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ChangeNOW Crypto Exchange Review 2025 - Fees, Security, Features

ChangeNOW Crypto Exchange Review 2025 - Fees, Security, Features
By Kieran Ashdown 28 Aug 2025

ChangeNOW Fee Calculator

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* 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

  1. Open the ChangeNOW homepage - no login required for basic swaps.
  2. Select the coin you want to send in the “From” field.
  3. Enter the destination wallet address (copy‑paste to avoid typos).
  4. Choose the target coin in the “To” field; the platform shows the best available rate.
  5. Review the estimated fee and arrival time. If you’re okay, click “Convert”.
  6. Confirm the transaction via the email link that ChangeNOW sends you.
  7. 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.

Tags: ChangeNOW review crypto exchange non-custodial exchange ChangeNOW security ChangeNOW fees
  • August 28, 2025
  • Kieran Ashdown
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