How to use Bybit TradFi to trade stocks: MT5 CFD and TradFi Perpetuals



Bybit's TradFi section gives you two ways to trade stocks without owning shares: CFD and TradFi Perpetuals. Both let you go long or short on major equities using USDT-based collateral. CFD is powered by Infra Capital and supports trading through MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the Bybit App and Bybit Web. TradFi Perpetuals are Bybit-native contracts that run on the same engine as crypto perpetuals, using your existing Unified Trading Account (UTA).

This guide explains how each product works, walks through the steps to open a stock position on each and helps you decide which one fits your trading style.

Key takeaways

• The TradFi section on Bybit houses two products for trading stocks: CFD (powered by Infra Capital, via MT5 or the Bybit App/Web) and TradFi Perpetuals (Bybit-native, via your existing UTA).

• CFD offers a broader stock selection with up to 5x leverage and lot-based execution. TradFi Perpetuals offer 24/7 trading on core stock contracts using the same interface as crypto perpetuals.

• CFD requires a one-time MT5 CFD Account setup. TradFi Perpetuals require no extra account — if you have a Unified Trading Account (UTA), you can start immediately.

Two ways to trade stocks on Bybit TradFi

Both products sit inside the TradFi section on Bybit. On the Bybit App, tap the TradFi tab in the bottom navigation bar —  to reach the TradFi landing screen. On the Bybit website, hover over TradFi in the top navigation to access both products from the dropdown. Inside the TradFi section, two sub-tabs are available: Futures (TradFi Perpetuals) and CFD.

They are separate products — not different modes of the same account. Each has its own account structure, fee model, trading hours and instrument coverage.

Note: On the Bybit platform, TradFi Perpetuals are listed under Futures in the navigation. The Futures category includes both perpetual and expiry-dated contracts for crypto, while only perpetual contracts are available under TradFi.

How to trade stock CFDs

CFD gives you access to a broad range of stocks across US, European and Asia-Pacific markets. Orders use standard lot sizes. The platform supports advanced charting through MT5, including Expert Advisors (EAs) for automated trading strategies. All trades run through a dedicated MT5 CFD Account, which is separate from your UTA but linked to the same Bybit login.

Step 1: Access CFD

On the Bybit App, tap TradFi in the bottom navigation bar, then select the CFD sub-tab to enter the CFD trading interface. On the Bybit website, hover over TradFi in the top navigation and select CFD from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Create your MT5 CFD Account (first time only)

If this is your first time accessing CFD, tap Apply to create your MT5 CFD Account. This is a one-time setup that takes a few minutes and does not require a separate Bybit login.

Step 3: Transfer funds to your MT5 CFD Account

Transfer USDT or BYUSDT from your main Bybit account into the MT5 CFD Account. Once transferred, your balance is displayed as USDx at a 1:1 ratio with USDT. USDx is an internal display unit used for accounting purposes — it is not a cryptocurrency and cannot be deposited or withdrawn directly. When funds leave the MT5 CFD Account, they return as USDT or BYUSDT.

Step 4: Select a stock

Browse the instrument list or use the search bar to find your preferred stock. CFD covers US equities such as TSLA, AAPL and NVIDIA, as well as stocks from European and Asia-Pacific markets. Trading hours follow the underlying exchange schedule. Tap a stock name to open its trading screen.

Step 5: Place your order

On the CFD trading screen, set the following parameters. CFD orders are sized in standard lots — each lot represents a fixed number of shares depending on the instrument. Check the contract specifications for the stock you are trading before entering a size.

• Direction: Buy (long) if you expect the price to rise; Sell (short) if you expect it to fall.

• Quantity or value: Enter the number of lots or the equivalent USDT value.

• Order type: Market (fills immediately) or Limit (fills at your specified price).

• TP/SL: Set take-profit and stop-loss levels to manage risk automatically.

Tap Buy or Sell to submit the order. Confirm the details in the summary screen that appears.

How to trade stock TradFi Perpetuals

TradFi Perpetuals on stocks are Bybit-native perpetual contracts. They use the same interface and margin framework as crypto perpetuals — USDT margin, funding rates and no expiry date. No separate account is needed.

Step 1: Access TradFi Perpetuals

On the Bybit App, tap TradFi in the bottom navigation bar, then select the Futures sub-tab. On the Bybit website, hover over TradFi in the top navigation and select Futures.

App:

Website:

Step 2: Select a stock perpetual contract

On the App, tap on the trading pair to find Stocks Perpetuals under the futures tab. Open the trading screen.



Use the search bar or browse the instrument list for stock perpetuals such as TSLAUSDT or NVDAUSDT. These contracts have no expiry date and trade continuously. Tap the contract name to open the trading screen.

Step 3: Set your trade parameters

On the order entry screen, configure each parameter before submitting. The estimated margin required and the liquidation price update automatically as you adjust size and leverage.

• Direction: Long if you expect the price to rise; Short if you expect it to fall.

• Leverage: Adjust using the leverage selector. TradFi Perpetuals use a dynamic risk-limit model — available leverage scales with position size.

• Order type: Market, Limit or Conditional.

• Size: Enter the number of contracts. Estimated margin and liquidation price update automatically.

• TP/SL: Set take-profit and stop-loss levels before submitting.

Step 4: Confirm and submit

Review the full order summary before submitting. Check direction, position size, leverage level and estimated liquidation price. Tap Long to open a long position or Short to open a short position. The order fills immediately at market price if you selected Market order type.

Which product should you choose?

Both products give you leveraged exposure to stock prices without owning shares. The right choice depends on your preferred platform, how you manage positions and whether 24/7 access matters to your trading approach.

Choose CFD if: you want access to a broader range of stocks across multiple markets, prefer lot-based execution, plan to use MT5 tools such as Expert Advisors or automated strategies, or trade primarily during standard market hours.

Choose TradFi Perpetuals if: you already trade crypto perpetuals on Bybit and want a familiar interface, prefer to keep everything in your existing UTA, want to react to earnings announcements or macro events outside standard market hours, or need 24/7 access to stock positions including over weekends.

The bottom line

The Bybit TradFi section gives traders two distinct routes to stock exposure. CFD brings professional-grade tools and a broad instrument selection through a dedicated account. TradFi Perpetuals bring 24/7 access and a familiar perpetual-contract experience through your existing UTA. 

Both products are accessible from the same TradFi tab in the Bybit App and on the Bybit website. The right choice depends on your trading style, the stocks you want to trade and whether 24/7 access, instrument breadth or MT5 tools matter most. 

For a full side-by-side breakdown of fees, leverage, trading hours and account requirements, see CFD vs. TradFi Perpetuals on Bybit.

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