Introduction
OKX is a major global cryptocurrency exchange, originally known as OKEX. It offers a wide array of crypto services and DeFi (Decentralized Finance) products. Users can buy crypto directly, create NFTs, and engage in more complex leveraged trading.
This review covers what you can trade, the associated costs, and other essential details. Pricing varies based on your account type and whether you choose to stake the platform's native token. Continue reading to explore OKX's features and see what other customers have to say.
Why Choose OKX?
- Wide Selection: A crypto exchange with a vast offering of cryptocurrencies.
- User-Friendly: The platform is easy to use and provides educational materials.
- Versatile Services: Financial services cater to different types of crypto traders.
- Passive Income: Opportunity to earn potential rewards through staking.
Cryptocurrencies are volatile investment assets. You risk your capital. Invest responsibly.
Getting Started with OKX
To begin trading on OKX, you need to open and verify an account. Here is a step-by-step guide from registration to making your first trade.
Step 1 – Open an Account and Verify Your Profile
You can start the registration process on OKX by:
- Clicking the "Sign up" button on the top right of the screen.
- Entering your phone number or email address in the white field and clicking "Get started".
A form will then appear where you can provide your mobile number or email address and create a password. You can also connect an existing Telegram or Google account.
Important: Before proceeding, it is crucial to read the "Terms of Service" and "Privacy Policy." By choosing to open an account, you accept the terms in these documents.
Additionally, you must complete a KYC (Know Your Customer) process to access all of the platform's services. The extent of the personal information required depends on the type of account you want. For instance, you may need to take a selfie, upload a picture of your ID, and accept a disclaimer.
Regardless of your choice, always read the terms regarding how your personal data is shared. Furthermore, it is always important to consider how much you can afford to lose.
Minimum Deposit and Demo Account
The minimum deposit is approximately 10 USD or EUR (or equivalent). However, cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and carry significant risks. Therefore, you should invest your money responsibly and familiarize yourself with the different fee tiers.
You can also test the platform's functionality using the demo trading feature, available on both the web version and the OKX mobile app. This is an excellent way to explore more strategies without risking real capital.
Step 2 – Choose Your Investment
As mentioned, OKX is a crypto broker that suits many types of crypto investors. The content is extensive, and you can navigate using the black menu bar at the top of the page.
Here, you can explore prices for various investment opportunities and examine trading data.
To start investing, click on "Trade" and then select the option you want to use. You can swap tokens, perform derivatives trading, and utilize a trading bot. The latter is a feature that executes trades using algorithms.
You can also buy crypto directly with fiat currency by clicking on "Buy Crypto".
Step 3 – Trade Cryptocurrency
Based on your strategy and goals, you choose how you want to conduct your trading. This example shows the simplest way to trade.
We explain how to make a direct investment by purchasing crypto with fiat currency. This service includes over 150 different payment options, such as VISA, Mastercard, and Apple Pay.
Fill in the amount you want to pay in the "You Pay" box, which automatically shows how much you will receive in the "You receive" box. If you are comfortable with the amount, click the "Buy" button.
Another example is performing "spot trading" on crypto pairs on their exchange. In the search field with the magnifying glass, you can type in the crypto you want to trade or scroll through the list.
Under the chart, you can then adjust the details based on how much you want to buy or sell. Also, remember to check the settings under "Market" and "Stop". Finish by clicking the green or red button for buy or sell, respectively.
Cryptocurrencies are volatile investment assets. You risk your capital. Invest responsibly.
What is OKX?
OKX, formerly OKEX, was founded in 2017 by a privately-owned Chinese company. Its headquarters are now in the Seychelles, following regulatory changes in China.
The platform serves millions of customers in over 100 countries. It ranks 19th on CoinMarketCap's list of top spot exchanges based on overall rating, which considers factors like exchange traffic and average liquidity.
OKX offers several varieties of crypto trading with over 300 coins. For example, you can perform spot trading on crypto pairs and swap between different coins. It is also possible to access DeFi services like loans, staking, and liquidity mining. For staking and mining, you can earn potential rewards.
How you use the trading platform is entirely up to you. It is possible to connect OKX with a third-party wallet or conduct all your trading on the crypto exchange. You can also test trading via a demo account after registration.
Is OKX a Secure Platform?
Beyond the KYC process designed to secure users and trades, there are other security-related features. For example, they store 95% of assets in offline storage in a "cold wallet system."
However, a portion must be available online for trading to occur, which means they also use online storage via "hot wallets."
To protect assets from potential hackers, they employ various security methods. For instance, they store private keys in RAM memory instead of on a hard drive. They also have a specialized system for sending data that simultaneously complicates potential attacks.
Additionally, you can create anti-phishing codes and a special password for withdrawals. If you encounter problems, you can seek information in their support center, call, email, or chat with them.
Reviews and Licenses
Some negative comments about customer service appear in OKX reviews on Trustpilot. Other reported issues include difficulties withdrawing deposited funds. However, there are also positive reviews. You should always seek additional information before potentially registering.
Beyond this, the platform itself reports recently receiving a trading license in the United Arab Emirates. This license was issued by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). We cannot find evidence of any other major global licenses held by the exchange.
Design and Usability
This is a crypto platform that offers both basic trading and advanced alternatives. You can find everything through the menu, including prices and functions, and switch between a wallet and an exchange.
At its simplest, you can buy crypto with a credit card and swap coins. Conversely, it is also possible to use more complex instruments in your trading.
OKX App
For crypto traders who prefer mobile to desktop, OKX is available as an app for both Android and iOS. It contains everything the web version offers, and it's also possible to use the demo function.
OKX Products and Investment Opportunities
By now, you likely have an idea of the services OKX provides. It is a comprehensive crypto platform with DeFi services for NFTs, loans, and storage. You can trade, earn potential interest, and learn more about how the crypto market works through educational materials.
Below, we discuss the various possibilities in more detail.
OKX Trading
There are several ways to trade, but the best method depends on your strategy and risk tolerance. For example, you can engage in options investing and direct trading on crypto pairs with spot trading. You can also choose leverage-based margin trading on futures, among other things.
For a beginner, these options might be somewhat advanced. The platform also offers simple purchases with fiat. It is also possible to swap one digital coin for another.
Furthermore, there is a function that enables P2P (peer-to-peer) trading. This means transactions occur directly between you and the other party, with OKX facilitating the transaction. This way, you can get paid in your local currency when you sell crypto.
Examples of available cryptocurrencies on OKX:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Avalanche (AVAX)
- Solana (SOL)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Polygon (MATIC)
- Tether (USDT)
- Chainlink (LINK)
OKX NFT Marketplace
In addition to crypto trading, OKX has an NFT marketplace for those who have connected their Web3 wallet. On this marketplace, you can invest in these unique virtual assets. They are found in collections like Cryptopunks, Mutant Ape Yacht Club, Meebits, and Azuki. You can also mint your own NFTs on different types of blockchains.
Furthermore, the platform acts as an aggregator. Thus, it draws its liquidity from several other NFT marketplaces like OpenSea.
OKX Wallet
On the OKX homepage, you can switch between exchange and wallet mode, the latter being a storage place. Here, you can choose to connect an existing crypto wallet or register a new one on the platform.
OKX Staking
Staking for over 100 different cryptos is available if you are willing to lock coins in a Proof-of-Stake blockchain for a certain period. The platform has both flexible and fixed-term options.
Depending on which crypto is staked, you can be assigned varying levels of APY (Annual Percentage Yield). This is a reward in the form of an annualized interest rate. To get advanced methods for earning, staking is a core feature to explore.
OKX Crypto Mining
Another possibility is to mine crypto with others in special pools. This means solving mathematical problems in the blockchain together. This increases their combined hashrate, creating better conditions for solving blocks quickly.
Any potential rewards are then shared among participants in the mining pool based on their contribution. There are several Proof-of-Work cryptos to choose from, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
OKX Loans
On OKX, you can stake coins to borrow one of the platform's 20 selectable cryptos at a fixed interest rate for a predetermined period. Currently, the platform accepts around 12 different cryptos as collateral for this type of loan. If you prefer flexible terms for time and interest, you can choose from 120 different cryptos as collateral.
This differs from a traditional loan in terms of interest rates and repayment periods. Moreover, crypto loans deal with digital currencies, whereas regular loans involve fiat. This also means collateral requirements are different, and fiat loans often require proof of income.
Example terms for an OKX USDT loan:
- LTV (Loan-to-Value, collateral requirement): 65%
- Time period: Flexible
- Margin: 80%
- Interest rate (updated hourly): Variable, currently 2.54%
- Loan range: Between 0.00001 USDT and 1,000,000 USDT
Cryptocurrencies are volatile investment assets. You risk your capital. Invest responsibly.
OKX Payment Methods
An advantage of OKX is its large number of payment methods. You can choose to pay for your investments with fiat via debit/credit cards like VISA and Mastercard. This also applies to third-party providers such as Simplex and Coinify. If you prefer to swap cryptos you already own, that is also possible.
OKX Fees
Regarding the platform's fees, it is positive that you can view prices using overview tables. The downside is that these are extensive. They also vary depending on the type of trade you want to execute and your account level.
Furthermore, prices can become lower if you choose to stake OKX's own cryptocurrency, OKB. We recommend thoroughly researching these price tables and comparing them with other crypto exchanges.
Example spot trading fees:
| Account Tier | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Level 1 | 0.080% | 0.100% |
| VIP Level 1 | 0.060% | 0.080% |
Deposit and Withdrawal Requirements on OKX
Similar to the fees above, withdrawal requirements vary based on the specific cryptocurrency and account level. The price table for spot trading indicates a daily withdrawal limit of 500 BTC for Standard Level 1. VIP Level 1, however, can withdraw up to 1000 BTC.
Regarding deposits, you do not need to pay any fee, and we could not find information on a minimum limit for crypto deposits. However, using the purchase function with fiat, we see the following minimum amounts:
- ~10 USD
- ~10 EUR
- ~9 GBP
- ~103 SEK
Our OKX Review: Advantages and Disadvantages
If you are considering joining OKX to start trading crypto, you should form your own opinion. A good idea is to compare advantages and disadvantages and look at other platforms. Below are some examples we encountered in our research.
Advantages:
- Transparent pricing information.
- Large offering of DeFi services and trading alternatives.
- Can suit different types of crypto investors.
- Potential rewards through staking and other services.
- Educational material for beginners.
- Customer service can be reached in several ways.
- Multiple payment options.
- Ranks 19th on CoinMarketCap's top list.
- OKX is available via app and desktop.
Disadvantages:
- Difficulties finding certain important information.
- Extensive and complicated pricing system.
- A significant number of negative customer experiences on Trustpilot.
- Unclear if they hold any major global licenses beyond the one granted by Dubai's VARA.
Cryptocurrencies are volatile investment assets. You risk your capital. Invest responsibly.
Summary – Why Choose OKX?
In this article, we took a closer look at the broad crypto platform OKX. As a customer, you can perform direct crypto purchases, trade leveraged derivatives, and create NFTs. Furthermore, the platform has its own cryptocurrency and a wallet.
Depending on the type of trader you are, the trading prices will vary. You can find this information on OKX's fee page.
You can also take out crypto loans and stake coins and contribute hashrate to a mining pool. While the latter two can assign you rewards, the former means you need to pay interest.
If you are curious about OKX, you should compare the platform to others. Additionally, it can be helpful to read reviews from other customers. This way, you can build your own opinion and create good conditions for your crypto trading.
Finally, it is also a good idea to review your finances and not trade for more than you can afford to lose. The crypto and DeFi market involves volatile assets with high risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OKX?
OKX is a cryptocurrency exchange where you, as a customer, can access a broad trading platform as well as wallet services. They have a large selection of both cryptos and functions.
How does OKX work?
The OKX crypto platform is available both as an app and via a web browser. On it, you can trade digital assets like cryptos and NFTs, take out loans, and earn potential interest through staking.
Is OKX good?
You must conduct your own research and compare OKX to other platforms. Customer reviews are mixed, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses in security, fees, and usability.
When was OKX launched?
OKX, formerly known as OKEX, was launched in 2017.
Who owns OKX?
A privately-owned Chinese company is behind OKX. However, after China introduced regulations on the crypto market, the headquarters are located in the Seychelles.
Is OKX safe?
The platform has an information page dedicated to describing how its storage works. As a customer, you also need to undergo a KYC process designed to protect you and counter money laundering. It uses a combination of cold and hot wallet storage for assets.
Can you make money with OKX?
Crypto trading involves volatile assets that can yield both potential profits and losses. In addition to trading, OKX offers DeFi services that can assign you potential rewards, such as through staking or earning interest on loans.