Understanding OKX's Three Primary Contract Types
OKX (formerly OKEX) offers three main types of futures contracts designed to cater to different trading strategies and timelines:
Weekly Contracts
- Settles on the nearest Friday to the trading date
- Shortest-term option ideal for immediate market positions
Bi-weekly Contracts
- Settles on the second Friday following the trading date
- Provides slightly longer exposure than weekly contracts
Quarterly Contracts
- Settles on the last Friday of March, June, September, or December (whichever is nearest)
- Longest-term option among the three
- Specifically avoids overlapping with weekly/bi-weekly settlement dates
👉 Discover how these contracts work in practice
Expanded Contract Categories on OKX
Beyond these core types, OKX's ecosystem includes:
- Perpetual Contracts: No expiration date, with funding rate mechanisms
- Delivery Contracts: Physical settlement at expiration
- Options Contracts: Right but not obligation to buy/sell
Each category offers both:
- USDT-Margined Contracts (stablecoin collateral)
- Coin-Margined Contracts (crypto collateral)
Choosing the Right Contract Type
Consider these factors when selecting:
- Market outlook timeframe (short-term vs. long-term)
- Risk tolerance (shorter contracts may have higher volatility)
- Trading strategy (scalping, swing trading, hedging)
- Liquidity preferences (quarterly contracts often have deepest markets)
👉 Compare contract specifications side-by-side
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main advantage of weekly contracts?
Weekly contracts allow traders to capitalize on short-term price movements without rolling positions, making them ideal for event-driven strategies.
How often do quarterly contracts renew?
Quarterly contracts renew four times annually (every 3 months), with specific dates published in OKX's trading calendar.
Can I switch between contract types?
Yes, traders can simultaneously hold positions across different contract types, allowing sophisticated strategy implementation.
What's the difference between delivery and perpetual contracts?
Delivery contracts have fixed settlement dates, while perpetual contracts continue indefinitely with periodic funding payments between long and short positions.
Are margin requirements the same across contract types?
Margin requirements vary by contract type and duration, with generally higher margins required for longer-dated contracts due to increased price uncertainty.
Final Considerations
When trading OKX contracts:
- Always review contract specifications before entering positions
- Monitor funding rates for perpetual contracts
- Consider tax implications of different contract types
- Utilize risk management tools like stop-loss orders