The world of cryptocurrency continues to evolve, offering individuals new opportunities to participate in digital finance. For those looking to enter this space, OKX stands out as one of the most reliable and user-friendly platforms for buying and selling digital assets like USDT, Bitcoin (BTC), and Ethereum (ETH). This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process—from downloading the app to converting crypto back into fiat currency—while addressing common concerns about legality, safety, and best practices.
Is Buying Cryptocurrency Legal in China?
A frequent question among Chinese users is whether purchasing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or USDT is legal. The short answer: personal trading of cryptocurrency is not explicitly illegal under current Chinese law. While the operation of crypto exchanges and mining activities within China are prohibited, individuals holding or trading digital assets for personal use operate in a gray area that hasn’t been criminalized.
Regulatory warnings—such as those issued in 2013, 2017 ("9/4 Notice"), and 2021—are typically reactive, emerging during bull markets when speculative activity spikes. These notices come from the People’s Bank of China and carry administrative weight but do not rise to the level of formal laws or judicial interpretations that can directly restrict personal property rights.
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Importantly, using electricity for mining without authorization violates energy regulations, which is why some individuals face legal consequences—not because they owned crypto, but due to illegal resource use. Similarly, scams involving crypto stem from fraud, not the technology itself. Just as fiat money can be used in scams, so can digital currencies. The key lies in education, awareness, and due diligence.
In most legal disputes, courts treat cryptocurrency as a form of virtual commodity rather than currency or foreign exchange. Therefore, buying and selling it does not constitute a criminal or administrative offense unless tied to money laundering, fraud, or other illicit activities.
For young investors seeking financial independence, understanding blockchain and digital assets early offers a strategic advantage. Traditional industries are saturated; emerging tech fields like Web3, DeFi, and NFTs still offer growth potential.
How to Download the OKX App
Android Users
To install OKX on an Android device:
- Open your mobile browser and navigate to the official OKX website.
- Tap on the download link or scan the provided QR code using Google Chrome or your default browser.
- If the download fails due to browser restrictions, try installing Google Chrome first, then retry.
- After installing the app, open it and proceed with registration using either your email or phone number—email registration is recommended for better account recovery options.
Once registered, ensure you enter the correct referral code during setup to unlock benefits such as reduced trading fees.
iOS Users
Apple users in mainland China may need a non-Chinese Apple ID (e.g., U.S. region) to access OKX via the App Store:
- Create or purchase a U.S.-based Apple ID.
- Log out of your current Apple ID and sign in with the U.S. account.
- Search for “OKX” in the App Store and download the app.
- Upon registration, input your referral code to activate fee discounts.
Note: Always double-check that your contact information matches your real identity, especially when selecting your country of residence during setup.
Step-by-Step: Buying USDT with Fiat Currency
USDT (Tether) is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, making it ideal for entering the crypto market without volatility risks.
Method: C2C (Peer-to-Peer) Trading
- Open the OKX app and tap [Buy Crypto] on the homepage.
- Select C2C Trading, then choose Buy USDT.
- Set your preferred fiat currency (e.g., CNY).
- Enter the amount you wish to buy and filter by payment method (e.g., bank transfer, Alipay).
- Review seller ratings, trade volume, and verification status.
- Click [Buy USDT] next to your chosen seller.
After confirming the order:
- Use your verified bank account to send funds.
- Do not include any notes or remarks during the transfer.
- Return to OKX and click [I have paid] once the transaction is complete.
- The seller will release USDT to your wallet shortly.
All C2C sellers on OKX hold collateral; if a seller refuses to release funds, the platform automatically compensates buyers.
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Purchasing Cryptocurrencies Like Bitcoin and Ethereum
Now that you hold USDT, you can trade it for other cryptocurrencies.
Example: Buying ORDI (Ordinals Token)
- Go to the Spot Trading section.
- Search for “ORDI/USDT” in the market list.
- Choose Market Order for instant execution.
- Enter the amount of USDT you want to spend.
- If prompted, transfer funds from your funding account to your trading account.
Click [Buy ORDI]—your order executes immediately at the best available price.
This method applies equally to BTC, ETH, and hundreds of other supported tokens. Using USDT as an intermediary often results in better pricing compared to direct fiat-to-crypto purchases.
Withdrawing Crypto Profits: Converting Back to CNY
When it's time to cash out:
- Sell your cryptocurrency (e.g., ORDI) for USDT via Spot Trading → Sell → Market Order.
- Navigate to C2C Trading → Sell USDT.
- Filter buyers who pay via your preferred method (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay).
- Confirm the buyer’s real-name matches their OKX profile before releasing USDT.
Always verify:
- The sender’s name matches exactly.
- Payment appears in your linked account.
- No pressure tactics from buyers (“don’t rush me,” etc.).
Only click [Confirm Receipt] after full verification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is personal crypto trading legal in China?
Yes. While institutions cannot operate exchanges or facilitate trading, individuals are not prosecuted solely for owning or trading crypto assets.
Why should I buy USDT first instead of Bitcoin directly?
USDT avoids price volatility during deposit delays. It also unlocks access to more trading pairs and often provides better exchange rates than direct fiat-to-BTC options.
Are C2C trades safe on OKX?
Yes, when following best practices. Sellers must post collateral, and OKX mediates disputes. Always check seller reputation and real-name consistency.
What if I don’t receive USDT after paying a seller?
Contact OKX support immediately. The platform will review chat logs and payment proof and enforce compensation from the seller’s margin if needed.
Can I use WeChat Pay or Alipay for C2C transactions?
Yes. Both are widely accepted on OKX’s C2C marketplace. Ensure your payment method is verified and linked correctly.
How do I reduce trading fees on OKX?
Register with a valid referral code or participate in promotions. Active traders can qualify for tiered fee reductions based on volume.
👉 Start trading with lower fees and stronger security today.
Final Thoughts
Entering the crypto market doesn’t require deep technical knowledge—just a clear understanding of secure practices and platform navigation. OKX simplifies this journey with intuitive tools for buying, selling, and managing digital assets across spot, futures, and P2P markets.
Whether you're investing in Bitcoin, diversifying into altcoins like ORDI, or using USDT as a stable entry point, staying informed and cautious ensures long-term success. Avoid get-rich-quick mindsets; focus instead on learning blockchain fundamentals, risk management, and market trends.
The future of finance is digital—and starting now gives you a front-row seat to innovation reshaping global economies.