Articles on: Trading

OTC Trading vs Trading on Platform: What’s the Difference?

When deciding how to buy or sell crypto on Coinstash, you have two options: OTC Trading or Trading on the Platform. Both are designed to suit different types of traders and different trade sizes. Below is a clear breakdown to help you choose the best option for your needs.


What is OTC Trading?

OTC (Over-the-Counter) trading allows you to execute large crypto trades (20k AUD+) directly with our OTC desk. Instead of using the standard platform interface, you interact with our OTC team who provide an all-in, locked price for your trade.

OTC is designed for customers who want speed, personalised service, and competitive pricing, especially for larger trades.


Benefits of OTC Trading


1. Better pricing for larger trades

OTC typically offers more competitive pricing than what you would get on the platform, making it ideal for trades over 20k AUD. The price is all inclusive, so what you see is what you get.


2. Zero fees

OTC quotes are all-inclusive. You don’t pay any trading fees on top of your quote.


3. Personalised, fast execution

You can request a quote through the desk and execute immediately, no navigating the platform or splitting orders manually.


4. Guaranteed execution

Once you approve the trade within the quote’s time limit, execution is guaranteed. You’ll settle at the exact price quoted.


Benefits of Trading on the Platform

Trading on the Coinstash platform gives you access to a full suite of trading tools and features that are ideal for everyday, smaller, or more automated trading.


1. Set limit orders

Buy or sell at your preferred price by placing limit orders, ideal when you want to wait for the market to reach a specific level.


2. Take-profit/stop-loss tools

You can automate your trading strategy:

  • Take-profit: Lock in gains at your target price
  • Stop-loss: Protect your position if the market moves down

These tools are not available through OTC.


3. Trade anytime, instantly

The platform is self-serve and available 24/7. You can trade on your own schedule without needing to wait for the OTC desk to reply.


4. Best for smaller or frequent trades

If you’re dollar-cost averaging or making ongoing smaller purchases, the platform is the better option.


Which Option Should I Use?


Best For

OTC Trading

Platform Trading

Trade size

Large trades

Smaller or frequent trades

Pricing

More competitive for size

Standard platform pricing/membership tiers

Automation

Not available

Limit, take-profit/stop-loss

Execution

Via desk, personalised

Instant, self-serve

Fees

Only spread

Standard trading fees/ spread


Summary

  • Choose OTC when you’re trading larger amounts and want the best pricing, zero fees, personalised service, and fixed quotes.
  • Choose the platform when you want full control, trading tools (limit, TP/SL), and instant access anytime.


Want to explore OTC Trading?

If you’d like to learn more or see how OTC pricing compares for your next trade, you can book a quick call with our OTC team below:

👉 Book a call with the OTC Desk

Updated on: 18/11/2025

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