Frequently Asked Questions: Non-Custodial Swaps
Instant non-custodial swaps are designed to be fast, simple, and account-free. However, because trades settle directly on-chain, they are subject to network confirmations, gas costs, and selective compliance flags. Below, we address the most common concerns regarding fees, safety, and pending transactions.
1. Swap Basics
What is a non-custodial crypto swap?
A non-custodial swap is a transaction where you exchange one cryptocurrency for another without depositing your funds on a centralized exchange platform. The exchange router matches your trade, executes it, and sends the swapped coins directly back to your private self-custody wallet (like Ledger, MetaMask, or Trust Wallet).
How long do instant swaps take?
Most swaps take between 5 and 30 minutes to complete. The settlement speed depends on the blockchain networks you are using. Slower networks like Bitcoin or Ethereum require more confirmation time, while fast networks like Solana or TRON process in seconds.
Do I need an account to swap crypto?
No. Instant swap platforms like Changelly, ChangeNOW, and SimpleSwap do not require registration or account creation for basic crypto-to-crypto exchanges. You only need to provide a destination address and send your deposit.
2. Security & Compliance
Why does Changelly require KYC if it's no-account?
As legally registered financial intermediaries, instant exchanges must comply with international Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws. They utilize automated risk-assessment software. If your transaction triggers a flag (e.g., source wallets connected to mixers or high-risk contracts), the platform will freeze the escrow swap and require government ID verification to comply with regulations.
Are instant swap platforms safe to use?
Yes, provided you use the official websites. Because these services are non-custodial, they never hold your assets long-term. If a platform is hacked, your funds are not affected since they remain in your private wallet. The only risk window is during the short execution period of the swap itself.
3. Troubleshooting Swaps
Why is my swap transaction pending or stuck?
A swap usually gets stuck for one of three reasons:
- Low network fees: Your wallet deposit transaction has too low a fee and is stuck pending in the blockchain mempool.
- Extreme volatility: For fixed-rate swaps, a sudden market drop can halt the trade to prevent excessive slippage.
- AML Hold: The transaction triggered an automated risk flag and is waiting for manual KYC compliance review.
Can I cancel or reverse a swap transaction?
No. Blockchain transactions are completely irreversible. Once you send your crypto deposit to the provided address, the swap is automated. It is impossible to cancel, roll back, or retrieve funds. Always verify the token network and destination address before executing a transfer.
What happens if I send the wrong amount?
If you chose a **floating-rate swap**, the exchange system will process whatever amount it detects and send the corresponding output to your wallet. If you chose a **fixed-rate swap**, sending an incorrect deposit amount will cause the transaction to fail or recalculate at current market rates, requiring you to contact customer support.