CEX.IO Crypto Exchange Review: Security, Fees, and What Makes It Stand Out in 2025
Oct, 7 2025
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When you’re looking for a crypto exchange that actually works across the globe - not just in the U.S. or Europe - CEX.IO is one of the few platforms that delivers on both reliability and reach. Founded in 2013, it’s not some flashy new startup. It’s been around through Bitcoin’s crashes, regulatory crackdowns, and exchange collapses. And yet, it’s still here. With over 5 million users and operations in 185+ countries, CEX.IO isn’t trying to be the biggest. It’s trying to be the most dependable.
What You Can Trade on CEX.IO
CEX.IO supports between 160 and 200+ cryptocurrencies, depending on your region. That includes major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, but also niche tokens like THETA/BTC and ZIL/USDT. If you’re trading less popular pairs, CEX.IO gives you more options than most. You can trade crypto against USD, EUR, and GBP, and even buy crypto directly with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal - something Coinbase and Kraken still don’t fully offer.The platform’s trading interface comes in two flavors: a simple Instant Buy for beginners, and Exchange Plus for those who want advanced tools. Exchange Plus integrates TradingView, giving you 50+ technical indicators, multiple timeframes, and custom chart layouts. You can place limit orders, stop-losses, and even use up to 1:3 leverage on select pairs. No demo account? That’s a downside. If you’re new, you’re jumping straight into real money without practice.
Fees: Transparent, But Not Always Cheap
Trading fees range from 0% to 0.25%, depending on your 30-day volume. That’s competitive. But where CEX.IO gets tricky is with deposits and withdrawals.Card deposits (Visa, Mastercard) are instant and cost 2.99%. Bank transfers via SEPA (EUR) or Faster Payments (GBP) are free. SWIFT transfers? That’s where things get expensive: 0.3% plus a flat $25 fee. If you’re sending $1,000, you’re paying $28 in fees alone. That’s not something you’ll see on Binance or Kraken.
Withdrawals also vary. Bitcoin withdrawals cost a flat 0.0005 BTC. Ethereum is 0.005 ETH. These are standard. But if you’re using a bank wire to pull out USD or EUR, you’re stuck with that SWIFT fee. For casual users, this isn’t a big deal. For frequent traders or those moving large sums, it adds up fast.
Security: One of the Best in the Industry
CEX.IO doesn’t just claim to be secure - it proves it. 98% of user funds are stored in offline cold wallets with multi-signature protection. That’s higher than most exchanges. They’re PCI DSS Level 1 certified, meaning card data is handled to the strictest financial standards. They use FIDO2 two-factor authentication, API permission controls, and global settings time locks to prevent unauthorized changes.And here’s the kicker: they’ve never had a major security breach. Not one. Not in 12 years. Kraken had a hack in June 2024. Coinbase has had incidents. CEX.IO? Clean record. They also publish proof of reserves monthly, so you can verify they hold enough crypto to cover all user balances.
They’re registered with FinCEN in the U.S. and licensed in 35 states. They’re also licensed in Lithuania, which gives them access to the EU market. This isn’t a shell company. It’s a regulated financial entity with real oversight.
Staking Rewards: Higher Than Almost Everyone Else
If you’re holding crypto long-term, staking is a no-brainer. CEX.IO offers staking on over 30 coins, with rewards up to 30% APY on some assets. Compare that to Kraken’s max of 6.5% or Coinbase’s 4-5%. Even Ethereum staking on CEX.IO pays around 3.5%, which is solid.There’s no minimum lock-up period. You can unstake anytime. Rewards are paid daily. No complex delegation rules. It’s straightforward: deposit, earn, withdraw. For users who want passive income without jumping through hoops, this is one of the best offerings on the market.
Mobile App and User Experience
The CEX.IO mobile app is clean, fast, and surprisingly powerful. It’s not just a dumbed-down version of the website. You can trade, stake, check prices, and contact support - all from your phone. The interface is intuitive for beginners, but still packed with features for advanced users.Many users on Trustpilot and Reddit praise the app’s design. One review said, “The interface is easy to navigate and a pleasure on the eyes.” That’s rare for crypto apps, which are often cluttered or confusing.
The downside? The Exchange Plus desktop platform feels overloaded. Too many buttons, too many tabs. If you’re not used to trading platforms, you might feel lost. It’s not broken - it’s just not beginner-friendly. Stick with Instant Buy if you’re just starting out.
Customer Support: Always There
Support is available 24/7 via live chat, email, Telegram, X (Twitter), and Facebook. Response times are typically under 10 minutes during peak hours. That’s faster than most competitors.They also have a Knowledge Base with over 200 articles covering everything from how to verify your account to how to use margin trading. No video tutorials for absolute beginners, though. Reddit users have asked for them - and it’s a valid point. A step-by-step video on buying your first Bitcoin would help a lot of new users.
Who Is CEX.IO For?
If you’re in the U.S., Europe, or Latin America and want to buy crypto with a credit card, bank transfer, or PayPal - CEX.IO is one of the few exchanges that makes it easy. If you care about security and regulatory compliance, it’s one of the safest. If you want to stake and earn high yields, it’s among the best.It’s not perfect. The fees on bank withdrawals hurt. The advanced trading interface is overwhelming. And no demo account means you learn by risking real money.
But if you want an exchange that’s been around, stayed out of trouble, and kept expanding its services - CEX.IO is a solid pick. It doesn’t chase hype. It just does the basics well, and does them reliably.
How It Compares to the Big Names
| Feature | CEX.IO | Coinbase | Kraken | Binance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crypto Pairs | 160-200+ | 100+ | 150+ | 500+ |
| Fiat On-Ramps | Card, Bank, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Card, Bank | Card, Bank | Card, Bank (limited regions) |
| Max Leverage | 1:3 | None | 1:5 | 1:125 |
| Staking APY | Up to 30% | Up to 5% | Up to 6.5% | Up to 15% |
| Cold Storage | 98% | 99% | 95% | 95% |
| Security Certifications | PCI DSS Level 1, FinCEN | FinCEN, NYDFS | ISO 27001, SOC 2 | None (no U.S. license) |
| Withdrawal Fees (Bank) | 0.3% + $25 (SWIFT) | Free (ACH) | Free (ACH) | Free (crypto only) |
| Demo Account | No | No | No | No |
CEX.IO doesn’t beat Binance in volume or Kraken in certifications. But it beats them in payment options and regional accessibility. It’s the go-to for users outside the U.S. who need more than just crypto-to-crypto trading.
Is CEX.IO safe to use in 2025?
Yes. CEX.IO has never suffered a major security breach since its founding in 2013. It stores 98% of funds in cold wallets, uses multi-signature technology, and is regulated by FinCEN in the U.S. and licensed in 35 states. It also publishes monthly proof of reserves, so you can verify your funds are backed.
What are the withdrawal fees on CEX.IO?
Fees vary by method. Crypto withdrawals have fixed network fees (e.g., 0.0005 BTC for Bitcoin). Bank withdrawals via SWIFT cost 0.3% plus $25. SEPA transfers (EUR) and Faster Payments (GBP) are free. Card withdrawals aren’t supported - you can only deposit via card, not withdraw.
Can I buy crypto with PayPal on CEX.IO?
Yes. CEX.IO is one of the few major exchanges that allows direct crypto purchases using PayPal. This is a big advantage for users who don’t want to link a bank account or credit card. The fee is 2.99% per transaction, which is standard for PayPal.
Does CEX.IO have a demo account?
No. Unlike platforms like eToro or Bybit, CEX.IO doesn’t offer a demo or practice account. You need to use real funds to test trading strategies. This makes it less ideal for complete beginners who want to learn risk-free.
How long does account verification take on CEX.IO?
Most users get verified within 24 to 72 hours. You’ll need to upload a government-issued ID and a proof of address (utility bill or bank statement). Some users report delays during high-traffic periods, but the process is generally straightforward and reliable.
Is CEX.IO good for staking?
Yes. CEX.IO offers one of the highest staking yields in the industry - up to 30% APY on select coins. Rewards are paid daily, with no lock-up periods. It’s simple: deposit your crypto, earn interest, withdraw anytime. For passive income, it’s among the best options available.
What countries does CEX.IO support?
CEX.IO operates in 185+ countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and most of Europe and Latin America. It’s one of the few exchanges that’s legally accessible in the U.S. while still offering global payment methods like PayPal and Apple Pay. Some countries are restricted due to local regulations, but the list is small.
Final Verdict: Worth It?
If you’re looking for a crypto exchange that’s been around, stays compliant, and lets you buy crypto with almost any payment method - CEX.IO is a top contender. It’s not the cheapest for bank transfers, and it’s not the most advanced for pro traders. But for most users - especially those outside the U.S. - it strikes the right balance between simplicity, security, and global access.It’s not flashy. It doesn’t have the hype of Binance or the brand recognition of Coinbase. But if you want a platform that won’t disappear next year, won’t freeze your funds, and won’t get hacked - CEX.IO is one of the few that can make that promise and actually keep it.