Market, limit and stop-limit orders explained
Choose the right order type for speed, price control or automated entries and exits.
Market orders
A market order executes immediately at the best available price. It prioritises speed over price, so the final price can differ slightly from the last price you saw — especially in fast or thin markets.
On HarborFinance, funds for a market buy are reserved with a small buffer and any unused amount is returned the moment the order fills.
Limit orders
A limit order sets the worst price you are willing to accept. A buy limit fills at your price or lower; a sell limit fills at your price or higher.
If the market has not reached your price, the order rests in Open Orders with its funds reserved until it fills or you cancel it. Large orders may fill in several parts, shown as Partially Filled.
Stop-limit orders
A stop-limit order waits until the market touches a stop price, then places a limit order at your limit price. Traders use them to enter on a breakout or to limit losses on an existing position.
Because the triggered order is a limit order, it is not guaranteed to fill if the market moves quickly past your limit price.
Fees and totals
Every order ticket shows the estimated fee and total before you confirm. Orders that rest on the book and fill later are charged the maker rate; orders that execute immediately are charged the taker rate.
This guide is general education, not investment advice. Digital assets are volatile and you can lose money.