Ratings Methodology
How we score and rank the services we review.
Last updated Jun 1, 2026
The principle
A rating is only useful if it's consistent. Every service in a category is scored against the same criteria, with the same weights, by an author who has actually used it.
How we score
- Each service gets a 0–10 score on every criterion (fees, security, ease of use, and so on).
- Criteria are weighted by what matters most for that category — security counts most for exchanges and wallets.
- The overall score is the weighted average, shown to one decimal place.
Testing
We open real accounts, place test transactions, and read the fine print on fees and withdrawals. We do not score a service we haven't used.
Re-checking
Categories are reviewed quarterly, and sooner when a major fee, feature, or security change happens. The "last checked" date on each page shows when we last verified it.
Independence
Scores are editorial. Affiliate links never change a score. See our Editorial Policy.