Bitcoin contracts have become one of the most popular tools for crypto investors seeking to hedge risk, leverage market movements, and maximize returns. As the flagship cryptocurrency, Bitcoin’s high volatility and global adoption make it an ideal asset for derivatives trading. But many newcomers often ask: how long can you hold a Bitcoin contract before selling? And more importantly—how do you actually play Bitcoin contracts?
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Bitcoin contract trading, including holding periods by contract type, time limitations, and step-by-step instructions for both PC and mobile platforms.
How Long Can You Hold a Bitcoin Contract Before Selling?
In most cases, you can close (sell) your Bitcoin contract position at any time, but the exact rules depend on the type of contract you're trading. There are three primary types: perpetual contracts, delivery (futures) contracts, and options contracts—each with different expiration and settlement rules.
1. Perpetual Contracts
Perpetual contracts, often called "perps," have no expiration date. This means you can hold your position indefinitely—whether for minutes, days, or weeks—until you decide to close it or your margin balance triggers liquidation.
- ✅ You can open or close positions anytime
- ❌ No forced settlement, unless the platform undergoes maintenance or system upgrades
- 💡 Ideal for traders who want flexibility without time pressure
👉 Discover how perpetual contracts give you full control over your trading timeline.
2. Delivery (Futures) Contracts
These contracts have a fixed expiration date, such as weekly, bi-weekly, or quarterly. You can trade them freely until that date.
- ✅ Close your position anytime before expiry
- ⏳ At expiration, all open positions are automatically settled at the mark price
- 📅 Common cycles: This Week, Next Week, Quarterly
If you don’t manually close your position before expiry, the system will settle it automatically in cash or underlying assets depending on the contract type.
3. Options Contracts
Bitcoin options also come with an expiration date. You can either exercise the option or sell it back to the market before expiry.
- ✅ Sell your option anytime before expiration
- 🕒 After expiration, in-the-money options may be auto-exercised; out-of-the-money options expire worthless
- 🔐 Offers strategic flexibility for hedging or speculative plays
Do Bitcoin Contracts Have Time Limits?
Yes—but only for certain types.
- Perpetual contracts: No time limit
- Delivery and options contracts: Fixed expiration dates
The key takeaway is that time limits are defined by contract design, not by Bitcoin itself. Always check the contract specifications on your exchange to avoid unexpected auto-settlements.
While spot trading has no deadlines, derivative contracts require active management around expiry times. Ignoring these can lead to unwanted settlements or missed profit opportunities.
How to Trade Bitcoin Contracts: Step-by-Step Guide
Trading Bitcoin contracts might seem complex at first, but with the right platform and understanding, it becomes intuitive. Below is a clear walkthrough using a leading digital asset exchange.
PC Platform: Contract Trading Tutorial
- Register an account
Visit the official website, enter your email, complete puzzle verification, and confirm via email code. - Verify phone number
Enter your mobile number and use the 6-digit SMS code (valid for 10 minutes). - Select country and accept terms
Agree to service terms, risk disclosures, and privacy policies. - Create a strong password
Must include uppercase, lowercase, number, symbol (8–32 characters). - Complete identity verification (KYC)
Access “User Center” > “Identity Verification.” Level 1 allows basic trading; Level 2 unlocks higher limits. - Deposit funds
Transfer USDT or BTC from your wallet to the trading account under “Funds.” - Switch to margin mode
Enable single-currency or cross-currency margin mode depending on your strategy. - Choose contract type
Click the dropdown next to a trading pair > search BTC > select “Delivery” or “Perpetual.” Set leverage and place order
Choose direction:- Buy Open Long (bullish)
- Sell Open Short (bearish)
Enter price and quantity using limit, market, or stop orders.
- Manage open positions
View margin, P&L, estimated liquidation price, and set stop-loss/take-profit levels. - Close position
Use “Close Position” with a specific price or click “Market Close All” for instant exit.
Mobile App: Contract Trading Made Easy
- Download and register
Open OKX app > tap “Sign Up” > enter email > verify with code. - Phone verification
Input number and receive SMS code. - Set password and complete KYC
Follow prompts to verify identity within the app. - Transfer assets
Move funds from funding to trading account. - Navigate to BTC perpetual or delivery contract
Tap the trading pair > switch to “Perpetual” tab. - Adjust leverage and trade
Select long/short, input size, choose order type (limit, market, etc.). - Monitor and close
Use stop-loss, take-profit, or instant close features directly from the position panel.
Key Rules of Perpetual Contract Trading
Understanding the mechanics behind perpetual contracts helps improve decision-making.
Trading Hours
- Operates 24/7, with settlements every 8 hours at 04:00, 12:00, and 20:00 (GMT+8)
- Brief interruptions during settlement; resumption is asset-specific
Order Types Explained
Type | Description |
---|---|
Limit Order | Set your own price; stays active until filled |
Post Only | Ensures maker status only; avoids taker fees |
Immediate or Cancel (IOC) | Fills instantly or cancels remainder |
Fill or Kill (FOK) | Entire order must fill immediately |
Stop-Limit / Take-Profit | Triggers when price hits target |
Market Order | Executes instantly at best available price |
👉 Explore advanced order types that help lock in profits automatically.
Position Management
- Only two positions allowed per contract: one long, one short
- Multiple entries merge into a single average-cost position
Exit calculations use moving average cost method
- Example: Buy 1 BTC contract at $10k + 2 at $15k → Average entry = ~$12,857
Platforms enforce position limits to prevent market manipulation and systemic risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I hold a Bitcoin perpetual contract forever?
Yes. Perpetual contracts do not expire. You can keep them open as long as you maintain sufficient margin and avoid liquidation.
Q: What happens if I don’t close a futures contract before expiry?
It will be automatically settled at the reference index price. You’ll receive profits or bear losses based on final valuation—no manual action needed.
Q: Are there fees for holding a contract overnight?
Perpetual contracts charge funding fees every 8 hours. These go to offset price divergence between perpetual and spot markets and are paid between traders (longs to shorts or vice versa).
Q: How is profit calculated in contract trading?
Profit = (Exit Price – Entry Price) × Contract Size × Direction
For short positions, reverse the formula.
Q: What causes liquidation in contract trading?
When losses erode your margin below the maintenance threshold, the system forcibly closes your position to prevent further debt.
Q: Is contract trading suitable for beginners?
It carries higher risk due to leverage. Beginners should start small, use stop-loss tools, and practice on demo accounts first.
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin contract trading offers powerful tools for both speculation and risk management—but success depends on understanding contract types, timing, and platform mechanics. Whether you're trading perpetuals without expiry or timed futures, knowing when and how to exit is crucial.
With intuitive interfaces on both web and mobile apps, getting started has never been easier. Just remember: knowledge, discipline, and smart risk controls are your best allies in this fast-moving market.
👉 Start practicing smart contract strategies with real-time data and low-latency execution.