Exchanges — Review
OKX UK
Review 2026.
The cheapest FCA-registered exchange in the UK. OKX charges 0.08% maker and 0.10% taker fees — a fraction of what Coinbase and Kraken charge. The trade-off: a steeper learning curve and less brand recognition.
Key numbers
Lowest of any FCA-registered UK exchange
Largest selection among regulated UK platforms
Registered as Okcoin Europe Ltd
Key Facts
Verified March 2026| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| FCA Reference | 948407 (Okcoin Europe Ltd) |
| Founded | 2017 (Seychelles, now global) |
| Coins listed | 350+ |
| Maker / Taker | 0.08% / 0.10% |
| GBP deposits | Faster Payments (free) |
| Minimum deposit | £10 |
| Staking | Yes |
| Advanced trading | Spot, margin, futures (restricted UK) |
| Web3 wallet | Built-in, multi-chain |
| Mobile app | iOS + Android |
Fees and features verified against OKX UK. Last checked: March 2026.
What OKX is
OKX is a global cryptocurrency exchange that entered the UK market through Okcoin Europe Ltd, registered with the FCA under reference 948407 in 2023. Globally, it ranks among the top five exchanges by trading volume.
The UK operation supports GBP deposits via Faster Payments, lists more than 350 cryptocurrencies, and offers spot trading at fees that significantly undercut every other FCA-registered competitor.
OKX is not the first name most UK users think of. That is partly because it arrived later than Coinbase and Kraken, and partly because it has spent less on UK-specific marketing. But on fees and features, it is difficult to beat.
Fee structure
OKX charges 0.08% for makers and 0.10% for takers on spot trades. To put that in context: a £1,000 trade on OKX costs £1 in fees. The same trade on Coinbase Advanced costs £6. On Coinbase simple mode, it could cost £15 or more.
Volume discounts bring fees even lower. Users who hold OKB (OKX's native token) receive additional fee reductions, though holding a platform token introduces its own risks and is not something we would recommend purely for fee savings.
GBP deposits and withdrawals via Faster Payments are free. There is no account maintenance fee.
Trading features
OKX offers a wider range of trading tools than most UK exchanges. The spot trading interface includes advanced charting, multiple order types, and a trading bot marketplace where you can deploy automated strategies.
The platform also provides a built-in Web3 wallet — a multi-chain, non-custodial wallet integrated directly into the app. You can interact with decentralised applications, swap tokens across chains, and manage NFTs without leaving OKX. For users interested in DeFi, this is genuinely useful.
Note: OKX offers futures and margin trading globally, but some of these products are restricted for UK retail users under FCA rules. UK users can access spot trading and staking without restriction.
Staking and earn
OKX offers staking and “Simple Earn” products. The staking section supports major proof-of-stake tokens. Simple Earn lets you deposit assets for a yield — some with flexible withdrawal, others with a fixed lock-up period.
Rates vary by asset and change frequently. OKX is less transparent about its staking commission than Kraken or Coinbase, so compare the advertised APY against the network's base rate to understand the actual cost.
Mobile app
The OKX mobile app is well-designed and responsive. It mirrors the full feature set of the desktop platform, including the Web3 wallet, trading bots, and advanced charting.
It is, however, dense. New users may find the number of tabs, menus, and options initially overwhelming. OKX packs more functionality into its app than most competitors, and that comes at the cost of simplicity.
Pros and cons
Strengths
- Lowest fees of any FCA-registered UK exchange
- 350+ coins — the widest regulated selection
- Built-in Web3 wallet for DeFi access
- Trading bots and advanced order types
- Free GBP deposits via Faster Payments
Weaknesses
- Interface is complex — not ideal for first-time buyers
- Less established in the UK than Coinbase or Kraken
- Staking commission not clearly published
- Some advanced products restricted for UK retail users
The verdict
OKX is the best-value FCA-registered exchange in the UK right now. If you are comfortable with a more complex interface — or willing to spend an hour learning it — the fee savings are substantial. It is not where you should start, but it may be where you end up once cost efficiency matters more than hand-holding.
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