Help > Trading & Exchange
How Exchanges Work
Step-by-step explanation of the NinjaSwap exchange process

NinjaSwap makes cryptocurrency exchanges simple and secure. This guide explains exactly what happens behind the scenes when you exchange one cryptocurrency for another on our platform, from start to finish.

Exchange Process Overview

The exchange process on NinjaSwap consists of the following main steps:

  1. 1
    Order Creation

    You select the currencies to exchange, specify amounts, and provide receiving address. NinjaSwap generates a unique order ID and deposit address for your transaction.

  2. 2
    Payment Deposit

    You send the agreed amount of cryptocurrency to the provided deposit address. Our system monitors the blockchain network for incoming transactions.

  3. 3
    Confirmation Process

    Once your deposit is detected, we wait for the required number of network confirmations (this varies by cryptocurrency) to ensure the transaction is valid and irreversible.

  4. 4
    Exchange Execution

    After confirmation, we execute the exchange at the agreed-upon rate. For fixed-rate exchanges, this is the rate locked in at the time of order creation; for floating-rate exchanges, this is the current market rate.

  5. 5
    Sending to Destination

    We send the exchanged cryptocurrency to the receiving address you specified. This transaction is broadcasted to the appropriate blockchain network.

  6. 6
    Completion

    The exchange is marked as complete once our system confirms that the outgoing transaction has been successfully sent. You'll receive a confirmation with transaction details.

Fixed vs. Floating Rate Exchanges

Fixed Rate

The exchange rate is locked in at the time of order creation and doesn't change regardless of market fluctuations.

Best For

  • Users who want price certainty
  • Larger transactions
  • Volatile market conditions

Note

Fixed rate exchanges typically have a slightly higher fee to account for the risk of market volatility.

Floating Rate

The exchange rate is determined at the time of exchange execution based on current market rates.

Best For

  • Users who want potentially better rates
  • Smaller transactions
  • Stable market conditions

Note

You might receive more or less than the estimated amount depending on market movements during processing.

Important Time Considerations

The total time for an exchange to complete depends on several factors:

  • Network Confirmation Times: Different blockchains have different confirmation times (Bitcoin ~10-60 minutes, Ethereum ~30 seconds-5 minutes, etc.)
  • Network Congestion: High blockchain traffic can delay confirmations
  • Transaction Size: Larger transactions typically require more confirmations

Exchange Order Statuses

Throughout the exchange process, your order will display one of the following statuses:

Awaiting Payment

We've generated a deposit address and are waiting for your funds to arrive.

Confirming

Your payment has been detected and is waiting for the required number of blockchain confirmations.

Exchanging

Your payment is confirmed, and we are performing the cryptocurrency exchange.

Sending

The exchange is complete, and we are sending funds to your receiving address.

Completed

The entire exchange process is finished, and funds have been sent to your receiving address.

Failed

Something went wrong with the exchange. Please check the details for the specific reason and next steps.

Security During Exchanges

NinjaSwap maintains the highest security standards during the exchange process:

  • Non-Custodial Service: We never hold your funds for longer than necessary to complete the exchange
  • Secure Processing: All exchange operations are performed within our secure infrastructure
  • Blockchain Verification: We wait for adequate confirmations to ensure transaction finality
  • Automated Monitoring: Our systems continuously monitor all exchanges for any irregularities

Best Practices for Smooth Exchanges

  • Always double-check receiving addresses before confirming an exchange
  • Send only the cryptocurrency and amount specified in the order details
  • For tokens requiring a memo/tag/message, always include this with your deposit
  • If your transaction requires urgency, consider using a higher network fee when sending your deposit
  • Keep your order ID and transaction hashes for reference and support inquiries

For more detailed information about tracking your exchanges, please see ourHow to Track Your Exchange guide. If you encounter any issues during the exchange process, refer to ourTroubleshooting Orders guide or contact support.

Still have questions?

Our support team is available 24/7 to assist you