My Monero Exchange Journey: 2017-2025

Today is October 17, 2025. I’ve been involved with Monero (XMR) since late 2017, initially drawn to its privacy features. Over the years, I’ve used several exchanges to buy, sell, and trade XMR, and I wanted to share my personal experiences. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, and the landscape has changed considerably.

Early Days: Finding Exchanges That Listed Monero

Back in 2017-2018, finding exchanges that listed Monero wasn’t as easy as it is now. I remember initially using Bitfinex and Poloniex. Bitfinex, at the time, offered a decent trading experience, but I did encounter some occasional liquidity issues, especially when trying to move larger amounts of XMR. Poloniex was popular, but I found their interface clunky and their customer support slow to respond. I also tried MyMonero, which was specifically designed for Monero, but the trading volume was quite low, making it difficult to get favorable prices.

The Rise and Fall of Options

Around 2019-2021, I explored a few smaller exchanges that popped up, promising better privacy or lower fees. I specifically recall using Haveno, a decentralized exchange. While I appreciated the focus on privacy, the user experience was quite complex, and I found it challenging to navigate. I also experimented with LocalMonero, a peer-to-peer platform. This was good for direct trades, but required a lot of trust and careful vetting of counterparties. I had one slightly unnerving experience where a trade took a long time to confirm, but thankfully it eventually went through.

Current Landscape: My Preferred Exchanges in 2025

Currently, in 2025, I primarily use three exchanges for my Monero transactions: Kraken, Binance (though with caution – see below), and TradeOgre.

Kraken

Kraken has become my go-to for larger purchases and sales. I find their security measures to be robust, and their interface is relatively user-friendly. I did have a minor issue with verification a couple of years ago, but their support team resolved it within a reasonable timeframe. The fees are competitive, and the liquidity is generally good.

Binance

Binance lists a huge number of cryptocurrencies, including Monero. However, I approach Binance with a degree of caution. I’ve read reports about regulatory issues and concerns about their data privacy practices. I only use Binance for smaller trades and always keep the majority of my XMR in a personal wallet. The trading fees on Binance are generally lower than Kraken, which is a plus.

TradeOgre

TradeOgre is a smaller exchange, but I like it for its focus on privacy coins like Monero. The trading volume isn’t as high as Kraken or Binance, but the fees are very low, and I feel more comfortable knowing that the exchange is dedicated to privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. I’ve used TradeOgre successfully for several smaller trades without any issues.

Historical Price Data & My Trading Strategy

I regularly check historical Monero price data, using resources like Yahoo Finance and TokenInsight. I’ve noticed that Monero tends to be less volatile than some other cryptocurrencies, but it still experiences significant price swings. I’ve learned to avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term price fluctuations. I generally adopt a long-term holding strategy, buying XMR when the price dips and holding it for several months or even years. I remember buying a significant amount of XMR in April 2022 when the price was around $180, and it’s been a rewarding investment since then.

Important Considerations

• Security: Always use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on your exchange accounts.
• Wallets: Don’t leave your XMR on an exchange for extended periods. Use a secure Monero wallet (like the official Monero GUI or CLI wallet) to store your funds offline.
• Privacy: Be mindful of your privacy when using exchanges. Consider using a VPN and avoiding linking your exchange account to your personal identity if possible.
• Regulations: Cryptocurrency regulations are constantly evolving. Stay informed about the laws in your jurisdiction.

Final Thoughts

Exchanging Monero has become easier over the years, but it still requires careful consideration. I’ve learned through experience that choosing the right exchange, prioritizing security, and adopting a long-term investment strategy are crucial for success. I, Amelia Stone, hope my experiences can help others navigate the world of Monero exchanges.