Security starts before you even click "Register." Phishing sites are the #1 threat to new users.

1. Bookmark the Official URL: Manually type https://www.okx.com into your browser and bookmark it. Never click on registration links from emails, Telegram groups, or search ads.
2. Verify the SSL Certificate: Ensure the address bar shows a padlock icon and "OKX" in the certificate details.
3. Prepare Your Information: Have a valid email address and phone number ready. Using a dedicated email for crypto is highly recommended.

Once on the secure homepage, locate and click the "Sign Up" button, typically in the top right corner.

This is where most users miss their first major benefit. The registration form is straightforward, but one field is critical.

1. Enter your email address and create a strong, unique password.
2. You will receive a 6-digit verification code. Enter it promptly.
3. The Crucial Field: Look for a field labeled "Referral Code," "Invitation Code," or "Promo Code." This is non-negotiable. Here, you must enter: AB6688
4. Complete any other required fields (like agreeing to Terms of Service) and submit the form.

Why This Matters: Entering this code activates a permanent 20% discount on your trading fees. Missing this step means you forfeit this lifetime benefit and cannot add it later.

Know Your Customer (KYC) is mandatory for unlocking full platform functionality and is your primary security layer.

1. Navigate to "Account" or "Verification" in your dashboard.
2. Select your country/region and begin the identity verification process.
3. You will need:
   • A government-issued ID (Passport, Driver's License, National ID).
   • A stable internet connection and good lighting for the live photo check.
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to take clear photos of your ID and a short selfie video.
4. Submit for review. Verification can take from a few minutes to several hours.

Pro Tip: Complete all verification levels (usually up to "Verified Plus") to increase withdrawal limits and access more features like futures trading.

With a verified account, you can now deposit funds. We'll start with a simple spot trade.

1. Deposit Crypto (Recommended for Beginners):
   • Go to "Assets" > "Deposit."
   • Select a beginner-friendly cryptocurrency like USDT (Tether).
   • Copy your unique OKX deposit address for that asset and use it to send funds from another wallet or exchange. Double-check the address and network (e.g., TRC-20, ERC-20).
2. Execute a Spot Trade:
   • Navigate to "Trade" > "Spot."
   • Search for a trading pair like "BTC/USDT."
   • On the order panel, enter the amount of USDT you wish to spend.
   • Review the estimated fee (which should reflect your 20% discount).
   • Click "Buy BTC" to execute your first market order.

Congratulations! You've officially entered the market. The key now is to learn, not to chase profits immediately.

Your account's long-term safety depends on the habits you build now. Configure these settings immediately.

1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This is non-optional. Enable it in "Security Settings." Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy) instead of SMS for superior security.
2. Anti-Phishing Code: Set a unique phrase that will appear in all genuine OKX emails, helping you identify phishing attempts.
3. Withdrawal Address Whitelisting: This feature locks withdrawals to only pre-approved wallet addresses, providing a final barrier against hackers.
4. Device & Session Management: Regularly review active login sessions and remove unfamiliar devices.

Treat your exchange account like a bank vault, not a wallet. Use it for trading, but store significant long-term holdings in a personal hardware wallet.