CEX.IO Review: Is This Crypto Exchange Safe and Worth It?

When you hear CEX.IO, a centralized cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2013 with offices in multiple countries. Also known as CEX.IO, it's one of the older platforms still operating today—offering spot trading, margin, and even cloud mining services. But with so many exchanges popping up, is CEX.IO still a solid choice—or just a relic with outdated features?

CEX.IO stands out because it supports direct fiat on-ramps in over 40 countries, letting you buy Bitcoin or Ethereum with a credit card or bank transfer. That’s rare among exchanges that force you through third-party services. It also has a proof-of-reserves, a system where exchanges publicly verify they hold enough assets to cover all user balances. Also known as asset verification, this builds trust in a space full of hidden insolvencies. But here’s the catch: CEX.IO doesn’t offer cold storage for all users by default, and its mobile app has been criticized for crashes during high volatility. It’s also not available in the U.S. or a few other regions, which limits its global reach.

Compared to newer exchanges like Bitget or Kraken, CEX.IO’s fee structure is average—not the lowest, but not the highest. Spot trading starts at 0.1% for makers and 0.2% for takers, with discounts for using its native token, GUSD. But if you’re into advanced tools like limit orders, stop-losses, or API trading, you’ll find CEX.IO’s interface clunky. It’s built for beginners who want to buy crypto fast, not for traders who need precision.

Security is another mixed bag. CEX.IO has never been hacked, which is impressive, but it also doesn’t offer two-factor authentication via authenticator apps like Google Authenticator—only SMS, which is vulnerable to SIM-swapping. Customer support is slow, with response times often stretching past 48 hours. And while it lists over 150 coins, many are low-volume tokens with little liquidity. You won’t find privacy coins like Monero or newer DeFi projects like Monad here.

So who should use CEX.IO? If you’re in Europe, the UK, or parts of Asia and want to buy crypto with a card without jumping through hoops, it’s still a decent option. But if you care about security controls, low fees, or access to the latest tokens, you’re better off with Kraken, Coinbase, or Binance. CEX.IO isn’t a scam—it’s just not keeping up. It’s the exchange your friend used in 2018. Maybe it’s time to upgrade.

Below, you’ll find real user experiences, fee breakdowns, and comparisons with other platforms—no fluff, just what matters when you’re putting money on the line.