Home | Bitcoin Exchanges | CEX.IO Review: All You Need to Know

CEX.IO Review: All You Need to Know

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Cex.io Review

Our complete CEX.IO review shows that this is one of the best cryptocurrency exchange platforms to get your first Bitcoin. You can buy BTC with credit through one of the smoothest and most beginner-friendly interfaces on the web, and get right to trading on its unique exchange.

But there’s a lot hiding beneath the surface you MUST know BEFORE buying or trading. This is the most up-to-date CEX.io review on the web. I found a ton of misleading and outright false information regarding the exchange everywhere I looked. Read on to discover THE TRUTH about fees, verification, support, security, and everything else related to this exchange.

CEX.IO is a London-based Bitcoin broker and exchange that’s been a mainstay of the market since 2013. Its simplified buy/sell mechanism, unique trading environment (much more on this later), high community trust, and fluid UX all keep its more than 1 million strong user base coming back over and over again.

Perhaps its most unique feature is how well it balances trading features with simplicity. CEX manages to offer a range of options (margin trading, fill-or-kill orders, etc.) but still be one of the simplest and most beginner-friendly platforms on the market.

If you are looking for a fast, easy, and secure place to buy Bitcoin with a credit/debit card, you’ve found a match. But beware—fees are high and many of them are in the fine print. Also, as of February 2018, support is overburdened and USD and GBP wire withdrawals HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED. Read the full explanation from the company’s official announcement.

Despite its flaws, CEX.IO remains a strong exchange. You just need to know a few things about it before getting started.

Pros:

  • Begginer-Friendly
  • Great UX
  • Credit Card Options
  • thumbs-upNew Altcoins Added Periodically

Cons:

  • High Fees
  • Few Coins
  • thumbs-downSupport Issues

CEX.io Features

Security

The exchange is registered with Fincen, is very stable, and has never had security issues. If they were more transparent about cold storage and other security measures, I could give them a higher grade.

Trading

There aren’t many trading pairs and the interface is bare-bones simple. That might not be a bad thing, though. Margin trading options are also a major plus.

Beginner-Friendlines

Buying with a credit card, fill-or-kill orders (I’ll explain later. Nobody gets hurt), and a simple buy/sell and trade interface? Can’t get much better than this.

Fees

Cex’s fees are on the high side, but you pay a premium for the convenience. Buying BTC with your credit card is NOT CHEAP, but trades are manageable.

Verification

Verification is required but it isn’t too heavy unless you want an unlimited corporate account.

Trading

Support has been overburdened as of late (2/20/18) and verification/withdrawals have been a nightmare. The company claims to have increased its workforce 300% so we’ll see if things change.

Overall

For what it is, CEX is a solid exchange. It’s simple to use and you get your BTC easily, but you pay for the convenience. If you’re looking to break into the game, it’s worth the premium. If you’re more experienced, look elsewhere.

Exchange Information

  • Founded: 2013.
  • CEO: Oleksandr Lutskevych.
  • Currencies: Crypto – BTC, ETH, DASH, XRP, XLM, BTG, BCH, ZEC, GHS | Fiat – USD, EUR, GBP, RUB. Full information available on Cryptocoincharts.info.
  • Payment Options: Crypto, SEPA, Bank Wire, Credit Card.
  • Verification: Yes.
  • App: Yes.
  • Margin Trading: Yes.
  • HQ: London.
  • Fees: 7% Transaction Fee | Maker-Taker Trading Fees (0%-.25%) | Deposit/Withdrawal Fees

About CEX.IO 

CEX.IO was the world’s first cloud mining provider. Founded in 2013, it dates back to Bitcoin prehistory. Today, it is a multifunctional cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to seamlessly purchase Bitcoin with a credit card and trade it (28 trading pairs). It is trusted by over a million users mostly for its UX, ease of purchase, and cross-platform functionality.

It offers one of the web’s simplest buying/selling mechanisms, as well as worldwide coverage, a range of payment options, and highly regarded financial stability (strong bank relations and financial registration in UK/US).

It is not nearly as large as some of its competitors (#39 in terms of volume as of Feb. 2018). But that doesn’t stop it from having a very liquid order book and fast trade execution. All of this adds up to being perhaps the most beginner-friendly Bitcoin exchange.

However, in recent times there have been real concerns about the exchange. Aside from the fees, there are some other major support drawbacks. Also, the functionality is still rather limited.

Beginners will love CEX.IO’s buying and trading experience. Seasoned veterans might not.

MUST READ: Is CEX.IO a SCAM? | Why is Everyone so Worried About CEX?

Safety is the #1 priority of all Bitcoin investors and traders. That’s why I didn’t find it surprising that the question “is CEX.IO a scam?” was one of the most common questions around the web.

The answer is NO. CEX.IO is a legit exchange that is incorporated in the UK and has serious financial certification. It also has a massive base of satisfied users. They will not steal your money.

So what’s the big issue?

Bitcoin Reddit was rife with threads about the exchange’s reputation. Google wasn’t much kinder…

 

Bitcoin Reddit was rife with threads about the exchange’s reputation. Google wasn’t much kinder…

You can also find a lot of search results in SERP

 

Recently, there have been accusations of CEX.IO being a scam because users have not received their withdrawals and support has been unresponsive. However, this is just typical internet panic. Support is heavily burdened and CEX.IO’s payment providers are too. This has lead to many not being able to get their money right away. Here are some threads discussing the issue:

Each time support showed up to ease everyone’s concerns. It is simply a delay and opening a ticket with support will help speed the process up. Just don’t send them 3,000 emails per day.

Is CEX.IO Safe? YES. Here’s Why….

Aside from their own preventative security measures (cold storage, anti-fraud policy), there are external factors that prove CEX.IO is a safe exchange:

  • Registration with FinCen
  • Registration in the UK
  • Partnerships with Banks
  • Transparent Leadership
  • Cold Storage
  • All User Deposits Have Been Credited Since 2013
  • No Hacks in History

All of these factors lead me to believe that CEX.IO is a safe and reputable exchange….they’re just a bit slow.

NEVER LEAVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF CRYPTO ON AN EXCHANGE. If you want to learn how to safely store your Bitcoins so they are never hacked, you MUST read this article on safe Bitcoin storage.

 

NEVER LEAVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF CRYPTO ON AN EXCHANGE. If you want to learn how to safely store your Bitcoins so they are never hacked, you MUST read this article on safe Bitcoin storage.

CEX.IO “Hidden Fees” Explained | What Are CEX.IO Fees for Buying With a Credit Card?

CEX.IO has high fees for buying BTC, but it’s the “hidden” fees that have the internet up in arms. Let’s start with some of the basic fees first before finding out why they have such high hidden costs.

Transaction Fees

If you want to buy BTC with a credit card, you will be charged a transaction fee of 7%. Example: If you buy $1,000 of BTC, you only get $930.

Trading Fees

The exchange employs a volume-tiered, maker/taker fee schedule. Fees range anywhere from .25% for takers at most to 0% for makers at high volume. For an explanation of maker/taker fees, see this helpful article from CryptoCurrency Facts.

As usual all fees depends on 30d trade volume

 

Margin Trading Fees

0%-2%. For the full fee schedule, please visit the fees section of CEX.IO’s website.

What Are CEX.IO’s Payment Options for US/EU Customers?

One reason beginners love this company is because of the range of currency options. CEX.IO accepts credit cards, bank wires, crypto, and fiat currency (USD,EUR,GBP,RUB). The fees for deposits and withdrawals are reasonable. Here is the fee chart from the site:

Here is the overview of deposit and withdrawal fees on Cex.io

 

Why Does the Internet Hate CEX.IO’s “Hidden Fees”

When you go to buy BTC or trade crypto on CEX.IO, you’ll immediately notice something fishy going on: exchange rates are WAY higher than other exchanges.

I decided to quickly compare what $1,000 would buy you from CEX.IO and what it would get you on the open market (2/20/18).

On CEX.IO

Hidden fees means you will buy less Bitcoins

 

On the Open Market

Price of the Bitcoin on Open Market

 

Buying BTC from CEX.IO costs almost 10% more than on the open market. Now say you are buying with a credit card—not only are you getting about 10% less than you should, you are also paying a 7% transaction fee. In total, you are paying ~17% vig. That’s STEEP. It depends on how much you value your convenience.

One justification for the higher prices is because the exchange needs to compensate for its “fill-or-kill” trading mechanism.

What is Fill or Kill Trading? – Fill-or-Kill (FOK) is a type of trading where the order must either be filled completely or killed. In essence, what this means is that if you agree to buy 1 BTC at a certain rate, you will definitely receive it at that rate (or a lower rate). For example, on other exchanges, you place an offer to buy at a certain price and wait for that order to be filled by the market. It might get only partially filled or not filled at all. On CEX.IO, that price is guaranteed. Here’s a great explainer video on fill or kill orders from the NY Institute of Finance.

How do CEX.IO’s Fees Compare?

CEX.IO has some heavy fees. But here’s how they stack up to competitors in other areas.

  • $30k not being credited.
  • Bitstamp: .25% Trading Fee | 5% Credit Card Fee
  • Bittrex: .25% Trading Fee.
  • LocalBitcoins: No “fees” | 1% Commission on Sales | Higher Coin Prices
  • Bitfinex: Maker: .1%/Taker: .2%

How to Buy Bitcoin on CEX.IO | Signup, Verification, Buying, and Trading BTC

NOTE: DUE TO OVERLOAD, NEW USER REGISTRATIONS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. REGISTRATION WILL BE OPEN AGAIN SOON. (February, 2018).

Signing up at CEX.IO is relatively easy and getting verified isn’t as difficult as it is at some other exchanges. Here’s how to get started.

1) Register and Verify Your Email

Go to CEX.IO and click Register in the top right corner.

 

Go to CEX.IO and click Register in the top right corner.

Register with the exchange by choosing either your email, Facebook, or Google account.

 

Register with the exchange by choosing either your email, Facebook, or Google account.

2) Set up Two-Factor Authentication

You will be prompted to set up 2FA security. Do it.

 

You will be prompted to set up 2FA security. Do it.

3) Get Verified

Starting March, 2018 all accounts MUST BE VERIFIED in order to use CEX.IO. All current accounts that are unverified will not be able to access any of Cex.IO’s services. Verification comes in tiers and is relatively easy. Verification requirements will vary by country. A few of the normal documents are:

  • Name
  • Selfie with a credit card
  • Government identity document
  • Proof of address

CEX.IO currently has different tiers with differing levels of verification, capabilities, and limits (more on this in the next section). For a full explanation, see the website’s sections on verification.

Upload all needed documents

 

4) Deposit Funds

CEX.IO offers a range of payment options. If you already have crypto, go ahead and fund your account. You can choose from Visa/Mastercard, bank (SEPA or US bank wire), or crypto capital to deposit. Click the big green deposit button from the buy/sell tab and get to work.

5) Buy Bitcoin

It doesn’t get much easier than this. Choose the amount you want and click Buy. It’s awesome.

Ain’t it pretty?

 

Ain’t it pretty?

What Are CEX.IO’s Limits for Verified Users?

As it stands, CEX.IO currently has 4 different levels of verification, each with their own limits and capabilities. Note that as of March, 2018 Basic will no longer be available. Limits for VISA are as follows as it stands now:

  • Basic: $1,000 Daily | $3,000 Monthly
  • Verified: $3,000 Daily | $30,000 Monthly
  • Verified Plus/Corporate: $10,000 Daily | $100,000 Monthly

For bank transfers, Verified accounts are subject to a $200,000 daily limit and $500,000 monthly limit. Verified Plus and Corporate accounts have no limits.

CEX.IO Reviews | Is CEX.IO Trustworthy?

The web can be a dark and scary place. It is anything but kind to things that it doesn’t like. That’s why I was surprised that CEX.IO held up pretty well despite a large number of complaints. In general, the community likes the ease of purchase and convenience but despises its so-called “hidden” fees. Also, support has been a whipping boy for Reddit users of all names, ages, and creeds.

Here’s a quick look at the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Positive CEX.io Reviews

When it comes to panic, it’s best to let cooler heads prevail. So that means when people are going crazy about not getting their money, it’s best to listen to people with well reasoned arguments rather than anonymous forum users spouting hate speech. Some respectable outlets think pretty highly of CEX.IO. For example:

Positive review of CEX.io
Another positive review

 

Positive reviews focus on how great it is for beginners and how wide the payment options are. In general, it is seen as a very reputable, beginner-friendly, and convenient exchange.

Negative CEX.io Reviews

The internet? Full of trash talk and negativity? Well, I never! Negative reviews focus mainly on prices (which is funny, since nobody is forcing anyone to use this exchange) and waiting times. Customer support is seen as good in general….when it responds. Criticisms range from calling it shady to calling it an outright scam.

Negative review on Reddit
Negative search results on Google

 

In general, the negatives are a bit of an overreaction. I’ve already covered why that is, so view the earlier sections to get a better understanding.

Top 3 Alternative Brokers for CEX.IO

CEX.IO doesn’t skimp on the fees. You pay dearly for convenience. Here are some alternative brokers for buying Bitcoin without cashing in your sacred family heirlooms.

1) Coinbase

Coinbase exchange logo

 

It’s a base for those entering the world of crypto. It’s got coins. It’s Coinbase. Coinbase is the leading broker in the world. More than $50 billion dollars worth of crypto has been exchanged here by more than 10 million customers. If you want to get Bitcoin fast at a rate less than half of CEX.IO, this is the place. If you live somewhere that Coinbase doesn’t support, use CEX.IO. If you live anywhere else and want to buy BTC fast, choose coinbase. FEE: 3.5%. Just be sure to read our review of the Coinbase Bitcoin exchange first.

2) LocalBitcoins.com

LocalBitcoins.com logo

 

LocalBitcoins is a peer-to-peer network where users trade Bitcoin directly with each other. It requires no verification and you can buy BTC with any means of payment 100% anonymously. Technically, there is no fee because the exchange is not involved in the transaction; however, you will find higher Bitcoin prices. The upside is that you can use anything of value to buy BTC. The downside is the risk involved. Make sure to read our full review  of LocalBitcoins first so you know how to trade safely.

3) Coinmama

Coinmama logo

 

Coinmama is an Israeli broker that allows for fast and easy Bitcoin purchases with a credit card. One plus is that you don’t need to be verified to purchase $150 or less. It is a bit more expensive than coinbase, but still less than CEX.IO. The price on Coinmama already has their 5.5% fee included and you pay a 5% processing fee for credit card purchases. Expensive, but still beats CEX.IO.

Coinbase vs. CEX.IO | Which Exchange is Best for Buying Bitcoin With a Credit Card?

Brokering Bitcoins is a competitive game. And when you’re in this racket, there’s no way to avoid being compared to the top dog. CEX.IO doesn’t escape this fate. Coinbase is the unchallenged leader in the sphere, so it’s only right to compare this European rival to its stateside equivalent. Let’s see who comes out on top for buying your first BTC.

Coinbase Features 

  • Currencies: Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash (click here to see an explainer video about Bitcoin Cash), Ethereum, Litecoin.
  • Payment: Credit/debit cards, wire transfer, bank account.
  • Verification: Yes.
  • Speed: Instant for credit cards | 1-5 days for bank or wire.
  • App: Yes.
  • GDAX: GDAX is a Bitcoin exchange affiliated with Coinbase where you can trade with other cryptocurrency users. You can easily move money between them.
  • HQ: San Francisco.

Pros:

  • Easy for Beginners to Buy Bitcoin
  • Instant Buy With Credit Cards
  • Fully Insured
  • thumbs-upReputable and Secure

Cons:

  • Limited Currencies
  • Lacking In-Depth Tools
  • thumbs-downLimited Support

Head-to-Head

  • Security: Coinbase.
  • Fees: Coinbase.
  • Features: CEX.IO.
  • Currencies: CEX.IO.
  • Verification: Wash.
  • UX: Wash.
  • Trading: CEX.IO.
  • Reputation: Coinbase.
  • Conclusion: Wash.

It really comes down to what you expect from your platform. If you are a newbie looking to buy your first Bitcoin, then Coinbase is definitely the superior choice; however, if you are European, the SEPA options (and RUB options for Russians) make CEX.IO a bit more appealing. Also, CEX.IO offers some very interesting features while still maintaining its beginner-friendly design.

Verdict: Coinbase for North Americans and absolute beginners. CEX.IO for Euros and people looking for some more advanced features.

CEX.IO FAQ | Is it Legit? Can Americans Use it? Do I need Verification? And Much More

Q: Why Can’t I Withdraw USD?

A: USD and GBP payments are suspended as of now until the backlog is cleared. Please be patient.

Q: Is CEX.IO Safe?

A: Yes. The company is registered in both the UK and USA with financial institutions and has had no incidents in its history.

Q: Why is Bitcoin so Expensive?

A: Because CEX.IO works fees into its pricing in order to offset other services.

Q: Does CEX.IO Require Verification?

A: Yes. Starting in March, all accounts must be verified.

Q: Does CEX.IO Support Ripple and Bitcoin Cash?

A: Yes.

Q: Which States is CEX.IO Available in?

A:

Countries that are restricted on CEX.IO

 

Q: I Haven’t Got a Response and My Money Isn’t Showing Up. Has CEX.IO Stolen Everything From Me?

A: No. They have never had an incident like this in their history. Please be patient and open a new ticket or go at them on Bitcoin Reddit. It is just taking longer because of overload.

CryptoPositive Likes and Dislikes

Likes

  • Margin Trading
  • Simple Interface​
  • Easy to Buy
  • thumbs-upGreat Design
  • thumbs-upGreat Mix of Features and Simplicity

Dislikes

  • Heavy Fees
  • Limited Currencies

Final Verdict on my CEX.IO review

CEX.IO is a reputable, secure, and trustworthy Bitcoin exchange that excels at making life easy on beginners. It’s a great (but expensive) way to buy your first Bitcoin and ease into trading. Even though it is as simple as it comes, there are also some extra features that help you learn the ropes.

In general, the high fees mean that it’s only worth it if you value convenience and simplicity. If you’re in the EU and want a fast and easy way to score some crypto without worry, it’s safe, reliable, and deposit fees aren’t too bad. If you’re somewhere else that another broker serves, maybe you should look elsewhere.

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