Applying to become an OKX P2P merchant has more specific requirements than many people expect. Besides identity verification and trading data, a regular verified merchant needs to freeze 10,000 USDT in their funding account as a margin. This 10,000 USDT is not just a "proof of funds" — it is actually frozen and cannot be used while you remain a merchant. The application process itself is not complicated, but the margin requirement and the video verification step are where most people get stuck.
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Check the requirements before you apply
For a regular verified merchant (the P2P Merchant Program), there are four hard requirements:
Complete C2C video verification. This is part of identity verification, not a normal KYC. It requires a real-time video call with customer support.
Order completion rate of at least 90%.
At least 20 completed orders.
Have 10,000 USDT in your funding account as merchant margin.
The order completion rate and order count are based on your past trading history on OKX P2P. If you are a new user or have very few trades, you need to complete a certain amount of C2C trades as a regular user before you can submit an application.
There is also an easily overlooked point: video verification has ID requirements. If your account was verified with a passport, you need to show both your passport and your national ID during video verification. If you do not have the original national ID, the platform currently does not support completing verification with only a passport or driver's license.
How to apply: App and Web
App: On the home page, tap C2C Buy Crypto → My → Apply to become a verified merchant, then tap Apply Now on the corresponding level card. If you do not meet the requirements, the button will appear grayed out.
Web: On the official website, click Buy Crypto → C2C Buy Crypto → More → Apply to become a verified merchant.
After submitting, you enter the review process. The platform usually completes the review within 3 calendar days, and the result is sent by SMS, email, or shown on the merchant application page. The review may include questions about platform trading rules and processes, so it is recommended to read the "OKX Verified Merchant Trading Behavior Guidelines" in advance to prepare.
Video verification: a key step after review
After you submit your application, customer support will first review your account. Only after the review is approved will you receive an invitation for video verification. This means video verification is not the first step of the application, but a step that comes after approval.
After receiving the invitation, you can join the queue from P2P Trading → Profile → Become a Super Merchant → Join Video Call. The queue is dynamic, and the page will show how many people are ahead of you. If you leave the queue midway, you will need to queue again, and the waiting time will be longer.
If you miss the video verification, you can receive another invitation and rejoin. The path is on the "Become a Super Merchant" review page.
Margin: freezing, deduction, and release
The margin is transferred into a margin account that belongs to the verified merchant. While the merchant status is active, this fund cannot be traded or transferred out.
Situations where the margin may be deducted include: being found responsible in a trade dispute but failing to fulfill obligations, violating platform rules, harming platform interests (such as using the brand to recruit students or making false claims), renting or borrowing someone else's bank card or trading account, or failing to report a frozen receiving account in time. In serious cases, the platform has the right to deduct the entire margin. After a deduction, the merchant must replenish the margin within the specified period, otherwise the permission to publish orders will be suspended.
If you decide to stop being a merchant
To remove merchant status: On the App, go to C2C Buy Crypto → My → Remove Merchant Status; on the Web, go to Buy Crypto → C2C Buy Crypto → More → Remove Merchant Status.
The condition is that there are no unresolved disputes or other negative records on your account. If you meet the requirements, the platform will approve the removal within 7 calendar days and transfer the funds from the margin account to your operable account. If there are still unresolved disputes, the margin will remain frozen until all disputes are resolved.
After removing merchant status, you cannot reapply for 30 days. If a merchant is removed for violations, reapplying with another account will be rejected, and they cannot apply again.
What you should check
Before submitting your application, check two data points on the C2C Buy Crypto → My page: whether your order completion rate and total order count meet the requirements. Confirm that your funding account has at least 10,000 USDT that can be transferred as margin. For video verification, prepare your original national ID (if your account was verified with a passport, bring both your passport and national ID).
A leading global cryptocurrency platform,suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
New user benefit: 20% off trading fees upon registration!！
References
- OKX·How to apply for OKX verified merchant, page publication or update date: not stated; checked on: 2024-06-15.
- OKX·C2C certified merchant service agreement, page publication or update date: not stated; checked on: 2024-06-15.
- OKX·New merchant video authentication guide, page publication or update date: not stated; checked on: 2024-06-15.
- Marketzones·C2C merchant FAQ, page publication or update date: not stated; checked on: 2024-06-15.
- OKX·How to apply for OKX verified merchant, page publication or update date: not stated; checked on: 2024-06-15.
- OKX·C2C merchant margin assets handling regulations, page publication or update date: not stated; checked on: 2024-06-15.
- OKX·C2C freeze and compensation rules, page publication or update date: not stated; checked on: 2024-06-15.
- Marketzones·C2C merchant FAQ, page publication or update date: not stated; checked on: 2024-06-15.
