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If you want to start buying and selling cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, Dash, or Stellar, however, don't know which exchange to use, this CEX.IO review should help you decide.

In this review, I will cover the following topics:

  • What CEX.IO is?
  • A brief history of CEX.IO.
  • The advantages and disadvantages of the platform.
  • Digital currencies you can buy, sell and trade.

By the end of this CEX.IO review, you should be able to decide if CEX.IO is the right cryptocurrency exchange for you. You'll also be aware of its beginning, security features, offered coins, fees, and so much more.

With so much to cover, we should probably begin! Let’s see what this popular exchange has to offer.

Carlos Diaz

PhD Researcher in Business Innovation at RMIT University

What are the key differences between centralized and decentralized cryptocurrency exchanges?

CEX acts as a third-party intermediary between buyers and sellers, while DEX runs on code, which allows buyers and sellers to meet directly into the platform and exchange via smart contracting without the need for a third party. Nowadays, however, CEX provides more liquidity and less costly transaction fees than DEX.

Pros

  • Easy to figure out
  • Different trading pairs
  • Great support

Cons

  • Might lack coin options

CEX.IO Review: What is CEX.IO?

Let's start this CEX.IO review from the basics. CEX.IO is a cryptocurrency exchange platform. It accepts multiple deposit types and supports different digital assets. It is great for both advanced users and beginners getting started with buying and selling cryptocurrencies.

If you were wondering: Is CEX.IO legit? Or, is CEX.IO safe? The answer is yes. The site is certainly legit, as CEX.IO LTD (the company behind the exchange in question) has been registered in the United States as a Money Services Business. The agency that it’s licensed at is called the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

Furthermore, the exchange has expanded its services within the US, with MTL licenses that can serve 48 different states.

CEX.io Review

CEX.IO also provides users with protection under a level two DSS certificate. This means it has proved itself as having a certain level of security to store, process, and transmit payment card data.

That said, CEX.IO should not be considered completely secure. It is a cryptocurrency exchange, after all. The fact that they store vast amounts of different currencies makes it a big target for hackers.

The history of digital currency is full of examples of exchanges being hacked and there is nothing to suggest the future will be any different. This is why you should never store your cryptocurrency on an exchange! Instead, you should consider using a secure wallet, such as MyEtherWallet or Exodus

Next, let’s look at how the exchange evolved into the trusted platform it is today.

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CEX.IO History

CEX.IO was founded in London, UK, in 2013. Originally, it was a cloud mining provider that owned the GHash.io mining pool. Back in 2014, GHash was one of the largest mining pools around.

In early 2015, the decision was made by CEX.IO to stop providing cloud mining services. This was based on the low Bitcoin price at the time, as well as the fact that the company didn’t own any mining hardware. The GHash.io mining pool was terminated. However, CEX.IO would live on, solely as a cryptocurrency exchange platform.

Note: Cloud mining is a process of mining for cryptocurrency in a group or pool. Users share processing power in the cloud meaning they don’t need to own their own hardware. They are paid out a share of every block reward the pool earns.
Compare Crypto Exchanges Side by Side With Others

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Compare Crypto Exchanges Side by Side With Others

All Crypto Exchanges may look similar to you but they're NOT all the same!

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Advantages and Disadvantages of CEX.IO

Let me provide you with the pros and cons of CEX.IO cryptocurrency exchange platform. 

PROS CONS
  • Great support section. If you’re struggling to understand how to do anything on CEX.IO, there is probably a page in the support section that explains it in a lot of detail. If not, the platform offers an easy-to-use email support form.
  • The exchange offers several different trading pairs and multiple fiat currencies to choose from. This means you can buy and sell different cryptos with your chosen currency. There is no need to go back to Bitcoin first. Fewer trades means fewer fees!
  • Easy to use and navigate. Even the advanced trading windows are clean and clutter-free. This makes browsing the CEX.IO website pleasurable and great for beginners.
  • Margin trade options (trade using borrowed money). This is a very risky form of trading and is absolutely not recommended for beginners! However, if you'd like to try it out, nonetheless, you can access CEX.IO Broker here - the great part here is that it's commission-free!
  • Registered and secure. The company is registered as a Money Services Business with FinCEN in the USA. It also has a level two DSS certificate.
  • CEX.IO has never been hacked.
  • As with any exchange, it is important to not put too much trust in its security. Every exchange could get hacked. It’s therefore important to not leave any money on the website, as I said earlier. This applies to both fiat currency and cryptocurrency.
 

When it comes to the security aspect of CEX.IO, it needs to be mentioned that the exchange does utilize features such as double 2FA - two-factor authentication. Meaning, you can authenticate logins to your account both via your phone, as well as an authenticator app. This really does add extra security to the platform!

Which Coins Can You Buy on CEX.IO?

There are quite a few different digital assets that you can buy using either Bitcoin or fiat currency on CEX.IO. Somewhat specifically, CEX.IO offers users 108 different cryptocurrencies, and 228 trading pairs.

Those numbers are nothing to scoff at! CEX.IO lists most of the better-known coins and tokens, and allows users to both exchange them with one another, or use fiat money for their crypto acquisition wants and needs.

Payment Methods, Fiat Currencies, and Fees

One of the best things about CEX.IO is that the platform accepts a lot of different fiat currencies. This makes it useful for people from many different countries. Here's the list for fiat currencies that are supported CEX.IO:

  • United States dollar (USD)
  • Euro (EUR)
  • Pound Sterling (GBP)
  • Ruble (RUB)

CEX.io review: buying crypto.

CEX.IO also accepts various payment methods to fund the account with either these fiat currencies or cryptocurrency: 

  • VISA
  • MASTERCARD
  • S.W.I.F.T.
  • ACH
  • Faster Payments
  • Sepa
  • QIWI
  • Skrill

Therefore, the variety of payment methods make everything super simple for new users. CEX IO EU Limited also provides card processing services to clients from the European Economic Area (EEA).

Trading fee-wise, CEX.IO offers from 0,25% market taker and 0,15% market maker fees, all the way down to 0,01% and 0%, respectively. The fees will depend on the sums traded (the value of the crypto assets). All things considered, these are some of the better fees out there, even if you're going to trade crypto in small sums!

CEX.IO Review: Account Verification

There are various levels of accounts on CEX.IO. They are:

CEX.IO review: account limits.

With each account, tier comes different advantages. These include additional payment options as well as higher limits on transactions and withdrawals.

The corporate accounts are for more advanced users. Therefore, I won’t be going into too much detail about them.

However, even new users will likely want to reach the “verified” account tier. I’ve explained the advantages of doing so after the section on basic accounts.

Basic Accounts

Basic accounts at CEX.IO are the default account that you will create as soon as you sign up for CEX.IO. The only payment method accepted for fiat deposits using a basic account is a Visa or MasterCard.

Individual payment methods have their own “recommended” maximum and minimum deposit amounts.

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Verified Accounts

If users want to withdraw fiat funds or increase their daily deposit and withdrawal limits, they must verify their identity. Don’t worry though. This is easy. The next part of this CEX.IO review will explain exactly how to do it. I’ll then go through the precise advantages of having a verified user account.

CEX.io Review

How to Get a CEX.IO Verified Account: Stage 1

Users need to submit some personal information and documents to reach the verified account tier. It’s all standard stuff though. The information is needed to make sure the company complies with anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) regulations. Let's start our CEX.IO review of account verification.

Below, I’ve listed all the required documents needed and how to submit them to CEX.IO. Follow these steps carefully. If you don’t give a document in the way the company wants it, they will reject your request to upgrade your account and you’ll have to start again. When buying and selling a cryptocurrency, that could mean you miss out on a huge price swing!

  • First, you must submit the details from a government-issued identity document. This could be your passport, ID card, or driving license.
  • Fill in the form with your personal information. This includes gender, first name, middle name (optional) last name, date of birth, place of birth, contact number, and a link to social media (optional).
  • Next, users must fill in their addresses. This includes a residential address (where you’re living at the time you sign up to CEX.IO) and your permanent address. If the two are the same, there is an option to tell the exchange this. Click the box labeled “same as residential”. It’s next to the “permanent address” fields.
    CEX.io Review
  • The next step in verifying your identity is to submit a scan or photograph of a few identity documents. These must meet the following requirements:
    • The issue date must be in the future (document must be valid on the day it is submitted).
    • Copies of both sides of the document must be submitted.
    • Scanned images must be in full color and in a high resolution.
    • Documents must be in either jpg, gif, png, tiff, or pdf format.
    • The file must be no larger than 15MB.
    • The photograph or scan must be no older than three months.
    • Documents must be completed using the Latin alphabet (a, b, c, d…)
      CEX.io Review

How to Get a CEX.IO Verified Account: Stage 2

Let's continue with or CEX.IO review of the verification process. Users must then submit their identity document, a selfie of themselves holding the document, and a proof of address.

The identity document must be issued by the government and must be the same as you used to fill in the above form. Accepted identity documents are national IDs, passports, driver's licenses.

The selfie holding the identity document must include the owner of the document (you) holding the document. There are quite a few guidelines and it can be difficult to get a clear enough shot. For this reason, it might be better to get a friend or relative to help you take a “selfie”. The photograph must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be looking straight at the camera.
  • The background must be light or a neutral color.
  • The selfie itself must be in full color.
  • No “red-eye”.
  • Nothing obscuring the view of your face (sunglasses, hats, headbands, bandanas, etc.)
  • The information on the document must be clearly visible.

The proof of residency document must also be a photograph or scan. It must include your address (the one stated in the verification form). The following will be accepted as a proof of residency document:

  • Utility bill (not a mobile phone, TV contract, or printed internet bills).
  • Electricity bill.
  • Bank statement.
  • Tax return, or council tax bill.

The CEX.IO support document does state that other proof of residency documents will be accepted, too. However, it does exclude electronic bills and statements, online screenshots, mobile phone bills, and credit card statements.

CEX.IO Review: Advantages of Having a Verified Account

As I’ve mentioned, users with a verified account can use more payment methods and have higher deposit and withdrawal limits. It’s also vital that users have a verified account if they want to withdraw in fiat currencies. So, it's very important to mention this in the CEX.IO review.

With an account on a higher tier than basic, you can deposit and withdraw with bank transfers and any of the cryptocurrencies listed at CEX.IO (above).

The total account limits for all these higher-tier accounts are unlimited but there are some recommended deposit and withdrawal limits associated with each payment method. We’ve not listed them this time because they’re enormous!

CEX.IO Review: Who Should Use CEX.IO?

Mentioning target users is very important for a CEX.IO review. CEX.IO is great for both beginners and advanced users. Below, we’ve listed some features that make the account a good one for both user types.

Why CEX.IO is Good for Beginners? There are a few reasons for that: 

    • Very user-friendly interface. Even if you have no experience using a cryptocurrency exchange platform, CEX.IO will be super easy to figure out
    • Great support section. For new traders or investors, it can be a bit scary to buy digital currency for the first time. The support section of the website has many FAQs and if that isn’t enough, contacting CEX.IO is easy thanks to the email request form.
    • Users must search out the more advanced buying and selling options. This makes the process less scary because some exchanges greet users with a page like the one below. This is understandably very confusing for them:

CEX.io Review

Source: cledd

Why CEX.IO is Good for Advanced Users? Here's the answer:

  • It offers all the buying options you’d expect from an advanced platform. They’re presented on a clean and easy-to-navigate platform (pictured above).
  • It can trade on a margin (using borrowed money). Again, this is absolutely not recommended for any new users!
  • No limits for verified users. If you’re a master trader, you’ll be able to spin up huge profits and withdraw them with no trouble using a variety of different deposit and withdrawal methods. Pretty cool, eh?
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Pros
  • A very well-known crypto exchange platform
  • More than 350 different cryptos available
  • Two-factor authentication
Main Features
  • Over than 100 different cryptocurrencies available
  • Strong security
  • Small withdrawal fees
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Pros
  • Very low trading fees
  • Exceptional functionality
  • Mobile trading app
Main Features
  • Very competitive trading fees
  • An intuitive mobile app
  • Up to 100x leverage available
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Pros
  • Secure and reliable
  • Low fees
  • A good amount of fiat currencies accepted
Main Features
  • Reputable exchange
  • Multiple fiat currencies are accepted
  • Relatively low trading fees

Conclusions

So, that’s our review to one of the world’s most popular fiat-to-crypto exchanges. With its numerous deposit options, multiple digital assets, and user-friendly design, it’s obvious why CEX.IO has been so successful for the past years.

Now that you’ve finished reading this guide, you should have a better idea of what the CEX.IO platform is and whether it's right for you. If you think that there's a better platform for you, you should check out Binance and KuCoin

So, what do you think? Is CEX.IO a scam? Is it not what it seems? Or is it, in fact, a credible, worthwhile exchange? Will you be using it for your cryptocurrency needs? Write in the comments below! 

The content published on this website is not aimed to give any kind of financial, investment, trading, or any other form of advice. BitDegree.org does not endorse or suggest you to buy, sell or hold any kind of cryptocurrency. Before making financial investment decisions, do consult your financial advisor.

About Article's Experts & Analysts

By Carlos Diaz

PhD Researcher in Business Innovation at RMIT University

Andres is an economist with Master's degrees in Corporate Finance and Environmental and Energy Management. He is also a Ph.D. researcher at the College of Business and Law at the RMIT University in Melbourne. Andres has focused his doctoral resear...

By Aaron S.

Editor-In-Chief

Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era. W...
Aaron S., Editor-In-Chief
Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.
Carlos Diaz, PhD Researcher in Business Innovation at RMIT University
Andres is an economist with Master's degrees in Corporate Finance and Environmental and Energy Management. He is also a Ph.D. researcher at the College of Business and Law at the RMIT University in Melbourne. Andres has focused his doctoral research on the novel governance dynamics enabled by blockchain technology and its applications for renewable energy trading and climate action. Andres is interested in the emergence of decentralized technologies and the opportunities for democratic and participative outcomes. He has published several high-quality academic articles on these topics.

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Leave your genuine opinion & help thousands of people to choose the best crypto wallet. All reviews, either positive or negative, are accepted as long as they’re honest. We do not publish biased reviews or spam. So if you want to share your experience, opinion or give advice - the scene is yours!

Recent CEX User Reviews

Saara Stevens

5.0/5.0 - CEX User
03/12/2023

Great for beginners

My start on the platform was easier that antcipated. The support section was very informative and resources were easy to understand as a new trader. Now can navigate and trade with ease!

Evaluation

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T Meyer

5.0/5.0 - CEX User
13/01/2024

Many cryptos!!

I don't think my lifetime will be enough to try out all the different cryptos that are available on the exchange...:D

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J. M.

4.8/5.0 - CEX User
09/02/2024

varying fees

for small sum trading CEX is one of the best in terms of low fees! but I often trade in high quantities and larger than average sums, so the fees add up and I end up paying a fortune...

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Garin 1987

4.8/5.0 - CEX User
29/02/2024

Verified

Enjoying the perks of a verified account! Though, the journey to have that took me days and seemed quite over the top.

Evaluation

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yasin rich

4.8/5.0 - CEX User
08/12/2023

APP

I prefer the web exchange over the app. Need time to analyse the charts and compare, while the mobile app can be a great alternative for short period of time it can only a fraction of information at a time. I know some people trade solely on the app, but I think it's not for me.

Evaluation

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JARROD

4.8/5.0 - CEX User
25/02/2024

trading experience

No limit trading on verified account got the better of me. Wish there were measures to stop me in that situation. Take my advice and DON'T trade in large sums if unexperienced...

Evaluation

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Ease of Use
Experience
Features
Safety

Stubbs Adam

4.8/5.0 - CEX User
13/02/2024

First time user

The basic account was more than enough for the first few months trading. Then after some time I got started doubting that my account was safe, thus I verified

Evaluation

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Ease of Use
Experience
Features
Safety

harvir

5.0/5.0 - CEX User
09/02/2024

margins

not many exchanges allow margin trading, that was the main selling point for me

Evaluation

Price value
Ease of Use
Experience
Features
Safety

Amalia Th

5.0/5.0 - CEX User
04/02/2024

Good choice

Have been using this exchange for a long time and no major issues have occured. The info on their support section eliminated my concerns

Evaluation

Price value
Ease of Use
Experience
Features
Safety

Betty

4.8/5.0 - CEX User
17/12/2023

Flexible

CEX supports more than enough different payment methods. If only they had fixed fees...

Evaluation

Price value
Ease of Use
Experience
Features
Safety

FAQ

Is CEX.IO trustworthy?

CEX.IO is one of the most trustworthy cryptocurrency exchange platforms. It managed to gain a good reputation throughout the years, offers capable security, good features, and other benefits.

Which Coins Can You Buy on CEX.IO?

CEX.IO allows you to purchase each of the most popular coins, including BTC, ETH, BCH, BTG, DASH, LTC, and others.

What are the alternatives to CEX.IO?

If you think that CEX.IO is not the best option for your needs, you should check out other recommended cryptocurrency exchange platforms: Binance, KuCoin and Kraken.

Who CEX.IO is best for?

CEX.IO is suitable for both beginners and more advanced users. It's super simple to use and has really helpful support as well as provide you with the ability to trade on a margin, all the buying options, and other great features.

What are the main advantages of CEX.IO?

CEX.IO is very user friendly, has a great support section, advanced buying and selling options, robust security and reliability.

How long does it take to withdraw from CEX.IO?

Once you request a withdrawal, it will be processed within 24 hours. However, it might to a bit longer for the money to reach your bank account.

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