In the past three years, centralized cryptocurrency exchanges (CEX) have surrendered over 500,000 bitcoins (BTC) as more users choose self-custody. Data from CryptoQuant reveals that withdrawals surged to 380,000 BTC after FTX’s bankruptcy. Since then, BTC holdings on CEXs have been steadily declining even despite occasional upticks. As of today, the BTC reserve on exchanges is below 2.8 million, down by 15% compared to the 3.3 million recorded in November 2022.
Crypto enthusiasts increasingly prefer to have full control over their holdings and sidestep the risks usually associated with CEX vulnerabilities such as hacks, insolvencies, and regulatory crackdowns. This is why non-custodial crypto exchanges, particularly those with clean security records, a plethora of supported assets, intuitive designs, and numerous industry partnerships, are gaining traction. And here, StealthEX comes into play as a platform that prioritizes user autonomy, privacy, and convenience, living up to its slogan, “Your privacy is our top concern.”
StealthEX Exchange
Launch date: 2018
Website: stealthex.io/
Reported hacks: no
Supported coins: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, TRX, Litecoin, Solana, Tether, Dash, USD Coin, Zcash, Stellar, and other 1500+ tokens
Easy for beginners: yes
What is StealthEX
StealthEX is an instant, privacy-centric, wallet-to-wallet crypto exchange. It has over 1,500 cryptocurrencies in its trading portfolio and offers an extensive selection of trading pairs for crypto enthusiasts globally. The platform’s user-friendly interface and clear navigation further enhance its attractiveness for those willing to trade with ease.
Per CEO Maria Carola, StealthEX was founded to democratize access to cryptocurrencies while still maintaining decentralization. The platform is popular due to its no-KYC transactions and non-custodial exchanges, including cross-chain swaps. StealthEX’s cross-chain swaps don’t imply bridging or any other complex mechanics, so you can exchange your digital assets across multiple blockchains with no hassle.
Why Choose StealthEX
First, StealthEX eliminates the registration process and refrains from holding your funds in custody. In this way it reduces hacking risks and ensures you maintain control over your asset management. Second, the platform also has no upper limits on exchanges. The only requirement is to cover the network fees. Finally, StealthEX facilitates fiat-to-crypto purchases through third-party partners.
Pros
- Thoughtful UI and positive UX
- Support for over 1,500 cryptocurrencies and 900,000 trading pairs
- Several fiat-to-crypto purchase providers
- Non-custodial service
- No registration
- No mandatory KYC verification, except for fiat-to-crypto transactions exceeding $700
- Wide network of strategic partners
- Educational resources and affiliate tools
- Strong reputation and a high level of customer support satisfaction
Cons
- No advanced trading features, such as charting tools, order types, and leverage options
- Dependence on the performance of external blockchain networks, with periods of high congestion causing delays in transactions
Privacy, Registration, and KYC Verification
StealthEX strives to handle regulatory hurdles while adhering to the idea of freedom that cryptocurrency brings. It doesn’t require registration and intrusive KYC processes, such as ID, face, document, and biometric verifications, for all crypto-to-crypto transactions. StealthEX also streamlines fiat-to-crypto swaps, making crypto purchases under $700 (or the equivalent of this amount in other currencies) KYC-free.
However, note that KYC and AML procedures may still be enforced if a user’s wallet is blacklisted by liquidity providers or StealthEX’s risk prevention system detects suspicious activities.
Security
StealthEX doesn’t store user funds on its platform and transfers them directly between wallets, thus minimizing security breaches. Its custody-free model safeguards users from third-party intrusions and guarantees that they have sole ownership of their assets. StealthEX’s commitment to customer safety and control has resulted in a record without any reported incidents of asset theft or hacking.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
StealthEX frequently integrates new tokens to its already supported 1,500 cryptocurrencies. To date, the platform encompasses over 900,000 trading pairs, including SOL to ETH, BTC to ETH, ETH to BNB, and BTC to XMR. StealthEX’s cross-chain swap capabilities are unlimited, so you can exchange as many coins as you want.
Maria Carola noted that ETH and stablecoins are particularly popular for exchanges and cross-chain swaps on StealthEX. She also observed the sustainable demand for BTC and privacy coins like XMR and ZEC.
Transfer Methods
StealthEX empowers users to purchase digital assets directly with fiat currencies, including the US Dollar (USD), Euro (EUR), Pound Sterling (GBP), Ghanaian Cedi (GHS), Mexican Peso (MXN), Vietnamese Dong (VND), Brazilian Real (BRL), and more.
With StealthEX, you can easily buy cryptocurrencies by choosing your favorite payment method:
- Visa,
- Mastercard,
- Google Pay,
- or Apple Pay.
Ease of Use
Users can access StealthEX through a straightforward web-based application. Thanks to its intuitive interface, the platform makes the trading process as easy as possible and ensures that even crypto newbies can embark with confidence. In addition, StealthEX enables Android users to engage in swapping on the go via a mobile app. An iOS app is currently in the pipeline.
Exchange Rates
StealthEX’s integration with multiple liquidity providers, including major CEXs and DEXs, guarantees competitive prices and rates. Users can select between floating and fixed exchange rates based on their strategies and risk appetites.
By default, transactions utilize a floating exchange rate, which adjusts in accordance with real-time crypto price dynamics. A fixed exchange rate option protects those who prioritize stability in volatile crypto markets against sudden fluctuations. Regardless of the chosen rate type, StealthEX displays a clear estimate before you initiate a transaction, ensuring a transparent and informed experience.
Educational Materials
Whether you’re just starting out or already an old pro, StealthEX’s blog is packed with expert insights and actionable tips to help you level up your trading experience, keep up with the latest industry news, and spotlight hidden crypto gems.
For beginners, StealthEX’s blog posts explain complex concepts in plain terms and answer fundamental questions like “how to invest in cryptocurrency,” “how to choose a crypto wallet,” and “what are crypto ETFs?” Seasoned investors will find be able to benefit from the team’s in-depth predictions on coin price movements and future market trends.
Affiliate Program and Tools
StealthEX’s affiliate program allows everyone, be they content creators, web developers, or crypto enthusiasts, to monetize their online presence. It offers easy-to-integrate affiliate tools for maximized earnings, namely:
- Public API, designed to help incorporate StealthEX’s exchange services into web applications;
- Referral links, providing a simple way to generate passive income from each transaction made by referred users;
- Exchange widget that can be integrated into a partner’s website to offer visitors a full-flow crypto exchange experience without ever leaving the page;
- Buttons, enabling effortless transactions so that website owners can turn each referral into profit;
- Customizable banners, offering a visually appealing way to promote StealthEX and earn crypto from every swap conducted by visitors.
Customer Support
StealthEX has a dedicated support portal, which gathers multiple help articles in one place. Here, users will find step-wise guides on how to handle almost any basic or complex issue that may arise during the exchange process. Also, those seeking personalized assistance can submit detailed tickets to the support team.
Users consistently commend StealthEX’s support team for their problem-solving skills, as evidenced by their positive reviews. For example, one user stressed, “Their [StealthEX] customer service is swift, professional, and ensures things get corrected as smoothly as can be.”
Another customer highlighted the human involvement, stating, “Incredible response time from a company that doesn’t even ask you to create an account… Very few crypto platforms allow you to talk to a human, let alone have a human responding within hours.”
The team’s practice of “keeping users in the loop” during issue resolution and avoiding “ridiculous KYC nonsense” deserves attention, too. Sometimes, it even prompts StealthEX customers to upgrade their initial ratings in appreciation of the personalized and efficient support they receive.
Industry Partnerships and Reputation
Users’ trust is bolstered by StealthEX’s continuous strategic partnerships, including a recent alliance with the privacy bridge protocol Secretblock and integration into the Telegram web crypto wallet Bivreost. In June, PulseCoinList ranked the platform third among native bridges, DEXs, and instant swap providers for purchasing PulseChain (PLS), which is a testament to its competitive edge in the market.
Strong media partnerships reinforce StealthEX’s credibility. For instance, the exchange team regularly delivers news digests in collaboration with Crypto Daily, reaching nearly 11 million readers, while Maria Carola emerges as a contributor to Bitcoin Magazine, The Daily Hodl, and CoinChapter. Even crypto media giants like Cointelegraph reach out to her for expert insights on current market trends.
At the same time, StealthEX received extensive press coverage. It was featured in Benzinga, Coincodex, Coinpedia, CoinJournal, 99Bitcoins, NewsBTC, and other prominent publications.
StealthEX prioritizes transparency and engagement, as reflected in its social media activity. It has over 43,000 followers on X and a growing Telegram community of more than 5,000 members, where Maria and her team maintain direct dialogue with users.
How StealthEX Works
Swapping cryptocurrencies on StealthEX involves just four simple steps:
- Select cryptocurrencies. Choose the assets you want to exchange from the drop-down list, enter the amount, and view the estimated amount you’ll receive. For a specific amount, opt for fixed-rate swaps. Click “Start Exchange.”
- Enter the wallet address: Paste the wallet address for receiving the exchanged cryptocurrency. Ensure the address and any required Extra ID (e.g., Memo, Tag) are correct. Click “Next.”
- Send deposit: Transfer the deposit to the provided address, matching the exact amount displayed. StealthEX will process your swap once the deposit is received.
- Receive coins: StealthEX completes the swap, sending the funds to your wallet.
Buying Crypto with Fiat on StealthEX
To buy crypto with a credit or debit card on StealthEX, follow this step-by-step guide:
- Go to the “Buy Crypto” section on the StealthEX website.
- Select your fiat currency and desired cryptocurrency.
- Input the fiat amount to exchange and see the estimated cryptocurrency received.
- Click “Start Exchange.”
- Choose a preferred payment provider, and share your crypto wallet address.
- Confirm all details, then proceed to the Confirmation page.
- Click “Next” to move to the Exchange page.
- Accept the Terms of Service and continue to the selected payment provider.
- Complete identity verification if required by the payment provider.
Once the purchase is completed, the cryptocurrency will be sent to your wallet and you will get an email with transaction details, including fiat debited and crypto received.
Conclusion
In light of the significant decline in crypto holdings on CEXs and the rising preference for self-custody, StealthEX’s commitment to a custody-free service aligns perfectly with market trends. With dozens of respected partners already signed up, it is no surprise the platform has been getting some serious media attention lately. But StealthEX doesn’t stop there. The team’s five-year plan is centered on fine-tuning partner tools, adding new assets (both crypto and fiat varieties), and looping in more liquidity providers to round out the service.