Three main ways to trade crypto—and when each one makes sense:

1. Spot Trading

Think of this as the “buy-and-hold” approach. You purchase the actual coin (Bitcoin, Ethereum, whatever) at today’s price, and it goes straight into your wallet.

Best for: Long-term believers who want to HODL and ride out the ups and downs.

Tip: Dollar-cost average—buy a bit each week or month to smooth out crazy swings.

2. Margin Trading

Margin lets you borrow funds to open a bigger position than your own capital would allow. For example, 3× leverage means $500 can control $1,500 worth of crypto.

Best for: Short-term traders who are pretty sure about a quick price move.

Warning: Leverage magnifies losses as much as gains. Always set a stop-loss and start low—2× or 3× max until you’ve got the hang of it.

3. Futures Trading

Futures contracts lock in a price now for buying or selling at a set date later—without owning the coins today. You can go long (bet on a rise) or short (bet on a fall).

Best for: Hedging an existing crypto stash, betting on downturns, or locking in a price ahead of time.

Tip: Keep an eye on funding rates (periodic fees paid between longs and shorts) and watch your maintenance margin to avoid surprise liquidations.

Quick crypto-trading pointers:

Risk only what you can lose—crypto volatility can sting.

Stay curious: Read the news, peek at on-chain metrics, and try demo accounts if available.

Track everything: Use a simple sheet or a portfolio app so you know exactly where you stand.

Mix and match: spot for HODLers, margin for nimble plays, futures for hedging. Trade wisely—and don’t forget to enjoy the ride! #TradingTypes101