What is CEX.IO?
CEX.IO is a cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2013, making it one of the longest-running platforms in the industry. Over 5 million people have registered accounts, and the platform is regulated across multiple jurisdictions including the UK, EU, and USA — a compliance posture that's genuinely rare in crypto.
The platform supports spot trading and staking across 100+ cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and most major altcoins. Fiat on/off-ramps via bank transfer, credit/debit card, and SEPA make it accessible to beginners while the trading interface satisfies experienced traders.
Who it's for: Crypto beginners through experienced traders who want a regulated, straightforward platform. If you're looking for DeFi integrations, yield farming, or complex derivatives — look elsewhere. If you want clean UX, fiat rails, and a platform that won't disappear in a regulatory crackdown — CEX.IO is worth a look.
This is an affiliate spotlight page — not a CEX.IO endorsement. We earn commissions when readers sign up via our link. We only publish spotlights for programs we'd actually send our own audience to, and we'll tell you clearly when we think something isn't a fit.
Key Features
Instant Card Purchases
Buy crypto with debit/credit card in minutes. Fiat on-ramps include Visa, Mastercard, and SEPA transfers.
Mobile App
Clean, responsive interface for iOS and Android with real-time push notifications and full trading functionality.
Licensed & Regulated
Registered in the UK, EU, and USA. Fund protection measures and compliance with financial regulations in major markets.
100+ Cryptocurrencies
Major coins, DeFi tokens, and emerging projects. Includes BTC, ETH, and a broad selection of altcoins.
Multi-Factor Security
2FA, cold storage for the majority of funds, address whitelisting, and withdrawal confirmations.
Global Accessibility
Available in most countries. Fiat deposits/withdrawals in USD, EUR, GBP, and other major currencies.
Staking Rewards
Earn passive income on select assets through CEX.IO's staking program. Competitive APY on supported coins.
Commission Structure — The Money Pitch
CEX.IO runs a 30% recurring RevShare program. This is the headline figure that makes it stand out from one-time commission structures.
Affiliate Commission at a Glance
Every month your referral trades, you earn 30% of the trading fees they generate — for as long as they remain active. If your referral trades $1,000/month in fees, you earn $300 that month. If they trade for 18 months, that's $5,400 from a single referral.
| RevShare Tier | Requirement | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | Standard (all affiliates) | 30% of all trading fees, lifetime |
| Tier upgrades | High-volume affiliate program | Contact CEX.IO for volume-based rates |
CommissionStack participates in CEX.IO's affiliate program and earns from signups through this page. The 30% RevShare is the main draw — it's a real recurring income stream if you drive consistent referral traffic. The 90-day cookie window gives you attribution grace period, which is useful for content-driven traffic that doesn't convert on first visit.
Honest Assessment
What Works
- 12-year track record — survival in crypto is credibility
- Real regulatory compliance in major markets
- Clean, beginner-friendly UX without sacrificing functionality
- 30% recurring RevShare is genuinely competitive
- 100+ coins covers the vast majority of user intent
- Staking adds a retention hook for referred users
Limitations
- Not DeFi — no DEX, no yield farming integrations
- Trading fees slightly higher than pure DEX platforms
- Not available in all US states (limited state coverage)
- Interface has a learning curve for absolute beginners
- Card purchase fees add up for small purchases
Best For
- Affiliates with crypto-curious audiences (YouTube, blogs, newsletters)
- Content targeting beginners who want a regulated entry point
- Anyone who wants recurring commissions rather than one-time payouts
- Affiliates in financial/crypto verticals who want a trustworthy platform to send traffic to
- Users who want to link from comparison articles (e.g., "best crypto exchanges for beginners")
Create Your CEX.IO Account
Free to register. Explore the platform, trade a small position, and see if crypto trading is for you. CEX.IO is a solid starting point — regulated, established, and accessible.
Open CEX.IO Account →Ready to explore crypto trading?
CEX.IO has been around since 2013 — that's a long time in crypto. If you want a regulated, straightforward platform to start (or refer others to start), this is one of the more credible options.
Open Your Account →