The world of digital assets is evolving rapidly, and platforms like OKX (formerly known as OKEx) have become central hubs for global traders. As one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, OKX offers a comprehensive ecosystem for spot and derivatives trading in assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Backed by blockchain technology, it delivers secure, professional financial services to users worldwide.
For those looking to go beyond personal trading, becoming an OKX merchant opens up opportunities to earn through over-the-counter (OTC) transactions. Whether you're interested in joining as a certified merchant or scaling up to a large-volume trader, this guide walks you through the entire application process, requirements, benefits, and practical steps—all optimized for clarity and search intent.
What Is the OKX Merchant Program?
The OKX OTC merchant program allows individuals and organizations to act as liquidity providers by buying and selling cryptocurrencies directly with users. Merchants create buy/sell ads, set their own prices within market ranges, and handle payments via bank transfers, e-wallets, or other supported methods.
There are two main tiers:
- Certified Merchant
- Institutional (Wholesale) Merchant
Each comes with specific eligibility criteria, responsibilities, and exclusive benefits designed to support reliable and high-volume trading activity.
👉 Discover How to Start Earning as a Verified Crypto Merchant Today
Step-by-Step: How to Register on OKX
Before applying as a merchant, you must first create and verify your account. Here's how:
1. Access the Official Platform
Visit the OKX website or download the app from official sources only. Avoid third-party links to prevent phishing risks.
2. Create Your Account
Click “Sign Up” in the top-right corner. Choose between:
- Phone number registration
- Email registration
Using a phone number is recommended—it simplifies login recovery and enhances security.
3. Complete KYC Verification
All merchants must complete KYC Level 3 video verification, which includes:
- Submitting government-issued ID
- Facial recognition
- Live video confirmation
This ensures compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and boosts trust among trading partners.
4. Navigate to OTC Section
Once logged in:
- Go to the homepage
- Click [Buy/Sell] > [Quick Sell]
- Select [Buy] and choose your desired cryptocurrency (e.g., BTC, ETH)
- Enter the amount in fiat currency (like CNY or USD)
5. Execute Your First Trade
- Select the most favorable offer based on price and payment method
- Follow the seller’s instructions for offline transfer (bank, Alipay, etc.)
- After transferring funds, click “I have transferred the money, next”
- Wait for the seller to confirm receipt and release crypto
Completing trades successfully builds your reputation—a critical factor when applying as a merchant.
How to Apply as an OKX Merchant in 2025
To qualify as an OKX certified merchant, you must meet the following conditions:
✅ Certified Merchant Requirements
- Complete KYC Level 3 video verification
- Maintain an order completion rate of at least 90%
- Have completed 10 or more successful orders
Deposit a merchant bond of either:
- 2,000 OKB, or
- 10,000 USDT
✅ Institutional (Wholesale) Merchant Requirements
In addition to the above:
- Provide proof of identity as a certified merchant (screenshot of profile)
Increase bond deposit to:
- 10,000 OKB, or
- 50,000 USDT
- Demonstrate personal working capital equivalent to over 1 million RMB (~$140,000 USD)
⚠️ Note: All new applicants enter a 30-day evaluation period. During this time, they must:
- Complete at least 200 orders
- Avoid serious user complaints
- Respond promptly to disputes; failure to cooperate more than three times leads to removal
Benefits of Being an OKX Merchant
Joining the merchant network isn't just about enabling trades—it unlocks powerful advantages that boost visibility, credibility, and profitability.
🔹 Priority Exposure & Traffic Boost
OKX actively promotes verified merchants across its platform and marketing channels, increasing ad visibility and matching speed.
🔹 Exclusive VIP Support
Get direct access to dedicated account managers who assist with technical issues, policy questions, and dispute resolution.
🔹 Verified Badge (Blue Check)
Display a trusted “Verified Merchant” badge next to your name—this significantly increases buyer confidence.
🔹 Flexible Advertising Controls
Set custom pricing, trade limits, accepted payment methods, and even restrict counterparty types (e.g., only verified users).
🔹 Higher Ranking in Order Books
Merchant listings appear higher in OTC order books, improving match rates and reducing idle time.
🔹 Advanced Trading Tools
Access bulk order management, auto-response settings, and real-time market data dashboards.
👉 Unlock Premium Merchant Features and Maximize Your Earnings Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply as a merchant without prior trading experience?
A: While experience helps, it’s not mandatory. However, you must complete at least 10 successful trades and maintain a 90%+ completion rate before qualifying. Start small to build credibility.
Q: What happens if I fail the 30-day evaluation?
A: If you don’t meet performance benchmarks (e.g., fewer than 200 orders or repeated unresponsiveness), your merchant status will be revoked. You can reapply after improving your track record.
Q: Is the merchant bond locked permanently?
A: No. The bond serves as a guarantee of responsible behavior. It can be withdrawn after deactivating your merchant account, provided there are no open disputes or violations.
Q: Which cryptocurrencies can merchants trade?
A: Most major pairs are supported, including BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, LTC/USDT, and stablecoin-to-fiat trades. Availability may vary by region.
Q: Are there fees for being an OKX merchant?
A: OKX does not charge listing or subscription fees for merchants. Transaction fees are low and transparent—typically absorbed into bid-ask spreads.
Tips for Success as an OKX Merchant
- Start with stablecoins: USDT and USDC offer lower volatility and faster settlement.
- Respond quickly: Fast response times improve ratings and reduce cancellations.
- Use multiple payment methods: Broaden your reach by accepting bank transfers, digital wallets, and other local options.
- Monitor market prices: Adjust your spreads regularly using real-time price tracking tools.
- Avoid disputes: Clearly state payment deadlines and confirmations in your ad terms.
💡 Pro Tip: Join community forums (not affiliated with OKX) to learn best practices—but beware of scams offering “secret strategies” for a fee.
Final Thoughts: Is Becoming an OKX Merchant Worth It?
With rising global demand for seamless crypto-to-fiat conversion, becoming an OKX merchant offers a legitimate way to generate income while contributing to market liquidity. The platform’s robust infrastructure, combined with strong security protocols and user protection mechanisms, makes it one of the most trusted environments for OTC trading.
Success doesn’t come overnight—consistent performance, reliability, and responsiveness are key. But with the right approach, merchants can enjoy long-term benefits including increased exposure, priority support, and scalable earning potential.