CEX.IO Broker 2025 Review: Everything You Need to Know
CEX.IO has established itself as a prominent player in the cryptocurrency exchange market since its inception in 2013. This broker offers a user-friendly platform for both beginners and experienced traders, allowing them to buy, sell, and trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies. However, while the platform provides various features and a robust trading environment, it also faces criticism regarding customer support and high fees.
Note: It is important to recognize that CEX.IO operates through different entities across various regions, which may affect user experiences and regulatory compliance. This review employs a comprehensive approach to ensure fairness and accuracy in evaluating CEX.IO.
Rating Overview
We rate brokers based on a combination of user feedback, expert analysis, and factual data.
Broker Overview
CEX.IO was founded in 2013, initially as a cloud mining service before transitioning to a full-fledged cryptocurrency exchange. The platform supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). It operates a proprietary trading platform that offers various tools for both spot and margin trading. CEX.IO is regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) and is registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in the United States, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Detailed Review
Regulatory Geographies
CEX.IO operates in over 99% of countries, including 48 U.S. states. The exchange is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.K. and Gibraltar, which adds a layer of trust for users. However, users in certain regions may face restrictions on available services.
Deposit/Withdrawal Currencies/Cryptocurrencies
CEX.IO supports multiple fiat currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, and RUB. Users can deposit funds through various methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets. The platform allows for cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals, making it versatile for crypto enthusiasts.
Minimum Deposit
The minimum deposit for CEX.IO is relatively low, set at $20 for fiat funding. This accessibility makes it an attractive option for new investors looking to enter the cryptocurrency market without significant financial commitment.
Currently, CEX.IO does not offer any welcome bonuses or promotional incentives. The absence of promotions may deter some users who are looking for added value when signing up.
Tradable Asset Classes
CEX.IO allows trading across a wide range of cryptocurrencies, with over 200 options available. Users can trade popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, as well as various altcoins. Additionally, the platform offers margin trading through its CEX.IO Broker service, allowing users to trade CFDs on cryptocurrencies and traditional assets.
Costs (Spreads, Fees, Commissions)
CEX.IO employs a maker-taker fee structure, with trading fees starting at 0.25% for takers and 0.15% for makers. While these fees are competitive, they can increase significantly when using credit/debit cards for deposits, with fees reaching up to 3.99%. Withdrawal fees can also be high, especially for bank transfers, which incur a $25 fee plus a 0.3% charge.
Leverage
CEX.IO offers leverage for margin trading, allowing users to trade with up to 100x leverage on CFDs. While this can amplify potential profits, it also increases the risk, making it more suitable for experienced traders.
CEX.IO operates a proprietary trading platform, which is accessible via web and mobile applications. The platform is user-friendly but lacks some advanced features found in competitor platforms, such as MetaTrader.
Restricted Regions
While CEX.IO is available in many regions, it does not accept users from certain countries due to regulatory restrictions. Users should verify the availability of services in their location before signing up.
Available Customer Service Languages
CEX.IO provides customer support in multiple languages, including English and Russian. However, users have reported mixed experiences with customer service, citing long response times and limited availability.
Rating Overview (Revisited)
Detailed Breakdown
Account Conditions
CEX.IO offers a straightforward account setup process with a low minimum deposit, making it accessible for new users. However, the verification process can be lengthy, impacting user experience.
The platform provides basic trading tools, but its lack of advanced features may not meet the needs of professional traders. Users have expressed a desire for more educational resources and analytical tools.
Customer Service and Support
Customer service has been a point of contention for CEX.IO, with users reporting slow response times and inadequate support. While the platform offers multiple channels for support, the effectiveness of these services varies.
Trading Experience
CEX.IO offers a user-friendly trading interface, but it falls short compared to other platforms that provide more sophisticated trading tools. The ability to trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies is a significant advantage.
Trustworthiness
CEX.IO has built a reputation for being a secure platform, with no major hacking incidents reported since its inception. Its regulatory compliance adds to its credibility.
User Experience
While the platform is generally easy to navigate, some users have reported issues with the interface being cluttered and not as intuitive as competitors. The need for a more streamlined experience has been noted.
In conclusion, CEX.IO is a viable option for both new and experienced cryptocurrency traders. Its combination of regulatory compliance, a wide range of tradable assets, and user-friendly features make it a solid choice in the cryptocurrency exchange market. However, potential users should be aware of the high fees and mixed reviews regarding customer support before making a commitment.