Frequently Asked Questions

We create real accounts on every exchange, complete the KYC process, make actual trades for at least 30 days, test customer support, analyze fees, and evaluate security measures. Read our full methodology for details.

We update fee information monthly, conduct quarterly full re-tests of major exchanges, and immediately update for any security incidents or major changes. Each review shows its last update date.

No. We never accept payment for positive reviews or rankings. Our reviews are based solely on our testing and user feedback. We maintain editorial independence from all affiliate relationships.

We use real money to test every exchange, follow a consistent methodology, clearly disclose affiliate relationships, and regularly update our content. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions, not to promote specific exchanges.

Yes, we have affiliate relationships with some exchanges. When you sign up through our links, we may earn a commission. This doesn't affect our rankings or reviews - we always prioritize honest, accurate information.

They don't. We review many exchanges without affiliate relationships, and we're equally critical of all exchanges regardless of financial relationships. Our reputation depends on honest reviews.

This varies over time. Look for "affiliate link" disclosures on individual review pages. We're transparent about all financial relationships.

For beginners, we typically recommend Coinbase or Kraken due to their user-friendly interfaces, strong security, and good educational resources. However, the best choice depends on your location, needs, and experience level.

Fee structures vary by trading volume and payment method. Generally, Binance and OKX offer some of the lowest trading fees, but always consider withdrawal fees and spreads. Check our comparison tool for detailed fee analysis.

Security is relative, but exchanges like Kraken, Coinbase, and Gemini have strong track records. Look for features like cold storage, insurance, regulatory compliance, and no history of major hacks.

Yes! Many traders use multiple exchanges to access different cryptocurrencies, take advantage of arbitrage opportunities, or separate long-term holdings from active trading.

Enable 2FA (preferably with a hardware key), use strong unique passwords, enable withdrawal whitelisting, and consider moving large holdings to a hardware wallet. Never share your login credentials.

For active trading, exchanges are necessary. For long-term holdings, consider a hardware wallet. The phrase "not your keys, not your coins" reflects the risk of leaving crypto on exchanges.

It depends on the exchange's insurance and policies. Some exchanges have insurance funds or will reimburse users, while others may not. This is why exchange selection and security practices are crucial.

Look for regulatory compliance, transparent team information, realistic promises (avoid "guaranteed returns"), positive user reviews over time, and proper security measures. Be wary of new exchanges with too-good-to-be-true offers.

Maker fees apply when you add liquidity to the order book (limit orders that don't fill immediately). Taker fees apply when you remove liquidity (market orders or limit orders that fill immediately). Maker fees are typically lower.

Spot trading is buying/selling actual cryptocurrencies. Derivatives trading involves contracts based on crypto prices (futures, options). Derivatives can offer leverage but are riskier and not recommended for beginners.

Withdrawal fees cover the blockchain network costs and exchange processing. They vary by cryptocurrency and network congestion. Some exchanges charge flat fees, others use dynamic fees based on network conditions.

The spread is the difference between buy and sell prices. A wider spread means higher costs for traders. Some exchanges add hidden markup to the spread, effectively increasing your trading costs.

Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements help prevent money laundering, comply with regulations, and protect users from fraud. Most reputable exchanges require at least basic KYC for withdrawals.

Basic verification typically takes minutes to hours. Enhanced verification for higher limits can take 1-7 days depending on the exchange and document quality. Some exchanges offer instant verification.

Usually a government-issued ID (passport, driver's license) and proof of address (utility bill, bank statement). Some exchanges require selfies or video verification for enhanced limits.

Some decentralized exchanges (DEXs) don't require KYC, but centralized exchanges increasingly require it. Non-KYC options are limited and may have restrictions on withdrawals or fiat currency access.