Our Methodology: How We Review Crypto Exchanges
CoinTrader AI provides independent, comprehensive cryptocurrency exchange reviews based on rigorous testing and transparent criteria. Here's how we do it.
Our Testing Process
- 1
Account Creation & KYC
We create real accounts on each exchange, complete the full KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process, and document the onboarding experience from start to finish.
- 2
Real Trading Tests
We execute real trades using our own funds to test order execution speed, slippage, trading interface usability, and advanced features like limit orders, stop-losses, and margin trading.
- 3
Fee Verification
We manually verify all trading fees, withdrawal fees, deposit fees, and hidden costs by executing real transactions and cross-referencing with official fee schedules.
- 4
Withdrawal Testing
We test cryptocurrency and fiat withdrawals to verify processing times, network fees, and any restrictions. This ensures users can actually access their funds when needed.
- 5
Customer Support Evaluation
We contact customer support with real questions via all available channels (live chat, email, phone) and measure response times, helpfulness, and resolution quality.
- 6
Security Audit
We review security features (2FA, cold storage, insurance, regulatory compliance), historical security incidents, and third-party security audits or proof-of-reserves reports.
Scoring Criteria
Each exchange is evaluated across six key categories, weighted by importance to user experience and safety. Our scores are based on quantitative data and qualitative assessments.
Update Frequency
Quarterly Full Reviews
Every 90 days, we conduct comprehensive re-reviews of all major exchanges, testing new features, verifying current fees, and updating security assessments. Significant changes trigger immediate review updates.
Monthly Data Updates
Fee schedules, supported cryptocurrencies, regulatory status, and other factual data points are verified and updated monthly to ensure accuracy.
Real-Time Incident Monitoring
We monitor exchange security incidents, regulatory actions, and significant service disruptions in real-time. Critical updates are published within 24 hours of verification.
Last site-wide review cycle: December 2024
Next scheduled update: March 2025
Editorial Independence & Affiliate Disclosure
We maintain complete editorial independence. CoinTrader AI may earn commissions when you sign up for exchanges through our affiliate links, but this does not influence our reviews, rankings, or recommendations.
All exchanges are tested and evaluated using the same rigorous methodology regardless of affiliate partnership status. We decline partnerships with exchanges that do not meet our minimum security and reliability standards.
Our ratings are determined by objective testing data and transparent scoring criteria, not commission rates. Affiliate relationships are disclosed on all relevant pages.
For detailed information about our business model: Read our About Us page and Editorial Standards.
Our Team
CoinTrader AI is operated by a team of cryptocurrency analysts, former exchange employees, and software engineers with backgrounds in fintech, cybersecurity, and blockchain technology.
Collective Experience
- •15+ years combined crypto trading experience
- •Former employees of Coinbase, Kraken, and Binance
- •Blockchain security certifications (CBSA, CEH)
- •Financial services regulatory expertise
Testing Standards
- •Minimum 20 hours testing per exchange
- •Real funds used (minimum $500 per test)
- •Cross-verification by 2+ team members
- •Documented evidence for all claims
Want to learn more? Meet the team or contact us with questions about our methodology.