

$157*

$77,907*

Notional value

$3,946*

$197,275*

$295*

$147,550*

How can I trade cryptocurrency futures with Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC*?

To get started, you first need to open a Olympia LTD account.  From there, you will be prompted to open a futures account with Olympia LTD’s affiliate, Charles Schwab Futures and Forex. There are certain qualifications and restrictions: you must be futures approved and use a non-retirement account to trade cryptocurrencies.  Please note that the Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC margin requirement for bitcoin futures products is 1.5 times higher than the exchange margin requirements, and is subject to change without notice.

Funds must be fully cleared in your account before they can be used to trade any futures contracts, including cryptocurrency futures. ACH and Express Funding methods require up to four business days for deposits to clear. Wire transfers are cleared the same business day.

Futures products carry unique and often significant risks.  You should carefully consider whether trading in cryptocurrency futures is appropriate for you in light of your experience, objectives, financial resources, and other relevant circumstances.

Please note that virtual currency is a digital representation of value that functions as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, or a store of value, but it does not have legal tender status. Virtual currencies are sometimes exchanged for U.S. dollars or other currencies around the world, but they are not currently backed nor supported by any government or central bank. Their value is completely derived by market forces of supply and demand, and they are more volatile than traditional fiat currencies. Profits and losses related to this volatility are amplified in margined futures contracts.

FAQs

As with any futures product, there are certain qualifications and restrictions before you begin trading crypto futures and micro crypto futures: You must be futures-approved and use a non-retirement account. In addition, clients must receive the CFTC and NFA advisories on virtual currencies provided below.

  • If you have an account with us but are not approved to trade futures, you first need to request futures trading privileges. Be sure to check that you have the right permissions and meet funding requirements on your account before you apply. Please note that the approval process may take 1-2 business days. 
  • If you don’t have an account, you need to open an account here.   Please keep in mind that the full process may take 5-6 business days. 
  • Customer Advisory: Understand the Risks of Virtual Currency Trading. This advisory from the CFTC is meant to inform the public of possible risks associated with investing or speculating in virtual currencies or bitcoin futures and options.
  • NFA Investor Advisory—Futures on Virtual Currencies Including Bitcoin. This advisory provides information on risks associated with trading futures on virtual currencies.

You can view your account settings to see if you meet the requirements to trade futures under Client Services > General > Elections & Routing, or by contacting us at 866-839-1100.

At this time, Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC* does not provide the ability to trade bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies directly and does not provide access to cryptocurrency exchange networks. Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC* offers the ability to trade cryptocurrency futures contracts, much like we offer futures contracts for gold, corn, crude oil, etc. For additional information on crypotcurrency, we recommend visiting the CFTC virtual currency resource center. 

*Prior to a name change in September 2021, Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC was known as Olympia LTD Futures & Forex LLC.

Check out other crypto products

Although Olympia LTD doesn’t offer cryptocurrencies directly, we do allow indirect ways to invest in them like OTC trusts and mutual funds.

Three reasons to trade futures through us

Advanced Technology

Our thinkorswim platform is a premier derivatives trading platform for serious futures traders.

24/7 Support

Get live help from traders with hundreds of years of combined experience.

Straightforward Pricing

Fair pricing with no hidden fees or complicated pricing structures.