
If youâre new to the world of cryptocurrencies, youâll probably use an exchange: a marketplace where buyers and sellers interact. Theoretically, it should work like a stock exchange, but in reality, it can be quite different. At the time of writing, there are at least 190 exchanges to choose from, with more appearing all the time. Without rules and regulations, thereâs no obligation for the exchange to replace your digital money if it should get hacked. In fact, Mt. Gox, one of the first exchanges to go mainstream, went bankrupt. Donât gamble on buying your Bitcoin from a fly-by-night exchange that could disappear: these are our tips for choosing the right exchange. 1. Look for the address No address, no deal. If you donât know where your exchange is based, itâd be difficult for you to find out the legalities of your situation should you get hacked. 2. Whatâs its reputation like? Simply googling the name of the exchange can lead you into forums where people share their experiences. Youâll be able to gauge potential problems and speak to other users of the exchange. But donât just search the name: add âhackâ onto the end to find the real stories. 3. Be pedantic about security Is opening an account difficult? Good. If itâs easy, itâs untrustworthy and if things go south, you might not be able to get your money back. Experts say that at least 95% of the exchangeâs assets should be kept offline. 4. Consider the fees More secure exchanges charge higher transaction rates. Coinbase, one of the reputable exchanges, charges a base rate of 4% for all transactions. If youâre seeing a 0.2% transaction fee, be on high alert. 5. Be lightning-quick The key to effective crypto-trading is efficiency. Donât keep too much money on the exchange for too long and never trade more than you can afford to lose. Featured Image Source: Pixabay