OKX
Founded 2017 by Star Xu (Mingxing Xu)
A top-3 global exchange blending powerful trading with Web3 innovation.
Quick Overview
What is OKX?
OKX is the world's third-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, founded in 2017 by Star Xu. Originally known as OKEx, the platform rebranded to OKX in 2022 to reflect its evolution from a pure exchange into a comprehensive Web3 platform.
What makes OKX stand out is its seamless blend of centralized and decentralized crypto. The exchange includes a powerful spot and derivatives trading platform, but also has a built-in Web3 wallet and DEX aggregator that lets you swap tokens across 20+ blockchains without leaving the app.
OKX's fees are among the lowest in the industry — 0.08% maker and 0.10% taker, which beats Binance's standard 0.10% maker/taker. With OKB token discounts, fees can go even lower.
For beginners, OKX offers a "Lite" mode that simplifies the interface to just buying and selling, plus a Convert feature for zero-fee crypto swaps. For advanced users, the platform offers futures up to 100x leverage, trading bots (grid, DCA, arbitrage), and copy trading.
OKX has invested heavily in transparency — they publish monthly Proof of Reserves audits and are one of the few exchanges that has never suffered a major security breach.
Important to know: OKX is not available in the United States. The platform left China in 2021 during the regulatory crackdown and now operates from Seychelles with major offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. They sponsor Manchester City and have become increasingly recognized in Western markets.
OKX Bonuses & Promotions
Current offers available to new and existing users.
Welcome Package
New users can earn up to $10,000 in welcome rewards through mystery boxes and trading rebates.
Complete tasks like first deposit, first trade, and volume milestones.
Referral Program
Earn up to 25% commission on your referrals' trading fees.
Rate depends on your trading volume tier.
Trading Fee Discount
Hold OKB tokens to reduce trading fees by up to 40%.
OKB is OKX's native utility token.
Copy Trading Bonus
Try copy trading with a bonus for new users — follow top traders.
Terms vary. Check current promotions.
Products & Features
Everything OKX offers — from simple buying to advanced trading.
Spot Trading
Trade 350+ crypto with deep liquidity and tight spreads.
Futures & Perpetuals
Leveraged trading up to 100x on USDT and coin-margined contracts.
OKX Earn
Staking, savings, DeFi yields — earn passive income on your crypto.
OKX DEX
Built-in decentralized exchange aggregator — swap across 20+ chains.
OKX Web3 Wallet
Non-custodial multi-chain wallet for DeFi, NFTs, and dApps.
Copy Trading
Automatically copy the trades of successful traders.
Trading Bots
Grid bot, DCA bot, arbitrage bot — automated trading strategies.
OKX NFT Marketplace
Buy, sell, and create NFTs across multiple blockchains.
Convert
Simple crypto swap with zero fees — great for beginners.
OKX Fees
Spot Maker Fee
0.08%
One of the lowest in the industry
Spot Taker Fee
0.10%
Standard tier — lower with volume
Convert (Swap)
0%
Zero explicit fees (spread included)
Card Purchase
1.99–3.5%
Via third-party providers
Crypto Deposits
Free
No deposit fees for crypto
Crypto Withdrawal
Varies
Competitive network-based fees
Security & Safety
OKX is known for strong security practices. They've never suffered a major hack and maintain comprehensive Proof of Reserves that are audited monthly. Their security infrastructure includes multi-signature wallets and an industry-leading cold storage system.
Payment Methods
Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Very low fees: 0.08% maker / 0.10% taker (beat most competitors)
- + Excellent Web3 wallet — one of the best in the industry
- + Built-in DEX aggregator across 20+ chains
- + Copy trading and trading bots included
- + Strong liquidity — top 3 by volume globally
- + Monthly Proof of Reserves — very transparent
- + Clean, modern interface with beginner mode
- + No major security incidents in history
- + Strong futures & derivatives offering
Cons
- − Not available in the United States
- − Less well-known brand than Coinbase/Binance in Western markets
- − Customer support can be slow during peak periods
- − Some advanced features may overwhelm beginners
- − Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction
- − OKB token required for maximum fee discounts
- − Fiat on-ramp options limited in some regions
OKX Timeline
Founded as OKEx by Star Xu in China, initially focused on derivatives trading.
Became one of the top 3 exchanges by derivatives volume globally.
Expanded spot trading offerings and grew to 20M+ users.
Briefly halted withdrawals for 5 weeks due to founder cooperating with Chinese authorities. All funds returned.
Left China amid regulatory crackdown. Relocated operations to Seychelles/Dubai.
Rebranded from OKEx to OKX. Launched Web3 wallet and DEX aggregator. Major marketing push with Man City sponsorship.
Published regular Proof of Reserves. Expanded to 50M+ users. Became the #3 exchange globally.
Obtained licenses in Dubai, expanded European operations. Invested heavily in Web3 infrastructure.
Continues to grow as a top-3 exchange. Known for bridging CeFi and DeFi seamlessly.
Our Verdict
OKX is a powerhouse that doesn't get enough attention in Western markets. With fees lower than Binance, a world-class Web3 wallet, copy trading, and built-in trading bots, it offers incredible value. The clean interface with a beginner mode makes it accessible, while the advanced features satisfy pro traders. If you're outside the US and want a modern exchange that bridges centralized and decentralized crypto seamlessly, OKX deserves serious consideration.