What’s OKB (OKB)? How can I buy it?
What is OKB?
OKB is the native utility token of the OKX ecosystem—one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume. Launched in 2019 by the OKX team (formerly OKEx), OKB underpins a broad suite of exchange and Web3 services, including trading fee discounts, access to token sales via Jumpstart (launchpad), VIP privileges, and participation in governance-like community initiatives. It also plays a role in OKX Earn products and serves as a medium of exchange within partner integrations across wallets, DeFi protocols, and merchant networks.
OKB is issued as a fixed-supply asset (historically cited at 300 million total supply) with a deflationary tilt via periodic buyback-and-burn programs conducted by OKX using portions of exchange revenue. These burns reduce circulating supply over time, designed to support long-term token scarcity and align token economics with platform growth. OKB is distinct from OKT, which is the native token of the OKX Chain (OKC); while OKT powers on-chain gas and staking, OKB primarily functions as the exchange ecosystem token with multi-chain availability.
Note: Token supply figures and mechanics may evolve via official policy updates. Always refer to OKX’s official notices and transparency pages for the latest numbers and burn records.
How does OKB work? The tech that powers it
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Token standard and interoperability:
- OKB began life as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum and has been bridged to multiple networks for liquidity and utility, including OKX’s EVM-compatible OKX Chain (OKC) and other chains via cross-chain bridges supported by OKX and partners. This multi-chain presence allows OKB to be used in DeFi protocols, liquidity pools, and custody solutions across ecosystems.
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Exchange utility and economics:
- Trading fee discounts: Holding OKB in an OKX account entitles users to tiered fee reductions on spot and derivatives markets. Higher OKB balances can unlock VIP tiers and maker/taker fee benefits.
- Jumpstart access: OKB may be used to subscribe to early-stage token sales on OKX’s launchpad, with allocations sometimes proportional to OKB holdings or staking commitments.
- Earn and savings: OKB can be allocated in flexible or fixed-term products via OKX Earn, with yields sourced from market-making, lending, or promotional pools. Terms and rates vary and carry risk.
- Buyback and burn: OKX has instituted recurring buyback programs using a portion of spot and derivatives income, then burns OKB to permanently remove it from supply. Burn events and cumulative totals are published by OKX.
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Governance and ecosystem integration:
- While OKB does not function as a fully on-chain governance token for protocol upgrades, OKX occasionally invites community input and runs promotional votes or listings campaigns where OKB may play a role.
- Ecosystem integrations include merchant payments, wallet partners, and DeFi platforms where OKB serves as collateral, a trading pair, or a rewards token. Integrations depend on chain support and liquidity depth.
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Security and custody:
- On centralized rails, OKX offers proof-of-reserves attestations and segregated account infrastructure for user funds, while OKB on-chain security derives from the underlying networks (Ethereum, OKC, etc.). Users employing self-custody should secure private keys and verify bridges and contract addresses from official OKX documentation.
What makes OKB unique?
- Exchange-aligned tokenomics with burn mechanics: OKB’s periodic buyback-and-burn process ties token deflation to exchange performance, creating a feedback loop between platform growth and token scarcity.
- Broad, pragmatic utility: Beyond fee discounts, OKB integrates with OKX Earn, Jumpstart, VIP tiers, and partner services, giving it practical, recurring uses rather than purely speculative demand.
- Multi-chain reach with a distinct relationship to OKX Chain: While OKT is the OKX Chain gas/staking token, OKB complements it on the exchange side and can bridge into DeFi environments, allowing OKB holders to access opportunities across networks.
- Large, global user base via OKX: Because OKX ranks among top exchanges by volume and product breadth (spot, futures, options, structured products, Web3 wallet), OKB benefits from distribution and liquidity that many exchange tokens lack.
OKB price history and value: A comprehensive overview
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Historical trajectory:
- Since launch in 2019, OKB has experienced multiple market cycles typical of exchange tokens: appreciation during bull markets as exchange activity intensifies, and drawdowns in bear markets.
- Key drivers have included announcements of buyback-and-burn totals, OKX’s product expansions (e.g., options, copy trading, Web3 wallet upgrades), and broader crypto market sentiment.
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Catalysts and correlations:
- Exchange revenue sensitivity: Higher trading volumes and derivatives activity can increase buyback capacity, a potential tailwind for OKB.
- Utility expansion: New fee tiers, Earn offerings, or Jumpstart events can spur demand to hold OKB within accounts.
- Competitive landscape: Movements in other exchange tokens (BNB, GT, HT, CRO) can create relative-value narratives affecting OKB.
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Risk factors:
- Regulatory environment: Exchange tokens can be affected by evolving regulations across jurisdictions.
- Centralized dependency: OKB’s value proposition is closely tied to OKX’s performance, governance, and security practices.
- Liquidity and bridge risks: Cross-chain versions introduce smart contract and bridge risks; use official channels and audited bridges.
Note: For up-to-date price charts, market cap, and burn totals, consult reputable aggregators and OKX’s official transparency pages. Historical performance is not indicative of future results.
Is now a good time to invest in OKB?
This depends on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and view on OKX’s growth prospects:
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Bullish considerations:
- OKX’s market position, product velocity, and derivatives depth can support sustained platform revenue, reinforcing buyback-and-burn mechanisms.
- Continued integration of OKB across Earn, Jumpstart, and partner DeFi protocols can broaden utility and stickiness.
- If you actively use OKX, holding OKB to optimize fee tiers and access launchpad allocations can generate tangible, “utility-based” returns.
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Cautionary considerations:
- Centralized exchange tokens are exposed to platform-specific risks—regulatory actions, operational incidents, or market share shifts.
- Crypto market cyclicality can dominate token performance despite solid fundamentals.
- Cross-chain custody and smart contract exposures require careful operational security and reliance on official bridges and addresses.
Practical approach:
- Do a fundamentals checklist: review latest OKX proof-of-reserves, OKB burn reports, fee tier schedules, and Jumpstart pipeline.
- Position sizing: consider a small, utility-driven allocation if you’re an OKX power user; for purely investment-driven exposure, diversify across sectors.
- Risk controls: employ staggered entries (DCA), set alerts around burn announcements and major product releases, and use secure custody.
Final note: None of this is financial advice. Always verify details via OKX’s official documentation and trusted market data sources, and consult a licensed advisor if needed.
Discover the different ways to buy crypto in Australia
Create an OKX account
Get verified
Start a trade
Enter an amount
Choose your payment method
Confirm your order
All done
Get the OKX app or Wallet extension
Set up your wallet
Fund your wallet
Find your next purchase
Note:
Tokens with the same symbol can exist on multiple networks or may be forged. Always double-check the contract address and blockchain to avoid interacting with the wrong tokens.
Trade your crypto on OKX DEX
Choose the token you’re paying with (e.g., USDT, ETH, or BNB), enter your desired trading amount, and adjust slippage if needed. Then, confirm and authorize the transaction in your OKX Wallet.
Limit order (optional):
If you’d prefer to set a specific price for your crypto, you can place a limit order in Swap mode.
Enter the limit price and trading amount, then place your order.
Receive your crypto
All done

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