Swing Trading Crypto

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Written By
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Written By
Jemma Grist
Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.
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Edited By
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Edited By
Tobias Robinson
Tobias is a partner at DayTrading.com, director of a UK limited company and active trader. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial industry and contributed via CySec to the regulatory response to digital options and CFD trading in Europe. Toby’s expertise and dedication to financial education make him a trusted voice in the industry, including a BBC investigation into digital options.
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Fact Checked By
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Fact Checked By
William Berg
William contributes to several investment websites, leveraging his experience as a consultant for IPOs in the Nordic market and background providing localization for forex trading software. William has worked as a writer and fact-checker for a long row of financial publications.
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Swing trading crypto is popular among investors of all experience levels. Strategies appeal due to the longer timescales compared to day trading and the volatility of digital currencies like Bitcoin. This investing guide covers the basics of how to swing trade cryptos using charts, bots and our top tips. We also list the best brokers and platforms for swing trading cryptocurrencies in 2025.

Crypto Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    Plus500 US
    Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $200
    Trading with leverage involves risk.

    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    3.7 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    4.3 / 5

    $100
    0.0 Lots
    CFTC, NFA
    Futures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates
    WebTrader, App
    ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Mastercard, Visa
    USD
  2. 2
    Interactive Brokers

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $0
    $100
    1:50
    FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
    Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
    Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
  3. 3
    NinjaTrader

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.9 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.2 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
    NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Cheque
    USD
  4. 4
    eToro USA
    Invest $100 and get $10
    Securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (“the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Cryptocurrency offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk. https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5

    $100
    $10
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
    eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer
    USD
  5. 5
    OANDA US
    CFDs are not available to residents in the United States.

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.7 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)
    OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
    Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
  6. 6
    Uphold
    Terms Apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

    Ratings
    3 / 5
    3.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    2.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    1.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.4 / 5

    $0
    $1
    Cryptos
    Desktop Platform, Mobile App
    Wire Transfer, ACH Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, Credit Card, Mastercard, Visa, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP
  7. 7
    IQCent
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.1 / 5

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    IFMRRC
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Online Platform, TradingView
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, Mastercard
    USD, EUR
  8. 8
    CEX.IO

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    3.1 / 5

    $20
    $1
    GFSC
    Cryptos
    TradingView
    Debit Card, Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Swift, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Neteller, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, Bitcoin Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP
  9. 9
    Firstrade
    Deposit Bonus Up To $4000

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.2 / 5

    $0
    $1
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Cryptos, Fixed
    TradingCentral
    ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Cheque, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service
    USD
  10. 10
    RedMars

    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.6 / 5

    €250
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    CySEC, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos
    MT5
    Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, Visa
    USD, EUR

Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons

  1. Plus500 US - Plus500’s Micro-Bitcoin and Micro-Ethereum futures only allow traders to scratch the surface of crypto trading with bets on the two most popular digital assets. Importantly, you cannot buy and own the cryptos with these derivative contracts - you are speculating on their price.
  2. Interactive Brokers - IBKR lets you purchase and hold Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin at competitive commission rates and without needing a crypto wallet. Additionally, there is a range of other diverse assets to explore, such as crypto indices like the NYSE Bitcoin Index, as well as futures contracts like the BAKKT Bitcoin Futures.
  3. NinjaTrader - You can get exposure to micro Bitcoin futures through the CME Group’s centralized exchange, which is highly regulated by the US CFTC. Micro contracts allow you to trade a fractional size of one Bitcoin, giving you more risk control and order flexibility.
  4. eToro USA - eToro US offers 24 tradeable cryptoassets, with just a 1% buying/selling fee added to the spread. Additionally, there are 80 different coins available through the broker’s proprietary wallet service. You can also practice your crypto strategies easily by switching between live and demo mode. Crypto asset investing is highly volatile and unregulated. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.
  5. OANDA US - Cryptocurrency trading is offered via Paxos, a separate entity from Oanda. You can speculate on the world’s biggest cryptos by market cap. Commissions are lower than many peers starting at 0.25%. Through the broker’s partnership with Paxos, clients can spot trade cryptocurrencies on the itBit exchange through the OANDA native platform.
  6. Uphold - You can buy and sell 250+ crypto assets with fiat currencies or in crypto pairs using the straightforward mobile app or through Uphold's browser-based account homepage. This is significantly more than many rivals. You can also earn up to 16% APY by staking one or more out of 32 valid tokens, or send tokens to an external wallet.
  7. IQCent - IQCent offers 17 crypto pairs through its proprietary terminal, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin. Leverage on crypto CFDs is capped at 1:10, whilst binary options payouts vary by token but remain competitive. OTC assets, for example, pay out up to 95%.
  8. CEX.IO - CEX.IO offers hundreds of popular cryptocurrencies including big names like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin. The trading platform is well-designed with sophisticated charting and analysis tools, including 50+ in-built indicators. Traders can also reduce their monthly volumes through the tiered pricing structure.
  9. Firstrade - Take positions on dozens of leading cryptocurrencies with low fees and 24/7 investing. Traders need just $1 to start speculating on popular tokens like Bitcoin. Clients can also buy cryptos instantly in a few straightforward steps.
  10. RedMars - RedMars offers 13 crypto CFDs, including the popular BTC/USD, ETH/USD, and LTC/USD. However, there's no option to buy the underlying cryptocurrency. As a comparison, eToro allows the underlying purchase of 44 cryptocurrencies with copy trading on digital currencies also supported.

Plus500 US

"Plus500 US stands out as an excellent choice for beginners, offering a very user-friendly platform, low day trading margins, and access to the Futures Academy to enhance trading skills."

Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer

Plus500 US Quick Facts

Bonus OfferWelcome Deposit Bonus up to $200
CoinsMicroBitcoin, MicroEthereum
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsWebTrader, App
Minimum Deposit$100
RegulatorCFTC, NFA
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The straightforward account structure, pricing model and web platform offer an easier route into futures trading than rivals like NinjaTrader
  • The Futures Academy is an excellent resource for new traders with engaging videos and easy-to-follow articles, while the unlimited demo account is great for testing strategies
  • Plus500 is a publicly traded company with a good reputation, over 24 million traders, and a sponsor of the Chicago Bulls, instilling a sense of trust

Cons

  • The proprietary platform is user-friendly but lacks advanced technical analysis tools found in third-party solutions like MetaTrader 4
  • Plus500 US does not offer social trading capabilities, a feature available at alternatives like eToro US which could strengthen its offering for aspiring traders
  • Although support response times were fast during tests, there is no telephone assistance

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

CoinsBTC, LTC, ETH, XRP
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto Spread0.12%-0.18%
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower
Minimum Deposit$0
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.
  • While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.
  • There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.

Cons

  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.

NinjaTrader

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

NinjaTrader Quick Facts

CoinsBTC
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto SpreadFloating
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
Minimum Deposit$0
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets
  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
  • Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract

Cons

  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods

eToro USA

"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

eToro USA Quick Facts

Bonus OfferInvest $100 and get $10
CoinsBTC, ETH, BCH, DASH, LTC, ETC, MIOTA, XLM, EOS, NEO, ZEC, XTZ, MKR, COMP, LINK, UNI, YFI, DOGE, AAVE, ALGO, MANA, ENJ, BAT, MATIC, FLR, SHIBxM
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto SpreadBTC 0.75%
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformseToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
Minimum Deposit$100
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The low minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
  • eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC
  • Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence

Cons

  • The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
  • There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos
  • Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders

OANDA US

"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

OANDA US Quick Facts

CoinsBTC, ETH, LTC, BCH, PAXG, LINK, UNI, AAVE
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto Spread$100
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsOANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
Minimum Deposit$0
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The broker offers a transparent pricing structure with no hidden charges
  • OANDA is a reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators including the CFTC
  • Day traders can enjoy fast and reliable order execution

Cons

  • It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
  • There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
  • The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only

Uphold

"Uphold remains a top choice for crypto investors looking for a one-stop-shop solution to accessing the markets. There are over 250 tokens to buy, sell and trade through flexible platform options."

William Berg, Reviewer

Uphold Quick Facts

CoinsBTC, BTCO, AAVE, ALCX, DYDX, INH, XYO, API3, GHST, LSK, AUDIO, GLMR, NMR, CAKE, GODS, REQ, CHR, TRB, DAO, ROOK, XRP, ETH, BAT, ADA, ALGO, ATOM, AVAX, AXS, BCH, BAL, BTG, CSPR, COMP, CRV, DASH, DCR, DGB, DOGE, DOT, EGLD and many more
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto SpreadUp to 1.5%
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingYes
PlatformsDesktop Platform, Mobile App
Minimum Deposit$0
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • Crypto staking is available on 30+ tokens with above-average rates up to 16%
  • UK users can get the Uphold card with up to 2% cashback in XRP
  • Uphold is 100% reserved which helps to protect client funds

Cons

  • There is a 2.49% fee if you want to use debit or credit cards
  • Customer service is slow based on tests, with limited contact options
  • Uphold operates with limited regulatory oversight

IQCent

"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

IQCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
CoinsBTC, ETH, LTC, ETC, DOGE, MATIC, QNT, SOL, XRP, USDT, XMR, BNB
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto SpreadVariable
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsOnline Platform, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
RegulatorIFMRRC
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • The proprietary terminal offers TradingView-powered charts which deliver dozens of technical indicators and studies
  • Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes
  • The broker offers up to 98% payouts on binary options, which is more than alternatives like Pocket Option, only offering up to 92%

Cons

  • The broker is not overseen by a respected regulator, though this is common among binary options firms
  • IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
  • There's no automated trading support for algo traders

CEX.IO

"CEX.IO continues to serve a range of crypto investors looking to buy, sell, trade, hold and earn with low fees. The tiered pricing structure will appeal to active traders while rookie investors will enjoy the straightforward platform interface and excellent education."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

CEX.IO Quick Facts

CoinsZRX, 1INCH, AAVE, BTC, BCH, ADA, LINK, COMP, ATOM, DAI, DOGE, ETH, GUSD, ICP, LTC, LRC, MATIC, MKR, DOT, SHIB, SOL, XLM, SUSHI, SNX, USDT, XTZ, USDC, UNI, WBTC, ZIL
Crypto MiningYes
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto Spread0.15% maker & 0.25% taker (Standard)
Crypto LendingYes
Crypto StakingYes
PlatformsTradingView
Minimum Deposit$20
RegulatorGFSC
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • The broker offers 24/7 support with fast response times during tests
  • CEX.IO continues to offer competitive pricing with 0.01% taker and 0% maker fees for high-volume traders
  • There's a wide range of global payment methods available including PayPal

Cons

  • It's a shame that there's no demo account for traders looking to practice strategies
  • The Exchange Plus platform delivers a cluttered interface compared to competitor platforms
  • A maintenance fee applies after 12 months of no activity

Firstrade

"Firstrade is perfect for beginners looking to trade US stocks with zero commissions. There is a wealth of free education plus premium-quality research, notably through its latest FirstradeGPT tool, plus trading ideas from Morningstar, Briefing.com, Zacks and Benzinga."

William Berg, Reviewer

Firstrade Quick Facts

Bonus OfferDeposit Bonus Up To $4000
CoinsALGO, AVAX, BAT, BTC, BCH, ADA, LINK, ATOM, CRO, CRV, MANA, DOGE, ETH, ETC, FTM, LTC, LRC, MATIC, REN, SHIB, SOL, XLM, SUSHI, GRT, UNI, YFI
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto SpreadVariable
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsTradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Enhanced stock trading environment with overnight trading and fractional shares added
  • Excellent broker for budget-conscious traders with low OTC fees
  • Highly trusted US-regulated brokerage and SIPC member

Cons

  • Firstrade focuses on stocks at the expense of forex, limiting diversification opportunities
  • No demo/paper trading account found at over 90% of alternatives evaluated
  • Customer support still needs work following testing with no 24/7 assistance

RedMars

"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

RedMars Quick Facts

CoinsBTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, XLM, DOT, ZEC, XMR, QTM, NEO, EOS, BCH, DSH
Crypto MiningNo
Auto Market MakerNo
Crypto Spread65
Crypto LendingNo
Crypto StakingNo
PlatformsMT5
Minimum Deposit€250
RegulatorCySEC, AFM
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events
  • Clients in the EU, in particular, can trade with peace of mind knowing RedMars is authorized by the CySEC with up to €20K compensation available through the ICF in the event of bankruptcy
  • The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies

Cons

  • RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
  • With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
  • While RedMars' spreads are within industry averages, they don't offer a significant edge over the cheapest day trading brokers we've personally used, notably IC Markets

Swing Trading Crypto Explained

Swing trading is a strategy whereby traders aim to profit from price movements across a short to medium time frame. The idea is to catch any ‘swings’ in the market over days, weeks, or months.

There are two swings that investors generally look out for:

Swing trading strategies work well with trending markets, including forex, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. The best crypto coins for swing trading, especially if you’re a beginner, include Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether. This is because they have the largest market capitalization and are some of the most actively traded and volatile coins on the market.

Successful crypto swing traders typically use technical analysis to observe short to medium-time frame charts to catch daily and weekly trends. The use of fundamental analysis is also helpful, as economic events can often unroll over days or weeks.

Day Trading Crypto Vs Swing Trading Crypto

The timescale is the main difference between day trading cryptos and swing trading cryptos. Day traders aim to profit from short-term price moves within a day. As a result, they are more active than swing traders and typically do not leave their positions open for longer than one day.

There is also normally a greater emphasis on technical analysis in day trading. In contrast, swing traders tend to focus on fundamentals. In fact, some crypto investors may base their analysis solely on news events and company announcements, for example, when Binance halted Bitcoin withdrawals in June 2022 following a downturn in the market.

Deciding between day trading or swing trading crypto ultimately depends on individual investing styles and goals. While some prefer to carry out all their trades during the day, others are not phased by the prospect of holding positions overnight. In addition, some investors may thrive in high-pressure environments, while others prefer to take a more passive approach.

Either way, trying out different strategies within a demo account is often a good idea before rolling it into your trading plan.

Swing Trading Crypto Strategies

There is a range of approaches that you can implement when swing trading crypto, though it will take some time to determine which one you prefer most. We’ve provided two popular examples below.

‘Stuck In A Box’

This strategy follows a market range by utilizing support and resistance levels. As a result, the market is sometimes known as being stuck in a box between the two lines above and below.

Once the price breaks below support, the trader waits for a strong price rejection (a candle closed above support) and then goes long on the next candle open. The aim is to essentially exit the trade before the selling pressure comes in at resistance.

To ensure success with this swing trading crypto strategy, you will need a sound understanding of your daily candlestick chart and support and resistance levels. Your stop-loss and take-profit will also be important to ensure that you don’t exceed these levels.

‘Catch The Wave’

As the name suggests, this strategy aims to catch one move in a trending market, whereby you enter after the pullback has ended.

To catch the wave, investors identify a trend concerning, for example, a 50-period moving average. Suppose the Bitcoin market approaches the moving average. In that case, traders will wait for a bullish price rejection before going long on the next candle.

As a rule of thumb, you should set your stop-loss below the candle low and set the take-profit just before the market swings high.

Swing Trading Crypto Tools

Whether you’re investing in Bitcoin or other altcoins, multiple tools can enhance your swing trading strategy and give you confidence when things get challenging.

Social & Copy Trading

Suppose you’re a beginner curious to see swing trading cryptos in action. In that case, you could always look for a broker offering copy trading. This allows you to share trading ideas and copy other successful deals, making it a useful feature for investors still finding their feet.

You can also search for copy-trading providers who have mastered their swing trading strategy within the platform. eToro, for example, has one of the best social and copy trading platforms for cryptocurrency beginners.

Automation & Signals

Automated tools such as crypto bots and signals can help you execute more positions faster. Trading robots basically scan the market and automatically buy and sell assets once defined criteria have been met.

Swing trading crypto signals
Automated swing trading cryptos on MT4

There are many types of robots to choose from, which can suit various swing trading strategies. You can program bots based on volume, orders, time, and price to suit your preferences.

Similarly, some platforms offer a range of signal providers, which can be managed by another trader or fully automated. These can work well with swing trading crypto strategies as they can operate overnight when positions are still open.

Furthermore, because cryptocurrency markets are open 24/7, 365 days a year, robots can conduct deals beyond regular trading hours in any time zone. This applies even on weekends.

Technical Analysis

Crypto swing traders typically aim to analyze price action and candlestick chart patterns using support and resistance levels, Relative Strength Index (RSI), Bollinger Bands, Fibonacci Retracement, Volume, Stochastic oscillator, and moving averages.

Swing trading cryptocurrency strategies
Swing trading cryptos on MT4 charts

Technical tools help investors identify bullish and bearish zones within the chart where they can buy and sell. Traders will therefore aim to identify two types of opportunity: trends and breakouts. Trends are long-term market movements characterized by short-term oscillations. Breakouts mark the beginning of a new trend.

Moving averages are one of the most popular tools used in swing trading. These calculate the mean of a crypto asset’s price movement over a period of time. If a crossover is identified, this can indicate a bullish or bearish momentum. You can also use moving averages as your support and resistance levels.

Risk Tools

A golden rule with any swing trading crypto strategy is not to risk more than you can afford to lose. Once you’re in a trade, setting stop-loss parameters is the best way to mitigate your risk. And since swing trading often requires holding positions overnight, stop losses can be set to protect your funds while you’re not at your computer.

These ensure that any losses do not entirely wipe out your account and that you take profit at a reasonable level. The idea here is to keep your losses small and manageable so that over time, they will be outnumbered by your crypto gains.

Other useful tools include risk management features, profit calculators, and live streams from official news platforms. Some brokers also provide simulators or demo accounts that can be used to practice swing trading strategies on crypto products.

Storage & Safety

Those interested in swing trading cryptocurrency over longer durations may discover that physically acquiring and retaining tokens is the best choice. This strategy is usually only possible without leverage, yet significant fluctuations can still provide gains. Here are a few ways to protect your long-term investments:

Hot Wallets

Hot wallets, such as MetaMask, are digital wallets that remain online. These software wallets enable speedy crypto trading by immediately connecting to exchanges.

However, because the wallet is continually linked to the internet, this easier access creates a greater danger of hackers. Exodus, Binance Chain Wallet, MyEtherWallet, and Mycelium are some popular hot wallet options.

Cold wallets

Cold wallets are a more secure means of storing cryptocurrency on a hardware device that may be unplugged from the internet, such as a hard disk drive. Because they are entirely offline and can only be attacked when plugged in, they are more protected than hot wallets.

However, because these are physical wallets, you must be mindful not to neglect the drive, or you will lose the crypto you have stored permanently. Popular options include the Ledger Nano X and the Trezor Model T, both are suitable for swing trading crypto.

Security

While investing in digital currencies, keeping your accounts and assets safeguarded is important. Risk management alerts and two-factor authentication (2FA) should be included in software systems to provide easy risk assessment and account login validation.

Regulations & Rules

Because crypto trading is still a fairly new business, laws and policies are not as detailed versus those for forex or stocks and shares trading.

Furthermore, decentralized finance (DeFi) is exactly that: decentralized. This implies that no government has the ability to trace, regulate, or ban cryptocurrency purchases (unless you use regulated derivatives brokers). Having said that, authorities are gradually catching up and imposing laws and limits.

Swing Trading Crypto Tips

Demo Account

A demo account will let you access the crypto markets in real-time and practice trading systems and techniques. Most brokers offer a free demo account that will include virtual funds, so you never risk your capital when testing a swing trading strategy.

Pay Attention To Bitcoin

Most altcoins are closely linked to the movement of Bitcoin. If the price of BTC surges, the price of other cryptocurrencies can sometimes drop. This is due to people exiting the altcoin market to ride the Bitcoin wave. With that said, if the price of BTC suddenly falls, the value of the crypto markets usually follows suit.

Fees & Costs

Since swing trading cryptos involves placing fewer trades over longer periods, the spread is also charged less frequently and is generally smaller. However, swing traders normally accumulate swap fees. Daily interest rate charges are levied on overnight positions.

Some brokers may also charge high commissions or other account-related fees, so check these before signing up. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may also be subject to crypto trading taxes.

Education

Swing trading crypto can often attract novices looking to ease themselves into medium to long-term trading. With that said, you will still need access to good educational resources and additional tools that can help you develop your knowledge.

This might include a crypto training course, a community forum, or even an online swing trading book. It’s essential to take this into account when choosing your crypto broker. Some of the best platforms even run dedicated investing academies.

Analysis

Effective swing trading crypto strategies are built on technical tools as well as fundamental analysis.

A good understanding of daily candlestick charts and basic indicators will set you off to a good start. Still, it is important to keep on top of fundamental events and financial reports that can cause swings in the market.

For cryptocurrencies, it could be worth following reputable sources such as Binance, Coin Metrics, CoinDesk, or Coin Telegraph.

Identify the Appropriate Token

The cryptocurrency market is growing at a rapid pace. There are now around 10,000 tokens available. Of course, some cryptocurrencies are more unpredictable than others. Focus on digital currencies with a significant market capitalization if you’re new to investing. These frequently traded tokens are available on numerous exchanges and marketplaces. Several of the most interesting cryptocurrencies to start with are Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), and Ethereum (ETH).

News

Announcements, events, and news are all elements to keep an eye on since they can impact the value of cryptocurrencies. Look out for what popular cryptocurrency traders, celebrities, corporations, and limited companies have to say.

Also watch for tokens to be accepted as legitimate payment by businesses, cities, or nations. Bitcoin was accepted for city fees in Zug – Switzerland, and as a legal tender in El Salvador.

BTC swing trading

Pros Of Swing Trading Crypto

Swing trading can be an excellent strategy to master and is ultimately not as demanding as other crypto investing strategies. In addition, there are other benefits:

Cons Of Swing Trading Crypto

Unsurprisingly, swing trading cryptocurrencies can also present challenges both for the inexperienced and the professional investor:

Final Word On Swing Trading Crypto

The allure of swing trading in the crypto market is primarily thanks to its comparatively lower level of time commitment and stress versus other forms of investing. With that said, new investors should take time to learn how to swing trade cryptocurrency assets and practice with a demo account before committing cash. Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can start determining which swing trading crypto strategies will best meet your needs. See our list of top swing trading cryptocurrency brokers in 2025 to get started today.

FAQs

What Is The Difference Between Day Trading Vs Swing Trading Cryptos?

The main difference between day trading and swing trading cryptos is the time frame used to execute trades. Day trading focuses on short-term price moves within the course of a day, whereas swing trading aims to profit from longer-term moves over days or weeks.

Is Day Trading Crypto Better Than Swing Trading Crypto?

This will depend on your personal preference and risk profile. Day trading is ideal for individuals who have the time to commit to frequent daily trades. In contrast, swing trading crypto works better for those who prefer to hold investments for longer.

How Are Crypto Swing Traders Taxed?

This depends on the jurisdiction but in the UK, for example, the HMRC taxes day trading activities based on different classifications (depending on what you are investing and how you trade them). To find out how you might be taxed, visit the respective governmental agency’s website in your jurisdiction.

What Is The Best Crypto Trading Bot?

For the best technical features, a good option is 3Commas, a web-based crypto trading bot that can implement multiple strategies. If you are looking for unique automated trading bots, Bitsgap is a popular choice for any experience level, offering a 14-day free trial for new users.

What Is The Best Indicator For Swing Trading Cryptos?

This depends on the trader, but among the best indicators for swing trading cryptos is moving averages (MA), which calculates the mean of a market’s price movements over a certain period. This helps smooth out any short-term spikes and is ideal for longer-term swing trading.

Can I Swing Trade Crypto On Robinhood, And Is It Safe?

Yes, you can swing trade cryptocurrencies on Robinhood. However, the brokerage has come under fire for mistreating and misleading retail traders and should be avoided.. It should also be noted that Robinhood is not yet available to clients outside of the United States.

Is Swing Trading Crypto Halal Or Haram?

Many Islamic scholars believe that cryptocurrency trading is permissible. Therefore Muslims can buy, keep, and trade Bitcoins under Sharia law. This applies to Muslims worldwide, not only in nations and places like Dubai, Kuwait, and Qatar. However, consult a local religious leader for official guidance.

Are There Any Swing Trading Crypto Platforms With No Fees?

It is doubtful that you will find a swing trading crypto exchange with zero fees. Most platforms take a cut through spreads, commissions or account fees to cover the costs of their services and to generate a profit. See our list of the top crypto swing trading brokers to find a firm with low costs.

In most parts of the world, acquiring cryptocurrencies and swing trading derivatives is legal. This includes the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, and EU nations such as the Netherlands. Even when limitations are in place, they tend to target crypto derivatives and brokers instead of traders. Having said that, other nations, such as China, prohibit all cryptocurrency-related operations. If you do reside in a country where crypto trading firms are banned, some investors turn to offshore firms to facilitate investment activities.