In today’s digital landscape, securing your online financial accounts is more important than ever. Whether you're new to cryptocurrency platforms or a seasoned user, understanding account security, identity verification, and compliance procedures ensures smooth access and peace of mind. This comprehensive guide covers essential topics such as Know Your Customer (KYC), two-factor authentication, user identification, and more—all designed to help you navigate account setup and maintenance with confidence.
Understanding Know Your Customer (KYC): What to Expect and Why It Matters
Know Your Customer (KYC) is a standard verification process used by financial institutions and crypto platforms to confirm user identities. It helps prevent fraud, money laundering, and unauthorized access. When you undergo KYC, you’ll typically be asked to provide government-issued identification (like a passport or driver’s license), a selfie for facial verification, and sometimes proof of address.
The process is straightforward:
- Log in to your account and navigate to the verification section.
- Select the type of document you’re submitting.
- Upload clear photos or scans.
- Wait for review—this usually takes minutes to a few business days.
KYC isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it enhances platform security and unlocks higher withdrawal limits and advanced trading features.
👉 Learn how identity verification keeps your assets secure and boosts your trading capabilities.
How to Find Your User ID (UID)
Your User ID (UID) is a unique identifier assigned to your account upon registration. It's often required when contacting customer support or linking accounts. To find your UID:
- Log in to your OKX account.
- Go to Account Settings or Profile.
- Look for “User ID” or “UID” displayed clearly.
Keep this number handy but never share it publicly, as it can be used in social engineering attempts.
Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) with an Authenticator App
Two-factor authentication adds a critical layer of protection beyond your password. Using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) that change every 30 seconds.
To link an authenticator app:
- Navigate to Security Settings.
- Choose Enable Authenticator App.
- Scan the QR code with your app.
- Enter the generated code to confirm.
If you ever lose access to your device, recovery codes become vital—store them securely offline.
Creating Passkeys for Seamless and Secure Login
Passkeys are a modern alternative to passwords, using biometric data (like fingerprints or facial recognition) and device-based authentication. They eliminate the risk of phishing and password reuse.
You can create passkeys via:
- Mobile App: Go to Security Settings > Passkeys > Create New Passkey.
- Web Browser: On supported browsers (Chrome, Safari, etc.), select “Create Passkey” during login setup.
Passkeys sync across your trusted devices via cloud services (e.g., iCloud, Google Password Manager), offering both convenience and high security.
Proof of Address (POA): How and When to Submit
During KYC or account updates, you may need to submit Proof of Address (POA). Acceptable documents include:
- Utility bills (electricity, water, internet)
- Bank statements
- Government-issued letters
Ensure the document:
- Is recent (issued within the last 3–6 months)
- Shows your full name and current address
- Is legible and unaltered
Upload through the verification portal under the POA section.
Source of Funds (SoF) and Source of Wealth (SoW): Explained
Source of Funds (SoF) refers to where the money deposited into your account originated—such as salary, investment returns, or business income.
Source of Wealth (SoW) explains how you accumulated your overall net worth over time.
These checks are part of anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. You may be asked to provide:
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Investment summaries
- Business ownership documents
Providing accurate information speeds up verification and maintains compliance.
👉 Discover how verifying your financial history strengthens platform trust and protects your funds.
Changing Your Country of Residence: What You Need to Do
If you move to a new country, update your residential information promptly. This affects tax reporting, service availability, and regulatory compliance.
Steps:
- Go to Account Settings > Personal Information.
- Update your country and address.
- Re-submit KYC documents if required.
- Await verification.
Note: Moving to a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) may grant access to additional financial protections and services aligned with EU regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why am I being asked to confirm my personal details again?
A: Periodic re-verification ensures data accuracy and complies with evolving regulations. It also enhances security after suspicious activity or significant account changes.
Q: What is a sub-account?
A: A sub-account is a secondary account linked to your main OKX account. It allows for separate trading strategies, team access management, or portfolio segmentation while maintaining centralized fund control.
Q: Can I change my authenticator app later?
A: Yes. In Security Settings, select “Replace Authenticator App,” verify your identity, then set up the new app following the standard linking process.
Q: Is KYC mandatory?
A: While some basic functions may be available without full verification, KYC is required to unlock full trading, deposit, and withdrawal capabilities.
Q: How long does verification take?
A: Most verifications are completed within minutes. Complex cases involving manual review may take up to 2–3 business days.
Q: Are my documents safe during KYC?
A: Yes. Reputable platforms use encrypted storage and strict access controls to protect your personal information.
Final Steps for a Secure and Verified Account
Creating a secure account involves more than just setting a strong password. Combining KYC compliance, 2FA, passkeys, and regular updates ensures robust protection against evolving threats.
Whether you're registering for the first time or managing an established portfolio, staying proactive about security empowers you to trade confidently.
👉 Start building your secure digital future with advanced verification tools today.