Crypto Exchange Safety Calculator
How Safe Is Your Exchange?
This calculator helps you assess whether a cryptocurrency exchange meets basic safety standards based on key criteria discussed in our BitGlobal review.
If you’re hunting for a crypto exchange that looks good on paper but leaves you scratching your head when you try to withdraw funds, you’ve probably come across BitGlobal. Launched in 2019 after rebranding from Bithumb Global, the platform promised a massive selection of coins, low‑fee trading, and 24/7 multilingual support. Fast forward to 2025, and the exchange is listed as dead, with users reporting frozen assets and a potential exit‑scam. This review breaks down what BitGlobal offered, where it fell short, and how you can spot similar red flags on other platforms.
What Was BitGlobal?
BitGlobal is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange that operated from 2019 until its abrupt shutdown in August 2023. It emerged from the international arm of South Korea’s Bithumb, rebranded to appeal to a global audience and registered in the Seychelles.
The exchange boasted support for over 300 cryptocurrencies, five‑figure daily trading volume at its peak, and a “Bull and Bear” interface that claimed to simplify directional trading. Its marketing emphasized a flat 0.10% maker/taker fee, 24/7 live chat in eight languages, and both desktop and mobile apps for Android and iOS.
Core Features and Trading Options
- Spot trading on more than 100 crypto pairs.
- Margin & leverage products for experienced traders.
- Fiat gateway allowing limited deposits via bank transfer (no credit‑card deposits in the later years).
- Over‑the‑counter (OTC) desk for large‑volume trades.
- Mobile apps that claimed 70% of traders access the platform via desktop, yet still offered full functionality on phones.
While the feature list sounds robust, the reality on the ground was far messier. Minimum trade limits-such as a 400 TRX floor for Tron-blocked many small‑scale investors. Withdrawal fees, especially for Bitcoin, were steep at 0.001 BTC, compared with 0.0004 BTC on rival platforms like FameEX.
Fees at a Glance
BitGlobal’s fee schedule appeared competitive at first glance. The flat 0.10% maker and taker charge matched industry averages, but hidden costs quickly piled up:
- High minimum withdrawal amounts (e.g., 0.001 BTC ≈ $30 at 2025 prices).
- Extra network fees that were not disclosed upfront.
- Penalty fees for “canceled” or “failed” orders that many users reported as frequent.
These extra charges eroded the advertised low‑fee advantage, especially for traders moving modest sums.
Security and Regulation - The Missing Pieces
BitGlobal implemented two‑factor authentication (2FA) and encrypted data storage, which are standard security practices. However, the exchange never obtained a license from any recognized financial regulator. It was incorporated in the Seychelles, a jurisdiction known for lax oversight of crypto businesses.
Because of this regulatory gap, the platform could not offer robust consumer protection, and its legal recourse options were virtually nonexistent. When users began reporting withdrawal delays, there was no authority to force the exchange to release funds.
User Experience: Red Flags That Stood Out
Community sentiment turned sour quickly. On the Google Play Store, users like Adeleke David Adekunle warned that a 33 TRX withdrawal fee left them with only 75 TRX after a small trade. Dwayne Campbell labeled the exchange an “exit‑scam” after deposits vanished for months with no response.
Key complaints:
- Frozen transactions and prolonged withdrawal delays.
- Unresponsive or generic customer‑service replies.
- Excessive and unclear fee structures.
- Frequent “maintenance” messages that turned into indefinite lockouts.
Analysts at Wallet Scrutiny advised users to avoid the mobile app altogether, citing a torrent of negative Reddit posts and “bot‑generated” social media activity as further warning signs.
Comparison Table: BitGlobal vs. More Trustworthy Exchanges
| Exchange | Maker/Taker Fee | BTC Withdrawal Fee | Regulatory Status | User Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BitGlobal | 0.10% / 0.10% | 0.001 BTC | Unlicensed (Seychelles) | 1.8 |
| Binance | 0.10% / 0.10% | 0.0005 BTC | Registered in Malta, CFTC‑registered US entity | 4.5 |
| Kraken | 0.16% / 0.26% | 0.0004 BTC | Licensed in US, EU, UK | 4.2 |
| FameEX | 0.12% / 0.12% | 0.0004 BTC | Registered in Estonia | 3.9 |
The table shows that BitGlobal’s headline fee was not its biggest drawback-its withdrawal costs and lack of proper licensing made it a risky choice.
Current Status - Why BitGlobal Is Considered Dead
In August 2023, the platform went offline without warning. Since then, the website has displayed vague “geo‑restriction” messages, and the domain remains reachable only for a static help page. Trader Union classified BitGlobal as a potentially fraudulent operation in 2025, citing the abrupt shutdown and the absence of any recovery mechanism for users’ assets.
CoinMarketCap now lists BitGlobal as “untracked,” a status that typically flags a project as unstable or possibly defunct. The consensus among security analysts is that the exchange performed an exit‑scam, moving user funds offline before disappearing.
How to Guard Yourself Against Similar Scams
When evaluating any new exchange, keep this quick checklist in mind:
- Regulatory licensing: Verify the entity is registered with a recognized financial regulator (e.g., FCA, SEC, MAS).
- Transparent fee schedule: Look for clear, upfront disclosures of both trading and withdrawal fees.
- Audit and proof of reserves: Reputable platforms publish third‑party audit reports.
- Community sentiment: Scan Reddit, Trustpilot, and Google Play reviews for recurring complaints.
- Security basics: Mandatory 2FA, cold‑storage percentages, and no single‑point‑of‑failure in customer support.
Applying this framework can help you avoid the pitfalls that trapped thousands of BitGlobal users.
Bottom Line
BitGlobal promised a world‑class trading experience but delivered a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition, opaque fees, and regulatory evasion. Its abrupt exit left many investors without recourse, cementing its reputation as a high‑risk, unregulated exchange. If you’re scouring the market for a new platform, steer clear of any service that mirrors BitGlobal’s red flags and instead stick with exchanges that are transparent, licensed, and have a proven track record.
Is BitGlobal still operating in 2025?
No. BitGlobal ceased operations in August 2023 and its website now only shows static “geo‑restriction” messages. The exchange is considered defunct and is listed as untracked on major market data sites.
What were the main reasons for BitGlobal’s failure?
Key factors included lack of regulatory licensing, high and opaque withdrawal fees, poor customer support, and alleged exit‑scam behavior that left users unable to retrieve their funds.
How does BitGlobal’s fee structure compare to Binance?
Both platforms advertised a 0.10% maker/taker fee, but BitGlobal charged 0.001 BTC for Bitcoin withdrawals versus Binance’s 0.0005 BTC. Binance also offers lower network fees and more transparent tiered discounts.
Can I recover funds lost on BitGlobal?
Unfortunately, without a licensed regulator or a court order, recovery options are extremely limited. Users are advised to file complaints with consumer protection agencies and monitor any future legal actions against the exchange’s owners.
What should I look for in a safe crypto exchange?
Prioritize regulated exchanges, clear fee tables, proof of reserves, strong security (2FA, cold storage), and positive community feedback. Using the checklist in the article can guide your decision.
Rebecca Kurz
October 19, 2025 AT 09:23Wow, another crypto “miracle” that turned out to be a nightmare!!!
Nikhil Chakravarthi Darapu
October 21, 2025 AT 16:56The BitGlobal saga illustrates why strong national oversight is indispensable. Without a trustworthy regulator, platforms can vanish overnight, leaving investors stranded. India’s own regulatory framework strives to protect citizens from such predatory schemes. The lesson is clear: support domestic exchanges that answer to our laws, not to offshore shells.
Tiffany Amspacher
October 23, 2025 AT 18:56Reading about BitGlobal feels like watching Icarus soar too close to the sun, only to plummet into the abyss of greed. The allure of low fees blinded many, but the real price was their freedom. In the grand theater of finance, every promise is a script, and this one ended in tragedy. We must ask ourselves if the glitter of a new exchange is worth the risk of invisible chains. The digital realm needs more wisdom, less reckless ambition.
Lindsey Bird
October 24, 2025 AT 04:06Oh honey, you just nailed it! The whole thing was a circus, and we were the unsuspecting audience cheering for the clowns. I mean, who even reads the fine print when the hype is so blinding? The drama! It’s like they sold us a ticket to a magic show, then vanished with the rabbit.
john price
October 26, 2025 AT 11:40BitGlobal was a mirage that pretended to be a solid ground for traders.
When you look deeper you see that the foundations were built on sand.
The promise of low fees is a siren song that lures the unsuspecting.
Regulation is the lighthouse that could have warned us, but the exchange sailed in darkest waters.
Many users ignored the warning signs because they want quick profit.
The high withdrawl fees were just a mask for bigger problems.
In the end the platform disappeared like smoke, leaving no trace.
It is a classic example of how greed outpaces prudence.
The community's trust was broken, and that break can be hard to mend.
Future investors must ask themselves if they are comfortable with such opaque operations.
A proper audit and proof of reserves would have saved a lot of heartache.
It also shows that not all that glitters is crypto.
When a company operates out of a jurisdiction with loose oversight, the risk multiplies.
We learned that due dilligence is not optional, it's essential.
Let this be a cautionary tale for all who chase the next big thing.
Ryan Steck
October 26, 2025 AT 18:03They sold us lies, and now we’re stuck with empty wallets!!!
James Williams, III
October 28, 2025 AT 20:03From a technical standpoint, BitGlobal failed on several key metrics: liquidity depth was shallow, order book resiliency was poor, and the cold‑storage ratio was never disclosed. These red flags should have triggered an early exit for risk‑averse traders. In addition, the withdrawal API throttling caused unnecessary latency, which compounded user frustration. For anyone building a portfolio, I recommend focusing on exchanges that publish a transparent proof‑of‑reserves audit and adhere to AML/KYC standards. Leveraging on‑chain analytics can also help spot abnormal withdrawal patterns before they become a full‑blown crisis.
Patrick Day
October 29, 2025 AT 05:13They probably have a backdoor hidden in the code, don’t trust any “official” statement.
Scott McCalman
October 31, 2025 AT 04:26Everyone knows that BitGlobal was nothing but a house of cards, and when the wind blew, the whole thing collapsed. 😱 The market felt the tremor, and the fallout was massive.
PRIYA KUMARI
October 31, 2025 AT 13:36Spare us the melodrama; the facts are stark-no regulation, hidden fees, and a classic exit‑scam. Anyone still defending it is either clueless or willfully ignorant.
Jon Miller
November 2, 2025 AT 10:03Wow, this whole saga reads like a thriller novel-plot twists, hidden villains, and the ultimate betrayal. Can’t believe people fell for that!
del allen
November 2, 2025 AT 18:23It’s truly heartbreaking to see folks lose their hard‑earned crypto 😔. I hope you all can find some recourse and learn from this painful lesson.
Tom Grimes
November 4, 2025 AT 12:03I feel the weight of every lost coin as if it were a piece of my own soul. The silence from BitGlobal’s support felt like a cold wind blowing through an empty hall. Each passing day without answers added another layer of dread. It’s as if the platform fed on our hopes and then vanished, leaving only echoes. The community’s cries were ignored, turning hope into despair. Watching the forums fill with panic was like seeing a storm gather strength. I can’t help but wonder how many more will be caught in such traps. The memory of that betrayal will linger long after the markets calm.
Paul Barnes
November 4, 2025 AT 20:23Actually, the hype was inevitable; any new exchange draws curious traders regardless of risk.
John Lee
November 6, 2025 AT 11:16Let’s paint a broader picture: the crypto ecosystem thrives on innovation, but that very spark also attracts opportunists. When a platform like BitGlobal bursts onto the scene with dazzling promises, it creates a rainbow of expectations. Yet, without a sturdy foundation-regulatory compliance, transparent governance, and robust security-those colors quickly fade into gray shadows. The community must act like diligent curators, weeding out the duds before they tarnish the gallery. Embrace tools like on‑chain analytics, community audits, and peer reviews. By doing so, we safeguard not just our assets but the credibility of the entire space.
Jireh Edemeka
November 6, 2025 AT 19:36Ah, yes, because a “rainbow” of promises somehow shields investors from naked fraud. How enlightening.
Joy Garcia
November 8, 2025 AT 07:43We can’t keep letting these wolf‑in‑sheep‑clothing exchanges run amok; it’s a moral crisis that demands collective vigilance.
mike ballard
November 8, 2025 AT 16:03Agreed-follow the compliance stack, enforce KYC/AML, and keep the ecosystem clean. 🚀