The term "brick moving" might sound strange if you're new to cryptocurrency trading—but in the digital asset world, it’s a widely practiced strategy for generating steady returns. Far from literal construction work, brick moving (or arbitrage trading) refers to buying crypto on one exchange at a lower price and selling it on another where the price is higher. The profit? The price difference, minus fees.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about crypto arbitrage—how it works, whether it requires large capital, which coins are best for beginners, and how to spot profitable opportunities—all while optimizing for real-world results in 2025.
Understanding Crypto Arbitrage: The Basics of "Brick Moving"
At its core, brick moving exploits temporary price differences of the same cryptocurrency across multiple exchanges. For example:
- Buy Bitcoin (BTC) for $60,000 on Exchange A
- Transfer it to Exchange B
- Sell it for $60,300
After deducting transaction and withdrawal fees, the remaining amount is pure profit.
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Why do these price gaps exist? Because exchanges operate independently. Factors like regional demand, liquidity levels, local regulations, and even user behavior can create short-term imbalances. These inefficiencies open the door for smart traders to step in and “move bricks” for profit.
Do You Need a Large Capital to Start?
Not necessarily. While larger funds allow bigger trades and higher returns, arbitrage can be started with modest amounts. In fact, starting small helps beginners:
- Learn the process without major risk
- Understand fee structures (trading + withdrawal)
- Test transfer speeds between platforms
However, keep in mind: smaller profits mean that fees eat into margins quickly. A $5 price gap isn’t worth it if the total cost of moving assets exceeds $6. Always calculate net gains before executing a trade.
As you gain experience, scaling up becomes more viable—especially when using automation or tracking less competitive markets.
Should Beginners Trade Major Coins or Small-Cap Tokens?
Stick With Major Cryptocurrencies at First
For newcomers, stick with high-liquidity assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or stablecoins like USDT. Here's why:
- Deep order books ensure faster execution
- Narrow bid-ask spreads reduce slippage
- Reliable withdrawal processes across top exchanges
These factors lower the risk of failed trades due to delays or insufficient buyers.
Advanced Traders: Explore Small-Cap Opportunities
Experienced arbitrageurs often look beyond mainstream coins. Many small-cap altcoins show significant price disparities between exchanges—especially those listed on niche or regional platforms.
Why? Most algorithmic trading bots focus on large-cap pairs and major exchanges. This leaves less liquid markets under-monitored, creating wider spreads.
But beware: small-cap arbitrage comes with higher risks:
- Low trading volume → difficulty selling quickly
- Sudden price swings → potential losses during transfers
- Risk of exchange freezes or withdrawal suspensions
Only consider this path once you’ve mastered timing, routing, and emergency protocols.
How to Find Arbitrage Opportunities
Success in brick moving depends on spotting profitable spreads before they disappear. Here’s how to stay ahead:
1. Monitor Price Differences Across Exchanges
Use real-time tracking tools or manually compare prices on platforms like OKX, Binance, Kraken, and regional exchanges. Focus not just on absolute differences (e.g., $50 gap), but on percentage differences relative to price.
Example: A $500 difference in BTC price sounds big—but if BTC is trading around $60,000, that’s only a 0.83% spread. After fees and transfer time, profit may vanish.
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2. Account for All Fees
Never ignore costs. Total expenses include:
- Trading fees (taker/maker rates)
- Withdrawal fees (network or fixed charges)
- Deposit confirmation times (opportunity cost)
Only proceed if the net gain exceeds 1–2% of the trade value—otherwise, it’s likely not worth the effort.
3. Watch External Market Drivers
Crypto prices don’t move in isolation. Keep an eye on:
- Macroeconomic news (interest rates, inflation)
- Regulatory updates in key countries
- On-chain events (e.g., Bitcoin halving, token unlocks)
These can trigger volatility—and with it, wider arbitrage windows.
Can Stablecoins Like USDT Be Used for Arbitrage?
Absolutely. Even though Tether (USDT) is designed to hold a $1 value, its market price often drifts slightly above or below parity depending on supply-demand dynamics.
For instance:
- USDT trades at $1.01 in China due to high demand
- On U.S.-based exchanges, it remains at $1.00
You can buy USDT cheaply abroad, transfer it, and sell at a premium—effectively earning risk-free interest in volatile conditions.
But caution is essential: some jurisdictions restrict stablecoin transfers, and unexpected freezes can occur. Only use trusted channels and verified exchanges.
International Arbitrage: Leveraging Fiat Currencies
Beyond crypto-to-crypto moves, fiat-based arbitrage offers another layer of opportunity. Traders exploit exchange rate inefficiencies between local currencies:
- Buy BTC with CNY in China at a discount
- Sell it for USD on an international platform
- Benefit from both crypto spread and favorable forex rates
This strategy requires access to reliable fiat on/off ramps and compliance with local financial rules. It’s powerful—but not for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is crypto arbitrage still profitable in 2025?
Yes—but competition has increased. Automated bots dominate major pairs, so profitability now lies in speed, access to niche markets, and small-cap coins. Manual traders must act fast and target under-covered platforms.
Q: How long does it take to transfer crypto between exchanges?
It varies by blockchain. Bitcoin (BTC) transfers take 10–60 minutes; Ethereum (ETH) and ERC-20 tokens are faster (~5–15 mins). Network congestion can delay confirmations. Use exchanges with fast deposit recognition to minimize downtime.
Q: Can I automate brick moving?
Yes. Many traders use custom scripts or third-party bots to scan exchanges and execute trades automatically. However, automation requires technical knowledge and constant monitoring to avoid losses from glitches or sudden price shifts.
Q: Are there risks involved in arbitrage?
Yes. Key risks include:
- Transfer delays causing price changes
- Exchange withdrawal freezes
- Flash crashes wiping out spreads
- Hidden fees reducing profits
Always test with small amounts first.
Q: Does OKX support fast arbitrage trading?
OKX offers high liquidity, low fees, and rapid withdrawal confirmations—making it ideal for arbitrage strategies. Its API also supports automated trading setups for advanced users.
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Final Thoughts: Brick Moving in 2025
"Brick moving" remains a viable way to generate returns in the crypto space—but success hinges on precision, timing, and risk management. Whether you're trading BTC, ETH, or exploring stablecoin spreads, the principles remain the same:
Buy low on one exchange. Sell high on another. Profit from the gap.
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With discipline and the right tools, even small traders can find consistent gains in today’s fragmented market landscape.