CEX.IO Review 2026
CEX.IO is suitable for beginner investors and experienced traders who prefer spot trading, long-term investments and automated strategies.
- CEX.IO is trusted. Tested via live trading.
- CEX.IO №15 in the crypto exchanges list
Highlights of CEX.IO
CEX.IO is one of the oldest crypto exchanges, founded in the United Kingdom in 2013. Originally, the project was associated with Bitcoin mining, but over time it developed into an international cryptocurrency platform with millions of users. The exchange offers spot trading, the purchase and sale of digital assets for fiat currencies, and additional cryptocurrency management services.
CEX.IO caters to both beginners and experienced traders. The platform combines a simple interface for quickly buying cryptocurrencies with professional trading tools, supports various deposit methods, and places particular emphasis on regulatory compliance.
Advantages and disadvantages of CEX.IO
Pros
- A long operating history dating back to 2013.
- Regulated in several jurisdictions.
- User-friendly trading platforms and mobile apps.
- A wide selection of deposit and withdrawal methods.
- Support for spot and margin trading, staking and savings programs.
Cons
- High trading fees compared with competitors.
- No futures or options.
- No comprehensive independent audit of reserves.
- Slow technical support when resolving complex issues.
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CEX.IO Exchange Overview
- Foundation Year
- 2013
- Official Website
- https://cex.io
- Regulated in Countries
United Kingdom, United States, Bermuda
More Details- Trading Assets
- Cryptocurrency
- Fees (Maker/Taker)
- Spot
- 0.25% / 0.25%
- Max Leverage
- Spot
- 20x
- Email Support
CEX.IO is an international cryptocurrency company founded on 1 November 2013 in London, United Kingdom. The project was founded by entrepreneur Alexander Lutskevich. Initially, CEX.IO traded computing power for Bitcoin mining and was closely associated with the mining pool GHash.IO. The company subsequently abandoned its mining business and focused on developing the crypto exchange.
Today, CEX.IO is an ecosystem of digital asset services. The company's main business areas include cryptocurrency spot trading, buying and selling digital assets for fiat money, cryptocurrency storage and transfers, and additional investment services. The company also offers solutions for corporate and institutional clients. The availability of individual services depends on the user's country of residence.
CEX.IO Review Summary
Reliability and Regulation
CEX.IO is a fairly reliable crypto exchange with a long operating history and regulated legal entities in several jurisdictions. The level of customer protection depends on the country of service.
Advantages
- Operating since 2013.
- Registered and licensed in the US, the UK and Bermuda.
- Cold storage of assets and two-factor authentication.
Disadvantages
- Regulatory restrictions in the EU.
- No comprehensive independent audit of reserves.
- No guaranteed insurance for cryptocurrency funds.
We evaluated CEX.IO based on key criteria, including reliability, trading conditions, commissions, platform usability, and support quality. All ratings are based on a consistent methodology from IamForexTrader, which enables objective comparisons of crypto exchanges and brokers.
Continue reading the review to learn more about the features of CEX.IO, as well as its advantages and disadvantages.
Reliability and Regulation
CEX.IO has been operating since 2013 and is one of the oldest crypto exchanges still in operation. The company has registered legal entities in several countries and complies with anti-money laundering (AML) and customer identification (KYC) requirements. In the United Kingdom and the U.S., the activities of certain group companies are subject to regulatory oversight.
However, the level of user protection depends on the jurisdiction. In addition, CEX.IO has faced regulatory restrictions and, in 2026, was forced to suspend services for clients from the EU and EEA pending authorization under MiCA.
Licensing and jurisdiction
CEX.IO was founded on 1 November 2013 in the United Kingdom. Today, the cryptocurrency platform is operated by several legal entities, each responsible for specific regions.
The main legal entities and their regulatory status are:
| Legal Entity | Regulator |
|---|---|
| — | |
| — | |
| — | |
- United Kingdom. In March 2026, CEX.IO Markets UK Ltd was registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under UK anti-money laundering rules. This confirms its right to conduct certain cryptocurrency operations under the supervision of FCA, but does not constitute a full investment licence or participation in the UK investor compensation scheme FSCS.
- U.S. CEX.IO Corp. is registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as a Money Services Business (MSB). The company also holds money transmitter licences in more than 30 U.S. states. However, MSB registration is not equivalent to a federal investment broker licence.
- European Union. CEX.IO Europe, S.L. is registered in Spain and has applied to the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) for authorization under the European Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA). Until the required authorization is obtained, new clients from the EU and EEA are not accepted, while existing users can only manage their accounts and withdraw funds.
- Other countries. Clients from certain international jurisdictions are served by CEX OVRS LLC, registered in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Security of funds
CEX.IO uses a multilayered system to protect user accounts and cryptocurrency assets. Most digital funds are held in cold storage wallets that are not permanently connected to the internet. This reduces the likelihood of their being compromised by external cyberattacks.
The following mechanisms are used to protect users:
- Cold storage of cryptocurrencies. Most digital assets are held in offline wallets, while a smaller portion remains in hot wallets to support ongoing operations.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA). Confirmation via an authenticator app or SMS is supported. For withdrawals, 2FA is mandatory.
- Temporary withdrawal restrictions. After account registration, an email address change, or the recovery of two-factor authentication, a 48-hour cryptocurrency withdrawal lock may apply.
- Payment data protection. CEX.IO states that it complies with the PCI DSS Level 1 standard, which is used to secure the processing of bank card data.
- Monitoring of suspicious activity. Identity verification, transaction monitoring, protection against DDoS attacks, and other technical security measures are used.
The transparency of reserves also deserves particular attention. CEX.IO publishes the addresses of some cryptocurrency wallets it owns, allowing their balances to be tracked on the blockchain. However, external custodial wallets are not included in this list. Publishing addresses is also not a substitute for a full independent Proof of Reserves audit confirming that assets match liabilities to clients.
In the U.S., CEX.IO Corp. states that client and corporate funds are held separately. The company also maintains mandatory surety bonds associated with its money transmitter licences. However, these guarantees do not constitute universal insurance for cryptocurrency deposits.
CEX.IO users' funds are not protected by the U.S. FDIC or SIPC programs. The exchange also provides no universal guarantee of compensation for losses caused by account hacking, fraud, or the loss of cryptocurrency. The availability of other compensation mechanisms depends on the servicing legal entity and the laws of the relevant country.
Account Opening
The registration process with CEX.IO is simple, convenient, and fully remote. Creating an account takes a few minutes, and automated identity verification is usually completed quickly. A clear interface and the option to register through the website or mobile app make the process accessible even to beginners. However, mandatory identity verification and possible additional document requirements may increase the time needed to open an account.
Registration
You can register with CEX.IO through its website or mobile app for Android and iOS. The procedure consists of several steps:
- Go to the official website of CEX.IO and click Sign Up, then Create your account.
- Select your country of residence. For some countries, such as the U.S., you must also specify your state.
- Enter your email address and create a strong password.
- Review the user agreement, accept the terms, and click Create account.
- Confirm your email address by following the link in the email or entering the code you received.
- Log in to your account and set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for additional account protection.
After registration, the user gains access to their personal account on CEX.IO, but most features remain locked until identity verification is complete.
Corporate clients have a separate registration procedure available through Create a business account.
Verification
Verification with CEX.IO is mandatory for all users and is conducted in accordance with KYC and AML requirements. Verification can be completed on the website or in the mobile app.
One of the following documents is required to verify your identity:
- International passport.
- National ID card.
- Driver's licence.
The document must be valid and contain personal information in Latin characters or a transliteration of it.
The verification procedure includes the following steps:
- Personal information. Enter your first name, last name, date of birth, country of residence, and residential address.
- Proof of identity. Select the document type and upload photos of its front and, if necessary, back.
- Data verification. Make sure that the automatically recognized information matches the document.
- Biometric verification. Take a selfie and complete the facial verification process (Liveness Check).
- Contact information. Enter your mobile phone number.
- Additional information. Depending on the country of residence, a tax identification number (TIN) and answers to questions about the source of funds may be required.
Applications are processed automatically. If the information is provided correctly, verification usually takes up to 5 minutes. If the documents do not meet the requirements or a manual review is required, the procedure may take longer.
Additional address verification
Proof of residential address may be required to increase limits and access additional payment methods, including bank transfers.
For this purpose, CEX.IO accepts:
- A bank statement showing the name and address.
- A utility bill.
- An official government document confirming the place of residence.
Bank statements and utility bills must have been issued within the past three months. Different time limits are allowed for some government documents.
Active traders with high transaction volumes can also complete Enhanced Verification, which requires additional documents confirming the source of funds.
Account Types
CEX.IO offers various ways to work with cryptocurrencies — from simply buying digital assets to professional leveraged trading and institutional solutions. After registration and verification, the user gains access to a single account with CEX.IO, through which they can use the exchange services available to them.
Separate balances and subaccounts are available for managing funds, allowing users to separate trading strategies, investment portfolios, and transactions.
Instant cryptocurrency purchases
Instant Buy is a service for quickly buying cryptocurrency with fiat money without using a trading terminal. It is aimed primarily at beginner investors and users who value simplicity and transaction speed.
To make a purchase, simply select a cryptocurrency, enter the amount, and confirm the payment. CEX.IO supports Visa and Mastercard bank cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and certain other payment methods depending on the user's country.
The purchase price is calculated automatically and displayed before the transaction is confirmed. However, the final rate may include commissions and a markup, so Instant Buy is not always as cost-effective as spot trading.
Cedex Swap
Cedex Swap is a service for exchanging cryptocurrencies directly through a Web3 wallet. Unlike traditional centralized trading, it uses a non-custodial model in which the user retains control over their assets.
The platform selects an exchange route to obtain a favorable rate and reduce slippage. To complete a transaction, users must connect a compatible cryptocurrency wallet, select the tokens, and confirm the transaction.
Cedex Swap is suitable for users who prefer to store cryptocurrency themselves and interact with decentralized services. Network fees, potential slippage, and smart contract risks should be considered when making an exchange.
Spot trading
Spot Trading is the main trading platform of CEX.IO, designed for buying and selling cryptocurrencies at current market prices. It supports trading digital assets in pairs with other cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and fiat currencies, including USD and EUR.
Traders can use market (Market), limit (Limit), and stop-limit (Stop-Limit) orders. The trading terminal provides price charts, an order book, trade history, and market analysis tools.
Spot Trading allows users to create separate subaccounts for different strategies or portfolios. Internal transfers between them make capital management easier.
Spot trading is conducted without leverage. Fees are calculated using the Maker/Taker model and depend on the trading conditions and the user's trading volume.
Margin trading
Margin trading allows traders to open positions using borrowed funds and leverage of up to 1:20. This instrument is intended for experienced traders who want to increase their trade size and use strategies based on both rising (Long) and falling (Short) cryptocurrency prices.
CEX.IO supports two margin trading modes: Cross Margin, where positions use all available collateral within a subaccount, and Isolated Margin, where collateral is allocated separately to each position.
Risk management tools include Stop-Loss and Take-Profit orders, margin collateral monitoring, and separate subaccounts. Users can create up to five margin subaccounts to separate their strategies.
Margin transactions may incur fees for opening, closing, and rolling over positions. Adverse market movements may result in forced liquidation.
Margin trading is not available in every country. In particular, restrictions apply to the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and European Union countries.
Trading API
CEX.IO API is designed for automated trading and integrating the exchange with third-party applications, trading bots, and analytical systems.
The exchange supports REST API and WebSocket API, which can be used to obtain market data, track balances, place and cancel orders, view transaction history, and manage subaccounts.
To connect, users must create an API key in their account dashboard and configure the required permissions. Access can be restricted to specific functions and trusted IP addresses.
API is especially useful for algorithmic traders, trading bot developers, and users running multiple strategies simultaneously.
CEX.IO Earn
CEX.IO Earn is a program for earning rewards by depositing digital assets. It has two main options: Savings and Staking.
Savings allows users to earn rewards for holding supported cryptocurrencies in a dedicated savings balance. Available assets include BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC and other cryptocurrencies. Funds in flexible savings accounts are not locked, so users can transfer them back to their main wallet.
Staking is designed to provide rewards for using cryptocurrencies to support blockchain networks that employ the Proof of Stake mechanism. Rewards are calculated daily, while withdrawal terms depend on the staking conditions and the supported network.
The reward amount depends on the selected asset and the program terms. Rates may change, and returns are not guaranteed. Earn is also not a bank deposit and does not provide government insurance for funds.
CEX.IO Prime
CEX.IO Prime is a separate solution for institutional clients, professional traders, and companies handling large volumes of cryptocurrency.
The platform is intended for cryptocurrency funds, banks, brokerage firms, payment organizations, and high-net-worth individuals. It provides access to aggregated liquidity from multiple trading venues, allowing large trades to be executed without connecting separately to each exchange.
For large transactions, over-the-counter trading (OTC) is available, allowing the transaction price to be agreed before execution. Clients also receive access to institutional asset custody, subaccount management, and settlement in cryptocurrencies and fiat money.
To automate transactions, Prime supports REST API, WebSocket API and the protocol FIX 4.4. Institutional clients are provided with dedicated account managers and specialized support.
Service terms, trading fees, and available services are determined individually. To sign up, clients must contact CEX.IO Prime and complete the relevant corporate verification process.
Commissions
The exchange's fees are above the market average, especially in the spot market, where the base rate of 0.25% is considerably higher than the rates charged by major competitors. Margin trading also involves additional costs for opening, closing, and holding positions. Free bank deposits partially offset these costs, but high fees for card transactions and withdrawals make CEX.IO not the most cost-effective choice for active traders.
Spot trading fees
The standard fee charged by CEX.IO for spot trading is 0.25% for both makers and takers with monthly trading volume of up to $10 000. As trading volume increases, the rate gradually decreases and reaches 0.10%.
Trading volume over 30 days | Maker | Taker |
|---|---|---|
Up to $10 000 | 0.25% | 0.25% |
$10 000–100 000 | 0.23% | 0.23% |
$100 000–500 000 | 0.19% | 0.19% |
$500 000–1 million | 0.17% | 0.17% |
$1–2.5 million | 0.15% | 0.15% |
$2.5–5 million | 0.13% | 0.13% |
$5–10 million | 0.11% | 0.11% |
$10–20 million | 0.10% | 0.10% |
There are eight fee tiers in total, based on trading volume over the past 30 days. Unlike many major crypto exchanges, the standard fee schedule of CEX.IO does not provide separate maker discounts. Special rates may apply to certain trading pairs and on specific days.
A fee is charged only when an order is actually executed. There is no fee for placing or canceling an unexecuted order.
Compared with competitors, the fees charged by CEX.IO are fairly high. Although CEX.IO offers trading-volume discounts, even the maximum discount only brings its fees close to competitors' standard rates. The exchange is therefore not the most cost-effective option for active traders.
Margin trading fees
For margin trading, CEX.IO uses a separate fee system. In addition to fees for opening and closing a trade, traders pay to hold positions using borrowed funds.
Fee type | Amount |
|---|---|
Opening a position (Open Fee) | 0.1% |
Closing a position (Close Fee) | 0.1% |
Rolling over a position (Rollover Fee) | Depends on the trading pair and holding conditions |
Forced liquidation (Liquidation Fee) | An additional fee in accordance with the margin trading terms |
Thus, the standard fees for opening and closing a margin position total 0.2% of the trading volume, excluding the cost of holding the position.
The Rollover fee is charged periodically while a position remains open. Its amount depends on the selected instrument and trading conditions, so actual costs may increase when a trade is held for a long time.
An additional fee may be charged in the event of forced liquidation. Current rates and estimated costs are displayed in the trading terminal.
CEX.IO also provides a separate Trading Fee Balance in USDC, which can be used to cover trading fees with bonus funds credited to the user, if such funds are available.
Deposit and withdrawal fees
CEX.IO supports bank cards, transfers, electronic payment systems, and cryptocurrency transactions. Fees vary considerably depending on the payment method.
Payment method | Deposit | Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
Visa / Mastercard | 0.49–4.99% + service fee | 0.49–4.99% + service fee |
Google Pay / Apple Pay | 0.49–4.99% + service fee | Unavailable |
SEPA (EUR) | 0% | €2.99 |
Faster Payments (GBP) | 0% | £2.99 |
SWIFT | 0.1%, minimum $10 / €10 / £10 | 0.3% + $25 / €25 / £25, minimum $50 / €50 / £50 |
ACH (USD) | 0% | $5 |
Open Banking (EUR) | €1.99 | Unavailable |
PayPal (USD) | 3.99% + $5 | 3.99% + $5 |
Rates may vary depending on the country and payment provider. PayPal is available only to eligible U.S. customers.
The most cost-effective deposit methods are bank transfers SEPA, Faster Payments, and ACH, for which CEX.IO does not charge a deposit fee. Card costs are significantly higher, especially for small amounts.
Cryptocurrency deposits do not incur a fee from CEX.IO. However, when sending assets from an external wallet, a blockchain network or sending service fee may apply.
Account inactivity fee
The user agreement for CEX.IO provides for a maintenance fee on inactive accounts. For individuals, it may be 0.3% of the balance or $30 per month, whichever is greater. Users who do not use their account for an extended period should take these fees into account.
Deposit and Withdrawal
CEX.IO offers a wide range of payment methods, including cryptocurrency transfers, bank cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets. Most transactions are processed fairly quickly, and some deposit methods are available without fees. However, high card transaction fees, temporary withdrawal restrictions, and regional limitations somewhat reduce the overall rating.
Cryptocurrency deposits
CEX.IO allows users to fund their accounts directly from external cryptocurrency wallets and other exchanges. To do this, obtain the deposit address for the relevant asset and send funds to it.
The deposit process involves several steps:
- Log in to your account on CEX.IO and open the section named Wallet.
- Click Add Funds and select a cryptocurrency, such as BTC, ETH or USDT.
- For the deposit method, select Deposit Address.
- Specify the blockchain network if multiple options are supported for the selected asset.
- Copy the wallet address or scan the QR code.
- Send the cryptocurrency from an external wallet and wait for the transaction to be confirmed.
Some tokens also require a Memo or Destination Tag. Missing this information or selecting the wrong network may result in loss of funds.
CEX.IO supports transfers of popular stablecoins across multiple blockchains. For example, USDC can be transferred via Ethereum, Solana, Stellar, and other supported networks.
Fiat deposits
CEX.IO supports several fiat deposit methods. Users can choose the most convenient option depending on their country of residence, currency, and available payment instruments.
Deposit method | Minimum deposit | Fee | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Visa / Mastercard | Depends on the currency | 0.49–4.99% + service fee | Usually credited instantly, sometimes taking up to 3 business days |
Apple Pay / Google Pay | $20 | 0.49–4.99% + service fee | Maximum $1 000 per day |
SEPA (EUR) | €5 | 0% | Euro bank transfers |
Faster Payments (GBP) | £5 | 0% | UK bank transfers |
ACH (USD) | $20 | 0% | For U.S. customers; withdrawals are available after settlement is complete |
SWIFT | Depends on the currency | Intermediary bank fees may apply | International bank transfers |
PayPal (USD) | $20 | 3.99% + $5 | Only for eligible U.S. customers |
Open Banking (EUR) | Depends on the provider | €1.99 | Deposits via a linked bank account |
Skrill | Depends on the region | Depends on the payment terms | Deposits via an e-wallet |
To deposit fiat funds, open the following section: Wallet → Add Funds, select the currency and payment method, enter the amount, and confirm the transaction. Before completing the transaction, CEX.IO displays the fee and final amount to be credited.
Basic identity verification is sufficient for deposits by bank card. Bank transfers may require proof of residential address.
Cryptocurrency withdrawals
Crypto withdrawals from CEX.IO are processed through the exchange's built-in wallet. Users can send digital assets to a personal wallet or another cryptocurrency platform.
To withdraw funds, open Wallet → Withdraw, select the cryptocurrency, and choose Cryptocurrency Address as the transfer method. Then add the recipient's address, select the blockchain network, enter the amount, and confirm the transaction using two-factor authentication (2FA).
Before confirmation, CEX.IO displays the fee and the amount of cryptocurrency the recipient will receive.
Withdrawal speed depends on the exchange's processing of the request and blockchain confirmations. CEX.IO recommends allowing up to one hour for the transaction to be sent to the network. After that, the arrival time depends on the speed of the blockchain and the requirements of the receiving wallet.
Additional security measures apply to withdrawals. During the first 48 hours after account registration, cryptocurrency transfers are unavailable. A similar restriction applies after changing or recovering 2FA, as well as after changing the email address.
Fiat withdrawals
CEX.IO allows fiat funds to be withdrawn to bank cards, bank accounts, and supported e-wallets. The available currencies are USD, EUR and GBP.
Main withdrawal methods:
Withdrawal method | Fee | Processing time |
|---|---|---|
Visa / Mastercard | 0.49–4.99% + service fee | Usually a few minutes, up to 3 business days |
SEPA (EUR) | €2.99 | Usually up to 1 business day |
Faster Payments (GBP) | £2.99 | Depends on the bank |
ACH (USD) | $5 | Depends on bank settlement |
SWIFT | Depends on the currency and bank | Usually several business days |
PayPal (USD) | 3.99% + $5 | Usually up to 1 business day |
The rates listed by CEX.IO apply to supported payment methods. Banks and payment providers may charge additional fees.
To withdraw funds, go to Wallet → Withdraw, select a fiat currency, and choose how to receive the money. For a bank transfer, you will need to provide account details, such as IBAN. To withdraw to a card, select a previously linked card or add a new one.
After entering the amount, the exchange will show the fee and the final payout amount. The user then needs to confirm the transaction using 2FA.
Withdrawal restrictions after a deposit
CEX.IO uses the Withdrawal Hold mechanism—a temporary hold on recently deposited funds. When depositing via Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal the funds are usually immediately available for trading, but they can only be withdrawn after the holding period ends, which is generally 3–7 business days.
For ACH transfers, the settlement period is usually 5–7 business days. These restrictions apply to the corresponding deposit amount and do not necessarily block the user's entire balance.
Limits
On CEX.IO, minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal amounts apply. The limits depend on the payment method, verification level, country of residence, and account history.
Main limits for some payment methods:
Payment method | Minimum deposit | Minimum withdrawal | Maximum daily withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|
Visa | $20 | $20 | $50 000 |
Mastercard | $20 | $20 | $2 500 |
SEPA | €5 | €10 | Depends on account terms |
Faster Payments | £5 | £10 | Depends on account terms |
ACH | $20 | $20 | Depends on account terms |
PayPal | $20 | $20 | $10 000 |
The limits are based on the standard fee schedule. Actual limits may be lower depending on the payment provider and verification level.
Limits for new users
During the first three months after completing identity verification, bank card transactions are subject to a limit of $1 000 per day and $3 000 per month. After that, the standard limits for the corresponding payment method apply.
Additionally, CEX.IO limits the number of card transactions to no more than three successful deposits and ten withdrawals per day.
Cryptocurrency limits
Minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts vary by asset and blockchain network. Maximum limits depend on the verification level and current account restrictions. Current values can be checked on the official limits page of CEX.IO.
Markets and Products
CEX.IO offers a fairly wide selection of cryptocurrencies and services for trading, investing, and managing digital assets. In addition to the spot market, users have access to margin trading, instant exchange, staking, savings programs, and professional solutions for institutional clients.
However, in terms of the variety of trading instruments, CEX.IO lags behind the largest crypto exchanges. In particular, the platform does not offer a separate futures and options market, and the availability of some products depends on the user's country of residence.
Main markets and services of CEX.IO
Let's look at the main markets and products available in the ecosystem of CEX.IO.
Category | Products and Services | Description |
|---|---|---|
Spot Trading | Spot Trading | Buy and sell more than 240 cryptocurrencies across hundreds of trading pairs. Supports market, limit, and stop-limit orders, trading charts, and an order book. |
Margin Trading | Margin Trading | Cryptocurrency trading with leverage of up to 1:20. Users can open long and short positions and use Stop-Loss and Take-Profit. |
Instant Buy and Sell | Instant Buy / Instant Sell | Buy and sell cryptocurrencies with fiat money using bank cards and other payment methods without a trading terminal. |
Cryptocurrency Exchange | CEX.IO Convert | Instant conversion of cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies. Exchanges are supported even between assets without a direct trading pair. |
Decentralized Exchange | Cedex Swap | Swap tokens through a connected Web3 wallet. Features a non-custodial model, automatic swap-route discovery, and slippage minimization. |
Staking | CEX.IO Staking | Earn rewards by staking supported PoS cryptocurrencies. Rewards are credited automatically, and rates depend on the asset. |
Crypto Savings | CEX.IO Savings | Place digital assets in savings accounts to earn rewards. Flexible savings programs are supported. |
Crypto Payments | CEX.IO Pay | Instant, fee-free cryptocurrency transfers between CEX.IO users via an account identifier. |
Crypto Wallet | CEX.IO Wallet | Store, receive, send, and convert cryptocurrencies. Supports more than 40 blockchain networks. |
Algorithmic Trading | Trading API | REST API and WebSocket API for automated trading, retrieving market data, and managing orders. |
OTC Trading | CEX.IO Prime OTC | Execute large cryptocurrency transactions at an agreed price with access to aggregated liquidity. |
Institutional Services | CEX.IO Prime | Solutions for funds, banks, brokers, and corporate clients: liquidity provision, custody, settlement, and integration through API and FIX 4.4. |
The limitations of the product range are also worth noting. CEX.IO has no dedicated platforms for trading perpetual futures or conventional cryptocurrency options. In addition, the exchange does not offer infrastructure for launching new tokens that is as developed as that of some major competitors.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
CEX.IO supports 242 cryptocurrencies and 614 spot trading pairs. This is a fairly broad selection for trading major digital assets, although it is notably smaller than the offerings of the largest competitors.
CEX.IO lists nearly all of the most popular cryptocurrencies, including:
- Major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), XRP, Bitcoin Cash (BCH).
- Blockchain platforms: Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Avalanche (AVAX), Tron (TRX), Sui (SUI).
- Stablecoins: Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), and others.
- DeFi tokens: Uniswap (UNI), Aave (AAVE), Chainlink (LINK), Lido DAO (LDO).
- Meme coins: Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Pepe (PEPE), Bonk (BONK).
- Infrastructure project tokens: Arbitrum (ARB), Optimism (OP), Near Protocol (NEAR), Filecoin (FIL).
One feature of CEX.IO is its support for trading pairs with fiat currencies. Users can buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly with USD, EUR, and GBP without having to convert funds into stablecoins first.
Trading Platforms
CEX.IO offers proprietary trading platforms for working with cryptocurrencies through a browser and mobile devices. Users have access to a professional web terminal with technical analysis tools, mobile apps for iOS and Android, and APIs for automating trading.
The platforms are designed for different user groups, from beginners who only need to buy cryptocurrency quickly to experienced traders who work with charts, trading orders, and algorithmic strategies. However, the exchange has no separate desktop terminal for Windows or macOS.
Web Platform
CEX.IO Spot Trading is the exchange's primary trading platform, available directly in a browser at trade.cex.io. It requires no additional software installation and can be used on computers running Windows, macOS, and Linux.
The trading terminal has a modern interface that combines price charts, an order book, trade history, information about open orders, and a trading operations control panel.
Key features of the web platform:
- Professional TradingView charts. Candlestick, line, and bar charts are available with various time frames, technical indicators, and drawing tools.
- Several order types. Market, Limit, and Stop-Limit orders are supported.
- Order Book. Allows users to track buy and sell orders, analyze market depth, and assess liquidity.
- Trading history. Displays completed trades, open orders, and the user's transaction history.
- Subaccount management. Users can create separate trading balances for different strategies and transfer funds between them.
- Slippage control. A maximum permitted slippage setting (Max Slippage) is available for market orders.
CEX.IO pays particular attention to market analysis tools. TradingView chart integration allows users to apply technical indicators, draw trend lines, mark support and resistance levels, and analyze price movements across different time intervals.
To place a trade, users simply select a trading pair, choose whether to buy or sell, configure the order parameters, and confirm the transaction. Information about the fee and transaction value is displayed before the order is placed.
In addition to the spot terminal, CEX.IO provides a separate interface for margin trading. It allows users to open leveraged positions, monitor margin levels, and manage trading risks.
Mobile Apps
CEX.IO offers the mobile app CEX.IO App for Android and iOS smartphones. It combines the main features of the crypto exchange with wallet management, digital asset purchases, and investment portfolio tracking.
The app is available free of charge on Google Play and the App Store.
Key features of CEX.IO App:
- Spot trading. Buy and sell cryptocurrencies using market, limit, and stop-limit orders.
- Instant buying and selling. Cryptocurrency transactions using bank cards and other available payment methods.
- Asset conversion. Quickly exchange cryptocurrencies for one another or for supported fiat currencies.
- Wallet management. View balances, fund the account, withdraw funds, and transfer funds between accounts.
- Market monitoring. Price charts, order book, trade history, and information about open orders.
- Notifications. Customizable alerts about changes in asset prices and the execution of trading orders.
- Passive income. Access to supported staking and savings programs.
The app's trading interface allows users to select cryptocurrency pairs, view charts, and place orders directly from a smartphone. For convenience, separate sections are provided for buying cryptocurrencies and professional trading.
Mobile app security is provided through two-factor authentication (2FA), confirmation of important transactions, and account protection.
APIs and External Platforms
CEX.IO provides APIs for automated trading, connecting trading bots, and integration with third-party analytics applications.
Two main protocols are available to regular users and professional traders:
API | Features | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
REST API | Obtaining market data, managing orders, and viewing balances and transaction history | Trading bots, analytics applications, and transaction automation |
WebSocket API | Streaming quotes, order book updates, and real-time trade and trading account data | High-frequency market monitoring and automated trading |
FIX API | Submitting trade orders and obtaining market data via an institutional protocol | Professional and institutional clients of CEX.IO Prime |
REST API allows users to request information about trading instruments, place and cancel orders, track balances, and manage funds between trading subaccounts.
WebSocket API maintains a continuous connection to the trading system, allowing applications to receive price and order book updates without continuously sending separate requests.
To connect, you need to create an API key in your personal account on CEX.IO Spot Trading. Users can configure permissions for reading data, trading, and internal fund transfers, as well as restrict access by IP addresses.
By default, users can create up to five API keys. Private requests are subject to rate limits, which must be considered when developing automated systems.
Analytics
CEX.IO provides traders with tools for independently analyzing the cryptocurrency market, including TradingView charts, technical indicators, market statistics, and liquidity data. The exchange also publishes news, cryptocurrency reviews, and analytical materials on its own educational platform.
At the same time, the analytics capabilities of CEX.IO are primarily focused on technical analysis and monitoring market conditions. In terms of research depth and the number of specialized tools, the platform lags behind the largest crypto exchanges.
Market statistics and technical analysis
The main analytics tools from CEX.IO are available in the trading terminal Spot Trading. The platform uses TradingView charts, which allow users to study price movements and perform technical analysis immediately before placing trades.
Traders have access to the following features:
- Charts from TradingView. Candlestick, line, and bar charts with options to select time frames, customize the display, and use technical indicators.
- Technical indicators. Moving averages, RSI, MACD, Bollinger Bands, and other tools for assessing trends, volatility, and market momentum.
- Order book (Order Book). Information about buy and sell orders for assessing current demand, supply, and liquidity.
- Market depth (Market Depth). Analysis of the distribution of orders across price levels to identify potential support and resistance zones.
- Trade history. Data on the latest executed orders, including the price, volume, and time of each transaction.
- Market statistics. Current quotes, price changes over 24 hours, trading volumes, and spreads.
The Spot Trading home page also shows the most active markets, top gainers and losers, new listings, and liquidity indicators for trading pairs.
The combination of charts, indicators, and the order book makes it possible to analyze market movements and select suitable moments to open positions. These tools are sufficient for most standard technical analysis strategies.
News and analytical reviews
CEX.IO publishes informational and analytical materials on two main resources: CEX.IO Blog and CEX.IO University.
The blog features company news and information about developments in the cryptocurrency industry, regulatory changes, and new products. CEX.IO University contains educational materials as well as articles about market trends, investment strategies, and digital asset analysis.
Analytical articles from CEX.IO help readers understand market events but do not replace comprehensive investment research. The exchange does not offer systematic personalized recommendations or ready-made trading signals from professional analysts.
Market monitoring and price alerts
To track changes in cryptocurrency prices, CEX.IO provides market-monitoring tools through its web platform and mobile app.
One of the most useful features is Price Alerts — notifications that a cryptocurrency has reached a specified price.
Users can set an alert for a specific price level or a percentage change in an asset's value over 24 hours. When the selected condition is met, the app sends a push notification.
Up to 10 active price alerts can be used at the same time. Their settings can be changed, temporarily disabled, or deleted as needed.
The mobile app also allows users to view current quotes, charts, transaction history, and the status of their cryptocurrency portfolio.
These features are especially convenient for traders who cannot constantly monitor the trading terminal but want to respond promptly to market changes.
Education
CEX.IO offers a fairly extensive educational resource base for beginners and experienced cryptocurrency market participants. The exchange's main educational resource is CEX.IO University, which publishes articles about blockchain, trading strategies, technical analysis, and risk management. Users also have access to practical guides, video tutorials, and a glossary of cryptocurrency terms.
Most materials are available free of charge. However, learning is primarily self-directed: CEX.IO focuses on written guides rather than comprehensive interactive courses with instructors.
CEX.IO University
CEX.IO University is the exchange's educational platform for learning about cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and trading. It contains hundreds of materials covering both basic concepts and complex topics related to market analysis and investment strategies.
Articles are organized by topic and difficulty level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
The main areas of study are:
Category | Content |
|---|---|
Cryptocurrency basics | What Bitcoin and Ethereum are, what altcoins and stablecoins are, and how digital assets work |
Blockchain | How distributed ledgers work, consensus mechanisms, and smart contracts |
Trading basics | Trade orders, the order book, liquidity, spreads, and position management |
Technical analysis | Candlestick charts, trend lines, indicators, and price pattern analysis |
Fundamental analysis | Evaluation of cryptocurrency projects, market factors, and investment strategies |
Risk management | Volatility, Stop-Loss, position sizing, and the specifics of margin trading |
DeFi and Web3 | Decentralized finance, staking, NFT, and interaction with blockchain protocols |
Security | Protection of cryptocurrency wallets, private keys, and digital assets |
There is a separate section for beginners: Getting Started, which introduces readers to the basics of the cryptocurrency market. It explains how blockchain works, the features of Bitcoin, and the mechanisms that determine the value of digital assets.
More experienced traders can study materials on technical analysis, the use of stop orders, trading risk management, and investment strategies.
The publications include examples, illustrations, and explanations of complex terms. For easier navigation, users can select articles by category and experience level.
Practical guides and help center
In addition to theoretical materials, CEX.IO offers Help Centre — a help center with step-by-step instructions for using the exchange.
Unlike CEX.IO University, these materials focus primarily on practical tasks. Users can learn how to register an account, complete verification, add funds, place a trade order, or withdraw cryptocurrency.
The main guide topics are:
- Registration and security. Account creation, completion of KYC, setup of two-factor authentication, and account protection.
- Deposits and withdrawals. Using bank cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency wallets.
- Spot trading. Using the trading terminal and placing Market, Limit, and Stop-Limit orders.
- Margin trading. Opening leveraged positions, managing collateral, and controlling risk.
- Mobile app. Buying and selling cryptocurrencies, managing the wallet, and configuring key features.
- API. Connecting application programming interfaces and automating trading operations.
The Spot Trading guides deserve particular attention. They explain in detail how the order book, price charts, and various order types work. These instructions are useful for novice traders encountering a professional trading interface for the first time.
Video tutorials
CEX.IO has its own YouTube channel, featuring educational videos, guides, and informational materials about cryptocurrencies.
The published videos include explanations of the following topics:
- What is Bitcoin and how it works.
- Operating principles of Ethereum and blockchain.
- The basics of Web3 and the metaverse.
- How cryptocurrency staking works.
- Features of using cryptocurrency services.
Video tutorials help users understand basic concepts more quickly through visual explanations. They are especially useful for beginners who find it difficult to absorb technical information solely in text format.
Glossary of cryptocurrency terms
CEX.IO University also features a cryptocurrency glossary, containing more than 1000 terms and definitions.
The glossary covers concepts related to cryptocurrencies, blockchain, trading, technical analysis, DeFi, and other areas of the digital economy.
Users can search for terms by name or browse them alphabetically. For example, it explains the meanings of Liquidity, Market Order, Proof of Stake, Liquidation, and other concepts commonly encountered in cryptocurrency trading.
The glossary is a useful supplement to the educational articles and helps novice traders gradually master professional terminology.
Customer Support
CEX.IO provides customers with technical support via live chat, email, and the help center. Users can get assistance with registration, verification, deposits and withdrawals, trading, and account security.
However, the quality of service is mixed. The exchange offers a convenient ticketing system and a detailed knowledge base, but users often complain about long response times and difficulties resolving unusual issues. Complaints are particularly common regarding document checks, account restrictions, and withdrawal delays.
Support contact channels
CEX.IO offers several ways to get help:
- Live chat. The main support channel, available on the official website of CEX.IO, in the help center and mobile app.
- Email. The official address is support@cex.io.
- Help center (Help Centre). The page at support.cex.io provides detailed instructions on registration, trading, payments, and security.
For filing formal complaints, CEX.IO also offers a dedicated form on the contact page. This tool is intended for formal complaints rather than routine questions about using the platform.
Telephone support is not available. The exchange explicitly states that it does not handle customer inquiries by telephone.
Response time
The speed of technical support provided by CEX.IO depends on the complexity of the inquiry and the operators' current workload.
Although the exchange's promotional materials mention a 24-hour live chat, the staff's actual working hours are limited. Operators respond daily from 06:00 to 22:00 GMT. Inquiries submitted outside these hours are processed once the team resumes work.
Requests are handled in the order received. CEX.IO does not publish a guaranteed average first-response time for routine inquiries, making it difficult to predict how quickly a specific issue will be resolved.
Customer reviews indicate noticeable differences in service quality. Some users receive the help they need without significant delays, while others report waiting several days or even weeks.
Particularly long delays occur when resolving issues involving additional verification, restricted access to funds, and reviews of suspicious transactions. In such cases, several company departments may need to be involved.
Support expertise
Technical support from CEX.IO covers the exchange's main areas of operation: registration, identity verification, access recovery, payment transactions, trading, and the use of additional services.
Reviews of staff expertise are mixed. Some customers positively assess the assistance they receive with routine issues. However, there are complaints about scripted responses, insufficient explanations for why transactions were blocked, and repeated requests to provide information.
Conclusion
CEX.IO is one of the oldest crypto exchanges, which has evolved over the years into a multifunctional platform for trading and investing in digital assets. The exchange combines accessibility for beginners with tools for more experienced market participants. Despite some limitations, CEX.IO remains a fairly reliable and competitive platform for trading cryptocurrencies.
CEX.IO is suitable for beginner investors who value simplicity and convenience when buying cryptocurrencies, as well as intermediate traders who prefer spot trading and long-term investing. The platform may also appeal to professional users who employ automated strategies. However, active traders seeking minimal fees and a wide selection of derivatives should consider alternative exchanges.
FAQ
What is CEX.IO?
CEX.IO is an international cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2013 in the United Kingdom. The platform provides services for buying, selling, exchanging, and storing cryptocurrencies, while also offering spot and margin trading, staking, and other investment services.
Is CEX.IO safe?
CEX.IO is considered a fairly reliable cryptocurrency exchange due to its long operating history, regulated legal entities, and use of modern security mechanisms, including cold storage of assets and two-factor authentication. However, user funds do not have guaranteed insurance coverage, and a comprehensive independent audit of reserves has not been publicly confirmed.
How does CEX.IO work?
CEX.IO operates as a centralized cryptocurrency exchange connecting buyers and sellers of digital assets. Users can trade cryptocurrencies at market prices, place limit orders, or make instant purchases with fiat money. The exchange earns revenue from trading fees and additional services.
How to use CEX.IO?
To get started, users must register, complete identity verification, and fund their account with cryptocurrency or fiat funds. They can then buy and sell digital assets, use the trading terminal, exchange cryptocurrencies, and access the exchange's other available services.
How to open an account on CEX.IO?
Go to the official website of CEX.IO, click Sign Up, and enter your email address, password, and country of residence. Confirm your email, then complete the mandatory identity verification process (KYC) by uploading a document and completing a biometric check. Once the account is approved, you can fund your balance and start trading.
How to make a deposit on CEX.IO?
Log in to your account, open Wallet, and click Add Funds. Choose the currency, amount, and deposit method: bank card, bank transfer, or cryptocurrency. For a cryptocurrency deposit, copy the wallet address and send the funds through the corresponding blockchain network.
How to trade on CEX.IO?
Open the Spot Trading platform, fund your trading balance, and select a cryptocurrency pair, such as BTC/USD. Select the trade direction (Buy or Sell), choose the order type—Market, Limit, or Stop-Limit, enter the amount, and confirm the transaction. Executed trades appear in the trading history.
How to sell cryptocurrency on CEX.IO?
You can sell cryptocurrency through Spot Trading or Instant Sell. In the trading terminal, select the desired pair, click Sell, enter the amount, and place the order. Instant Sell allows you to quickly convert supported cryptocurrencies into fiat and withdraw the money using an available payment method.
How to withdraw money from CEX.IO?
Open Wallet, select the currency, and click Withdraw. To withdraw cryptocurrency, enter the external wallet address and select the blockchain network. For fiat funds, choose a bank card, bank transfer, or another available method. Check the fee and confirm the transaction using 2FA.
How to delete an account on CEX.IO?
To close your account on CEX.IO, first cancel active orders, complete any pending transactions, and withdraw the remaining funds. Then contact support through live chat and request account closure. The company may require additional identity verification. Some personal data is retained after the account is closed in accordance with the law.
