The unified account is a groundbreaking trading system introduced by OKX, designed to streamline digital asset management and elevate the trading experience. With this innovative feature, users can seamlessly trade spot and derivatives across multiple currencies within a single account—eliminating the need to transfer funds between separate accounts. This integration not only simplifies the trading process but also enhances capital efficiency by allowing profits and losses from different trading activities to offset each other.
The unified account offers four distinct account modes: spot, spot and futures, multi-currency margin, and portfolio margin. Each mode is tailored to meet varying user needs, from beginners to advanced traders. Below is a detailed breakdown of these modes and how they empower traders with greater flexibility, control, and efficiency.
Understanding the Four Unified Account Modes
1. Spot Mode
Ideal for newcomers or those focused solely on spot trading, this mode provides access to:
- Spot trading
- Long options positions
Note: Margin trading is not available in this mode.
This mode is automatically enabled for first-time users, offering a straightforward entry point into the platform with minimal complexity. It ensures a secure environment where users can build confidence before exploring more advanced features.
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2. Spot and Futures Mode
Designed for active traders seeking broader market exposure, this mode unlocks:
- Spot trading
- Margin trading
- Perpetual swaps
- Futures contracts
- Options
Available margin methods:
- Isolated margin
- Single-currency cross margin
Key Benefit: In single-currency cross margin mode, all trading products settled in the same currency share a common margin pool. Gains and losses across these products are netted together, improving fund utilization and reducing liquidation risk.
To activate this mode, users must complete a short educational quiz to ensure they understand the associated risks and mechanics.
3. Multi-Currency Margin Mode
This advanced mode supports:
- Spot trading
- Margin trading
- Perpetual swaps
- Futures
- Options
Available margin methods:
- Isolated margin
- Multi-currency cross margin
How It Works: In multi-currency cross margin mode, users can share margin across derivative positions using multiple currencies as collateral. Profits and losses from different derivatives are aggregated and offset, increasing capital efficiency—especially beneficial for diversified portfolios.
Activation Requirements:
- Unified account equity ≥ $10,000
- Completion of required quiz
This mode is ideal for experienced traders managing complex strategies across various assets and markets.
4. Portfolio Margin Mode
The most sophisticated option, designed for professional traders, includes:
- Full access to spot, margin, perpetuals, futures, and options
- Isolated margin
- Portfolio cross margin
Unique Advantage: Portfolio cross margin allows not only cross-product P&L offsetting but also margin netting across derivative positions within the same index group. For example, long and short futures positions on BTC indices can reduce overall margin requirements through hedging effects.
Activation Requirements:
- Unified trading account equity ≥ $10,000
- Completion of required quiz
This mode maximizes capital efficiency for hedged or market-neutral strategies, making it perfect for institutional-grade trading operations.
How to Set Your Account Mode
Users can select their preferred account mode by navigating to Settings > Account Mode.
Important Notes:
- If you have open orders or active positions, you must close them before switching modes.
- If the desired mode isn’t activated (e.g., multi-currency or portfolio margin), you’ll need to meet eligibility criteria and complete the necessary steps (such as passing a knowledge quiz).
For users with sub-accounts:
- Each sub-account can have its mode set independently after logging in directly.
- Primary account holders can manage sub-account settings via the Sub-Account Management page.
- All account types (main and sub-accounts) support the same range of available modes.
- Different sub-accounts can operate under different modes based on individual strategy needs.
This flexibility enables teams, fund managers, or high-volume traders to customize access and risk parameters across multiple accounts efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the main benefits of using a unified account?
A: The unified account eliminates the need to transfer funds between spot and derivatives accounts. It improves capital efficiency by allowing P&L offsetting across products and supports flexible margin usage depending on your selected mode.
Q2: Can I switch between account modes anytime?
A: Yes, but only when all open orders are canceled and positions are closed. You cannot change modes mid-trade.
Q3: Do I need $10,000 to use any unified account feature?
A: No. Only the multi-currency margin and portfolio margin modes require an equity balance of at least $10,000. The basic spot and spot and futures modes are accessible to all users.
Q4: Is portfolio margin suitable for beginners?
A: Not recommended. Portfolio margin is designed for experienced traders who employ hedging strategies and understand complex risk interactions between correlated instruments.
Q5: Can sub-accounts use different trading modes?
A: Yes. Sub-accounts can be configured independently, allowing customized setups for different trading strategies or team roles.
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Why the Unified Account Matters in Modern Trading
In today’s fast-moving crypto markets, agility and efficiency are critical. Traditional siloed accounts force traders to juggle balances, anticipate margin needs, and manually transfer funds—wasting time and increasing operational risk.
The unified account solves these pain points by integrating all major trading functions under one roof. Whether you're executing simple spot trades or running complex hedged derivatives strategies, the system adapts to your workflow—not the other way around.
Moreover, the ability to net gains and losses across product types reduces volatility in equity fluctuations and lowers overall margin requirements. This means more efficient use of your capital and less risk of unnecessary liquidations due to isolated position movements.
For professional traders and institutions, portfolio margin mode represents a significant leap forward in risk-adjusted returns. By recognizing offsetting exposures across related instruments (like BTC perpetuals and BTC options), the system rewards prudent risk management with reduced capital burdens.
Final Thoughts
OKX’s unified account isn’t just a new feature—it’s a rethinking of how digital asset trading should work. With its tiered mode structure, it caters to everyone from casual investors to hedge fund operators. The seamless integration of spot and derivatives, combined with intelligent margin systems, sets a new standard in exchange design.
As crypto markets mature, tools like the unified account will become essential for anyone serious about optimizing performance, minimizing friction, and maximizing returns.
👉 Start using the unified account today and experience smarter trading.