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CEX.IO is a cryptocurrency exchange that has been operating since 2013, making it one of the oldest continuously running platforms in the industry. Originally launched as a Bitcoin cloud mining provider that operated the GHash.io mining pool, the company pivoted to become a pure-play cryptocurrency exchange in 2015. Today, CEX.IO serves over 15 million registered users across 185+ countries and has processed more than $7.5 billion in customer deposits since its founding.
This comprehensive CEX.IO review for 2026 examines whether the platform remains competitive against newer exchanges that have entered the market. We evaluate its trading fees, security infrastructure, staking and savings yields, regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and whether its feature set meets the needs of both beginners and experienced traders.
The short answer: CEX.IO is best suited for users who prioritize regulatory compliance and convenient fiat on-ramps over the lowest possible fees. With Money Transmitter Licenses in 35+ U.S. states, FinCEN MSB registration, and VASP registration in Lithuania, it offers one of the most regulated environments available to U.S. crypto buyers in 2026. However, its 200+ coin selection and 2.99%-3.99% card deposit fees mean cost-conscious traders and altcoin hunters may find better options elsewhere.
CEX.IO Overview 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 (London, UK) |
| Headquarters | UK, with offices in U.S., Portugal, and Lithuania |
| Registered Users | 15+ million globally |
| Supported Cryptocurrencies | 200+ coins and tokens |
| Trading Pairs | 300+ markets |
| Fiat Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
| Trading Fees (Maker/Taker) | 0.25%/0.25% (lowest tier) to 0%/0.01% (highest tier) |
| Minimum Deposit | $20 (fiat); varies by crypto |
| Deposit Methods | Credit/debit card, bank transfer (SWIFT, SEPA, Faster Payments), PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Apple Pay, Google Pay, MoneyGram, crypto |
| Maximum Staking APY | 12% (ATOM) |
| Maximum Savings APY | 4% (USDT, USDC, SOL) |
| Margin Trading | Yes, up to 20x leverage |
| U.S. Regulation | FinCEN MSB, MTLs in 35+ states (NMLS ID: 1804170) |
| EU Regulation | Lithuania VASP registration |
| Security Certifications | PCI DSS Level 1, SOC 2 Type II |
| Mobile App | iOS and Android |
| 24/7 Support | Yes (live chat and email) |
What Is CEX.IO?
CEX.IO is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange that provides a comprehensive ecosystem for buying, selling, trading, staking, and storing digital assets. The platform is operated by three legal entities: CEX.IO Corp. (serving U.S. residents), CEX.IO EU VASP, UAB (serving European Union customers), and CEX OVRS LLC (serving international customers).
The company's origins trace back to 2013 when it launched as a cloud mining provider. Its mining pool, GHash.io, grew so large that it briefly controlled over 50% of Bitcoin's total hashrate in 2014, raising concerns about network centralization. CEX.IO voluntarily reduced its mining power and eventually exited cloud mining entirely in early 2015 as falling Bitcoin prices made the business model unsustainable.
Since then, CEX.IO has rebuilt itself as a multi-service cryptocurrency platform. Its product lineup in 2026 includes:
- Instant Buy/Sell: Purchase crypto with credit cards, PayPal, or bank transfers in minutes
- Spot Trading: Full-featured trading platform with limit orders, stop-limit orders, and TradingView charting
- Margin Trading: Leveraged trading with up to 20x on select pairs (BTC, ETH, and major altcoins)
- CEX.IO Earn: Staking and savings programs with flexible withdrawals and yields up to 12% APY
- CEX.IO Wallet: Integrated custodial wallet supporting 200+ cryptocurrencies
- CEX.IO Card: Mastercard-powered debit card for spending crypto at 30+ million merchants
- CEX.IO Prime: Institutional-grade liquidity aggregation and OTC trading for high-volume clients
- CEX.IO University: Educational resources covering blockchain fundamentals and trading strategies
The exchange claims availability in 99% of countries globally, though some features (notably staking and savings) are restricted in the United States due to regulatory constraints.
CEX.IO Key Features
Instant Buy and Sell
CEX.IO's Instant Buy feature is designed for beginners who want to purchase cryptocurrency quickly without navigating order books. Users select a cryptocurrency, enter a purchase amount in fiat or crypto, choose a payment method, and complete the transaction. Supported payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal (U.S. only), Skrill, Neteller, SEPA, SWIFT, Faster Payments (UK), and MoneyGram.
The Instant Buy interface quotes a price that includes CEX.IO's spread markup. This is convenient but typically more expensive than placing a limit order on the spot market. For purchases under $500, the simplicity may justify the cost premium. For larger amounts, using the Spot Trading platform offers better execution.
Spot Trading Platform
CEX.IO's Spot Trading platform provides access to 300+ markets across crypto-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat pairs. The interface integrates TradingView charting with technical indicators, drawing tools, and multiple timeframes. Available order types include:
- Market orders: Execute immediately at the best available price
- Limit orders: Execute at a specified price or better
- Stop-limit orders: Trigger a limit order when a stop price is reached
Order execution is supported by CEX.IO Prime's liquidity aggregation, which combines order flow from multiple sources to minimize slippage. The platform also supports sub-accounts (up to 5 per user), enabling traders to separate funds for different strategies or risk management purposes.
The spot trading interface is cleaner and less cluttered than competitors like Binance, making it accessible to intermediate traders. However, it lacks advanced order types like trailing stops, OCO (one-cancels-other), or iceberg orders that professional traders may require.
Margin Trading
CEX.IO offers margin trading with leverage up to 20x on select cryptocurrency pairs. This feature allows traders to amplify their exposure to price movements by borrowing funds against their existing holdings. Key margin trading features include:
- Leverage options: Up to 20x on major pairs like BTC/USDT and ETH/USD
- Cross and isolated margin: Choose between pooled collateral or position-specific risk
- Negative balance protection: Positions are automatically liquidated before accounts go negative
- Hourly rollover fees: Variable rates depending on the asset (typically 0.001% per hour)
Margin trading is available to verified users and carries substantial risk. CEX.IO requires identity verification and a separate acknowledgment of margin trading risks before enabling the feature. Margin trading is not available to U.S. residents or in jurisdictions where leveraged crypto trading is restricted.
CEX.IO Earn: Staking and Savings
CEX.IO Earn is the platform's passive income program, encompassing both proof-of-stake staking and flexible/locked savings accounts. Unlike many competitors, CEX.IO does not lock staked or saved funds - users can withdraw at any time without penalties.
Staking Rewards (2026)
CEX.IO supports staking for 14 proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies. Rewards are distributed monthly and calculated based on the assets held in your CEX.IO balance. No minimum lock-up period applies.
| Cryptocurrency | Estimated Annual Reward | Reward Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmos (ATOM) | 12% | Monthly |
| Ontology (ONT) | 10% | Monthly |
| Zilliqa (ZIL) | 7% | Monthly |
| Polkadot (DOT) | 6% | Monthly |
| Kusama (KSM) | 6% | Monthly |
| Solana (SOL) | 5% | Monthly |
| Avalanche (AVAX) | 5% | Monthly |
| Kava (KAVA) | 5% | Monthly |
| Polygon (POL) | 3% | Monthly |
| Tezos (XTZ) | 3% | Monthly |
| Tron (TRX) | 3% | Monthly |
| Flare (FLR) | 3% | Monthly |
| Cardano (ADA) | 1.5% | Monthly |
Staking rewards are set by the underlying blockchain protocols, not by CEX.IO. Actual yields may vary based on network conditions and validator performance. Staking is not available to U.S. residents.
Savings Rewards (2026)
CEX.IO Savings allows users to earn daily rewards on idle cryptocurrency holdings. The program supports 21 assets with reward rates ranging from 0.1% to 4% APY. Rewards are calculated daily and credited to your savings wallet.
| Asset | Annual Reward Rate | Reward Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| USDC | 4% | Daily |
| USDT | 4% | Daily |
| Solana (SOL) | 4% | Daily |
| Tron (TRX) | 3% | Daily |
| EURC | 2% | Daily |
| Ethereum (ETH) | 2% | Daily |
| Cardano (ADA) | 2% | Daily |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | 0.25% | Daily |
| XRP, DOGE, SHIB, LINK, UNI, others | 0.1% | Daily |
The flexible savings program has no lock-up requirements - users can withdraw principal and rewards at any time. An auto-transfer feature can automatically move new deposits into savings. Savings is not available to U.S. residents.
CEX.IO Crypto Debit Card
The CEX.IO Card is a Mastercard-powered debit card that enables users to spend cryptocurrency at any merchant accepting Mastercard payments. The card is currently available to residents of the European Economic Area (EEA) and converts crypto to fiat at the point of sale.
Key card features:
- No annual fee: Free to order and maintain
- No foreign exchange fees: Spend abroad without currency conversion charges
- Supported assets: Any cryptocurrency held in your CEX.IO wallet
- Apple Pay and Google Pay: Add the card to mobile wallets for contactless payments
- Daily limits: Up to 3,000 EUR per day, 10,000 EUR per month
The card provides a practical way to access crypto holdings for everyday spending without selling through an exchange and withdrawing to a bank account.
CEX.IO Wallet
The CEX.IO Wallet is the platform's integrated custodial wallet, supporting all 200+ listed cryptocurrencies. Users can receive, store, send, and convert assets within the wallet interface. CEX.IO Pay enables free instant transfers between CEX.IO users, bypassing blockchain network fees entirely.
The wallet integrates with both the web platform and mobile app, providing consistent functionality across devices. Users can set up price alerts, track portfolio performance, and manage multiple sub-accounts from a single dashboard.
CEX.IO Fees
CEX.IO uses a tiered maker/taker fee structure based on 30-day trading volume. Unlike many exchanges that differentiate maker and taker fees at entry level, CEX.IO charges the same rate for both until users reach higher volume tiers.
| 30-Day Volume (USD) | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0 - $10,000 | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| $10,000 - $100,000 | 0.23% | 0.23% |
| $100,000 - $500,000 | 0.19% | 0.19% |
| $500,000 - $1,000,000 | 0.17% | 0.17% |
| $1,000,000 - $2,500,000 | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| $2,500,000 - $5,000,000 | 0.13% | 0.13% |
| $5,000,000 - $10,000,000 | 0.11% | 0.11% |
| $10,000,000 - $20,000,000 | 0.10% | 0.10% |
| $20,000,000+ | 0.00% | 0.01% |
For most retail traders, the 0.25% trading fee is competitive with Kraken's 0.26% taker fee but higher than Binance's 0.10% base rate. The equal maker/taker structure at entry level is somewhat unusual - most exchanges incentivize limit orders with lower maker fees.
Deposit and Withdrawal Fees
CEX.IO's deposit and withdrawal fees are where costs can add up, particularly for fiat transactions:
| Method | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard | 0.49% - 4.99% + service charge | 0.49% - 4.99% + service charge |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | 0.49% - 4.99% + service charge | N/A |
| SWIFT (International Wire) | Varies by bank | 0.3% + $25 (min $50) |
| SEPA (EUR) | Free - 2.99 EUR | 2.99 EUR |
| Faster Payments (GBP) | Free | 2.99 GBP |
| PayPal (U.S. only) | 3.99% + $5 | 3.99% + $5 |
| Skrill / Neteller | 3.99% + $3 | 3.99% + $3 |
| Cryptocurrency | Free | Network fee (varies by asset) |
The card deposit fees (2.99%-4.99%) are among the highest in the industry. Users depositing via credit card should factor these costs into their purchase calculations. Bank transfers (SEPA, Faster Payments) offer significantly lower fees but require more processing time.
New customers (under 3 months from identity verification) face reduced limits: $1,000 daily maximum and $3,000 monthly maximum for deposits. After 3 months, standard payment method limits apply. U.S. residents have a minimum daily deposit/withdrawal threshold of $5,000.
An inactivity fee of $5/month applies to accounts with balances under $5 after 12 months of no activity.
Security and Regulation
CEX.IO maintains one of the most extensive regulatory footprints in the cryptocurrency exchange industry. Its compliance infrastructure includes:
United States Regulation
- FinCEN Registration: Registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
- State Licenses: Holds Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs) in 35+ U.S. states including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia (NMLS ID: 1804170)
- Restricted States: CEX.IO is not available in Hawaii and New York
International Regulation
- European Union: Registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in Lithuania through CEX.IO EU VASP, UAB
- Gibraltar: Previously held a DLT Provider License from the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC)
Security Infrastructure
CEX.IO implements enterprise-grade security measures:
- Cold Storage: 98% of customer funds are stored offline in air-gapped cold wallets
- Multi-Signature Wallets: Hot wallets require multiple cryptographic signatures to authorize transactions
- PCI DSS Level 1: Certified to securely store, process, and transmit payment card data
- Double 2FA: Users can enable both SMS and authenticator app verification simultaneously
- DDoS Protection: Enterprise-grade mitigation against distributed denial-of-service attacks
- Encryption: All sensitive data is encrypted at rest and in transit using AES-256
As of February 2026, CEX.IO has never disclosed a security breach resulting in loss of customer funds - a notable track record for an exchange that has operated continuously since 2013. However, user funds are not covered by FDIC, SIPC, or equivalent deposit insurance programs. This is standard for cryptocurrency exchanges but means users bear the risk of platform insolvency.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
CEX.IO supports over 200 cryptocurrencies across 300+ trading pairs. Major assets available include:
- Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA)
- Polkadot (DOT), Avalanche (AVAX), Tron (TRX), Chainlink (LINK), Polygon (POL)
- Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Pepe (PEPE), Uniswap (UNI), Aave (AAVE)
- Stablecoins: Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), DAI, EURC
While 200+ assets covers most mainstream cryptocurrencies, the selection is smaller than Coinbase (350+), Kraken (600+), or Binance (1,000+). Users seeking exposure to newly launched tokens or obscure altcoins will need to supplement CEX.IO with a larger exchange.
Fiat trading pairs are available in USD, EUR, and GBP, enabling direct purchases without stablecoin intermediaries. This is a practical advantage for users in the U.S., EU, and UK who want to avoid the extra conversion step required on crypto-only exchanges.
User Experience and Mobile App
CEX.IO's interface prioritizes clarity over feature density. The web platform organizes services into distinct sections - Instant Buy, Spot Trading, Wallet, and Earn - each accessible from the main navigation. The dashboard displays portfolio value, recent transactions, and market prices without overwhelming new users with data.
The Spot Trading platform integrates TradingView charts with 50+ technical indicators and drawing tools. The order entry panel is straightforward: select buy or sell, choose market or limit order, enter quantity, and confirm. Price alerts can be configured to notify users when assets reach specified levels.
The CEX.IO mobile app (iOS and Android) replicates the full functionality of the web platform. Users can:
- Buy, sell, and swap cryptocurrencies
- Access the spot trading terminal with real-time order books
- Manage staking and savings positions
- Track portfolio performance with customizable widgets
- Receive push notifications for price alerts and transaction confirmations
The app has over 1 million downloads and maintains a 4.5+ star rating on both app stores. During testing, the app performed reliably with responsive order execution and minimal latency.
Where CEX.IO falls short is in advanced trading features. The platform lacks futures trading, options, advanced order types (trailing stops, OCO), copy trading, or integrated trading bots. These omissions position CEX.IO as a platform for beginners and intermediate users rather than professional traders.
Customer Support
CEX.IO provides 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. The support team is accessible directly from the website and mobile app. Additionally, the platform maintains:
- Help Center: Comprehensive knowledge base with 200+ articles covering account setup, trading, deposits, and troubleshooting
- CEX.IO University: Educational content on blockchain fundamentals, trading strategies, and market analysis
- Social Media: Active support presence on Twitter/X, Telegram, and Facebook
On Trustpilot, CEX.IO holds a 4.5/5.0 rating based on thousands of reviews. Positive feedback commonly cites the platform's ease of use, responsive support, and reliable execution. Negative reviews mention withdrawal delays, high card deposit fees, and lengthy verification processes during peak periods.
CEX.IO Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive U.S. regulation (MTLs in 35+ states, FinCEN MSB) | High credit/debit card fees (2.99%-4.99%) |
| Wide fiat deposit options (card, PayPal, Skrill, SEPA, SWIFT) | Fewer cryptocurrencies than major competitors (200+ vs 600+) |
| Margin trading with up to 20x leverage | No futures, options, or copy trading |
| Flexible staking/savings with no lock-up periods | Staking/savings not available in U.S. |
| 13+ year track record with no security breaches | No FDIC/SIPC deposit insurance |
| Free Mastercard debit card (EEA) | Card limited to EEA residents |
| Clean, beginner-friendly interface | Lacks advanced order types (trailing stops, OCO) |
| 24/7 customer support with live chat | $5/month inactivity fee after 12 months |
CEX.IO vs Competitors
How does CEX.IO compare to other major cryptocurrency exchanges available in 2026?
| Feature | CEX.IO | Coinbase | Kraken | Binance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2017 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 200+ | 350+ | 600+ | 1,000+ |
| Base Trading Fee | 0.25% | 0.40%/0.60% | 0.16%/0.26% | 0.10% |
| Fiat Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP | USD, EUR, GBP + more | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD + more | Limited |
| Staking | Up to 12% APY | Up to 6% APY | Up to 17% APY | Up to 12% APY |
| Margin Trading | Yes (20x) | No | Yes (5x) | Yes (20x) |
| Futures Trading | No | Yes (limited) | Yes | Yes |
| U.S. Availability | 48 states | All 50 states | Most states | Limited (Binance.US) |
| Best For | Beginners, fiat on-ramps | Beginners, institutions | Intermediate traders | Active/pro traders |
CEX.IO's competitive advantages are its regulatory breadth (MTLs in 35+ states), diverse fiat deposit methods, and margin trading availability. Its weaknesses are higher card fees, fewer cryptocurrencies, and the absence of futures trading. For U.S. users who prioritize compliance and fiat convenience, CEX.IO remains a solid choice. For traders seeking the lowest fees and widest asset selection, Kraken or Binance may be better suited.
For more detailed comparisons, see our guides on Coinbase vs Kraken, Binance vs Coinbase, and Kraken vs Gemini.
Who Should Use CEX.IO?
CEX.IO Is Best For:
- Beginners: The clean interface, Instant Buy feature, and educational resources make CEX.IO accessible to first-time crypto buyers.
- U.S. residents seeking compliance: With MTLs in 35+ states and FinCEN registration, CEX.IO offers regulatory assurance that many offshore exchanges cannot match.
- Fiat-focused users: The breadth of deposit methods (card, PayPal, Skrill, bank transfer) suits users who want to move money between traditional finance and crypto easily.
- Passive income seekers (non-U.S.): Flexible staking and savings with yields up to 12% APY and no lock-up periods appeal to holders looking for yield.
- Everyday crypto spenders (EEA): The free Mastercard debit card enables practical spending of crypto holdings.
CEX.IO Is Not Ideal For:
- Active traders: The lack of futures, options, and advanced order types limits CEX.IO's utility for professional trading strategies.
- Altcoin hunters: With 200+ coins, CEX.IO covers mainstream assets but not the long tail of newly launched tokens.
- Fee-sensitive users: Credit card deposit fees of 2.99%-4.99% and SWIFT withdrawal fees of 0.3% + $25 can erode returns on smaller transactions.
- U.S. users seeking yield: Staking and savings are not available to U.S. residents due to regulatory restrictions.
How to Get Started with CEX.IO
- Create an account: Visit CEX.IO and register with your email address and country of residence. Set a strong password and enable two-factor authentication immediately.
- Complete identity verification: Upload a government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID) and complete a selfie verification. U.S. residents must provide a Social Security Number. Verification typically completes within one hour but may take longer during high-demand periods.
- Deposit funds: Navigate to your wallet and select your preferred deposit method. Bank transfers offer the lowest fees; card deposits are fastest but most expensive. Minimum fiat deposit is $20.
- Buy cryptocurrency: Use Instant Buy for quick purchases or navigate to Spot Trading for limit orders and better pricing. Review the quoted price and fees before confirming.
- Explore additional features: Once funded, you can access margin trading, staking, savings, and the debit card (where available) from the main navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CEX.IO safe and legitimate in 2026?
Yes, CEX.IO is a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange that has operated since 2013 without a disclosed security breach. It is registered with FinCEN as a Money Services Business, holds Money Transmitter Licenses in 35+ U.S. states, and is registered as a VASP in Lithuania. The platform implements industry-standard security measures including cold storage for 98% of funds, multi-signature wallets, PCI DSS Level 1 certification, and double two-factor authentication.
What are CEX.IO's trading fees?
CEX.IO charges 0.25% for both maker and taker orders at the lowest volume tier (under $10,000 in 30-day volume). Fees decrease with higher trading volume, reaching 0% maker and 0.01% taker for traders exceeding $20 million in monthly volume. These fees are competitive with Kraken but higher than Binance's 0.10% base rate.
Does CEX.IO offer margin trading?
Yes, CEX.IO offers margin trading with leverage up to 20x on select cryptocurrency pairs including BTC/USDT and ETH/USD. Features include cross and isolated margin modes, automatic liquidation to prevent negative balances, and hourly rollover fees. Margin trading is not available to U.S. residents or in jurisdictions where leveraged crypto trading is restricted.
Can I use CEX.IO in the United States?
Yes, CEX.IO is available in 48 U.S. states through CEX.IO Corp., which holds Money Transmitter Licenses and is registered with FinCEN. The exchange is not available in Hawaii and New York. U.S. residents must complete identity verification including SSN submission. Note that staking and savings features are not available to U.S. users due to regulatory restrictions.
What cryptocurrencies does CEX.IO support?
CEX.IO supports over 200 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Avalanche (AVAX), and major stablecoins (USDT, USDC). Trading pairs are available in USD, EUR, and GBP. The selection covers mainstream assets but is smaller than exchanges like Binance (1,000+) or Kraken (600+).
Does CEX.IO offer staking rewards?
Yes, CEX.IO Earn offers staking for 14 proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies with APYs ranging from 1.5% (ADA) to 12% (ATOM). Staking rewards are distributed monthly and require no lock-up period - users can withdraw staked assets at any time. Staking is not available to U.S. residents.
How do I withdraw money from CEX.IO?
To withdraw fiat from CEX.IO, navigate to your wallet, select Withdraw, choose your currency (USD, EUR, or GBP) and withdrawal method (bank transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or card), enter the amount, and confirm. SWIFT withdrawals incur a 0.3% + $25 fee with a $50 minimum. SEPA withdrawals cost 2.99 EUR. Crypto withdrawals require entering a destination wallet address and paying the applicable network fee. Processing times range from instant (crypto) to 1-5 business days (bank transfers).
Is CEX.IO better than Coinbase?
CEX.IO has lower base trading fees (0.25% vs Coinbase's 0.40%/0.60%) and offers margin trading (which Coinbase does not). However, Coinbase supports more cryptocurrencies (350+), is publicly traded on NASDAQ, offers FDIC insurance on USD balances up to $250,000, and is available in all 50 U.S. states. CEX.IO is a better choice for users who want margin trading, lower trading fees, or PayPal deposits. Coinbase is better for U.S. users who prioritize deposit insurance and the widest regulatory coverage.
Does CEX.IO have a mobile app?
Yes, CEX.IO offers a full-featured mobile app for both iOS and Android with over 1 million downloads. The app supports instant buy/sell, spot trading with real-time order books, margin trading, staking, savings, wallet management, portfolio tracking, and push notifications for price alerts. The app mirrors the web platform's functionality and maintains a 4.5+ star rating on both app stores.
What are the deposit limits on CEX.IO?
New customers (under 3 months from identity verification) have a maximum daily deposit limit of $1,000 and monthly limit of $3,000. After 3 months, limits increase based on verification level and payment method. U.S. residents have a minimum daily deposit/withdrawal requirement of $5,000. Fully verified users can deposit up to $50,000 per day via card or unlimited amounts via bank transfer.
Final Verdict
CEX.IO has earned its longevity through consistent execution, regulatory compliance, and a focus on accessibility. After 13 years of continuous operation without a security breach, the platform offers a level of trust that many newer exchanges have yet to establish.
Its strengths are clear: extensive U.S. state licensing, diverse fiat deposit options (including PayPal and Skrill), margin trading with up to 20x leverage, flexible staking and savings programs, and a clean interface that doesn't overwhelm beginners. The free Mastercard debit card adds practical utility for EEA residents.
However, CEX.IO's limitations are equally apparent. The 2.99%-4.99% card deposit fees are among the highest in the industry. The 200+ coin selection, while adequate for mainstream trading, falls short of competitors. The absence of futures, options, and advanced order types limits its appeal to professional traders. And the unavailability of staking/savings for U.S. users removes a key value proposition for a major customer segment.
Our rating: 7.5/10. CEX.IO is a solid choice for beginners, U.S. residents prioritizing regulatory compliance, and international users seeking flexible passive income through staking and savings. Active traders and altcoin enthusiasts should look to Kraken or Binance for more comprehensive toolsets.
Last updated: February 2026. For live rates and comparisons, visit CEX.IO on Bitcompare.
