CEX.IO review 2023
CEX.IO gives traders focused exclusively on crypto a wide selection of digital currencies and tokens to choose from while charging reasonable trading fees. You’ll have access to more than 140 different cryptocurrencies, among the best in the industry. A slick mobile app makes it easy to keep track of your portfolio on the go and performs all the same functions as the web platform. If you’re interested in crypto staking to potentially earn rewards, CEX.IO doesn’t charge a fee like most other exchanges.
Unfortunately, you will pay high deposit fees when funding your account, though domestic wire transfers can be used at no cost. The trading platform is also fairly basic and comes with some simple charting tools.
If you’re looking to save on trading and funding fees, you might consider Crypto.com or Binance.US, while those looking for phone support might take a look at Kraken.
CEX.IO at a glance
| Category | CEX.IO |
|---|---|
| Minimum balance: | None, but $20 minimum deposit |
| Securities tradable: | More than 140 cryptocurrencies |
| Cost per trade: |
|
| Customer service: | No phone service, only self-help, chat and email |
| Mobile app: | The CEX.IO mobile app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store |
Pros: Where CEX.IO stands out
Cryptocurrency selection
Traders shouldn’t have any issues finding cryptocurrencies to trade at CEX.IO. With more than 140 coins available, CEX.IO’s cryptocurrency selection is among the best in the industry, though it falls short of Crypto.com’s offering of more than 250 coins. You’ll be able to find the most popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin along with many of the more obscure coins.
If you’re just looking to trade the most popular coins, you can also consider Robinhood or Webull, which each offer free crypto trades in the well-known coins. These apps also allow you to trade other assets such as stocks and ETFs, which you won’t be able to do with a crypto-only exchange like CEX.IO.
Trading fees
While not the lowest in the industry, CEX.IO’s trading fees are reasonable and still put them ahead of other exchanges such as Coinbase and Gemini. Fees start as low as 0.15 percent and can fall from there depending on how much trading you do in a typical month.
Like other cryptocurrency exchanges, CEX.IO uses a maker-taker model which rewards those who add liquidity to the market (makers) and charges slightly more to those who remove liquidity (takers). Here’s how the fees breakdown based on monthly trading volume.
| 30-Day Trading Volume ($) | Maker | Taker |
|---|---|---|
| ≤$10,000 | 0.15 percent | 0.25 percent |
| ≤$100,000 | 0.13 percent | 0.23 percent |
| ≤$500,000 | 0.09 percent | 0.19 percent |
| ≤$1,000,000 | 0.07 percent | 0.17 percent |
| ≤$2,500,000 | 0.05 percent | 0.15 percent |
| ≤$5,000,000 | 0.03 percent | 0.13 percent |
| ≤$10,000,000 | 0.01 percent | 0.11 percent |
| ≤$20,000,000 | 0.00 percent | 0.10 percent |
| ≤$50,000,000 | 0.00 percent | 0.08 percent |
| ≤$100,000,000 | 0.00 percent | 0.07 percent |
| ≤$200,000,000 | 0.00 percent | 0.06 percent |
| ≤$500,000,000 | 0.00 percent | 0.05 percent |
| ≤$1,000,000,000 | 0.00 percent | 0.04 percent |
| ≤$2,000,000,000 | 0.00 percent | 0.03 percent |
| ≤$5,000,000,000 | 0.00 percent | 0.02 percent |
| >$5,000,000,000 | 0.00 percent | 0.01 percent |
Mobile app
CEX.IO’s mobile app can help you to stay informed even while you’re on the go. The app features all the same functionality as the web platform including a detailed order book, tools for analysis and an instant buy/sell interface.
You can also use the mobile app to set up price alerts, which will notify you when the price of a cryptocurrency gets to a specific level. Depositing and withdrawing funds is also easy through the mobile app and you can also get notifications when orders are executed.
Staking
CEX.IO also offers staking, which allows customers to earn rewards on their holdings of a particular cryptocurrency as transactions are validated in that coin. CEX.IO doesn’t charge a fee for staking, but you won’t be able to stake Ethereum, one of the most popular cryptocurrencies.
Staking is similar to a bank savings account but comes with much greater risks. The underlying volatility of cryptocurrencies is extremely high and you won’t be protected by FDIC insurance as you are with a traditional bank account.
Cons: Where CEX.IO could improve
Funding fees
When it comes to funding your account, many of the different methods available come with a hefty fee. You’ll pay 2.99 percent to 3.99 percent for deposits made with a variety of sources such as Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and PayPal. ACH bank transfers aren’t available for deposits, though you can fund your account through a domestic wire transfer or the SWIFT payment system for no charge.
Withdrawal fees vary by method and are only slightly lower, but you will be able to use ACH for withdrawals at no charge. Be sure to understand the costs associated with each method before deciding how to fund or withdraw money from your account.
Trading platform
CEX.IO’s trading platform could also use some improvement. You’ll get some basic charting tools, but advanced trading features are limited. Crypto traders can be quite active, so a top-notch trading platform is a key feature for many. Traders who are looking for more of a professional feel might consider Gemini or BYDFi.
Customer service
In terms of customer support, CEX.IO offers an online help center, email and live chat support. While this is fairly common among crypto exchanges, the lack of phone support is a significant shortcoming. Customers have questions that don’t always fit neatly into a help center post or a live chat conversation. CEX.IO and many others in the crypto industry would be wise to add phone support to their customer service arsenal.
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