Crypto Exchange comparison
Digital Surge vs OKX
Digital Surge is an Australian-owned, AUSTRAC-registered exchange that survived a near-death experience after FTX collapsed and now focuses on simple, safe crypto investing for locals. OKX is a global giant that launched its Australian entity in 2024, bringing advanced trading tools like options and CFDs that Digital Surge doesn't offer. The real fork in the road is whether you want a straightforward Aussie buy-and-hold platform or a full-featured international exchange with more asset types.
Choose
Digital Surge
if…
- ›You want a locally owned and operated exchange with Australian-based support and a proven track record since 2017
- ›You need joint accounts or SMSF accounts — OKX doesn't offer either
- ›You want an Australian tax statement and CGT report generated for you at EOFY
- ›You value zero withdrawal fees and free AUD withdrawals without worrying about minimums
Choose
OKX
if…
- ›You want to trade crypto options or CFDs — Digital Surge doesn't support either
- ›You prefer a desktop trading platform and a demo account to practice before committing real money
- ›You want to deposit with a debit or credit card (via Simplex, MoonPay or Banxa) — Digital Surge only supports bank transfers and PayID
- ›You need 24/7 live chat support and don't mind dealing with a global support team
Where they differ
| Fact | Digital Surge | OKX |
|---|---|---|
| Year founded (AU entity) | 2017 | 2024 |
| Options trading | Not supported | Supported |
| Joint accounts | Supported | Not supported |
| Australian tax statement | Provided | Not provided |
| Deposit methods | PayID, Bank Transfer, OSKO | PayID, Osko, bank transfer, debit/credit card, crypto deposit |
Verdict
Pick Digital Surge for simple, tax-friendly Aussie crypto investing; pick OKX if you want advanced trading tools and card deposits.
All data points side-by-side
Every verified fact for both platforms. Differences are highlighted.
| Field | Digital Surge | OKX |
|---|---|---|
| account structure | ||
| CHESS sponsorship model | custodian | — |
| Individual account | Yes | Yes |
| Joint account | Yes | No |
| Company account | Yes | Yes |
| Trust account | Yes | — |
| SMSF account | Yes | No |
| Kids / minor account | — | No |
| asset coverage | ||
| ASX shares supported | No | No |
| ASX ETFs supported | No | No |
| US shares supported | No | No |
| US ETFs supported | No | No |
| Fractional shares (ASX) | No | No |
| Fractional shares (US) | No | No |
| Options trading | No | Yes |
| CFDs supported | No | Yes |
| Crypto trading | Yes | Yes |
| Managed funds | No | No |
| Bonds supported | No | No |
| IPO access | No | No |
| costs hidden | ||
| Market data fees | — | $0/month |
| Conditional order fees | $0 | $0 |
| costs visible | ||
| Monthly platform fee | — | $0/month |
| Annual platform fee | — | $0/year |
| Inactivity fee | — | $0 |
| Withdrawal fee (AUD) | $0 | $0 |
| identity and trust | ||
| Legal entity name | Digital Surge Pty Ltd | OKX Australia Pty Ltd |
| AFSL number | — | 379,035 |
| AUSTRAC registration | Yes | Yes |
| Year founded | 2,017 | 2,024 |
| Parent / ownership | Digital Surge Pty Ltd (privately held, Australian-owned; co-founded by Dan Rutter (CEO) and Josh Lehman). Following the 2022 FTX exposure event, an associated company 'Digico' provided a A$1.25M loan as part of the Deed of Company Arrangement that allowed the business to resume operations. | OKX Group (Seychelles-headquartered global crypto exchange, formerly OKEx) |
| Country of incorporation | AU | AU |
| Public company status | private | private |
| money movement | ||
| Minimum initial deposit | — | $0 |
| Minimum subsequent purchase | — | $0 |
| Deposit methods | PayID, Bank Transfer, OSKO | PayID, Osko, bank transfer, debit/credit card (via Simplex, MoonPay, Banxa), crypto deposit |
| Settlement period | — | instant (crypto settles on-chain confirmation; AUD via PayID near-instant) |
| Withdrawal time | 1 business day (typically same-day for PayID; up to 1-2 business days for standard bank transfer) | near-instant via PayID/Osko (under 30 minutes typical) |
| platform ux | ||
| iOS app | Yes | Yes |
| Android app | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop platform | No | Yes |
| Demo account | No | Yes |
| Free real-time market data | Yes | Yes |
| Free research reports | No | No |
| 2FA support | authenticator app | authenticator |
| Customer support channels | live chat, email | email, live chat, in-app help centre |
| Support hours (AU time) | Live chat available 365 days a year (Australian-based support team); specific hours not published | 24/7 live chat and email support |
| Education content | basic articles | video + courses |
| tax and reporting | ||
| Australian tax statement | Yes | No |
| Distribution component breakdown | — | No |
| CGT calculator / report | Yes | No |
| Sharesight / Navexa integration | Yes | Yes |
| trading mechanics | ||
| Market orders | Yes | Yes |
| Limit orders | Yes | Yes |
| Stop loss orders | Yes | Yes |
| Conditional orders | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-invest / DCA | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-invest sophistication | multiple | multiple |
| After-hours / overnight trading | Yes | Yes |