Centralized Exchange vs Non-Custodial

Quick comparison to help you distinguish these two crypto terms.

Centralized Exchange
beginner
fundamentals

A centralized exchange is a company-operated trading platform where users deposit funds into exchange-controlled accounts and trade through a managed order book under the platform's custody and control.

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Non-Custodial
beginner
fundamentals

Non-custodial describes a wallet or platform where the user retains full control of their private keys and funds at all times, with no third party holding assets on their behalf.

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