Is ChangeNOW safe to connect?
Swap service ยท Instant cross-chain swaps (hundreds of assets incl. XMR, ZEC). Checked 2026-10-24; every line links its source.
Worst case: While your coins sit at ChangeNOW mid-swap, an automated AML flag can hold them indefinitely until you complete ID and source-of-funds checks, and users report refunds stalling if they decline.
Safe setup in 3 steps
- Always enter a refund address you control when creating the swap
- Test with a small amount first and only swap funds whose origin you can document
- Use changenow.io or the App Store app from seller CHN Group Limited, and save your exchange ID for support
What it can do with your money
| Who holds the keys | The service holds the keys You send coins to a ChangeNOW deposit address; during the swap ChangeNOW controls them and can place the transaction on hold for review. source |
|---|---|
| Can funds be sent out to any address? | Not applicable (no stored balance); the swap output is sent to your address unless the transaction is held. source |
| Can it hold or freeze your funds? | ChangeNOW AML/KYC policy: automated tools screen transactions and flagged ones 'may be placed on hold' for individual review (Sec. 4); it may request a government ID, proof of funds and other documents via Sumsub (Sec. 3); the verification link stays active for 3 days, after which the case is reviewed individually; refusing checks or giving false information can restrict access (Sec. 3, 7); some jurisdictions must complete KYC before using the service (Sec. 2). No maximum hold duration or refund rule is stated on this page. In Trustpilot replies ChangeNOW cites its terms: 'we reserve the right to freeze your exchange transaction for any period of time necessary'. source |
| Monero and Zcash | XMR: swap supported (to and from XMR) ZEC: swap supported (changenow.io/currencies/zcash) source |
Official links
- Website:
changenow.io - App:
https://apps.apple.com/app/id1518003605
Where we confirmed these
Incidents
| Date | What happened | Amount | Outcome | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-29 | Reported by users (unverified): Trustpilot reviews describe swaps frozen under AML review with KYC/source-of-funds requests, holds lasting weeks to 10+ months, and stalled refunds for users who declined KYC (19 such reviews on the AML-filtered page, Feb 2021 to Jul 2026) | Mixed; ChangeNOW replies cite AML procedures and give no timelines | source |