Our Verdict

Disclaimer: Our ranking system and methodology are designed to evaluate advanced trading platforms. Since YouHodler focuses on features like crypto loans and straightforward buys and sells rather than spot trading, comparing it directly with other crypto exchanges wouldn’t be fair. Therefore, we’ve decided not to include our usual rankings for YouHodler in this review. However, we conducted a trading test and provided a detailed review based on our firsthand experience for those interested in using YouHodler.

Founded in 2018, YouHodler began in Cyprus and expanded to Switzerland. Key features include MultiHODL for leveraged trading, Turbocharge for increased market exposure, and crypto-backed loans. Additionally, YouHodler allows users to earn high interest on over 50 coins.

Operating as a custodial exchange, YouHodler incorporates 2FA and MBA security measures. I found the platform user-friendly, with accessible payment options, although fees (especially for fiat transactions) are high. YouHodler also supports leverage up to 70x, but its hourly rollover fees make extended trades costly. Customer support is multilingual and available 24/7, providing a more responsive experience than many other centralized exchanges.

YouHodler Pros and Cons

Is YouHodler Right for You?

Not all traders are the same. Some seek easy apps for trading on the go, while others look for advanced features like leverage or social trading. When reviewing exchanges, we cater to all types of traders, from beginners to advanced. We divided all traders into seven main target groups.

Our thorough yet straightforward method ensures a clear understanding of trading strategies and their requirements. By assessing, ranking, and recording key factors, we determine how well the exchange meets the needs of each target group. We use three types of rankings: perfect match, good choice, and not recommended. Here’s our verdict:

Hodlers & Position Traders

Although YouHodler was primarily designed for holding, we believe it’s not the best option for long-term holders or position traders, mainly due to the lack of third-party audits and proof of reserves.

While YouHodler does offer rewards and high interest rates of up to 18% APY on 50 cryptocurrencies, it supports only 88 tokens, significantly fewer than more holder-friendly platforms like Coinbase. Additionally, it lacks an automated recurring buy feature.

Leverage & Derivatives Trading

YouHodler is an acceptable choice for leverage and derivative traders. Its MultiHODEL product provides leverage by using a chain of loans rather than relying on derivatives or perpetual futures, offering up to 70x leverage on selected pairs. Though it supports only 100 trading pairs, fewer than many platforms, and charges an hourly rollover fee that adds up over time, its simple interface, TradingView integration, and a decent range of fiat options make it a strong choice for leverage trades. Deposits are quick, and the platform is streamlined, making it easy to navigate and effective for those focused on leveraged positions.

Supported Countries and Regions

YouHodler is operated in 164 countries and is supported within all EU nation-states under MiCA regulation and within Switzerland under FINMA. It is also supported in regions where it is not regulated, such as the United Kingdom. However, some geographical restrictions may apply, such as the ability to download the app without a VPN.

Banned Countries

The USA, Canada, Unincorporated territories of the US, China, Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Cuba, Egypt, El Salvador, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Russia, Sudan, Syria, Qatar, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Dominican Republic.

You can click here for a full breakdown of restricted and banned regions.

You Hodler Bonuses and Special Offers

Join YouHodler using our affiliate link to get a welcome bonus.

YouHodler Background

YouHodler was co-founded in 2018 by Ilya Volkov, who serves as CEO and operates out of Switzerland. Volkov brings over 15 years of experience in FinTech, commercial finance, and online trading to the platform.

Originally launched in Cyprus, YouHodler has since expanded its operations to Switzerland. Volkov is also an active member of the Crypto Valley Association and advocates for blockchain innovation across Europe. Details on other co-founders are not widely available.

Security & Transparency

Deposit Insurance

YouHodler provides deposit insurance through a partnership with Ledger Vault, offering coverage of up to $150 million against theft and breaches. The platform employs cold and hot storage for user funds, enhancing asset security.

However, in 2019 YouHodler experienced a significant security breach that compromised 86 million records, including users’ names, email addresses, home addresses, phone numbers, birthdays, credit card numbers, CVV codes, bank details, and crypto wallet addresses. This incident shows the importance of not only protecting user funds but also safeguarding customer data.

Cyber Security Measures

YouHodler employs several security measures to protect user accounts and personal data. These include two- and three-factor authentication (2FA, 3FA), biometric authentication, and password management systems. All data transmitted on the platform is secured with SSL encryption. For more details, you can check their personal data security article.

Know Your Customer (KYC)

While you can explore YouHodler without completing the KYC, it is mandatory to use all features on the exchange besides depositing crypto from another wallet. As a UK user, I found it quite stringent and confusing, with multiple separate tasks. They required proof of funds, such as payslips, bank statements, and standard ID verification like a passport or driving licence.

After I uploaded my passport, I was prompted for a “liveness check,” which involved filming myself moving my head. This felt intrusive and raised concerns about data privacy. However, I appreciated being able to switch seamlessly between desktop and mobile for uploading documents and photos, which made the process easier.

Is YouHodler Safe To Trade With?

YouHodler is a custodial exchange, meaning users’ funds are fully under its control, so trading there is not completely risk-free. Although it has solid security measures like 2FA, 3FA, and SSL encryption, it was hacked in 2019, compromising users’ private information.

In my opinion, it’s much safer to keep funds in a self-custodial wallet, and for maximum security, cold storage on a device like a Ledger is the best option.

Trading Experience

This review was conducted in the United Kingdom using the Google Chrome browser and on a Google Pixel 8 Pro. The app was blocked from being downloaded via Google Play or Apple Store, so I needed a VPN to download it successfully via a third-party app store for testing.

Trading Test

For our trading test, we thoroughly evaluated the Coinbase platform. Our process included signing up, completing the KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, logging in, depositing funds, and making withdrawals. We also tested the trading functionalities by exploring different trading pairs and conversions and assessed the associated fees for transfers and withdrawals. This comprehensive test allows us to provide an informed and reliable review of the exchange’s usability, features, and actual costs. Here’s our detailed analysis:

Step 1: Setting Up and Funding Your Account

Signing up with YouHodler is quick, thanks to its single sign-in functionality, which is rare among crypto exchanges. Similar to other compliant platforms, the mandatory KYC process involves filling out a questionnaire and providing income and location details. Unlike most exchanges, YouHodler requires proof of residence and income, making the process slightly longer. However, once completed, verification is instant.

I found the payment process for depositing fiat very easy with Apple Pay or Google Pay, options for card and wire transfers are also available. I opted for Google Pay and received the funds instantly, much faster than a typical CEX, which can take up to a few minutes. The fee structure for GBP was straightforward, with a flat 1.5% fee.

I was unable to buy crypto with GBP, as the platform supports only EUR and USD for direct crypto buys. However, the platform lets you deposit GBP and then convert it to crypto as a workaround.

I did not receive an email or notification upon the success of the deposit or conversion. However, it was immediately visible upon looking at my portfolio.

Step 2: Trading

Already having Litecoin funded into my account, I chose the LTC/USDT trading pair on MultiHodel and chose to sell.

The exchange doesn’t support spot trading, with a minimum leverage of 2x, so I decided to test it out with a quick short trade at 10x leverage. I found the experience refreshing: I’m used to complex charts filled with order books, depth indicators, and a sea of technical tools, which can feel overwhelming. In contrast, YouHodler’s interface was remarkably simple and easy to navigate.

For a more detailed view of the chart, the interface also allows the user to switch to Tradingview.

I created a short trade at 10x leverage at market price, with a take profit price at $65.60 and a tight stop loss at $65.80. I found this process incredibly easy and straightforward.

After entering the trade, YouHodler provides a clear overview of all key details, including time, leverage, amount, and borrowed funds. The platform also visually marks your take profit and stop loss levels on the chart.

As the market trended higher, my stop-loss triggered, closing the trade that began at 13:45 and ended at 13:58. The platform then automatically updated the data, providing a detailed summary of the closed trade and the option to replicate it.

Step 3: Withdrawal and review

I tested YouHodler’s exchange fees and transaction costs by sending LTC to my personal wallet via the LTC network. The process was straightforward, though I had to manually input the withdrawal amount, as there was no option to add the maximum amount or scan a QR code. While fees weren’t displayed directly on YouHodler, the platform provided a link to Blockchair, showing a network fee of 0.0000141 LTC ($0.0009). The transfer was completed within 2 minutes.

Despite the lack of a QR code or clear fee display, the process was quick and efficient.

YouHodler Desktop Version

YouHodler’s streamlined platform on both desktop and mobile is well-suited for users who prefer simplicity over complex features. It’s easy to make basic and leverage trades, borrow, browse cryptocurrencies, manage pairs, convert crypto, and monitor your portfolio. While this simplicity lowers the barrier for leverage trading and other activities, its lack of advanced trading features means experienced traders looking for more sophisticated tools may find it limiting.

Navigation Ease

Signing into YouHodler is one of the easiest processes among the exchanges I’ve reviewed. With just a single click, you can log in using your Apple or Google account, making access quick and seamless.

I found YouHodler’s navigation straightforward, with features like loans, Turbocharge, and portfolios accessible in a few clicks. However, locating the trading interface took some time, as it’s under “MultiHODL.”

Search Functionality

YouHodler’s search functionality can be found within its MultiHODL product. I found it impressive, even with a limited selection of just 88 coins and 100 trading pairs. I felt guided through the experience throughout my use of the platform, unlike more complex exchanges like MEXC, which require more effort to navigate.

Trade Interface

YouHodler offers two types of trading interfaces: one for individual tokens and another for trading pairs, which makes up the main functionality of its MultiHODL product. The MultiHODL trade layout allows easy actions like buying, selling at market prices, or trading with up to 70x leverage. You can take profit and stop loss orders and switch between a basic chart and TradingView integration. However, the platform lacks market depth and an order book, making it ideal for beginners, though it may feel too simplistic for advanced traders.

The trading window for standalone tokens, not part of a trading pair, can be slightly tricky to locate but is accessible through the options next to it on the portfolio screen. It shares the same interface as the trading pairs window, making it a straightforward option for simple buy/sell transactions. I found this feature valuable for executing quick trades.

Wallet Protection Measures

YouHodler has strong, solid wallet protection measures. When sending crypto, I felt secure as the platform prompts you to verify the address and requires 2FA via email. It also checks if the address is valid, providing warnings if necessary. However, I was disappointed by the lack of a trusted address list.

To receive crypto to your YouHodler wallet, the platform also provides a QR code for both security and convenience which I found helpful and effective throughout testing. The same process applies when withdrawing cryptocurrency.

Loans

I found YouHodler’s Loan interface clear and easy to navigate. Loans have a 21% APR and 90-day repayment term. In my opinion, it’s a safer alternative to traditional short-term loans, which can charge up to 400% APR.

But honestly, I found the “Take Profit” feature confusing. It wasn’t clear how it worked or what it was for, and during testing, the “Help” widget was unresponsive.

Turbocharge

Turbocharge is similar to YouHodler’s loan option, letting users leverage their current holdings to buy more crypto with the aim of benefiting from price increases. It operates on a similar principle to a leveraged trade but offers more flexibility, allowing users to borrow anywhere from 55% to 90% of their assets and even take out multiple loans if desired.

The “Take Profit” feature also makes sense here, as it lets users secure profits and automatically close a position once a certain threshold is hit. Overall, I think Turbocharge provides a decent option for confident investors looking to increase their exposure to crypto markets during market upswings.

YouHodler’s Earn program

YouHodler doesn’t support staking, but it does allow certain users to earn high interest on holding specific digital assets, such as BTC or stablecoins, with rates up to 18% across more than 50 different tokens, offering a wider selection than most exchanges provide through staking. Unfortunately, as a UK resident, I found YouHodler’s Earn program was restricted for my account during testing, but this feature is available to users within the EU.

My Key Takeaways after Testing YouHodler Desktop

In my testing, YouHodler’s desktop platform excels at basic crypto trading. The interface is simple, making it easy to manage market trades, conversions, and spot or leverage trading.

However, YouHodler lacks certain advanced features. There is no order book or market depth, and advanced charting tools with technical indicators are only available through TradingView integration. While this might be too basic for experienced traders, I found it to be a positive experience for beginners or users who prefer straightforward trading without complexity.

Mobile App

YouHodler provides a mobile app replicating its desktop platform’s functionality, including features for basic buys and sells, leverage trading, and loans.

While the app is available on both the Apple and Google Play Stores, UK-based users may need to download it from a third-party store due to availability issues. During my week-long test on the Google Pixel, I found the mobile experience less appealing than the desktop version, with slower load times and small, difficult-to-read text affecting usability.

Our testing revealed that the app does not include TradingView integration, limiting access to the advanced tools found on the desktop version.

My Key Takeaways after Testing the YouHodler Mobile App

YouHodler has a good app, even if it doesn’t quite match the ease of its desktop version. I particularly appreciated the retained features for take profit and stop loss orders. One drawback is the mandatory regulatory compliance warnings and notifications, which can be distracting and take up valuable screen space during trading. Nevertheless, I found the app offers a streamlined and intuitive experience.

Fees

YouHodler Deposit Fees

In my opinion, YouHodler’s deposit fees are quite high. While most exchanges charge a small, flat fee on some deposits (Coinbase, for example, charges £0.99 for debit/credit cards) YouHodler applies a 1% to 1.5% fee on all deposits except EUR and CHF wires. This makes larger deposits especially costly.

In my experience, it’s faster and more economical to buy crypto on another exchange and transfer it to YouHodler, as they don’t charge fees for crypto deposits, and you avoid waiting for a free wire transfer. Other exchanges, like OKX, offer fee-free deposits, which makes YouHodler less competitive in this area.

YouHodler Withdrawal Fees

In the UK, YouHodler allows withdrawals only via wire transfer or a universal money address. While the wire transfer fees are transparent, the fees for the universal money address are not disclosed on the website. In my testing, I found a standard fee of 1.5% for wire withdrawals, with no stated fees for universal money addresses. This makes withdrawals quite expensive, especially since bank wires take time to process, meaning you incur both high fees and delays.

In contrast, Coinbase charges small flat fees for fiat withdrawals, OKX does not charge withdrawal fees at all, and Gemini, despite being known for high fees, offers flat rates for certain crypto withdrawals while keeping others free.

Overall, YouHodler is not ideal for withdrawing large amounts of crypto. However, I found that YouHodler does not charge fees for some crypto withdrawals (such as Litecoin), so it may be more beneficial to convert your assets to these tokens and withdraw them to another exchange.

YouHodler Crypto Withdrawal Fee

YouHodler does not offer a detailed breakdown of withdrawal fees for its cryptocurrencies. During my tests, the commission for withdrawing LTC to my private wallet was 0%.

I tested the commission on five top cryptocurrencies. Here are the different commission limits in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Conversion Fees

YouHodler does not specify its conversion fees, which vary based on the amount of cryptocurrency being converted. During my testing, I converted Litecoin to GBP, incurring a fee of 0.004563 LTC, equivalent to 0.22 GBP at the time of the transaction. This indicates that conversion fees can start from around 0.30%.

MultiHodel Trading Fees

Another key trading fee associated with YouHodler is the MultiHODL fee, which is applicable to leverage trading.

Are YouHodler Fees Competitive?

YouHodler’s deposit and withdrawal fees are pretty high, up to 1.5% for both fiat transactions. This is significantly more than typical cryptocurrency exchanges, which makes YouHodler less appealing for traders looking to deposit or withdraw large amounts.

Regarding trading fees, YouHodler lacks transparency, as fees can vary widely between different cryptocurrencies. However, our testing showed that it remains competitive for small, quick trades, especially since rollover fees are charged hourly — meaning you want to avoid extra charges for longer trades. Still, the MultiHODL fee, which starts at $10 for some trades, is on the higher side.

Overall, YouHodler does not offer competitive fee structures.

Cryptocurrencies Available on YouHodler

YouHodler lacks an NFT marketplace, doesn’t support NFTs, and doesn’t offer a native crypto launchpad. Additionally, it isn’t fully transparent about its liquidity, as this information isn’t available on its website or through third-party auditors.

Deposits & Withdrawals

YouHodler Deposit Options

As a UK-based tester, the only deposit options available to me were debit/credit card and Google Pay. However, some international users can also use Bank Wire and Adv Cash. Anyone can deposit crypto assets at no cost.

YouHodler claims not to store customers’ bank details for security, requiring manual entry for each deposit (unless using Google Pay, which benefits from Google’s security). Following a 2019 hack that compromised payment information, these measures were implemented to enhance protection.

YouHodler Withdrawal Methods

Our testing discovered that YouHodler does not impose any maximum daily withdrawal limits, which is uncommon. I’m based in the UK, and fiat withdrawals can only be made via wire transfer or a universal money address, which is very limited compared to most other exchanges. However, deposit and withdrawal methods can vary depending on the region.

Customer Service

YouHodler Customer Support Test

To evaluate the quality of customer services for diverse user needs, we created a unique trading test. We personally contact support using all available methods and present hypothetical problems that users might face. Our evaluation concentrates on how quickly they respond, the quality of the help provided, and whether we can talk to a real person rather than a bot. This method effectively measures the capability of customer support to assist both active traders and casual investors.

During my tests, I submitted an email and received a response within an hour, which was pretty fast. The agents provided answers to all my questions, though in little detail.

The platform also offers a Live Chat with an AI that connects you to a live agent, though it took about three hours to reach a human during my testing. Interestingly, YouHodler’s AI chatbot answers detailed questions more effectively than similar systems on OKX, MEXC, and Gemini.

FAQ

Is YouHodler Trustworthy?

Based on our testing, YouHodler is a professional crypto platform that employs robust security measures. It is a custodial exchange, meaning that while it provides some level of security, it is not 100% safe. However, YouHodler is insured with Ledger Vault, making it safer than many other centralized exchanges.

Can U.S. Citizens Use YouHodler?

No, YouHodler is not available for U.S. users.

Has YouHodler Ever Been Hacked?

Yes, YouHodler experienced a hack in 2019 that exposed users’ personal data, including payment card numbers and CVV codes. While the platform does implement strong security measures like 2FA, MBA, and 3FA, users should remain vigilant to potential risks. It’s also worth noting that YouHodler lacks transparency around its security audits, proof of reserves, and liquidity — important factors to consider.

Does YouHodler Require KYC?

Yes, YouHodler implements some of the most strict KYC procedures. Users must provide personal details and submit documents, such as an ID card or residence permit, plus proof of income and address to verify their identities.

Can I Use Leverage or Margin Trading on YouHodler?

Yes, YouHodler offers leverage trading through its MultiHODL feature, allowing users to leverage trades by up to 70x. However, it does not provide specific tools for traditional margin trading.

Is My Money Safe on YouHodler?

While YouHodler is a custodial exchange and not 100% safe, it does not hold users’ assets in a traditional sense. Instead, it facilitates crypto transactions through various fiat payment gateways, and users can buy and sell directly from their wallets. The insurance with Ledger Vault adds an extra layer of security.

Is YouHodler Regulated?

Yes, YouHodler is regulated under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework and FINMA, ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations.

Does YouHodler Offer Any Bonuses, Welcome Offers, or Referral Rewards?

Yes, YouHodler provides several bonus opportunities for users. They offer trading bonuses that can be used for MultiHODL trades, allowing users to increase their profits with less personal capital. Additionally, YouHodler grants a $5 bonus for every money transfer to the Philippines. Seasonal promotions, such as the Crypto Summer Fiesta, offer trading rewards and exclusive bonuses for specific crypto pairs. Join Youhodler using our affiliate link.