If you want to separate funds for different purposes without managing multiple accounts, sub-accounts might be the solution. This guide explores sub-accounts in cryptocurrency trading, covering their benefits, limitations, and setup processes for exchanges like Binance and OKX.
Understanding Sub-Accounts
A sub-account is a secondary account under your main trading account. It allows you to:
- Manage funds independently without additional KYC verification.
- Track distinct strategies (e.g., spot trading vs. futures).
- Enhance security by isolating transaction activities.
Originally a banking feature, sub-accounts are now adapted by crypto exchanges to streamline portfolio management.
Pros and Cons of Sub-Accounts
✅ Advantages
- Fee-free transfers: Move funds between main/sub-accounts instantly.
- Shared trading volume: Combined activity boosts VIP tiers.
- Strategy isolation: Test approaches without crossover risks.
- Dedicated deposit addresses (e.g., OKX).
❌ Limitations
- Single promotional eligibility: Exclusively tied to the main account.
- Security risks: Compromised main account exposes all sub-accounts.
How to Use Sub-Accounts Effectively
For Security
- Daily trading via sub-accounts: Log in only to sub-accounts; access the main account sparingly from secure devices.
For Strategy Testing
- Assign each strategy to a sub-account: Compare performance via individual balances.
Exchanges Offering Sub-Accounts
| Exchange | Creation Method | Access Options | Max Sub-Accounts |
|------------|-----------------|----------------------|------------------|
| Binance | Email or API | Direct login/API | 5–200* |
| OKX | Email | Direct login/Switch | 5–55* |
| BingX | Email | Direct login/Switch | 20 |
| Bitfinex | Email | Account switching | 100 |
*Increases with VIP levels.
Step-by-Step: Creating Sub-Accounts
Binance
- Navigate to Profile Icon > Sub-Account > Enable.
- Choose Email (full login) or Virtual Email (API-only).
- Set a password and verify via email/SMS.
OKX
- Go to Profile > Sub-Account > Create.
- Set login credentials and permissions ("Normal Sub-Account" recommended).
- Enable Deposit for dedicated wallet addresses.
FAQ
Q: Are sub-accounts free?
A: Yes—no additional fees.
Q: When should I use them?
A: Ideal for multi-strategy tracking or enhanced security layers.
Q: Can sub-accounts join promotions?
A: No, eligibility is main-account-only.
Key Takeaways
- Sub-accounts streamline crypto management but vary by platform.
- Prioritize exchanges aligning with your strategy (e.g., Binance for API traders, OKX for independent logins).
- Always secure your main account—it’s the gateway to all sub-accounts.
For further reading: Binance Transfer Guide.