Video 1/4 - How to Set Up a Crypto Perpetual Futures Account: A Step-by-Step Guide
December 9, 2025Skip to Part 2 in our Crypto Perpetual Futures Series
If you're new to trading crypto perpetual futures, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to set up your account. While this overview won't dive too deeply into the details, it will highlight the key points you need to know to get started safely and effectively.
1. Check Exchange Availability
Before anything else, ensure that perpetual futures trading is available and legal in your country. Here's how to proceed:
· Research Exchanges: Identify crypto exchanges that offer perpetual futures trading. Popular options include Binance, Bybit, OKEx, and Bitcap.
· Confirm Local Compliance: Verify that the exchange operates in your country and complies with local regulations. Exchanges often use IP tracking to restrict access in regions where trading is prohibited.
· Consult Financial Authorities: Check your local financial authority's guidelines to ensure trading crypto perpetual futures is allowed.
2. Create an Account
Once you've chosen a compliant exchange, follow these steps to set up your account:
· Sign Up: Visit the exchange's website or app and register using your email or phone number.
· Set a Strong Password: Use a unique, secure password to protect your account.
· Complete Verification (KYC): Most exchanges require identity verification to comply with regulations. Be prepared to:
o Upload a government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID).
o Take a selfie or complete a live video verification.
o Provide proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.).
o Answer questions about your trading experience or source of funds.
Tip: Gather all necessary documents before starting the process to save time.
3. Understand Compliance Processes
Crypto exchanges are required to follow strict compliance protocols, which may vary by country. Here’s what to expect:
· Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance: Exchanges monitor transactions to prevent illegal activities.
· Risk Acknowledgment: You may need to accept risk warnings, especially since perpetual futures are highly leveraged and volatile.
· Leverage and Trading Limits: Some exchanges impose limits based on your verification level, so ensure your account is fully verified.
4. Fund Your Account
To start trading, you’ll need to deposit funds into your exchange wallet:
· Deposit Options: Transfer crypto or fiat currency (e.g., USD) to your exchange wallet.
· Segregated Accounts: Move funds from your wallet to your perpetual futures account within the exchange.
· Fees: Be aware of deposit and withdrawal fees, as these can vary between exchanges.
5. Start Trading
Once your account is funded, you’re ready to begin trading:
· Navigate to Perpetual Futures: Locate the perpetual futures section on the exchange. You’ll often see options like USDC or USDT for trading pairs.
· Set Up Risk Management: Use tools like stop-loss orders to manage your risk effectively. This is crucial given the high leverage and volatility of perpetual futures.
What’s Next?
This guide covers the basics of setting up your account, but there’s much more to learn. In the next section of this educational series, we’ll dive deeper into leverage, margin, and cost in crypto perpetual futures trading. Stay tuned for detailed examples and strategies to enhance your trading skills!
