How we score crypto exchanges
Every exchange gets an editorial score from 0 to 10 in four areas: fees, sign-up and KYC, withdrawals, and security and supervision. The overall score is a weighted average of these. Fees and security weigh slightly more than the others, because they affect the user's everyday experience for longest. The scores are the editorial team's assessments based on public information, not measurement results.
What we don't do when reviewing crypto exchanges
| We don't... | Instead we... |
|---|---|
| Present assessments as our own tests | Say openly that the reviews are based on public information |
| Give a higher score because of a partnership | Assess every service with the same criteria |
| Publish a review without a date | Show the update date, because fees and terms change |
Read more about our principles on the page Review principles or go straight to the crypto exchange comparison.
Own experiences and screenshots in our reviews
Some reviews include screenshots of the services' apps. They are screenshots taken by the editorial team. When we add first-hand user experience to a review, it is based on real situations and clearly marked. When we describe how a process usually works, it is marked as a general description or an example.
How often our crypto exchange reviews are updated
Fees, terms and interfaces change, so we update a review when something significant changes in the service. The update date is shown on every review. Always check current prices and terms on the service's own website before making decisions.
Criteria: when we won't list a crypto service
We don't recommend a service if any of the following is true:
- The service has no MiCA licence: a licence is an absolute minimum requirement. Finnish licence holders are listed in the FIN-FSA's list of supervised entities, and licence holders across the EU in ESMA's MiCA register.
- Unclear pricing: if the total cost cannot be worked out from the service's public information.
- Unclear restrictions on withdrawals: for example, withdrawals cannot be made to a Finnish bank account or come with unusual conditions.
- Repeated serious problems: for example, warnings from authorities or widely reported withdrawal problems.
What to look out for if you test crypto services yourself
- Use a small, real amount: a calculation does not reveal the same things as real money moving.
- Write down the duration and cost of each step straight away.
- Test the withdrawal too, not just the purchase: most surprises happen when you try to get your money back.
- Check the licence yourself in the FIN-FSA list or ESMA's MiCA register, and don't rely only on the service's own claim.
- Contact customer support at least once before committing larger amounts.
For broader background on the regulation of crypto-assets and consumer protection, see the European Parliament's topic overview.
Can a crypto exchange influence its review?
No. Crypto exchanges do not see reviews in advance and cannot buy a better position in the comparison. We fund the site through partnerships, and commercial links are marked, but they do not affect the reviews.
