Options: which is better — buying or selling?

Before risking your money, understand the difference. Buying and selling options are almost opposite games.

Rights vs Obligations

The option buyer pays a premium and gets a right. You can exercise it or ignore it—no one will force you. The maximum you can lose is the premium itself.

The option seller is a different story. They receive the premium, but if the buyer exercises the option, the seller is obligated to fulfill the contract. Losses can be significant.

How Much Can You Earn/Lose

See the pattern? Buying = limited risk, unlimited profit potential. Selling = limited profit, potentially catastrophic losses.

Money, Fees, Margin

After option expiration, P&L is simple: the buyer gets realized profit minus premium, the seller—premium minus realized loss. Plus Bybit fees (0.02% + 0.015%).

Important about margin:

• Long option: no margin required. You’ve already paid everything.
• Short option: you need to post ~10-15% of the asset price to guarantee you can fulfill the contract.

Conclusion

Buying options is for those who want to limit risk. Selling is for experienced traders ready for greater responsibility.

Start with the basics before risking real money.