Cryptocurrency exchanges play a crucial role in the digital asset ecosystem, offering users the tools and infrastructure to buy, sell, and manage their crypto holdings. Among these platforms, CEX.IO stands out as a long-standing, regulated exchange that caters to both beginners and experienced traders. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in London, UK, CEX.IO has built a reputation for security, compliance, and user-friendly features.
This comprehensive review dives into the core aspects of CEX.IO — from trading options and fee structure to security protocols and account verification — giving you an in-depth understanding of what the platform offers.
Key Features at a Glance
CEX.IO supports 169 cryptocurrencies and over 400 trading pairs, making it a solid choice for diversified trading. The platform enables spot trading, margin trading, futures on hashing power (GHS), OTC trading, and even crypto lending. It also provides integrated wallets, corporate accounts, and a mobile app for iOS and Android.
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Beginner-Friendly Interface
One of CEX.IO’s standout qualities is its accessibility. New traders will appreciate the intuitive design, straightforward navigation, and educational resources that help demystify cryptocurrency trading. Whether you're funding your account via bank transfer or using a debit card, the process is seamless and well-documented.
Account Verification: Crypto & Fiat
As a FinCEN-regulated platform, CEX.IO adheres to strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies. All users must complete identity verification before accessing full trading capabilities.
Required Documents
To verify your identity, you’ll need to submit:
- A government-issued ID or passport
- A recent bank statement
- A utility bill (to confirm address)
The verification process typically takes around one day, after which you can begin depositing funds and trading.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Crypto Transactions
Both deposits and withdrawals in cryptocurrency are supported, with fees varying depending on the specific coin. While deposit fees are generally low or non-existent, withdrawal costs depend on network congestion and blockchain fees.
Fiat Support and Banking Options
CEX.IO supports fiat currencies, allowing users to deposit and withdraw funds using multiple methods:
- Debit/Credit Cards: Fees vary by currency and provider.
- Bank Transfers: Free of charge — an attractive option for large deposits.
Fiat withdrawals follow similar pricing structures, with bank transfers being the most cost-effective method.
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Trading Fees and Volume Tiers
CEX.IO uses a tiered fee model based on your 30-day trading volume, recalculated daily at 00:00 GMT. This includes all trades across all pairs.
- Maker fees start at 0.16%
- Taker fees start at 0.25%
Higher trading volumes can unlock lower rates, rewarding active traders. There are no deposit fees for bank transfers, though third-party processors may apply charges for card payments.
Advanced Trading Options
Spot Trading
Spot trading is fully supported, enabling users to place limit and market orders instantly. This is ideal for those looking to trade assets at current market prices or set custom entry points.
Margin Trading
CEX.IO allows leverage of up to 1:3, meaning you can control larger positions with less capital. Supported margin pairs include:
- BTC/USD
- ETH/USD
- BCH/USD
- BTC/EUR
- ETH/BTC
- BCH/BTC
This feature appeals to experienced traders seeking amplified returns — though it comes with increased risk.
Futures Trading on Hashing Power (GHS)
Unlike traditional futures contracts tied to asset prices, CEX.IO offers futures on GHS (gigahash per second) — essentially betting on future mining performance. This unique offering allows traders to speculate on the value of computational power used in Bitcoin mining.
OTC Trading and Crypto Lending
For high-volume traders, CEX.IO provides Over-the-Counter (OTC) trading, facilitating direct crypto-to-crypto or crypto-to-fiat transactions without affecting market prices.
Additionally, crypto lending enables users to take out loans backed by their existing crypto assets. This non-custodial approach lets traders access liquidity without selling their holdings — perfect for managing short-term cash flow needs while maintaining long-term investment strategies.
Security Measures
Security is a top priority at CEX.IO, reflected in its robust infrastructure and compliance standards.
Cold Storage & Fund Protection
The majority of user funds are stored in offline cold wallets, significantly reducing exposure to online threats. Daily reconciliation ensures only minimal funds remain in hot wallets — protecting users even in the event of a breach.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
All accounts support 2FA, requiring secondary authentication during logins, transactions, and trade executions. This adds a critical layer of defense against unauthorized access.
IP Whitelisting
Advanced users can enable IP whitelisting, restricting withdrawals to pre-approved network addresses. This feature enhances control over account activity, especially for institutional or high-net-worth traders.
Cybersecurity Score: 6.45/10
CEX.IO holds a CER Cyber Security Score (CSS) of 6.45 out of 10, based on application security, SSL/TLS encryption, and domain protection across 18+ indicators. While not the highest in the industry, it reflects a solid baseline of digital safeguards.
Corporate Accounts and Referral Program
Businesses can open corporate accounts with benefits like higher limits, dedicated support, and streamlined compliance tools. These accounts are ideal for startups, investment firms, or any organization integrating crypto into operations.
The referral program rewards users with lifetime USD bonuses for every successful referral. Once shared, the referral link generates commissions automatically — a passive income opportunity for active community members.
Mobile App Experience
CEX.IO’s mobile app (available on iOS and Android) mirrors the desktop experience with real-time pricing, secure login, wallet management, and full trading functionality. Push notifications keep users informed about price movements and transaction confirmations.
Customer Support
Support is accessible via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 08757996 (UK-based number)
While response times may vary, the support team is equipped to handle technical issues, account recovery, and transaction inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is CEX.IO safe to use?
Yes. CEX.IO is regulated by FinCEN, employs cold storage for most user funds, supports 2FA and IP whitelisting, and undergoes regular security audits. These measures make it a trustworthy platform for storing and trading digital assets.
Does CEX.IO support external wallets?
Yes. You can link third-party wallets to send and receive cryptocurrencies securely. This gives users full control over their private keys when managing off-exchange storage.
Can I short sell on CEX.IO?
Absolutely. Users can open both long and short positions across supported margin trading pairs, allowing strategic bets on price declines.
Is margin trading available to all users?
Margin trading is available after completing identity verification. Users must understand the risks involved with leveraged positions before participating.
Can I participate in ICOs through CEX.IO?
While CEX.IO may list certain tokens post-ICO, direct participation isn’t always guaranteed. For primary market investments, it's recommended to use a personal wallet where you control the private keys to avoid potential theft risks.
Does CEX.IO have a mobile app?
Yes. The CEX.IO mobile app is available on both the App Store and Google Play, offering full trading capabilities, account management, and security features on the go.
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