MonoSwap Crypto Exchange Review - Fees, Security & Trading Features (2025)

MonoSwap Crypto Exchange Review - Fees, Security & Trading Features (2025)

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When you hear the name MonoSwap is a cryptocurrency exchange that markets itself as a hybrid platform combining centralized speed with decentralized liquidity, the first question is: does it actually deliver? This review breaks down the core pieces you need to decide whether to lock up your assets here or keep scrolling.

Quick Takeaways

  • MonoSwap offers a tiered fee model starting at 0.08% for spot trades, which is cheaper than most mainstream centralized exchanges but higher than top‑tier DEX aggregators.
  • Security relies on a recent security audit by CertiK, completed in March 2025, yet the platform has not yet obtained a full regulator licence in the EU.
  • KYC is optional for low‑volume users; high‑volume traders must undergo identity verification, aligning it with centralized exchanges standards.
  • Liquidity is sourced from both its own native liquidity pool and major DEX aggregators like Uniswap and 1inch.
  • For beginners, the UI mimics familiar centralized platforms, while power users can tap into advanced order types and API access.

What Is MonoSwap?

MonoSwap launched in early 2024 under the umbrella of MonoLabs Ltd., a UK‑registered fintech startup based in Bristol. The exchange bills itself as a "hybrid" solution: it runs a custodial backend for fast order matching like a centralized exchange, but routes trades through a network of decentralized exchanges to tap deeper liquidity.

Its native token, MONO, serves three purposes: staking for reduced fees, governance voting on protocol upgrades, and as a reward for liquidity provision. As of October 2025, MONO has a circulating supply of 120million and trades on major DEXes with an average price of $0.42.

How Does Trading Work?

When you place a market order, MonoSwap first checks its internal order book for instant matches. If the internal depth is insufficient, the system silently splits the order and sends the remainder to partner DEXes via a smart‑contract router. This approach reduces slippage compared to using a single DEX, but it also means that the exact execution path is not always visible to the user.

For limit orders, the platform offers a traditional order‑book view, while also providing a “smart limit” option that auto‑converts the order to a DEX‑based swap if the limit price is not met within 30seconds. This hybrid functionality is the main differentiator from pure‑play venues like Binance (pure centralized) or Uniswap (pure decentralized).

Fee Structure in Detail

MonoSwap’s fee schedule is tiered by 30‑day trading volume:

  1. Up to $10k: 0.08% per trade
  2. $10k - $100k: 0.06%
  3. $100k - $1M: 0.04%
  4. Above $1M: 0.02% (plus a rebate if you stake MONO)

In addition, a flat 0.01% network fee is charged for on‑chain swaps when the order routes through a DEX. By contrast, major centralized exchanges like Coinbase charge 0.50% for low‑volume spot trades, while DEX aggregators like 1inch often have sub‑0.03% fees but expose higher gas costs.

Staking 10,000 MONO (roughly $4,200) grants a 25% fee discount, effectively bringing the lowest tier fee down to 0.06% for all trades, which can be a noticeable saving for active day traders.

Security & Compliance Overview

Security is perhaps the most critical factor when evaluating any exchange. MonoSwap underwent a comprehensive audit by CertiK in March 2025. The report flagged three medium‑severity findings related to replay attacks on its cross‑chain bridge, all of which were patched within a week of discovery.

On‑chain assets are stored in multi‑sig wallets managed by a custodial service partner, Fireblocks. In case of a breach, the platform offers a $5million insurance pool, funded partially by the MONO treasury.

Regulatory compliance is a mixed bag. MonoSwap implements optional KYC for users who exceed €10k monthly volume, using third‑party verification from Jumio. However, it still lacks a full European Money Laundering Directive (MLD) licence, meaning that EU‑based users may experience withdrawal limits until the licence is secured.

Liquidity and Trading Pairs

Liquidity and Trading Pairs

At launch, MonoSwap listed 150 trading pairs, focusing on top‑10 coins (BTC, ETH, BNB, USDT, USDC, ADA, SOL, DOT, XRP, DOGE) and a selection of DeFi tokens. The platform’s liquidity pool contributes an additional $250million in depth, and the DEX aggregator layer pulls another $1.2billion from partners like Uniswap, PancakeSwap, and Curve.

Liquidity is refreshed every 15seconds, which helps keep spreads tight. For niche altcoins not listed on the order book, MonoSwap automatically falls back to a pure DEX swap, so you rarely hit a “no liquidity” wall.

Fee & Feature Comparison (Spot Trading)
Exchange Base Fee (≤$10k) KYC Requirement Security Audit Liquidity Source
MonoSwap 0.08% Optional (mandatory >€10k) CertiK (2025) Hybrid (internal + DEX)
Binance 0.10% Mandatory None public Centralized order book
Uniswap 0.03% + gas None Open‑source (no audit) On‑chain liquidity pools

User Experience & Support

The web UI feels familiar to anyone who has used Coinbase or Kraken: a clean dashboard, real‑time price tickers, and a one‑click “Buy Crypto” button. Mobile apps for iOS and Android launched in June 2025 and score 4.3/5 stars on the App Store, largely thanks to fast order execution and push‑notification price alerts.

Customer support offers 24/7 live chat, but response times can stretch to 30minutes during peak market volatility. An extensive knowledge base covers topics from “How to stake MONO” to “Understanding hybrid routing.” The community runs an active Discord channel with over 12k members, where developers often share API snippets.

Pros, Cons & Who Should Use MonoSwap

  • Pros: Lower fees than most CEXs, hybrid liquidity reduces slippage, optional KYC for privacy‑focused users, recent security audit, staking rewards.
  • Cons: No full EU licence yet, occasional latency when routing to DEXes, limited advanced order types (no stop‑limit), insurance pool size modest compared to larger incumbents.
  • Best for: Mid‑level traders who value lower fees but still want a user‑friendly interface; DeFi enthusiasts who want an easy bridge to on‑chain swaps without leaving a familiar dashboard.
  • Not ideal for: Institutional players that demand full regulatory coverage or high‑frequency traders needing sub‑millisecond execution.

Getting Started in 5 Minutes

  1. Visit monoswap.io and click “Create Account.”
  2. Enter email and set a strong password; you can skip KYC if you plan to trade under $10k per month.
  3. Enable two‑factor authentication (Google Authenticator recommended).
  4. Deposit USDT or ETH from an external wallet; the platform generates a unique on‑chain address for each deposit.
  5. Start swapping! Use the “Smart Limit” toggle for hidden‑order routing, or stake MONO in the “Earn” tab to unlock fee discounts.

Alternatives to Consider

If MonoSwap’s hybrid model doesn’t fit your workflow, the following platforms cover similar ground:

  • Kraken - a fully regulated CEX with strong fiat on‑ramps, but higher fees for low‑volume traders.
  • 1inch - a pure DEX aggregator offering ultra‑low fees, but no custodial wallet and a steeper learning curve.
  • Coinbase Pro - excellent regulatory compliance and insurance, yet fees start at 0.50% for spot trades.

Future Outlook

MonoSwap’s roadmap lists three major milestones for 2026: a full EU licence, integration of layer‑2 solutions (Optimism & Arbitrum) to cut gas costs, and a decentralized governance upgrade where MONO holders can vote on fee structures. If those deliver, the platform could close the gap with industry giants and become a go‑to hybrid for traders seeking the best of both worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MonoSwap safe for storing large amounts of crypto?

MonoSwap stores assets in multi‑signature custodial wallets managed by Fireblocks and backs them with a $5million insurance pool. While the recent CertiK audit boosted confidence, the lack of a full EU licence means you should consider keeping only the amount you plan to trade actively, and store the rest in a hardware wallet.

How do I reduce trading fees on MonoSwap?

Stake the native MONO token. Staking 10,000 MONO grants a 25% discount, dropping the base fee from 0.08% to 0.06%. Higher staking tiers bring the fee down to as low as 0.02% for volume‑heavy users.

Do I need to complete KYC to trade on MonoSwap?

KYC is optional for traders staying below €10k in monthly volume. Once you exceed that threshold, you must verify identity through Jumio to stay compliant with anti‑money‑laundering rules.

Can I use MonoSwap’s API for automated trading?

Yes. The platform launched a RESTful API in August 2025, offering market data, order placement, and account management. API keys are generated in the dashboard under “Developer Settings.”

What makes MonoSwap different from pure DEXes like Uniswap?

MonoSwap blends a custodial order‑book with DEX routing, so you get instant fills for popular pairs and deeper liquidity for niche tokens without leaving the platform. Pure DEXes rely entirely on on‑chain swaps, which can be slower and expose you to higher gas fees.

  1. Vijay Kumar

    Hey folks, just wanted to say MonoSwap looks pretty solid for anyone dipping their toes into hybrid trading. The fee tiers are definitely kinder than the typical CEX rates, and the optional KYC means you can stay relatively private if you keep volume low. I’ve tried the “Smart Limit” feature and it actually saved me a bit of slippage on a couple of trades. Pair that with the decent mobile app and you’ve got a platform that feels both modern and safe. Give it a spin if you haven’t already – you might be pleasantly surprised!

  2. OLAOLUWAPO SANDA

    Man, don’t be fooled – it’s just another copycat trying to ride the hype train. They brag about “hybrid” but it’s still a custodian that can freeze your coins, and the fees, though lower, are still a tax on your gains. If you care about real freedom, stick to true DEXes.

  3. Alex Yepes

    In evaluating MonoSwap, one must consider both its economic incentives and its structural architecture. The tiered fee model, ranging from 0.08% down to 0.02% for high‑volume participants, presents a competitive edge relative to legacy exchanges such as Binance or Coinbase, which often charge a baseline of 0.10% or higher. Moreover, the optional staking of MONO to obtain a 25 % discount adds a layer of user‑driven cost optimization, incentivizing token lock‑up and thereby enhancing network security. The hybrid routing mechanism, wherein orders are initially matched against an internal order book before being forwarded to external DEX aggregators, mitigates slippage while preserving execution speed, a synthesis that is technically noteworthy. Security considerations are addressed through a CertiK audit and custodial insurance, yet the absence of a full EU licence introduces regulatory uncertainty. Consequently, while MonoSwap offers a compelling blend of features for the mid‑tier trader, prudence dictates continuous monitoring of its compliance trajectory and liquidity depth.

  4. Sumedha Nag

    Honestly, the whole “hybrid” thing sounds fancy but it’s just a marketing gimmick. I tried it and the routing felt laggy, plus the UI is clunky compared to Kraken.

  5. Holly Harrar

    Yo! If you wanna cut down on those fees, definitely stake some MONO – even the basic 10k stake drops your fee from .08% to .06%. Also, don’t forget to enable 2FA, that adds an extra layer of security. The mobile app is pretty smooth, but make sure you update it regularly so you dont miss out on new features.

  6. Edgardo Rodriguez

    Let us pause, for a moment, and contemplate the profound philosophical implications of a hybrid exchange such as MonoSwap; indeed, it embodies the very dialectic between centralization and decentralization, a binary that has long haunted the cryptographic discourse. On one hand, the custodial infrastructure offers the immediacy and reliability reminiscent of traditional financial institutions, granting users the comfort of rapid order execution and familiar UI paradigms. On the other hand, the integration of decentralized liquidity via DEX aggregators introduces a level of openness, composability, and resilience characteristic of the blockchain’s original ethos. This synthesis, while innovative, raises ontological questions: does the presence of a custodial layer ultimately betray the decentralist ideals, or does it merely serve as a bridge, a transitional conduit guiding the masses from the familiar to the revolutionary? Moreover, the incentivization mechanism-staking MONO for fee reductions-mirrors the age‑old economic principle of aligning user interests with network health, yet it also subtly nudges participants toward token accumulation, potentially fostering centralization of token holdings. The security architecture, anchored by a CertiK audit and a $5 million insurance pool, illustrates a pragmatic acknowledgment of risk, yet it cannot fully assuage concerns about custodial vulnerabilities or the lingering specter of replay attacks on the cross‑chain bridge. In sum, MonoSwap stands as a microcosm of the broader crypto ecosystem: a perpetual tension between control and liberty, efficiency and purity, convenience and principle; a living laboratory where every trade, every stake, every audit report contributes to an evolving narrative that will undoubtedly shape the future of hybrid financial constructs.

  7. mudassir khan

    This platform is over‑hyped; fees are still a burden, and the lack of a proper licence makes it risky. Users should stay cautious.

  8. Bianca Giagante

    Thank you for the thorough review; the detailed fee breakdown is especially helpful for newcomers. I appreciate the balanced perspective on both the strengths and the regulatory gaps.

  9. Andrew Else

    Nice.

  10. Susan Brindle Kerr

    Oh, the drama of calling it "hybrid"-as if it's some avant‑garde masterpiece! In reality, it's just another exchange trying to sound fancy while hiding the same old fees behind a pretty UI. The "smart limit" is a gimmick, and the insurance pool? A laughable safety net. If you want real freedom, go straight to the DEXs and avoid this middle‑man circus.

  11. Jared Carline

    While the promotional material emphasizes a seamless hybrid experience, one must rigorously assess whether such a structure truly satisfies the stringent compliance prerequisites mandated by sovereign regulatory frameworks; indeed, the absence of a comprehensive European licence raises substantive concerns regarding the platform's adherence to anti‑money‑laundering statutes, thereby rendering the purported benefits of reduced fees and enhanced liquidity potentially moot for entities requiring unequivocal legal certainty.

  12. raghavan veera

    Thinking about MonoSwap, I see a paradox: the platform promises convenience yet leans on custodial control, which can feel at odds with the ethos of true decentralization. Still, for many traders the hybrid model offers a practical compromise-speed without the full gas costs of a pure DEX. It’s a trade‑off worth pondering.

  13. Danielle Thompson

    Great tip on staking MONO for fee cuts! 👍 Keep it up!

  14. Eric Levesque

    Our nation deserves the best tools-MonoSwap shows how crypto can be strong and proud. Use it and support the crypto future.

  15. alex demaisip

    From a technical standpoint, MonoSwap's architecture leverages a dual‑layer order‑matching engine that first executes against an off‑chain limit order book, subsequently invoking a smart‑contract router to aggregate liquidity from on‑chain AMM pools; this bifurcated approach optimizes for both latency minimization and depth maximization, albeit at the cost of added operational complexity and potential vector for cross‑chain replay attacks, as disclosed in the recent CertiK audit. The tokenomics, featuring a 25 % staking discount, further align incentive structures, though one must consider the impact on token velocity and market cap dilution.

  16. Elmer Detres

    Hey everyone, love seeing the community share insights! 🚀 Remember, staking isn’t just about fees-it also gives you a voice in governance, which can shape the future of the platform. Keep the positivity flowing and let’s build something awesome together! 💪

  17. Tony Young

    Listen up, folks! If you’re hunting for a platform that actually respects your time and money, MonoSwap’s hybrid routing is a game‑changer-think of it as the Swiss Army knife of crypto exchanges: versatile, reliable, and ready for any market condition. 🌟 Dive in, stake that MONO, and watch the fees shrink before your eyes! (¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

  18. Fiona Padrutt

    Let's be real-our country deserves top‑tier crypto solutions, and MonoSwap is a step in that direction. The lower fees and local support make it perfect for traders who want to keep their earnings at home.

  19. Briana Holtsnider

    Honestly, the platform reeks of mediocrity; the superficial features can't mask the underlying lack of regulatory depth and the token‑centric fee model that favors insiders. It's a disappointment for anyone seeking genuine financial sovereignty.

  20. Corrie Moxon

    All in all, MonoSwap offers a solid middle ground for traders looking to balance speed, cost, and accessibility. Keep experimenting, stay safe, and happy swapping!

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