What is Crypto Day Trading Like?
With the approval of the Bitcoin Spot ETF by the SEC and Bitcoin’s halving in April 2024, crypto markets have become more active than ever. One of the best ways to capitalize on this volatility is through day trading.
Day trading crypto means buying and selling major cryptocurrencies within the same day, using specific strategies to profit from short-term price movements. While day trading is traditionally associated with forex markets, crypto’s high volatility and liquidity are now making it a popular choice among day traders.
This volatility creates constant opportunities — whether prices are rising or falling.
What Exactly is Crypto Day Trading?
The goal of a crypto day trader is simple: end the day with more value than you started with.
Day trading focuses on making small, consistent profits by exploiting short-term price movements — without leaving any trades open overnight.
Success in day trading often requires two key skills:
• Fundamental Analysis: Understanding the market forces and news affecting each cryptocurrency.
• Technical Analysis: Using charts, indicators, and price patterns to find the best entry and exit points.
How to Start Day Trading Crypto
First, decide how you want to trade:
• Crypto Exchanges: Buy and sell actual crypto assets. You’ll need a secure crypto wallet and should be aware of risks like lost private keys.
• Crypto CFDs (Contracts for Difference): Trade crypto price movements without owning the actual coins. You can profit whether prices rise or fall, and you don’t need a wallet.
Given crypto’s extreme volatility (5%–10% price swings in 24 hours are common), risk management is essential.
Make sure you learn how to use tools like stop-loss and take-profit orders to control your risk.
Day Trading Crypto: Popular Strategies
Here are the main strategies successful crypto day traders use:
1. Scalping
Focus on making dozens of small profits during the day by exploiting tiny price movements. Scalpers act quickly, often holding trades for just seconds or minutes.
2. Range Trading
Use technical analysis to identify support (buy zones) and resistance (sell zones) levels. Buy low at support, sell high at resistance.
3. Fundamental Analysis Trading
React to breaking news or major developments. Positive or negative sentiment can drive prices sharply, and recognizing this early can give traders an edge.
4. Arbitrage
Buy a cryptocurrency on one exchange where it’s cheaper and sell it on another where the price is higher — pocketing the difference.
Which Cryptocurrencies Are Best for Day Trading?
• Bitcoin (BTC) remains the top choice.
It offers the highest liquidity, meaning it’s easier and faster to buy or sell without major price slippage.
Less popular coins can be risky due to lower liquidity, leading to unexpected losses.
How Much Money Do You Need to Start?
There’s no strict minimum, but smart traders focus on risk management over the amount invested.
A common rule: risk no more than 1% of your total bankroll per trade.
This way, even if a few trades go wrong, you’ll stay in the game and grow steadily.
How to Get Started with Crypto Day Trading
1. Open an account with a crypto exchange or a broker that offers crypto CFDs (such as TradingMoon).
2. Develop a solid trading strategy and set a realistic budget.
3. Start trading — but stay disciplined with risk management tools.
What Are the Risks of Crypto Day Trading?
• High volatility can lead to large and fast losses.
• Choosing an unreliable exchange or broker can put your money at risk.
• Lack of experience in risk management can quickly wipe out your trading capital.
Your Next Steps
If you want to deepen your understanding of crypto day trading, here are a few guides to check out:
• CFD Trading Tips for Beginners
Master CFD trading before you dive into crypto CFDs.
• Understanding Bitcoin Volatility
Learn how Bitcoin’s wild price swings work and how to trade them.
• Pros and Cons of Bitcoin Trading
Discover the strengths and weaknesses of trading Bitcoin specifically.
Ready to jump into the fast-paced world of crypto day trading?
Learn the rules, manage your risk, and make the most of 2025’s exciting crypto market!