Managing digital assets efficiently is crucial for traders and investors, especially when handling multiple strategies or teams. One powerful feature offered by leading platforms like OKX is the sub-account system, which enables users to delegate access, separate funds, and streamline operations—all while maintaining control at the primary account level. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to transfer crypto between main and sub-accounts and how to deposit directly into a sub-account, ensuring you maximize security and functionality.
Whether you're using the web interface or mobile app, the process is intuitive and secure. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions, best practices, and key limitations you should know.
Understanding Sub-Account Capabilities
Before initiating any transfers or deposits, it's important to understand what sub-accounts can do:
- ✅ Trading: Sub-accounts support spot trading, margin trading, and futures contracts.
- ✅ Deposits: Only standard sub-accounts can receive direct crypto deposits—but only if enabled by the main account.
- ❌ Withdrawals: Sub-accounts cannot withdraw funds directly. All withdrawals must be processed through the main account after transferring funds back.
- 🔁 Transfers: You can move crypto from main to sub-account or from sub-account back to main, but always initiated from the main account interface.
This structure ensures centralized control over fund security while allowing decentralized operational flexibility.
👉 Discover how easy it is to manage multiple trading strategies with sub-accounts.
How to Transfer Crypto From Main Account to Sub-Account
You can transfer crypto from your main OKX account to any of your sub-accounts via web or mobile app. Here’s how:
On Web Platform
- Log in to your main OKX account.
Navigate to the sub-account management page using one of these paths:
- Go to Profile > Sub-accounts, locate the desired sub-account, and click Transfer
- Or go to Assets > Sub-accounts > Transfer
- Select the target Sub-Account and choose the crypto asset you wish to transfer.
- Confirm the transfer direction: From: Main Account → To: Sub-Account
- Enter the amount, then click Transfer to complete.
💡 Tip: Always double-check the asset type and amount before confirming, as transfers are irreversible once processed.
On Mobile App
- Open the OKX app and log in to your main account.
- Tap on Assets at the bottom menu.
- Select Transfer, then choose Main Account and Sub-Accounts.
- Pick the target Sub-Account, ensure the direction is set correctly (Main → Sub).
- Choose your preferred crypto asset, enter the amount, and tap Confirm.
The transfer will be processed instantly, with funds appearing in the sub-account balance shortly after.
How to Transfer Crypto Back From Sub-Account to Main Account
To retrieve funds from a sub-account, you must initiate the transfer from the main account dashboard, just like outward transfers.
On Web
- Log in to your main OKX account.
Access the transfer interface via:
- Profile > Sub-accounts > Transfer, or
- Assets > Sub-accounts > Transfer
- Select your sub-account and the asset you want to move.
- Click the Switch button (usually located in the middle of the From/To fields) to reverse the direction:
→ Now it reads: From: Sub-Account → To: Main Account - Enter the transfer amount, then click Transfer to finalize.
🔁 Note: The “Switch” function reverses the flow—this is essential for pulling funds back.
On Mobile App
- Log in to your main account.
- Go to Assets > Transfer > Main Account and Sub-Accounts
- Select your sub-account.
- Tap the Switch icon (typically on the right side) to change direction to Sub → Main
- Choose asset, enter amount, and tap Confirm
Once confirmed, funds will return to your main wallet and become available for withdrawal or further use.
👉 Learn how professionals use sub-accounts to optimize fund allocation and risk management.
How to Deposit Crypto Directly Into a Sub-Account
Direct deposits into sub-accounts are supported—but only for standard sub-accounts, and only after being explicitly enabled by the main account holder.
Step 1: Enable Deposit Function (via Main Account)
- Log in to your main OKX account on the web.
- Go to Profile > Sub-accounts
- Find the specific standard sub-account you want to enable.
- Click Actions, then toggle on Deposit permission.
✅ Only standard sub-accounts are eligible—trading sub-accounts cannot receive deposits.
Step 2: Generate Deposit Address from Sub-Account
After enabling deposits:
On Web:
- Switch to your sub-account (via Profile > Switch Account)
- Go to Assets > My Assets > Deposit
- Select your preferred cryptocurrency
- Copy the generated deposit address or scan the QR code
On Mobile App:
- Tap Menu > Profile & Settings > Profile > Switch Account
- Select your sub-account
- Go to Assets > Deposit
- Choose the crypto and network, then view your unique deposit address
You can now share this address with senders or use it for external wallet transfers.
⚠️ Always verify the network (e.g., ERC-20, TRC-20, BEP-20) matches both sending and receiving sides to avoid loss of funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I withdraw crypto directly from a sub-account?
No. Withdrawals are not permitted from sub-accounts for security reasons. You must first transfer funds back to the main account, then initiate withdrawal from there.
Are there fees for transferring between main and sub-accounts?
No. Internal transfers between your main account and sub-accounts are free of charge and processed instantly.
Can I deposit fiat currency into a sub-account?
No. Only cryptocurrency deposits are supported for sub-accounts. Fiat onboarding must occur through the main account.
Is there a limit on how much I can transfer to a sub-account?
There is no fixed limit imposed by OKX, but large transfers may trigger internal risk checks depending on activity patterns and verification levels.
Can I disable deposit access after enabling it?
Yes. The main account holder can revisit Profile > Sub-accounts > Actions > Deposit and toggle off deposit permissions at any time.
Do sub-accounts have separate API keys?
Yes. Each sub-account can generate its own API keys, allowing for automated trading or portfolio tracking without exposing main account credentials.
With full control over permissions, seamless internal transfers, and direct deposit capabilities, sub-accounts offer an advanced way to organize trading activities—ideal for teams, family offices, or multi-strategy traders.
👉 Start using sub-accounts today and take your crypto management to the next level.
By leveraging these tools wisely, you enhance both operational efficiency and asset security across all your digital investment channels.