Post-Only Order Options: Minimizing Fees on Different Platforms.

Post-Only Order Options: Minimizing Fees on Different Platforms

For newcomers to the world of cryptocurrency trading, understanding the nuances of order types and associated fees can be daunting. One powerful tool for minimizing trading costs, especially for active traders, is the “post-only” order option. This article will break down post-only orders, explain how they work, and compare their implementation across popular trading platforms such as Binance and Bybit. We will focus on what beginners should prioritize to leverage this feature effectively.

What are Post-Only Orders?

Traditionally, when you place a market order, it’s executed immediately at the best available price. A limit order, on the other hand, allows you to specify the price you're willing to buy or sell at. However, both order types can contribute to “maker-taker” fees.

• Taker Orders: These orders are executed immediately, “taking” liquidity from the order book. They generally incur a higher fee.
• Maker Orders: These orders add liquidity to the order book, waiting to be “made” or filled by another trader. They typically benefit from lower fees.

A post-only order is a specific type of limit order that *guarantees* it will be executed as a maker order. The platform will not allow the order to be executed if it would become a taker order. If your limit price intersects with existing orders in the book (meaning it would be a taker order), the order will simply not be filled. This is crucial for fee reduction, as maker fees are significantly lower than taker fees on most exchanges.

Understanding the difference between these order types is fundamental. For a more comprehensive overview, consult resources like Order Types in Futures Trading.

Why Use Post-Only Orders?

The primary benefit of post-only orders is **fee reduction**. For high-frequency traders or those trading large volumes, these savings can be substantial. Beyond fees, post-only orders can also offer:

• Price Control: You specify the price you are willing to trade at, preventing unexpected slippage (the difference between the expected price and the actual execution price).
• Reduced Impact on the Market: Large post-only orders are less likely to immediately move the price due to their non-aggressive nature.

However, there are also downsides:

• Potential for Non-Execution: Your order may not be filled if the price never reaches your limit price.
• Slower Execution: You are relying on another trader to accept your order, which can take time.

Post-Only Options on Popular Platforms

Let's examine how post-only orders are implemented on Binance and Bybit, two of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges.

Binance

Binance offers a robust suite of order types, including post-only options specifically for futures trading.

• Order Types: Binance supports various limit order types, including regular limit orders, stop-limit orders, and post-only limit orders. The post-only functionality is typically found within the advanced order settings.
• Fee Structure: Binance utilizes a tiered fee structure based on 30-day trading volume and BNB holdings. Maker fees are generally 0.01% to 0.02%, while taker fees range from 0.04% to 0.06% (these values are approximate and subject to change). Utilizing post-only orders allows traders to consistently benefit from the lower maker fee tier.
• User Interface: When placing a futures order on Binance, you'll find a checkbox labeled “Post Only” within the order settings. Checking this box ensures your order will only be executed as a maker. The interface is relatively intuitive, but beginners might need to explore the advanced order options to find it.
• Additional Notes: Binance also offers a feature called “Reduce Only Order” which is different from Post Only. Reduce Only orders are designed to close positions without adding to them. You can learn more about this specific order type at Reduce only order.
• API Support: Binance provides a comprehensive API allowing developers to automate post-only order placement.

Bybit

Bybit is another leading cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, renowned for its perpetual contracts and competitive fee structure.

• Order Types: Bybit’s order types are similar to Binance, with a strong emphasis on futures trading. They offer limit orders, market orders, conditional orders, and crucially, post-only orders.
• Fee Structure: Bybit’s fee structure is also tiered, based on 30-day trading volume. Like Binance, maker fees are lower than taker fees. A key advantage of Bybit is its occasional fee promotions and discounts.
• User Interface: Bybit’s interface is often considered cleaner and more user-friendly than Binance’s, particularly for beginners. The “Post Only” option is prominently displayed within the order settings when placing a limit order.
• Conditional Orders: Bybit excels in conditional orders, allowing traders to set up complex automated trading strategies. These can be combined with post-only orders for sophisticated fee management.
• Testnet: Bybit offers a testnet environment, allowing traders to practice using post-only orders and other features without risking real capital.

Platform Comparison Table

Feature	Binance	Bybit
Post-Only Order Availability	Yes	Yes	User Interface (Beginner Friendliness)	Moderate	High	Fee Structure	Tiered, based on volume & BNB holdings	Tiered, based on volume; frequent promotions	API Support	Excellent	Excellent	Conditional Orders	Good	Excellent	Testnet Availability	Limited	Yes	Reduce Only Order	Available	Available

Beginner's Guide to Using Post-Only Orders

For beginners, navigating post-only orders requires a cautious approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Start Small: Begin with small order sizes to understand how the feature works on your chosen platform. 2. Limit Price Selection: Carefully consider your limit price. Setting it too far from the current market price increases the risk of non-execution. Analyze the order book to identify potential support and resistance levels. 3. Monitor Your Orders: Regularly check the status of your post-only orders. If they remain unfilled for an extended period, consider adjusting the price or canceling the order. 4. Understand Slippage: While post-only orders offer price control, they don't eliminate slippage entirely. The price may move slightly between the time you place the order and the time it's filled. 5. Backtesting: If possible, backtest your post-only order strategy using historical data to assess its profitability. 6. Consider Market Conditions: Post-only orders work best in liquid markets with sufficient trading volume. In illiquid markets, the risk of non-execution is higher. 7. Don't Rely Solely on Post-Only: Diversify your order types. Post-only orders are a valuable tool, but they shouldn't be your only trading strategy.

Advanced Strategies with Post-Only Orders

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can explore more advanced strategies:

• Grid Trading: Combine post-only orders with a grid trading strategy to automatically buy and sell at predetermined price levels, maximizing profits in ranging markets.
• Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA): Use post-only orders to systematically buy a fixed amount of cryptocurrency at regular intervals, regardless of the price.
• Automated Trading Bots: Integrate post-only orders into automated trading bots to execute complex strategies with minimal manual intervention.
• Combining with Conditional Orders: Bybit's conditional orders allow you to set up sophisticated scenarios, such as placing a post-only order when a specific price level is reached.

Beyond Exchanges: Options Trading and the CBOE

While this article focuses on cryptocurrency futures platforms, it's important to note that post-only-like concepts exist in traditional finance. For example, limit orders in options trading serve a similar purpose of controlling price and potentially reducing costs. The CBOE (Chicago Board Options Exchange) is a major hub for options trading, offering a wide range of strategies and tools. You can find more information at CBOE Options Hub. Understanding these broader concepts can provide a more holistic view of order execution and fee management.

Conclusion

Post-only orders are a powerful tool for minimizing trading fees and enhancing price control, particularly for active traders. While the implementation varies slightly across platforms like Binance and Bybit, the underlying principle remains the same: guarantee maker order execution. Beginners should start small, carefully select limit prices, and monitor their orders closely. As they gain experience, they can explore advanced strategies to further optimize their trading performance. Remember to always prioritize risk management and conduct thorough research before implementing any new trading strategy.

Recommended Futures Trading Platforms

Platform	Futures Features	Register
Binance Futures	Leverage up to 125x, USDⓈ-M contracts	Register now
Bitget Futures	USDT-margined contracts	Open account

Join Our Community

Subscribe to @startfuturestrading for signals and analysis.