How We Test Exchanges
Every exchange with the "BitScout Verified" badge has been personally tested by our team. Here's exactly what that means.
Account Creation
We create a real account on every exchange we review. This lets us evaluate:
- Sign-up process and user experience
- KYC verification requirements and speed
- Available security features (2FA, etc.)
- Interface clarity and ease of use
Deposit Testing
We make real deposits using various methods to test:
- Bank transfer (ACH/SEPA) processing time
- Card deposit fees and limits
- Cryptocurrency deposit confirmation times
- Any hidden fees or issues
Withdrawal Testing
The most critical test - we withdraw funds to verify:
- Withdrawal processing speed
- Actual fees vs advertised fees
- Any withdrawal restrictions or delays
- Security verification process
Support Evaluation
We contact customer support with real questions to assess:
- Response time (live chat, email, phone)
- Quality and helpfulness of responses
- Availability hours and channels
- Issue resolution effectiveness
Additional Factors We Consider
Regulatory Compliance
We verify licensing status, regulatory jurisdiction, and compliance history.
Security Track Record
We research any past security incidents and how they were handled.
Fee Transparency
We compare advertised fees with actual fees experienced during testing.
User Reviews
We analyze user feedback across multiple platforms for patterns.
Our Commitment
We only recommend exchanges we've personally tested and would use ourselves. Our reviews are based on real experience, not marketing materials. We may earn commissions from partner links, but this never influences our ratings or recommendations.