Funding vs trading account:
know the difference.
“My deposit arrived — why can’t I trade?” is the most common first-week question. The answer is almost always the same: the money is in the funding account, and trading uses the trading account.
OKX funding account vs trading account
| Funding account | Trading account | |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Deposits, withdrawals, P2P, Buy Crypto, Earn | Spot, margin, futures, options |
| Where deposits land | Here by default | Transfer in from funding |
| Can place orders | No | Yes |
| Tracks P&L and margin | No | Yes |
Think of it this way: the funding account is your wallet, the trading account is your trading desk.
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How to transfer between OKX accounts
- Tap “Assets” on the app home screen.
- Tap “Transfer” and choose funding → trading (or the reverse).
- Pick the coin, enter the amount and confirm.
Transfers between your own accounts are free and instant. Before withdrawing, move coins back to the funding account.
Why don’t my balances add up?
- Open orders reserve funds until they fill or are cancelled.
- Futures margin is locked while positions are open.
- Earn subscriptions show under Earn, not the trading account.
- Valuation in USDT or fiat changes as prices move.
Which OKX account mode should I choose?
| Mode | What you can do | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Spot mode | Spot trading, buying options | Beginners — no borrowing, no liquidation |
| Futures mode | Spot, margin, futures, perpetuals, options; single-currency margin | People starting with futures |
| Multi-currency margin | All products, several coins pooled as margin | Active traders holding many coins |
| Portfolio margin | All products, risk-based margin | Professionals running hedges |
New accounts should stay in spot mode: the most you can lose is what you bought, and there’s no liquidation.
How to open an OKX corporate account
Companies should complete institutional verification rather than trade through an employee’s personal account. Typical documents:
- Certificate of incorporation and constitutional documents;
- Shareholder and ultimate beneficial owner structure;
- IDs of directors and authorized persons;
- Proof of business address, and sometimes source of funds.
Requirements are listed on OKX’s institutional verification page; review takes longer than individual verification.
Account types
FAQ.
01What is the difference between the OKX funding and trading account?
The funding account handles deposits, withdrawals, P2P and Earn; the trading account is for spot and derivatives trading. Deposits land in funding, so transfer before trading.
02Why can’t I trade after depositing on OKX?
Your funds are in the funding account. Go to Assets → Transfer and move them to the trading account.
03Are transfers between OKX accounts free?
Yes, free and instant.
04Which account mode is best for beginners?
Spot mode — no borrowing or margin, so no liquidation.
05Can a company open an OKX account?
Yes, through institutional verification with company documents, ownership structure and director IDs.
Keep reading,
more account guides.
Who owns OKX, who can open an account, which countries are supported, how to lock down your account, what to do if you lose your phone — and what changed in 2026.
Who owns OKX?
Founder, headquarters, licenses and the 2025 US settlement — OKX’s background in one page.
Can students use OKX?OKX age requirement
18+, your own valid ID, and why you should never use someone else’s identity.
OKX fee tiersOKX VIP levels
Regular vs VIP 1–9 thresholds and fees, and how regular users get VIP-level rates.
OKX vs BybitOKX vs Bybit, Coinbase, HTX
Fees, hacks, licenses and beginner-friendliness side by side.
What is OKX AI?What’s new at OKX in 2026
OKX AI, the OKX Card, ICE’s investment, IPO talk and the OKX Now event.