Pionex Exchange Guide: Your Complete Walkthrough for Hong Kong Users

If you're in Hong Kong and wondering which crypto exchange still works for you, you're not alone. Bybit exited Hong Kong, OKX withdrew its license application, Huobi left too, and Gate.io followed suit. With all these major platforms pulling out, Hong Kong traders need a reliable alternative that doesn't require jumping through hoops.

That's where Pionex comes in. It's become one of the most practical options for Hong Kong users who want to trade both spot and futures without dealing with VPNs or geographical restrictions. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about using this platform.

Why Pionex Works for Hong Kong Traders

Before we dive into the setup process, here's what makes Pionex different from the exchanges that left Hong Kong:

No IP restrictions. You can access Pionex's website and mobile app directly from Hong Kong without any VPN. Just open it and start trading.

Hong Kong KYC accepted. The platform verifies Hong Kong identification documents without issues. Your local ID works just fine.

Full futures trading access. You can open both long and short positions on futures contracts. No artificial limitations on what Hong Kong users can trade.

If you're tired of workarounds and want straightforward access to crypto trading, 👉 check out Pionex's streamlined platform designed for seamless spot and futures trading with competitive fee structures and automated trading tools.

Getting Started: Registration and Setup

The registration process is straightforward. You can sign up using either your Hong Kong mobile number (852 prefix) or your email address. Pick whichever is more convenient.

Once you've completed registration, download the app or log in through the web interface. Your first priority should be identity verification—this unlocks the full functionality of your account.

Identity Verification: KYC Levels Explained

Pionex uses a two-tier KYC system. Here's what you need to know about each level:

KYC Level 1 requires basic information: your country of residence and your real name. Make sure you fill this out accurately with your actual details. Once submitted, approval is instant. This level gives you daily deposit and withdrawal limits of $20,000 USD, which totals $100,000 per month. For most traders, this is plenty.

KYC Level 2 involves document verification and facial recognition. Click through to the verification process, where you'll need to provide an ID document—passport, driver's license, Hong Kong ID card, or residence permit all work. The system will guide you through uploading your documents and completing facial recognition.

Why bother with accurate information? If your account ever triggers security protocols (large deposits, frequent IP changes, unusual activity), Pionex may request facial verification. If your KYC details don't match your actual identity, you'll be locked out. Better to do it right from the start.

Funding Your Account

To deposit funds, click the wallet icon in the top right corner and select "Main Account." Pionex organizes funds differently than exchanges like Binance or OKX—there are just two main sections: your main account (for spot trading, earning products, and transfers) and your futures account (exclusively for futures trading).

From the main account, select "Deposit" and choose USDT as your deposit currency. Pick your network—TRC20 on the Tron network is usually the cheapest option for USDT transfers. Copy the deposit address and send your funds from your external wallet. Wait for the blockchain confirmation, and your funds will appear in your main account.

Essential Security Settings

Don't skip this step. Navigate to account security settings by clicking your profile icon and selecting "Account Security."

Google Authenticator is essential. Download the Google Authenticator app if you don't have it already, then scan the QR code or enter the secret key manually. This adds a crucial second layer of security to your account. Every login and withdrawal will require both your password and a rotating code from the authenticator app.

Anti-phishing codes are also worth setting up. Once configured, every legitimate email from Pionex will include your custom anti-phishing code. This helps you spot fake emails pretending to be from the exchange.

Understanding Fee Structure

Pionex's fee structure is competitive compared to other exchanges. For spot trading, both maker and taker fees are 0.05% (that's five basis points). Futures fees are slightly different: maker fees are 0.02% and taker fees are 0.05%. These rates are reasonable for the services provided.

Trading Futures on Pionex

To trade futures, you first need to transfer funds from your main account to your futures account. Go to your wallet, select "Main Account," and click "Asset Transfer." Choose USDT, select the amount (or click "All" to transfer everything), and confirm the transfer from main account to futures account.

Once funds appear in your futures account, navigate to the contracts section. Pionex is famous for its trading bots—grid trading bots, signal bots, and full-position contract grid bots—but you can also trade futures manually if you prefer direct control.

Setting Up a Futures Position

When you open the futures trading interface, you'll see several configuration options:

Cross margin vs. isolated margin. Cross margin uses your entire account balance as collateral, while isolated margin limits risk to the funds allocated to that specific position. For beginners, isolated margin is safer.

Leverage adjustment. You can adjust leverage, but keeping it under 5x is wise. High leverage multiplies both gains and losses—most traders lose money with excessive leverage.

Single-asset vs. multi-asset margin. Single-asset mode uses only the currency you're trading as collateral (like USDT for BTC/USDT). Multi-asset mode allows multiple currencies as collateral. Stick with single-asset if you're new to futures trading.

For those exploring different trading strategies, 👉 Pionex offers advanced features including automated trading bots and customizable risk management tools that can help both beginners and experienced traders optimize their approach.

To open a long position, select "Market" order type, adjust the quantity you want to trade (you can drag the slider to use your full available balance), and click "Buy/Long." The position opens immediately at the current market price.

Managing Your Positions

After your position opens, you'll see it in the "Positions" tab. Here you can set take-profit and stop-loss orders. Click on your position to access these options.

Take-profit orders automatically close your position when price reaches your target. For example, you might set it to close when price rises 20%.

Stop-loss orders limit your losses by closing the position if price moves against you. Setting a stop-loss at 2-4% below your entry protects you from catastrophic losses.

You can close positions entirely ("Close All") or in batches ("Partial Close"). If you need to cancel pending orders, use the "Batch Cancel" option.

Customizing Your Interface

Adjust Pionex to your preferences through the settings menu (top right corner). Change the currency display to USD if you prefer dollar values. Switch the color scheme—many traders prefer green for price increases and red for decreases. Enable the markets page if you want quick access to different trading pairs.

Withdrawing Your Funds

When you're ready to withdraw, make sure your funds are in your main account. If they're in your futures account, transfer them back first through "Asset Transfer."

From the main account, find the asset you want to withdraw (like USDT) and click "Withdraw." Select your withdrawal network—TRC20 is generally cheapest for USDT with about 1 USDT in fees. Paste your destination wallet address carefully, double-check everything, and submit the withdrawal.

After confirming through your email and Google Authenticator, the withdrawal processes. Most withdrawals complete within minutes on fast networks like Tron's TRC20.

Final Thoughts on Using Pionex

Pionex fills an important gap for Hong Kong traders after major exchanges withdrew from the region. The platform provides straightforward access to spot and futures trading without VPN requirements, accepts Hong Kong KYC documents, and maintains reasonable fees.

The interface takes a bit of getting used to if you're coming from other exchanges, particularly the separation between main and futures accounts. But once you understand the structure, everything flows logically.

Whether you're trading spot or futures, start small while you learn the platform. Test deposits and withdrawals with small amounts first. Get comfortable with the interface before committing significant funds. And remember: leverage amplifies risk—keep it conservative, especially when you're starting out.