Starting May 15, 2025, at 15:00 (UTC+8), OKX will implement key adjustments to its option fee calculation parameters. This strategic update aims to streamline trading costs, improve user experience, and maintain competitive pricing across its derivatives offerings. The changes affect three core areas: trading fees, exercise fees, and liquidation fees—all optimized to reduce cost burdens for active traders.
These updates reflect OKX’s ongoing commitment to innovation and user-centric design in the fast-evolving digital asset derivatives market. By lowering the maximum fee caps tied to option premiums and settlement values, OKX empowers traders with greater predictability and control over their transaction costs.
👉 Discover how updated fee structures can boost your trading efficiency today.
Trading Fee Adjustment: Lower Cap for Cost Predictability
Under the revised structure, the trading fee will be calculated as:
Min(fee rate × contract multiplier × contract notional value × number of contracts, 7% × option premium × contract multiplier × contract notional value × number of contracts)
This represents a significant reduction from the previous cap of 12.5% of the option premium. For traders dealing in high-premium options, this change translates into substantial savings—especially during volatile market conditions when premiums spike.
The rationale behind this adjustment is clear: align fee structures more closely with actual trade value while preventing disproportionate charges on large or complex orders. It also encourages more frequent and strategic participation in the options market by reducing one of the primary friction points—unpredictable fees.
For example, a trader executing a large call option purchase during a market surge would previously face steep fees due to elevated premiums. With the new 7% cap, those costs are now significantly reduced, improving overall trade economics.
Exercise Fee Optimization: Reduced Burden on Exercised Options
The exercise fee—applicable only when an option is exercised—will now use the following formula:
Min(0.02% × contract multiplier × contract notional value × number of contracts, taker fee rate × contract multiplier × contract notional value × number of contracts, 7% × settlement price × contract multiplier × contract notional value × number of contracts)
Previously capped at 12.5% of the settlement price, the new 7% threshold ensures that users benefit from lower costs upon exercise, particularly in high-value scenarios.
It's important to note:
- Intraday options (those expiring on any day other than Friday) remain exempt from exercise fees.
- These fees apply only to successfully exercised contracts.
This refinement supports traders who rely on physical delivery or hedging strategies through exercise, making such actions more economically viable. Market makers and institutional participants, in particular, stand to gain from enhanced cost transparency and reduced overheads during settlement.
👉 Learn how optimized exercise fees can improve your hedging strategy performance.
Liquidation Fee Update: Fairer Costs During Volatile Markets
Liquidation events—often triggered during sharp price movements—will now incur lower fees under the updated model:
Min(taker fee tier × contract multiplier × number of contracts, 7% × mark price × contract multiplier × contract notional value × number of contracts)
This replaces the former 12.5% cap, significantly reducing potential charges during forced liquidations. Since liquidation fees are typically calculated using the mark price at the time of default, volatile markets could previously result in unexpectedly high costs.
By cutting the multiplier nearly in half, OKX mitigates financial stress during adverse market moves. This adjustment enhances risk management for leveraged positions and contributes to a more resilient trading environment.
Traders using high leverage should welcome this change as it reduces the "double penalty" effect—where price swings lead not only to position loss but also inflated fee liabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When will the new fee parameters take effect?
A: The updated rules will go live on May 15, 2025, at 15:00 (UTC+8). All option trades, exercises, and liquidations executed after this time will follow the revised formulas.
Q: Do these changes apply to all types of options on OKX?
A: Yes, the updated fee calculations apply uniformly across all listed options products on the platform, including both weekly and monthly contracts.
Q: Are there any changes to taker or maker fee rates?
A: No. This update only modifies the maximum cap used in fee calculations—it does not alter base taker or maker fee schedules. Your tiered fee level remains unchanged.
Q: Why is OKX making this change now?
A: As part of its continuous product optimization, OKX evaluates fee models regularly to ensure fairness, competitiveness, and alignment with user needs—especially amid growing institutional interest in crypto derivatives.
Q: Will intraday options still have no exercise fee?
A: Yes. The exemption remains in place for intraday options, defined as options with expiration dates falling on any day except Friday.
Q: How can I estimate my potential savings under the new model?
A: You can use OKX’s built-in fee calculator or simulate trades using historical data with both old (12.5%) and new (7%) caps to compare outcomes based on your typical trading volume and strategy.
Strategic Benefits for Traders and Institutions
This overhaul is more than a simple number change—it reflects a deeper understanding of trader behavior and market dynamics. By reducing the percentage caps across multiple fee types, OKX positions itself as a leader in cost-efficient derivatives trading.
Key advantages include:
- Greater cost predictability: Traders can better forecast expenses even during extreme volatility.
- Improved risk management: Lower liquidation fees reduce cascading losses during market shocks.
- Enhanced competitiveness: Compared to other platforms still using higher caps, OKX offers a more attractive environment for active options trading.
- Support for institutional adoption: Transparent and scalable fee models are critical for professional-grade trading infrastructure.
Moreover, these updates support broader trends in decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional finance (TradFi) convergence, where efficiency, clarity, and user empowerment are paramount.
👉 See how smarter fee structures can transform your trading outcomes—start exploring now.
Final Thoughts
OKX’s decision to revise its option fee calculation parameters underscores its focus on long-term user value rather than short-term gains. The shift from 12.5% to 7% across trading, exercise, and liquidation fees marks a meaningful step toward democratizing access to sophisticated financial instruments in the digital asset space.
Whether you're a retail trader experimenting with covered calls or an institution managing complex hedging portfolios, these changes enhance your ability to operate efficiently and confidently.
As cryptocurrency markets mature, platforms like OKX continue to raise the bar—not just in technology and liquidity, but in fairness and usability. Stay ahead of the curve by leveraging these improvements to refine your strategies and optimize performance.
Remember: small changes in fee structures can lead to big differences in net returns over time. Make sure you’re trading smart—and trading on a platform built for the future.