What Is Maintenance Margin in Crypto Futures?

Maintenance Margin is the minimum amount of margin that must stay in a position to keep it open on Crypto Futures. It's lower than the Initial Margin you posted to open the position — the floor, not the entry cost — and it exists so the exchange has a defined trigger point to act before your losses exceed the margin you've committed. If your margin balance drops below this floor, your position becomes eligible for margin calls and, eventually, liquidation. Maintenance Margin is set per contract and scales with the leverage tier you've chosen.

• Maintenance Margin is expressed as a percentage of position value — a $1,000 position with a 5% requirement needs at least $50 of margin locked in at all times.
• It gives the exchange a buffer to close your position before losses exceed the margin you've committed, protecting both your account and the wider system.
• Requirements vary by contract and leverage tier — higher leverage tiers carry a higher maintenance margin percentage.
• Falling below Maintenance Margin doesn't mean instant liquidation — Pluang issues margin call warnings first.
• Maintenance Margin and Initial Margin are set independently, so raising leverage can change both even without adding capital.

Related questions:

Q: What's the difference between Initial Margin and Maintenance Margin?
Initial Margin is what you post to open a position; Maintenance Margin is the lower minimum that must remain — the gap between the two is your buffer against normal price movement.

Q: What happens if my margin falls below Maintenance Margin?
You'll receive escalating margin call warnings first; if you don't add margin or reduce your position, it may eventually be liquidated once the shortfall keeps growing.

Q: Is Maintenance Margin the same for every contract?
No. It varies by contract and by the leverage tier used — a higher-leverage tier on the same contract carries a higher percentage than a lower one.

Q: How can I avoid falling below Maintenance Margin?
Monitor your margin ratio, avoid over-leveraging relative to volatility, and add margin or reduce position size before your buffer runs thin, especially during volatile periods.

Q: Does increasing leverage on an open position change my Maintenance Margin?
Yes. Raising leverage on an existing position can raise the Maintenance Margin requirement even without changing position size, unexpectedly narrowing your buffer.