How to Use MEXC for Beginners — Complete 2026 Guide

TL;DR

MEXC is one of the best exchanges for altcoin traders with 2,000+ trading pairs and 0% spot maker fees. This guide covers everything from account creation to your first trade.

Start here: Register on MEXC with code CR9FtKud3mVtW for up to 8,000 USDT welcome bonus.

Why Choose MEXC?

Before the setup guide, here's why MEXC stands out:

2,000+ trading pairs — more altcoins than any other top-10 exchange
0% maker fee on spot trading — essentially free for limit order traders
Fast new listings — MEXC lists new tokens weeks before Binance
Up to 200x leverage on futures (for experienced traders)
Up to 8,000 USDT welcome bonus with referral code CR9FtKud3mVtW

Step 1: Create Your MEXC Account

Go to promote.mexc.com/r/CR9FtKud3mVtW
Click Sign Up
Enter your email and create a password
Verify the referral code CR9FtKud3mVtW is in the invitation field
Complete the puzzle CAPTCHA
Enter the 6-digit verification code sent to your email
Account created

Step 2: Enable 2FA Security

Go to Security Centre (top right menu → Security)
Click Enable next to Google Authenticator
Download Google Authenticator on your phone
Scan the QR code on MEXC
Enter the 6-digit code to verify and save your backup codes

Step 3: Complete KYC

Go to top right → KYC Verification
Select your country and ID type
Upload front and back of your ID
Complete the facial recognition step
Submit — approval usually takes minutes

Note: Basic KYC (Level 1) allows most trading features. Level 2 increases withdrawal limits.

Step 4: Deposit to MEXC

Crypto deposit (recommended for existing crypto holders):

Go to Assets → Deposit
Search for USDT
Select network: TRC-20 for cheapest transfers
Copy the deposit address
Send USDT from Binance or any other wallet

Credit/Debit Card:

Go to Buy Crypto → Quick Buy
Select your fiat currency and amount
Select BTC or USDT as the target
Enter card details and confirm

Step 5: Trade on MEXC

Spot Trading (Buy/Sell):

Go to Spot in the top menu
Search for your trading pair (e.g., BTC/USDT or any altcoin)
Select order type:
- Limit order — set a specific price (0% maker fee)
- Market order — execute immediately (0.20% fee)
Enter amount
Click Buy or Sell

Pro tip: Always use Limit orders on MEXC. With 0% maker fee, you trade for free.

Step 6: Claim Your Welcome Bonus

Go to Activity → Rewards Hub
View your active bonus tasks (typically: complete KYC, make first deposit, first trade)
Complete each task to unlock bonus rewards
Bonuses are credited as USDT or futures trial funds

MEXC Futures Trading

For experienced traders only:

Go to Futures in the top menu
Transfer USDT from Spot to Futures wallet
Select a perpetual contract (e.g., BTC/USDT)
Set leverage (max 200x, recommend starting at 3–5x)
Place your order with a stop loss

MEXC MX Token

MEXC's native token (MX) provides:

Trading fee discounts
Early access to new token launches (MEXC Kickstarter)
Staking rewards

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MEXC safe? MEXC has operated since 2018 with no major security breach. They publish proof-of-reserves and support cold storage for user funds. Standard caution applies — don't leave large amounts on any exchange long-term.

Does MEXC work in Hong Kong? Yes. Complete KYC with your HKID or passport.