Changelly Crypto Exchange Reviewed: UK Traders Need to Know

Ever wanted to use a crypto exchange but worried about the risk of surrendering your portfolio to the custodial platform? Changelly makes this happen. The crypto platform allows you to enjoy crypto-focused services while maintaining true ownership, thanks to its non-custodial structure.

Founded in 2015, Changelly is a global crypto exchange that enables users to buy, sell, swap, and trade various digital assets. It features over 1,000 crypto assets across 185+ blockchains. It serves over 10 million users globally.

This complete Changelly review offers a detailed insight into how the non-custodial exchange operates within the UK and whether local investors should consider using it. It also highlights the pros and cons tied to the platform.

Whether you are a UK crypto trader looking for an honest Changelly review, a non-custodial enthusiast seeking a platform that allows you to have total control of your assets, or a crypto investor with fiat on-ramp needs, this Changelly crypto exchange review provides all the details you need to make informed decisions.

How does Changelly work in the UK?

As a non-custodial wallet, Changelly never stores users’ digital assets. Instead, users are in complete custody and control over their crypto assets. While this approach offers decentralization, it means that if a user loses access to their Changelly account, they will lose all the funds within the account.

To fund their accounts, UK users can buy their favorite coins through fiat-to-crypto payment solutions like MoonPay. There is also an option for UK crypto users to utilize the crypto-to-crypto feature within Changelly to access digital assets.

Is Changelly regulated by the FCA?

Changelly is not regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This is a crucial detail for UK users to be aware of. Because it is not under the FCA’s supervision, UK customers do not benefit from the protections usually available when dealing with regulated crypto-focused firms.

This means that if funds are suddenly frozen or the crypto exchange goes bankrupt, UK users cannot turn to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for help. Ideally, FSCS steps in to compensate users of a platform in the eventuality that the financial company cannot pay back.

Are there any restrictions for UK users on Changelly?

There are currently no restrictions on Changelly for UK users. Local investors can access the exchange’s services, such as its swaps and fiat-to-crypto purchases. According to the exchange’s terms of use, countries like the United States, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea are restricted from using Changelly. Since the UK is not on this list, local users are free to access its services.

However, UK customers may still face challenges. Larger or unusual transactions can trigger mandatory KYC reviews, during which funds may be held temporarily. While this does not affect all users, it is a possible drawback, especially for those planning to move larger sums.

Key Changelly features for UK users

Here are the key features within the Changelly ecosystem that UK users would find appealing:

DeFi Swap

Often regarded as one of its most prominent features, Changelly’s DeFi Swap serves as a decentralized exchange aggregator, enabling users to exchange one cryptocurrency for another seamlessly. This feature does not rely on any third party, such as Changelly. Instead, trades are automatically executed through smart contracts and Automated Market Maker (AMM) integrations. Notably, the DeFi Swap feature is available to users who wish to swap crypto assets that exist on the same blockchain. While performing the trade, users are notified about the applicable rates and fees.

Changelly Exchange

This differs from the DeFi Swap feature. Here, Changelly stands as an intermediary between the user and the crypto they want to swap to. The platform scouts for the best possible rate for the selected crypto pair and shows it to the user. This feature is usable for digital assets existing on a single blockchain network or those on different blockchains.

Changelly Pay

Changelly PAY is a crypto payment service that enables businesses to process crypto transactions, access a fiat-to-crypto aggregator, and set up a business wallet. The payment solution is open to enterprises, regardless of their level of crypto knowledge. These businesses must comply with the Know Your Business (KYB) requirement. The Changelly PAY feature is made for e-commerce, payment solutions, online trading, GameFi, and SaaS businesses.

Changelly PRO

Changelly PRO is a dedicated section of the non-custodial platform that provides traders with access to trading services. Here, UK traders can enable spot, margin, and perpetual futures trading with a diverse range of trading tools.

Changelly API

Changelly API is a feature that allows anyone to integrate Changelly’s services into their own products. The service is specifically designed for businesses or developers running a cryptocurrency wallet, marketplace, or crowdfunding interface. The API is accessible on mobile and web platforms.

How does the Changelly mobile app work?

Changelly offers a mobile app compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The platform boasts an intuitive interface that allows users to buy, sell, swap, trade, and hold their preferred cryptocurrencies. Since Changelly is a non-custodial platform, users can create accounts without undergoing a KYC assessment. This makes the mobile app suitable for those seeking anonymity while accessing crypto and other blockchain use cases. However, those seeking to make transactions above a specific threshold will need to undergo KYC verification.

Changelly’s mobile app is available to users in 12 languages. The platform is trusted by millions of users, earning an average rating of 4.7 on both the App Store and Google Play Store. Among the perks of the mobile crypto app are the welcome bonus and affiliate rewards. Users can also benefit from the Changelly Explore section, where they can access the latest market news and insights to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the crypto industry.

What is the Changelly Affiliate Program?

Changelly’s Affiliate Program allows users to earn commissions by referring their family, friends, and customers to the non-custodial platform.

Anyone interested in joining the affiliate program will tap in through the Changelly Earn section. They can participate through the RevShare earning program (for social media experts, bloggers, and community managers) or the CPI, CPA, and HYBRID earning program (for marketers familiar with data, webmasters, SEO experts, and PPC specialists).

Affiliates are entitled to up to 50% of the commission charged by the Changelly team when the referred user exchanges or purchases crypto. They can also track the performance of their affiliate accounts. They are also assigned affiliate managers to address any questions or challenges that may arise along the way. The minimum payout an affiliate can withdraw is $30.

This Changelly crypto exchange review outlines a simple four-step process to join the affiliate program:

1. Sign up and create an account on Changelly.
2. Navigate to the Changelly Affiliate section and select your preferred earning package.
3. Receive an affiliate link to share with your audience.
4. Once referred users start exchanging and purchasing crypto, you start to earn.

How safe is Changelly for UK crypto users?

Changelly boasts a safe interface for UK crypto users. Since its 2015 debut, it has recorded zero security breaches. The platform’s development team implements advanced encryption to protect the overall protocol.

Since Changelly is a non-custodial platform, it has no access to users’ funds. Hence, users need not worry that Changelly can siphon their digital assets through a backdoor, as is possible through custodial crypto exchanges. Still, Changelly implements safety measures, such as two-factor authentication and email confirmations, to protect users from malicious actors who want to steal their funds.

Notwithstanding, UK users are urged to remain vigilant so that they don’t fall prey to malicious actors who can trick them into surrendering their digital assets. This is especially required since Changelly has no measures in place to block transactions from being executed.

Is KYC needed for Changelly?

Being a non-custodial crypto exchange, Changelly does not require users to undergo a KYC assessment. However, users will be required to complete KYC if the exchange’s team flags their transactions as suspicious. The same is also true when users execute huge transactions.

Although all of Changelly’s fiat providers require KYC, they allow users to perform most small transactions without submitting their personal credentials. However, completing large amounts draws the attention of these payment providers for a KYC assessment.

Changelly fees and charges explained for UK traders

‍Changelly’s fee structure is designed to be transparent and competitive. Users can view the fees associated with each transaction before‍ confirming the trade. When u⁠s‌ing Changelly,⁠ i‌t is‍ worth noting that UK‍ trade​rs need to be vigilant⁠ of the e‌xchange‍ fees and c‌harges associated with trading cryptocurr⁠encies on​ the pl⁠atform.​ The‍ bre‍akdown of the fees‌ a‌re as fol‌low:

• Ex‌change Fe​es: Changelly charg⁠es a small fee on each exchange transaction of up to 0.25% on traded digital assets.

• Netwo‍rk Fees: Changelly’s network fees vary, depending o‌n the blockchai‍n networ​k an⁠d asset being exchanged. If there is network congestion, users may pay a higher network fee.

• With⁠draw‌al Fees: The crypto non-custodial platform charges a minimal fee of 3.95% for crypto-to-fiat transactions. Still, the applicable fee depends on factors like the user’s country of residence, market rates, and the currency pair.

• Fiat-to-crypto Transactions: Changelly charges a minimal 4% fee for fiat-to-crypto trades through its third-party payment partners like MoonPay, Banxa, Switchere, and Topper.

What are Changelly bonuses and rewards?

Changelly offers competitive bonuses and rewards to its users, designed to incentivize trading and loyalty. Some‍ of the perks and rewards that​ users‌ can expect are:

1. N⁠ew users may be ‍eligible‌for a welcome‍ bonus, whic⁠h provi⁠des a d‌iscount on th‍eir f⁠irst exchange ⁠transaction‌. In March 2025, the platform offered a $50 welcome bonus to newly registered users via its mobile app. Those eligible had a 30-day window to claim the reward.
2. Affiliates⁠ can e⁠a​rn up to a 50% bonus for ref‌err⁠ing n‌ew users to‌ the platform.
3. Changelly may of⁠f‌er loya⁠l‍ty rewards to users who‍ trade frequently or hold a cer‍tain amoun​t of asset‍s on the platform.

Changelly pros and cons

Pros

• Mobile app.
• The platform is non-custodial.
• Instant crypto swaps.
• Supports over 1,000 cryptocurrencies.
• No hidden fees.
• 24/7 customer support.
• Diverse features.
• Supports various payment solutions.
• Offers up to 50% bonus for affiliates.
• Changelly has a dedicated section for Personal and Business users.

Cons

• KYC is required for large trades.
• Not FCA-authorized, meaning that UK customers are not protected by the regulatory guardrails that protect local exchanges.
• Fees are expenses compared to some competitor platforms.

Changelly Crypto Exchange Review: General Opinion

A vital way to know the credibility of any project is to examine the reviews from existing users. These reviews help to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of that project. Various users have shared an opinion on Changelly.

According to comments from various consumer review websites, most users applaud the platform’s overall transaction speed and rates. Others praise the platform’s user-friendly approach towards buying and selling crypto assets, making it a top choice for investors seeking fiat on-ramp services. Some users also specifically praise the swift response of Changelly’s customer support team.

On the downside, some users reckon that Changelly’s fees are considerably higher than those of competitors. Others complain that Changelly does not support the payment platforms they are familiar with.

FAQs

How many cryptos are available on Changelly?

Changelly offers over 1,000 cryptocurrencies, including popular options like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC). It also features emerging crypto assets with promising market metrics. The list of available cryptocurrencies is regularly updated to incorporate new digital assets, allowing users to stay ahead of market trends.

How do I contact Changelly customer support in the UK?

Changelly offers 24/7 customer support, accessible to UK users via live chat on their website or mobile app. Another option is to send an email directly to [email protected]. The company also features a help center with guides and a ticket system, allowing users to submit requests for assistance. All these channels are accessible to UK users, regardless of their location, ensuring that help is always available.

What is the main alternative to Changelly?

The main alternatives to Changelly are Coinbase, Uphold, and Bitpanda. This is because, like Changelly, these platforms also enable users to buy, sell, swap, and trade crypto assets. They also boast intuitive user interfaces and competitive fees. Above all, they are endorsed by the UK’s FCA, a feat that Changelly has yet to attain. Still, users are advised to exercise due diligence before using any crypto exchange.

Conclusion

Changelly boasts one of the most intuitive interfaces for non-custodial crypto access. Unlike most non-custodial crypto platforms, Changelly offers a wide range of services, spanning across decentralized finance (DeFi), crypto trading, and business integration. This honest Changelly review explains in detail how UK traders can navigate the platform, despite it not being regulated within the country. This way, they can decide whether or not to invest in Changelly.