In the fast-evolving world of digital assets, USDT (Tether) has become one of the most widely used stablecoins due to its 1:1 peg with the U.S. dollar. For users in China, navigating cryptocurrency exchanges can be challenging—especially when it comes to securely buying and selling USDT. This guide walks you through the complete process of purchasing and selling USDT on OKX, one of the most trusted and accessible platforms for Chinese-speaking users.
Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your trading strategy, this step-by-step tutorial covers everything from account registration and identity verification to secure C2C transactions and essential safety tips.
Why Use OKX for Buying and Selling USDT?
OKX stands out as a preferred choice for many Chinese users thanks to its user-friendly interface, strong security measures, and efficient C2C (peer-to-peer) trading system. Unlike unregulated third-party platforms or risky Telegram groups where scams are rampant, OKX offers a protected environment that minimizes fraud risks during transactions.
Key advantages include:
- High liquidity and fast transaction processing
- Support for multiple payment methods (e.g., Alipay, bank transfers)
- Robust merchant reputation system
- Low trading fees with optional fee discounts
👉 Discover how to start trading USDT safely today.
Step 1: Register Your OKX Account
To begin, visit the official OKX website. If you're using a referral link (often shared by trusted educators), you may qualify for a permanent 20% reduction on trading fees—a benefit that applies to both spot and futures trading.
- Click "Sign Up" and enter your email address.
- Complete email verification by entering the code sent to your inbox.
- Add your mobile number for two-factor authentication (2FA) and enhanced security.
- Select "China" as your country of residence if you plan to use a Chinese ID for KYC verification.
- Create a strong password and finalize registration.
⚠️ Important: The country you select here must match the ID document you'll use for identity verification later.
Step 2: Complete Identity Verification
Before conducting any transactions, you must complete KYC (Know Your Customer) verification:
- Go to your profile settings and select "Identity Verification."
- Upload a clear photo of your government-issued ID (e.g., Chinese ID card).
- Follow the prompts to complete facial recognition.
Once approved, you’ll gain full access to deposit, withdraw, and trade functionalities.
Step 3: Buy USDT via C2C Trading
Now that your account is set up, let’s walk through how to buy USDT using C2C trading.
Navigate to C2C Buy Page
- On the OKX homepage, click [C2C Buy].
- Choose between three options: C2C Buy, Quick Trade, or Large Orders. For maximum control and safety, we recommend C2C Buy.
Set Your Purchase Amount
- Enter the amount you wish to buy (e.g., 100 CNY).
- Avoid filtering payment methods at this stage—especially for small amounts—as doing so may lead to inflated prices.
Select a Reliable Seller
Look for sellers with:
- High transaction volume
- Completion rate above 98%
- Registration date over six months ago
For example, a seller named "Qingtian Trading", registered in March 2023, shows strong credibility with over 10,000 completed trades and a 99.5% success rate.
Click [Buy] next to their offer.
Confirm Payment Details
- Enter the amount again (e.g., 100 CNY).
- Click [0 Fee USDT Purchase].
- Review any seller-specific requirements (e.g., real-name match).
- Click [Get Payment Details] to view the seller’s Alipay account.
Copy the Alipay details and complete the transfer in your Alipay app.
After payment:
- Return to OKX and click [I Have Paid].
- Wait for the seller to confirm receipt—the USDT will then be released to your funding account.
Step 4: Transfer USDT to Your Trading Account
To use USDT for crypto trading:
- Click [Transfer].
- Move funds from Funding Account → Trading Account.
- Select USDT as the asset and enter the amount.
- Confirm the transfer.
You’re now ready to trade USDT for other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
👉 Learn advanced trading strategies with low fees on OKX.
Step 5: Sell USDT for CNY Safely
Selling USDT requires extra caution—especially when withdrawing funds to your bank account.
Move USDT Back to Funding Account
Before selling:
- Transfer USDT from Trading Account → Funding Account via the [Transfer] function.
Access C2C Sell Interface
- Return to the [C2C Buy] section.
- Switch tab to [Sell].
- Enter the amount of USDT you want to sell (e.g., 14 USDT).
Filter for Safety
When selling, prioritize security:
- Filter by Bank Card as the payment method.
- Avoid using primary accounts like salary or social security cards.
- Consider opening a dedicated bank account for crypto transactions.
- Recommended banks: Bank of China or China Merchants Bank (avoid Agricultural Bank).
How to Choose a Trustworthy Buyer
Selecting the right buyer is crucial. Focus on these three factors:
- High transaction volume
- Completion rate ≥99%
- Registration time >6 months
Check the merchant’s profile—look for long-standing users with thousands of successful trades.
Use the "Large Orders" Section for Extra Security
OKX recently introduced an upgraded "Large Orders" section, identifiable by a purple diamond icon next to select merchants (vs. blue star icons in standard C2C).
These Diamond-Rated Sellers have:
- Higher transaction volumes
- Enhanced reputation scores
- Greater reliability for large withdrawals
Advanced Safety Tip: Delayed Fund Release
For high-value sales:
- Message the buyer via chat.
- Request they hold the transferred funds in their bank account for 3–5 days before you confirm receipt.
- Ask them to provide a bank statement screenshot showing the deposit duration.
Since illicit funds are typically moved quickly ("in and out"), holding funds for several days significantly reduces the risk of receiving "dirty money" linked to fraud or money laundering.
This proactive check enhances compliance and protects your financial standing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it safe to buy USDT on OKX as a user from China?
Yes. OKX provides a secure peer-to-peer marketplace with escrow protection, dispute resolution, and verified merchant ratings—making it far safer than informal channels like Telegram or YouTube comments.
Q2: Why should I avoid Alipay for large USDT sales?
Frequent cryptocurrency-related transactions on personal Alipay accounts may trigger account restrictions or freezes due to anti-money laundering policies. Use a separate bank account instead.
Q3: Can I get lower fees on OKX?
Yes. By registering through qualified referral links, users can receive up to 20% off all trading fees permanently, including spot, futures, and margin trading.
Q4: What should I do if a buyer doesn’t send payment?
Never release USDT until payment is confirmed in your account. If there's no payment within the time limit, the system will automatically cancel the order and return your coins.
Q5: How long does identity verification take?
Most KYC verifications on OKX are completed within minutes. Ensure your documents are clear and valid to avoid delays.
Q6: Are there daily limits for C2C trading?
Yes. Trading limits depend on your verification level and transaction history. Higher-tier accounts enjoy increased limits based on trust and activity.
Final Tips for Secure Trading
- Always verify the sender’s real name matches their OKX profile.
- Double-check bank card ownership details before confirming receipt.
- Never rush confirmations—wait until funds are visibly in your account.
- Keep records of all transactions and chats for dispute purposes.
👉 Start trading USDT securely with low fees today.
By following this guide, you can confidently buy and sell USDT on OKX while minimizing risks associated with scams, frozen accounts, or legal complications. With proper precautions and smart merchant selection, digital asset trading becomes not only accessible but also secure—even for users based in China.
Remember: patience, verification, and caution are your best tools in the crypto space.