January 18, 2024
Does Cex.io have an API?
Yes, Cex.io does have an API that provides access to real-time market data, trading operations, account balances, and more. However, an alternative to using Cex.io's public API is to use the Mesh API, which has built integrations with Cex.io, along with 300+ other digital asset exchanges and wallets. This enables developers to build products that give their users access to various cryptocurrency holdings, all without leaving their platform via the Mesh API.
About Cex.io
Cex.io, founded by Oleksandr Lutskevych in 2013, is a multi-functional cryptocurrency exchange based in London, England. The platform offers a range of services, including buying, selling, trading, holding, and earning cryptocurrencies. With a team of 11-50 employees, CEX.IO has a strong focus on safety, security, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The company has expanded its presence globally, with offices in the United States and Lithuania, catering to millions of users worldwide.
General usage
Here's a brief summary of Cex.io’s APIs:
- WebSocket (WS) API: Primarily used for accessing real-time market data and trading operations, including accessing account balances, subscribing to order books, viewing and managing open order requests, and checking order history.
- REST API: Tailored for various trading and account-related functionalities. It provides capabilities for receiving real-time price feeds, accessing price charts, viewing trade history and account balances, and viewing and canceling open orders.
- Financial Information eXchange API: Mainly utilized at CEX.IO for electronic communication of trade-related messages. This API is ideal for placing and canceling trade orders, as well as receiving real-time market data and notifications.
Rate Limits
Here are the specific rate limits for Cex.io API:
- Private API Calls:
- Maximum points per minute: 200
- Cost per typical private request: 1 point
- API Rate Limit Exceeded: Returns a 429 status code
Note that when the API rate limit is exceeded, a 429 status will be returned, and Cex.io Exchange Plus will continue to serve the processing of Public API calls starting from the next calendar minute.
Authentication
This is how you authenticate your Cex.io API:
- Generate an API key and secret via the Exchange Plus Web Terminal in the API Keys Management Profile section.
- Create a payload by concatenating the action, timestamp, and request body string.
- Create a HMAC-SHA256 signature using the base64-decoded secret key on the payload and base64-encode the output.
- Include the X-AGGR-KEY, X-AGGR-TIMESTAMP, X-AGGR-SIGNATURE, and Content-Type headers in your REST requests.
Errors
Here are the most common API errors for Cex.io API:
- Timestamp is not in 20sec range: This error indicates an invalid timestamp. To troubleshoot, ensure that the timestamp is within the 20-second range.
- Invalid signature: This error occurs when the signature is invalid. To resolve this issue, double-check the signature for any errors.
- Invalid API key: This error occurs when the mandatory field "key" is missing or incorrect. Make sure the API key is correct and included in the request.
Recent changes
Here are five of the most recent changes to the Cex.io API:
- On 2023-12-20: REST API and WebSocket API methods like Internal Transfer, Deposit Address, Funds Deposit from Wallet, and Funds Withdrawal to Wallet can now only be used with sub-accounts.
- On 2023-11-13: The New Order method in REST API and WebSocket API, which allows placing new orders, can now only be used with sub-accounts.
- On 2023-10-26: WebSocket API updates for Execution Report Event Notifications were made. Execution Reports with executionType "Trade" will now contain additional new fields lastAmountCcy1 and lastAmountCcy2.
- On 2023-10-26: Fields lastQuantity and lastPrice will soon be deprecated, so all Clients should switch to usage of new fields as soon as possible.
- On 2023-10-10: A new Fee Strategy method was introduced in REST API and WebSocket API, which allows querying information about general fee strategy.
Troubleshooting tips for recent changes:
- For the changes made on 2023-12-20 and 2023-11-13, users should ensure they are using sub-accounts when using the affected methods.
- For the change made on 2023-10-26, users should switch to using the new fields as soon as possible as the old fields will soon be deprecated.
- For the change made on 2023-10-10, users should familiarize themselves with the new Fee Strategy method to understand all possible trading fee values that can be applied.
An alternative to the Cex.io API
While Cex.io's API offers a range of functionalities for trading and account management, using the Mesh API can provide additional benefits and streamline the integration process. Here are some reasons why using Mesh API is a better option than accessing Cex.io's API directly:
- Single Integration for Multiple Exchanges: The Mesh API connects to over 300 brokerages, exchanges, and wallets, providing extensive flexibility and choice. This means that with just one integration, you can access not only Cex.io, but also a wide range of other platforms.
- Streamlined Asset Management: The Mesh API simplifies the process of depositing assets, allowing transfers from various sources directly within your app for enhanced user convenience. This can help improve the overall user experience and reduce friction in the deposit process.
Start with Mesh today and experience the ease and efficiency of their cutting-edge API in your digital asset endeavors.