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What is an option?

An option is a contract that gives the buyer the right (not the obligation) to buy or sell an asset at a specific price (the strike) before a specific date (the expiry). The seller of the option collects a fee called premium upfront, in exchange for taking on the obligation. On b1nary, you are the seller. You earn premium. A market maker is the buyer.

Key terms

Selling a put

You deposit USDC as collateral and choose a strike price below the current market price. You earn premium immediately.
  • Price stays above your strike (OTM): your USDC is returned. You keep the premium.
  • Price drops below your strike (ITM): you buy the asset at your strike price. You still keep the premium, so your effective purchase price is strike - premium.

Selling a covered call

You deposit the asset as collateral and choose a strike price above the current market price. You earn premium immediately.
  • Price stays below your strike (OTM): your asset is returned. You keep the premium. Income on your holdings.
  • Price rises above your strike (ITM): you sell the asset at your strike price. You keep the premium plus the appreciation from current price to strike.

Risk profile

What you cannot lose: more than your collateral. b1nary is fully collateralized. No margin, no liquidations.