Guide · Last updated: October 13, 2026

What are crypto futures?

Crypto futures are contracts on a coin's price movement that don't require buying the coin. You can bet on a rise (long) or a fall (short) and use leverage. A perpetual contract has no expiry; its price is kept close to spot through the funding rate.

How it differs from spot

In spot you buy the coin and own it. In futures there is no ownership; you only gain or lose on the price difference. That lets you profit from a fall too, but leverage and liquidation risk come into play.

Perpetual contracts

A traditional future has an expiry date. A perpetual has none; you can hold the position as long as you like. The funding rate limits how far its price drifts from spot.

Risks

Leverage magnifies losses too; if you are liquidated most or all of your margin is lost. Using stops, keeping positions small and limiting leverage are the main protections.

Example

The BTCUSDT perpetual on Binance Futures: you don't buy BTC, you open a long or short on its price movement and post margin in USDT.

Where do you see it in KARDVANE?

KARDVANE simplifies Binance's public futures data (funding, open interest, liquidations, long/short ratios) for 57 coins; it never connects to your account and never trades.

FAQ

Are crypto futures legal?

It depends on the country and the platform. KARDVANE is an information tool; it provides no exchange service and does not intermediate trades.

Are futures suitable for beginners?

They are high risk because of leverage and liquidation; it is better to learn with small amounts and a stop first.

This page is educational; it is not investment advice.