10 Best Crypto Exchange with Native Cross-Margin Trading

In this article , I will explain the Best Crypto Exchange with Native Cross-Margin Trading as one of their native features. Cross-margin trading facilitates traders to enhance their positions over various assets, hence increasing the possible profits.

I will detail the best exchanges with this feature and explain their advantages, fees, and the sophisticated trading options they provide. Now, let’s take a closer look at the best exchange for cross-margin trading.

Key Point & Best Crypto Exchange with Native Cross-Margin Trading

1. Binance

Binance was incorporated in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao and Yi He, and within half a year it became the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume, surpassing $76 billion daily volume in 2024.

Binance has a comprehensive cross-margin trading system for spot, futures, and options with leverage 10x on spot and 125x on futures. Contribution to the unified account is stored in a single balance which can be allocated to multiple positions which decreases their liquidation risks.

With more than 350 cryptocurrencies and the greatest market demand (daily turnover of $40 billion), their cross-margin system is accompanies with sophisticated features such as TWAP orders and constant risk assessment.

Binance offers commission free BTC/ETH trading pairs, and supports al languages surpassing 40, but has region limitations, including the US, which is served by Binance.US.

Binance Pros & Cons

Pros:

• High Liquidity: Minimal slippage for cross margin trades as the exchange handles a whopping ~$40 billion daily volume.
• Cross Margin Support: Offered for spot, futures, and options with 125x leverage.
• Low Fees: 0.1% for spot trading, 0.02% maker for futures, both fees can be lowered by using BNB.
• Extensive Asset Range: 350+ cryptocurrencies to trade are available which is perfect for varying margin strategies.
• Favorable Fee Structure: Basic commissions of 0.1% on spot trading and 0.02% on futures trades can also be reduced by using BNB.
• Robust Features: Automated TWAP orders, real-time risk assessment, and multilingual (more than 40 languages) system.

Cons

• KYC Process: Easily suspected KYC policies can intefere with sign ups.
• Lack of Regulatory Controls: Some countries do not support (ex U.S. where Binance.US runs with limited options for users).
• Perceived Difficulties: Complex functionalities might be too much for novice trader to handle.

2. Bybit

Founded in 2018 in the British Virgin Islands, Bybit is now based in Dubai and is known for its industry-leading transaction speed, processing over 100 secure transactions per second (TPS).

Bybit enables cross-margin trading for spot and derivatives (futures and options) with up to 100x leverage on major pairs like BTC/USDT and 125x against USDC. Its unified trading account balances losses across wallets.

The mobile app (best rated on ios/android) and Bybit’s low-latency engine (under 1 ms execution) ultra-quick margin traders. It competitive charge for futures (0.02% maker, 0.055% taker).

Bybit particular set of 1,600 coins for spot trade and there is a 20% budget set aside to insure it’s safety, but it’s not available in the US and some other jurisdictions.

Bybit Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Latency: Order execution in less than a millisecond. Ideal for high-frequency margin trading.
• Flexible Cross-Margin: Supports Spot and Derivatives with up to 125x leverage on USDC pairs.
• User Friendly: Outstanding interface on both desktop and mobile (iOS/Android)
• Cost Effective: 0.02maker,0.02maker,0.055 taker for Futures, zero-fee spot for some pairs.
• Cybersecurity: 20% of budget allocated to cybersecurity, industry-leading protection.

Cons

• Fewn Spot Assets: Roughly 200 coins and branded a bit less diverse than Binance or KuCoin.
• License Issues: Not available in the USA and some countries due to licensing.
• Focus on Derivatives: Spot margin trading is under-developed compared to futures.

3. OKX

Founded in 2017 in the Seychelles, OKX has a presence in over 200 countries and is famous for integration in Web3, such as the non-custodial wallet and NFT marketplace.

OKX supports cross-margin trading with a flexible balance. It accommodates spot, pivotal futures, and options of upto 10x leverage for spot and 125x for derivatives. Words 139 perpetual, and 1,336 covered futures and coins are settled USD or coin-margined.

OTX unified account with advanced risk management (e.g., auto-deleveraging), balances the account to the set limit on loses). Its low fees of 0.08% maker and 0.1% taker, plus volumes high liquid ux US$5-10 billion in daily, bolster support.

The interface comes across as less intuitive for new users and is not accessible from the US due to restrictions. They recently introduced compulsory KYC.

OKX Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Flexible Margin System: Unified account cross margining for Spot, Futures, and Options up to 125x leverage.
• Liquidity: Supports big margin trades with $5-10 Billion daily volume.
• Risk Management: Advanced auto-deleveraging with negative balance protection.
• Web3 Features: Non-custodial wallet and NFT marketplace enhances ecosystem.
• Cost: 0.08% maker, 0.1% taker, VIP discount applies, industry low.

Cons:

• Beginning Users: Difficult for beginners due to steep learning curve.
• Region Restrictions: Not available to users in the USA and some jurisdictions.
• Identity Check: Move to strict verification checks may alienate some users.

4. Bitget

Founded in Singapore in 2018, Bitget sharpened its reputation through partnerships with global celebrities like Lionel Messi, boosting its brand trust.

Bitget supports permament futures and limited spot pairs cross-margin with bitcoin leverage of 125x. Its copy trading functionality allows users to replicate margin strategies of pro traders.

Bitget’s user-friendly interface catered for beginners and copy trading features make it appealing, while high leverage and low slippage attract advanced traders ($3 billion daily volume). Fees are 0.1% spot and 0.02% maker for futures.

Bitget lags behind KuCoin and MEXC, listing only ~500 cryptocurrencies, but offers superior futures trading. Struggling outside margin diversity, they recently implemented mandatory KYC.

Bitget Pros & Cons

Pros

• Social Trading: One-of-a-kind option permits users to copy professional traders’ margin methods.
• Very High Leverage: Up to 125x for futures cross margin trading.
• Friendly to Users: An uncluttered clean layout welcomes amateurs and experts alike.
• Low Slippage: Estimated $3 billion in trading volume daily guarantees sufficent liquidity.
• Low Fees: 0.1% for spot and 0.02% for maker in futures trading is good value.

Cons

• Limited Spot Margin: Not as abundant spot pairs as futures pairs.
• Narrower Asset Coverage: About 500 coins is less than KuCoin or MEXC.
• Mandatory KYC: Privacy oriented traders may find this new rule unappealing.

5. KuCoin

Established in 2017 in Seychelles, KuCoin is dubbed the “People’s Exchange” for focus on user satisfaction, serving over 30 million users across 200 countries.

KuCoin offers integrated cross-margin trading for spot and futures, with bitcoin leverage up to 100x. They are unique in successfully supporting over 700 cryptocurrencies altcoin margin trading.

The funding rates of KuCoin (0.01–0.03% per 8-hour period) and its selection of assets make it altcoin trader’s top choice. Fees for Spot trading start at 0.1% which can be further reduced using KCS tokens.

Within the confines of the Indian government’s FIU regulations, KuCoin’s liquidity of ~$2 billion daily is still less than their competitor Binance. Also, their margin system is outdated for high-frequency trading.

KuCoin Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Applicable for Everyone: For margin trading with altcoins and trading 700+ cryptocurrencies is avalaible.
• More Competitive Funding Rates: For futures 0.01-0.03% every 8 hours, more affordable than most rivals.
• Cross-Margin Support: Automatically combined for spot and futures with leverage 100x.
• Fees are Low: For spot trading fees are 0.1% which can decrease with KCS tokens.
• Strong Global Presence: Available in 200+ countries with user base of over 30 million.

Cons:

• Below Average Margin Liquidity: With $2 billion in daily volume, they are outdone by Binance or OKX.
• Simplistic Strategy Tools: Less suitable for fast-paced or intricate margin strategies.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Class D exchange status may concern some users.

6. MEXC

Founded in 2018 in Singapore, MEXC acquired the title of best exchange platform in Asia at Crypto Expo for being one of the first to list new tokens, alongside having over 1,600 tokens listed.

MEXC offers cross-margin for spot and perpetual swaps with a remarkable leverage of up to 200x, the highest among the listed exchanges. It also offers advanced order types such as trailing stop.

With MEXC no maker fees and 0.05% taker fee, they’re able to maintain strong margins for trades. Coupled with their moderate liquidity of about $1-2 billion and rapid token listings, MEXC can be ideal for altcoin margin trading.

With high leverage provided by MEXC, the lack of strong risk management poses higher risks to traders. The lack of mandatory KYC also helps appeal to privacy centric traders.

MEXC Pros & Cons

Pros:

• High Leverage: Up to 200x for perpetual swaps. This is the highest among the listed exchanges.
• Extensive Cryptocurrency Coverage: 1,600+ available cryptocurrencies which are perfect for speculative margin trading.
• Zero Maker Fees: 0.05% for taker in spots and low fees for futures (0.02% for making).
• No Mandatory KYC: Appeals to traders who value privacy.
• Fast Token Listings: New tokens are added really quickly which increases margin opportunities.

Cons:

• Moderate Liquidity: Less than the top-tier exchanges with a daily volume of 1−1−2 billion.
• Weaker Risk Management: High leverage increases risks of liquidation.
• Less Reputable: With a smaller user base and less regulatory clarity than Binance, trust levels are lower.

7. Gate.io

Established in 2013 in the Cayman Islands, Gate.io is one of the longest-standing exchanges, supporting over 1,400 cryptocurrencies and unique ETF products.

Gate allows cross-margin trading for spot, futures, and leveraged ETFs with up to 100x leverage. It has risk management controls like margin calls and auto-liquidation.

Access to margin trading for ETFs is a differentiating factor. Also unique is its wide range of assets and liquidity of ~1.5 billion daily. Trade fees are 0.1% on spot trading and can be lowered using GT tokens.

Gate’s interface is often described as cluttered and Forbes’ classification of it as a Class D exchange (less regulated) means it’s considered less trustworthy by some users.

Gate.io Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Diverse Assets: 1400+ cryptocurrencies available including niche tokens.
• Supports Leveraged ETF Trading: Along with spots and futures (up to 100x leverage) ETF margins are available.
• Oldest Exchange: Established as one of the oldest exchanges in 2013.
• Competitive Fees: 0.1% of spots and can be reduced by GT tokens.
• Margin Controls: Calls and auto liquidation control margin losses.

Cons

• Cluttered Interface: New users may find it overwhelming.
• Less Liquidity: Daily trading volume is $1.5 billion which is not as deep as Binance.
• Regulatory Concerns: Class D status and less oversight which is problematic.

8. Phemex

Phemex, established in Singapore in 2019, stands out due to its non-KYC trading, an enticing feature for privacy conscious traders due to a daily withdrawal limit of 50,000 USDT.

Phemex allows cross-margin for spot and futures with up to 100x leverage. It instant balance transfers via unified accounts and supports ~150 cryptocurrencies.

Fast order execution combined with free spot trading for premium users makes it compelling. Futures trading is affordable as well (0.01% maker and 0.06% taker).

Its ~$1 billion daily liquidity and asset selection are less than what Binance provides. Phemex is friendlier for beginners, but doesn’t cater to those looking to margin trade altcoins.

Phemex Pros & Cons

Pros:

• No-KYC Account Restrictions: Daily transfer limits of 50,000 USDT without any identity verification.
• Fee Free Spot Trading: Zero for premium accounts; 0.1% for others.
• Execution Speed: Speed of trading engine uptime high.
• Cross Margin Flexibility: Combined account for spot and futures trading (leverage up to 100x).
• Futures Fees: Lower than competitors: 0.01% maker, 0.06% taker.

Cons:

• Few Covered Assets: 150 coins supported, which is much lower than KuCoin or MEXC.
• Less Competitive: ~$1 billion daily trading volume, lower liquidity for big trades.
• Dependency on Premium Account: Best features full access only with a subscription.

9. Deribit

Founded in The Netherlands in 2016, Deribit exclusively offers trading in BTC and ETH derivatives, including European-style vanilla options tailored for professional traders.

Deribit offers native cross-margin for futures and options with up to 100x leverage. The portfolio margin system achieves greater capital efficiency.

Advanced risk management (real-time monitoring with stress tested liquidations) combined with a focus on derivatives makes Deribit a top provider for professional traders. 0.02% fee maker, 0.04% fee taker.

Limited to BTC and ETH with no spot trading, it is not suited for casual or altcoin traders. They serve more than 100 countries, but KYC is mandatory.

Deribit Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Specialist in Derivatives: Features dedicated cross margin for BTC/ETH options and futures (up to 100x leverage).
• Sophisticated Risk Control: Portfolio margin with liquidation in real-time.
• Professional Grade Options: European-style options with high-stress testing.
• Lower Pricing: 0.02% maker, 0.04% taker for futures.
• Wide Availability: Accessible in over 100 countries.

Cons:

• Few Assets On Offer: No spot trading, only BTC, ETH, and a few others.
• Complex Structure: Not suited for novice traders.
• Mandatory KYC: Loss of privacy, identity verification requirement.

10. HTX (formerly Huobi)

Founded in Seychelles in 2013, HTX weathered China’s Bitcoin trading ban and global expansion followed with exchange launches in Japan and Singapore in 2017-2018.

HTX offers cross-margin for spot and futures, providing leverage of 100x. HTX also provides high liquidity for major pairs, with around 2-3 billion dollars in daily volume.

Exceptional features like grid trading combined with competitively low fees of 0.1% spot trading make HTX favorable. They support around 400 cryptocurrencies.

Unlike KuCoin or MEXC, HTX has a more limited selection of altcoins and has certain regulatory limitations in specific areas. It ranks second in derivatives trading volume, trailing only Binance.

HTX Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supported Pair Liquidity: ~$2-3 billion daily trading volume, most pairs perform well.

• Cross-Margin Support: Accessible for spot and futures with 100x leverage.
• Advanced Tools: Margin strategies are enhanced by grid trading and additional analytics.
• Resilience: Expanded globally after surviving China’s crypto-ban.
• Low Fees: 0.1% spot fee, further reducible with HT tokens.

Cons

• Narrower Asset Range: ~400 coins, lower than KuCoin or MEXC.
• Regional Restrictions: Some countries are limited due to regulatory restrictions.
• Interface Complexity: More difficult than Bybit or Bitget for beginners.

Conclusion

Native cross-margin trading is efficiently provided by Binance and OKX, offering the best trade systems, incredibly liquid markets ($40 billion and $5-10 billion daily volumes), and sophisticated risk control.

Leading the way is Binance with 350+ listed cryptocurrencies and industry-best trade fees of just 0.1% spot. OKX’s unified account performs best for spot, futures, and options trading.

For derivatives traders, Bybit and Deribit shine with Bybit’s ultra-fast execution and Deribit focusing on BTC/ETH options. Altcoin traders are served by KuCoin and MEXC while Bitget caters to newbies through copy trading and Phemex has no-KYC requirements.

Niche features are offered by Gate.io and HTX. Select according to the listed assets, leverage, and region accessibility. Binance remains the best overall option.