How can I trade bitcoin futures at TD Ameritrade?

To get started, you first need to open a TD Ameritrade account and indicate that you plan to actively trade. There are certain qualifications and permissions required on your account for CME Group (CME) bitcoin futures trading (/BTC)SM, including:

Margin enabled

Tier 2 spread option approval

Advanced features enabled

Futures trading approval

Account minimum of $25,000

Once you are approved to trade futures, you still need access to /BTC to add bitcoin trading to your account. To request access, contact the Futures Desk at 866-839-1100.

Please note that the TD Ameritrade margin requirement for bitcoin futures products is 1.5 times higher than the exchange margin requirements, and is subject to change without notice.

Funds must be fully cleared in your account before they can be used to trade any futures contracts, including bitcoin futures. ACH and Express Funding methods require up to four business days for deposits to clear. Wire transfers are cleared the same business day.

While futures products still carry unique and often significant risks, they can potentially provide a more regulated and stable environment to provide some exposure to bitcoin as a commodity as well. You should carefully consider whether trading in bitcoin futures is appropriate for you in light of your experience, objectives, financial resources, and other relevant circumstances.

Please note that virtual currency is a digital representation of value that functions as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, or a store of value, but it does not have legal tender status. Virtual currencies are sometimes exchanged for U.S. dollars or other currencies around the world, but they are not currently backed nor supported by any government or central bank. Their value is completely derived by market forces of supply and demand, and they are more volatile than traditional fiat currencies. Profits and losses related to this volatility are amplified in margined futures contracts.