Exchanges hub
Crypto exchanges: how to choose and use them safely
What to check before you sign up, how verification works, how fees really add up, and how to withdraw to your own wallet.
In this hub
- Centralised vs decentralised
- Choosing an exchange
- Identity verification (KYC)
- Fees and spreads
- Withdrawing safely
- When things go wrong
Overview
Exchanges in a nutshell
An exchange is usually where people buy their first crypto, and choosing a good one avoids most early problems. Reputable exchanges are registered or licensed where they operate, verify customer identities, publish information about the assets they hold, and let you withdraw without unreasonable limits.
This hub explains the difference between centralised and decentralised exchanges, how identity verification (KYC) works, how trading fees and spreads add up, and how to move funds to a wallet you control. We focus on what to check, not on promoting particular platforms.
What you'll learn
Key topics in Exchanges
Centralised vs decentralised
Custodial exchanges, DEXs and the trade-offs between them.
Choosing an exchange
Licensing, proof of reserves, security record and withdrawal limits.
Identity verification (KYC)
Why exchanges ask for ID and how to get verified smoothly.
Fees and spreads
Trading fees, deposit fees and the hidden cost of instant buys.
Withdrawing safely
Choosing the right network and testing with a small amount first.
When things go wrong
Frozen accounts, outages and what to do if an exchange fails.
Latest guides
New in Exchanges
FAQ
Exchanges questions, answered
Which crypto exchange is safest?
No exchange is risk-free. Look for one that is regulated in your country, has a long security track record, publishes proof of reserves, and offers two-factor authentication and withdrawal address whitelisting.
Why do exchanges need my ID?
Regulated exchanges must follow anti-money-laundering rules, which require Know Your Customer (KYC) checks. Verification usually involves a photo ID and sometimes proof of address.
Should I leave my crypto on an exchange?
Keeping funds on an exchange means trusting it to stay solvent and secure. Many people keep only what they actively trade on exchanges and move long-term holdings to a wallet they control.
What is the difference between a CEX and a DEX?
A centralised exchange (CEX) holds your funds and matches orders for you. A decentralised exchange (DEX) lets you trade directly from your own wallet through smart contracts, with no account but with smart-contract risk.
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