HTX Review: What You Need to Know Before Using This Crypto Exchange

When you hear HTX, a global cryptocurrency exchange that started as Huobi and rebranded in 2023. Also known as Huobi Global, it's one of the few exchanges still operating with significant volume across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Many traders wonder if HTX is safe, cheap, or worth switching to — especially after the collapse of platforms like JPEX and the regulatory crackdowns in places like South Korea and Hong Kong. The truth? HTX isn’t perfect, but it’s not a scam either. It’s a middle-ground exchange: not as user-friendly as Binance, not as restricted as Korea’s licensed platforms, but with deep liquidity and a wide range of coins.

One thing you’ll notice right away is the HTX fees, a tiered structure that rewards high-volume traders with 0.1% spot trading fees and even lower rates for HTX token holders. That’s competitive, especially compared to exchanges that charge 0.2% or more. But here’s the catch: if you’re new and depositing fiat, you’ll find fewer options than on Coinbase or Kraken. HTX doesn’t support direct bank transfers in most countries. You’ll need to buy crypto first — usually via P2P or a third-party gateway — then move it over. That’s fine if you already own crypto, but a headache if you’re just starting.

Security is another big question. HTX has never been hacked at the exchange level, but it’s been caught in the crosshairs of regulators. In 2023, the U.S. Treasury added HTX to its sanctions list for allegedly facilitating transactions for Russian entities. The exchange claims it’s compliant and has since tightened KYC rules. Still, if you live in the U.S., Canada, or the UK, you’ll find HTX blocked or restricted. That’s not a red flag by itself — many exchanges pull out of high-regulation markets — but it tells you HTX isn’t built for Western retail traders. It’s built for global, institutional, and high-volume users who don’t need fiat ramps.

And what about the HTX token, the native utility token that gives discounts on trading fees and access to exclusive listings. It’s not a magic bullet, but if you trade often, holding HTX can save you real money. The token also powers staking, launchpad access, and governance votes — though voting power is weighted toward big holders. Don’t expect community-driven decisions like you’d see on DAO-based projects. HTX runs like a traditional business, not a decentralized collective.

There’s also the matter of support. HTX has 24/7 customer service, but responses can be slow unless you’re a VIP. The app works, the website is cluttered, and the educational resources? Barely there. You won’t find beginner guides on how to set up two-factor authentication or how to avoid phishing scams. That’s on you to learn elsewhere — like from the guides on BIP39 seed phrases or liquidity pool risks that appear in our collection.

So who is HTX for? Traders who already own crypto, want low fees, and don’t mind navigating a platform built for international users. It’s not the easiest, but it’s one of the few exchanges that still lists obscure altcoins you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re chasing airdrops like XCV or DIVER, HTX might be where those tokens first appear. But if you’re looking for a simple, beginner-friendly place to buy Bitcoin with a credit card? Look elsewhere.

Below, you’ll find real user experiences, fee breakdowns, and security tips — no fluff, no hype. Just what you need to decide if HTX fits your trading style.