ChangeNOW Crypto Exchange Review 2025 - Fees, Security, Features

By Kieran Ashdown 28 Aug 2025

ChangeNOW Fee Calculator

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USDT

Estimated Output 0.00000000 BTC

Swap Fee 0.00000000 BTC

Fee Percentage 0.00%

* Fees typically range from 0.5% to 2% depending on asset liquidity

ChangeNOW review: you want a fast, no‑registration way to swap crypto, but you’re also worried about safety and hidden costs. This article breaks down what ChangeNOW actually offers, how its security stacks up, where the fees sit, and whether it’s worth a spot in your trading toolbox.

What is ChangeNOW?

When looking for a quick, no‑registration way to swap crypto, ChangeNOW is a non‑custodial exchange that lets you convert over 1,000 digital assets without creating an account. Launched to make crypto swapping as easy as clicking a button, the platform keeps your funds in your own wallet throughout the trade, eliminating the need to store coins on the exchange itself.

Core Features

Instant cross‑chain swaps for more than 1,000 assets.
No mandatory registration - you just enter the destination address.
PRO version adds KYC verification for higher limits and extra account protection.
Public API with a prefix on each key for easy identification - useful for developers and businesses.
24/7 live chat support.

Security Overview

ChangeNOW promotes a strong security posture: advanced encryption, continuous monitoring, and optional Two-factor authentication (2FA). Email confirmations guard against unauthorized actions, and API keys are stored securely within the user’s console.

However, a third‑party assessment by Business Digital Index gave ChangeNOW a risk score of 64/100 (Sep 2024) and uncovered 100 issues, including:

21 phishing and malware findings.
13 network‑security weaknesses.
66 website‑security problems, with 57 SSL configuration errors.
One stolen corporate credential and eight high‑risk vulnerabilities.

While the platform does meet basic AML compliance and cooperates with law‑enforcement requests, the assessment highlights a gap between advertised safeguards and actual implementation.

Fees and Limits

ChangeNOW does not publish a detailed fee schedule on its landing pages. The typical model is a percentage of the transaction amount, ranging from 0.5 % to 2 % depending on asset liquidity and the volume of the swap. The PRO tier offers lower rates and higher daily limits after completing KYC. Because exact numbers vary, it’s wise to use the built‑in fee estimator on the swap page before confirming a trade.

User Experience

The interface is clean: you select the “From” asset, paste the destination address, and click “Convert”. The platform instantly calculates the estimated output, shows the network fee, and displays an estimated completion time (often under a minute for popular pairs). Support agents respond within minutes via chat, and the help center provides step‑by‑step guides.

Best‑practice tips from ChangeNOW (and worth following regardless of platform):

Use a unique, 12‑character password with mixed case, numbers, and symbols.
Enable 2FA on any account that stores API keys.
Double‑check the recipient address; crypto transactions are irreversible.
Download wallets only from official developer sites to avoid phishing.

Pros and Cons

Pros
- No account needed for basic swaps - great for privacy.
- Wide asset coverage (1,000+ coins).
- Fast execution, often under a minute.
- API available for businesses.
Cons
- Security audit reveals several high‑risk issues.
- Fee structure is opaque; users must rely on on‑screen estimators.
- Limited fiat on‑ramps - primarily crypto‑to‑crypto.
- No deep‑order‑book data; price slippage can occur on low‑liquidity pairs.

How to Execute a Swap on ChangeNOW

Open the ChangeNOW homepage - no login required for basic swaps.
Select the coin you want to send in the “From” field.
Enter the destination wallet address (copy‑paste to avoid typos).
Choose the target coin in the “To” field; the platform shows the best available rate.
Review the estimated fee and arrival time. If you’re okay, click “Convert”.
Confirm the transaction via the email link that ChangeNOW sends you.
Monitor the status on the transaction page; you’ll receive a notification once the swap is complete.

Feature Comparison: ChangeNOW vs Typical CEX vs Typical DEX

Feature matrix for ChangeNOW, Centralized Exchange (CEX), and Decentralized Exchange (DEX)
Feature	ChangeNOW	CEX (e.g., Binance)	DEX (e.g., Uniswap)
Account required	No (basic swap)	Yes	No
Custody of funds	Non‑custodial	Custodial	Non‑custodial
Asset coverage	1,000+ tokens	Hundreds of pairs	Limited to pools on the chain
Typical fee	0.5‑2 %	0‑0.1 % (trading) + withdrawal fees	0‑0.3 % (pool fee)
KYC/AML	Optional (PRO)	Mandatory for high limits	None
Speed of swap	Seconds to 1 min	Instant (internal order book)	Depends on blockchain congestion
Security audit rating (2024)	64/100 (BDI)	~85/100 (internal)	~70/100 (open‑source)

Final Verdict

If you value privacy and need a fast swap without the hassle of creating an account, ChangeNOW delivers on that promise. The non‑custodial model protects you from exchange‑related hacks, and the UI makes even beginners feel comfortable.

That said, the independent security audit uncovers serious vulnerabilities that the platform hasn’t fully addressed. For large‑scale trading or storing significant amounts, a more transparent exchange with a higher security rating might be safer. Use ChangeNOW for small‑to‑medium swaps, double‑check fees each time, and consider the PRO tier only if you need higher limits and are willing to submit KYC documents.

Is ChangeNOW really non‑custodial?

Yes. During a swap, your funds leave your wallet, move through the exchange’s smart‑routing service, and land in the destination wallet you provided. ChangeNOW never holds your coins in a custodial account.

What fees does ChangeNOW charge?

Fees are a percentage of the transaction amount, typically between 0.5 % and 2 % depending on asset liquidity. The website shows an exact estimate before you confirm each swap.

Can I use ChangeNOW without KYC?

For basic swaps, no KYC is required. The optional PRO tier adds KYC for higher limits and extra security features.

How safe is the platform after the 2024 security audit?

The audit gave ChangeNOW a 64/100 score, flagging 100 issues including SSL misconfigurations and phishing risks. While the company has patched many problems, the rating indicates room for improvement. Users should enable 2FA and keep transaction amounts modest.

Does ChangeNOW support fiat deposits?

No. ChangeNOW is purely a crypto‑to‑crypto swapping service. For fiat on‑ramps you’ll need a separate exchange or a payment gateway.

August 28, 2025
Kieran Ashdown
16 Comments

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RESPONSES

Jason Roland
October 20, 2025 AT 20:20

ChangeNOW is actually pretty solid for quick swaps if you’re not moving big amounts. I’ve used it a dozen times and never had an issue. The interface is dumb-simple - pick coin, paste address, click go. No forms, no waiting. The fee estimator is accurate too, which is rare.

Just don’t store your life savings on it. That audit score is ugly, but honestly? Most of these non-custodial tools are one phishing link away from disaster. 2FA and double-checking addresses is non-negotiable.

Niki Burandt
October 21, 2025 AT 20:15

64/100? 😬 That’s not a ‘risk score’ - that’s a warning sign painted in neon. SSL errors? Phishing? Stolen credentials? And people still use this like it’s a Starbucks Wi-Fi? 🤦‍♀️

I’d rather wait 5 minutes on Uniswap than hand my keys to a site that can’t even configure HTTPS right. Also, ‘PRO’ tier? More like ‘PRO-GET-HACKED’ tier.

Chris Pratt
October 22, 2025 AT 10:42

As someone who’s used this across 3 countries, I can say the UX is surprisingly consistent. No account needed is huge for travelers or people in places with strict KYC.

Yeah, the security audit is rough - but remember, most of those issues are surface-level. SSL misconfigs don’t mean they’re stealing coins. The non-custodial model still protects you from exchange hacks. Just don’t be lazy with your wallet habits.

And honestly? Compared to some DeFi protocols that vanish with your funds? This feels like a safe bet for small swaps.

Karen Donahue
October 23, 2025 AT 04:57

Let me just say this - if you’re using ChangeNOW without KYC, you’re not just being ‘privacy-conscious,’ you’re being dangerously naive. This isn’t a ‘cool hack’ - it’s a liability waiting to happen. The platform has 100 documented vulnerabilities, including stolen corporate credentials. That’s not a bug, that’s a systemic failure.

And the fees? ‘Varies’? That’s not transparency, that’s predatory obfuscation. You’re literally gambling on the swap rate. And for what? To avoid signing up? Please. Your privacy isn’t worth getting rug-pulled over a 2% fee.

Also, the fact that they don’t support fiat? That’s not a feature - that’s a sign they’re avoiding regulation, not embracing decentralization. This isn’t innovation. It’s negligence dressed up as convenience.

Bert Martin
October 23, 2025 AT 10:52

For beginners, ChangeNOW is actually one of the better entry points. No wallet setup stress, no gas fee confusion - just pick, paste, swap.

Just treat it like a vending machine: you don’t leave your wallet inside, you don’t deposit $10k, and you always check the receipt before walking away. Use it for small swaps, enable 2FA if you can, and keep your expectations realistic.

It’s not perfect, but it’s not the apocalypse either. There’s a middle ground between ‘everything’s fine’ and ‘this is a scam.’

Ray Dalton
October 23, 2025 AT 17:32

Biggest thing people miss: ChangeNOW isn’t a wallet, it’s a router. Your funds never sit there - they’re swapped via smart contracts. That’s why it’s non-custodial. The audit issues? Mostly frontend stuff - SSL certs, cookie policies, outdated JS libraries. None of that directly exposes your private keys.

Still, the phishing reports are concerning. I’d only use it if I’m swapping from a burner wallet. Don’t use your main ETH or BTC wallet unless you’ve got a hardware backup.

Also - the API is legit. I’ve integrated it for a small biz tool and the docs are clean. If you’re a dev, it’s worth testing.

Peter Brask
October 24, 2025 AT 17:27

64/100? LOL. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Did you know they’ve been flagged by the FBI for laundering through fake ‘swap’ transactions? 😈

And the ‘PRO’ tier? That’s just a trap. They take your ID, then sell it to third parties who use it to target you with crypto scams. I’ve seen the leaked docs - they’re not even trying to hide it.

Also, the ‘1000+ assets’? Half of them are meme coins no one’s ever heard of. It’s a graveyard of dead tokens. And the ‘instant’ swaps? Yeah, right. I’ve waited 47 minutes for a DAI swap. They lie.

They’re not a company. They’re a front for a crypto cartel. Don’t be fooled.

Trent Mercer
October 25, 2025 AT 15:39

Wow. A 64/100 security rating and you’re still recommending this? You must be new to crypto. Real pros use CEXs with insurance and cold storage. Or better yet - self-custody with a hardware wallet and manual swaps.

This feels like a TikTok crypto influencer’s side hustle. No fee transparency? No fiat? No real oversight? It’s not ‘convenient’ - it’s amateur hour.

Also, ‘PRO’ tier? That’s just a paywall to make you feel safer while they quietly drain your wallet. I’d rather use a paper wallet and a calculator.

Kyle Waitkunas
October 25, 2025 AT 20:41

THEY’RE STEALING YOUR KEYS!!! 😱

Do you even KNOW what happens when an SSL cert expires? Your browser thinks it’s safe - but hackers are MITM’ing every single swap! I’ve seen the logs - they’re routing through servers in Belarus! And the ‘email confirmation’? That’s just a decoy - they already have your IP, your device fingerprint, and your transaction history!

And the ‘non-custodial’ claim? LIES. They’re using a hidden proxy wallet that auto-converts your ETH to USDT and sends it to a black hole address. I’ve recovered 3 wallets this way - ALL FROM CHANGENOW!

DO NOT USE THIS. I’m not exaggerating. This is the most dangerous platform in crypto right now. The audit? It’s a cover-up. They paid the firm to downplay it. I have the emails. I’ll post them. I’m not joking.

Someone needs to shut this down. Before someone loses their life savings.

vonley smith
October 26, 2025 AT 16:41

Just use it for small stuff. Like, under $500. I’ve swapped USDC for MATIC like 8 times. Never had a problem. The chat support actually helped me when I pasted the wrong address once - they paused the swap and emailed me. That’s more than most platforms do.

Yeah, the security score is bad, but so is every other no-KYC exchange. At least they’re not holding your coins. That’s the whole point.

Just don’t be lazy. Use a burner wallet. Turn on 2FA. Double-check the address. Boom. Done. No drama.

Melodye Drake
October 27, 2025 AT 04:10

How is anyone still using this? The fact that you need to ‘enable 2FA’ just to feel safe on a platform that can’t even fix SSL errors… it’s embarrassing. This isn’t innovation - it’s a dumpster fire with a clean UI.

And ‘PRO’ tier? Please. You’re not getting security - you’re just paying to be on their watchlist. I’d rather use a 2017-era desktop wallet than give this place my ID.

Also, ‘1000+ assets’? Most of them are dead. It’s a graveyard with a fancy frontend. Real traders use DEX aggregators. They know better.

paul boland
October 28, 2025 AT 02:47

USA-based devs think they’re so smart with their ‘non-custodial’ nonsense - but this is why crypto is a joke. You get hacked because you’re too lazy to register? Pathetic.

Real men use CEXs with Irish banking licenses. Real men don’t trust some anonymous website with a .io domain. This is why Europe is laughing at you.

Also - ‘no KYC’? That’s not freedom. That’s a crime haven. You’re not a pioneer - you’re a liability.

harrison houghton
October 28, 2025 AT 18:17

There is a metaphysical paradox here: the very feature that grants autonomy - non-custodial design - also grants anonymity to the platform itself. The user believes they are sovereign, yet they place trust in an opaque system with no accountability. The audit score of 64/100 is not merely a technical failure - it is an epistemological crisis.

We are not trading crypto. We are trading faith. In a world where code is law, but the law is unenforceable, what does ‘security’ even mean? Is it the absence of theft? Or the presence of trust?

ChangeNOW offers neither. It offers the illusion of control. And that, my friends, is the most dangerous illusion of all.

DINESH YADAV
October 29, 2025 AT 12:45

India has better crypto exchanges with real support. This is for westerners who don't know how to use real wallets. I use WazirX - fast, secure, KYC done in 5 minutes. Why waste time on this? You think you're cool? You're just getting hacked.

rachel terry
October 30, 2025 AT 04:11

It's fine if you're chill about it. I use it all the time. The audit is old. They've patched most of it. You're overthinking. If you're paranoid, don't use crypto at all. Simple.

Also the PRO tier is worth it if you do more than 2 swaps a month. Fees drop like 40%.

And yes, I know about the SSL thing. So what? My wallet's still safe. You're just mad because you don't know how to use it properly.

Niki Burandt
October 30, 2025 AT 13:13

Ugh, another one saying ‘just use a burner wallet’ like that fixes everything. You know what else uses burner wallets? Scammers. And you’re just handing them the keys.

And ‘I’ve used it 8 times’? That’s not a track record - that’s a gamble. One slip-up and your whole portfolio’s gone. And then you’ll come back here crying about ‘I didn’t know’.

Stop glorifying negligence. This isn’t a lifestyle choice - it’s a risk you’re normalizing.