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How to Get a Crypto Exchange Bonus: Step-by-Step Guide

Most crypto exchanges give new users generous bonuses when signing up via a referral link: fee discounts of 10–45%, cash bonuses up to $30,000, cashback on spot trading and futures. But to claim everything, you need to know the right sequence of steps.

This article is a step-by-step guide from registration to bonus activation on any exchange from our catalog.

Step 1. Choose an exchange

Go to Exchanges or Promo Codes and pick a suitable exchange. Pay attention to:

  • Exchange tier — Tier 1 are the most reliable (Binance, OKX, Bybit, Coinbase, Kraken)
  • Bonus size — from 10% discount to $30,000 cash bonus
  • Available trading pairs — do you need rare altcoins or are top coins enough
  • Regional support — some exchanges don't work with RU/EU/US

For beginners we recommend Tier 1–2: Binance, OKX, Bybit, Bitget, MEXC. They have the biggest bonuses and proven reputation.

Step 2. Sign up via referral link

This is the most important step. Click «Go to exchange» in the exchange card on our site. Going through this link binds you to our referral and activates all bonuses.

If you visit the exchange site directly via Google or address bar — there will be no bonuses. Referral programs only work when going through a special link.

On the registration page enter your email and create a strong password (minimum 12 characters, uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, special characters).

Step 3. Confirm email and enable 2FA

After registration:

  1. Confirm your email — click the link from the exchange's email
  2. Immediately enable two-factor authentication (Google Authenticator or Authy) — without 2FA, many functions including withdrawals are unavailable
  3. Save the 2FA backup codes in a safe place — you'll need them if you lose your phone

Step 4. Complete KYC verification

Most exchanges require KYC (Know Your Customer) to activate full functionality. This is an international AML (Anti-Money Laundering) law requirement.

What to prepare:

  • Passport or ID card (good quality photo)
  • Selfie holding the document
  • Sometimes — proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)

Usually takes 5–30 minutes. KYC is mandatory on Tier 1 exchanges. Optional on some Tier 3, but withdrawal limits will be restricted.

Step 5. Fund your account

Minimum deposit to activate the bonus is usually $50–100. Funding methods:

  • Bank card (Visa/Mastercard) — instant, but 2-3% fee
  • P2P (Tether USDT, USDC) — fast (5-15 minutes), low fee
  • Bank transfer (SWIFT/SEPA) — 1-3 business days, low fee
  • Cryptocurrency from another wallet — depends on network (TRC-20 is fast and cheap)

The fastest way is P2P with Tether (USDT). Buy USDT from a verified seller inside the exchange — funds in your account within minutes.

Step 6. Make your first trade

Most bonuses activate after the first trade on spot or futures. Make any swap (e.g., USDT → BTC) for at least $10 equivalent.

The bonus and cashback are credited automatically within 24 hours. Sometimes you need to manually «claim» the bonus from the rewards section — check notifications.

Step 7. Claim and use the bonus

Check the «Rewards» / «Welcome Bonus» section in your exchange account. Bonuses come in types:

  • Fee discount — applies automatically for 30–180 days
  • Cash bonus — often unlocked as you trade more (e.g., $5,000 volume = $30 bonus)
  • Futures cashback — return of part of the commission daily/weekly
  • Free trading vouchers — limited time

⚠️ Important to know

  • Bonuses are tied to the referral link — always go through the «Go to exchange» button
  • If you already have an account — you cannot get the new-user bonus, register a new account with a new email
  • Fee discounts last a limited time (usually 30–180 days)
  • Cash bonuses may require minimum trading volume to unlock
  • KYC may not be available from sanctioned countries on most Tier 1 exchanges
  • Never share your API keys or seed phrase — not with «support», not with a «friend trader»

Ready to claim your bonus?

Pick an exchange from the catalog and follow the guide above. All bonuses and discounts are up to date and verified.

The main rule: a bonus is a nice plus, but not a reason to choose an unreliable exchange. First check the reputation (Tier), then the reward size.