OKX sub-accounts are auxiliary accounts created under a main account, designed for strategic fund separation, permission management, and API operations. They cannot independently withdraw funds or participate in platform promotions. All assets are ultimately managed by the main account, with permissions fully controlled by the main account holder. Sub-accounts support independent login and trading functions.
Many advanced users and professional traders on OKX utilize sub-accounts to organize assets, isolate trading strategies, and manage team roles. However, questions often arise about the distinctions between main and sub-accounts. Are sub-accounts fully independent? Can they trade and withdraw freely? What functional limits should users anticipate? This guide clarifies the relationship between main and sub-accounts, details their functional differences, and highlights important operational boundaries.
How Main Accounts and Sub-Accounts Are Structured
The main account is the primary registered account on OKX, holding the highest level of authority and full control over funds. Sub-accounts are secondary accounts created under the main account. Users can establish multiple sub-accounts for separating assets, managing independent trading strategies, or delegating team permissions. Each sub-account can operate independently in terms of funds, trading, and API usage, but the main account retains overriding control for transfers, freezes, and permissions. Think of the main account as the "headquarters" and sub-accounts as "branch offices"—operating independently but under central management.
Key Differences Between Main Accounts and Sub-Accounts
Here’s a breakdown of the core distinctions in permissions, functional control, and asset management:
Permission Controls
The main account has full platform permissions, including fund transfers, withdrawals, creation and deletion of sub-accounts, permission assignments, and API management. Sub-accounts operate solely within the scope of permissions granted by the main account. They cannot modify main account settings, access other sub-accounts, or change advanced platform configurations.
Withdrawal Limitations
Sub-accounts cannot withdraw funds directly. This is a core security feature of OKX. Even if a sub-account holds assets, funds must be transferred back to the main account before any withdrawal can occur. This prevents asset loss if a sub-account’s credentials are compromised.
Login Flexibility
Sub-accounts support independent login passwords and Google Authenticator setup. This allows team members, assistants, or traders to operate under the sub-account without interfering with others. Alternatively, the main account can restrict access to API-only, disabling web or app logins.
Independent API Management
Each sub-account can be configured with its own API keys, which is crucial for quantitative teams or strategy traders. The main account can monitor and control all sub-account API permissions.
Customizable Trading Permissions
The main account can enable or disable specific trading permissions for each sub-account, including:
- Spot trading
- Futures trading
- Margin trading
- Perpetual swaps
- Access to funding account
- API connectivity
This allows sub-accounts to focus on specific strategies and minimize operational errors.
Centralized Asset Ownership
Although sub-accounts can view and manage their allocated funds independently, all assets legally belong to the main account. The main account can freeze, transfer, or close sub-accounts at any time.
Functional Limits and Restricted Operations for Sub-Accounts
Despite their utility, sub-accounts have certain restrictions for security and risk management:
- Cannot complete identity verification independently (relies on main account’s verification)
- Cannot withdraw funds directly (must go through main account)
- Cannot participate in certain official promotions (e.g., referral programs, airdrop claims)
- Cannot modify global account security settings (e.g., funding password, phone number, email)
- Cannot view main account transaction history or lists of other sub-accounts
These limits help prevent asset loss due to operational errors or permission misuse.
Optimizing Your Sub-Account Strategy
Sub-accounts are powerful tools for users needing portfolio separation, automated trading, or collaborative workflows. To make the most of them, consider these tips:
- Define clear roles: Assign specific trading strategies or operational tasks to each sub-account.
- Monitor API usage: Regularly review API key activity and permissions to maintain security.
- Use for risk management: Isolate high-risk strategies in separate sub-accounts to protect main account assets.
For those managing multiple strategies or teams, sub-accounts provide structured control and enhanced oversight. 👉 Explore advanced account management tools to streamline your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sub-account become a main account?
No, sub-accounts are permanently linked to the main account. They cannot be converted or registered as independent accounts.
How many sub-accounts can I create under one main account?
OKX allows users to create multiple sub-accounts, though specific limits may vary. Check the latest platform guidelines for details.
Are sub-account transactions visible to the main account?
Yes, the main account can view all transactions and balances across its sub-accounts for comprehensive oversight.
Is there a fee for creating or using sub-accounts?
Typically, creating sub-accounts is free, but standard trading fees apply to their transactions. Confirm current policies on the OKX fee schedule.
Can sub-accounts use earning products like savings or staking?
Permissions for earning products depend on main account settings. Some products may be accessible if explicitly enabled for the sub-account.
How do I transfer funds between sub-accounts?
Transfers between sub-accounts must be facilitated through the main account using the internal transfer function.
Conclusion
OKX sub-accounts offer a robust framework for users seeking organized asset management, strategic trading, and team collaboration. While they function with considerable independence, sub-accounts operate under the ultimate authority of the main account, with specific limits on withdrawals and platform-wide settings. Understanding these distinctions helps users deploy sub-accounts effectively, enhancing both security and operational efficiency.