The digital asset derivatives market continues to evolve, demanding smarter risk management, lower trading costs, and improved user experience. To meet these needs, OKX has introduced key platform enhancements including tiered margin mode for delivery contracts, a fee tier trial function, and revised trading fee structures. These updates are designed to strengthen risk control, reduce forced liquidation burdens, and help traders optimize their strategies with greater flexibility and cost efficiency.
Whether you're a seasoned derivatives trader or new to contract trading, understanding these changes is essential for maximizing performance and minimizing risk. Below, we break down each update in detail.
Introducing Tiered Margin Mode for Delivery Contracts
To enhance risk management and significantly reduce loss sharing (auto-deleveraging), OKX has rolled out tiered margin mode across its delivery contract offerings. This upgrade aligns with the successful implementation previously seen in perpetual contracts, where tiered margin has contributed to zero loss-sharing events and growing insurance funds.
Key Differences: Single-Liquidation vs. Tiered Margin
Previously, OKX used a single-liquidation model, where the entire position was at risk of full liquidation once the margin threshold was breached. This often led to abrupt closures and higher loss-sharing exposure during volatile market conditions.
In contrast, tiered margin mode introduces a more granular approach:
- Positions are divided into tiers based on size.
- Liquidation occurs progressively—only the portion exceeding each tier’s margin requirement is at risk.
- This reduces the likelihood of total position loss and lowers systemic risk across the platform.
👉 Discover how tiered margin can protect your trading positions under volatility.
Benefits of Tiered Margin Mode
Greater Leverage Flexibility
Users can now access higher and more flexible leverage depending on the cryptocurrency:- BTC: 1x – 100x
- EOS, ETH, LTC, BCH: 1x – 50x
- ETC, XRP: 1x – 30x
- BSV, TRX: 1x – 20x
- Reduced Loss Sharing (Auto-Deleveraging)
By distributing risk more effectively and improving liquidation efficiency, tiered margin significantly decreases the chances of loss-sharing events. With perpetual contracts already demonstrating strong results under this model, delivery contracts are expected to follow suit. - Improved Risk Isolation
Large positions are no longer treated as monolithic entities. Instead, risk is segmented, allowing partial liquidations that preserve capital and give traders more breathing room during sharp price swings.
Transition Rules and User Eligibility
To ensure a smooth transition, especially for API traders and active users with existing strategies, OKX has implemented a phased migration plan:
- Active legacy users: Those who traded delivery contracts within 30 days prior to the rollout can choose between the old single-liquidation mode and the new tiered margin mode—provided they have no open orders or positions. This allows time to test and adapt strategies.
- New users and inactive users: All newly registered users or those inactive for over 30 days will be defaulted into tiered margin mode only.
To encourage migration, OKX may gradually increase fees or reduce maximum order sizes under the legacy model. A full phase-out of single-liquidation mode is expected by July 2025, after which only tiered margin will be supported.
Rollout Timeline
- May 20, 2025 (HKT): TRX delivery contracts launch with tiered margin only
- May 22, 2025 (HKT): BSV supports tiered margin; active users can switch modes
- Late May 2025: XRP, ETC, LTC, BCH, ETH, EOS, BTC gradually added with mode selection for active users
- By July 2025: Legacy mode phased out via increased costs and reduced limits
Fee Tier Trial Function Now Live
Trading cost efficiency is crucial for active traders. To help users qualify for lower fees faster, OKX has introduced a fee tier trial function, effective June 11, 2025 (HKT).
This feature allows eligible traders to temporarily access a higher fee tier—typically reserved for high-volume traders—without immediately meeting the full volume requirements.
How It Works
Eligibility Requirements
- Current fee tier: Level 2 or above
- KYC verification: Individual users must complete KYC Level 3; enterprise users require KYC Level 2
- Minimum asset holdings: Must meet platform-defined thresholds (subject to change)
Trial Period & Evaluation
- Once approved, the upgraded fee rate takes effect at 00:00 HKT the following day
- The trial lasts 15 days
At the end of the period:
- If your trading volume reaches 50% of the target tier’s requirement, the discount is extended another 15 days
- After extension, your final fee tier is determined based on 30-day trailing volume
- If the 50% threshold isn’t met, your fee tier is recalculated immediately based on actual volume
- Reapplication Rules
Users who fail to meet volume targets during the trial are locked out from reapplying for three months.
This trial system lowers the barrier to premium trading conditions and helps growing traders scale efficiently.
👉 See how you can qualify for lower trading fees today.
Updated Trading Fee Structure
Effective June 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM HKT, OKX has revised its trading fee schedule to support fairer market dynamics and incentivize responsible trading behavior.
While specific maker/taker rates vary by user tier and volume, the updated framework emphasizes:
- Lower base fees for mid-to-high-tier users
- Dynamic adjustments tied to 30-day trading volume
- Strategic disincentives for prolonged use of legacy systems (e.g., higher fees in single-liquidation mode)
These changes promote a healthier trading ecosystem by rewarding active participation and encouraging migration to advanced features like tiered margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is tiered margin mode?
A: Tiered margin divides large positions into segments with varying margin requirements. Instead of liquidating an entire position at once, only over-leveraged tiers are at risk—reducing total loss potential and system-wide risk.
Q: Can I still use the old single-liquidation mode?
A: Active traders who used delivery contracts within 30 days before May 2025 can temporarily choose between both modes. All other users are on tiered margin only.
Q: How does the fee tier trial work?
A: Eligible users can apply to test a higher fee tier for 15 days. If you hit 50% of the required volume during that time, the trial extends. Final tier assignment depends on your 30-day volume.
Q: Will the legacy mode be discontinued?
A: Yes. Starting July 2025, OKX will phase out single-liquidation mode through fee increases and position limit reductions until full retirement.
Q: Does tiered margin reduce loss sharing?
A: Yes. By enabling partial liquidations and improving risk distribution, tiered margin has already eliminated loss sharing in perpetual contracts—a result expected in delivery contracts too.
Q: How do I qualify for the fee tier trial?
A: You need to be at least fee tier Level 2, complete enhanced KYC (Level 3 for individuals), and meet minimum asset requirements.
The latest upgrades from OKX reflect a commitment to building a safer, more efficient trading environment. With tiered margin, fee trial access, and optimized cost structures, traders gain more control, protection, and opportunity.
👉 Start leveraging advanced trading features with OKX today.