Maintenance or system updates
Bitget Stock+ Upgrade: Short Options Now Fully Supported
2026-09-01 09:5612649
Bitget Stock+ will officially launch the Short Options feature on September 1, 2026. This upgrade will support both Short Calls and Short Puts.
By shorting (writing) options, you can not only diversify your trading strategies but also improve capital efficiency by collecting premiums, allowing for a more flexible US stock asset allocation. Additionally, Covered Calls and Covered Puts will be supported soon—stay tuned!
What are Short Options?
1. Short Call
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Basic Principle: As the option seller, you collect the premium paid by the buyer and assume the obligation to sell the underlying stock at a specific price (strike price) in the future.
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Profit & Loss (PnL): Your maximum profit is the total premium collected. However, if the stock price surges significantly above the strike price, you theoretically face unlimited risk and potential losses.
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Margin Requirements: Due to the potential upside risk, shorting a call option requires corresponding margin to be frozen. If you already hold the corresponding amount of the underlying stock (i.e., a Covered Call), the system will automatically reduce the margin requirements.
2. Short Put
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Basic Principle: As the option seller, you collect the premium paid by the buyer and assume the obligation to buy the underlying stock at a specific price (strike price) in the future.
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Profit & Loss (PnL): Your maximum profit is the total premium collected. If the stock price drops significantly below the strike price, you must buy the stock at the strike price, which may result in a floating loss.
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Applicable Scenarios: This strategy is suitable if you are bullish on a stock long-term and are willing to buy (take assignment of) the stock at a relatively lower strike price, while earning premiums while you wait.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do all types of options trading require margin?
A: No. If you are buying options (Long Call / Long Put), you only need to pay the corresponding premium. However, if you are selling options (Short Call / Short Put), you must reserve and freeze the corresponding margin because you are assuming a potential assignment obligation.
Q2: Will holding the underlying stock reduce the margin required for a Short Call?
A: Yes. The system will automatically check if your account currently holds the corresponding amount of the underlying stock to form a covered position (Covered Call). If it does, the system will reduce your margin requirements accordingly.
Q3: If I am assigned on a Short Call, can I use the underlying stock in my account for settlement?
A: Yes. When you are assigned, the system will default to prioritizing the underlying stock in your account for delivery. You do not need to manually enable any additional features.
Q4: Why don't my total assets seem to increase after I sell an option?
A: When you sell an option, your account receives cash (premium), increasing your available funds. However, an equivalent "options liability" (frozen market value) is simultaneously created. Therefore, your total assets remain unchanged when the position is initially opened. Your total assets will only truly increase when the market value of the option decreases or when the option ultimately expires worthless.
Q5: What happens if an option assignment at expiration results in a negative stock position in my account?
A: If the underlying stock supports short selling, your account will hold a negative position (short position). You can choose to maintain the short position or actively close it based on your strategy. If the stock does not support short selling, the system will automatically force-liquidate the position before the option expires to prevent a negative balance.
Risk Warning: Options trading involves significant market risk. Selling options (especially naked shorting) exposes you to the risk of substantial, and potentially unlimited, losses exceeding the initial premium received. Please ensure you fully understand the mechanics and risks of options trading and trade cautiously within your risk tolerance.
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