Crypto Options – Complete Guide for European Traders (2025)
Crypto options are a flexible and risk-controlled way to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets. For traders in Germany and the European Union, crypto options are available only through fully EU-regulated brokers, ensuring transparency, investor protection, and compliance with MiFID II.
What Are Crypto Options?
Crypto options are financial contracts that give you the right – but not the obligation – to buy or sell a cryptocurrency at a specific price (strike price) before a selected expiration date.
Important: You are not buying the cryptocurrency itself. You are buying the possibility to buy or sell it later.
In Europe, crypto options are typically offered as CFD-based options, which follow the same logic as traditional options but are simpler and easier for beginners.
How Crypto Options Work
📈Call Option (bullish)
You profit if the price of BTC or ETH moves up. A call option gives you the right to buy the asset at a fixed strike price.
📉Put Option (bearish)
You profit if the price moves down. A put option gives you the right to sell the asset at a fixed strike price.
Maximum Risk = Premium
Your loss is always limited to the price you pay for the option.
Why Trade Crypto Options?
Limited, Defined Risk
You can never lose more than the premium.
Profit in Any Market Direction
Up, down, sideways, low volatility, high volatility.
Low Capital Requirement
No need to buy a full Bitcoin.
Perfect for Volatile Markets
Crypto is naturally volatile → options use this to your advantage.
Portfolio Protection (Hedging)
You can protect your long-term crypto positions.
Crypto Options vs Crypto CFDs vs Spot Trading
| Feature | Crypto Options | Crypto CFDs | Spot Crypto |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk | Limited | Medium | High |
| Profit | Up/Down/Sideways | Up/Down | Only Up |
| Capital Needed | Low | Medium | High |
| Expiry | Yes | No | No |
| Suitable for | Beginners + Advanced | Beginners | Beginners |
Legality and Regulation in Germany and the EU
Crypto options are legal in Germany and the EU only through licensed and regulated brokers.
Requirements under BaFin and MiFID II:
- Defined risk
- Transparent pricing
- No misleading leverage
- EU regulatory oversight (CySEC, FCA, BaFin passporting)
Important:
Platforms such as Deribit, Bybit or Delta Exchange are not authorised for EU retail clients.
Where to Trade Crypto Options in Europe?
On BeInOptions, we list only brokers that are fully compliant with EU regulations and available in Germany:
1. Libertex – Best for Simple Crypto Options
Libertex offers straightforward CFD crypto options on Bitcoin and Ethereum. These options are simple, low-threshold, and ideal for beginners.
Key Features:
- ✓Call and Put crypto options
- ✓Clear and limited risk
- ✓Low minimum investment
- ✓Easy, intuitive platform
- ✓Fully compliant with EU rules
Best for:
- →Beginners
- →Risk-controlled trading
- →Simple, directional strategies
2. AvaTrade / AvaOptions – Best for Advanced Strategies
AvaOptions offers more advanced option structures, including crypto index options.
Key Features:
- ✓Professional options chain
- ✓Strategy templates (straddles, spreads, condors)
- ✓Multiple expiries
- ✓In-depth analytics
- ✓MiFID II compliant
Best for:
- →Advanced traders
- →Volatility strategies
- →Multi-leg option setups
Popular Crypto Options Strategies
Long Call
Bullish directional trade.
Long Put
Bearish directional trade.
Protective Put
Hedging for long-term holders.
Covered Call
Earning premium on existing crypto.
Straddle
Trading large price swings.
Beginner Tips (EU/Germany)
Start with simple Call and Put options
Keep position sizes small
Avoid short-dated expiries at first
Only trade with regulated EU brokers
Understand volatility and risk