How to Trade
Bitcoin (BTC)
Master the world's most valuable cryptocurrency. From buying your first satoshi to advanced trading strategies — everything you need to trade Bitcoin profitably in 2026.
Start Trading Bitcoin in 3 Steps
You can be trading Bitcoin within minutes. Here is exactly how to get started.
Choose Your Platform
Pick a regulated CFD broker (AvaTrade, eToro) for trading or an exchange (Coinbase, Kraken) to buy and hold actual Bitcoin.
Fund Your Account
Deposit via bank transfer, card, or e-wallet. CFD brokers typically require $100–200 minimum; exchanges accept as little as $10.
Place Your Trade
Search for Bitcoin (BTC/USD), choose your position size, set stop-loss and take-profit levels, then execute. You are now trading Bitcoin.
Why Trade Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is not just another asset — it is digital gold with a 15-year track record.
Bitcoin was created in 2009 as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system. Today, it has evolved into "digital gold" — a store of value that has outperformed every other asset class over the past decade. With a hard cap of 21 million coins and decreasing issuance (halving every 4 years), Bitcoin is the scarcest monetary asset ever created.
This scarcity, combined with growing institutional adoption — BlackRock, Fidelity, and MicroStrategy now hold billions in BTC — creates a compelling long-term case that extends well beyond speculation.
Market Leader
Bitcoin dominates 50%+ of crypto market cap. It is the most liquid, most traded, and most recognized cryptocurrency in the world.
Proven Track Record
Despite 80% crashes, Bitcoin has recovered to new all-time highs every cycle. A 15-year track record of long-term growth that no other crypto can match.
Institutional Adoption
BlackRock, Fidelity, and MicroStrategy hold billions in BTC. ETF approvals in 2024 brought mainstream legitimacy and billions in new capital.
Digital Scarcity
Only 21 million Bitcoin will ever exist. The halving every 4 years reduces new supply, historically triggering multi-year bull runs.
4 Ways to Trade Bitcoin
From spot buying to leveraged CFDs, choose the method that fits your trading style.
Bitcoin CFDs
Trade Bitcoin price movements without owning BTC. Best for short-term trading with leverage up to 1:100 at many brokers.
- No wallet needed
- Trade long or short
- Leverage available
- Regulated brokers
Spot Trading
Buy actual Bitcoin on exchanges. You own the coins and can transfer them to your own wallet for long-term holding.
- Own real Bitcoin
- Self-custody option
- No expiry dates
- Long-term holding
Bitcoin ETFs
Buy Bitcoin exposure through regulated ETFs in your brokerage account. The simplest option for traditional investors.
- Tax-advantaged accounts
- No crypto knowledge needed
- Regulated products
- Easy to buy and sell
Futures Trading
Trade Bitcoin futures on CME or crypto platforms. For experienced traders who want maximum leverage and deep liquidity.
- High leverage
- Funding rates
- Professional tools
- Deep liquidity
For most traders — especially beginners — we recommend starting with Bitcoin CFDs. They offer the lowest barrier to entry, the most flexible position sizing, and can be traded on popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. You can go long when you think Bitcoin will rise, or short when you think it will fall, and you never need to worry about wallet security or private keys.
If you are more of a long-term investor and want to own actual Bitcoin, spot exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken are excellent options. For the simplest possible exposure, Bitcoin ETFs let you hold BTC in a regular brokerage account.
Bitcoin Technical Analysis
Key levels, indicators, and the halving cycle for timing your Bitcoin trades.
Key Price Levels to Watch
Bitcoin respects psychological round numbers and previous all-time highs. These levels act as magnets for price action:
- $100,000: Major psychological resistance — the "six-figure" barrier.
- $70,000: Previous all-time high zone — significant historical level.
- $50,000: Key institutional support — where big money has accumulated.
- $30,000: Bear market floor historically — strong long-term support.
The Bitcoin Halving Cycle
Every approximately 4 years, Bitcoin's block reward is cut in half (the "halving"). This predictable supply shock has historically triggered massive bull runs:
- 2012 Halving: BTC went from $12 to $1,100 (+9,000%)
- 2016 Halving: BTC went from $650 to $20,000 (+3,000%)
- 2020 Halving: BTC went from $8,500 to $69,000 (+700%)
- 2024 Halving: Bull run likely extending through 2025–2026
Bitcoin typically peaks 12–18 months after each halving. Understanding this cycle is key to timing entries and exits for longer-term positions.
Best Indicators for Bitcoin
1. RSI (Relative Strength Index): Monthly RSI above 90 signals euphoria and potential cycle tops. RSI below 30 signals capitulation and potential generational buying opportunities.
2. 200-Week Moving Average: Bitcoin has never closed below the 200-week MA for long. It is the ultimate "buy the dip" indicator for long-term investors and has marked every major cycle bottom.
3. Stock-to-Flow Model: While not perfect, this model based on Bitcoin's scarcity has predicted major price trends across multiple cycles. Use it for big-picture context rather than precise targets.
Proven Bitcoin Trading Strategies
Strategies that have worked across multiple Bitcoin market cycles.
HODL Strategy
Buy Bitcoin and hold for 4+ years through full market cycles. Historically the most profitable approach for non-professionals.
- Buy Bitcoin on dips or via dollar-cost averaging (DCA)
- Store in a secure hardware wallet
- Ignore short-term volatility
- Hold through at least one halving cycle
- Consider taking profits at cycle highs
Halving Cycle Trading
Bitcoin follows a predictable 4-year cycle tied to the halving event. Accumulate during bear markets, sell during euphoria.
- Track halving dates (next: April 2028)
- Accumulate 12-18 months before halving
- Hold through the halving event
- Scale out 12-18 months after halving
- Repeat next cycle
Support/Resistance Trading
Bitcoin respects key psychological levels. Buy at major support, sell at major resistance with tight stops.
- Identify key levels ($50K, $60K, $70K, $100K)
- Wait for price to approach support
- Enter with stop loss below support
- Take profits at next resistance
- Risk 1-2% per trade maximum
Bitcoin Trading Tips
Actionable advice for navigating Bitcoin's unique volatility and market cycles.
Understand the Halving Cycle
Bitcoin follows a predictable 4-year cycle. Accumulate during bear markets (12–18 months before the halving) and consider scaling out during euphoria (12–18 months after). This single insight has outperformed most active trading strategies.
Never Risk More Than 1–2% Per Trade
Bitcoin can move 5–10% in a single day. Without proper position sizing, one bad trade can wipe out weeks of profits. Set stop losses on every trade and stick to the 1–2% rule without exception.
Use Low or No Leverage
Bitcoin's natural volatility provides plenty of trading opportunity without leverage. Beginners should use no leverage at all. Even experienced traders rarely exceed 5–10x on Bitcoin positions.
Dollar-Cost Average for Long Positions
Instead of trying to time the perfect entry, spread your purchases over weeks or months. DCA removes emotion from the equation and has historically produced excellent returns over full cycles.
Secure Your Holdings Properly
If you hold actual Bitcoin, use a hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) for any significant amount. Never share your seed phrase. Enable 2FA on all exchange accounts. Security is non-negotiable in crypto.
Keep a Trading Journal
Record every trade: entry, exit, reasoning, and outcome. After 50–100 trades, patterns will emerge in your performance that no amount of reading can teach you. Your journal is your most valuable learning tool.
Best Platforms for Bitcoin Trading in 2026
Regulated brokers offering competitive spreads and professional tools for Bitcoin trading.
AvaTrade
- Bitcoin spreads from 0.5%
- Up to 1:25 leverage (EU/UK)
- AvaProtect risk management
- MT4, MT5 & AvaTradeGO
- FCA/ASIC regulated
eToro
- Buy real BTC or trade CFDs
- Copy top Bitcoin traders
- Social trading features
- $50 minimum deposit
- User-friendly platform
Plus500
- Bitcoin CFDs only
- Tight fixed spreads
- Guaranteed stop losses
- No commissions
- Simple platform
Start with a demo account to practice trading Bitcoin risk-free before depositing real money. See our full broker comparison tool for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to start trading Bitcoin?
You can start with as little as $10 on exchanges or $50–100 on CFD brokers. However, we recommend $500–1,000 for proper position sizing and risk management. Always start with a demo account to practice risk-free.
Should I buy actual Bitcoin or trade CFDs?
It depends on your goals. Buy actual Bitcoin if you want to hold long-term (years) and control your own coins. Use CFDs if you want to trade short-term, use leverage, or short Bitcoin. Many traders do both — holding a core BTC position while trading CFDs for shorter-term opportunities.
Is Bitcoin too expensive to buy?
No. Bitcoin is divisible to 8 decimal places (called "satoshis"). You can buy 0.001 BTC or even less. You do not need to buy a whole Bitcoin — most people start with small fractions.
What is the best time to trade Bitcoin?
Bitcoin trades 24/7, but highest volatility typically occurs when US markets open (9:30 AM ET), during Asian session opens, and around major news events. Weekend trading tends to have lower liquidity and wider spreads.
How do I store Bitcoin safely?
For active trading, keep BTC on reputable exchanges. For long-term holding, use a hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) or reputable software wallet. Never share your private keys or seed phrase with anyone, and always enable two-factor authentication.
What leverage should I use for Bitcoin?
Beginners should use no leverage or maximum 2–3x. Bitcoin's natural volatility (5–10% daily moves) means leverage can quickly wipe out your account. Professional traders rarely exceed 5–10x on Bitcoin positions.
Ready to Trade Bitcoin?
Open a free demo account with a regulated broker and start practising Bitcoin trading today. No risk, no commitment — just real market conditions.
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