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How to trade bitcoin (BTC/USD)

A plain, practical guide for traders in Kenya — lots, leverage, margin, costs and the risk rules that keep beginners in the game.

btc/usd · one bar, one hourTARGETENTRYSTOP
A plan is three prices decided before the entry, not after.

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) is traded as a CFD — you speculate on the price, you don't own the metal or coin. One standard lot is 1 BTC.

Lots, leverage and margin

Margin is what your broker locks to open a position: (lots × 1 × price) ÷ leverage. At 1:20 a 0.10 lot needs $385.00. Use the margin calculator.

Size to a fixed risk

Decide the money you'll lose at your stop first, then let the position-size calculator pick the lot. Never size by how much margin you have.

A first bitcoin trade, in the order the steps actually happen.A first bitcoin trade, in the order the steps actually happen.RISKMoney you accept losingSTOPWhere the idea is wrongSIZEArithmetic, not instinctCOSTSpread plus swap
A first bitcoin trade, in the order the steps actually happen.

Costs

You pay the spread on entry and an overnight swap if you hold. Factor both into every trade.

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FAQ

Common questions

What are the actual steps to place my first bitcoin trade?

Open and verify an account, fund it through M-Pesa, open the BTC/USD chart on MT4, MT5, cTrader or the FxPro app, then set your lot size, entry, stop-loss and take-profit before sending the order. Decide the loss you can accept first, then size the position to match it using the position size calculator.

How do I work out my lot size for a bitcoin trade?

Start from the shilling or dollar amount you are willing to lose, then divide by the distance to your stop in pips. Since one lot is 1 BTC and one pip is 1.0, the arithmetic is direct, but confirm it with the position size calculator rather than doing it in your head. Small errors in lot size are the most common beginner mistake.

Where should I put my stop-loss on a BTC/USD trade?

Place the stop where your trade idea is proven wrong, not at a round number you find comfortable. Bitcoin can move sharply, so allow room beyond nearby pivots or recent lows, then reduce your lot size to keep the total risk acceptable. The pivot points calculator helps you see recent turning levels.

Can I fund my trading account with M-Pesa?

Yes, M-Pesa is the familiar funding route for Kenyan traders. You deposit in shillings and the broker converts to the account currency, so the KSh/USD rate at the time affects how much reaches your account. Check the broker's own deposit page for the exact steps and any conversion terms that apply.

How do I close a bitcoin trade and take my money out?

Close the position from the platform's trade tab, which realises the profit or loss into your account balance. Then request a withdrawal back through the same route you funded, M-Pesa, subject to the broker's processing terms. Use the profit calculator beforehand to see the result after the spread and any costs.