OKX Updates 'Get Fee Rates' API Interface for Improved Clarity and Functionality

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The OKX trading platform continues to refine its API infrastructure to deliver a more seamless and transparent experience for developers and algorithmic traders. A recent update to the 'Get Fee Rates' interface introduces structural changes aimed at simplifying fee categorization while enhancing support for different margin types in derivatives trading. These improvements, effective May 7, 2022, reflect OKX's ongoing commitment to streamlining its trading systems and improving data accuracy across spot, margin, futures, and perpetual contracts.

This article walks you through the key changes, explains their implications for API users, and highlights how these updates align with evolving market demands for clarity in fee structures.

Understanding the Core Changes to the 'Get Fee Rates' Endpoint

The updated endpoint — GET /api/v5/account/trade-fee — retains its original path, ensuring backward compatibility for existing integrations. However, two major modifications have been introduced to better reflect the platform’s revised fee model following the 2022 fee rate system upgrade.

Removal of the 'category' Field

One of the most notable changes is the removal of the 'category' field from request parameters. Previously used to specify fee rate categories, this field is now obsolete because all currency pairs fall under a single, unified fee schedule. While the field will still be accepted in requests for compatibility reasons, it no longer influences the response.

This change simplifies API calls by eliminating redundant filtering options, reducing complexity for developers integrating fee data into trading bots or analytics tools.

Despite its deprecation in requests, the category parameter remains present in the response payload, where it continues to indicate the applicable fee schedule. This ensures continuity for applications that rely on historical parsing logic.

Introduction of New USDT-Margined Fee Parameters

To accommodate distinct fee structures between crypto-margined and USDT-margined futures and perpetual contracts, OKX has introduced two new return parameters:

Meanwhile, the original taker and maker fields now exclusively represent fee rates for crypto-margined derivative products.

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This differentiation allows traders to accurately assess costs based on contract type and margin asset — a critical factor in optimizing high-frequency or arbitrage strategies where even minor fee differences impact profitability.

Updated Request and Response Parameters

For clarity and ease of integration, here are the finalized parameter specifications post-update.

Request Parameters (After Adjustment)

Return Parameters (Enhanced Structure)

These enhancements ensure that developers receive granular, context-aware fee data tailored to each product type.

Why These Changes Matter for Traders and Developers

Accurate fee data is foundational to profitable algorithmic trading. With increasing diversity in contract types — especially between crypto-margined and stablecoin-margined derivatives — having clearly differentiated fee indicators prevents miscalculations that could erode margins.

For example:

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Such distinctions empower developers to build smarter risk models, improve execution logic, and deliver more reliable performance analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does removing the 'category' parameter break existing API integrations?
A: No. Although the 'category' field is deprecated in requests, the API continues to accept it without error. Responses remain consistent whether or not the parameter is included, ensuring smooth transition for legacy systems.

Q: How do I know which fee field to use — taker/maker or takerU/makerU?
A: Use taker and maker for crypto-margined contracts (e.g., BTC-USD-SWAP). Use takerU and makerU for USDT-margined contracts (e.g., BTC-USDT-SWAP). Always check the instType and underlying (uly) to determine contract type.

Q: Are spot and margin trading fees affected by this update?
A: Spot and margin trading are not impacted in terms of functionality. Their fee rates are still returned via taker and maker, as they do not differentiate between margin types like derivatives do.

Q: When did these changes take effect?
A: The update was implemented on May 7, 2022. Users were advised to review their implementations ahead of this date.

Q: Where can I find documentation for other OKX API endpoints?
A: Comprehensive API documentation is available directly through the OKX developer portal, covering authentication, rate limits, error codes, and full endpoint references.

Q: Do these changes affect user fee tiers or rates?
A: No. This update only modifies how fee data is structured and returned via the API. Actual fee rates and tier calculations remain unchanged.

Final Recommendations for API Users

To ensure uninterrupted operation and accurate data processing:

  1. Update parsing logic in your applications to handle both takerU/makerU and traditional taker/maker fields based on instrument type.
  2. Remove reliance on the 'category' request parameter, as it may be fully phased out in future versions.
  3. Validate responses against known instruments to confirm correct interpretation of margin-specific fees.
  4. Monitor official announcements, as further refinements may follow based on user feedback and product evolution.

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By adopting these best practices, traders and developers can maintain robust, future-proof integrations that fully leverage OKX’s advanced trading ecosystem.

Note: All information in this article is accurate as of the implementation date in 2022. For ongoing updates, always refer to the latest official API documentation.