When you hear Bitcoin exchange, a platform where you can trade Bitcoin for other cryptocurrencies or traditional money like USD or EUR. Also known as a crypto trading platform, it’s the bridge between digital assets and real-world cash. But not all Bitcoin exchanges are built the same. Some are well-regulated, secure, and transparent. Others? They’re ghost platforms with no trading volume, fake audits, and zero user support—like GSAE or CherrySwap, which show up in search results but don’t actually exist as real services.
A decentralized exchange, a peer-to-peer trading system that doesn’t hold your funds or require identity verification. Also known as a DEX, it’s how traders avoid the risks of centralized platforms. Uniswap v2 on Base and PartySwap are real examples—no middleman, no bank account needed. But even DEXes can be risky if they have low liquidity or no community. Then there’s the other side: centralized exchanges that hold your Bitcoin for you. They’re easier to use but come with big risks—if they get hacked or shut down, your coins could vanish. That’s why regulation matters. Places like the UAE and Switzerland have clear rules that make exchanges safer. In contrast, platforms like DIFX and Bitbaby skip audits, ignore compliance, and hide behind vague claims of "full insurance"—which means nothing if they’re not licensed.
What you’ll find here isn’t a list of top exchanges. It’s a collection of real reviews, red flags, and hard truths. You’ll see how trading volume drops after new rules hit, why some "low-fee" platforms like Coinlim are only good for experienced traders, and how FATCA and IRS rules force U.S. users to report every Bitcoin trade. You’ll learn what makes a Bitcoin exchange trustworthy—or a total scam. No fluff. No hype. Just what works, what doesn’t, and who you should avoid.
CoinCorner is a UK-based crypto exchange focused on Bitcoin, offering simple buying, a debit card, and fast bank transfers. Best for small buyers in Europe, not traders or US users.