Managing digital assets efficiently is crucial for both individual traders and organizations. One powerful feature that enhances control, security, and organization in crypto trading is the sub-account system. Platforms like OKX allow users to create and manage sub-accounts under a primary account, enabling better fund allocation, team management, and risk segregation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to transfer crypto between your main account and sub-accounts, as well as how to deposit cryptocurrency using a sub-account—all while maintaining full control from the primary account.
Understanding Sub-Account Capabilities
Sub-accounts offer flexibility for various trading activities such as spot trading, spot margin trading, contract trading, and crypto deposits. However, there are important limitations:
- ✅ You can transfer funds from the main account to a sub-account
- ✅ You can deposit crypto directly into a standard sub-account
- ❌ Withdrawals are not allowed from sub-accounts
- ❌ You cannot transfer funds directly between sub-accounts
To move crypto back from a sub-account to the main account, the transfer must be initiated from the main account interface.
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Transferring Crypto from Main Account to Sub-Account
You can perform transfers via web or mobile app, depending on your preferred platform.
On Web
- Log in to your main OKX account
Navigate to the transfer section using one of these paths:
- Profile > Sub-accounts, locate the desired sub-account, and select Transfer
- Assets > Internal Transfer, then choose Main Account to Sub-Account
- Select the target Sub-Account and preferred cryptocurrency
- Adjust the From/To fields if needed
- Enter the amount and click Transfer to complete
This process ensures seamless fund distribution across teams or personal strategies without exposing private keys or withdrawal permissions.
On Mobile App
- Log in to your main account
- Tap on Assets
- Go to Transfer and select Main Account to Sub-Account
- Choose the intended sub-account and set the From/To direction
- Pick your desired asset, enter the amount, then tap Confirm
The mobile experience mirrors the desktop version, offering full functionality on the go.
Transferring Crypto from Sub-Account Back to Main Account
Since sub-accounts cannot initiate withdrawals, returning funds requires reversing the transfer path—initiated from the main account.
On Web
- Log in to your main OKX account
Access the transfer menu via:
- Profile > Sub-accounts, find your sub-account, and tap Transfer
- Or go to Assets > Internal Transfer > Main & Sub-Accounts
- Select the sub-account as the source and your preferred crypto
- Click the Switch/Transfer Type button (usually in the center) to reverse the direction:
→ From: Sub-Account
→ To: Main Account - Enter the amount and confirm with Transfer
💡 Tip: Always double-check the direction of the transfer before confirming. Reversing incorrect transfers may require support intervention.
On Mobile App
- Log in and go to Assets
- Tap Transfer, then choose Main Account & Sub-Account
- Select your desired sub-account
- Tap the Switch icon (typically on the right) to change:
→ From: Sub-Account
→ To: Main Account - Choose the asset, input the amount, and hit Confirm
This bidirectional internal transfer system allows centralized oversight while delegating operational access.
FAQ: Common Questions About Sub-Account Transfers
Q: Can I withdraw crypto directly from a sub-account?
A: No. Withdrawals are restricted to the main account only. All funds must be transferred back to the main account before initiating a withdrawal.
Q: Are there fees for transferring between main and sub-accounts?
A: No. Internal transfers between your main account and sub-accounts are completely free—no network or platform fees apply.
Q: How fast are internal transfers?
A: Transfers are instant and processed within seconds, making them ideal for reallocating funds quickly across trading strategies.
Q: Can I deposit crypto directly into a sub-account?
A: Yes—but only if it’s a standard sub-account and deposit permissions have been enabled by the main account holder.
Q: Is it possible to automate transfers to sub-accounts?
A: While automatic recurring transfers aren’t natively supported yet, you can use API keys assigned to sub-accounts to build custom automation workflows.
Depositing Crypto Using a Sub-Account
Direct deposits into sub-accounts are possible, but they must first be enabled by the main account administrator.
Step-by-Step Setup (Required Before Deposit)
- Log in to your main OKX account
- Go to Profile > Sub-accounts
- Find the target standard sub-account
- Click Actions and toggle on Deposit
🔐 Security Note: Only standard sub-accounts support deposits. Other types (e.g., API-only or read-only) do not have deposit capabilities.
Once activated, the sub-account can receive crypto deposits just like a regular wallet.
How to Deposit via Web
- Switch to your sub-account
- Go to Assets > My Assets > Sub-Account Name > Deposit
- Select your preferred cryptocurrency
- Copy the generated deposit address or scan the QR code
- Send funds from your external wallet
Alternatively, go to Profile > Sub-Accounts > [Select Sub-Account] > Deposit Info to view receiving addresses.
How to Deposit via Mobile App
- From the app menu, tap Menu > Profile & Settings > Profile > Switch Account
- Select your desired sub-account
- Navigate to Assets > Deposit
- Choose the coin and copy the address or scan the QR code
👉 Start managing team wallets with secure sub-account controls today.
Best Practices for Managing Sub-Accounts
- 🔐 Limit Permissions: Only grant necessary access—avoid giving withdrawal rights unless absolutely required.
- 📊 Track Performance: Use sub-accounts for different strategies (e.g., long-term holding vs active trading) to measure performance independently.
- 🔗 Use APIs Wisely: Assign API keys to sub-accounts for bot trading without exposing main account credentials.
- 🔄 Regular Rebalancing: Schedule periodic transfers between sub-accounts and main account to maintain optimal capital allocation.
- 🛡️ Monitor Activity: Regularly review transaction history and login logs for any unusual behavior.
Final Thoughts
Sub-accounts are more than just organizational tools—they’re essential for scaling crypto operations securely and efficiently. Whether you're managing personal portfolios, running a trading team, or building an institutional structure, mastering internal transfers and deposits gives you granular control over asset flow.
By understanding how to properly transfer funds between your main and sub-accounts—and how to enable direct crypto deposits—you can streamline workflows, reduce risk, and enhance operational clarity.
Remember: while sub-accounts offer convenience, always ensure proper access controls are in place. Centralized oversight from the main account remains key to security.
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