Account workflow
We review how clearly a broker explains onboarding, verification, deposits, withdrawals, account settings, and support paths. The strongest brokers reduce confusion before a user funds an account.
Product access
We compare whether the platform is a crypto-first broker, a regional exchange, or a multi-asset broker with crypto access. Product breadth is useful only when the user can understand the terms attached to each product.
Fees and value
We look for fee visibility across trading, spreads, deposits, withdrawals, transfers, subscriptions, and product-specific charges. Clearer costs improve the score; hidden or fragmented costs reduce it.
Security communication and account controls
We review how a broker communicates wallet handling, account controls, transaction review, authentication, custody model, and user-level protection settings. We do not treat marketing language as proof.
Public records and community signals
We treat registrations, public records, media mentions, help-center material, and user discussion as context. They help map the platform, but they do not replace user checks on current terms and jurisdictional availability.