Starting at 7:00 AM UTC on February 21, OKX will officially list USDC-margined futures contracts for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) across its web platform, mobile app, and API interface. This strategic expansion enhances trading flexibility by offering stablecoin-denominated futures with reduced volatility exposure—ideal for traders seeking precision and stability in their positions.
The new BTCUSDC and ETHUSDC futures contracts are designed to provide seamless access to crypto derivatives markets while leveraging the transparency and stability of USDC, a leading regulated digital dollar. Whether you're a day trader, hedger, or institutional participant, these instruments offer competitive leverage, flexible expiration options, and cost-efficient fee structures.
Introducing BTCUSDC and ETHUSDC Futures Contracts
🔹 BTCUSDC Futures Overview
These futures are indexed to the BTC/USD Index and settled in USDC, making them perfect for traders who prefer stablecoin accounting. Key specifications include:
- Face Value: 0.0001 BTC per contract
- Price Quotation: USD equivalent of 1 BTC
- Tick Size: $0.10 (minimum price movement)
- Leverage Range: 0.01x to 50x (adjustable based on risk settings)
- Contract Types: Weekly, Bi-weekly, Quarterly, and Bi-quarterly expirations
- Trading Hours: 24/7, with delivery at 08:00 UTC every Friday of the expiry week
👉 Discover how USDC futures can streamline your trading strategy with stable, transparent settlements.
🔹 ETHUSDC Futures Overview
Mirroring the BTC offering, ETHUSDC futures track the ETH/USD Index with full USDC settlement:
- Face Value: 0.001 ETH per contract
- Price Quotation: USD equivalent of 1 ETH
- Tick Size: $0.01
- Leverage Range: 0.01x to 50x
- Contract Types: Weekly, Bi-weekly, Quarterly, Bi-quarterly
- Trading Hours: Continuous 7×24 market
- Delivery Time: 08:00 UTC on the Friday of expiration week
Both contracts support cross-margin and isolated-margin modes, giving users full control over risk allocation.
Understanding Profit & Loss in USDC-Margined Futures
All margin deposits, profit and loss (PnL), and settlement occur in USDC, eliminating currency conversion risks. Since pricing is based on USD-indexed values, gains or losses are calculated directly in stablecoin terms—ideal for precise financial planning.
For example:
If a trader holds a long position of 1 BTC (equivalent to 10,000 contracts at 0.0001 BTC face value), a $100 increase in BTC’s price results in a **$100 USDC profit**.
PnL Formulas:
- Long Position PnL = Face Value × Number of Contracts × (Avg. Close Price – Avg. Open Price)
- Short Position PnL = Face Value × Number of Contracts × (Avg. Open Price – Avg. Close Price)
Note: Prices are quoted in USD; all PnL outcomes are settled in USDC.
This clear calculation model improves transparency and helps traders manage expectations—especially valuable during high-volatility periods.
Competitive Trading Fees with Tiered Discounts
OKX offers one of the most competitive fee schedules in the industry for USDC-margined futures, with discounts scaling based on either OKB holdings or 30-day trading volume and total assets.
Fee Structure Summary:
| Tier | Requirements | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv 1 | < 500 OKB or low volume/assets | 0.020% | 0.050% |
| Lv 5 | ≥ 2,000 OKB | 0.015% | 0.030% |
| VIP 4 | ≥ $5M assets or $600M volume | 0.002% | 0.025% |
| VIP 8 | ≥ $20B in trading volume | -0.015% | 0.020% |
Negative maker fees mean rebates—OKX pays you to provide liquidity.
Your final fee tier is determined by your highest qualifying level across multiple metrics: spot volume, futures/perpetuals volume (including USDT, USDC, and crypto-margined), options trading, and total asset balance.
👉 Maximize your returns with ultra-low fees—see how high-volume traders benefit from rebates on OKX.
For instance, if you qualify as VIP 3 in futures volume but VIP 4 in asset holdings, you’ll enjoy VIP 4 fee rates across all markets, including spot and options.
Real-time fee details are available via the "Get Fee Rates" endpoint on the OKX API (docs-v5 reference).
Why Trade USDC-Margined Futures?
✅ Stability & Predictability
Using USDC as collateral removes the double volatility risk associated with crypto-margined contracts. You’re exposed only to BTC or ETH price movements—not fluctuations in your margin asset.
✅ Transparent Accounting
All values are calculated in stablecoin terms, simplifying bookkeeping and tax reporting for both retail and institutional traders.
✅ Global Accessibility
With no restrictions tied to traditional banking systems, USDC futures open doors for traders worldwide to engage in regulated-like financial products.
✅ Seamless Integration
Available on web, mobile, and API platforms, these contracts support algorithmic trading, copy trading, and advanced order types like TP/SL, OCO, and trailing stops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between USDC-margined and USDT-margined futures?
A: Both use stablecoins as collateral, but USDC is issued by regulated financial institutions and known for its strict audit compliance. This gives traders added confidence in its stability and transparency.
Q: Can I use leverage on both long and short positions?
A: Yes. Leverage ranges from 1.01x up to 50x and can be applied to both directions depending on your risk settings.
Q: When do weekly contracts expire?
A: All weekly and bi-weekly contracts settle every Friday at 08:00 UTC. Quarterly and bi-quarterly contracts follow standard futures cycles.
Q: How are fees calculated if I meet multiple tier conditions?
A: You automatically receive the benefit of the highest tier you qualify for across any category—no need to meet all criteria simultaneously.
Q: Is there a minimum account balance to trade these contracts?
A: No minimum balance is required. You can start trading with as little as one contract (0.0001 BTC or 0.001 ETH).
Q: Are these contracts available globally?
A: Availability may vary by jurisdiction due to local regulations. Please check your regional access on the OKX platform.
Final Thoughts
The launch of BTCUSDC and ETHUSDC futures marks a significant step forward in creating more accessible, stable, and efficient crypto derivatives markets. By combining the reliability of USDC with powerful trading tools and low fees, OKX empowers traders to execute strategies with greater precision and confidence.
Whether you're hedging portfolio risk or capitalizing on short-term volatility, these new products offer a compelling alternative to traditional crypto-margined or fiat-based futures.
👉 Start trading USDC-margined BTC and ETH futures today—experience stability meets performance.