CoinEx is a global cryptocurrency exchange that has existed for some time but is not as well-known as other platforms like Kraken or Coinbase. Many traders wonder if it is a reliable place to trade and store their funds.
In this CoinEx review, we cover the essentials you need to know: how the exchange works, what it costs to use, how safe it is, and what you can expect when opening an account.
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Our verdict on CoinEx
From a trader’s perspective, CoinEx does a solid job at covering the essentials. Fees are competitive compared to many other exchanges, and the platform offers a broad choice of coins along with extra features like staking and futures.
The interface is clean enough for beginners, while experienced users will find the advanced trading options useful.
The main drawbacks are its limited fiat support and the fact that it is not as tightly regulated as bigger names in the market.
If you value having lots of coins to choose from and lower costs, CoinEx is worth considering. But if regulation and the ease of moving money in and out are more important to you, other platforms may seem like a more solid option.
CoinEx exchange overview
If you want to get a quick feel for how CoinEx works before diving into the details, this section covers the essentials in one place.
Let’s start with a brief introduction to the exchange and then move on to the different aspect to consider.
About CoinEx
CoinEx was founded in 2017 in Hong Kong by Haipo Yang, a developer who had previously created the ViaBTC mining pool.
The exchange was built with a focus on stability, transparent pricing, and supporting a wide selection of cryptocurrencies. Today, it operates as a global cryptocurrency exchange serving traders in over 200 regions.
One of CoinEx’s main strengths is its ability to handle high volumes of transactions through its proprietary matching engine, which can process thousands of trades per second. This gives the platform a reputation for being fast and dependable, even when markets are busy.
Over the years, CoinEx has maintained its consistency, allowing it to have a modest but steady presence in the crowded crypto exchange market.
Supported cryptocurrencies
CoinEx lists over 1,300 supported cryptocurrencies and more than 1,600 trading pairs. You can find top-tier coins like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL).
Liquidity is strongest on major pairs such as BTC and ETH. Coverage also includes multiple network versions of the same asset, which helps if you prefer specific chains for fees or speed.
Markets and trading options
The lineup covers most day-to-day crypto trading needs, without leaving the CoinEx exchange.
Here are the available markets you can find in the platform:
- Spot trading: Standard buy and sell with market, limit, stop-limit, IOC, and FOK orders. Good for building positions or swapping between coins with transparent book pricing.
- Margin trading: Isolated and cross-margin on selected pairs. This strategy is useful for experienced users who understand the extra risk associated with leverage and funding costs.
- Futures trading: Perpetual contracts settled in USDT or USDC, plus inverse BTC or ETH on core markets. Leverage can reach up to 100x on the most liquid pairs, with tighter caps on smaller assets.
- Copy trading: Tools that let you mirror strategies from top-performing traders. You choose the allocation and can stop copying at any time.
- Instant swap / AMM: A quick convert tool for fast exchanges without using the order book. It is convenient for small amounts.
CoinEx fees
Fees on CoinEx are structured in a way that depends on the type of trade and the method you use to move funds
- Spot trading fees: The baseline is about 0.20% for makers and takers. You can reduce trading fees by moving up VIP tiers (based on 30-day volume and CET balance). CET is CoinEx’s native token, and if you choose to pay fees with it, you get an extra discount on top of the VIP reductions. This setup helps frequent traders reach lower trading fees without much friction.
- Futures trading fees: Entry rates are typically around 0.03% maker and 0.05% taker. The same VIP and CET rules apply here, so active futures traders can bring costs down meaningfully.
- Instant swap fees: The quick convert tool is convenient, but quotes can include a spread compared with the order book. For larger amounts, place a limit order to control price.
- Deposits and withdrawals fees: Crypto deposits are usually free. Withdrawal fees depend on the asset and network you choose. If you use card rails or a bank transfer through a third-party gateway, the provider sets the charge and it is reflected in the final quote.
- P2P and fiat gateway fees: Fees vary by currency, method, and partner. Compare a few offers in the on-ramp before you confirm.
Here’s a quick look at the current fee tiers for spot and futures trading, including the discounts you get when paying with CET.
CoinEx VIP levels trading fees
| VIP Level | Spot Maker | Spot (with CET) | Futures Maker | Futures Taker |
| VIP0 | 0.2000 % | 0.1600 % | 0.0300 % | 0.0500 % |
| VIP1 | 0.1800 % | 0.1440 % | 0.0280 % | 0.0480 % |
| VIP2 | 0.1600 % | 0.1280 % | 0.0260 % | 0.0460 % |
| VIP3 | 0.1400 % | 0.1120 % | 0.0240 % | 0.0440 % |
| VIP4 | 0.1200 % | 0.0960 % | 0.0220 % | 0.0420 % |
| VIP5 | 0.1000 % | 0.0800 % | 0.0200 % | 0.0400 % |
If you want to save money in practice, we have a couple of tips for you. First, use limit orders whenever possible, as they qualify for maker rates that are usually cheaper. Second, enable CET deductions if you already hold the token, since this cuts your trading fees even further.
For the latest brackets and CET multipliers, always check the fee page on the official CoinEx website.
Funding methods – deposits & withdrawals
In CoinEx, you can deposit and withdraw funds in several different ways. The main options are:
- Cryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, and more across multiple networks)
- Bank transfers (including SEPA in supported regions)
- Credit and debit cards from Visa and Mastercard
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
The exact methods you see will depend on your region, so it is always best to confirm availability inside the app before moving larger amounts.
Security features
CoinEx combines standard account protections with exchange-level safeguards to keep user assets secure.
On the user side, accounts can be secured with tools like two-factor authentication (TOTP or passkeys), separate passwords for trading and withdrawals, anti-phishing email codes, and address or IP whitelists. Login alerts and withdrawal confirmations also make unusual activity easier to catch.
At the exchange level, CoinEx stores most funds in cold wallets with multi-signature controls, while only a small share remains in hot wallets to process daily transactions. The exchange also publishes proof-of-reserves data so balances can be checked directly on chain.
Customer support
Even though phone support is unavailable, CoinEx offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, with multilingual support available.
The quickest way to contact CoinEx is from the Help Center inside the app or on the official CoinEx website, where you can open a chat or submit a ticket.
For faster resolutions, include your account UID, order ID, transaction hash, screenshots, and the time the issue occurred. If the problem involves a withdrawal, add the wallet address and network you used.
This information helps the support team quickly verify your case and cut down on back-and-forth emails.
In user experiences, live chat responses often arrive within a few minutes, while email or ticket replies may take 1-2 hours, sometimes longer during busy periods.
Key features of CoinEx
Beyond its standard trading services, CoinEx has built a few extras that give the platform more depth. Below, we highlight the most relevant ones.
Earning products: Staking, flexible, and fixed savings
CoinEx Earn supports dozens of assets, offering options for both flexible and fixed-term staking as well as staking. The savings plans were recently upgraded, offering high APY.
Staking: You can stake six different cryptocurrencies, including ETH, SOL, DOT, and ADA. The highest staking APY is given on Solana (currently +4.73%) and DOT (8.51%).
Flexible savings: In flexible savings, you can redeem your funds at any time. Numerous cryptos are offered, and the highest yields are currently for USDC (+15.49%), USDT (+15.06%), and BTC (+11.03%).
Fixed savings: Fixed savings require locking your cryptos for either 30 days or 90 days. The plan is designed for users seeking a stable return. Only USDC, USDT, ETH, and BTC are offered. Yields range from 2% to 7%.
CoinEx token (CET)
As mentioned previously, CET is CoinEx’s native utility token and plays a central role in the fee system. Paying trading fees with CET grants up to 30% off, and holding CET also helps users qualify for VIP tiers faster.
Beyond fees, CET is used in exchange promotions, trading competitions, and sometimes as staking collateral inside Earn products. The token itself trades like any other coin on the exchange, so users can buy, sell, or withdraw it as they choose.
Copy trading
The copy trading hub lets you browse profiles of top-performing traders, each with public stats like return of investment (ROI), number of followers, risk score, and maximum drawdown.
Once you select a trader, you can assign a fixed amount of capital or a percentage of your balance to follow their trades automatically. You stay in control at all times: if the strategy takes on too much risk, you can pause or stop copying instantly.
Copying is free, though some traders set profit-sharing fees that are displayed before you confirm.
Demo trading mode
CoinEx provides a demo account funded with virtual USDT so users can practice in real market conditions without risking money.
This is especially useful for futures trading, where leverage up to 100x can be daunting at first.
You can open, close, and manage positions in demo mode exactly as you would in live mode, making it a safe way to test order types or new strategies before committing real capital.
CoinEx Pay
CoinEx Pay is the platform’s internal payment system that lets users move funds instantly between accounts. Because transfers happen off-chain, there are no gas fees or network delays.
This makes it practical for everyday use, such as sending funds to friends, paying merchants through QR codes, or simply moving money between your own CoinEx accounts.
Biometric verification adds security, while the absence of blockchain confirmations keeps things fast and cost-free.
CoinEx OnChain
With CoinEx OnChain, users can trade into tokens that normally only exist on decentralized exchanges (DEXs). Instead of managing private wallets or paying gas fees, these assets become accessible directly from the CoinEx interface.
For traders, the advantage is clear: you get exposure to niche DeFi tokens while keeping the convenience of a centralized account. It’s especially useful if you want diversification but don’t want the hassle of juggling multiple wallets or chains.
Proof of Reserve
CoinEx publishes regular Proof of Reserve (PoR) data to confirm that user assets are fully backed. Balances can be checked directly on the chain, and the reports show coverage levels above 100% for major tokens.
Recent snapshots show reserves of around $800 million.
For users, this provides transparency into how the exchange manages funds and the guarantee that withdrawals can be met.
CoinEx commentary
Commentary is CoinEx’s in-house content hub, launched in early 2025. It combines platform updates with market insights and educational explainers.
Beginners will find practical guides on features like Auto-Invest or copy trading, while experienced users can track liquidity changes, promotional campaigns, and product rollouts.
In effect, Commentary works as both a learning tool and a newsfeed for staying up to date inside CoinEx.
CoinEx P2P
The peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace allows users to buy and sell crypto directly using local currencies. CoinEx secures transactions through an escrow system, which only releases funds once payment is confirmed.
This feature’s advantages include zero transaction fees, flexible payment options like bank transfers or mobile wallets, and support for merchant APIs. Retail users can easily convert cash into crypto, while professional traders can automate P2P trading at scale.
OTC (Over-the-Counter)
For larger trades, CoinEx offers OTC services that bypass the public order book. This helps avoid slippage, which is especially important for high-value deals.
Institutions and high-net-worth individuals often use OTC desks to settle large orders privately, but the service is open to any CoinEx user who prefers negotiated pricing and discreet settlement.
Trading bots
CoinEx includes automated tools like grid trading, which places buy and sell orders at set intervals to capture volatility. More advanced strategies can be run through third-party bots connected via API.
For busy traders, bots offer 24/7 automation and can reduce emotional decision-making by following predefined rules consistently.
Auto-invest
The Auto-Invest Plan is CoinEx’s version of dollar-cost averaging (DCA). Instead of buying in one lump sum, you can set recurring purchases, for instance, $50 of Bitcoin every week.
This smooths out market volatility and is well-suited for long-term holders. Auto-Invest also links directly with CoinEx Earn, so purchases can be staked or locked automatically to generate additional yield.
API access
CoinEx’s API suite supports automated trading, data access, and merchant tools. Developers can connect to spot and futures markets with low-latency execution, stream real-time data via WebSocket, or manage P2P ads.
It’s designed to be flexible enough for both retail traders experimenting with bots and institutions running more complex systems.
Promotional events and mining campaigns
CoinEx frequently runs short-term promotions such as trading competitions, deposit bonuses, and “stake-to-mine” events where users can earn CET or new project tokens.
For example, past events have included double-APY (annual percentage yield) staking weeks or partner token giveaways for users who traded a minimum daily volume.
These campaigns usually run for one to four weeks and have caps on rewards, so it’s worth checking the “Events” tab in the app or site regularly if you like these extras.
Pros and cons of CoinEx
Advantages of CoinEx
- Gain access to a very wide range of coins: With more than 1,300 cryptocurrencies, users can diversify portfolios and trade niche tokens without moving funds to other platforms.
- Competitive fees for frequent traders: CET token discounts and VIP tiers mean active users can reduce trading costs significantly compared to standard rates.
- Risk-free practice environment: The demo mode lets new users test trading strategies without putting real money at risk.
- Opportunity to learn from others: Copy trading allows beginners to mirror experienced traders, which can shorten the learning curve.
- Simple ways to earn extra yield: Staking and fixed-term Earn products give users a straightforward way to generate passive income on idle holdings.
Disadvantages of CoinEx
- Fewer fiat options compared to larger rivals: On-ramps rely on third-party gateways, which limits payment flexibility and may not cover every region.
- Weaker oversight than top-tier exchanges: The platform’s lighter regulatory footprint could be a concern for users who prioritize compliance and legal safeguards.
- Service can be slower at peak times: While live chat is available, responses during busy market periods may take longer than users expect.
- Liquidity gaps outside major pairs: Smaller or newer tokens often trade with thinner order books, making large trades more difficult or costly.
How to create a CoinEx account – step-by-step guide
Getting started on CoinEx only takes a few minutes, and the process is simple enough for beginners. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Visit the CoinEx website
The first step is heading to the official CoinEx website.
On the top right-hand side of the page, click Sign Up to begin creating your CoinEx account.
Step 2: Register with email and password
You’ll now see the registration form. Enter your email address and choose a strong password that you don’t use anywhere else.
After agreeing to the terms, hit Sign Up to move forward.
Step 3: Verify your email
CoinEx will immediately send you an email with a short code. Paste this code into the verification field to confirm your email address.
From now on, actions like withdrawals may also require an SMS code for an added layer of security.
Step 4: Complete KYC (optional)
Once your account is active, you can trade right away, but some trading features and higher withdrawal limits may require you to go through the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process.
You can view this by clicking on your profile picture > ID Verification.
The KYC process is straightforward: upload a government ID, a selfie, and sometimes proof of address. However, the exact requirements depend on regulatory restrictions in your country.
Step 5: Deposit funds
With your account ready, the final step is adding funds. You can transfer crypto from another wallet vía ‘Deposit’ or buy crypto using one of the supported fiat options.
Once your balance shows up, use the Markets search bar to find a coin and explore CoinEx’s comprehensive suite of trading features.
Is CoinEx safe?
CoinEx can be considered a fairly safe exchange, but like most platforms in the industry, it has faced incidents. In 2023, its hot wallets were compromised and funds were stolen.
The company reimbursed affected users in full and quickly resumed services after tightening security. This puts it in the same category as other well-known exchanges such as Binance or Bybit, which have also had to deal with security breaches in the past.
On the custody side, CoinEx publishes Proof of Reserves and keeps the majority of assets in cold wallets with multi-signature controls. This transparency helps users verify that the exchange holds what it claims, though it does not eliminate counterparty risk.
Where CoinEx falls short is in regulation. The exchange does not operate under the top-tier licenses that cover platforms in regions like the U.S. or Europe, and access is restricted in certain countries.
In practice, CoinEx is reasonably safe to use, but it lacks the regulatory backing of larger competitors.
If you decide to trade here, it is worth doing your own research, enabling all available security settings, and avoiding the habit of leaving large balances on the exchange for long periods.
CoinEx review: Final thoughts
CoinEx has managed to hold its ground in a crowded exchange market by focusing on reliability, competitive fees, and a vast selection of coins. It may not have the name recognition of giants like Coinbase or Kraken, but it delivers a platform that works smoothly for most trading needs.
The weaker side is its limited regulatory footprint and reliance on third parties for fiat access, which may matter more to cautious users. Still, for traders who care about variety, lower costs, and earning options, CoinEx offers enough value to be considered a solid alternative.
In the end, the decision comes down to priorities: If you want the assurance of strong regulation, you may prefer a bigger exchange. But if your focus is on lower fees, wide market access, and some extra earning tools, CoinEx could be a good fit for you.
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