MEXC Exchange Setup
Connect your MEXC account to SignalBee in minutes. This guide walks you through creating and configuring API keys with the exact permissions needed for automated trading.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- Verified MEXC account - Identity verification (KYC) completed
- 2FA enabled on MEXC - Required for API key creation
- SignalBee account - Ready to connect an exchange
- Password manager - For storing your API credentials securely
Security Note: MEXC requires 2FA (two-factor authentication) to create API keys. If you haven't enabled 2FA yet, go to Profile → Security in your MEXC account.
About MEXC
MEXC is a global cryptocurrency exchange known for its extensive altcoin selection and competitive trading fees. Key highlights:
- Wide altcoin selection - Lists many newer tokens and smaller-cap projects unavailable on larger exchanges
- Competitive/zero fees - Often runs promotions with 0% maker and taker fees on many pairs
- Global availability - Available in multiple regions worldwide
- Strong API support - Well-documented REST API for automated trading
Creating Your API Key
Follow these steps to create an API key on MEXC:
Step 1: Log In to MEXC
- Go to www.mexc.com
- Log in with your email and password
- Complete 2FA verification if prompted
Step 2: Navigate to API Management
- Click your profile icon in the top-right corner
- Select API Management from the dropdown menu
- You'll see a list of your existing API keys (if any)
Step 3: Create a New API Key
- Click the Create API button
- You'll be presented with the API configuration screen
Step 4: Enter a Description
- Enter a descriptive note:
SignalBee Trading - A clear label helps you identify this key's purpose later
Tip: Use specific labels like "SignalBee-Spot" or "SignalBee-Main" if you plan to create multiple keys for different purposes.
Step 5: Configure Permissions
- Check the permission boxes as described in the Configuring Permissions section below
- Enable Read and Spot Trade permissions
- Never enable the Withdrawal permission
Step 6: Complete Security Verification
- Enter your 2FA code from your authenticator app
- Complete email verification if prompted
- Click Confirm to create your key
- Wait for the system to generate your credentials
Step 7: Copy Your Keys IMMEDIATELY
After creation, your credentials will be displayed:
- Access Key (API Key) - Can be viewed later in your API Management page
- Secret Key - Shown only ONCE - Copy it immediately!
| Key | Can View Later? | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Access Key | Yes | Copy and save |
| Secret Key | NO - Never shown again | Copy immediately! |
Warning: If you navigate away without copying your Secret Key, you'll need to delete this API key and create a new one. There is no way to recover a Secret Key.
Save both keys in your password manager now before proceeding.
Configuring Permissions
MEXC has a straightforward permission system. This is critical for security.
Required Permissions
| Permission | Enable? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Read | Yes | Allows SignalBee to check your balances and account info |
| Spot Trade | Yes | Allows SignalBee to place and manage spot orders |
Never Enable These Permissions
| Permission | Enable? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Withdraw | NEVER | SignalBee never needs withdrawal access. Enabling this is a serious security risk. |
| Futures Trade | No | Not needed for SignalBee spot trading |
Security Note: Even if your API key is somehow compromised, funds cannot be withdrawn without withdrawal permission enabled. This is your most important security protection.
Simple Two-Credential Setup
MEXC uses a simple credential model similar to Binance:
| Exchange | Credentials Required |
|---|---|
| MEXC | 2 values: Access Key + Secret Key |
| Binance | 2 values: API Key + Secret Key |
| OKX | 3 values: API Key + Secret Key + Passphrase |
| KuCoin | 3 values: API Key + Secret Key + Passphrase |
This makes MEXC one of the simpler exchanges to configure.
IP Whitelist Configuration
IP whitelisting restricts your API key to only work from specific IP addresses. This is optional but adds a strong security layer.
Why Use IP Whitelisting?
| Scenario | Without Whitelist | With Whitelist |
|---|---|---|
| SignalBee places trade | Works | Works |
| Attacker tries stolen key | Could work | Blocked |
Even if your API key is somehow exposed, it won't work from unauthorized IP addresses.
SignalBee Server IP Addresses
Note: Contact support@signalbee.trade to request SignalBee's current production IP addresses for whitelisting. We maintain static IPs specifically for exchange API calls and will notify you before any infrastructure changes.
How to Configure IP Whitelisting
- In API Management, find your SignalBee API key
- Click Edit next to the key
- Enable IP Address Restriction
- Enter each SignalBee IP address provided by support
- Click Save
- Complete 2FA verification if prompted
If You Skip IP Whitelisting
If you choose not to use IP whitelisting:
- Leave IP restrictions disabled
- Understand this is less secure but still safe if withdrawals are disabled
- Your other security measures (no withdrawal permission) still protect your funds
Adding to SignalBee
Now connect your MEXC API key to SignalBee:
Step 1: Go to Exchanges Page
- Log in to your SignalBee account
- Navigate to Exchanges in the main menu
Step 2: Add New Exchange
- Click the Add Exchange button
- Select MEXC from the exchange list
Step 3: Enter Your Credentials
MEXC uses a simple two-value API system:
- API Key - Paste your MEXC Access Key
- Secret Key - Paste your MEXC Secret Key
- Label (optional) - Enter a name like "MEXC Main Account"
Note: MEXC requires only 2 credentials (Access Key + Secret Key). This is simpler than exchanges like OKX or KuCoin that require an additional passphrase.
Step 4: Test the Connection
- Click Save and Test Connection
- Wait for SignalBee to verify your credentials
- Look for the success message
Step 5: Verify Your Setup
After successful connection:
- Your MEXC balances should appear in SignalBee
- Check that your expected assets are listed
- Balances confirm the Read permission is working
Tip: If balances don't appear, verify that Read permission is enabled on your API key.
MEXC-Specific Considerations
Ticker Format
MEXC uses concatenated uppercase ticker symbols with no separator. SignalBee converts automatically:
| SignalBee Format | MEXC Format |
|---|---|
| BTC-USDT | BTCUSDT |
| ETH-USDC | ETHUSDC |
| SOL-BTC | SOLBTC |
| XRP-USDT | XRPUSDT |
No action needed! Your webhook symbols work directly with MEXC - SignalBee handles the conversion automatically.
Supported Order Types
MEXC spot trading supports the following order types:
| Order Type | Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Market Order | Yes | Executes immediately at best available price |
| Limit Order | Yes | Supports GTC, IOC, and FOK time-in-force |
| Stop-Limit | No | Not available on MEXC spot |
| Stop-Market | No | Not available on MEXC spot |
Note: If your trading strategy requires stop-loss or take-profit orders as separate order types, these must be managed at the strategy level rather than as native exchange orders.
Wide Altcoin Selection
One of MEXC's key differentiators is its extensive listing of newer and smaller-cap altcoins:
- Many tokens listed on MEXC may not be available on larger exchanges
- MEXC is often among the first to list new projects
- Check pair availability before setting up signals for lesser-known tokens
- Liquidity varies significantly by trading pair
Tip: For newer or smaller altcoins, always verify the trading pair exists on MEXC before configuring your signals.
Zero-Fee Promotions
MEXC frequently offers promotional periods with 0% maker and 0% taker fees:
- Check MEXC's current fee schedule for active promotions
- Promotional fees may apply to specific trading pairs
- Standard fees apply when promotions are not active
Tip: Check MEXC's fee schedule for the most current rates and any active zero-fee promotions.
Authentication
MEXC uses standard HMAC-SHA256 authentication, similar to Binance:
What this means for you:
- SignalBee handles this automatically - no action required
- Your credentials work exactly like other exchanges
- Time synchronization is critical (5-second validation window)
- SignalBee handles time sync automatically
Note: You don't need to understand the technical details. Just provide your Access Key and Secret Key, and SignalBee handles the rest.
Minimum Order Sizes
MEXC enforces minimum order values. Orders below these minimums will be rejected:
| Trading Pair | Minimum Order |
|---|---|
| Most pairs | Varies by pair |
Tip: Check MEXC's trading rules for current minimum order sizes for specific pairs.
API Rate Limits
- MEXC enforces rate limits on API requests
- SignalBee handles rate limiting automatically
- If you see rate limit errors (-1003), reduce your signal frequency or check for duplicate webhooks
No Testnet Available
Important: Unlike some exchanges (like Binance), MEXC does not offer a public testnet for spot trading.
| Testing Approach | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Production testing | Start with very small order sizes |
| Signal verification | Test webhook delivery before enabling live trading |
| Order validation | Use limit orders to control execution price |
Tip: Start with small order sizes (e.g., $10-20) when first testing your SignalBee integration with MEXC.
Troubleshooting
Common MEXC-specific errors and solutions:
| Error | Code | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Limit Exceeded | -1003 | Too many API requests | Wait and retry. SignalBee handles this automatically. |
| Min Notional Filter | -1013 | Order value too small | Increase order size above minimum notional value. |
| Timestamp Error | -1021 | Clock sync issue | SignalBee handles time sync automatically. If persistent, contact support. |
| Invalid Signature | -1022 | Wrong API key or secret | Re-copy credentials carefully. Ensure no extra spaces. |
| Invalid Parameters | -1100 to -1117 | Incorrect order values | Check order price, quantity, and side are valid. |
| Invalid Symbol | -1121 | Wrong trading pair | Check pair is listed on MEXC. Use SignalBee format (BTC-USDT). |
| Insufficient Balance | -2010 | Not enough funds | Deposit funds or reduce order size. |
| Order Not Found | -2011 | Invalid order ID | Order may have been filled or cancelled already. |
| Order Does Not Exist | -2013 | Cannot find order | Order was already filled, cancelled, or never created. |
| IP Not Whitelisted | (403) | IP restriction blocking request | Add SignalBee IPs to whitelist or disable IP restriction. |
Connection Test Fails?
If your connection test fails in SignalBee:
- Double-check both keys - Copy-paste errors are the most common issue
- Verify permissions - Ensure Read and Spot Trade permissions are enabled
- Check IP whitelist - Disable IP restriction temporarily to test
- Wait a few minutes - New API keys may take 1-2 minutes to propagate
- Check MEXC status - Verify MEXC is not under maintenance
For persistent issues, see our Error Codes Reference or contact support@signalbee.trade.
Security Best Practices
Follow this checklist to keep your MEXC account secure:
MEXC Account Security
- Enable 2FA with Google Authenticator - more secure than SMS
- Use a unique, strong password for MEXC (not reused from other sites)
- Enable email notifications for account activity
- Review login history regularly for unauthorized access
API Key Security
- Create a dedicated API key just for SignalBee - don't reuse keys across services
- Never enable withdrawal permission - SignalBee never needs it
- Consider IP whitelisting for maximum security
- Never share your Secret Key via email, chat, or screenshots
- Store keys in a password manager (1Password, Bitwarden, etc.)
Ongoing Security
- Review your API keys periodically in MEXC - delete any you don't recognize
- Rotate API keys every 90 days as a security habit
- Monitor trade history on MEXC for any unauthorized activity
Security Note: Even with all these precautions, the most important protection is never enabling withdrawal permission. Without this permission, your funds cannot be moved off the exchange even if everything else is compromised.
Related Resources
- API Key Best Practices - General API key security guidance
- Security Overview - How SignalBee protects your data
- Error Codes Reference - Common error messages explained
- Binance Exchange Setup - Similar two-value API setup