?Which exchanges will let you copy trade in 2025 and which ones still offer referral bonuses this year?
Which Exchanges Offer Copy Trading in 2025?
You want a clear picture of which platforms let you copy other traders in 2025 so you can decide where to place your funds and whose strategies to follow. Below you’ll find a practical list of major exchanges and social trading platforms that either already offered copy trading or were strongly expected to continue offering it into 2025, together with short notes about each.
eToro
eToro is one of the longest-running social trading platforms and continues to be synonymous with copy trading for many investors. You can copy traders across stocks, ETFs, crypto, and other assets, and eToro typically provides tools like CopyPortfolios and public performance stats to help you compare traders.
Binance
Binance introduced social/copy trading features that let you follow and copy professional traders and signal providers on its platform. Binance also integrates copy trading into its web and mobile apps, with leaderboards and performance metrics to help you pick signal providers.
Bitget
Bitget has been a crypto-focused exchange that emphasizes social trading and copy trading, especially for futures and margin strategies. The platform offers dedicated copy trading products and often highlights top traders with transparent track records and follower statistics.
Bybit
Bybit has integrated copy trading options and social features that allow retail users to replicate strategies from experienced traders. Bybit’s copy trading is typically available for spot and derivatives traders, and the platform tends to show clear past-performance data for strategy providers.
OKX
OKX has rolled out social trading and copy trading features that let you copy trade spot and margin strategies. The platform provides leaderboards and the ability to allocate funds to specific signal providers, making it a contender for users seeking copy-trading features.
KuCoin
KuCoin offers features that let you follow trading strategies and copy certain traders through dedicated social trading tools. The platform pairs copy trading with its ecosystem of tokens and leveraged products, which can be attractive if you want broad asset exposure.
Gate.io
Gate.io has introduced copy trading features as part of its platform expansion into social trading. You can view top-performing traders and mirror their trades, with Gate.io generally providing transparency about past returns and risk indicators.
MEXC
MEXC has rolled out social trading tools on some markets and is building copy trading features for crypto traders. These services mirror successful traders across various tokens and often include risk control parameters for followers.
PrimeXBT / Covesting
PrimeXBT’s Covesting module (a partnership and branded copy-trading product) has provided a way to copy strategies in derivatives markets. This module emphasizes a marketplace of strategy managers and a commission-sharing model that rewards both managers and followers.
ZuluTrade and Other Integrators
ZuluTrade and a few other third-party social trading aggregators connect traders and signal providers to exchanges and brokers, offering copy trading across multiple asset classes. These platforms often bridge retail users to liquidity providers and exchanges that support automated order execution.
Quick Comparison Table: Copy Trading Availability
The table below summarizes whether these platforms offer copy trading and any high-level notes to help you narrow choices quickly. Always re-check the platform before committing funds, since features and availability can change by region.
| Platform / Exchange | Copy Trading Available (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| eToro | Yes | Multi-asset copy trading, CopyPortfolios, regulated in many jurisdictions |
| Binance | Yes | Social / copy trading features, large liquidity, leaderboards |
| Bitget | Yes | Focus on copy trading for crypto, strong futures options |
| Bybit | Yes | Derivatives and spot copy trading, performance transparency |
| OKX | Yes | Social trading tools, spot/margin copying |
| KuCoin | Yes | Social trading features integrated with token ecosystem |
| Gate.io | Yes | Copy trading added to product suite |
| MEXC | Yes (growing) | Social trading offerings expanding |
| PrimeXBT (Covesting) | Yes | Derivatives-focused, strategy marketplace |
| ZuluTrade (aggregator) | Yes | Connects to brokers/exchanges, multi-asset |

How Copy Trading Works
You want to understand the mechanics before you commit actual funds so you can judge risk, fees, and alignment with your goals. Copy trading typically means you allocate a portion of your account to automatically mirror the trades of a chosen trader or strategy manager, and the platform executes matching orders in real time.
Types of Copy Trading Methods
There are a few common approaches to copy trading, and you should know which one a platform uses before you copy someone. Mirrored execution, proportional allocation, and signal-following are the main methods and each affects risk and trade sizing differently.
Mirrored Execution (Auto-copy)
Mirrored execution means trades are replicated in your account in the same size or proportion as in the leader’s account. This method can make it simpler to track performance, but differences in slippage and liquidity can cause slight divergences.
Proportional Allocation
Proportional allocation scales the copied trades to the size of your portfolio relative to the trader’s portfolio, keeping risk proportional to your capital. This approach helps apply a trader’s strategy without needing the same account size, but you must ensure the platform calculates allocation transparently.
Signal-Following and Semi-Automated Copying
Some platforms deliver trade signals rather than automatic execution, letting you accept or reject trades manually or semi-automatically. Signal-following gives you control to filter trades, but it introduces latency and requires more engagement.
Fees and Costs to Watch
You want a clear sense of the charges that can eat into copy trading returns so you can compare net performance between traders. Fees vary by platform and can include trading fees, performance fees paid to strategy managers, spread markups, and funding costs for margin trades.
Trading Fees and Spreads
Most exchanges charge standard trading fees or take a spread on trades executed via copy trading, which reduces net returns compared with the raw performance of a strategy. Compare maker/taker fees and spreads between platforms since small differences compound over time.
Performance Fees and Commission Splits
Many copy trading platforms let strategy managers earn a performance fee when followers profit; typical structures include a percentage of profits or fixed commission per trade. Performance fees align incentives but require careful reading of high-water marks and fee calculation methods.
Additional Costs: Slippage and Execution Differences
Slippage can be larger when markets are volatile or when your account is smaller than the trader’s account being copied. Execution differences, spread widening, and partial fills can produce discrepancies between a leader’s published performance and what you actually obtain.

How to Choose a Copy Trading Platform
You want to pick a platform that matches your risk tolerance, regulatory comfort, and the asset types you prefer. Focus on security, transparency of performance, fee structure, and the availability of filters and risk controls for followers.
Regulation and Security
Choose platforms regulated in trustworthy jurisdictions or that have strong security practices like cold storage for assets, insurance funds for derivatives, and robust KYC/AML. Regulation reduces counterparty risk but doesn’t eliminate market risk from copied strategies.
Transparency and Performance Metrics
Good platforms provide detailed, time-stamped performance histories, drawdown stats, win/loss ratios, and trade logs for strategy managers. Look for traders with consistent performance metrics and clear explanations of strategy logic.
Risk Controls and Minimums
Check whether you can set maximum drawdown limits, stop-losses, or maximum capital allocation to a copied trader. Platforms that let you customize risk parameters help you control exposure without needing to manually manage trades.
Asset Coverage and Liquidity
Make sure the platform supports the assets you want to copy—whether crypto tokens, stocks, ETFs, or derivatives—and that liquidity is sufficient to execute trades without large slippage. High liquidity markets reduce execution risk for both leaders and followers.
Referral Bonuses in 2025 — What to Expect
If you’re looking to earn some rewards by referring friends or using other people’s referral links, many exchanges still operate referral programs in 2025. These programs typically pay bonuses in trading fee rebates, cash rewards, or token incentives, but specifics depend heavily on region, KYC completion, and promotional windows.
Typical Referral Structures
Most exchanges offer referral structures that share a portion of trading fees or provide a fixed sign-up bonus after the referred user completes qualifying activities. Some programs tier the reward by the trading volume the referred user generates, while others offer one-time flat bonuses.
Common Eligibility Requirements
Referrals usually require that both the referrer and the referee complete KYC verification and meet minimum deposit or trading volume thresholds. Promotions and bonus mechanics can vary by country, so always confirm the current terms before relying on referral incentives.

Which Exchanges Offer Referral Bonuses in 2025?
Below is a practical list of exchanges commonly offering referral programs. These programs change frequently, so treat this list as a starting point and verify current terms on the exchange’s site.
Binance
Binance typically runs a referral program that pays a share of trading fees to referrers and sometimes offers sign-up incentives for new users. The structure often includes tiered percentage splits and special campaigns for token launches.
eToro
eToro has offered referral bonuses in many regions, usually providing cash or credit when your referral signs up and meets trading requirements. Because eToro is regulated in many jurisdictions, referral campaigns may be region-specific.
Bybit
Bybit has historically offered referral and affiliate programs that reward both referrers and referees based on trading activity. The platform sometimes runs limited-time promotional bonuses as well.
Bitget
Bitget is known for referral incentives, particularly tied to copy trading and futures trading activity on the platform. Referral rewards can include fee rebates or token bonuses and are often promoted through influencer campaigns.
OKX
OKX offers referral structures that share trading fees or provide sign-up rewards when referees complete KYC and trade. OKX sometimes pairs referrals with promotional events that increase the bonus.
KuCoin
KuCoin runs referral programs that pay commissions on trading fees generated by the referred user and occasionally provides special bonuses for token promotions. KuCoin’s affiliate tiers can be attractive for high-volume referrers.
Gate.io
Gate.io maintains referral bonuses and affiliate programs that often reward traders with fee rebates or token incentives. Gate.io’s promotions can vary significantly by campaign.
MEXC
MEXC offers referral incentives and affiliate commissions, usually linked to trading volume and token promotions. Conditions and payout methods differ by region and promotional timing.
Coinbase
Coinbase has periodically offered referral bonuses, often in the form of a small dollar bonus or free crypto for new users who sign up and trade. These promotions are more limited now and can vary by country or regulatory changes.
Referral Program Comparison Table
This table summarizes which platforms commonly offer referral bonuses and the typical form those bonuses take. Always read the official referral terms before referring anyone or relying on bonuses.
| Exchange | Referral Bonus Common Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Binance | Fee rebate / token bonus | Tiered affiliate splits, special campaigns |
| eToro | Cash/credit for referrals | Region-dependent, KYC required |
| Bybit | Fee rebate / bonus | Campaign-specific bonuses common |
| Bitget | Fee rebate / token incentives | Strong tie-ins with copy trading |
| OKX | Fee rebate / sign-up rewards | Varies by campaign and region |
| KuCoin | Commission on fees / bonuses | Affiliate tiers available |
| Gate.io | Fee rebate / token incentives | Promotional variability |
| MEXC | Trading volume commissions | Often tied to token listings |
| Coinbase | Small USD/crypto bonuses | Limited availability, region-specific |

Strategies to Use with Copy Trading and Referrals
You want to get practical value from both copying traders and from referral programs without taking on unnecessary risk. Pair a careful copy-trading approach with disciplined referral use to build returns while limiting downside.
Diversify Across Strategy Managers
Don’t allocate all your capital to a single trader; spread your funds across multiple strategy managers with different styles to reduce idiosyncratic risk. Diversification across assets, timeframes, and risk profiles helps smooth returns and manage drawdowns.
Start Small and Scale Up
Begin with a modest allocation to test how a trader’s performance replicates in your account, then increase exposure as you gain confidence. Small initial allocations let you evaluate slippage, execution quality, and the psychological fit of following another trader’s decisions.
Use Referral Bonuses Opportunistically
View referral bonuses as a supplementary benefit rather than a primary investment plan, and make sure qualifying activities align with your normal trading behavior. Don’t trade more or take additional risk solely to chase a referral bonus—those incentives are icing, not the cake.
Risks and Legal / Tax Considerations
You want to understand the main risks and how copy trading interacts with legal and tax responsibilities so you avoid unpleasant surprises. Copy trading does not remove market risk, and tax treatment of gains from copied trades still falls on you as the account holder.
Market and Execution Risk
Even experienced traders can suffer losses, and copy trading magnifies exposure to their mistakes or bad streaks. Execution risk introduces performance discrepancies due to slippage, partial fills, and latency.
Regulatory and Counterparty Risk
Exchange regulations differ by country; platforms can restrict services or freeze accounts in certain jurisdictions, so be aware of the legal status where you live. Counterparty risk exists when platforms mismanage funds or suffer hacks, and regulation alone cannot eliminate these risks.
Taxation and Reporting
You remain responsible for reporting gains and losses from copied trades for tax purposes in your jurisdiction. Depending on the country, crypto trades may be taxed as capital gains, income, or subject to special rules—keep detailed records and consult a tax professional.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Copy Trading and Claim Referrals
You want a practical checklist to get started safely and methodically so you don’t miss important steps. Follow these actions to set up copy trading and apply referral bonuses correctly.
- Select a platform and verify copy trading exists in your region. Confirm the exact mechanics and fee structure before depositing funds.
- Complete KYC and set up two-factor authentication to secure your account. Security typically unlocks full product access and referral eligibility.
- Research strategy managers and use filters for performance history, drawdown, and asset class. Prefer managers with full trade transparency and consistent risk metrics.
- Start with a small allocation and enable risk controls like stop-loss limits where available. Monitor trade replication closely for the first weeks to ensure performance aligns with expectations.
- Claim the referral bonus per the platform’s rules and ensure both you and the referee complete any required actions. Track bonus vesting periods and qualification thresholds carefully.
- Keep records of all trades, deposits, and received bonuses for tax and performance analysis. Regularly re-evaluate copied strategies and reallocate based on changing performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You likely have lingering practical questions about copy trading and referrals, and this FAQ section covers common concerns to help you proceed with confidence. Each answer focuses on what you need to do or watch for to protect capital and make the features work for you.
Is copy trading legal everywhere?
Legality depends on your jurisdiction and the platform’s licensing where you live, so verify local rules and platform availability. Some countries restrict certain investment products, and exchanges may block features in specific regions.
Can you lose more than your initial deposit by copying leveraged traders?
Yes—copying leveraged or futures traders can result in losses greater than your initial stake if the platform allows negative balances or insufficient margin protection. Use risk controls and avoid excessive leverage if you want limited downside.
How do I verify a trader’s track record?
Look for time-stamped trade histories, audited or platform-verified performance, and complete transparency about past trades and risk metrics. Beware of short-term “bragging” metrics without detailed drawdown and risk information.
Do referral bonuses require trading to qualify?
Often yes—many referrals require the referee to deposit and trade a minimum volume or complete KYC. Read terms carefully to avoid surprises when expecting a bonus.
Final Notes and Best Practices
You want to act with clarity and discipline when copying others and using referral programs so your decisions are intentional and informed. Always prioritize platform security, verify live terms for copy trading and referral programs, and treat bonuses as supplementary to a sound investment approach.
- Always confirm regional availability and up-to-date terms directly with each exchange. Promotional structures and product availability change frequently.
- Use strong account security measures and only allocate capital you can afford to lose, especially with leveraged strategies.
- Keep detailed records for tax reporting and periodically review copied strategies to confirm they still meet your objectives.
If you want, I can pull up the current referral terms or copy trading pages for a specific exchange so you can compare up-to-the-minute details and pick the right platform for your 2025 trading plan.
