HTX Exchange ranks among the top ten cryptocurrency trading platforms by volume, offering a secure environment and a range of tools suited for both new and experienced traders. It provides access to a wide selection of markets through a comprehensive trading platform, user-friendly mobile applications, competitive fees, and responsive customer support.

However, popularity alone does not guarantee the right fit for every trader. Each platform brings its strengths and shortcomings, and HTX is no exception. Some notable features position the exchange as a strong contender, while certain aspects may leave users looking elsewhere.

In this review, we will take a closer look at HTX Exchange, examining its services, performance, and user experience. By the end, readers will have a clearer understanding of what sets HTX apart, where it succeeds, and where it may fall short. Let’s take a look:

What is HTX?

HTX stands among the ten largest cryptocurrency exchanges, regularly appearing at the top in terms of trading volume. Founded in 2013 by Leon Li and Du Jun under the name Huobi, the platform quickly gained ground in the expanding crypto market. Li, a former computer engineer at Oracle, brought technical expertise, while Jun contributed entrepreneurial experience from building companies like Golden Finance and Node Capital.

A decade later, in September 2023, Huobi Global rebranded to HTX. The new name reflects its roots and future ambitions: “H” for Huobi, “T” for TRON, emphasizing a closer relationship with the Tron blockchain, and “X” for exchange.

Originally based in China, HTX built a strong presence across Asian markets. Growing regulatory pressure forced the exchange to move its headquarters to the Republic of Seychelles. It expanded its footprint with offices in South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In 2018, it also opened a U.S. office but later closed it due to regulatory constraints. Efforts are ongoing to obtain the necessary licenses to return to the U.S. market.

Today, HTX operates under clear regulatory frameworks, holding a Virtual Currency Exchange Operator license in Lithuania, an FMP License from Dubai’s VARA, and an SIBA Investment Business License in the British Virgin Islands.

The platform supports spot trading, futures trading with leverage up to 200x, and margin trading at 5x. Beyond trading, HTX Earn offers several ways for users to grow their assets through Flexible and Fixed staking, SharkFin products, Dual Investment options, and On-chain Staking. The trading experience stays consistent across desktop and mobile, combining an intuitive interface with advanced charting tools and social trading features that allow users to track strategies and market moves easily.

HTX Key Features

Some of the key features that makes HTX stand out include:

Spot and Margin Trading

HTX stands out with its spot market, offering over 700 cryptocurrencies to trade. One of the platform’s biggest advantages is the ability to use leverage. Traders can access up to 5x leverage on spot markets, available for more than 80 tokens.

Futures Trading

HTX offers futures contracts in two primary categories: USDT-Margined and Coin-Margined. Traders can choose contracts based on their preferred duration and settlement type. The main feature is the access to up to 200x leverage on certain products, giving traders the chance to make significant moves in a short amount of time.

Quick Buy/Sell

HTX allows users to buy crypto instantly using a range of payment methods, including credit cards, bank transfers, and popular payment apps. With over 700 cryptocurrencies available for purchase and support for 27 fiat currencies, it’s easy for anyone to make quick transactions without any complications.

P2P Market

The P2P marketplace on HTX enables users to buy and sell crypto directly with each other. Unlike other platforms, HTX charges no fees for transactions, which means users can complete larger trades without worrying about extra costs.

Trading Bots

HTX also provides a grid trading bot, easily accessible from the main platform page. This tool helps traders automate their strategies, reducing holding costs by adjusting price parameters mid-trade. It’s a valuable option for those looking to manage positions efficiently and keep costs down.

Copy Trading

HTX also offers copy trading, allowing users to replicate the trades of some of the most successful traders on the platform. It is an excellent feature for those who do not actively trade or do not have the time to monitor charts all the time.

HTX Earn

HTX Earn is another key feature, offering a wide array of investment and wealth management products. Users have multiple ways to earn passive income, whether it’s through staking or other financial products. With such a diverse selection, HTX virtually has options for everyone regardless of their trading experience or goals.

How to Create Your HTX Account

Setting up an HTX account is quick and straightforward. Follow these simple steps:

1.      Visit the HTX Website

Head over to the HTX official website. On the homepage, you’ll see a field where you can enter either your email address or phone number. Once you’ve filled that in, click the “Sign Up” button.

2.      Verify Your Contact Information

Next, you’ll be asked to confirm the contact information you entered. Re-enter your email or phone number, click “Next” and wait for a verification message.

3.      Enter the Verification Code

Once you receive the verification code in your email inbox or via SMS, enter it on the page and click “Confirm.”

4.      Create a Strong Password

Now it’s time to secure your account. Create a password that’s both strong and unique. Make sure to include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters for better protection.

5.      Start Trading

Once you’ve completed these steps, your account will be ready. You can now explore the HTX platform and begin trading right away.

Does HTX Require KYC?

HTX is one of the few exchanges that allows users to trade with minimal verification. For limited trading activities, you don’t need to go through the full Know Your Customer (KYC) process. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do without KYC:

1. 1. Deposit up to $1,000 without any verification.
   2. Withdraw up to 0.006 BTC per day without needing to complete KYC.

However, if you plan to deposit more than $1,000, you will need to verify your account. Here’s what the verification process looks like, depending on the tier:

• Tier 1: You only need to provide your email address. (no verification needed)
• Tier 2: You’ll need to submit personal information along with an ID verification.
• Tier 3: This level requires more detailed information, such as the purpose of your trading, who you trade on behalf of, estimated daily and monthly trading volumes, source of funds, monthly income, and employment status.
• Tier 4: For this level, you will need to provide documents such as proof of residence and proof of funds.

HTX Deposits and Withdrawals

Depositing and withdrawing on HTX follows a straightforward process. To begin a deposit, hover over the “Assets” tab on the homepage and click on “Deposit.” You’ll be taken to a page where you can choose the cryptocurrency, select the appropriate network, and then click “Send Deposit Address.” The deposit address will appear on the screen and will also be emailed to you. Copy this address, paste it into your external wallet, and initiate the transfer.

Withdrawals follow a similar structure. From the same “Assets” dropdown, choose “Withdraw.” Select the currency you want to move, pick the correct network, and enter the destination wallet address along with the amount. Double-check every detail before confirming, especially the wallet address, as incorrect entries can’t be reversed once submitted.

HTX also allows users to purchase cryptocurrency using fiat. Supported payment methods include credit cards and other local options, depending on the region. The exchange currently accepts 27 different fiat currencies for these purchases, though availability varies by location.

Note: In November 2023, a security breach impacted both HTX and the Heco Chain bridge. As a result, the platform temporarily suspended deposits and withdrawals. While many services have since resumed, some currencies remain restricted. Users are encouraged to check current availability before initiating any transfers.

HTX Security and Privacy

HTX takes a layered approach to security. Most user assets are stored offline in cold wallets protected by multi-signature authorization. These wallets aren’t connected to the internet, which significantly reduces the risk of online breaches. Only a limited amount of funds remains in hot wallets to support daily trading activity.

To strengthen user-side protection, HTX provides two-factor authentication. Users can choose between Google Authenticator or SMS verification. This added step prevents access even if someone gets hold of a password. Anti-phishing codes offer another layer of protection. Each user can set a custom code that appears in all legitimate HTX emails. If a message arrives without the code, it’s likely fake.

The exchange also uses a Merkle Tree-based Proof of Reserves system. It publicly verifies that all user deposits are backed by platform-held assets. These reports are issued monthly. At the time of writing, the reserve ratio stands at 101% for Bitcoin and 100% for Ethereum, with 29 consecutive verifications published.

On the backend, HTX monitors wallet addresses for links to fraud or illicit activity. In January 2025, it added 189 addresses to its blacklist and blocked associated deposits. This helps isolate tainted funds before they can affect legitimate trades. Security audits are also performed regularly. These internal checks look for weaknesses in the system and apply fixes where needed. HTX also maintains a 20,000 BTC Security Reserve Fund, which serves as a backup in case of major incidents. This fund was created to reimburse users in the event of significant losses.

On the other hand, when it comes to regulations, HTX complies with licensing rules in several regions. It holds exchange and custody licenses in Lithuania, a preliminary Full Market Product license in Dubai, and regulatory clearance in the British Virgin Islands. In South America, HTX is authorized to provide payment and remittance services.

Despite the implementation of robust preventive measures, HTX experienced a breach in November 2023. Following the incident, trading activity was paused, and withdrawals were temporarily disabled. Blockchain security firm Cyvers estimated the loss at around $85 million. Justin Sun, a prominent crypto figure and advisor to HTX, confirmed the hack and stated that affected hot wallets would be replenished.

While the breach raised concerns, HTX continues to maintain a reputation for prioritizing user protection. Security practices remain active, regularly updated, and closely monitored.

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HTX Margin Trading

HTX allows users to trade with leverage of up to 5x on more than 80 tokens. Margin trading enables traders to borrow funds from the platform, increasing their buying power beyond their account balance. Borrowed funds function as a loan, which must be repaid with interest, regardless of the trade outcome.

The platform offers two modes for margin trading: Cross Margin and Isolated Margin. In Cross Margin Mode, all available funds in the account are pooled together. Profits from one position can help support losses in another. While this setup provides a safety net, it also increases exposure, as losses in one trade can affect the entire account.

Isolated Margin Mode, by contrast, limits risk to the amount allocated for each individual position. If a trade turns against the user, only the margin assigned to that position is lost. The rest of the account remains unaffected. This approach offers greater control but requires careful management, as each trade operates independently.

Margin trading is directly integrated into HTX’s Spot trading interface. Users can switch between regular and leveraged trading by toggling between Spot and Margin sections. Pairs eligible for margin trading are clearly marked with the applicable leverage amount, allowing traders to assess their options without leaving the trading screen.

HTX also offers leveraged tokens under a category labeled Exchange Traded Products (ETPs). These function differently from standard margin trades and are more similar to structured instruments. ETPs allow directional exposure without the need to manage collateral or risk liquidation, though they carry their own set of risks.

HTX Futures Trading

HTX offers futures trading, allowing users to speculate on the future price movements of digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Instead of owning the cryptocurrencies themselves, traders enter contracts to predict whether prices will rise or fall. If the prediction is correct, profits follow; if not, losses occur. The platform offers up to 200x leverage on specific contracts, giving traders the ability to amplify their positions and potential returns.

Futures contracts on HTX fall into two primary categories: USDT-Margined (USDT-M) and Coin-Margined (Coin-M).

USDT-M Futures: These are settled in Tether (USDT), a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. Traders deposit USDT as margin, and both profits and losses are settled in USDT. This model simplifies the process, as the value of the margin remains stable, allowing traders to focus solely on price movements without worrying about the volatility of the collateral itself.

• Coin-M Futures: These are based on the cryptocurrency being traded, such as BTC or ETH. In a BTC-margined contract, for example, traders deposit Bitcoin as margin, and the outcome—whether a profit or loss—is also paid out in Bitcoin. This method offers more exposure to the asset’s price fluctuations and requires careful management, as both the contract value and the underlying cryptocurrency’s value are subject to market volatility.

In addition to perpetual futures, HTX provides “Traditional Futures” and “Options Contracts”. These options offer traders more flexibility in terms of trade duration and settlement.

HTX has integrated TradingView into its interface, allowing users to analyze market trends, view live charts, and apply technical indicators without leaving the platform. This integration simplifies the process, making it easier for traders to execute trades from the same screen.

HTX offers several order types to help manage risk and strategy:

• Limit Orders: Traders set a specific price and quantity to buy or sell. The order only executes if the market reaches the target price.
• Market Order: Traders execute the trade instantly, acquiring the asset at the current best available market price.
• Trigger Orders: These orders are activated when a certain price level is hit. Traders set a price, and once the market reaches it, their pre-set order is triggered. This feature is useful for automating trades.
• Trailing Stop Orders: Traders set an activation price and a trailing percentage. The order triggers when the price moves in the trader’s favor and then pulls back by the set percentage.

Leverage on HTX starts at 1x and can go as high as 200x for BTC and ETH contracts. For other altcoins, the maximum leverage is capped at 125x. While higher leverage offers greater potential for profits, it also introduces increased risk, making it essential for traders to exercise caution and manage their positions carefully.

HTX Trading Bots

HTX offers automated trading bots, which can be accessed directly from the platform’s main page. These bots operate 24/7, executing trades based on the parameters you set. This means you don’t have to constantly monitor the market yourself as the bot does the work for you.

One of the primary bots available is the Grid Trading Bot. This bot sets a defined price range and places buy and sell orders within that range. Its strategy is simple: it buys when the price is low and sells when it’s high, taking advantage of price fluctuations to make small, consistent profits.

HTX ensures the security of its trading bots by connecting to your account via a secure API. While the bot handles your trades, your funds remain safely in your HTX account. You maintain full control over your assets and can stop the bot at any time.

Setting up a trading bot is also quite simple and easy. You define the price range (setting both low and high limits) and choose the number of grids. The number of grids affects the profit per trade, so you can adjust based on your trading goals. Additionally, HTX supports Websocket and Rest APIs, providing the flexibility for traders to integrate external bots or even create custom ones.

Trading bots are best suited for experienced traders. Successful use of bots requires understanding the market conditions and having a well-developed strategy in place. Like using leverage, trading bots are tools that can be highly effective when used correctly.

HTX Copy Trading

HTX copy trading enables you to automatically replicate the trades of experienced traders. Once you select a trader to follow, their trades are mirrored in your account, allowing you to benefit from their expertise without actively monitoring the market. The lead trader earns a percentage of your profits, while you retain the rest.

To get started, browse through a list of lead traders and review their performance metrics, such as their profit history and number of followers. After selecting a trader, decide how much capital you’d like to allocate and click “Follow.” From that moment, every trade they make—whether it’s buying or selling—will be copied directly to your account. You can stop following them at any time, but while you’re following, any gains or losses are shared between you and the trader.

This approach saves time and leverages the skills of seasoned traders, making it a convenient option for those who prefer not to track the markets constantly. The lead trader typically takes 10-25% of your profits as a fee, depending on their set rate, so both parties benefit when the trades are successful.

HTX Options Trading

HTX offers options contracts that give traders the right to buy or sell a cryptocurrency at a fixed price within a set timeframe. The asset itself doesn’t change hands—only the contract does. Traders choose between two types:

• Call options: Used when expecting a price increase
• Put options: Used when anticipating a drop.

There are also two styles available. American options allow settlement at any point before expiry. European options settle only when the contract ends. While the latter tends to cost less, it leaves no room for early exits.

Setting up a trade involves selecting a pair, such as BTC/USDT, choosing a strike price, and picking the contract’s duration. This can range from minutes to months. The platform then calculates a premium based on current market factors. That premium is the fee to enter the position.

Profit or loss depends on where the market moves relative to the strike price. If the market hits your target within the contract’s life, the trade closes in profit. If not, the contract expires, and the premium is lost. No asset is held, but the outcome reflects its price movement.

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HTX Earn

HTX Earn offers multiple ways for users to generate passive income from idle digital assets. The platform supports a range of structured products, each with distinct terms and return mechanisms.

• Flexible and Fixed Staking: The Flexible product allows users to earn daily rewards while retaining full control of their assets. Deposits and withdrawals are unrestricted, making it suitable for short-term holding. The Fixed option requires users to lock assets until a set redemption date. It offers higher returns but forfeits all earnings if funds are withdrawn early.
• SharkFin: SharkFin combines capital protection with variable returns. It guarantees no loss of the initial deposit and provides a base yield. If the asset’s price stays within a predefined range by the end of the term (typically 3 to 7 days) the return increases significantly.
• ETH 2.0 Staking: HTX supports Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake through its ETH 2.0 staking product. Users can stake ETH with a single action and receive BETH at a 1:1 ratio.
• Native Staking: Users can stake Proof-of-Stake assets such as SOL and ADA. By locking tokens, participants support transaction validation and receive staking rewards in return. This method suits long-term holders.
• Dual Investment: Dual Investment suits users comfortable with market-linked outcomes. It combines stablecoins and cryptocurrencies, allowing users to select a target price and maturity date. Upon expiry, returns are settled in either the crypto or the stablecoin, depending on market movement.
• On-chain Staking: On-chain Staking supports direct participation in blockchain validation while maintaining full control of the staked assets. HTX provides institutional-grade infrastructure to manage validator nodes, allowing users to earn rewards without giving up custody.

HTX Loans

HTX Loans allows users to access liquidity by borrowing cryptocurrency against their existing digital assets. To begin, users must complete KYC verification on their HTX account. Once verified, they can borrow assets such as USDT, BTC, or ETH, using collateral like BTC, ETH, USDT, or HTX’s native token.

The service supports both flexible and fixed loan terms. The flexible option lets users repay at any time, while fixed terms are available for 7, 30, 45,or 90 days. Interest accrues hourly at a standard rate of around 0.0005%. Loans must be repaid manually, though early repayment does not result in penalties.

Collateral remains locked throughout the loan period. If the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio approaches 80%, meaning the borrowed amount nears 80% of the collateral’s market value, HTX may automatically liquidate the collateral to recover the loaned funds.

In addition to retail borrowing, HTX offers OTC loans for institutional clients. Daily borrowing volume recently reached $100 million, indicating strong demand for short-term crypto-backed credit without the need to sell underlying assets.

HTX Fees

HTX does not charge fees on crypto deposits. However, users still need to cover the associated network fees, which are paid directly to the blockchain rather than the exchange. For fiat deposits made through third-party providers like PayPal or bank cards, HTX itself imposes no additional fee, but the payment processor may apply its own charges depending on the currency and payment method used.

Withdrawals operate under a dynamic fee model. Instead of a fixed rate, withdrawal fees are recalculated daily. HTX determines the fee based on the blockchain’s network cost, divided by the asset’s average price from the previous day.

Spot trading fees follow a maker-taker model. Makers (those who place limit orders that add liquidity) generally pay less than takers, who execute market orders that fill instantly. Both makers and takers start with a base fee of 0.2% of the trade value. HTX reduces these rates for users who meet higher 30-day trading volumes or hold a balance of HTX’s native token.

Margin trading fees are structured the same way. Makers and takers both start at 0.2%, but borrowing funds introduces an hourly interest charge. Rates vary based on the specific cryptocurrency being borrowed.

For futures trading, Coin-margined contracts carry a maker fee of 0.02% and a taker fee of 0.05%. USDT-margined swaps follow a similar structure, though the taker fee is slightly higher at 0.06%, while the maker fee remains at 0.02%.

HTX’s fee system rewards consistent trading volume and offers flexible pricing that responds to market conditions.

HTX Supported Currencies and Payment Methods

HTX supports over 700 cryptocurrencies, providing users with a diverse range of options. Well-known assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USDT are available, alongside popular altcoins such as Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA). Additionally, HTX lists newer tokens like PEPE, expanding the platform’s offerings. The platform’s native token, HTX, can be used to lower trading fees or be staked for rewards, giving users extra benefits.

HTX supports several payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, making transactions straightforward. Accepted payment methods include:

• Bank Transfer (SEPA)
• Bank Transfer (SWIFT)
• Credit/Debit Cards
• PayPal/Payoneer
• Skrill/AdvCash

For added flexibility, HTX also supports peer-to-peer (P2P) trading and allows cryptocurrency withdrawals through network transactions.

Note: HTX offers a variety of payment methods, but availability may vary depending on the user’s region

HTX Customer Support

HTX provides customer support through multiple channels to assist users with various issues. The support center offers a self-service option where users can access helpful resources, including FAQs, account management tips, deposit and withdrawal guidelines, platform updates, security information, and solutions to common transaction problems.

While this can help with many common inquiries, users report challenges when it comes to obtaining immediate one-on-one assistance. Contacting support via email or live chat can be slow, particularly in urgent situations. For quicker responses, the official HTX Telegram channel is recommended. This platform allows for more direct communication and faster resolution of issues.

Final Takeaway

HTX is a well-established cryptocurrency exchange, popular for its wide selection of coins and straightforward trading interface. It’s especially favored in Asian markets and by those who prefer limited KYC trading. The platform supports various payment methods, including SEPA, SWIFT, and P2P, offering flexibility for deposits and withdrawals.

With solid security features like 2FA and cold storage, HTX has built a strong reputation over the years. Still, the relatively higher trading fees, fluctuating withdrawal costs, and a low daily limit for unverified accounts could be off-putting for some users. Overall, HTX offers a secure, reliable experience but may not be the best fit for everyone due to its fees and account restrictions.

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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs