Get Quotes: Optimize Your Token Swaps with OKX DEX API

Efficiently executing token swaps in decentralized finance (DeFi) requires accurate pricing, low slippage, and optimal routing across liquidity sources. The OKX DEX API provides developers and traders with a powerful tool to fetch the best possible quote for any token swap across multiple chains and decentralized exchanges (DEXs). This guide dives into how to use the Get Quotes endpoint effectively, ensuring you maximize returns while minimizing risks like price impact and transaction fees.

Whether you're building a DeFi application, integrating a wallet feature, or automating trading strategies, understanding this API is essential for high-performance on-chain interactions.

How the Get Quotes Endpoint Works

The /getQuotes endpoint enables users to retrieve real-time swap quotes by specifying parameters such as input/output amounts, token addresses, and preferred chains. It evaluates multiple DEXs and liquidity pools to return the most competitive rate, complete with detailed routing information and cost estimates.

All values are expressed in the smallest divisible units of each token (e.g., wei for Ethereum-based tokens), so proper handling of decimals is crucial during integration.

Key Request Parameters

To generate an accurate quote, the following parameters must be included:

• chainIndex: Unique identifier for the blockchain (e.g., 1 for Ethereum).
• amount: Input or output amount in minimal units (based on swapMode).
• swapMode: Either exactIn (fixed input, variable output) or exactOut (fixed output, variable input).
• fromTokenAddress: Contract address of the token being sold.
• toTokenAddress: Contract address of the token being purchased.
• fromTokenAddress and toTokenAddress support native tokens using a placeholder address like 0xeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Optional enhancements include:

• dexIds: Restrict quotes to specific DEXs by ID.
• directRoute: Limit routing to a single pool (currently supported only on Solana).
• priceImpactProtectionPercentage: Set a threshold (0–1.0) to reject quotes with excessive price impact.
• feePercent: Deduct a referral fee from the input amount (max 10% on Solana, 3% on other chains).

👉 Discover how to integrate smart swap routing with minimal slippage using advanced API tools.

Understanding the Response Structure

The API returns a comprehensive response that includes not only the final token amounts but also critical metadata for risk assessment and performance optimization.

Core Output Fields

• fromTokenAmount: The actual amount of the input token used in the swap.
• toTokenAmount: The estimated amount of output token received.
• tradeFee: Estimated network fee in USD.
• estimateGasFee: Gas cost in smallest chain-native units (e.g., gwei).
• router: Primary DEX used in the swap path.
• routerPercent: Percentage of the trade routed through the main path.

Each quote includes detailed token data under fromToken and toToken, such as:

• tokenContractAddress
• tokenSymbol
• decimal precision
• Real-time tokenUnitPrice in USD
• isHoneyPot flag to detect malicious tokens
• taxRate for buy/sell transactions (useful for tokens like SafeMoon)

These insights help prevent losses due to hidden taxes or scam tokens.

Advanced Routing Insights

The _dexRouterList_ and _subRouterList_ arrays break down complex multi-hop swaps across various protocols. Each entry includes:

• dexProtocol: Name of the liquidity protocol (e.g., Verse).
• percent: Share of the trade volume handled by that protocol.
• dexName: Human-readable DEX name.

Additionally, _quoteCompareList_ allows comparison between alternative routes, showing:

• Different DEX options
• Associated fees
• Final output amounts
• Price impact percentages

This enables developers to present users with transparent, data-driven choices.

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Best Practices for Using the Get Quotes API

To ensure reliable and secure integrations, consider the following:

Handle Decimal Precision Accurately

Always convert user-facing amounts into minimal units using known decimal values. For example:

• USDT (6 decimals): 1.00 → 1,000,000
• DAI (18 decimals): 1.00 → 1,000,000,000,000,000,000

Use the OKX Tokenlist to dynamically retrieve decimal values.

Protect Against High Price Impact

Enable priceImpactProtectionPercentage to avoid unfavorable trades. A setting of 0.25 (25%) ensures quotes with higher slippage are rejected—ideal for stablecoin swaps or large orders.

Note: If price impact cannot be calculated, protection is automatically disabled.

Detect Risky Tokens Early

Leverage the isHoneyPot and taxRate fields to warn users about potentially dangerous tokens. Tokens with high sell taxes or trapping mechanics can lead to significant losses.

Use Direct Routes When Needed

On Solana, enabling directRoute=true forces single-pool execution, which may reduce complexity and front-running risk in certain scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between chainIndex and chainId?
A: Both identify the target blockchain. However, chainId is deprecated and will be phased out. Always use chainIndex for future-proof integrations.

Q: Can I get quotes without specifying a DEX?
A: Yes. If dexIds is omitted, the API scans all available liquidity sources to find the best rate.

Q: How accurate is the tokenUnitPrice?
A: Prices are derived from on-chain data, exchanges, and third-party providers. While generally reliable, they are advisory—actual execution prices may vary slightly due to market volatility.

Q: What happens if price impact exceeds my threshold?
A: The API returns an error instead of a quote, preventing execution of potentially loss-making trades.

Q: Are native tokens supported?
A: Yes. Use the placeholder address 0xeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee for ETH, SOL, etc.

Q: Can I apply a referral fee?
A: Yes. Set feePercent (up to 3% on most chains) to deduct a commission before the swap occurs.

👉 Start building smarter DeFi tools with real-time swap analytics and secure routing.

Conclusion

The OKX DEX Get Quotes API empowers developers and traders with precise, secure, and efficient access to cross-chain liquidity. By leveraging detailed routing data, price protection mechanisms, and real-time risk checks, it becomes easier than ever to optimize every swap transaction.

With core keywords like DEX API, swap API, token swap, liquidity routing, price impact protection, honey pot detection, cross-chain quotes, and trade fee estimation, this solution aligns perfectly with modern DeFi development needs—offering both depth and usability.

Integrate today to build faster, safer, and more profitable decentralized applications.