The cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and one of the latest milestones comes from OKX, a leading global digital asset exchange. As of July 11, 2023, OKX has officially launched support for Ethereum (ETH) deposits and withdrawals on the StarkNet network — marking a significant step forward in enhancing user access to scalable, low-cost Layer 2 solutions.
This upgrade allows users to seamlessly transfer ETH between the Ethereum mainnet and StarkNet, leveraging the power of zero-knowledge rollup (ZK-Rollup) technology to reduce congestion and transaction fees while maintaining Ethereum’s robust security model.
👉 Discover how fast and efficient blockchain transfers can be with next-gen network support.
What Is StarkNet?
StarkNet is a permissionless Layer 2 scaling solution built on ZK-Rollup technology, designed to scale Ethereum without compromising its decentralization or security. By batching multiple transactions off-chain and submitting cryptographic proofs to the Ethereum mainnet, StarkNet drastically reduces gas costs and increases throughput.
Developers can deploy composable smart contracts on StarkNet, enabling decentralized applications (dApps) to interact efficiently while inheriting Ethereum’s trust assumptions. This makes StarkNet an attractive platform for DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and other Web3 use cases that demand high performance at lower costs.
With OKX now supporting ETH on StarkNet, traders and investors gain direct access to this innovative ecosystem, making it easier than ever to engage with emerging projects built on the network.
Why OKX’s Support Matters
Integrating StarkNet into its infrastructure reflects OKX’s ongoing commitment to expanding multi-chain support and improving user experience across Layer 2 networks. Here’s why this development is important:
- Lower Transaction Fees: Users can deposit and withdraw ETH via StarkNet at significantly reduced gas costs compared to mainnet transactions.
- Faster Settlements: ZK-Rollups enable near-instant finality once proofs are verified on Ethereum.
- Ecosystem Growth: Easier access encourages more users to explore dApps within the StarkNet ecosystem.
- Future-Ready Infrastructure: Supporting cutting-edge scaling solutions positions OKX as a forward-thinking exchange aligned with long-term blockchain innovation.
The ETH_Starknet deposit functionality became available on July 11 at 4:00 PM HKT, with withdrawal support going live the following day at the same time.
Understanding ZK-Rollups and Their Role in Scaling Ethereum
Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) are cryptographic tools that allow one party to prove the validity of a statement without revealing any additional information. In blockchain, ZK-Rollups use these proofs to validate batches of off-chain transactions before anchoring them to the main chain.
Compared to other scaling methods like optimistic rollups, ZK-Rollups offer:
- Stronger security guarantees, since fraud cannot be introduced even during challenge periods.
- Shorter withdrawal times, eliminating the need for lengthy dispute windows.
- Greater data efficiency, reducing the load on Ethereum’s base layer.
StarkNet leverages StarkEx and Cairo, its proprietary language for writing ZK-friendly smart contracts, giving developers powerful tools to build scalable applications.
As Ethereum continues its journey toward full scalability, Layer 2 solutions like StarkNet play a crucial role in making decentralized technologies accessible to mainstream users.
How to Use ETH on StarkNet via OKX: A Quick Guide
Using the new StarkNet integration is straightforward:
- Log in to your OKX account.
- Navigate to Wallet > Deposit/Withdrawal.
- Select Ethereum (ETH) as the asset.
- Choose StarkNet as the network option.
- For deposits: Copy the provided StarkNet address and send ETH from your external wallet.
- For withdrawals: Enter your recipient StarkNet address and confirm the transaction.
Always double-check that you're using compatible wallets (such as Argent X or Braavos) when interacting with StarkNet addresses to avoid fund loss.
⚠️ Important: Never send ETH via a non-StarkNet network (e.g., ERC-20) to a StarkNet deposit address — doing so may result in irreversible loss of funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between ETH on Ethereum and ETH on StarkNet?
A: ETH on StarkNet represents a tokenized version bridged from Ethereum’s mainnet. It operates under ZK-Rollup rules, offering faster transactions and lower fees while maintaining parity in value with native ETH.
Q: Are there any fees for depositing or withdrawing ETH via StarkNet on OKX?
A: OKX does not charge extra fees beyond standard network costs. However, minimal gas fees apply when processing transactions on StarkNet itself.
Q: Can I trade ETH_StarkNet directly against other cryptocurrencies on OKX?
A: Currently, OKX supports deposits and withdrawals only. Trading pairs involving ETH_StarkNet may be introduced in future updates.
Q: Is StarkNet fully decentralized?
A: While StarkNet aims for full decentralization, certain components like sequencers are still partially centralized but moving toward permissionless operation over time.
Q: Which wallets support StarkNet?
A: Popular options include Argent X (browser extension) and Braavos Wallet — both designed specifically for StarkNet interactions.
The Bigger Picture: The Rise of Layer 2 Ecosystems
As Ethereum adoption grows, so does the demand for scalable infrastructure. Layer 2 networks like StarkNet, Arbitrum, Optimism, and zkSync are addressing this need by offering high-performance environments where users can transact affordably and developers can innovate freely.
OKX’s support for StarkNet aligns with broader industry trends toward multi-chain interoperability and user-centric design. It empowers traders to move assets efficiently across ecosystems, participate in emerging DeFi protocols, and take advantage of next-generation blockchain capabilities.
Looking ahead, expect more exchanges and services to integrate ZK-based rollups as they become central to Ethereum's scaling roadmap.
👉 Stay ahead of the curve by exploring exchanges that support advanced Layer 2 networks today.
Final Thoughts
The addition of ETH deposits and withdrawals on StarkNet enhances OKX’s position as a technologically advanced exchange committed to driving blockchain adoption. For users, it means greater flexibility, lower costs, and easier access to one of the most promising ZK-Rollup platforms in Web3.
Whether you're a developer building on StarkNet or an investor exploring new frontiers in decentralized finance, this integration opens doors to faster, smarter, and more efficient blockchain interactions.
As the crypto landscape evolves, staying informed and leveraging platforms with robust multi-network support will be key to maximizing opportunities in the digital asset space.