Bybit is an advanced cryptocurrency exchange aimed at experienced traders working with futures, perpetual contracts, options, and margin trading. Since its launch in 2018, the platform has become one of the key players in the market thanks to easy access to derivatives and fiat on/off-ramps in supported regions. The exchange emphasizes security and operational stability; there have been no reports of major confirmed incidents affecting client assets during its operation.
Bybit was founded by former FX broker Ben Zhou, who continues to lead the company. The exchange started in Asia (Singapore/Hong Kong), later moving its operational hub to the UAE, with legal registration in the British Virgin Islands. Technically, the platform uses its own low-latency matching engine designed to handle heavy loads; it supports auto-trading, bots, and algorithmic connections via API.
Spot now features hundreds of assets and pairs (far more than the former “4”), but Bybit’s core specialization is derivatives. It supports hundreds of contracts: perpetuals (USDT/USDC-margined and inverse), classic futures, and USDC options. This opens room for complex strategies based on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many other popular crypto assets. Inverse perpetual contracts suit those who prefer settlement in crypto rather than stablecoins.
Fees depend on your role (maker/taker), instrument (spot/contracts/options), and account tier. Base rates are competitive and decrease with higher volume/balances. Crypto deposits are free on the exchange side; withdrawals incur the network fee of the chosen blockchain. Perpetuals use a funding mechanism: the rate periodically redistributes payments between longs and shorts to keep the contract price close to the index.
With tighter regulation, Bybit made full KYC mandatory for unrestricted access (since 2024 this is an industry standard). The process involves submitting documents and a selfie; without KYC your functionality is significantly limited. Security measures include cold storage of the majority of assets, 2FA, anti-phishing tools, and operational risk controls.
Bybit Earn includes staking, liquidity mining/pools, and other yield products. Annual returns on “safer” assets are typically low-to-moderate; exotic tokens can offer higher yields but come with higher risks. Launchpool lets you earn new project tokens by committing your coins to liquidity pools.
The Help Center is extensive, though the structure of materials can be challenging for newcomers. Getting to a live chat agent may take time; support tickets are typically answered within a day.
Bybit remains a strong venue for traders focused on derivatives, leverage, and complex strategies/algorithmic trading. Beginners are better off starting with spot and no leverage, or considering more “learning-friendly” platforms. If your goal is futures, perpetuals, options, and advanced setups, Bybit looks like one of the best choices in 2025.
2018.
Founder: Ben Zhou. Operational hub: UAE; legal registration: British Virgin Islands.
No, it is not available to U.S. residents due to regulatory restrictions.
Yes. Full KYC is required for complete access to trading and withdrawals.
Depending on the instrument, up to 100×–125×; exact limits are set per contract and asset.
Hundreds of coins and pairs; however, the exchange focuses on derivatives, so spot liquidity is higher on “spot leaders.”
Yes, USDC-settled options (with a set of contracts for major assets).
Maker/taker model; rates vary for spot, perpetuals, futures, and options. Fees decrease with higher volume.
Yes: Bybit Earn (staking, liquidity pools, etc.), plus Launchpool for new projects.
You can start with spot and no leverage, but overall the platform targets experienced derivatives traders.
