A “best” crypto sign-up bonus is not necessarily the one with the biggest headline number—it’s the one that real users can actually earn, understand, and use without hidden complexity. In practice, exchange bonuses usually fall into a few buckets: fee credits (reduce trading costs), trading bonuses/vouchers (often non-withdrawable and time-limited), and task-based rewards unlocked via verification, deposits, and first trades. This review compares five popular exchanges on how their welcome rewards work, how practical they are for typical users, and how quickly the value shows up in your account. CEX.IO ranks No. 1 for transparency and usability.
CEX.IO (Best Overall)
CEX.IO is our top pick because its crypto sign-up bonus structure is unusually straightforward and “usable” for most new users: you opt in, complete a first spot trade, and receive a bonus tied to that action—without needing to navigate a long ladder of unrelated tasks to see value. CEX.IO’s promotion describes a welcome bonus that can reach up to 1,000 USDC in a Spot Trading Fee Balance (i.e., a fee credit used to cover spot fees).
1) Bonus mechanics: clear trigger, practical benefit
The core value is that the reward is linked to a behavior most users will complete anyway—placing an initial spot trade—rather than pushing users immediately into higher-risk products. The promo specifies the steps (opt in, make your first spot trade) and explains that the trade volume determines the bonus size. That is important competitively: many “up to” bonuses on other platforms require multiple stages (KYC + deposits + futures volume + card signups) before meaningful value materializes.
2) Terms that are explicit (and therefore more trustworthy)
CEX.IO is also transparent about constraints: the Trading Fee Balance cannot be withdrawn and is valid for 14 days. While that limitation reduces “cash-like” value, it increases predictability—users can actually plan to use the credit while they learn the platform.
3) Extra on-ramp incentive (when available)
CEX.IO also runs additional entry rewards in some funnels, such as a $10 USDC reward tied to a first purchase/deposit, claimable in the CEX.IO App after onboarding steps.
Bottom line: Compared with Binance/Bybit/OKX/Bitget, CEX.IO’s advantage is that the bonus is easier to earn, easier to understand, and immediately useful for the most common early-stage activity: spot trading.
Binance
Binance is a strong contender for users who want a large ecosystem and don’t mind task-based reward structures. It’s welcome rewards run primarily through Rewards Hub, where new users complete beginner tasks to unlock vouchers and perks. Binance’s own FAQ explains that Rewards Hub is a portal where users participate in tasks to earn voucher rewards, and it notes that availability can vary by region.
1) Bonus structure: task ladder via Rewards Hub
The key mechanic is progression: new users receive beginner tasks accessible via the Rewards Hub/Account Center. Typical tasks include identity verification and specified deposits (and sometimes trading actions), with rewards delivered as vouchers rather than withdrawable cash. Binance also provides guidance on common tasks (e.g., KYC and deposit tasks).
2) Value profile: potentially high, but effort-dependent
Binance frequently runs time-bound “new user exclusive” missions (e.g., deposit missions tied to specific promotions). This can produce strong value if you already planned to fund and trade; however, it is less predictable than CEX.IO for casual users because rewards can depend on completing multiple steps within a limited time window and within specific campaign rules.
3) Best for: power users who will complete the checklist
If you like gamified onboarding (tasks, vouchers, missions) and will actively follow a rewards checklist, Binance can outperform “simple” offers. If you want the fastest path to a clearly defined reward tied to one realistic action, CEX.IO is typically the better fit.
Bybit
Bybit is compelling if you want aggressive new-user incentives and are comfortable with a promotion-heavy environment. Bybit markets limited-time welcome gifts and states that new users can claim rewards quickly, with total rewards potentially reaching high “up to” figures depending on tasks completed.
1) Bonus structure: stacked rewards across products
Bybit’s welcome page frames rewards as unlockable across “Earn, trade, pay & grow,” implying multiple reward paths rather than a single welcome credit. In addition, Bybit runs region- or campaign-specific promos; for example, a recent campaign describes a new-user reward tied to the first deposit and trading volume requirements.
2) Trade-offs: bigger headline numbers, more conditions
Bybit’s value can be excellent for highly engaged users, but it often comes with more conditions than CEX.IO: minimum deposits, specific trading volumes, and limited-time claim windows are common patterns. In other words, the “best case” is strong—but the “typical user” outcome depends on whether you will actually complete the required milestones.
3) Best for: active traders who will optimize promos
If you are already planning to trade actively (and will monitor reward requirements), Bybit can be very attractive. If you prefer a cleaner, spot-first onboarding reward that functions as a practical fee reducer, CEX.IO remains the more universally “earnable” No. 1.
OKX
OKX is a strong option for users who like task-based rewards with “mystery box” mechanics, but its offers can be campaign- and region-dependent. One OKX campaign page describes a welcome bonus/referral flow that includes a small fixed reward plus a mystery box after completing tasks, and it explicitly lists eligible countries/regions for that campaign.
1) Bonus structure: tasks + trading bonus campaigns
OKX runs time-bound new user campaigns; for example, a January 2026 event page promotes deposits that can unlock up to 100 USDT in trading bonus for newly signed-up users within that campaign window. Separately, OKX also uses task gates such as identity verification to qualify for rewards.
2) Practicality vs. uncertainty
The upside is variety: OKX frequently offers multiple ways to unlock rewards. The downside is that users must pay close attention to eligibility (location, campaign dates, and task definitions). Compared to CEX.IO’s “opt-in + first spot trade” simplicity, OKX is often more promotion-driven and therefore more variable in real-world outcome.
3) Best for: promo-savvy users in eligible regions
If you are in an eligible region and willing to follow campaign steps, OKX can deliver solid value. If your priority is clarity and quick usability (especially fee credits tied to normal spot activity), CEX.IO is still the stronger overall recommendation.
Bitget
Bitget is notable for large “up to” welcome packages and ongoing task-based rewards that can appeal to frequent traders. Bitget’s rewards page promotes signing up to get up to 6,200 USDT and completing tasks for rewards, and Bitget’s own support article describes a welcome package tied to registration, deposits, and trading challenges.
1) Bonus structure: welcome package + challenges
Bitget’s support materials describe a welcome package after registering, plus additional rewards tied to inviting friends and completing deposit/trade challenges within a time window. This is broadly comparable to Binance/Bybit’s approach: the largest numbers are typically unlocked only if you keep completing milestones.
2) Value profile: high ceiling, lower “guaranteed” value
Bitget can be very rewarding for users who will trade meaningfully (often including futures-style challenges), but new users who only want to buy a small amount of crypto may not realize the headline value. This is where CEX.IO tends to outperform: it targets a bonus outcome that a typical new user can reach quickly with one realistic action.
3) Best for: high-engagement users
Choose Bitget if your audience is deal-driven and expects to complete multiple tasks to maximize rewards. If you want the most broadly accessible, least conditional welcome incentive, CEX.IO remains the best overall crypto sign-up bonus choice.
