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Where and how to trader bitcoin in 2025: complete guide for beginners
Trader Bitcoin: the main thing to remember to start
Trader Bitcoin is attracting more and more investors and traders due to the high volatility of the market and opportunities to make profits on the short -term price of Bitcoin. To start trading bitcoin, simply open an account on a quality trading platform, file funds (in euros, dollars or crypto) and place your first orders. Bitcoin trading is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which makes it possible to react in real time to the movements of the Bitcoin course.
Table of contents
What is Bitcoin trading?
Whether you are interested in day trading , swing trading , CFD trading on Bitcoin or the use of leverage , there are many platforms today adapted to all profiles. Cryptocurrencies trading allows you to take advantage of market volatility to make short or long -term profits, depending on your trading strategy and risk tolerance.
Before you get started, it is important to choose your platform, understanding trading costs and controlling risk management tools to trade independently.
Where trader bitcoin: centralized decentralized platforms
Centralized platforms (CEX): simplicity and efficiency
The most popular method in the Bitcoin community to trade Bitcoin remains the use of a centralized trading platform, also called CEX (Centralized Exchange). On these platforms, such as Bitvavo, Binance or Kraken, you really hold your bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies: you can buy, sell, deposit, remove and keep your digital assets directly on the platform. In Europe, cash trading (spot) is the standard: it is generally not possible to sell in their discoveries (shorts) or to use a lever effect on bitcoin for individuals, due to the regulations. Some platforms offer derivative products or trading on margin, but access is often restricted according to your country of residence and does not always concern Bitcoin. The CEXs are therefore ideal for those who wish to buy bitcoin, hold it, transfer it or use it, while enjoying an intuitive interface, high liquidity and competitive costs.
Our choice of CEX to trader bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
For European residents, we recommend Bitvavo in particular. This platform offers:
Very competitive costs (maximum 0.25 % and even 0.05 % max on USDC pairs of the Pro Platform).
Over 350 cryptocurrencies available, which allows you to invest in many atltcOOS.
An environment regulated and registered with European financial authorities.
A simplified interface, adapted to beginners while having the opportunity to go to a pro platform.
The possibility of making free deposits in euros by SEPA transfer.
Excellent security with partial insurance on funds in the event of a problem.
The Bitvavo Pro platform combines the necessary trading tools, accessibility, transparency on trading costs and a wide choice of assets, making it a reference to trade bitcoin without complexity.
Decentralized platforms (DEX): autonomy and innovation
Trading on cryptocurrencies is evolving rapidly, and more and more users choose to trader Bitcoin without intermediary via decentralized platforms (DEX) such as dYdX or Drift. These platforms work without central authority: you keep control of your funds thanks to a decentralized portfolio.
On a Dex, it is possible to take long or short positions (shorts), to use a lever effect, and to trader 24/7, directly from your Wallet. You never put your assets on a platform: you interact directly with the blockchain, which limits the risks linked to the funding of the funds by a third party.
DEXs are particularly suitable for users who wish to exploit market volatility, experiment with advanced strategies or remain masters of their private keys. Be careful however, handling is more technical and the risks of handling or error are higher for beginners.
How does a decentralized portfolio work?
A decentralized portfolio (Wallet DEFI ) is an application that allows you to manage your crypto and interact directly with the blockchain. Unlike a account on a platform , you are the only private keys: you control your bitcoins and cryptocurrencies at any time. To start trading on a Dex, you have to:
- Download a compatible wallet (ex: metamask, phantom, keplr)
- Create a backup of your recovery sentence
- Transfer cryptocurrencies (often USDC or ETH) to your wallet
- Connect your wallet to the decentralized trading platform
To learn how to use a decentralized portfolio we offer our free guide, step by step, supporting screenshots. What you will learn:
- Master a decentralized portfolio (DEFI) - Learn to manage your assets without intermediary and interact directly with the blockchain.
- Perform transactions via a decentralized wallet - a practical guide to exchange cryptos independently.
- Explore decentralized finance (DEFI) - Discover advanced concepts such as staking and NFT, and optimize your investment strategies.
Download the guide for free by filling out the form below:
Drift : Trading experience on Solana
Drift is an initially developed decentralized exchange developed on Solana , a blockchain renowned for its speed and low transaction costs. The principle is quite simple: you connect your wallet, you drop the cryptocurrency (often from the USDC on Solana ) and you can then take long or short positions on different pairs. Drift advantages :
- Drift is distinguished by an offer rich in more than 50 trading pairs, covering major cryptocurrencies BTC , ETH or Sol, but also many native tokens of the Solana .
- Trading costs are very competitive, with –0.01 % for makers (you are paid to bring liquidity) and 0.1 % for maximum takers and can be reduced thanks to the fuel loyalty program, which rewards users according to their activity on the platform .
- Drift offers return options thanks to loans/loans, providing liquidity as well as vaults.
- Drift also offers its BET prediction market, similar to Polymarket .
For more details, we invite you to visit our article on how works and how to use Drift Protocol .
dYdX : the reference DEX for derivatives
dYdX is often presented as a reference for trading of decentralized perpetual contracts. Initially launched on Ethereum , the protocol used a layer 2 to offer fast and low cost transactions. Since its transition to its own blockchain, dYdX Chain, based on the Cosmos ecosystem, the protocol works in a even more decentralized way, with a model based on evidence (proof-of-stake). To start trading, simply connect a compatible wallet and supply your dYdX in USDC , the main stablecoin used on the platform. Users can then choose their lever, place long or short orders, and access a wide range of crypto pairs while benefiting from the advantages of decentralized finance (DEFI). For more details, we invite you to visit our article on how and how to use dYdX . dYdX advantages :
- dYdX combines the technical performance of a centralized exchange with the guarantees of transparency of the DEFI. Its main asset is its new sovereign blockchain (dYdX Chain), which allows it to ensure rapid execution of orders, an almost instant purpose, and a trading experience without network congestion.
- The platform offers more than 200 active perpetual markets, with leverage up to 50x on the main crypto pairs.
- Trading costs are particularly competitive (0.5 % max for Takers and 0.1 % for makers), and can be reduced more depending on the volume exchanged or via staking of the DYDXtoken.
- The Cosmos environment allows dYdX to rely on a robust decentralized model, where network security is based on a set of independent validators, strengthening the autonomy and resilience of the protocol.
CFD platforms: flexible speculation, leverage and short access
In addition to CEX and DEX, there are platforms specializing in CFD trading (contracts for difference) on Bitcoin, such as XTB, Capital.com, FP Markets, Plus500 or Activtrades. On these platforms, you never really hold bitcoins : you speculate only on the variation in the price of bitcoin, upwards and downwards.
The CFDs make it possible to open long (purchase) or short (uncovered sale) positions, to use a lever effect (generally limited to X2 for individuals in France), and to access advanced analysis and risk management tools.
CFD platforms are therefore ideal for traders who wish to take advantage of the volatility of the Bitcoin market in the short term, without worrying about the detention or safety of the assets. On the other hand, it is not possible to remove bitcoin or use it for payments or staking : you only treat financial contracts indexed to the price of bitcoin.
In summary, the choice of the platform depends on your goals and your experience:
On a CEX, you really hold your bitcoins but access to shorts and leverage is limited.
On a Dex specializing in perpetual contracts such as dYdX or Drift , you can use the lever effect and take long or short positions on the price of Bitcoin. You keep control of your collateral (often USDC USDC via your own Wallet, but you do not directly hold the underlying asset: you have a derivative position whose value evolves according to the price of bitcoin. Your collateral remains under your management, but it is blocked in the smart contract until the position is open.
On a CFD platform, you do not hold Bitcoin either: you speculate only on its price variations, upwards and downwards, with the possibility of using the lever effect. This type of platform offers great flexibility for short -term trading, but these are only financial contracts indexed to the price of Bitcoin, without access to real assets.
How to trader bitcoin: steps and practical advice
Open a Bitcoin trading account
To start trading Bitcoin , you have to open an account on a recognized trading platform Registration generally requires:
- A valid e-mail address
- Verification of your identity (KYC)
- An initial deposit in euros, dollars or crypto
Choosing your Bitcoin trading strategy
Bitcoin traders can choose from several Bitcoin trading strategies :
- Day Trading : Take advantage of volatility to open and close positions on the same day of trading.
- Swing Trading : target trend movements over several days or weeks.
- CFD trading on Bitcoin: speculate on the rise or drop in the price of bitcoin without having the asset, using CFDs on Bitcoin .
- Use of the lever effect to amplify gains (and losses).
Understand the risks of Bitcoin trading
Bitcoin trading implies exposure to market volatility . The price of Bitcoin can evolve very quickly, upwards and downwards. Traders must be aware that profits are never guaranteed and that losses can be significant, especially with the lever effect . Before Bitcoin trader , it is advisable to:
- Define a risk management plan ( stop loss , take profit )
- Never invest more than you can afford to lose
- Take the time to train in technical and fundamental analysis
- Understand how trading and difference between bitcoin trading and the purchase of long -term
Tools to succeed in Bitcoin trading
Technical and fundamental analysis
It is useful to master the basics of technical analysis (reading of graphics, indicators such as RSI, MacD, mobile average) and fundamental analysis for longer -term trading (study of news, innovations, bitcoin mining , regulation, case of use of bitcoin in the future).
Risk management and volatility
Cryptocurrency trading requires rigorous risk management. Use the tools offered by your platform :
- Stop and limits orders to protect your positions
- Choice of lever adapted to your profile
- Regular monitoring of bitcoin and sector news prices
Advice to learn to trader bitcoin independently
- Train with specialized guides and reliable resources on crypto trading
- Test your strategies on a demonstration account before investing in real
- Stay informed about regulations, new features and trends in the Bitcoin market
- Keep a trace of all your transactions to facilitate the tax declaration
FAQ: Everything you need to know to trade bitcoin
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency , created in 2009, which makes it possible to exchange value without intermediary. Its offer limited to 21 million pieces and its blockchain technology make it a reference in the world of crypto .
How to trade bitcoin without holding the assets?
You can trade bitcoin without holding bitcoins using derivative products such as Bitcoin CFDs , or speculating on the price of bitcoin via platforms .
What are the risks of Bitcoin trading?
Bitcoin trading exposes to high volatility , the lever effect if used, and the possibility of losing all or part of your capital. It is recommended to understand the risks of trading before getting started.
How to trader crypto?
To trade crypto , simply choose a trading platform , open an account , file funds and place your first orders according to your trading strategy .
Conclusion: discover the trading of bitcoin and succeed in your first steps
Trader on bitcoin and cryptocurrencies allows access to a dynamic market, open 24 hours a day, with opportunities to make profits thanks to the volatility of the sector. Whether you choose a platform like Bitvavo, new Dex like Drift and dYdX or a CFD platform, take the time to train and define a trading strategy adapted to your profile. Bitcoin trading involves risks, but it can also offer unique opportunities for investors who wish to expose yourself to the Bitcoin market . Learning to trade, understanding how Bitcoin trading works and choosing the right platform are the keys to trading independently and taking advantage of market volatility . To go further and Bitcoin trading and other crypto , do not hesitate to consult our guides, test different strategies and remain informed about the evolution of the sector. You can trade on Bitcoin today and join the traders that shape the future of crypto currency .
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Noah
Training engineer, I quickly became interested in the field of finance. Convinced that decentralized finance has a bright future ahead of it, I participate in its democratization by developing Crypternon.
