What are Sub-accounts in Crypto and How to Use Them Efficiently?

The growing complexity of cryptocurrency trading platforms has introduced a wide range of tools to accommodate traders' diverse needs. One such tool is cryptocurrency sub accounts. These accounts are particularly valuable for advanced traders, institutional users, and those managing multiple strategies simultaneously. By using crypto sub accounts effectively, traders can improve portfolio management, enhance security, and streamline their trading operations. Platforms offering reliable crypto on ramp services make it even easier for new users to deposit funds and access sub-account features. This article will explore the purpose of crypto subsidiary accounts, their use cases, and best practices for managing them efficiently.

Crypto Subsidiary Accounts Explained


A cryptocurrency sub-account is essentially a secondary account that exists within a primary trading account on a crypto exchange. These accounts allow users to divide their main portfolio into multiple independent accounts for specific trading purposes. Each sub-account can have unique settings, permissions, and balances, while still being controlled by the primary account holder.

Sub-accounts are widely used in both centralized and institutional trading setups. Many leading cryptocurrency exchanges offer this feature to enable professional traders and institutions to organize their funds efficiently. These accounts do not require the creation of new logins or separate credentials. Instead, they operate within the main account, simplifying management and improving oversight of activities.

Key features of crypto sub-accounts:


  • Separate balance management
  • Independent trading permissions and settings
  • Enhanced risk management for multiple strategies
  • Isolated access for team members or managed accounts
  • Simplified reporting for tax and auditing purposes.

Who May Need Cryptocurrency Sub-Accounts?


Cryptocurrency sub-accounts are not necessary for all traders. While casual or occasional traders may not require additional accounts, certain users can benefit significantly from this feature. Below are the types of traders who need crypto subsidiary accounts and those who do not:

  • Professional traders often operate multiple strategies simultaneously. Sub-accounts allow them to allocate funds for each strategy independently, enabling clearer performance tracking and minimizing risk exposure.
  • Institutional investors. Large institutions and hedge funds rely on crypto sub-accounts to manage funds across various portfolios. This segmentation simplifies compliance, accounting, and tax reporting.
  • Algorithmic traders. Traders using bots or automated strategies can assign each bot to a separate sub-account. It ensures that an error in one strategy does not affect other trades or funds.
  • Team-managed accounts. Sub-accounts allow account holders to grant access to team members or portfolio managers without giving full control over the primary account.
  • Traders testing strategies. Sub-accounts are ideal for testing new strategies with limited funds. Traders can isolate funds in a separate sub-account to minimize risk.

On the other hand, casual traders or beginners who trade infrequently or focus on long-term holding may not find crypto subsidiary accounts necessary. For these users, the standard primary account is often sufficient.

How to Use Subsidiary Accounts in Crypto?


  • Efficient use of subsidiary accounts requires strategic planning and organization. Here are some practical tips on how to use crypto sub-accounts smartly.
  • Risk management. By isolating funds into different sub-accounts, traders can reduce the overall impact of a failed strategy. For example, funds allocated to a high-risk trading bot can be separated from other portfolios.
  • Diversified strategies. Assign specific sub-accounts to different trading strategies. For example, one sub-account can be used for day trading, another for swing trading, and a third for long-term investments.
  • Portfolio segmentation. Traders can use sub-accounts to manage multiple portfolios (e.g., Bitcoin holdings, altcoin investments, stablecoin savings) independently, providing better clarity and performance tracking.
  • Team collaboration. Use crypto sub-accounts to grant trading access to team members without compromising sensitive information or primary account funds. This is especially useful for institutions and trading firms.
  • Testing and optimization. Subaccounts are perfect for testing new tools, trading algorithms, or market strategies without putting the entire portfolio at risk.
  • Security enhancement. By compartmentalizing funds, sub-accounts help reduce risks from unauthorized access or compromised trading bots.

Creating a Crypto Sub Account


While the exact process for creating a crypto sub-account may vary depending on the platform, the general steps are as follows:
  1. Access your primary trading account on the cryptocurrency exchange that supports sub-account features.
  2. Navigate to sub-account settings. Most exchanges have a dedicated section within the user dashboard for managing sub-accounts. This section may be labeled as “Sub Accounts” or “Manage Accounts.”
  3. Create a new sub-account. Select the option to create a new sub-account. Provide the required details, such as the sub-account name, email (optional), and permissions.
  4. Configure permissions. Choose the level of access for the sub-account. Permissions may include trading rights, fund withdrawals, or view-only access.
  5. Allocate funds. Transfer a specific amount of cryptocurrency from your primary account to the sub-account. Most platforms support internal transfers with minimal or no fees.
  6. Manage and monitor. Once the crypto subaccount is created, monitor its activity and performance through the platform’s reporting tools.

Crypto sub-accounts provide a powerful tool for traders seeking enhanced flexibility, organization, and risk management. By dividing funds into cryptocurrency sub-accounts, professional traders and institutions can implement diversified strategies while maintaining complete control over their assets. Sub-accounts also facilitate team collaboration, improve portfolio tracking, and enable efficient testing of new trading methods.

While casual traders may not require sub-accounts, advanced users, institutions, and algorithmic traders can unlock significant benefits by integrating crypto subsidiary accounts into their trading workflows. By understanding their purpose and following the best practices outlined above, traders can use sub-accounts efficiently to optimize performance and minimize risk.