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Poloniex
Centralized crypto exchange founded in 2014, with spot and futures markets
3.0/ 5
Our score
Fair
What is Poloniex?
Poloniex is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange for depositing, trading and withdrawing digital assets. Founded in 2014, it offers spot markets, futures trading and custodial wallet services, alongside API access for automated execution.
Company and ownership
Tristan D'Agosta founded Poloniex in Wilmington, Delaware, serving as CEO. Circle Internet Financial acquired the venue for $400 million in February 2018. Circle and Poloniex parted ways in October 2019, creating Polo Digital Assets. Justin Sun joined an investor group that supported the independent firm. Staffing estimates reached 153 people in 2025.
How the exchange works
Users deposit funds into exchange-controlled wallets. They trade through spot order books or derivatives contracts. Separate account settings supply API keys for spot and futures execution. The venue handles assets across networks including Ethereum, Bitcoin, Tron, Solana, Polygon, Arbitrum, OP Mainnet, Cardano, Stellar, XRPL and Ethereum Classic. Margin trades increase liquidation risks.
Fees and access
Poloniex supports global spot and futures trading after originating in the United States.
Track record and risks
The exchange has operated since January 2014. Circle acquired the firm in February 2018 before it turned independent again in October 2019. In November 2023, attackers breached Poloniex systems and stole over $114 million in tokens. That loss illustrates custodial risk.
Account reviews or geographical restrictions can impede withdrawals. Leveraged futures also create financial exposure. Exchange wallets hold customer balances, so users retain no direct control over their private keys.
Founders
Tristan D'AgostaFounder and CEO
Best for:Spot crypto tradersAPI-based tradingFutures tradersMultichain asset holders
Pros and cons
Pros
- Spot and futures markets in one exchange account
- Dedicated API access for spot and futures trading
- Network coverage includes 11 named blockchains
- Operating history dates to January 2014
- Circle acquired the exchange for $400 million in 2018
Cons
- Customers face custodial exposure to exchange-controlled wallets
- A November 2023 breach stole more than $114 million
- Futures trading adds liquidation and leverage risk
Our review
3.0/5
Fair
Poloniex offers deep altcoin markets and active derivatives trading, but an unresolved custody risk profile remains highlighted by its $114 million hack in November 2023.
Founded in January 2014 by Tristan D'Agosta in Wilmington, Delaware, Poloniex is an exchange operating since 2014. The platform built its reputation as an early hub for speculative altcoin trading before undergoing major ownership changes, including a $400 million acquisition by Circle in February 2018 and a subsequent spin-off into Polo Digital Assets in October 2019 backed by an investment group involving Justin Sun. By October 2026, the venue maintained approximately $977M in tracked assets across networks such as Ethereum, Tron, Arbitrum, Solana, and Bitcoin.
The exchange functions primarily through order-book spot and futures markets, accompanied by developer API access for automated execution. Listing velocity remains one of its key appeals, with frequent additions of smaller-cap tokens such as DNA and DRV alongside base liquidity pairs in BTC, ETH, TRX, and USDT. Traders looking for broad token variety will find markets that larger, strictly regulated exchanges often bypass.
However, counterparty risk is a central consideration for anyone depositing capital. Poloniex suffered a major security breach in November 2023 that resulted in the theft of more than $114 million in digital assets.
Poloniex suits active crypto traders who require access to high-velocity altcoin listings and derivatives.
Specs
| Markets | Spot, Futures · unverified |
|---|---|
| Accepts US customers | No · unverified |
| Futures & perpetuals | Yes · unverified |
Not disclosed by the provider: Maker fee, Taker fee, Coins listed, Fiat deposit methods, KYC required, Proof of reserves, Staking / earn, Mobile app, Licenses & registrations, Security features, Max leverage (x), Copy trading, P2P market, Earn / savings products, User protection fund, Referral program.
Data from the provider's website and public sources. Fees and availability change; confirm on the official site before you sign up.
Key features
Spot markets
Order-book spot trading covers Bitcoin, Ethereum, TRON and other digital assets.
Futures trading
A separate futures product provides crypto derivatives and dedicated futures API keys.
Trading API
Users can create separate spot and futures API keys from account settings.
Custodial wallets
The exchange provides platform-controlled wallets for depositing, trading and withdrawing digital assets.
Multichain coverage
Listed network coverage includes Ethereum, Bitcoin, Tron, Solana, Polygon, Arbitrum and OP Mainnet.
Asset withdrawals
Customers can deposit and withdraw digital assets through supported exchange wallets and networks.
Inside Poloniex
Spot Trading
A central order-book marketplace for buying and selling Bitcoin, Ethereum, TRON, and emerging altcoins, with full API key integration for automated orders.
Futures Trading
A derivatives trading interface that allows traders to enter crypto futures positions with dedicated API keys and execution feeds.
Poloniex screenshots
What users say about Poloniex
User sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with no identifiable positive themes. Feedback centers on severe complaints regarding suspended or blocked withdrawals, frozen accounts, and slow or unresponsive customer support.
In their own words
“Account frozen as soon as I requested withrdawal Hello, Can you suggest to me my next step? I've an old account with Poloniex, already verified.”
“Poloniex scam zcash tradign at 758$ and cant be withdrawn from exchange. its been 8 months since withdrawal was open. since then i cant withdraw my money. poloniex is a scam dont use it.”
“Hello. I would like to report an ongoing issue with the exchange Poloniex regarding TON withdrawals. Poloniex has been claiming for a long time that “the TON network wallet is under maintenance / upgrade,” however this statement appears to be false.”
“🚨 Warning to All Crypto Users: Stay Away from Poloniex Exchange! I’m sharing my **personal experience** to warn both new and old crypto users ⚠️ Recently, I completed my **full KYC verification** on **Poloniex Exchange** — submitted all required ID proofs, both sides of my document, and live selfie…”
Scam warning: Fraudulent fund recovery services and fake support agents frequently target users on social media claiming they can unlock frozen accounts or retrieve lost assets.
Based on 66 Reddit posts and comments from the last 12 months, checked Oct 21, 2026. These are posts by users on other sites, not reviews submitted on CryptoReview.
User reviews
No user reviews yet. Have you used Poloniex? Share your experience below.
FAQ
Who founded Poloniex?
Poloniex was founded in January 2014 by Tristan D'Agosta in Wilmington, Delaware. The company was later acquired by Circle in 2018 before spinning out to an investor group in 2019.
Has Poloniex ever been hacked?
Yes. In November 2023, Poloniex suffered a security breach that resulted in the theft of more than $114 million in cryptocurrency.
What trading markets are available on Poloniex?
Poloniex provides spot exchange markets and crypto futures contracts, both accessible via the web interface and automated trading APIs.
Which blockchains does Poloniex support for deposits and trading?
Poloniex supports assets across networks including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tron, Solana, Polygon, Arbitrum, OP Mainnet, Stellar, XRPL, Cardano, and Ethereum Classic.
How can users access customer service on Poloniex?
Users can access support documentation and submit support tickets through Poloniex's dedicated Freshdesk help portal.
Latest from Poloniex on X
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#PoloniexBuzz
Stay ahead with the latest crypto headlines 👇
💚$BTC and $ETH both edge up 0.15%
💚Senator Lummis pushes crypto intelligence sharing under the CLARITY Act
💚Bitcoin closes above its 50-week MA for 7 straight weeks
💚Brazil’s VASP license window closes with only ~40 applicants
💚Michael Saylor drops another BTC Tracker hint 👀
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Recent public posts from @poloniex, shown as published. Not reviewed or endorsed by CryptoReview.
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