Trading with preferred counterparties can significantly enhance trust, streamline transactions, and improve overall efficiency on digital asset platforms. On OKX, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, users have the ability to specify merchants for peer-to-peer (P2P) trading — a feature especially valuable for frequent traders and businesses seeking consistent, reliable partners.
This comprehensive guide walks you through how to specify a merchant for trading on OKX, including setup steps, best practices, and tips to optimize your P2P experience. Whether you're new to the platform or looking to refine your trading strategy, this article covers everything you need to know.
Understanding Merchant-Specific Trading on OKX
OKX’s P2P trading system connects buyers and sellers directly, allowing users to trade fiat for crypto (and vice versa) using various payment methods. While most trades are open to all verified merchants, specifying a particular merchant lets you bypass public listings and conduct transactions only with trusted parties.
This feature is ideal for:
- Businesses maintaining long-term trading relationships
- Users prioritizing fast settlement with known sellers
- Traders avoiding high-risk or unfamiliar counterparties
By specifying a merchant, you gain more control over who you transact with, reducing friction and enhancing security.
👉 Discover how OKX empowers smarter P2P trading with advanced merchant tools.
Step-by-Step: How to Specify a Merchant on OKX
Follow these clear steps to set up merchant-specific trading on the OKX app or website.
Step 1: Log In and Access Your Account Settings
Start by logging into your OKX account via the official app or web platform. Once logged in:
- Navigate to your Profile or Account Dashboard
- Select Settings (usually represented by a gear icon)
This section houses all customizable preferences, including trading configurations.
Step 2: Locate “Trade Settings” Under P2P Options
Within the settings menu, look for a subsection labeled P2P Trading Settings or simply Trade Settings. This area controls how you interact with other merchants in the marketplace.
🔍 Tip: If you don’t see this option immediately, use the search bar in settings or ensure your account is fully verified — some features require KYC completion.
Step 3: Use the “Specify Merchant” Feature
Inside Trade Settings, find the "Specify Merchant" option. Here’s where you input details about the counterparty you want to trade with.
You can enter one of the following identifiers:
- The merchant’s username
- Their store name or public profile ID
- Verified account number (if applicable)
Ensure accuracy — even minor typos can prevent successful linking.
Once entered, click Save or Confirm to apply changes. You’ll now only be matched with that specific merchant during future trades (provided they also accept direct requests or are available).
Step 4: Customize Transaction Conditions (Optional)
To further personalize your trading experience, OKX allows you to define custom conditions:
✅ Minimum Transaction Amount
Set a floor value (e.g., $100 minimum) to avoid small, inefficient trades.
✅ Discount or Premium Rates
Offer incentives (e.g., 1% discount) or charge a premium when trading with preferred partners — useful for bulk deals.
✅ Preferred Payment Methods
Select which payment channels you accept from this merchant:
- Bank transfer
- Alipay / WeChat Pay (where supported)
- PayPal, PIX, or other regional options
These filters help ensure smooth settlements without last-minute surprises.
👉 Unlock seamless P2P trading by connecting with trusted merchants today.
Why Specify a Merchant? Key Benefits Explained
Choosing to limit trades to specific vendors isn't just about convenience — it's a strategic move with tangible advantages:
🔐 Enhanced Trust and Security
Repeating transactions with the same verified merchant reduces scam risks. You already know their response time, payment habits, and reliability.
⚡ Faster Transaction Processing
No need to wait for new matches. Direct connections often mean quicker confirmations and faster crypto releases.
📊 Predictable Trading Patterns
Establishing fixed terms (like pricing or volume) helps with financial planning and inventory management for business users.
🌐 Cross-Border Efficiency
For international traders, locking in a local-currency-friendly merchant simplifies compliance and reduces conversion fees.
Best Practices for Merchant-Specific Trading
To get the most out of this feature, follow these expert-recommended strategies:
✔️ Verify Merchant Identity First
Always double-check usernames and store profiles before saving. Scammers may create lookalike accounts.
✔️ Maintain Open Communication
Use OKX’s built-in messaging system to coordinate trade details, especially for large orders.
✔️ Monitor Performance Regularly
If a previously trusted merchant starts delaying payments or violating terms, reconsider the arrangement.
✔️ Combine With Auto-Accept Rules
Some advanced users pair specified merchants with auto-accept rules for fully automated workflows — ideal for high-frequency trading bots or resellers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I specify multiple merchants at once?
A: Currently, OKX allows specifying one primary merchant at a time. However, you can switch between different merchants by updating your settings as needed.
Q: Do both parties need to specify each other?
A: No — specifying a merchant only affects your outgoing trade requests. The other party can still choose whether to accept your offer unless they’ve restricted incoming trades as well.
Q: Is there a fee for using the “specify merchant” feature?
A: No. This is a free functionality provided by OKX to enhance user control over P2P trading.
Q: What happens if the specified merchant is offline or inactive?
A: Your trade request will remain pending until they come online and accept it. Consider having backup merchants ready for urgent transactions.
Q: Can I revert to open-market trading after specifying a merchant?
A: Yes. Simply return to Trade Settings and clear the specified merchant field. You’ll resume appearing in general order books immediately.
Q: Does this feature work on both mobile and desktop?
A: Absolutely. The "Specify Merchant" option is available across all OKX platforms — iOS, Android, and web browsers.
Optimize Your Trading Strategy With Precision Tools
The ability to specify a merchant on OKX transforms P2P trading from a reactive process into a proactive, relationship-driven activity. By leveraging this feature alongside smart condition-setting and secure communication, traders gain greater autonomy and peace of mind.
As digital asset adoption grows globally, platforms like OKX continue introducing tools that prioritize user choice, safety, and efficiency — making it easier than ever to build sustainable crypto trading operations.
👉 Take full control of your P2P trades by setting up merchant-specific preferences now.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're managing a small crypto business or simply prefer transacting with familiar names, knowing how to specify a merchant on OKX is an essential skill in today’s decentralized economy. With just a few taps in your account settings, you can create safer, faster, and more predictable trading experiences.
Stay informed, stay secure, and make every transaction count.