CEX.IO: Your gateway to the Bitcoin and cryptocurrency ecosystem

Stepping into the digital currency ecosystem can feel overwhelming. With more than 23,000 cryptocurrencies listed globally and hundreds of exchanges competing for attention, users often struggle to identify a trustworthy entry point. Choosing the wrong platform can expose participants to unlicensed operators, inflated fees, or limited liquidity. That’s why selecting a regulated, battle-tested exchange is crucial for peace of mind.

For over 10 years, CEX.IO has earned recognition as a licensed Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN and has repeatedly passed Level 1 PCI DSS security audits. 

Our exchange was among the first to enable credit and debit card crypto purchases (2013) and continues to pioneer user-first innovations, including instant withdrawals and mobile-first trading tools. With 15 million+ users and $7.5 billion deposits across 185+ countries, CEX.IO aims to bring together traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi), prioritizing compliance and security at every step.

We’ve been featured in major outlets like Forbes, Investopedia, The Telegraph, and Kaiko, and consistently maintain strong ratings from our verified customers. 

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a professional trader, our goal remains the same: to provide a secure, transparent, and globally accessible platform for digital asset discovery.

Buy, Sell, and Trade Crypto with an all-in-one Platform

Choosing a reliable online exchange can be a complex process. One way to identify a trustworthy platform is by letting media coverage and positive customer reviews guide your search.

Typically, trusted exchanges enjoy the support of a loyal user base and see their hard work reflected back in the form of top rankings, 5-star ratings, and award recognition. 

CEX.IO provides intuitive access to the crypto ecosystem and continues to garner the attention of reputable news outlets and industry arbiters alike. 

Unlike many competitors, CEX.IO offers intuitive tools for both retail users and institutions. From Spot Trading and Instant Buy to CEX.IO Prime for enterprise-level liquidity, our platform is designed for every stage of the crypto journey.

Whether you’re looking to buy Bitcoin or explore the functionality of an experienced crypto trading platform, CEX.IO makes it accessible with a credit or debit card, bank transfers, and e-wallets.

Why CEX.IO?

CEX.IO is built for a diverse community of individuals, professionals, and institutions who share one goal: to move confidently within the digital economy. Across 185+ countries, we empower anyone from first-time users to high-volume traders and global businesses to access, manage, and grow their digital wealth with ease and trust. 

For beginners and seasoned crypto enthusiasts, we provide a secure, guided entry point into the world of digital assets. Fast identity verification (KYC) lets new participants start trading within minutes, while instant crypto deposits and withdrawals make it effortless to move funds between wallets and exchanges. 

With the CEX.IO App for iOS and Android, eligible users can buy, sell, convert, trade, and track crypto on the go, set price alerts, and manage portfolios from a single dashboard, without complex tools or prior experience. 

Freelancers and entrepreneurs who receive crypto payments can rely on our free Crypto & Bitcoin Wallet, a secure and intuitive space to store, convert, and withdraw funds to fiat. Within our ecosystem, zero-fee transfers between CEX.IO accounts enable instant peer-to-peer payments and business settlements, eliminating blockchain fees and waiting times.

Professional traders and institutions may take advantage of deep liquidity, tight spreads, and advanced trading tools, including Spot and Margin Trading with up to 20× leverage. With seamless fiat on- and off-ramps across the US and EU, including SEPA, SWIFT, Faster Payments, and major card networks, users enjoy fast and reliable transactions wherever they operate.

Backed by FinCEN MSB registration in the US and PCI DSS Level 1 certification recognized globally, CEX.IO combines regulatory trust, performance, and convenience to empower users across both European and American markets.

View our list of supported countries and jurisdictions here.

Quickly Buy Crypto with a Card

To simplify entry, we created the Instant Buy service, available via Visa/Mastercard and e-wallet integration. Once verified, users can purchase Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP (XRP), Litecoin (LTC), and over 300 other assets directly, in seconds.

Key benefits:

• Compliance-first onboarding with regional KYC/AML standards.
• Web and mobile app availability for trading on the go.
• Over 100 fiat-to-crypto pairs, including BTC/USD, ETH/GBP, ADA/EUR.

Learn more about how to buy Bitcoin on CEX.IO

Sell Crypto and Receive Instant Cash

CEX.IO makes it simple for users to convert their digital assets into fiat currency, quickly, securely, and on their own terms. In addition to being among the first global exchanges to pioneer card-based crypto purchases, we’ve built a suite of flexible off-ramp solutions designed to meet the needs of every participant in the digital asset economy.

Eligible users can sell Bitcoin (BTC), BNB (BNB), USDC (USDC), and hundreds of other cryptocurrencies directly through our Spot Trading platform or Margin Trading interface. 

Spot Trading offers a user-friendly environment for instant execution. At the same time, Margin Trading provides more advanced participants with the opportunity to sell or short crypto with competitive leverage of up to 20x, supported by transparent fees and detailed position management.

For those wanting a faster, no-order-book experience, the CEX.IO Crypto Converter enables eligible users to exchange crypto for fiat in seconds, bypassing the need for complex trades. Once converted, funds can be withdrawn using a variety of regional payment rails, including:

Enjoy High Liquidity Markets

Liquidity is a pain point for many traders, especially when using smaller exchanges. CEX.IO addresses this by maintaining deep order books across more than 300 vetted markets. We screen assets for demand, on-chain activity, and reliability before listing, ensuring users avoid thinly traded or unreliable tokens.

Our exchange has processed billions in monthly trading volume since 2013, helping us remain a preferred venue for high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and institutional clients alike.

Best Cryptocurrency Exchange: What Does It Mean for Us?

When selecting a cryptocurrency platform, consider factors such as security, support, payment gateways, and usability. Here’s how CEX.IO stands out:

Service Safety and Security:

• Registered as a Money Services Business with FinCEN (USA)
• Ongoing compliance with global AML/KYC obligations
• Regular PCI DSS Level 1 audits for card security
• Advanced protections: 2FA, DDoS mitigation, multi-sig wallets

Quality of Customer Support:

• 24/7 live chat
• Official support via Telegram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and email
• Knowledge Base with 200+ help articles

The Availability of Trading and Payment Methods

CEX.IO supports over 300 crypto markets, including THETA/BTC, ZIL/USDT, SOL/EUR, and 1INCH/USDC. 

Additionally, users can choose from a variety of payment rails, including credit/debit cards, bank accounts, and e-wallets:

Website Interface

From day one, ensuring an exceptional user experience was a pillar of our product goals. All our services strive to provide straightforward navigation, presented through a simple and clear structure. 

Over the years, we’ve continued to refine and further streamline our services to crystallize peak performance. Currently, eligible users can buy, sell, trade, swap, and store cryptocurrency in just a few clicks.

Crypto Mobile App

Our Crypto Mobile app, available for iOS and Android, brings the full exchange experience right into your pocket. With over 1 million downloads across app stores, it’s trusted by users in more than 185 countries. The app lets you:

• Buy, sell, and exchange crypto instantly with debit/credit cards or mobile wallets (Google Pay, Apple Pay).
• Trade anywhere using advanced order books and price charts.
• Stay informed with customizable price alerts and order execution notifications.
• Manage your portfolio securely with PCI DSS Level 1 certification, encrypted transactions, and cold storage safeguards.
• Contact support 24/7 directly in-app, with multi-language availability.
• Download the app: App Store | Google Play

Spot Trading

The CEX.IO Spot Trading platform serves as the heart of our trading ecosystem, connecting retail investors, professional traders, and institutional participants to 300+ high-liquidity markets. Here, users can trade leading digital assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Tron (TRX), Cardano (ADA), and Tether (USDT), against popular fiat currencies such as USD, EUR, and GBP.

Built for both beginners and experienced traders, the Spot interface combines intuitive design with professional-grade analytics. You can monitor market depth, and access historical price charts to inform your strategy. 

With zero hidden fees and transparent execution, Spot Trading on CEX.IO delivers the liquidity and precision needed for active portfolio management.

Key Spot Trading features:

• Advanced order types include Market, Limit, and Stop-Limit, providing flexible strategies.
• 0% conversion fees between USD and USDC (up to $100,000).
• Instant funding and withdrawals via Visa, Mastercard, SEPA, SWIFT, and Faster Payments.
• In-platform reports to track open orders, trade history, and realized rewards.
• Integrated access to Help Center and 24/7 live chat for quick support.

CEX.IO’s Spot markets are engineered for speed and security, supported by FinCEN MSB registration and PCI DSS Level 1 compliance, ensuring every trade is executed within a regulated environment.

Margin Trading

For traders seeking amplified market exposure, CEX.IO Margin Trading offers up to 20x leverage on major trading pairs, including BTC/USDT, ETH/USD, and ADA/USDT. This product empowers advanced users to go long or short, capturing opportunities in both rising and falling markets.

Through a transparent and intuitive interface, you can manage open positions, set Take-Profit (TP) and Stop-Loss (SL) levels, and monitor your margin utilization in real time. Margin accounts are fully integrated with the broader CEX.IO ecosystem, enabling seamless transitions between Spot, Wallet, and Earn balances.

Key Margin Trading features:

• Leverage: Up to 20x, with both isolated and cross-margin solutions for risk management.
• Bonus incentive: Receive up to 1,000 USDC in your trading fee balance after your first Margin trade.
• Supported markets: DOGE/BTC, ETH/BTC, ADA/EUR, and other high-liquidity pairs.
• Integrated reporting: Track open positions, settlements, and realized P&L.
• Compliance-first approach: Operates under CEX.IO’s FinCEN MSB license and AML/KYC standards.

Disclaimer: Margin trading may involve a high level of risk and may not be available in certain regions. Please review our Margin Trading Terms for eligibility and local restrictions.

Ecosystem of Interconnected Services

Within the CEX.IO product ecosystem, customers can seamlessly engage with the digital economy and explore the real-world benefits of blockchain technology. Our interconnected suite of services supports beginners, active traders, and institutional clients, ensuring smooth navigation across every step of the crypto journey.

We provide:

• Instant Buy crypto services with integrated Visa and Mastercard payments.
• Access to over 300 crypto markets via our award-winning Spot Trading platform.
• CEX.IO Margin Trading, offering up to 20x leverage for experienced users.
• Secure funds storage with the free CEX.IO Wallet, featuring encryption and cold storage protection.
• CEX.IO Earn, enabling flexible or fixed-term rewards on supported crypto assets.
• An Affiliate Program that rewards community members for sharing CEX.IO services.
• CEX.IO App for buying, selling, and managing crypto portfolios on the go.
• CEX.IO Pay, our instant, zero-fee transfer service that allows verified users to send and receive crypto between CEX.IO accounts instantly, without blockchain confirmations or network fees.

Together, these services form a unified, regulated ecosystem where retail users, businesses, and institutional participants can confidently access the open financial system under FinCEN registration and PCI DSS Level 1 certification.

Crypto and Bitcoin FAQ

What is a crypto exchange?

A cryptocurrency exchange (platform) is an online marketplace where verified users can buy, sell, and exchange digital assets, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT), for traditional fiat currencies like USD, EUR, or GBP. Platforms like CEX.IO connect participants to Spot and Margin Trading markets, providing price discovery, liquidity, and regulated on- and off-ramps for crypto-to-fiat conversions.

How to exchange cryptocurrency quickly and securely?

To exchange cryptocurrency quickly and securely, eligible participants can use Spot Trading, Margin Trading, or the CEX.IO App. The app includes Buy, Sell, and Convert tools that enable you to swap digital assets, such as BTC → USDC or ETH → EUR, in seconds. Every transaction is protected under PCI DSS Level 1 certification and FinCEN MSB registration, ensuring top-tier compliance and security.

What is crypto trading?

Crypto trading involves exchanging one asset for another, most often in the form of crypto-to-fiat (e.g., ADA/USDT) or crypto-to-crypto (e.g., XRP/BTC) transactions, at an agreed-upon price. On CEX.IO, users can choose from market, limit, or margin orders and apply up to 20x leverage through Margin Trading. This flexibility enables traders to develop strategies tailored to volatility and risk tolerance, while maintaining full control over their positions.

Where to check the Bitcoin (BTC) price?

You can track the Bitcoin price in real time using the CEX.IO Bitcoin price chart. It displays live market rates, daily percentage changes, and historical data across multiple time frames. Additional tools, such as the CEX.IO Crypto Calculator, enable users to instantly estimate the fiat value of their holdings in BTC, ETH, XRP, and other major assets.

How to start trading Bitcoin (BTC) on CEX.IO?

Getting started is straightforward:

• Register an account on CEX.IO and complete Identity Verification (KYC).
• Deposit fiat funds via Visa, Mastercard, SEPA, SWIFT, or other supported methods.
• Access Instant Buy for quick purchases, or open a position on Spot Trading for advanced control and trading.
• Explore various BTC markets, such as XRP/EUR, SOL/GBP, or SHIB/USD, all supported within a secure, regulated ecosystem.

Is it possible to receive rewards for trading Bitcoin and crypto?

Yes. Beyond trading, eligible users can receive rewards through CEX.IO Earn programs, including Crypto Staking and Crypto Savings. By holding supported assets, such as ETH, ADA, DOT, or USDC, participants can receive periodic rewards directly to their account. These services complement traditional trading and help diversify your portfolio within a compliant, audited, and transparent platform.

*CEX.IO Staking and CEX.IO Savings are currently not available in the U.S. Check the list of supported jurisdictions here.