How do I start trading with margin on Bitso Alpha?

Here's how to activate Margin mode, add collateral, place your first trade, and monitor your risk on Bitso Alpha Web.

What you need to know

Where: Bitso Alpha Web (desktop only for now)
What's available: cross-margin trading, with automatic borrowing and repayment
Main risk: if your Margin Level drops too far, your positions can be liquidated to repay the debt

1. Turn on Margin mode

Open the Alpha order ticket and switch from Spot to Margin. You'll see new indicators showing your leverage and your Margin Level.

2. Add funds to your Margin Wallet

Click Transfer in the ticket to move assets from Spot to Margin. That amount becomes your collateral. The transfer is instant, and once it's done, you're ready to trade.

3. Place your order

Set up your order the way you normally would (Market, Limit, or Stop). If your order size is larger than your available balance, and it falls within your risk and leverage limits, the system automatically borrows what you need and shows the details, including interest information.

Example: say you transfer 2,000 USDT to your Margin Wallet as collateral, and you're a retail user (3x limit). Your Trading Power on BTC/USDT shows about 6,000 USDT in the order ticket. You place a buy order for 4,000 USDT in BTC. Since 4,000 USDT exceeds your 2,000 USDT collateral, the platform automatically borrows the difference: 2,000 USDT. That 2,000 USDT is your debt and shows up as a negative balance in your Margin Wallet. Hourly interest appears in the ticket before you confirm, and it accrues every hour the debt stays open. After the order executes, your Margin Level is calculated based on your collateral value plus your open BTC position, divided by your debt, including accrued interest. As the BTC price moves, your Margin Level follows.

4. Monitor your risk

Keep an eye on your Margin Level. You'll get a warning if you're getting close to liquidation territory. In this version, liquidation affects your entire account if your Margin Level hits the threshold.

5. Close your positions

Check your open positions in the Positions tab. To close them, place an opposite order in Alpha's main tab. The system automatically uses the proceeds to repay interest first, then the borrowed amount.

Borrowed assets show up as negative in your Margin Wallet, like "-5 LTC." This helps you see exactly what you owe and keeps your Combined Balance accurate.