Comparison of Ascendex vs Changenow [ 2024 ]

The crypto exchanges compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is the Ascendex vs Changenow comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

altcoin trader

Ascendex

  • Threenvest valuation: 3,8/5
  • US legal: No
  • Security: High 4,6/5
  • Mobile App: Yes
Go exchange

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

changenow

Changenow

  • Threenvest valuation: 3,4/5
  • US legal: Yes
  • Security: High 4/5
  • Mobile App: Yes
Go exchange

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,10% /0,20%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5
hidden

Fees

Yes

Earns

3/5

Customer service


Recommended for

Beginners

No

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes
No

Beginners

No

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.1 – Low trading fees with discounts for token holders.
4.0 – Competitive fees with a focus on instant crypto swaps.

Level

0,10% /0,20%
hidden

Brief explanation

Altcoin Trader’s commission structure is designed with simplicity in mind, aligning with its overall user-friendly approach to cryptocurrency trading. The platform charges a flat fee of 0.25% on all trades, whether you are buying or selling. This rate is quite competitive within the industry, particularly for an exchange that prioritizes ease of use for beginners. The straightforward fee model eliminates any confusion about variable rates that can affect the cost of transactions, making it easier for new traders to understand exactly how much they will be paying per trade. This transparency in fees is part of what makes Altcoin Trader a preferred choice for those new to the crypto markets.
ChangeNOW simplifies the process of trading cryptocurrencies by imposing a straightforward fee structure that varies depending on the transaction and the currency pair used. Typically, ChangeNOW integrates a service fee directly into the exchange rate, which means the rates you see already include the fee, ensuring transparency and avoiding unexpected charges. The platform does not charge a separate service fee, but network fees, which are payments to miners, still apply and are necessary for the transaction to be processed on the blockchain. This fee structure makes it easy for beginners to understand the total cost of each transaction without having to navigate complex fee schedules.

Ascendex

altcoin trader
Read ascendex review
  • Year Founded: Established in 2015, Altcoin Trader has been in operation for several years, allowing it to develop a deep understanding of the market dynamics and user needs. This longevity in the volatile crypto market underscores its resilience and adaptability.
  • Security Methods: Altcoin Trader employs robust security measures, including cold storage for the majority of the assets, which significantly reduces the risk of hacks and unauthorized access. This focus on securing user funds is a critical factor in building trust.
  • Reputation and Reviews: The platform has built a strong reputation within the South African cryptocurrency community. User reviews often highlight the reliability of the service, the responsiveness of customer support, and the ease of use of the platform.
  • Transparency: Altcoin Trader is known for its transparent operational practices, including clear communication about fees and any changes to the trading environment. This transparency helps build trust and ensures users feel secure in their trading decisions.
  • Customer Service: The exchange has a dedicated customer service team that is accessible and responsive. This service ensures that users can receive quick and helpful responses to their inquiries or issues, which is crucial for both new and experienced traders.
  • Pros
  • Supports direct ZAR deposits.
  • User-friendly interface for beginners.
  • Offers a wide range of altcoins.
  • Cons
  • imited advanced trading features.
  • Lower trading volume than competitors

Read ascendex review

Changenow

changenow
Read ascendex review
  • Security Methods: ChangeNOW employs robust security protocols, including non-custodial transactions that ensure users retain control over their private keys, enhancing overall security.
  • Customer Service: Despite some feedback about needing improvements, ChangeNOW is committed to enhancing its customer support services, with initiatives aimed at providing quicker and more effective responses.
  • Reputation and Reviews: The platform has received positive reviews for its user-friendly interface and quick swap features, establishing a solid reputation in the cryptocurrency community.
  • Trading Volume and Liquidity: With support for over 200 cryptocurrencies, ChangeNOW offers high liquidity, ensuring that transactions are executed swiftly and at competitive rates.
  • Transparency: ChangeNOW is transparent about its fees and processes, providing users with all necessary information upfront, which helps in building trust.
  • Pros
  • User-friendly, intuitive interface.
  • No registration required for exchanges.
  • Supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
  • Cons
  • Higher fees than some competitors.
  • No custodial services offered.

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Product selection

Native token

Token ASD
No

Earns

Yes
Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes
No

Cripto/debit card

Yes
No

Company information

Full name

AscendEX (formerly BitMax)
ChangeNOW International Ltd.

Regulation

Not regulated
Not regulated

Year founded

2018
2017

Founder

George Cao and Ariel Ling
Unknown

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes
No

Mastercard

Yes
No

Wire transfer

Yes
No

Card

Yes
No

Comparative table

Ascendex FEATURES Changenow
The minimum trade amount is reasonable, accommodating both small and larger investors.
Minimum Trade
ChangeNOW allows users to trade small amounts of cryptocurrencies, accommodating users who prefer to trade minimal quantities.
Fees are competitive but could be improved to match or undercut major competitors.
Trading and Transaction Fees
While fees are competitive, they can vary and be higher for certain routes or less popular coins.
Offers a decent variety of cryptocurrencies, though not as extensive as larger global exchanges.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, providing a wide selection for trading.
Limited to more common pairs, lacking the extensive options found on larger platforms.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Offers a vast array of trading pairs, allowing direct swaps between a diverse range of cryptocurrencies.
The website provides clear and straightforward information on fees, policies, and trading options.
Website Transparency
Generally transparent about fees and trading processes, but could improve accessibility of detailed information on the backend processes.
Altcoin Trader lacks a branded exchange card, limiting the versatility of funds access and usage beyond the digital platform.
Credit/Debit Card
Does not provide its own exchange card for in-store purchases or benefits.
Provides secure cold storage options, ensuring a high level of security for stored assets.
Storage Offering
Provides a secure, non-custodial service that doesn’t store user funds but could enhance security features or options.
Limited options for staking and rewards, not as competitive as other exchanges offering these services.
Staking and Rewards
Limited options for staking and rewards compared to other platforms that offer comprehensive staking services.
Offers functional mobile and desktop platforms, though they lack some advanced features.
Mobile App and Desktop
Both mobile and desktop interfaces are user-friendly, facilitating easy and efficient trading on any device.
Responsive and helpful customer service, providing support through multiple channels.
Customer Service
Customer service is available but has room for improvement in terms of response times and support quality.
Efficient processes for deposits and withdrawals, though mainly catering to local (South African) users.
Deposit and Withdraw
Facilitates easy and fast deposits and withdrawals but could expand the variety of accepted payment methods.

Key features

Analysis tools

Technical analysis tools, charting
No significant tools, mainly a swap service

Mobile APP

Yes
No

Security

High 4,6/5
High 4/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures contracts, staking, AscendEX Earn program
Instant crypto swaps, NOW token rewards, fiat on/off ramps, ChangeNOW API

Anonymity

No
Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

150+
200+

User-friendliness

AscendEX offers a well-designed and user-friendly platform that caters to both novice and experienced traders. The interface is intuitive, and the platform provides helpful resources to guide users through the trading process.
ChangeNOW offers a straightforward and easy-to-use platform that is ideal for beginners. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and execute trades.

Value for money

Provides good value for money, offering low trading fees and access to a variety of trading tools and features.
Offers good value for money with competitive fees and a straightforward swapping service, making it an easy option for quick trades.

Countries of operation

United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore
Global, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany

Best for

Great for both novice and experienced traders who want access to a variety of trading tools, low trading fees, and advanced features.
Ideal for traders looking for a straightforward and quick cryptocurrency swapping service with competitive fees.

Base currencies available

USD, BTC, USDT
BTC, ETH, USDT (varies by transaction)

Account

Trading

Ascendex, formerly known as BitMax, offers comprehensive trading options including spot, margin, and futures trading. Its advanced trading tools are beneficial for seasoned traders. However, new users might find the platform’s complexity challenging initially.
ChangeNOW is a non-custodial exchange known for its fast and anonymous transactions. It offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies but lacks advanced trading features and tools.

Deposit and withdrawal

Ascendex offers diverse deposit and withdrawal methods including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and crypto deposits. Withdrawals are processed quickly, typically within 24 hours. Fees are competitive.
ChangeNOW is a non-custodial exchange known for its fast transactions. It supports various deposit methods, and withdrawals are processed quickly with low fees.

Account opening process

Ascendex’s account opening is fully digital and quick. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is streamlined and user-friendly, allowing for account approval typically within a day.
ChangeNOW provides a simple and quick account registration process. Users need to submit personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and usually takes less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes
No

Customer Service

Ascendex offers customer support through email, live chat, and a comprehensive FAQ section. The response time is quick, and support is available 24/7, ensuring users can get help whenever needed.
ChangeNOW offers support through email and live chat. The response time is quick, but the support team is not available 24/7, which may be a drawback for some users.

Security

Ascendex ensures security through 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. While the platform is secure, it is not regulated by top-tier authorities, which might be a concern for some users.
ChangeNOW provides strong security with 2FA and encryption. However, it lacks regulation from major financial authorities, which might be a concern for some investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

alejandro-borja-analista-de-brokers.webp

Alejandro Borja

As an expert on our website, I recommend Altcoin Trader for South African users new to the cryptocurrency market, given its user-friendly interface and robust security measures. While it offers a decent variety of cryptocurrencies and straightforward deposit and withdrawal processes, potential users should be aware of its limited crypto-to-crypto trading pairs and the absence of credit/debit card support. For those starting out or primarily trading in major cryptocurrencies, Altcoin Trader provides a solid platform to begin your investment journey securely.
Xavier-tarraso-mascarell.jpg

Xavier Tarrasó

As a cryptocurrency analyst at our website, I’ve spent considerable time exploring and using various exchanges, and ChangeNOW stands out for its remarkable simplicity and efficiency. From my personal experience, this platform is especially well-suited for those who are new to the cryptocurrency world or those who prefer straightforward, quick crypto exchanges without the hassle of lengthy registrations. ChangeNOW’s focus on user privacy and security, without requiring personal information, provides peace of mind, making it a top recommendation for users valuing anonymity alongside ease of use. Whether you’re looking to swap small amounts or engage in more significant trades, ChangeNOW facilitates it all with commendable ease and speed.

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How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

 

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).


For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

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