Depositing cryptocurrency—often referred to as "depositing funds"—is a foundational step for anyone entering the world of digital assets. Whether you're transferring from another exchange or a personal wallet, understanding the correct process ensures your funds arrive safely and efficiently. This guide walks you through how to deposit crypto on the OKX app, explains key concepts like deposit addresses and network compatibility, and highlights common pitfalls to avoid.
What Is a Crypto Deposit?
A crypto deposit is the process of transferring digital assets from an external source—such as another exchange or wallet—into your OKX account. Think of it like a bank transfer: if Person A gives Person B their bank account number, B can deposit money directly into that account. Similarly, when you deposit crypto, you provide a deposit address (and sometimes a tag/memo) so the sender knows exactly where to send the funds.
Each cryptocurrency on OKX has its own unique deposit address. Some coins—like XRP, XLM, or EOS—require not only an address but also a Tag or Memo. This additional identifier ensures the funds are credited to the correct sub-account within the exchange. Failing to include this tag may result in lost funds, even if the address is correct.
👉 Learn how to securely deposit your first crypto in just a few taps.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Deposit Crypto on the OKX App
Follow these clear, secure steps to deposit digital assets into your OKX account using the mobile app.
Step 1: Access the Deposit Section
- Open the OKX app and go to the Home screen.
- Tap on Assets > Deposit > Deposit Cryptocurrency.
- Search for the cryptocurrency you wish to deposit—e.g., USDT, BTC, or ETH.
At this point, OKX will display all supported networks for that coin. It's crucial to choose the right one.
Step 2: Select the Correct Network
After selecting your coin (e.g., USDT), you’ll see multiple blockchain options such as:
- TRON (TRC20)
- Ethereum (ERC20)
- OKT Chain (BEP20)
⚠️ Critical Reminder: The network you select on OKX must match exactly the withdrawal network on the sending platform. For example, if you withdraw USDT via TRC20 from Binance, you must select USDT-TRON (TRC20) on OKX. Sending a BEP20 token to a TRC20 address will result in permanent loss.
Once you've chosen the correct network:
- Tap Copy Address.
- Open your external wallet or exchange.
- Paste the copied address and confirm the network before initiating the transfer.
👉 Discover which blockchain networks are fastest and cheapest for deposits.
Step 3: Monitor Your Deposit Status
After initiating the transfer:
- Return to OKX.
- Go to Assets > Deposit > Tap the transaction history icon (top-right).
- View real-time updates on your deposit’s confirmation status.
Most deposits are processed automatically once the required blockchain confirmations are met. Processing time varies by network—TRON typically confirms in under a minute, while Bitcoin may take 10–30 minutes depending on congestion.
Key Tips for Safe and Successful Deposits
To protect your assets and ensure smooth transactions, keep these best practices in mind:
✅ Always Match Coin and Network Names
Ensure both the coin name and network are identical on sending and receiving ends. For instance:
- Sending: USDT via TRC20 → Receiving: USDT (TRON network) ✔️
- Sending: USDT via ERC20 → Receiving: USDT (TRON network) ❌
OKX currently does not support certain cross-network assets like BSC-based USDT deposits directly—always verify compatibility.
✅ Pay Attention to Tags/Memos
Coins like XRP, XLM, and ADA often require a destination tag or memo in addition to the wallet address. This field appears above the deposit address on OKX. If required, both fields must be filled correctly—otherwise, your funds may not be credited.
✅ Use Updated Deposit Addresses
For security reasons, OKX periodically rotates deposit addresses. While older addresses may remain active temporarily, we recommend updating your external whitelists every three months. Depositing to an outdated or disabled address could lead to irreversible fund loss.
✅ Double-Check Before Sending
Never rush a transaction. Always:
- Confirm the recipient address.
- Verify the network.
- Test with a small amount first if it's your first time depositing a specific coin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I deposit fiat currency directly into OKX?
A: Yes, OKX supports multiple fiat deposit methods including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and P2P trading. This guide focuses on cryptocurrency deposits only.
Q: What happens if I send crypto using the wrong network?
A: Mismatched networks often result in lost funds. Always confirm network compatibility before sending. In rare cases, recovery may be possible—contact OKX Support immediately with transaction details.
Q: Why do some coins require a Tag or Memo?
A: Tags/Memos help exchanges route funds to individual user accounts since many users share pooled wallet addresses. Skipping this step risks misdirected deposits.
Q: How long does a crypto deposit take?
A: Most deposits complete within minutes. Confirmation speed depends on blockchain congestion and required confirmations—e.g., TRON: 1 min; Ethereum: 5–15 min; Bitcoin: 10–30 min.
Q: Is there a minimum deposit amount?
A: Yes, each coin has a minimum threshold (e.g., 1 USDT for TRC20). Deposits below this won’t be credited. Check OKX’s deposit page for exact values.
Q: Are deposits on OKX free?
A: OKX does not charge deposit fees. However, the sending platform or blockchain network may apply gas or withdrawal fees.
Final Thoughts
Depositing crypto on OKX is simple once you understand the essentials: matching networks, using correct tags, and verifying addresses. By following this guide, you minimize risks and set yourself up for seamless trading, staking, or investing within one of the world’s leading digital asset platforms.
Always stay vigilant—security starts with you. Use official apps, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and never share your private keys.
👉 Start your secure crypto journey with fast, low-fee deposits today.