Exchange tokens

Exchange tokens are associated with centralized trading platforms or decentralized exchange protocols. They may offer fee discounts, participation in platform programs, governance or other benefits.

Exchange tokens illustrated with a utility coin and trading terminal

Browse the buying guides

All buying guides

Buy xExchange (MEX) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy xExchange (MEX), you've come to the right place. MEX is the native token of xExchange, a decentralized exchange built on the MultiversX blockchain, and it plays a central...

read more

Buy AirSwap (AST) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy AirSwap (AST), you've come to the right place. AirSwap is a decentralized exchange protocol built on Ethereum that lets users trade tokens directly peer-to-peer — no order...

read more

Buy Serum (SRM) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Serum (SRM), you've come to the right place. Serum is a decentralized exchange protocol built on the Solana blockchain, designed to bring the speed and efficiency of...

read more

Buy Blum (BLUM) — A simple guide

If you've been exploring the TON and BNB Chain ecosystems, you've likely come across Blum (BLUM) — a project sitting at the crossroads of decentralized exchange technology and Telegram-based apps....

read more

Buy Storm Trade (STORM) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Storm Trade (STORM), you've come to the right place. Storm Trade is a decentralized perpetuals trading platform built on The Open Network (TON) that lets users trade crypto,...

read more

Buy RHEA (RHEA) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy RHEA (RHEA), a DeFi token built to simplify cross-chain yield strategies, you've come to the right place. RHEA operates within the NEAR Protocol and BNB Chain ecosystems,...

read more

Buy Unizen (ZCX) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Unizen (ZCX), you've come to the right place. ZCX is the native token of Unizen, a cross-chain trading ecosystem designed to give traders access to both decentralized and...

read more

Buy Garden (SEED) — A simple guide

If you're looking to buy Garden (SEED), you've come to the right place. Garden is a fast, trustless Bitcoin bridge that lets users swap Bitcoin across multiple blockchains in as little as 30 seconds...

read more

What do exchange tokens do?

Browse the buying guides

Their value and rights depend on the specific terms. A token associated with an exchange is not automatically a share in the business, a deposit claim or a right to its profits.

How it works

Centralized exchange benefits depend on an operator continuing to provide them. DEX governance tokens depend on smart contracts and governance decisions, which may change fee policies or incentives. Buybacks and burns can affect supply, but their funding, discretion and scale matter more than the announcement alone. A platform can attract trading volume without passing economic value to token holders. Assess token concentration and unlock schedules alongside the reliability and use of the underlying service.

Blockchain explained: connected blocks in a blockchain network
Cryptocurrency wallet and keys illustrating secure access and recovery

A little groundwork goes a long way

Before your next purchase or transfer, understand who controls access, where your crypto is going and what the trade will actually cost.

Protect access to your crypto

An exchange account and a self-custody wallet need different safeguards. Protect exchange logins with a unique password and strong two-factor authentication. For self-custody, your recovery backup is what lets you restore access.

Keep recovery words offline and private. A support agent or website asking for them is a reason to stop.

See a recovery example

Your phone breaks. An exchange may help you recover your account after identity checks. A self-custody wallet cannot reset your recovery phrase. Check your wallet’s official backup instructions before relying on it.

Choose the right transfer network

The asset, token version and network must be supported at the destination. A familiar ticker or a matching address format is not enough. Read the receiving platform’s deposit instructions before selecting a withdrawal network.

Check the address, any required memo or tag, fees and minimums. Consider a small test transfer first.

See a network example

Your destination accepts USDC on Ethereum. Selecting a cheaper network at the sending exchange does not make it an Ethereum transfer. Use a network both ends support; an ordinary withdrawal does not bridge tokens.

Understand the price you pay

Trading fees are only part of the cost. The spread, available liquidity and withdrawal charges also matter. A market order prioritizes execution; a limit order controls the price but may remain unfilled or fill only partly.

Check the order preview and the amount you will receive, then compare the full cost of your intended purchase and withdrawal.

Work through a cost example

Hypothetical example: a $200 trade with a 0.1% trading fee costs $0.20 in trading fees. A separate $5 withdrawal fee brings those charges to $5.20. Spread or slippage may add more; these are not quoted exchange rates.