What do you need to sign up for Binance and OKX? Side by side
Short answer
Binance: an email or phone number (or an Apple or Google account), a 6-digit code and a password. OKX: both an email and a phone number, each with a 6-digit code valid for 10 minutes, then a password. Both then need identity verification: upload an ID, then do a face check.
Email and phone
Binance: either; OKX: both
Binance also takes Apple or Google accounts
Codes
6 digits
OKX sends one to your email and one to your phone, valid 10 minutes
Identity verification
ID plus a face check
Binance usually within 48 hours, OKX usually within 24
Referral code
Enter it at sign-up
OKX doesn't let you add it later
Have these ready before you sign up
An email you use; OKX also needs a phone number (on Binance, one of the two is enough, or an Apple or Google account)
A secure password: OKX asks for a mix of numbers, letters, symbols, and upper and lower case
A valid ID: Binance says most people can use a passport, ID card or driver's license; OKX gives both sides of an ID card as an example
The referral code: FAIRR on Binance, FAIRR on OKX; check the code box before you submit
After sign-up, verify your identity on the official website or app (it includes a face check)
Binance vs OKX
Binance
- Account
- Email or phone number; Apple or Google accounts work too
- Codes
- 6 digits
- Password
- Set a secure password
- Referral code
- Filled in automatically from an invite link and shown as linked; can't be changed once linked
- Identity verification needs
- Choose where you live and your ID type, upload the ID, then a face check
- Without verification
- All new users must complete Standard verification before they can deposit or trade
- Verification time
- Usually within 48 hours, longer in special cases
OKX
- Account
- Both an email and a phone number; each can register only one OKX account
- Codes
- A 6-digit code to your email and one to your phone, each valid for 10 minutes
- Password
- Mix numbers, letters, symbols, and upper and lower case
- Referral code
- Entered at the email step; can't be added or changed after the account is created
- Identity verification needs
- Upload an ID photo (for example both sides of your ID card), then a face check
- Without verification
- No crypto deposits or withdrawals, and no P2P buying or selling
- Verification time
- About 30 seconds; up to about 24 hours if further review is needed
| Exchange | Binance | OKX |
|---|---|---|
| Account | Email or phone number; Apple or Google accounts work too | Both an email and a phone number; each can register only one OKX account |
| Codes | 6 digits | A 6-digit code to your email and one to your phone, each valid for 10 minutes |
| Password | Set a secure password | Mix numbers, letters, symbols, and upper and lower case |
| Referral code | Filled in automatically from an invite link and shown as linked; can't be changed once linked | Entered at the email step; can't be added or changed after the account is created |
| Identity verification needs | Choose where you live and your ID type, upload the ID, then a face check | Upload an ID photo (for example both sides of your ID card), then a face check |
| Without verification | All new users must complete Standard verification before they can deposit or trade | No crypto deposits or withdrawals, and no P2P buying or selling |
| Verification time | Usually within 48 hours, longer in special cases | About 30 seconds; up to about 24 hours if further review is needed |
| Sign up | Sign up | Sign up |
The exchange has the final word
FAQ
Can I sign up now and verify later?
You can sign up first. But Binance says all new users must complete Standard verification before they can deposit or trade, and OKX says you can't deposit or withdraw crypto or buy and sell on P2P without it.
How many accounts can one email register?
OKX says each phone number and email can register only one OKX account. Keep to one account per exchange; don't open a second one for a referral code.
What if I forget the referral code?
On Binance you can add it yourself within 30 days of sign-up if you haven't deposited or traded yet; on OKX it can't be added after sign-up. See missed the referral code.
Where are the detailed steps for each exchange?
Someone offers to sign up or verify for me. Can I trust that?
No. Submit your ID and face check only on the official website or app, and never send them to anyone.