Is it a Safe and Legit Exchange?

HTX is one of the best crypto exchanges and ranks among the top 10 trading platforms in the world by trading volume. It is highly secure and provides advanced trading tools for both beginners and experienced traders. But is it worth choosing for your trading needs? 

This HTX review will cover what HTX (Huobi) is, what its trading fees and features are, and whether it is a safe and legit crypto exchange for buying cryptocurrencies.

HTX Exchange Review: At a Glance

Founded	2013
Original Name	Huobi Global
Rebranded	HTX (September 2023)
Headquarters	Seychelles
Trading Options	Spot, margin trading, perpetual futures contracts, copy trading, options trading, staking, trading bots, and more
Cryptocurrencies Supported	700+
Spot Trading Fee	0.2% (Maker & Taker)
Fee Discounts	HT Token Holdings, Trading Volume
Max Leverage	200x (Perpetual Futures Contracts)
Daily Trading Volume	$4 Billion+
Withdrawal Limit	0.06 BTC Daily (no KYC) and 200 BTC (basic KYC)
Security Features	2FA, Cold Storage, Multi-Sig Wallets, Anti-phishing code, withdrawal address whitelisting, PoR data, and more
Restricted Countries	United States, China, the United Kingdom, Japan, and more

What is HTX (Formerly Huobi)?

HTX is a leading global cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2013 by Leon Li, originally named Huobi Global, and rebranded to HTX in 2023 to mark its 10th anniversary. Based in Seychelles, it serves over 45 million users across 160+ countries, offering a robust platform for trading, investing, and learning about digital assets. You can trade over 700 cryptocurrencies. 

The exchange supports spot trading, futures with up to 200x leverage, and margin trading at 5x leverage. The platform offers diverse financial products through HTX Earn, such as Flexible and Fixed staking, Shark Fin, Dual Investment, and On-chain Staking, letting you earn passive income on idle assets. The user interface is intuitive on desktop and mobile, offering advanced charting tools and social trading features.

HTX operates under strict regulatory compliance with licenses in Lithuania (Virtual Currency Exchange Operator), Dubai (FMP License via VARA), and the British Virgin Islands (SIBA Investment Business License). However, it restricts services in countries like the United States, mainland China, Russia, Iran, and the UK due to local regulations.

Pros of HTX

• Wide Range of Cryptocurrencies: HTX offers over 700 cryptocurrencies, including major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as a vast selection of altcoins.
• Advanced Trading Features: The platform provides tools like margin trading, futures contracts with up to 200x leverage, and copy trading.
• High Liquidity: HTX consistently ranks among the top exchanges for trading volume and this ensures quick order execution with minimal price slippage.
• Strong Security Measures: HTX employs robust security practices, including two-factor authentication, cold storage for most funds, PoR data, and SSL encryption.
• Passive Income Options: You can stake your ideal crypto assets or participate in programs like Dual Investment and SharkFin to earn interest.

Cons of HTX

• Restricted Access in Some Regions: HTX is unavailable in countries like the United States, China, and Japan due to regulatory restrictions.
• Higher Trading Fees: Base trading fees start at 0.2% for both makers and takers, which is higher than some competitors (generally 0.1% on Binance and Bybit) unless discounted with HTX token holdings.

HTX Trading Features Explained

Futures Trading

HTX futures trading lets you trade contracts based on the future price of digital currencies like BTC or ETH. It allows you to make money by predicting if the price will go up or down. Here, you don’t own the actual cryptocurrency; instead, you’re betting on its price movement.

HTX offers various futures contracts based on duration and settlement type. Two key categories are USDT-M (USDT-Margined) and Coin-M (Coin-Margined) futures.

• USDT-M Futures: These contracts use USDT (Tether), a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, as the margin and settlement currency. You deposit USDT to trade, and profits or losses come back in USDT. They’re easier to understand because your gains or losses stay in a stable value, not a fluctuating cryptocurrency.
• Coin-M Futures: These use the cryptocurrency itself (like BTC or ETH) as the margin and settlement currency. For instance, in a BTC-margined contract, you put up BTC, and if you win, you get more BTC.

Order Types

HTX provides several order types to help you control how and when your trades happen. Each one fits different strategies:

• Limit Order: You set a specific price and amount to buy or sell. The trade only happens if the market hits your price. It’s great for getting a good deal but might not fill if the price doesn’t reach your target.
• Trigger Order: You need to pick a trigger price, and when the market hits it, your pre-set buy or sell order activates. It’s useful for setting up automatic trades, like stopping a loss if the price drops too far.
• Trailing Stop Order: You must set an activation price and a callback rate. The order triggers when the price moves in your favor and then pulls back by your set rate. It helps lock in profits during big price swings.

HTX offers leverage from 1x (no borrowing) up to 200x for perpetual futures contracts. However, 200x leverage is only available for BTC and ETH pairs, and other altcoins get up to 125x leverage.

Margin Trading

HTX margin trading is a way for users to borrow funds from the HTX platform to trade cryptocurrencies with more buying power than they have in their accounts. The borrowed funds act like a loan, and you must repay them with interest later.

You can use a maximum of 5x leverage in margin trading. HTX margin trading has two main modes that decide how your money (margin) is used to cover your trades. These modes affect how much risk you take:

• Cross Margin Mode: This mode uses all the money in your account as a safety net for all your trades. If one trade loses money, the system can pull funds from your other profits or unused cash to keep it going.
• Isolated Margin Mode: This mode limits the money for each trade to what you put in for that specific contract. If a trade goes bad, you only lose what you assigned to it, not your whole account. It’s safer but needs more planning since you split your funds.

You can switch between these modes on the trading page, even while holding positions, as long as no open orders are pending.

Trading Bots

HTX trading bots are automated tools that help you trade cryptocurrencies. They work 24/7 to buy and sell assets based on rules you set, so you don’t have to watch the market all the time. It supports a popular type called the “Grid Trading Bot.” This bot sets up a range of prices and places buy and sell orders within that range. It buys low and sells high repeatedly to make small profits as the price moves. 

HTX trading bots are secure because they use your account through an API (a safe connection), but they don’t hold your money – the funds stay in your HTX account. You stay in control and can stop the bot anytime.

Copy Trading

HTX copy trading lets you automatically copy the trades of experienced traders. You need to pick a skilled trader, follow their moves, and your account mirrors their trades. The lead trader earns a share of your profits as a reward, while you keep the rest.

Here’s how it works in simple terms: You must browse from a list of lead traders and check their stats, like how much profit they’ve made or how many people follow them. You choose one you like, set how much money you want to use, and hit “Follow”. After that, HTX copies every trade the lead trader makes – like buying or selling Bitcoin – into your account. You can stop following anytime, but while you’re in, their wins or losses become yours too.

HTX copy trading is great because it saves time and uses expert skills. You don’t need to watch the market all day – your chosen trader does the work. The lead trader takes 10-25% of your profits (they set the rate), so you share the wins.

Options Trading

HTX options trading allows you to buy or sell an asset at a set price within a specific time without owning the asset itself. The HTX exchange offers two main styles: American and European options. American options let you cash out anytime before the deadline, giving you flexibility. European options only settle at the end, which can be cheaper but less flexible.

Here’s how it works step-by-step:

• You choose an option type: HTX offers “call” options (betting the price goes up) and “put” options (betting it goes down).
• You set the terms: You pick the crypto (like BTC/USDT), the strike price, and how long the contract lasts—sometimes minutes, sometimes months.
• The system sets a premium: This is the fee you pay to buy the contract, based on the current market.
• You win or lose: If the price hits your target before time’s up, you profit. If not, you lose the premium.

HTX Launchpool

HTX Launchpool is a feature that lets users earn rewards by staking their $HTX tokens. It is a way for people to lock up their tokens for a set time and get new tokens from upcoming projects as a reward. The HTX platform uses this to help new blockchain projects get funding while giving users a chance to earn extra income. You simply lock your $HTX tokens on the platform, and during that time, you earn these new tokens based on how much you stake.

HTX Earn

HTX allows users to generate passive income on their digital assets through multiple structured products. Its Earn program provides tailored options like Flexible, Fixed, Shark Fin, ETH 2.0, Staking, Dual Investment, and On-chain Staking to meet diverse investment needs.

• Flexible and Fixed Staking: HTX Earn’s Flexible product lets you deposit and withdraw assets anytime, earning daily rewards while keeping liquidity intact. The Fixed product offers higher returns for locking assets until a set redemption date, though early withdrawal forfeits all rewards. You can pick from over 100 popular cryptocurrencies, such as PEPE and BOME, to gain stable returns on idle assets. Currently, it offers 10% APY on USDT and 6% APY on ETH.
• Shark Fin: HTX’s Shark Fin product guarantees no principal loss and provides a basic return, with potential APYs ranging from 5.5% to 35% over 3-7 days. It thrives in any market condition, offering higher yields if price predictions align within a set range, like 6% to 36% for BTC between $30,000 and $33,000.
• ETH 2.0: HTX ETH 2.0 introduces one-click staking for Ethereum’s proof-of-stake upgrade, distributing BETH (a 1:1 staking certificate) without slashing risks. Staked ETH remains locked in a smart contract until the Shanghai upgrade allows gradual withdrawals.
• Staking: HTX Staking enables you to lock Proof-of-Stake (PoS) coins like SOL and ADA and earn high rewards by validating blockchain transactions. You can also check our detailed guide on the best crypto staking platforms.
• Dual Investment: Dual Investment targets advanced users by mixing stablecoins and cryptocurrencies for better yields tied to market prices at maturity. You must pick a target price and date for assets like BTC or ETH and receive either currency based on the outcome.
• On-chain Staking: On-chain Staking on HTX supports non-custodial staking with top-tier projects like DOT and ETH 2.0 through institutional-grade systems. You can keep control of your assets while earning rewards via blockchain validation with HTX’s dependable node support.

HTX Loans

HTX Loans is a service that enables you to borrow cryptocurrency by using your existing digital assets as collateral. You must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) verification on your HTX account before you can begin. After that, you select a cryptocurrency to borrow—such as USDT, BTC, or ETH—and choose a collateral asset like BTC, ETH, USDT, or HTX’s native token, HTX. 

You can opt for a Flexible term, which lets you repay at any time, or fixed terms of 7 days, 30 days, 45 days, or 90 days. Interest accrues hourly at rates around 0.0005%. 

You repay the loan manually, but if the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio—calculated as your borrowed amount divided by your collateral’s value—reaches approximately 80%, HTX may liquidate your collateral. Your collateral remains locked until you fully repay the loan, though you face no penalty for paying it off early. HTX also supports OTC loans to institutional traders.

Recently, HTX reported a daily borrowing volume of $100 million, reflecting strong demand for this service. This option works well if you need liquidity without selling your assets.

HTX Learn

HTX Learn is a free educational platform designed to teach you the fundamentals of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. You can explore concise lessons and take quizzes that make learning engaging and interactive. 

For instance, the “Crypto Loans Basics” quiz explains borrowing options like USDT or ETH and how the LTV ratio functions, rewarding you with small amounts—such as 0.04 USDT or 0.5 HTX—upon completion. The platform targets beginners and verified account holders, offering lessons on topics like staking benefits or securing your crypto wallet in straightforward language. 

Some courses highlight HTX-specific perks, such as the 1% cashback on peer-to-peer (P2P) trades. You need a verified HTX account to participate, and any rewards you earn are credited directly to your wallet. This service is ideal if you are new to cryptocurrency or want to sharpen your skills while collecting minor crypto bonuses.

Deposits and Withdrawals at HTX

Deposits and Withdrawals Limits

The minimum deposit amount varies by cryptocurrency and network. Depositing Bitcoin requires only a small threshold to cover network costs, but HTX does not specify a universal minimum, leaving it flexible. Fiat deposits, such as USD or EUR via bank transfer minimums depend on the payment method (e.g., $10-$50 typically).

Withdrawal limits differ based on verification status. Unverified users, without Know Your Customer (KYC) completion, can withdraw up to 0.06 BTC per day. For verified users who complete KYC, the limit rises significantly to 200 BTC daily.

Verification Level	Required Information	24-Hour Withdrawal Limit (BTC)
Level 1 (Basic)	Personal data (first and last name, nationality, country of residence, date of birth)	5 BTC
Level 2 (Basic Verification)	Photo of a government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or ID card)	200 BTC
Level 3 (Advanced Verification)	Facial recognition and additional ID verification	3,000 BTC

Deposits and Withdrawals Methods

HTX withdrawal methods include Bank Transfer (SEPA), Bank Transfer (SWIFT), Credit/Debit Card (Visa), Credit/Debit Card (Mastercard), PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, AdvCash, Payeer, Perfect Money, WebMoney, Revolut, Payoneer, and P2P Trading. You can also withdraw cryptocurrency through network transactions.

Cryptocurrencies Available on HTX

HTX gives you access to over 700 cryptocurrencies, making it a top choice for variety. You can trade big names like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USDT, as well as popular altcoins such as Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA). 

The platform also features its native token, HTX, which you can use to lower trading fees or stake for rewards. If you’re into newer projects, HTX lists tokens like PEPE and BOME too.

HTX Exchange Supported/Restricted Countries

HTX serves you in over 160 countries, including places like France, Australia, and Germany. You get support in 15 languages—think English, Spanish, or Russian—and can deposit over 100 fiat currencies for convenience. 

That said, some countries are off-limits due to regulations. If you’re in the United States, mainland China, Japan, Iran, or North Korea, you can’t use HTX because of legal restrictions or sanctions. Other no-go zones include Taiwan, Israel, Iraq, Bolivia, Pakistan, Spain, the UK, and New Zealand for derivatives trading.

HTX Fees

Below is a detailed breakdown of all HTX fees, covering trading fees, deposit and withdrawal fees, and additional charges for specialized services like futures and margin trading.

Trading Fees

For spot trading, HTX employs a maker-taker fee model, which is common among cryptocurrency exchanges. Makers, who add liquidity to the order book by placing limit orders that aren’t immediately filled, typically pay lower fees than takers, who remove liquidity by executing market orders or limit orders that fill instantly.

The base fee for both makers and takers starts at 0.2% of the trade value. This applies to all crypto-to-crypto trading pairs and is calculated based on the total transaction amount. However, HTX offers a tiered fee structure that reduces these rates for users with higher 30-day trading volumes or those holding HTX tokens (HTX).

The trading fees for margin trades align with the spot trading fee structure, starting at 0.2% for both makers and takers. However, margin trading introduces an additional cost: interest on the borrowed funds. Interest rates are calculated hourly and vary depending on the cryptocurrency being borrowed.

For coin-margined futures, the standard maker fee is 0.02%, and the taker fee is 0.05%. USDT-margined swaps follow a similar model but with high taker fees, with maker fees at 0.02% and taker fees at 0.06%.

Deposit and Withdrawal Fees

HTX does not charge a deposit fee. However, you should be aware of network fees (also known as mining or gas fees), which are paid to the blockchain network. For fiat deposits, such as through third-party payment methods like PayPal or bank cards, HTX itself doesn’t impose a direct fee, but the payment provider may charge processing fees, which depend on the method and currency (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP).

Withdrawals do incur fees, and HTX has shifted to a dynamic fee model to account for cryptocurrency price volatility and network costs. Rather than a fixed amount, the withdrawal fee is calculated daily based on the blockchain network’s fee divided by the previous day’s average price of the cryptocurrency.

HTX Security

HTX is a secure crypto exchange with multiple safety measures in place. Here is a quick overview of its security features:

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): You can set it up using Google Authenticator or SMS, which generates a unique code you must enter alongside your password when logging in or withdrawing funds. This ensures that even if someone gets your password, they cannot access your account without the second code.
• Merkle Tree Proof of Reserves (PoR): HTX uses the Merkle Tree Proof of Reserves to prove it holds enough assets to cover all your deposits. You can verify this through monthly reports showing reserve ratios, like 101% for BTC and 100% for ETH.
• Cold Storage for Assets: HTX stores most of your cryptocurrency in cold wallets, which are offline and safe from online hackers. Only a small portion stays in hot wallets for daily trading needs.
• Multi-Signature Wallets: HTX employs multi-signature wallets, meaning multiple keys are needed to authorize transactions. You benefit from this because it prevents any single person or hacker from moving funds without additional approvals.
• Anti-Phishing Codes: You can create a unique anti-phishing code in HTX’s security settings to spot real emails from the platform. Every legitimate HTX email will include your code, so you can tell if a message is fake if it’s missing. This helps you avoid scams where fraudsters pretend to be HTX to steal your details.
• Blacklisted Address Monitoring: HTX tracks and blocks risky addresses linked to scams or illegal activity. In January 2025 alone, it added 189 new blacklisted addresses and stopped deposits from reaching the platform. This keeps your trading environment clean and shields you from tainted funds.
• Regular Security Audits: HTX conducts frequent security checks to find and fix weaknesses in its system. These audits ensure the platform stays ahead of new threats and keeps your data and assets safe. 

HTX Licenses and Regulatory Status

HTX also holds several licenses to ensure legal operations across various regions. In Lithuania, it has the Deposit Virtual Currency Wallet Operator and Virtual Currency Exchange Operator Registration. Dubai granted HTX Initial Approval of a Full Market Product (FMP) License through VARA. The British Virgin Islands issued the SIBA Investment Business License for Custody and Operation of Investment Exchange. Additionally, it offers payment and remittance services in South America.

User Interface and Experience

HTX offers you a clean trading interface on both desktop and mobile. The desktop version suits active traders with tools like detailed charts, technical indicators, and trading bots. You’ll find it easy to jump between spot trading, futures, or HTX Earn features like staking once you log in. 

The mobile app is available for iOS and Android and keeps things simpler for trading anywhere, adding social features like following crypto experts or joining chats. You can stay updated with trending topics right on the app’s home screen. Navigation feels intuitive, but if you’re new, the many options might take a moment to grasp.

Customer Support

HTX provides you with 24/7 customer support mainly through email at [email protected]. You won’t get a live chat or phone help, which might feel limited compared to some competitors. Responses can come within hours, but during busy times, you might wait longer. 

After logging in, you can submit questions via the “Support” tab about account issues, withdrawals, or KYC hiccups. HTX also offers a solid FAQ and knowledge base on their site, answering basics like resetting 2FA or checking fees without delay. 

If you’re stuck, we suggest pinging them on X, though it’s not official. You’ll find multilingual help in languages like English or French if you’re in a supported region. Start with the self-help tools online and email if needed.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, HTX is the best exchange for crypto traders, packing in everything from spot trading to futures with hefty withdrawal caps—3,000 BTC if you’re fully verified—and a bunch of ways to deposit and withdraw funds, like SEPA, SWIFT, or even P2P deals. Its decade-long track record, strong security measures like 2FA and cold storage, and no major hacks enhance its reliability.

However, drawbacks include its inaccessibility in the US due to regulatory restrictions, high trading fees, and withdrawal fees that can fluctuate with network costs, and a lower 0.06 BTC daily limit for unverified accounts, which may frustrate some.

FAQs

Is HTX safe to use?

Yes, HTX is generally safe to use, thanks to its robust security measures and long-standing reputation. Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has operated for over a decade without a major security breach, showcasing its reliability. The platform employs two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for most user funds, and multi-signature wallets to protect assets.

Can I use HTX in the US?

No, you cannot legally use HTX in the US due to regulatory restrictions. It does not hold the necessary licenses to operate fully in the United States. Here, crypto exchanges must comply with strict federal and state regulations, including registration with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). 

While HTX once had a US presence through Huobi US, it ceased operations in 2019 due to compliance challenges. The platform’s terms of service now exclude US residents, and attempting to access it via VPN violates those terms, risking account suspension.

What is the withdrawal limit on HTX without KYC?

The withdrawal limit on HTX without KYC is 0.06 BTC per day for unverified accounts. HTX allows users to sign up and trade without identity verification, but this comes with restrictions to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) policies.

How does HTX work?

HTX works as a centralized cryptocurrency exchange where users trade, buy, and sell digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. You start by creating an account, optionally completing KYC for full access, and depositing funds—either crypto or fiat via supported methods like bank cards. 

The platform offers spot trading for direct asset swaps, margin trading with borrowed funds (up to 5x leverage), and futures trading with up to 200x leverage for amplified positions. HTX calculates fees dynamically (e.g., 0.2% for spot trades, reducible with HTX tokens) and processes withdrawals to external wallets, charging network-based fees.

Is HTX legal in the UK?

No, HTX is not legal to use in the UK. Once, The FCA also issued a warning against HTX (and Huobi Global), stating that the firm is not authorized to promote financial services in the UK.