CEX.IO Review 2025: Features, Fees, Pros & Cons Explained

CEX.IO is a long-standing cryptocurrency exchange that has played a vital role in the evolution of digital asset trading since its launch in 2013. Headquartered in London, it started as a cloud mining provider but pivoted into a regulated cryptocurrency exchange platform, catering to both beginners and advanced traders.

As of 2025, CEX.IO supports a wide range of crypto services including spot trading, staking, crypto-backed loans, and a secure wallet system. It is also one of the few exchanges compliant with various financial authorities, making it suitable for users prioritizing security and regulatory adherence.

In this article, we will explore CEX.IO’s core features, pros and cons, account setup, KYC, deposit and withdrawal procedures, trading interface, alternatives, and frequently asked questions.

What is CEX.IO?

CEX.IO is a global cryptocurrency exchange offering a variety of services, including crypto trading, staking, margin trading, instant crypto purchases, and more. It supports over 100 cryptocurrencies and provides users with both web and mobile platforms for seamless trading.

CEX.IO is regulated in several jurisdictions and has built a reputation for strong compliance practices, making it one of the more trusted exchanges in the space. It’s a suitable platform for retail investors, institutional clients, and crypto newcomers.

Pros of CEX.IO

• Regulated Platform: CEX.IO is registered with FinCEN in the U.S. and complies with AML and KYC regulations in multiple countries.
• Fiat Support: Supports deposits and withdrawals in major fiat currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, and RUB.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is intuitive and accessible for beginners, with a clean dashboard and simplified trading options.
• Multiple Payment Options: Accepts debit/credit cards, bank transfers (SWIFT, SEPA), Skrill, and ACH.
• Advanced Trading Tools: Offers margin trading and access to a professional trading terminal (CEX.IO Broker).
• Staking and Loans: Users can earn passive income via staking or use crypto assets as collateral for loans.
• High Liquidity: Deep order books for major pairs like BTC/USD and ETH/USD.

Cons of CEX.IO

• High Fees on Instant Buy: The Instant Buy feature can incur significantly higher fees compared to the spot trading platform.
• Limited Altcoin Listings: While CEX.IO supports many major assets, its altcoin offering is narrower than competitors like Binance or KuCoin.
• KYC is Mandatory: Full platform access is only granted after completing identity verification.
• Withdrawal Fees: Fiat withdrawals, especially to cards, can come with relatively high fees.
• Not Available in Some Regions: Due to regulatory issues, some countries and U.S. states are restricted.

Key Features of CEX.IO

1. Spot Trading
   Users can trade over 100 cryptocurrencies against USD, EUR, GBP, and stablecoins like USDT. The platform supports market, limit, and stop orders.

2. Instant Buy/Sell
   CEX.IO allows quick crypto purchases using debit/credit cards or bank accounts. While convenient, fees are higher than traditional trading.

3. Staking
   The platform offers staking for various assets like ADA, DOT, and ETH 2.0, allowing users to earn yields.

4. CEX.IO Broker
   A separate platform for advanced traders, providing leveraged trading, technical indicators, and strategy tools.

5. Crypto Loans
   Users can secure instant loans in USD or USDT by collateralizing BTC or ETH without needing to sell assets.

6. Mobile App
   Available on iOS and Android, the app mirrors the web platform and allows trading, deposits, withdrawals, and staking.

7. API Access
   Developers and institutions can use the API to build trading bots or integrate CEX.IO with third-party tools.

8. Security
   Two-factor authentication (2FA), withdrawal whitelist, cold storage for funds, and regular security audits are standard.

How to Open an Account at CEX.IO

Opening an account on CEX.IO is straightforward:

1. Visit cex.io and click on “Register”.
2. Enter your email address, choose a secure password, and agree to the terms of service.
3. Confirm your email address via a verification link.
4. Proceed to account verification (KYC) to unlock full features.

CEX.IO Registration and KYC

To comply with global financial regulations, CEX.IO mandates identity verification for all users:

Step-by-Step KYC Process:

1. Basic Information: Provide name, date of birth, country, and phone number.
2. ID Verification: Upload a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID).
3. Selfie with ID: Some users are prompted to take a selfie holding the ID.
4. Proof of Residence: Utility bill, bank statement, or government letter (not older than 3 months).
5. Verification Time: Typically 24–48 hours, but often faster during off-peak times.

After verification, you gain access to all deposit, withdrawal, and trading features.

How to Deposit Funds at CEX.IO

CEX.IO offers multiple deposit methods, supporting both crypto and fiat:

Fiat Deposit Options:

• Credit/Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard): Instant processing.
• Bank Transfer (SWIFT, SEPA, ACH): 1–3 business days.
• Skrill: Available for supported regions.

Crypto Deposits:

• Go to Finance > Wallet.
• Select the crypto asset.
• Click Deposit, copy the wallet address or scan the QR code.
• Ensure you use the correct network (e.g., ERC-20, TRC-20).

No deposit fee for crypto; fiat deposit fees depend on the method used.

How to Trade on CEX.IO

CEX.IO supports trading via a standard interface and an advanced trading terminal.

Steps to Trade:

1. Go to Trade from the main dashboard.
2. Choose your trading pair (e.g., BTC/USD).
3. Select order type:

4. • Market Order: Executes immediately at market price.

   • Limit Order: Executes when the asset hits your set price.

   • Stop Order: Triggers a buy/sell after reaching a stop price.

5. Enter amount and confirm the order.

Fees range from 0.25% (taker) to 0.15% (maker), with discounts for high-volume traders.

How to Withdraw from CEX.IO

Withdrawals are processed via card, bank, or crypto:

Crypto Withdrawals:

1. Go to Finance > Wallet.
2. Select the asset and click Withdraw.
3. Enter the destination wallet address.
4. Confirm with 2FA.

Fiat Withdrawals:

• Cards: Processed within 1–2 business days.
• Bank Transfer: SWIFT and SEPA supported.
• Withdrawal Fees:

• • Visa/MasterCard: 3% + $1.20

  • Bank transfer: Variable based on region

Some fiat methods include service charges. Always check the fee preview before confirming.

CEX.IO Alternative Platforms

If you’re exploring platforms similar to CEX.IO, here are strong alternatives:

1. Coinbase – Best for beginners; regulated in the U.S. with easy fiat onboarding.
2. Kraken – Offers advanced tools, staking, and low trading fees.
3. Binance – Extensive coin selection and competitive fees but limited U.S. access.
4. KuCoin – Known for altcoin support and features like copy trading.
5. Bitstamp – One of the oldest exchanges, offering reliability and fiat support.

Each alternative has different fee models and geographical access, so choose according to your needs.

Conclusion

CEX.IO is a versatile and well-regulated cryptocurrency exchange that appeals to a wide range of users. From beginner-friendly instant buys to advanced trading terminals and staking, it offers a comprehensive crypto experience. While the Instant Buy feature comes at a premium and the altcoin selection is modest compared to other exchanges, CEX.IO’s strong compliance, security, and fiat accessibility make it a solid choice for anyone entering the digital asset space in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)