Discover how to use Aster DEX for spot trading, perpetuals, and more in this complete beginner’s guide to decentralized trading with up to 1001x leverage.
Key Takeaways:
Everyone on X is talking about Aster, with crypto influencers shilling the token and on-chain prophets calling for it to flip Hyperliquid. Feeds are overflowing with screenshots of surging volumes, wild predictions about market share, and nonstop noise reverberating through crypto Twitter.
But when you finally try to use the platform yourself, the only question that matters is how to actually get started. If you want to cut through the noise and trade on Aster, this guide walks you step by step. ⬇️
Aster ($ASTER) is a decentralized perpetual exchange that facilitates derivatives and spot trading directly on-chain without intermediaries. It supports multiple networks, including BNB Chain, Ethereum, Solana, and Arbitrum, to provide broader asset accessibility and flexibility.
The exchange operates through three trading modes: Pro Mode with a central order book, 1001x for on-chain liquidity execution, and Spot mode. These options allow users to select between conventional order book trading, one-click perpetuals, and straightforward spot token exchanges.
Trading fees vary by product type. Pro Mode perpetuals charge 0.01% for makers and 0.035% for takers, while 1001x applies a 0.08% fee on both opening and closing positions. Spot trading follows a 0.04% maker and 0.1% taker schedule, with $ASTER available for a 5% discount on fees.
Depositing crypto into Aster requires connecting your wallet and transferring supported assets into your Aster account for trading.
Follow these steps to complete your first deposit:
Aster supports deposits on multiple chains. Each network has specific supported assets and average processing times for deposits and withdrawals. Supported assets include:
⚠️ Depositing an unsupported asset or using the wrong network will result in permanent loss of funds.
Spot trading on Aster begins by transferring assets into your Spot account, which can be funded directly from your wallet or internally from Perpetual balances. Once funded, you select a token pair from the market list, view the live order book, and choose between market or limit orders.
To execute a trade, specify the trade size, confirm the transaction details, and submit the order for processing. Successful trades settle directly into your Spot portfolio, where updated balances and order history are displayed for ongoing management.
Perpetual contracts on Aster can be traded in Pro Mode using an order book system or in 1001x Mode using one-click on-chain liquidity. Follow these steps to get started with perpetual trading on Aster.
Pro Mode provides a traditional exchange-style interface where traders manage leverage, margin, and advanced order types across pairs such as BTCUSDT, ETHUSDT, and other supported contracts. Use the following steps to open and control a perpetual position in Pro Mode:
1001x Mode simplifies perpetual trading by removing the order book and executing directly against on-chain liquidity with a single click. It currently supports pairs such as ETHUSDT with leverage that can reach extremely high levels, up to 1001x. Here is how to get started:
Moving beyond spot and perpetual markets, we can see that Aster incorporates automated strategies like grid trading, which places buy and sell orders at set intervals. For example, traders can run neutral, long, or short grid bots that capture volatility automatically while still earning Rh points toward token airdrops.
The platform also extends DeFi income tools through Aster Earn, offering products such as liquid staking (asBNB) and yield-bearing stablecoins like USDF. These assets can be used as collateral in trading, creating overlap between passive yield generation and leveraged trading strategies.
Aster additionally supports specialized markets including pre-launch contracts, which let users trade tokens before centralized exchange listings, and stock perpetuals settled in USDT. These features broaden the scope of the exchange, combining crypto-native innovation with access to traditional equity-like products.
From a trader’s perspective, Aster stands out by combining advanced execution tools with innovative market access and strong ecosystem backing. The best benefits of using Aster are:
While Aster brings unique features to decentralized perpetuals trading, experienced users will notice several shortcomings compared to more established platforms. These drawbacks are:
Aster is led by CEO Leonard, a former traditional finance engineer who built risk systems for global equity desks before moving into crypto. He and his team describe themselves as crypto OGs, having survived multiple market cycles that shaped their conservative approach to risk management and product design.
The exchange traces its origins to Pol-X, which became Astherus, then merged with APX Finance in 2025 to form Aster. Backed by YZi Labs and publicly endorsed by Binance founder CZ, Leonard now drives a roadmap focused on privacy-preserving Layer 1 infrastructure and multi-chain expansion.
The $ASTER token is listed on Bybit (≈ $273M daily volume), MEXC (≈ $289M), Gate (≈ $215M), ZOOMEX (≈ $109M), and PancakeSwap V3 (≈ $206M). Bybit consistently ranks among the top venues for ASTER/USDT trading, making it one of the most accessible options for retail investors.
How to buy $ASTER on Bybit:
Aster DEX gives traders a full suite of tools to move beyond basic swaps, from perpetual contracts with advanced order types to one-click 1001x mode.
The learning curve can be steeper than on other platforms, but once mastered, Aster delivers serious flexibility across spot, perps, and automation.
Hyperliquid may set today’s standard for decentralized trading, yet Aster’s multichain reach and growing feature set make it a contender worth watching.
Aster DEX operates across BNB Chain, Ethereum, Solana, and Arbitrum, allowing users to deposit assets and trade without relying on bridges.
Currently, Aster DEX does not allow direct USDC margin trading. Users must swap into USDT, though liquidity for this swap is limited.
In September 2025, Aster experienced a pricing glitch in its Plasma XPL market that caused liquidations. The team reimbursed affected users, restoring confidence.
Yes. Aster Earn supports liquid staking tokens like asBNB and yield-bearing stablecoins such as USDF, which can also serve as collateral in trading.