CEX.IO
CEX.IO Review 2025 – Is It a Safe Crypto Exchange?
Thinking of trading with CEX.IO? In this detailed review, we examine CEX.IO’s regulations, account types, trading fees, platforms, and more. By the end, you’ll know whether CEX.IO is a suitable exchange for your crypto trading needs in 2025.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exchange Name | CEX.IO |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Headquarters | London, UK (global operations) |
| Regulations | Registered Money Services Business (FinCEN), PCI-DSS compliance, local licensing in multiple jurisdictions |
| Minimum Deposit | No strict minimum for crypto; varies for fiat depending on method |
| Account Types | Tiered accounts (Basic, Verified, Verified Plus, Corporate with limits and features) |
| Trading Platforms | Web Platform, Mobile App (iOS & Android), API Access |
| Instruments Offered | Spot Trading, Margin, Staking/Earn, Crypto Loans, Debit Card (varies by region) |
| Leverage | Margin trading available (token-based leverage; varies by region) |
Regulation & Safety
CEX.IO places an emphasis on compliance and security, positioning itself as a regulated platform in a volatile industry:
- Registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN in the United States and holds licenses in other regions, including EU/local jurisdictions.
- Complies with AML/KYC requirements and PCI-DSS data security standards.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA), cold wallet storage for the majority of user assets, and SSL encryption used.
- FDIC insurance may apply to USD custodial balances for U.S. users up to certain limits.
- No major exchange breach reported in recent years, reflecting consistent security practices.
Account Types Offered
| Account Tier | Features | Fees / Limits | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Buy/Sell crypto, basic trading. | Standard maker/taker fees; lower limits | Minimal KYC |
| Verified | Higher limits, more payment methods | Tiered trading fees (lower than basic) | Document ID & personal info |
| Verified Plus / Corporate | Highest limits, advanced features, business use | Lowest fee tiers | Enhanced KYC & business documents |
Trading Platforms
- Web-based trading platform with live charts and market data.
- Mobile App for iOS & Android with portfolio tracking and alerts.
- API access for algorithmic and automated trading.
- Supports spot and some margin trading — though derivatives like perpetual futures are generally not offered.
Instruments You Can Trade
- 200+ cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, and major altcoins.
- Fiat pairs: USD, EUR, GBP, and others via various rails.
- Margin trading available on select tokens; leverage depends on region and tier.
- Staking-style products and crypto loans/earn options.
Spreads, Fees & Commission
- Trading Fees: Tiered maker/taker model starting around ~0.15% / 0.25% for lower volumes with discounts at higher trading volumes.
- Deposit/Withdrawal Fees: Fees vary by method; bank transfers often free while card payments carry fees.
- Card & Instant Buy Fees: Higher premiums for instant buys/sells using cards or services like Apple/Google Pay.
- Fiat Fees: may include standard bank or network charges.
- Inactivity Fee: Not typically reported but check terms for account-specific charges.
Security & Measures
- Cold storage for most user funds (offline wallets).
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) is enforced for logins/withdrawals.
- SSL encryption and secure KYC/AML verification.
- Ongoing security audits and compliance monitoring.
Deposit & Withdrawal Options
- Other e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, etc.) — varies by service.
| Method | Processing Time | Fees / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto Wallets | Minutes | Network fees apply |
| Bank Transfer (SEPA, SWIFT, Faster Payments) | 1–5 business days | Often free or low fee |
| Credit / Debit Card | Instant | Card / processor fees apply |
Customer Support
- Live chat available (varies by region/source).
- Email support and ticketing.
- Social media and community channels.
- Response times reported as inconsistent in some reviews.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong regulatory compliance and security focus.
- Supports broad fiat on- and off-ramps.
- 200+ crypto assets with decent liquidity.
- Tiered fee discounts for higher-volume traders.
- Mobile and web platforms with API access.
Cons
- Higher fees for instant buy/sell methods.
- Advanced trading tools (futures, perpetuals) are limited or absent.
- Verification and support response times can be slow.
- Some user complaints exist regarding customer experience on third-party forums (not official). Experiences vary widely.*
Is CEX.IO Right for You?
CEX.IO is ideal if you want **a regulated, compliance-focused exchange with solid security practices, multiple fiat options, and a broad asset selection**. It’s suitable for casual users and intermediate traders who prefer straightforward spot trading and established oversight.
However, if you are seeking **high-leverage derivatives or the lowest fees for algorithmic trading**, you might want to explore other specialized crypto platforms.
If you decide to choose CEX.IO:
FAQs About CEX.IO
Is CEX.IO regulated?
CEX.IO is registered with FinCEN as a Money Services Business and holds other regional licences, and follows AML/KYC standards.
What is the minimum deposit?
There is no strict minimum for crypto deposits; fiat minimums vary by payment method and region.
CEX.IO supports spot and limited margin trading but does not focus heavily on derivatives like perpetual futures.
How long do deposits/withdrawals take?
Crypto deposits are fast, card deposits are instant, and bank transfers typically take 1–5 business days.
Disclaimers
Cryptocurrency trading is high-risk and may result in loss of funds. Make sure you fully understand the risks before trading.
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