How we test spot trading services

At GNcrypto, we put transparency first when evaluating cryptocurrency platforms. Our reviews of spot trading services are based on hands-on testing and thorough analysis across all key dimensions.

Our Testing Philosophy

We do not accept payment for reviews or ratings. Every platform undergoes the same standardized testing process to ensure fairness and consistency.

Our approach is based on mystery shopping. The expert team registers on the platform and completes the full user journey – from account creation and verification to depositing real funds and executing spot trades. We document every step, capturing friction points, fees, and user experience details along the way.

Each platform is tested under real-world conditions before any findings are published.

Core Evaluation Criteria

Trading Fees & Cost Structure (Weight: 25%)

Understanding true costs goes beyond the headline rates:

• Maker and taker fees across VIP tiers
• Deposit and withdrawal fees (crypto and fiat)
• Hidden costs like spread markups, network fees, and conversion charges
• Volume-based discounts

We measure actual costs by executing trades of different sizes, capturing every fee and hidden expense along the way.

Asset Selection & Liquidity (Weight: 20%)

We look at the depth of order books and the availability of trading pairs:

• Number of supported cryptocurrencies and pairs
• Order book depth for major pairs
• Bid-ask spreads in normal and volatile markets
• Access to emerging tokens versus established assets

Our team monitors order books, tests spreads, and evaluates limit order execution under various market conditions.

Platform Performance & Reliability (Weight: 20%)

Speed and uptime are crucial for traders. We assess:

• Order execution speed
• Platform stability during market swings
• Historical downtime and outages
• Mobile app vs. web performance
• API reliability for algorithmic trading

These factors are tested during high-volatility events to ensure the platform can handle real trading demands.

Security & Regulatory Compliance (Weight: 15%)

User protection is central to our evaluation. We check:

• Licenses and regulatory compliance
• Security features such as 2FA, withdrawal whitelists, and anti-phishing codes
• Cold storage practices and insurance coverage
• Past security incidents and responses
• KYC/AML standards (ISO 27001, PCI DSS)

We verify security firsthand and review historical incidents to ensure a platform meets modern safety standards.

User Experience & Interface (Weight: 10%)

We assess usability for both beginners and experienced traders:

• Clarity of the interface
• Availability of order types (market, limit, stop-loss, OCO, etc.)
• Charting tools and technical indicators
• Mobile app functionality
• Funding and withdrawal workflows

Our reviewers test the platform from multiple skill-level perspectives to ensure it’s intuitive and efficient.

Customer Support & Extra Features (Weight: 10%)

Beyond core trading, we evaluate how the platform supports and empowers users:

• Support responsiveness and problem resolution (live chat, email, phone)
• Educational resources, portfolio tracking, and staking or earn programs

We submit real support tickets and review the extra features to understand how platforms enhance the overall trading experience.

Rating Scale

We use a 5-star system:

• ★★★★★ Exceptional – industry-leading
• ★★★★ Excellent – above average
• ★★★ Good – meets expectations
• ★★ Fair – below average
• ★ Poor – major deficiencies

What We Don’t Do

• Accept payments for higher ratings
• Review platforms we don’t personally use
• Copy specifications from marketing without verification
• Rate platforms we cannot fully test due to regional restrictions
• Let affiliate relationships influence ratings

Continuous Updates

Crypto platforms evolve quickly. We regularly update our reviews to reflect changes in features, fees, and rules:

• Major updates: After significant platform changes, security issues, or regulatory developments
• Regular reviews: Quarterly checks on fees, features, and performance
• Breaking changes: Immediate updates for critical issues affecting funds or platform availability

Methodology Transparency

Our scoring system and criteria weights are reviewed periodically as the industry evolves. Any changes are applied consistently across all reviews and clearly communicated.

Geographic Considerations

Platform features and availability vary by region. We clearly indicate:

• Jurisdictions tested from
• Regional restrictions
• Local compliance status
• Supported fiat currencies

Questions About Our Process?

We welcome feedback on our methodology. If you see critical factors missing or have suggestions to improve our evaluation, contact our editorial team at [email protected].

Traders deserve complete clarity. Our process leaves no room for shortcuts or paid influence – only verified results.

Last updated: 19/11/2025

Next methodology review: expected