Post-Only Orders: Minimizing Fees on Tradefutures.
Post-Only Orders: Minimizing Fees on Tradefutures
Crypto futures trading offers significant leverage and opportunities for profit, but it also comes with a crucial consideration: fees. These fees can eat into your gains, especially for high-frequency traders. One powerful technique to mitigate these costs is utilizing “post-only” orders. This article will delve into post-only orders, specifically within the context of platforms like Tradefutures, and compare their implementation across popular exchanges such as Binance, Bybit, BingX, and Bitget. We’ll focus on what beginners need to know to effectively leverage this strategy.
What are Post-Only Orders?
A post-only order is a type of limit order that *guarantees* it will be executed as a maker order, meaning it adds liquidity to the order book rather than taking it away. Typically, exchanges charge different fees for maker and taker orders. Maker orders, which provide liquidity, generally have lower fees than taker orders, which consume liquidity.
When you place a market order, you're a "taker" – immediately buying or selling at the best available price. This removes liquidity from the order book. A limit order, on the other hand, specifies the price you're willing to trade at. If your limit order doesn't immediately match with an existing order, it sits in the order book as a "maker" order, waiting to be filled.
However, standard limit orders can sometimes be executed as *taker* orders if the price moves quickly and your limit price intersects with the best bid or ask. This happens because, in fast-moving markets, your limit order can "hit" an existing order, effectively becoming a taker. Post-only orders solve this problem by instructing the exchange to *only* execute your order if it can be placed as a maker. If it cannot be placed as a maker, the order is cancelled. More information on the mechanics of post-only orders can be found Post-only order.
Why Use Post-Only Orders?
The primary benefit of post-only orders is fee reduction. The fee savings can be substantial, particularly for traders who place a high volume of orders. This is because maker fees are typically significantly lower than taker fees.
Beyond fee reduction, post-only orders can offer a degree of price control. You're specifying the price you're willing to trade at, protecting you from slippage (the difference between the expected price and the actual execution price) that can occur with market orders.
However, there are trade-offs. Post-only orders are not guaranteed to be filled immediately. Your order may sit in the order book for a while, or even be cancelled if the market moves away from your limit price. This is a key consideration, especially in volatile markets.
Fee Structures & Post-Only Impact: A Platform Comparison
Let's examine how post-only orders and fee structures work on some popular exchanges:
- Binance Futures: Binance offers a tiered fee structure based on 30-day trading volume and VIP level. Maker fees can be as low as -0.025% for high-volume traders, while taker fees start at 0.075%. Binance’s post-only feature is available within the advanced order type settings. Users can select “Post Only” to ensure their limit orders are always placed as maker orders.
- Bybit: Bybit also utilizes a tiered fee structure. Maker fees can reach -0.05%, while taker fees start at 0.075%. Bybit’s interface includes a dedicated “Post Only” checkbox when placing limit orders. The platform is known for its relatively simple-to-use interface, making post-only order placement straightforward.
- BingX: BingX provides a competitive fee structure with maker fees as low as -0.05% and taker fees starting at 0.075%. BingX’s post-only functionality is integrated into the order type selection process. Users can choose "Limit - Post Only" directly from the order type dropdown.
- Bitget: Bitget offers maker fees as low as -0.025% and taker fees starting at 0.075%. Bitget's interface allows users to enable the “Post Only” option when placing limit orders, similar to Binance and Bybit. Bitget also provides copy trading features, which may be relevant for beginners.
The following table summarizes the typical fee ranges as of late 2023/early 2024 (fees can change, so always verify on the exchange's website):
| Exchange | Maker Fee (Lowest) | Taker Fee (Starting) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binance Futures | -0.025% | 0.075% | Bybit | -0.05% | 0.075% | BingX | -0.05% | 0.075% | Bitget | -0.025% | 0.075% |
As you can see, the potential fee savings with post-only orders can be significant, especially as your trading volume increases.
Tradefutures and Post-Only Orders
Tradefutures, as a platform built for futures trading, will likely incorporate post-only order functionality. The implementation details (interface, settings) will be crucial for user adoption. A clean and intuitive interface for enabling post-only orders is paramount. The platform should clearly indicate whether an order is being placed as a maker or taker. Consideration should also be given to providing educational resources explaining the benefits and risks of post-only orders, linking to resources like Post-only order for further understanding.
User Interface Considerations
The ease of use of a platform’s post-only order feature is critical, especially for beginners. Here’s what to look for in a good user interface:
- **Clear Checkbox/Toggle:** A prominent and easily accessible checkbox or toggle labeled "Post Only" when placing limit orders.
- **Order Preview:** A clear preview of the order, indicating whether it will be placed as a maker or taker based on the current market conditions and the post-only setting.
- **Cancellation Notification:** A notification if the post-only order is cancelled because it cannot be placed as a maker.
- **Fee Breakdown:** A transparent breakdown of the fees associated with the order, showing the maker/taker fee applied.
- **Advanced Order Settings:** Integration within advanced order settings to allow customization of post-only order parameters.
Beginner's Guide to Using Post-Only Orders
Here’s a step-by-step guide for beginners:
1. **Understand the Basics:** Before using post-only orders, familiarize yourself with limit orders and the difference between maker and taker fees. 2. **Enable Post-Only:** When placing a limit order on your chosen exchange, find the "Post Only" option (usually a checkbox) and enable it. 3. **Set Your Limit Price:** Choose a limit price that is slightly away from the current market price. This increases the likelihood that your order will be placed as a maker. How far away depends on market volatility. 4. **Monitor Your Order:** Keep an eye on your order in the order book. If it’s not filled quickly, it may be because the market is not reaching your limit price. 5. **Be Patient:** Post-only orders require patience. They are not designed for immediate execution. 6. **Consider Volatility:** In highly volatile markets, your post-only order may be cancelled frequently. Adjust your limit price accordingly. 7. **Combine with Stop-Loss Orders:** Always use stop-loss orders to protect your capital. Understanding Using Stop-Loss Orders to Minimize Risks in Crypto Futures Trading is crucial when trading futures.
Important Considerations & Risks
- **Order Cancellation:** Post-only orders can be cancelled if the market moves too quickly and your limit price is no longer valid for a maker order.
- **Slower Execution:** Post-only orders are not guaranteed to be filled immediately. You may miss out on short-term price movements.
- **Volatility:** In volatile markets, post-only orders may be cancelled frequently, requiring constant adjustment.
- **Funding Fees:** Remember to factor in Funding Fees when calculating your overall profitability. These fees can offset some of the savings from reduced trading fees.
- **Liquidity:** Post-only orders rely on sufficient liquidity in the order book. If liquidity is low, your order may not be filled.
Advanced Strategies
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can explore more advanced strategies:
- **Iceberg Orders with Post-Only:** Combine post-only orders with iceberg orders (large orders that are broken down into smaller, hidden orders) to minimize market impact.
- **VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price) Orders with Post-Only:** Use post-only orders to execute VWAP orders at a lower cost.
- **Automated Trading Bots:** Integrate post-only orders into your automated trading bots to optimize fee efficiency.
Conclusion
Post-only orders are a valuable tool for minimizing fees in crypto futures trading, particularly on platforms like Binance, Bybit, BingX, and Bitget. While they require patience and understanding of market dynamics, the potential fee savings can significantly improve your profitability. Tradefutures should prioritize a user-friendly implementation of this feature, along with comprehensive educational resources. Remember to always combine post-only orders with risk management strategies, such as stop-loss orders, to protect your capital.
Recommended Futures Exchanges
| Exchange | Futures highlights & bonus incentives | Sign-up / Bonus offer |
|---|---|---|
| Binance Futures | Up to 125× leverage, USDⓈ-M contracts; new users can claim up to $100 in welcome vouchers, plus 20% lifetime discount on spot fees and 10% discount on futures fees for the first 30 days | Register now |
| Bybit Futures | Inverse & linear perpetuals; welcome bonus package up to $5,100 in rewards, including instant coupons and tiered bonuses up to $30,000 for completing tasks | Start trading |
| BingX Futures | Copy trading & social features; new users may receive up to $7,700 in rewards plus 50% off trading fees | Join BingX |
| WEEX Futures | Welcome package up to 30,000 USDT; deposit bonuses from $50 to $500; futures bonuses can be used for trading and fees | Sign up on WEEX |
| MEXC Futures | Futures bonus usable as margin or fee credit; campaigns include deposit bonuses (e.g. deposit 100 USDT to get a $10 bonus) | Join MEXC |
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