In the fast-evolving world of digital assets, understanding core trading mechanisms and staying protected from online threats is essential. Whether you're new to crypto or expanding your knowledge, this guide covers critical topics such as contract types, fund management, security practices, and transaction transparency—all while helping you navigate platforms safely and efficiently.
How to Identify Official Channels and Avoid Scams
With the growing popularity of cryptocurrency platforms, phishing attempts and impersonation scams have become increasingly common. Fraudsters often pose as official support staff or create fake websites that closely resemble legitimate ones, tricking users into revealing sensitive information like login credentials or private keys.
To protect yourself:
- Always access the platform by manually typing www.okx.com into your browser.
- Avoid clicking on search engine results or third-party links claiming to be the official site.
- Be cautious of unsolicited messages or SMS notifications that prompt you to click links or transfer funds.
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Legitimate platforms will never ask for your password, 2FA codes, or direct fund transfers via private messages. If someone claims to be from customer support and requests such actions, it’s a red flag.
Recognizing Common Scam Tactics
Scammers are constantly refining their strategies. Recent tactics include:
- Using fake "risk control" alerts to trick users into sending cryptocurrency.
- Exploiting C2C trading patterns—such as placing and canceling orders—to collect merchant email addresses for targeted attacks.
- Sending fraudulent SMS messages claiming account restrictions unless immediate action is taken.
Always verify any suspicious communication through the official app or website. Never act on urgency-based prompts delivered via unverified channels.
Demystifying Contract Types: Perpetual vs. Delivery Contracts
Understanding the differences between contract types is crucial for informed trading decisions. Here’s what sets them apart:
Key Difference 1: Expiration and Holding Period
Delivery contracts have a fixed expiration date, meaning positions must be settled or rolled over when the contract matures. In contrast, perpetual contracts do not expire, allowing traders to hold positions indefinitely—as long as margin requirements are met and liquidation thresholds aren't breached.
Key Difference 2: Funding Rate Mechanism
Since perpetual contracts lack an expiry date, they use a funding rate to keep the contract price aligned with the underlying spot market. This fee is exchanged between long and short positions every eight hours, depending on market conditions. You can view the current funding rate directly in the perpetual contract details section.
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Key Difference 3: Mark Price Calculation
Both contract types use a mark price to calculate unrealized P&L and prevent price manipulation. While the formula is similar, differences in basis (the spread between futures and spot prices) lead to variations in actual values between delivery and perpetual contracts.
Understanding U-Margin vs. Coin-Margin Contracts
Another key distinction lies in how contracts are denominated and settled.
What Is a U-Margin Contract?
A U-margined contract uses USDT (or another stablecoin) as both collateral and profit/loss settlement currency. These include both perpetual and delivery contracts priced in USDT. For example, one BTC/USDT perpetual contract might represent 0.001 BTC in value.
What Is a Coin-Margined Contract?
A coin-margined contract uses the underlying cryptocurrency (like BTC or ETH) as margin and P&L denomination, but its value is measured in USD. For instance, each BTC coin-margined contract typically represents $100 worth of exposure.
Four Core Differences
- Margin Type: U-margined uses stablecoins; coin-margined uses native crypto.
- Valuation Unit: U-margined is quoted in USDT; coin-margined in USD.
- Contract Value: Expressed in units of the base asset vs. dollar amount.
- P&L Settlement: Profits and losses are calculated in different currencies based on contract type.
Choosing between these depends on your risk tolerance, hedging needs, and market outlook.
Managing Positions: How to Hold Long and Short Simultaneously
Traders often use hedging strategies to manage risk across volatile markets. To hold both long and short positions simultaneously:
- Switch your order mode to “Hedge Mode” (or “Open-Close Mode,” depending on platform terminology).
- This allows independent management of opposing positions on the same asset.
This functionality is particularly useful during uncertain market conditions when you want to lock in profits without fully exiting a trade.
Fund Transfers Between Accounts: Why They Matter
On most platforms, funds are separated into distinct accounts:
- Funding Account: Holds your deposited assets.
- Trading Account: Used for active trading activities.
To move assets between these environments, you must perform a fund transfer. This separation enhances security and helps maintain clear records of available balances versus committed capital.
Tracking Your Trading Activity
Transparency in order execution builds trust and improves decision-making.
What Do These Terms Mean?
- Order Quantity: The amount of asset you intend to buy or sell.
- Filled Quantity: The portion of your order that has been executed.
- Order Price: The price level at which you placed your order.
- Average Fill Price: The weighted average of all executed trades within a single order.
- Order Value: Order quantity × order price (expected total).
- Filled Value: Filled quantity × average fill price (actual total).
Where to Find Historical Data
After placing an order:
- Pending orders appear under “Open Orders.”
- Active positions are visible in “Current Positions.”
- Completed trades can be reviewed by accessing the “Order History” tab, usually marked by a clock icon.
T+N Protection: Why You Can’t Immediately Withdraw After Buying
For enhanced security, many platforms implement a T+N withdrawal restriction, especially after C2C transactions. This means:
- Assets purchased via peer-to-peer trading are temporarily locked for N days.
- During this period, you cannot withdraw or resell those funds via C2C.
- The lock duration varies based on risk assessment algorithms.
This feature protects users from receiving illicit funds unknowingly, reducing the risk of account freezes or legal complications due to money laundering concerns.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if a website is the real OKX platform?
A: Always type www.okx.com directly into your browser. Check for HTTPS encryption and verify domain ownership through trusted sources.
Q: When are funding fees charged in perpetual contracts?
A: Every 8 hours, based on the prevailing funding rate. You can check upcoming payment times in the contract details.
Q: Can I change from one margin type to another after opening a position?
A: No. The margin type is fixed once a position is opened. Choose carefully before entering a trade.
Q: Is T+N applicable to all types of deposits?
A: No. It only applies to assets acquired through C2C trading, not direct crypto deposits or internal transfers.
Q: How does mark price prevent liquidation due to price manipulation?
A: By using an external index price combined with a time-weighted average, the mark price reduces the impact of sudden spikes or dips on volatile exchanges.
Q: Where can I adjust my order mode for hedging?
A: Navigate to your contract trading interface and look for “Position Mode” settings—switch to hedge mode there.
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By mastering these foundational concepts—from recognizing scams to leveraging advanced order types—you empower yourself to trade smarter, safer, and more confidently in today’s dynamic crypto landscape.