CEX.IO Review

10 April, 2023

CEX.IO is one of the market's highly-regarded trading platforms. The exchange has earned consistent praise from customers who appreciate its simplicity and features. Funds are SAFU, customer service is quick, and users can rely on guided assistance. This exchange ensures a smooth trading experience, which makes it a good choice.

CEX exchange review
Our Verdict
4.4
Pros
  • Simple, minimalistic, and user-friendly interface.
  • Competitive commissions for takers and makers.
  • High levels of security.
  • Mobile trading app for Android and iOS devices.
  • Data encrypts customers' information.
Cons
  • Beginners may feel overwhelmed by number products.
  • Lower liquidity compared to global exchanges.
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TL;DR

This CEX.IO review uncovers that the exchange is a secure, smooth, and customer-oriented experience for users seeking to invest in cryptocurrencies. Due to its wide coin selection and competitive fees., CEX.IO is a top choice for many cryptocurrency traders.

It offers advanced trading features like APIs, affiliate programs, and crypto staking options. You also get savings accounts, and withdrawal flexibility, designed to provide complete control over your financials. Their new Exchange Plus product also features several advanced order types, such as Stop Orders and Good Till Cancel.

Disadvantages of CEX.IO include lower liquidity compared to top exchanges and a learning curve for beginners without demo accounts or brokerage services.

To open a CEX.IO account, provide your name, email, and password. Verify your identity with additional documents. Once registered, you can access all the features CEX.IO offers, plus use the Android/iOS app.

CEX.IO Exchange Review.
CEX.IO Exchange 2024 Review.

CEX.IO Review: Is It a Reliable Crypto Exchange?

In this review, we assess the reliability and performance of CEX.IO as a platform for cryptocurrency trading.

Who should use the CEX.IO exchange?

The CEX.IO exchange suits anybody interested in buying, selling, trading, and storing cryptocurrencies. It caters to a large audience and provides the Instant Buy feature. This makes purchasing Bitcoin and other cryptos a breeze via various payment methods, including domestic and bank transfers.

cex.io reviews
CEX.IO exchange stats.

Experienced traders

Advanced users can take advantage of the wide range of features offered on CEX.IO, like private keys and API access. This allows experienced traders to monitor markets and manage their portfolios. However, beginners may find the platform’s many features overwhelming.

Beginners

CEX.IO is recommended for new crypto buyers, although the user interface may require some time to understand, and the wide range of features can be overwhelming. However, it is an excellent choice once you get used to it.

Geographical availability

CEX.IO is accessible in 150+ countries worldwide, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Qatar, and Canada. Nevertheless, there are still a few places where CEX.IO isn’t available, such as Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, or Japan.

What makes the CEX.IO trading platform a good choice?

This section explores the unique features that establish CEX.IO as an appealing choice for cryptocurrency trading.

1) Security

To ensure a safe experience for its customers, CEX.IO has implemented multiple layers of security and privacy regulations. Two-factor authentication and SMS code verification help prevent DDoS attacks. It also provides full data encryption to ensure first-time buyers feel secure using this cryptocurrency exchange platform.

Keep your account secure with CEX.io security
Keep your account secure with CEX.IO security.

Moreover, CEX.IO upholds the highest crypto industry standards and complies with PCI DSS requirements.

2) Fees

CEX.IO is a leader amongst its crypto trading peers in deposit and withdrawal fees, making it an attractive choice for many crypto investors. It offers low trading fees of 0.25% for takers and 0.15% for makers, who set their requests on the order book to be filled by others, making CEX.IO one of the most cost-effective exchanges.

CEX.IO has managed to stay competitive, slightly below industry averages. Investors seeking to take orders off the book can do so with peace of mind, knowing they are not paying more than necessary. The lower service fee for makers is also a great boon for all types of cryptocurrency traders everywhere.

3) Payment methods

CEX.IO is a leading cryptocurrency exchange boasting user-friendly services with various payment options, including debit and credit cards. Using either card for instant fiat money deposits or direct crypto purchases is easy; the transactions are secure and will be completed almost instantly.

Users now have total dominion over their verified accounts with the option to readily deposit or withdraw funds using more payment methods such as a bank transfer, Visa, and Mastercard. This grants them ultimate flexibility in using fiat funds and managing their account’s finances. However, it doesn’t support a domestic wire transfer yet.

4) Mobile Support

For those traders that prefer mobile support, CEX.IO offers a solution. Whether you are an experienced crypto trader or just getting started, mobile access makes it easy to buy and sell digital currency with minimal effort.

CEX.io exchange's mobile app to trade cryptocurrencies
CEX.IO exchange’s mobile app to trade cryptocurrencies.

You can safely approach the market from anywhere with your mobile device, knowing that the mobile platform contains most of the same features as the desktop application. From tracking portfolio performance to making trades, mobile users can stay ahead of the competition no matter where they are.

5) Wide selection of withdrawal options

CEX.IO is incredibly convenient and user-friendly for withdrawing funds with minimum transaction fees. It offers customers a selection of withdrawal options with credit card processing services that are hard to match in variety and convenience.

Users can choose from traditional payment methods such as Visa and Mastercard to withdraw money and make bank account transfers with SWIFT, SEPA, ACH, Faster Payments, or even direct withdrawals to a cryptocurrency wallet.

CEX.IO stands out with its commitment to providing secure crypto safe, and expeditious payments, allowing users to retrieve customers’ funds promptly without any security concerns.

They also support wire transfers for some of their user depending on their jurisdiction (for more information, check out their blog about U.S. banking rails)

6) Wide selection of crypto services

CEX.IO offers unique services, such as a great crypto staking program and lending, while providing a safe environment to conduct trades in multiple digital or fiat currencies. With its various features, there’s something for everyone at CEX.IO!

It provides users with comprehensive features and makes executing profitable trades on its platform easy, all from one account. CEX.IO is quickly ascending to the top of other cryptocurrency exchanges, making it an attractive destination for traders.

7) Compliant with regulatory bodies

CEX.IO is a regulated and licensed entity that has passed all the required security checks by two significant bodies; the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DDS) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDP).

This means users can be sure they are using a secure platform for cross-platform trading of cryptocurrencies on CEX.IO. It’s not shocking that it is quickly becoming one of the major crypto exchanges because it complies with regulatory bodies and is a well-known name in the sector.

8) Crypto-Collateralized Loans

CEX.IO presents an excellent solution for those seeking to transmit value while maintaining possession of multiple fiat currencies. Crypto-collateralized loans allow individuals to secure fiat currency by utilizing their digital assets as collateral.

Crypto-Collateralized Loans on CEX.io
Crypto-Collateralized Loans

This new feature allows CEX.IO members to gain access to cash while continuing to own their cryptocurrency and maintain accurate financial freedom. Furthermore, crypto-backed loans reduce costs and speed up loan processing, meaning customers enjoy convenience and flexibility that traditional banking cannot match.

If you’re after quick access to finances without compromising ownership of your digital assets, CEX.IO’s crypto-collateralized loans are the optimal solution.

Disadvantages Of CEX.IO

This section presents a detailed exploration of the drawbacks of using CEX.IO.

1) Lower liquidity

CEX.IO is a popular crypto exchange, but lower liquidity than some of the largest exchanges worldwide keeps it from being as successful. Lower liquidity makes it more challenging to execute trades due to a lower volume of buyers and sellers.

This can be a real issue when customers must liquidate quickly or capitalize on fleeting market opportunities. CEX.IO offers competitive technology and customer service, but their lesser liquidity than leading exchanges may disadvantage traders searching for smoother transactions.

2) Overwhelming for beginners

CEX.IO can seem daunting for newcomers to cryptocurrency due to its wide range of features and tools available. Cryptocurrency trading may be unfamiliar and take a lot of getting used to.

However, the exchange combats this by providing robust educational components through its blog, Help Center, and social media channels. Each resource aims to demystify its product ecosystem and unpack larger trends and opportunities emerging in the digital economy.

3) No demo accounts

CEX.IO does not provide demo accounts for beginners, which limits newbies from experiencing firsthand how the trading platform functions.

This is surely a great drawback for inexperienced traders and takes away one of the great benefits of trading on CEX.IO: familiarizing oneself with the interface in a risk-free environment before relying on actual investments.

4) Limits on deposits for accounts with basic verification

Deposit and withdrawal limits placed on accounts with a basic identity verification process can cause significant strain for users who desire fast access to their cryptocurrencies. These deposit restrictions are enough to leave many feeling unhappy and frustrated.

skrill deposits on CEX.io
Deposit USD via Skrill app.

Users must submit documents, wait, and accept limits on how much money they can deposit into their accounts daily. This extra process is inconvenient for those who want to purchase or sell cryptocurrency quickly.

Although the trade-off for improved security is understandable, it can be regrettable for those unfamiliar with the account verification process and its obligations. All too often, these limits stall the progress of beginning traders ready to enter the crypto market, unaware of the first bump in the road.

5) Doesn’t provide brokerage services

Unlike most trading platforms, CEX.IO does not provide brokerage services. As a result, customers must buy cryptocurrency directly from the exchange, which is costly and inconvenient for those who want help making their crypto purchases. 

CEX.IO Top Features & Perks

This part highlights the standout features and benefits that make CEX.IO a top-tier choice.

1) APIs

API channels are essential to any successful cryptocurrency trader’s toolkit, and CEX.IO understands them. That is why they offer traders a wide array of API services, such as WebSocket (WS), REST API, and FIX API, all with the bonus of being completely free.

CEX APIs for price alerts
CEX.IO APIs for price alerts.

By leveraging the power of these API solutions, crypto traders can gain insight into real-time data for numerous currency pairs and maximize their trading success. With APIs like CEX.IO, financial freedom is only a few clicks away!

2) Affiliate programs

This CEX.IO review undercovers that their affiliate program is one of the most efficient and rewarding methods to add crypto funds to resources. The company is registered as a money services business with FinCEN in the USA.

When signing up, users are provided with unique affiliate links that can be advertised online. With minimum effort, one can earn remarkable commissions. You can earn up to 30% for each successful purchase incurred by one of your referrals.

CEX Affiliate programs for deposit and Withdrawal Fees
CEX.IO Affiliate programs for deposit and withdrawal fees.

This offer from CEX.IO provides a great opportunity for entrepreneurs looking at diversifying their income or just any individual interested in supplemental incomes through staking crypto. These affiliate programs can give users considerable earnings without compromising their regular activities or lifestyle.

3) Savings

CEX.IO has introduced a revolutionary savings account option for cryptocurrency trading. It offers higher annual interest rates than banks, with up to 12% in specific cryptocurrencies!

CEX Savings for crypto investors
CEX.IO Savings for crypto investors

Compared to the 1% average savings rate banks offer in US Dollars, this return on investment is significantly higher. It provides unique opportunities for saving that can’t be found elsewhere within the crypto trading arena.

Where other savings accounts struggle to provide difficult-to-beat rates of return due to inflation, CEX.IO gives real returns. Customers earn on their investments, which can increase their income over time regardless of economic shifts and downturns.

4) Crypto staking

CEX.IO offers crypto staking, allowing users to receive rewards simply by keeping coins and tokens in their basic accounts. Letting your crypto work for you is a low-cost way to earn money. Coins and tokens can be deposited into an account once, then left alone to accrue even more value over time.

crypto staking
CEX.IO crypto staking

Those who take advantage of crypto staking are often pleasantly surprised by the passive income it provides, with minimal effort on their part.

CEX.IO offers different rewards for different types of cryptocurrencies. The highest it offers is 15% for COSMOS (ATOM), while the lowest is 3% for Polygon, Solana, and others.

Coin to stake.
Coin to stake.

5) Institutional-grade ecosystem

CEX.IO is revolutionizing the way large-scale organizations handle financial operations, offering comprehensive services that are reliable and secure. By setting a new benchmark for institutional-grade ecosystems, businesses can rest assured they possess an efficient system with ultimate peace of mind.

Institutional grade ecosystem
Institutional grade ecosystem.

Its institutional package offers features such as institutional accounts, custom onboarding solutions, and institutional API access, giving its clients more control over managing their funds. CEX.IO provides everything needed to bring modern solutions to banking systems in one full package. 

6) Crypto wallet

CEX.IO offers wallet services for crypto traders looking to buy, sell and manage their portfolios securely. Users can easily use this cryptocurrency platform’s offerings with reliable customer support and intuitive wallet features, such as storing multiple currencies in one wallet.

CEX.IO also provides wallet analysis tools that allow traders to track their current crypto holdings and view portfolio performance data over time.

7) Security Features

At CEX.IO, safety is their highest priority. That’s why most of their users’ funds are safeguarded in cold wallets. These offline solutions feature additional protection from cyber-attacks for ultimate peace of mind.

With CEX.IO, you get peace of mind knowing your money is safe and secure. Layers of security also protect hot wallets on the CEX.IO exchange.

8) Margin trading

CEX.IO offers margin trading experience across multiple digital assets. These include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), Tether (USDT), and beyond! With CEX.IO EU Limited, you can easily leverage the potential of these cutting-edge currencies for maximum benefits.  

Margin traders can access advanced features, such as margin calls and stop-loss limits, that help protect against unwanted losses. CEX.IO’s margin trading platform lets users take advantage of these features and create a safer way of cryptocurrency investing.


Opening a CEX.IO account

Our CEX.IO review gives you a guide on opening an account. Follow this step-by-step process.

To create an account, click the [Get Started] button.

Tradable Coins
  • 100+
Payment Options
  • +4
Fees
  • 0.01 – 0.10%

More details

CEX.IO is one of the market's highly-regarded trading platforms. The exchange has earned consistent praise from customers who appreciate its simplicity and features. Funds are SAFU, customer service is quick, and users can rely on guided assistance. This exchange ensures a smooth trading experience, which makes it a good choice.


  • Simple, minimalistic, and user-friendly interface.

  • Competitive commissions for takers and makers.

  • High levels of security.

  • Mobile trading app for Android and iOS devices.

  • Data encrypts customers' information.

  • Beginners may feel overwhelmed by number products.

  • Lower liquidity compared to global exchanges.

Step 1: Visit the CEX.IO website

To create an account on CEX.IO, visit the website. Once there, click [Register] on the top right corner of the homepage.

Create an account on CEX
Visit the CEX.IO website and click Register.

Step 2: Enter a username, password, and country of residence

After clicking ‘Register,’ you’ll be taken to the signup page. You’ll be required to enter a valid e-mail address, password of your choice, and country of residence here.

Once done, click [Create your account].

create account on CEX
Create an account on CEX.IO.

Step 3: Verify e-mail

After clicking on ‘Create your account,’ you’ll be required to confirm the e-mail by putting the confirmation code that’ll be received on your e-mail account.

email confirmation
E-mail confirmation.

Step 4: Verify identity

After verifying your e-mail address, you’ll need to verify your identity by providing documents like an identity card issued by your local government. This step may take up to 5 minutes to complete.

Verify your identity
Verify your identity.

Step 5: Start trading

After you’ve verified your identity, you’ll be taken to your account dashboard. Here you can top-up your account and start trading cryptocurrencies.

CEX dashboard
Dashboard.

Our Verdict

This review has concluded that CEX.IO has earned trust in its domain over the last decade. They are one of the few platforms that have been battle tested through time and emerged as a secure exchange. By offering an extensive arsenal of digital coins and payment method options with global coverage, it checks off our boxes.

If you’re an experienced trader, CEX.IO is a good exchange. You’ll have access to all the features and tools needed for success in trading. Furthermore, exclusive offerings such as crypto staking, savings accounts, and APIs attract businesses and developers, making it stand out from competitors. Signing up is also very easy; follow these simple steps and get ready to start trading instantly.