April 9, 2025

How To Start Trading On dYdX

dYdX
How To Start Trading On dYdXHow To Start Trading On dYdX

Estimated time to onboard, from purchasing funds to completing the deposit and being ready to trade on dYdX: 6 minutes.

This step-by-step guide outlines how to start trading on dYdX. Let’s dive in.

Preparing for Success

Before starting, prospective users need a cryptocurrency wallet as well as USDC, ETH or POLY on a supported network (Ethereum, Base, Polygon and Optimism) to deposit into dYdX. Users also need a small amount of ETH on the same network to pay for the deposit transaction fee.

To better illustrate the preparation process, here’s an example using MetaMask and ETH on Base:

  1. Installing MetaMask: MetaMask can be installed via the mobile App Stores or Chrome Web Store.
  2. Buying ETH on Base: A small amount of ETH is needed to cover the deposit transaction fee. ETH may also be used to add margin on dYdX, which is needed for trading. ETH on Base can be purchased via MetaMask using the "buy" feature and selecting Base as the network and ETH as the token.‍
  3. Receiving Funds: Funds typically arrive in MetaMask within minutes, which means the onboarding process to dYdX can begin.
Example: Buying ETH on Base using MetaMask

Onboarding Options for dYdX

dYdX runs on its own blockchain, so prospective users need to deposit funds into a wallet address on dYdX to begin trading. Users retain full custody of their funds at all times. The process is simple, and there are two options:

1. Deposit via Wallet

Traders can deposit funds from any wallet they've connected to dYdX. Traders can choose Instant Deposit, which typically arrives within 60 seconds and comes with higher fees, or use the standard deposit method, which takes around 20 minutes with lower fees. Once the funds arrive in the dYdX wallet, trading can begin. Please note that deposit times and fees may vary depending on the source chain and asset.

2. Onboard via Coinbase

Coinbase allows users to deposit and withdraw funds directly to their dYdX wallet address. More information is provided in Step 4.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Click Button

Navigating to dydx.trade and clicking the “Connect Wallet” button in the top-right corner of the interface initiates the connection process.

Step 2: Choose Wallet

Dozens of wallets are support. Popular options include MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, OKX Wallet, Keplr, Binance Wallet, Trust Wallet, and Fireblocks.

Step 3: Connect Wallet

A "Connect Wallet" panel will appear, triggered by the wallet provider. If this is the first time onboarding to dYdX, the user will be prompted with two signature requests:

  • Verify Ownership: Confirms that the user owns the connected wallet.
  • Enable Trading: Confirms wallet compatibility.

Clicking "Send Request" in the dYdX interface initiates the signature process. Signing is free and doesn’t involve sending a transaction. Confirming the signature requests in the chosen wallet to generate a dYdX wallet address completes the connection step.

Example: Connect MetaMask Window

Step 4: Deposit Funds

Deposit via Wallet

Click the "Deposit" button at the top right of the dYdX interface. A window will appear where traders can:

  • Choose the preferred token
  • Enter the deposit amount
  • Select a deposit speed
  • Click "Deposit Funds" and confirm the transaction
Example: Making a deposit on dYdX

Deposit via Coinbase

  • Click "Deposit with Coinbase" at the bottom of the deposit panel
  • A modal will show the dYdX (Noble) address
  • Copy/paste it into Coinbase or scan the QR code
  • Double-check the address before submitting the transfer

Step 5: Track Deposit Progress & Complete Onboarding

Once the deposit is initiated, both the deposit window and a notification in the top-right corner will display the progress, including the estimated time to completion.

Once the funds arrive in the dYdX Wallet, all 200+ markets on dYdX can be traded immediately.

Supported Chains and Tokens

To ensure a smooth deposit experience, traders can use one of the following supported chains and tokens:

Ethereum: ETH, USDC
Base: ETH, USDC
Optimism: ETH, USDC
Polygon: POLY, USDC
Arbitrum: USDC

FAQ

How long does it take for a deposit to reflect in a dYdX account?
Instant deposits typically arrive in about 60 seconds. Standard deposits take around 20 minutes. Timings may vary depending on network congestion and the source chain.

What is the minimum deposit amount?
Deposits under 11 USDC are not supported on most chains. Some chains allow deposits starting at 1 USDC when Instant Deposit is selected.

I’m experiencing problems. What should I do?
dYdX offers live chat support. Visit help.dydx.trade to submit a ticket or start a chat.

Legitimacy and Disclaimer

© 2025 dYdX International Ltd. All rights reserved.

dYdX is a decentralised, disintermediated and permissionless protocol, and is not available in the U.S. or to U.S. persons as well as for Restricted Persons as set out in the dYdX Software Terms of Use, accessible: https://dydx.exchange/v4-terms. dYdX International Ltd (“DI”) does not develop, control or participate in the operation of any component of the dYdX Protocol (including the MegaVault).

The information provided in this website is for general informational purposes only and DI reserves the right to update, modify, or amend any contents herein, at its sole discretion and without prior notice.  Nothing herein should be used or considered as legal, financial, tax, or any other advice, nor as an instruction or invitation to act in any way by anyone.

Engaging in any activity involving crypto-assets (including trading crypto assets and depositing into the MegaVault) is risky due to high volatility. Returns are not guaranteed and may fluctuate over time depending on multiple factors, and you may lose your entire investment, particularly when using leverage. Investment into crypto-assets may not be regulated and may not be suitable for retail investors. You should perform your own research and due diligence before engaging in any activity involving crypto-assets.

In no event will DI be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from or in connection with the use of this website. By continuing to access this website, you agree to the above and accept the possibility of changes in the information provided.

Awarded Institutional DeFi Solution of the Year by Hedgeweek

Learn more

1 Leaderboard, 9 Seasons and $20M on the Line in Rewards

Learn more
Resources
Help CenterBlogAcademyMarketsBrandTerms of UsePrivacy Policy
Ecosystem
dYdX LabsdYdX FoundationdYdX Operations subDAOdYdX Grants subDAOAPINew iOS App
Market Pages
API3-USDBERA-USDNIL-USDNC-USDGAS-USD
Learn More
How To Purchase DYDXHow To Start TradingTrading Competition2024 Annual ReportDYDX BuybackExchangeCommunity
© 2025 dYdX International Ltd. All rights reserved.

dYdX is a decentralised, disintermediated and permissionless protocol, and is not available in the U.S. or to U.S. persons as well as for Restricted Persons as set out in the dYdX Software Terms of Use, accessible: https://dydx.exchange/v4-terms. dYdX International Ltd (“DI”) does not develop, control or participate in the operation of any component of the dYdX Protocol (including the MegaVault).

The information provided in this website is for general informational purposes only and DI reserves the right to update, modify, or amend any contents herein, at its sole discretion and without prior notice.  Nothing herein should be used or considered as legal, financial, tax, or any other advice, nor as an instruction or invitation to act in any way by anyone.

Engaging in any activity involving crypto-assets (including trading crypto assets and depositing into the MegaVault) is risky due to high volatility. Returns are not guaranteed and may fluctuate over time depending on multiple factors, and you may lose your entire investment, particularly when using leverage. Investment into crypto-assets may not be regulated and may not be suitable for retail investors. You should perform your own research and due diligence before engaging in any activity involving crypto-assets.

In no event will DI be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from or in connection with the use of this website. By continuing to access this website, you agree to the above and accept the possibility of changes in the information provided.

Leaving site

By clicking ‘Continue’, you will be leaving https://www.dydx.xyz/ and accessing a website made available by a third party using dYdX v4 open-source software that is independent from and unaffiliated with dYdX International Ltd (“DI”). DI does not deploy or run dYdX v4 open-source software for public use, nor does it operate or control any or all parts of the infrastructure. DI is not responsible for any actions taken by independent third parties or for any codes, materials and contents on any third-party websites, including the one you would access by clicking ‘Continue’.

DI’s contents and services are not available to persons who are residents of, are located or incorporated in, or have a registered office in the U.S., Canada or any Restricted Persons as set out in the dYdX v4 open-source software Terms of Use, accessible here.  More details can be found in our Terms of Use. Learn more about dYdX v4 third-party front end options here.

Continue