OKX Restricted and Banned Countries
Restricted countries as of Mar 2025. Source: OKX
OKX has restricted access in several regions, including France, Canada, and Japan. Section 3 in OKX's Risk & Compliance Disclosure lists the countries that are prohibited from using the platform:
If your country is not listed above, you can sign up for OKX here and enjoy 5% off your trading fees. Otherwise, you can scroll down to find our best OKX alternatives.
Restriction of Derivatives
In Australia, Brazil, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, you can access OKX, but derivatives trading is prohibited.
If you can't access OKX, you can take a look at our list of crypto futures exchanges. We think BloFin is an excellent choice, being one of the largest derivatives exchanges with up to 150x leverage and no KYC. Another great choice is Hyperliquid, a decentralized perpetuals exchange.
What Countries Does OKX Support?
OKX operates in over 100 countries and recently came back to the USA, as noted on their about page, but they haven't provided a specific list of these countries. Access can vary due to local regulations, and OKX may restrict usage in some areas to comply with legal standards.
OKX says they serve 100+ countries. Source: OKX
Can You Use OKX With a VPN?
If you already have an account, a VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark can be useful for accessing OKX while traveling. However, creating a new OKX account with a VPN will not work due to their mandatory KYC policy. OKX requires all users to verify their identity and address, so changing your IP address with a VPN can not bypass this step.
List of OKX Alternatives
If you can't access OKX, here are the top alternatives to consider based on our annual crypto exchange review:
FAQ
Why Is OKX Restricted in Some Places?
OKX is unavailable in over 20 regions because it must comply with local laws and regulations. Each country has unique requirements for cryptocurrency exchanges, and meeting these standards involves significant resources. As a result, OKX restricts access in regions where it doesn't meet the regulatory guidelines.
Does OKX Require KYC?
Yes, KYC (Know Your Customer) is mandatory for users wishing to trade on OKX. Being a highly regulated crypto exchange, you must submit documents like a passport or driver's license to verify your identity.