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Spot-Futures Basis Scanner

Spot buy, perp short, basis spreads, and cash-and-carry routes

Spot-Futures Arbitrage Guide | Basis & Cash Carry

Cash & carry (spot-futures) basis scanner: buy spot, short perps, track funding, and exit on convergence with fee-aware net ROI and alerts.

Mastering Spot-Futures (Cash & Carry) ArbitrageCash & Carry Workflow (Spot + Perps)Real-Time Spot-Futures Yield MatrixPremium Cash & Carry PlatformsCash & Carry Strategy FAQ

Mastering Spot-Futures (Cash & Carry) Arbitrage

Spot-Futures arbitrage is the gold standard for delta-neutral investment. By purchasing the 'Cash' asset (Spot) and selling the 'Carry' (Futures), you create a position immune to crypto market crashes while earning high interest rates.

In contango, perps can trade at a premium to spot. The scanner surfaces basis gaps and helps you validate realistic net edge after fees and slippage.

Spot-Futures Arbitrage Guide | Basis & Cash Carry

Spot-futures scanner UI showing basis spreads and filters for cash and carry opportunities.
Step 1: Check Basis Spread

Check basis spread, validate fees, liquidity, and net ROI before entry.

Step 2: Buy Spot (Long) - Kraken spot buy screenshot used for cash and carry example (buy spot first with a limit order).
Step 2: Buy Spot (Long)

Buy spot (long leg) with a limit order after depth check.

Step 3: Short Perps (Hedge) - Gate perpetual futures short screenshot used for cash and carry hedging (equal size, delta-neutral).
Step 3: Short Perps (Hedge)

Short perps (hedge). Match size to spot and keep buffer.

Step 4: Close Both Legs - Close screenshot showing basis convergence and profit lock.
Step 4: Close Both Legs

Close both legs on basis convergence. Lock net profit after fees.

Cash & Carry Workflow (Spot + Perps)

  1. Step 1: Check Basis Spread

    Find a positive basis (perp premium vs spot) and confirm net edge after fees and realistic slippage for your size.

  2. Step 2: Buy Spot (Long)

    Buy the asset on spot. Prefer limit orders and sufficient order-book depth to reduce slippage.

  3. Step 3: Short Perps (Hedge)

    Open an equal-size perp short to neutralize price risk. Keep low leverage and maintain a liquidation buffer.

  4. Step 4: Close Both Legs

    Exit on basis convergence (or risk changes). Close spot and perps close in time to avoid temporary exposure.

Target APY15-45%
Safety ProfileLow

Basis & Hedge Mechanics

In contango, perps can trade at a premium to spot. The scanner surfaces basis gaps and helps you validate realistic net edge after fees and slippage.

Maximizing Capital Efficiency

Utilize Portfolio Margin accounts (if available) to use your spot BTC or ETH as direct collateral for your short, reducing the need for idle USDT and boosting net ROI.

Risk Control & Margin Safety Management

The primary risk is a short liquidation during a massive vertical price spike. We recommend keeping your 'Health Ratio' above 2.5 by allocating sufficient USDT margin.

Real-Time Spot-Futures Yield Matrix

Our engine filters millions of data points across global markets. Uncover the highest yield disparities between spot and perp markets instantly.

01Automated monitoring of 2500+ Bybit, Binance, OKX pairs
02Live Contango/Backwardation and Basis % analytics
03Historical funding rate and premium trends tracking
04Real-time liquidation price and health ratio calculator
Spot-futures arbitrage scanner interface showing real-time basis spreads between spot and perpetual futures markets
πŸ“ˆ

Scanner Interface

Real-time spread detection

Premium Cash & Carry Platforms

Cash & carry (spot-futures) basis scanner: buy spot, short perps, track funding, and exit on convergence with fee-aware net ROI and alerts.

PlatformCombined LiquidityPerp LiquidityEstimated Monthly Yield
BinanceVery highStableBest for large size
OKXHighStableGood execution quality
BybitHighActiveOften strong perp liquidity
BitgetMedium–highActiveGood for medium size

Maximizing Capital Efficiency

Utilize Portfolio Margin accounts (if available) to use your spot BTC or ETH as direct collateral for your short, reducing the need for idle USDT and boosting net ROI.

Swap Execution Checklist

Ensure both trades occur on the same platform (e.g., Bybit) to avoid transfer latency. Use unified accounts so your spot assets serve as collateral for your short.

Cash & Carry Profit Optimization

Look for 'Contango' spikes during new coin listings or major network upgrades. Use our automated alerts to find assets where the futures premium exceeds 5% monthly.

Risk Control & Margin Safety Management

The primary risk is a short liquidation during a massive vertical price spike. We recommend keeping your 'Health Ratio' above 2.5 by allocating sufficient USDT margin.

Basis & Hedge Mechanics

Our engine filters millions of data points across global markets. Uncover the highest yield disparities between spot and perp markets instantly.

Cash and Carry is widely considered the safest crypto strategy when collateral is managed professionally.

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Live Example: Buy Spot + Short Perps

Real cross-exchange spread: +4.26% net after fees. Buy undervalued, transfer fast, sell premium. Live execution example with actual order book screenshots.

Spot arbitrage live example, real spread 4.26%, cross-exchange arbitrage execution, MEXC to Gate arbitrage, DEFI USDT arbitrage, crypto arbitrage case study
Spot buy leg screenshot - PLAY/USD on Kraken, real cross-exchange arbitrage example

Kraken (Spot): buy spot with a limit order (PLAY/USD).

Perp short hedge screenshot used for cash and carry: open a perp short (sell) at equal size to spot.

Gate (Perps): open the short hedge leg (PLAYUSDT perpetual).

Spot (Buy)
0.068243
Perp (Short)
0.06906
Basis
+4.26%

Execution Notes

Match sizes (delta‑neutral)
Prefer limit orders
Keep low leverage + buffer
Exit on basis compression

Risks of Spot–Futures Arbitrage

This is one of the more stable arbitrage approaches, but risk is not zero. Funding can flip, execution can slip, and leverage can create liquidation risk if mismanaged.

Funding rate reversal

Funding can turn negative and reduce yield. Track funding continuously and define exit rules for rate flips.

Liquidation risk (avoidable)

The futures leg can liquidate if leverage is excessive. Use isolated margin and conservative leverage (often 1x) to keep a large buffer.

Basis/mark mechanics

Large dislocations can widen the basis temporarily. Monitor mark price behavior and avoid oversized positions during volatility spikes.

Exchange risk

Downtime and sudden parameter changes can impact hedged positions. Prefer top venues and diversify across exchanges when scaling.

ArbScanner Swap Bot
Just now
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ETHUSDT ➠ Basis +4.26%
β•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Ό
⇑ spot (link) ➠ 3,150.25
⇓ perp (link) ➠ 3,185.55
β•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Ό
⌬ π™±πšŠπšœπš’πšœ +4.26% (contango)
⌬ π™½πšŽπš π™΄πšπšπšŽ +3.82% (after fees)
β•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Όβ•Ό
⌬ π™½πš˜πšπšŽπšœ: size matched, low leverage, buffer OK
⌬ πš‚πš—πšŠπš™πšœπš‘πš˜πš: 41s ago
⌬ π™±πšŠπšœπš’πšœ π™²πš‘πšŠπš›πš

Telegram Alerts For Basis Spreads

Get notified when a cash & carry setup becomes net-profitable. Alerts can include the symbol, venue, basis %, and direct links to spot/perp markets.

Cash & carry is a market-neutral strategy: buy spot and short perps in the same size. The edge comes from basis premium and funding flows, while your delta exposure stays hedged.

Notification Filters

  • β€’ Basis threshold (Min-Max %)
  • β€’ Volume filters (USD limits)
  • β€’ Symbol include/exclude lists
  • β€’ Spot & perp venue selection
  • β€’ Funding rate checks

Alert Contents

  • β€’ Trading pair and basis %
  • β€’ Spot price & perp price
  • β€’ Net edge after fees
  • β€’ Direct links to markets
  • β€’ Basis chart link

Alerts focus on basis convergence and funding rate shifts β€” the key drivers of cash & carry returns. Use low leverage and keep a buffer to avoid liquidation. @Arbscanner1_bot.

Ask Questions

Guides

Compare strategies and jump between scanners. Use internal guides to keep consistent execution rules across market-neutral setups.

All Guides

Spot Arbitrage Playbook

Cross-exchange spreads, network transfer checks, and fee-aware execution.

Open GuideOpen Scanner

Futures Arbitrage Guide

Funding rate capture, cross-exchange hedging, and perpetual spread convergence.

Open GuideOpen Scanner

Pricing

Unlock alerts, filters, and advanced analytics to speed up execution.

View Pricing

Cash & Carry Strategy FAQ

Is Cash and Carry better than staking?
Often yes. While staking yields 3-8%, Cash & Carry can yield 15-40% depending on market 'Contango' and the intensity of funding rates.
What is Contango in crypto markets?
Contango is a market state where futures prices are higher than spot prices, which is the required condition for this strategy.
Do I need to worry about the price dropping?
No. Since you own the coin (Spot) and have an equal Short (Futures), the net value of your portfolio remains stable regardless of price action.
What is the best exchange for this strategy?
Bybit and Binance are top choices due to their 'Unified Margin' accounts which simplify the management of hedged positions.
How do I completely avoid liquidation?
Always monitor your margin ratio. Using 1x leverage on your short position makes it virtually impossible to be liquidated.
When is the best time to close the trade?
The ideal time is when the 'Basis' (gap between spot/futures) reaches zero or turns negative, or when funding rates drop significantly.
Can this strategy be automated?
Our scanner provides real-time data and net profit calculators. You can execute manually or use the data to monitor your automated bots.
What is a cash and carry trade in crypto?
Cash and carry involves buying an asset on spot and simultaneously shorting the same asset on perpetual futures. You earn the basis spread (futures premium) plus ongoing funding rate payments, creating a market-neutral position with predictable returns.
How does the spot-futures scanner detect opportunities?
The scanner continuously monitors spot prices and perpetual futures prices across major exchanges, calculating the real-time basis spread. When the spread exceeds configurable thresholds (accounting for fees), it alerts you via the dashboard and optional Telegram notifications.
Can I automate spot-futures arbitrage?
While our scanner automates the detection and alerting phase, trade execution is manual. This gives you full control over position sizing, leverage, and timing. The API section provides endpoints that can be integrated with custom trading bots for semi-automated workflows.
What fees matter most in cash & carry?
Trading fees on entry/exit and funding flows matter most. Basis capture can look attractive, but net ROI depends on taker/maker fees and how long you hold the hedge.
Is Unified Margin required?
Not required, but it helps. Unified or portfolio margin can reduce idle collateral and simplify risk tracking, especially when running multiple hedges.

Start Cash & Carry Tracking

Open the spot-futures scanner, set fee-aware filters, and enable Telegram alerts to catch basis spikes in real time.

Open ScannerSetup Alerts