DeFi Binary Options
Decentralised finance (DeFi) has led to the establishment of online exchanges and digital tokens, attracting budding binary options traders. This 101 guide to trading binary options on DeFi networks covers what DeFi is and how it impacts binary options traders, as well as the major assets available to trade. Additionally, this tutorial provides tips for using DeFi platforms to trade binaries, along with a list of the best DeFi binary options brokers for UK investors and trading gurus.
DeFi Binary Options Brokers UK
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Pocket Option provides ultra-short-term contracts, starting from just 5 seconds, on an intuitive platform ideal for novice traders. Payout rates exceed 90%, comparable with competitors, and the 'Double Up' and 'Rollover' functions enable additional earning possibilities. On the downside, its range of over 130 assets is less extensive than that of brokers such as Quotex, which offer more than 400 options.
Crypto Coins
- BTC
- ETH
- BCH
- LINK
- AAVE
- ALGO
- TLM
- ALPP
- ANT
- AVAX
- AXS
- BNB
- ADA
- CHZ
- COMP
- ATOM
- DASH
- MANA
- DGB
- DOGE
- ENJ
- EOS
- FIL
- GLMR
- ILV
- ICP
- KAVA
- LTC
- MKR
- MASK
Min Deposit Payout % Expiry Times $50 92% 5 seconds - 4 hours Bonus MetaTrader 4 Markets 50% Deposit Bonus Yes Forex, Stocks, Crypto, Commodities -
IQCent provides binary options featuring exceptional payouts up to 98%. The platform, albeit with basic analysis tools, accommodates various timeframes ranging from 1 minute to 1 month, supporting both short and long-term trading strategies. However, it is worth noting that stock binaries are unavailable.
Crypto Coins
- BTC
- ETH
- LTC
- ETC
- DOGE
- MATIC
- QNT
- SOL
- XRP
- USDT
- XMR
- BNB
Min Deposit Payout % Expiry Times $250 98% 5 seconds - 1 month Bonus MetaTrader 4 Markets 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus No CFD, Forex, Crypto, Commodities -
Capitalcore has broadened its range of trading products by adding binary options for forex, metals, and cryptocurrencies, offering returns of up to 95%. Designed for short-term traders, contract durations vary from 1 minute to 1 hour. The user-friendly web platform makes trading simple; just click 'Call' if you predict a price increase or 'Put' for a decrease.
Crypto Coins
- BTC
- ETH
- BCH
- XRP
- LTC
Min Deposit Payout % Expiry Times $10 95% 1 minute - 1 hour Bonus MetaTrader 4 Markets - No CFD, Forex, Stocks, Crypto, Commodities -
CloseOption provides binary options trading on over 30 fiat and digital currencies via a user-friendly online platform. With 15 contract durations ranging from 30 seconds to 1 month, it caters to both short-term and long-term traders. New users receive a welcome bonus.
Crypto Coins
- BTC
- BCH
- ETH
- LTC
- XBT
Min Deposit Payout % Expiry Times $5 95% 30 seconds - 1 month Bonus MetaTrader 4 Markets - No Forex, Crypto -
Videforex provides binary options with competitive returns, offering 20% payouts on cryptocurrencies and up to 98% on more stable assets. This outperforms many rivals. Traders can choose contracts ranging from 5 seconds to 1 month. Additionally, new users benefit from a welcome deposit bonus.
Crypto Coins
- BTC
- ETH
- QUANT
- UNI
- SOL
- BNB
- DOGE
- XRP
- XMR
- MATIC
- USDT
Min Deposit Payout % Expiry Times $250 98% 5 seconds - 1 month Bonus MetaTrader 4 Markets 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus No CFD, Forex, Stocks, Crypto, Commodities -
Engage in trading high-low binary options on currencies, metals, and cryptocurrencies, offering significant returns. Binary options provide a clear wager on the short-term movement of an asset.
Crypto Coins
- BTC
- BCH
- DSH
- ETC
- ETH
- LTC
- XMR
- ZEC
- BAT
- EOS
- IOT
- NEO
- OMG
- BNB
- XLM
- TRX
Min Deposit Payout % Expiry Times $10 86% 1 minute - 48 hours Bonus MetaTrader 4 Markets - Yes CFD, Forex, Stocks, Crypto, Commodities -
RaceOption provides over 100 trading options with payouts reaching 95% and expiries starting from just 5 seconds. A minimum deposit of $250 allows clients to benefit from zero deposit fees, swift withdrawals, and an array of trading bonuses.
Crypto Coins
- BTC
Min Deposit Payout % Expiry Times $250 95% 5 seconds - 30 days Bonus MetaTrader 4 Markets 20% - 200% Deposit Bonus No CFD, Forex, Stocks, Crypto, Commodities
Pocket Option
IQCent
Capitalcore
CloseOption
Videforex
Grand Capital
RaceoptionSafety Comparison
Compare how safe the DeFi Binary Options are and what features they offer to protect traders.
| Broker | Trust Rating | FCA Regulated | Negative Balance Protection | Guaranteed Stop Loss | Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket Option | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | |
| IQCent | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | |
| Capitalcore | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| CloseOption | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Videforex | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | |
| Grand Capital | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Raceoption | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
Payments Comparison
Compare which popular payment methods the DeFi Binary Options support and whether they have trading accounts denominated in British Pounds (GBP).
| Broker | GBP Account | Debit Card | Credit Card | Neteller | Skrill | Apple Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket Option | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| IQCent | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Capitalcore | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| CloseOption | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Videforex | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Grand Capital | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Raceoption | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Mobile Trading Comparison
How good are the DeFi Binary Options at mobile trading using apps or other mobile interfaces.
| Broker | Mobile Apps | iOS Rating | Android Rating | Smart Watch App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket Option | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| IQCent | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Capitalcore | - | ✘ | ||
| CloseOption | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Videforex | Android | ✘ | ||
| Grand Capital | ✔ | ✘ | ||
| Raceoption | iOS & Android | ✘ |
Beginners Comparison
Are the DeFi Binary Options good for beginner traders, that might want an affordable setup to get started, along with good support and educational resources?
| Broker | Demo Account | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Trade | Support Rating | Education Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket Option | ✔ | $50 | $1 | ||
| IQCent | ✔ | $250 | $0.01 | ||
| Capitalcore | ✔ | $10 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| CloseOption | ✔ | $5 | $1 | ||
| Videforex | ✔ | $250 | $0.01 | ||
| Grand Capital | ✔ | $10 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Raceoption | ✔ | $250 | $0.01 |
Advanced Trading Comparison
Do the DeFi Binary Options offer features that allow for more advanced trading strategies?
| Broker | Automated Trading | Pro Account | Leverage | VPS | AI | Low Latency | Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket Option | ✔ | ✘ | - | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| IQCent | ✘ | ✘ | 1:500 | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Capitalcore | - | ✘ | 1:2000 | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| CloseOption | - | ✘ | - | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Videforex | ✔ | ✘ | 1:500 | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Grand Capital | ✔ | ✘ | 1:500 | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Raceoption | - | ✘ | 1:500 | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Detailed Rating Comparison
Use this heatmap to compare our detailed ratings for all of the DeFi Binary Options.
| Broker | Trust | Platforms | Mobile | Assets | Fees | Accounts | Support | Research | Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket Option | |||||||||
| IQCent | |||||||||
| Capitalcore | |||||||||
| CloseOption | |||||||||
| Videforex | |||||||||
| Grand Capital | |||||||||
| Raceoption |
Our Take On Pocket Option
"Pocket Option stands out with its intuitive web platform, delivering an excellent user experience for short-term binary traders. A $50 minimum deposit makes it accessible for beginners, and account setup is straightforward. However, its market offerings and regulatory credentials lag behind competitors."
Pros
- Over the years, Pocket Option has won several annual awards from DayTrading.com, including the notable 'Best Binary Broker 2025' after enhancing its trading tools.
- The MetaTrader platforms provide robust analysis and technical summaries tailored for short-term traders.
- The variety of payment options surpasses most competitors, offering traders in numerous countries swift, secure, and convenient deposit processes.
Cons
- Although binary brokers such as IQCent provide returns reaching 98% based on evaluations, others typically offer competitive payouts up to 92%.
- The MISA provides limited oversight and inadequate investor protection for retail traders.
- Pocket Option presents a streamlined version of MT4 and MT5, lacking the comprehensive charting tools that experienced traders seek.
Our Take On IQCent
"IQCent attracts traders seeking a simple binary options and CFD platform with minimal fees, multiple accounts, and copy trading. Begin in under a minute with a $250 deposit."
Pros
- New traders with a modest budget can start trading with a minimal stake of just $0.01.
- Enthusiastic traders may participate in competitions that offer cash prizes.
- The broker provides payouts of up to 98% on binary options, surpassing alternatives such as Pocket Option, which offers a maximum of 92%.
Cons
- Automated trading support is unavailable for algorithmic traders.
- IQCent imposes a £10 monthly inactivity fee if a trader does not execute at least one trade each month.
- The broker operates without oversight from a reputable regulator, which is typical for binary options companies.
Our Take On Capitalcore
"Capitalcore's main attractions are high leverage up to 1:2000 and no commission or swap fees. Nevertheless, weak regulation from the IFSA and a lack of educational resources leave it trailing behind top brokers."
Christian Harris
Reviewer
Pros
- Capitalcore now offers trading on over 30 currency pairs, metals, and cryptocurrencies. With one-click functionality, traders can enjoy payouts of up to 95%.
- Unlike the majority of brokers, Capitalcore provides a limitless demo account, which can be set up in less than five minutes.
- The Capitalcore platform offers advanced charting tools and over 150 technical indicators, perfect for in-depth market analysis.
Cons
- During testing, the web platform proved unreliable due to sporadic technical issues, causing the trading platform to fail loading at times.
- Platform support is restricted to proprietary software, lacking integration with popular platforms like MetaTrader or cTrader. These industry-leading solutions provide integrated economic news and facilitate automated trading.
- Capitalcore's limited education and research offerings fall significantly behind industry leaders like IG, rendering it less ideal for aspiring traders.
Our Take On CloseOption
"CloseOption is an excellent choice for traders looking for an intuitive binary options platform offering substantial returns and sign-up incentives."
Pros
- New traders can begin with just a £5 minimum deposit.
- Free practice account
- CloseOption hosts weekly trading competitions, awarding cash prizes to traders.
Cons
- Clients must deposit over $50,000 to be eligible for the highest returns.
- Binary options are exclusively offered for both traditional currencies and cryptocurrencies.
- CloseOption lacks regulation by a reputable financial authority.
Our Take On Videforex
"Videforex offers traders a straightforward, user-friendly platform to speculate on popular markets via binaries. The quick registration and web accessibility ensure an effortless start."
Pros
- Videforex is among the select brokers offering round-the-clock multilingual video support, ensuring thorough assistance for active traders.
- Videforex frequently holds trading contests, providing both novice and seasoned traders with practice opportunities and cash prizes. Traders can participate with position sizes starting as low as 1 cent.
- Traders can achieve up to 98% returns on over 100 assets through the broker's binary options, aligning with competitors such as IQCent.
Cons
- The lack of educational resources is a significant disadvantage for novice traders. In contrast, leading firms offer blogs, videos, and live trading sessions.
- Based on recent tests, the client terminal requires enhancements, as its widgets occasionally become slow and unresponsive, which could affect traders' experience.
- Videforex is not licensed by a reputable regulator, leaving traders with minimal or no protection, such as segregated client accounts.
Our Take On Grand Capital
"Grand Capital is a solid choice for traders adept with MetaTrader and passive investors seeking copy trading and LAMM options. However, its regulatory standing falls short compared to rivals."
Pros
- Six accounts tailored to various trading styles and strategies.
- Micro account for beginners
- Minimum deposit as low as £10.
Cons
- Basic education and market research
- Minimal regulatory supervision.
- Elevated spreads on certain assets
Our Take On Raceoption
"RaceOption attracts traders with its feature-packed binary options platform, offering frequent contests, account benefits, and copy trading. However, its unregulated nature presents minimal to no investor protections, according to our research."
Pros
- Returns on well-known assets such as EUR/USD can go up to 95%, outperforming many other options based on our analysis and boosting potential gains. Additionally, the initial three trades incur no risk in Silver and Gold accounts.
- RaceOption is among the select few brokers providing 24/7 multilingual video chat. However, our interactions suggest that their agents require better understanding of trading and regulatory matters.
- RaceOption simplifies account funding with no-fee, near-instant deposits through bank cards and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed within one hour, guaranteed.
Cons
- RaceOption, lacking both a demo account and educational resources, is not ideal for novice traders.
- RaceOption operates as an unregulated broker, offering high-risk trading with no investor compensation or legal remedies if trading or withdrawal problems arise.
- The $250 minimum deposit, though still attainable for numerous retail investors, presents a higher entry barrier compared to platforms like Deriv and World Forex, which cater more to budget-conscious traders.
What Are Binary Options In Decentralised Finance?
Binary options are a type of financial contract that enable traders to speculate on the change in price of an asset. Traders may prefer to use a decentralised platform to trade binary options due to the benefits associated with blockchain technology, and the opportunities to speculate on tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Chainlink and Dogecoin.
This is especially true for those interested in trading binary options in the United Kingdom, as FCA regulations make it difficult for local brokers to offer binary options contracts. UK traders must, therefore, use unregulated brokers or offshore platforms to trade DeFi binary options contracts.
Importantly, DeFi protocols offer many benefits, including efficiency and high liquidity mining. Traders and miners work together to create a balance between making money and ensuring a safe and efficient platform. This is often called “trustless-trust.”
Binary Options 101
Binary options are derivatives, often dubbed “all-or-nothing” options due to their nature. For example, will the value of Bitcoin increase or decrease over the next 12 hours? Based on the outcome of the option, you either lose your entire stake or make a profit.
DeFi Binaries On Spectre
The characteristics of binary options stem from the definition of the word “binary”, meaning you make a choice between two alternatives: in this case, a “yes” or “no” statement. Whether your chosen option is correct is what determines your profit or loss.
A “call option” essentially means that the trader predicts that the price of a derivative product or asset will increase above a certain price, which is called the strike price. With a “put option,” the trader is betting on the price of an asset or derivative product decreasing below the strike price.
The profit earned by the trader will vary depending on the type of DeFi binary option in question. For example, a “touch/no touch” binary options contract has a smaller payout compared to a “high/low” contract.
In media and news, binary options solutions are known for their high-risk, high-reward nature.
DeFi 101
Decentralised finance began in 2009, when developer Satoshi Nakomoto established Bitcoin, the first digital currency, and its accompanying decentralised blockchain. The “blockchain” is essentially a digital ledger that keeps a record of all transactions made on the network.
The DeFi blockchain is revolutionary compared to physical ledgers in the form of books and folders, as it allows users to make anonymous transactions without the need for a third-party such as banking institutions. Additionally, the open-code nature of the blockchain means that anyone can read and verify the authenticity of the network, which adds another layer of safety and security.
Ethereum was established in 2014, and uses blockchain technology to introduce smart contracts which carry out a task on the web when certain conditions are met. Smart contracts, as well as the launch of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and the Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO) by the end of 2017, redefined what could be achieved by DeFi technology.
DeFi networks can be used for lending and borrowing money without losing custody over the asset, using stablecoins to trade digital assets like NFTs, and making profits via flash loans and easy crypto-insurance. More recently, decentralised exchanges have begun to enable traders to trade DeFi binary options contracts too.
PWC UK stated DeFi has experienced surges of growth of nearly 6,600%, from having $400 million total value locked in March 2020, to over $55 billion in March 2021, while showing similar upward trends during 2022 and leading into 2023.
Example Trade
The fundamentals of binary options trading remain the same on both centralised and decentralised exchanges.
Let’s assume that the price of one KuCoin Token (KCS) is £50.00. A binary options call contract has a strike price quote of £50.30 and an expiry of tomorrow at 2.00 pm. If a trader purchases this contract for £40 and the price at the expiration time tomorrow is above the strike price, they will receive £110.
The maths shows that this is a £70 yield for one unit of KCS. If the price is still below the strike price or falls, then the trader will lose their £40 initial stake.
Defi Assets Available For Binary Options Trading
Almost any digital token can be traded with binary options if the exchange or DeFi platform you choose offers it. Some of the most common assets to trade are tokens like Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin (BTC), and KuCoin (KCS), plus foreign exchange (forex), company stocks, and indexes.
Additionally, there are two types of DeFi binary options contracts that can be traded on these assets: American-style and European-style. American-style binary options are defined as the contract being able to be exercised at any point before the expiry date, whereas the latter can only be exercised at expiry.
DeFi binary options can be traded on any blockchain or decentralised exchange (DEX) that supports it. This includes Synthetix, Ethereum, and UniSwap. Most DEXs are available through Ethereum. Among the top decentralised exchanges and platforms that offer DeFi binary options trading are Pocket Option and Capitalcore.
Getting Started With DeFi Binary Options
Find A Suitable Broker
Find a broker that is decentralised and offers DeFi binary options. You will need to choose a brokerage or platform that is not based in the UK, as British brokers do not offer binary options contracts. Before you trust any DeFi binary options brokers with your funds, check the website of major regulators as they have blacklisted some known fraudulent exchanges.
It’s important to check the DeFi binary options trading and non-trading fees charged by the exchange. These fees are typically a lot cheaper than centralised exchanges due to the automated nature of the network.
Many decentralised exchanges are international, and have customer service phone numbers and/or email addresses that are monitored 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week. Some DeFi binary options exchanges are only open 24/5, as some positions tend not to be allowed to stay open over weekends.
Other variables to consider include what payment methods they accept, such as eWallets for digital currencies or stablecoins. This will differ depending on the blockchain the exchange/program is affiliated with. Additionally, some DEXs may be available to download via a mobile app for DeFi binary options trading on the go.
Other things to consider when comparing exchanges include minimum deposit requirements, whether they offer a demo account, the trading platform that is used (e.g. MT4 or NinjaTrader), and whether they offer DeFi binary options trading bonuses.
Also look for DeFi binary options brokers that offer secure logins, cheap withdrawals and information on yield curves and protocols. And avoid brands that claim they can make DeFi binary options millionaires without any investment.
Develop A Strategy
By following a solid volume or other strategy, you can minimise the potential for loss when trading DeFi binary options. Ensure that you follow a strategy that matches your trading style and appetite for risk.
The best way to make successful trades is by following trends and keeping up to date with relevant news, as economic events can serve as indicators for price movements. The zigzag indicator, for example, enables traders to follow a trend, measure long-term movement and eliminate any anomalies, which is important as some asset prices fluctuate every 2 minutes.
With the candlestick strategy, you use candlestick charts to understand the open, close, high, and low prices of a security or commodity within a time frame. Like the zigzag indicator, it enables traders to gauge the trend that price changes are following.
If any existing strategies do not match your DeFi binary options trading style, you have the freedom to mix different components to curate your own. This can involve using any price curve or graph you like, opening multiple positions simultaneously as a form of hedging, or using multiple exchanges.
Buy A Binary Options Contract
The process for buying a DeFi binary options contract involves:
- Choose an asset
- Choose an expiry time
- Choose a trade amount. Often you have two options: Size %, where you enter the percentage when prompted, or investment, where you enter the amount you want to trade. Be aware of any minimum trade requirements
- Choose the direction of the price movement you are projecting.
- Once your chosen contract expires, the results will show up on your dashboard
DeFi Binary Options Trading Tips
- Consider staking – This is the act of “locking up” a portion of your digital assets for a period of time and being paid in rewards, which are usually additional tokens. Earning from staking vaults works in a similar way to earning interest on a savings account in a traditional bank. Always ensure that you are staking your digital currencies with a verified, trustworthy DeFi binary options trading platform.
- Do your research – Make sure that you research any DEX before you trust them with your funds. You should also take necessary precautions before making any investments. Be wary of deals or offers that seem “too good to be true”. You can also consult TradingView which has detailed charts and graphs of price movements.
- Check how DeFi binary options brokers or exchanges are regulated – This will vary from blockchain to blockchain and depending on the trading zone.
Are DeFi Binary Options Good Or Bad?
DeFi has opened up new ways to trade binary options, providing an added layer of efficiency in a market where regulations differ drastically between countries. Blockchain technology also makes DeFi binary options trading cheaper, as it eliminates the need for many third parties or expensive fees.
As it is a novel form of trading in a highly regulated market, there are not many decentralised brokers that offer binary options in the UK. Therefore traders wishing to trade DeFi binary options will have to utilise international decentralised exchanges.
FAQ
Is DeFi Binary Options Trading Halal?
This may differ amongst sects, so check with your local mosque to be certain. Some critics believe that DeFi binary options are risky and can involve speculation in prohibited industries, such as alcohol. However, some of the top DeFi brokers and platforms offer Muslim-friendly trading accounts.
Do Binary Options DeFi Exchanges Have Bots?
Automated trading using bots is one strategy supported by some DeFi binary options brokers. Bots use trends and pre-programmed inputs to open and close positions automatically.
Where Can I Learn More About Binary Options DeFi?
You can learn about DeFi binary options by watching YouTube videos or by reading Yahoo Finance. Additionally, we have collated guides on binary options strategies. Some providers also offer courses on binary options in DeFi, where market data and graph analysis is explained, trade ideas and key insights are shared, plus OTC strategy examples and pro signals are reviewed and unpacked. These are a good resource to get questions and queries answered.
Will The Ether Hack Of 2016 Affect DeFi Binary Options?
In 2016, the Ethereum Blockchain was hacked as unknown fraudsters syphoned 3.6 million Ether, worth over $9 billion at current prices, from the DAO. Since then, extra precautions have been put in place on the Ethereum blockchain, such as a hard fork creating Ethereum Classic and the new and improved Ethereum. Other emerging blockchains and groups have also done what is necessary to ensure customers feel safe to use their network. As a result, trading DeFi binary options on many platforms is more secure today than it was several years ago.
What Is The Difference Between Call DeFi Binary Options And Put DeFi Binary Options?
Call DeFi binary options contracts are purchased when a trader anticipates the price of an asset, such as Bitcoin, to increase. Put DeFi binary options contracts are purchased when a trader anticipates the price of an asset to decrease. If the DeFi trader purchases a call or put contract and the price moves in the anticipated direction, the trader can make a profit.