ComparisonChecked 26 September 2026
A SimpleSwap alternative with one flat fee
SimpleSwap prices swaps with a dynamic “all-in-one rate” that “may start from 0.2%” for some assets; Ghostex applies one 0.48% fee to every pair. Ghostex locks a fixed rate for 30 minutes (SimpleSwap: 20) and sends refunds automatically, where SimpleSwap processes refund requests within up to 31 days.
Side by side
Ghostex vs SimpleSwap at a glance
The SimpleSwap column summarises its FAQ, terms of service, AML policy and pair pages as they read on 26 September 2026. Each cell cites the page it came from, linked at its first mention and in the Sources list below. The Ghostex column follows the Ghostex Terms.
| Point | Ghostex | SimpleSwap |
|---|---|---|
| Account | None: you give a receive address and send the deposit | Not needed “for most crypto-to-crypto exchanges”; an optional account exists, and its AML policy encourages registering on first use (FAQ; AML policy s.5.2) |
| Identity checks | Never asks for ID documents; an order linked to a prohibited use may be delayed, declined or refunded (Terms s.6) | “No KYC” only in scenarios assessed as low risk, and KYC may be required on any transaction at its discretion (AML policy s.4.1, 4.2); optional verification is offered for benefits such as better rates (KYC page) |
| Service fee | Flat 0.48% on every pair, inside the quote; the payout network fee is covered | A dynamic “all-in-one rate” with no fixed percentage; “for some assets, it may start from 0.2%” (FAQ) |
| Fixed-rate lock | 30 minutes from order creation; send the stated amount within it (Terms s.8) | 20 minutes, and the deposit needs at least 1 blockchain confirmation inside that window (FAQ; terms s.5.12) |
| Refunds | Automatic, in the asset and network you sent, minus the network cost of returning it; no fee kept. Wrong network or missing memo: no automatic refund, and recovery is only attempted where technically possible (Terms s.12) | On request, processed within up to 31 calendar days; network fees and a recovery fee may be deducted, and proof of ownership may be required (terms s.6.3-6.5) |
| Restricted locations | Sanctioned persons and prohibited jurisdictions are excluded (Terms s.5) | A list “not limited to” the USA, the UK, all 27 EU member states, Japan, China, India and others (terms s.4.3) |
| Assets | 43 assets on 31 networks (list of supported currencies) | 2,800+ according to its FAQ; its coin and pair pages say 1000+ |
| Monero (XMR) | Receive only: you can swap into XMR | Active in both directions: BTC/XMR and XMR/BTC |
| Lightning | Receive only, as a BTC payout | Listed as BTCLN on its coin page |
| How orders run | Five AI agents quote, route, watch, execute and pay out each order | An aggregator that routes swaps through 20+ CEX and DEX liquidity providers (FAQ) |
The difference
Refunds that do not need a request
The clearest difference between the two services is what happens after a swap fails. On Ghostex the refund is part of the order itself. When an order cannot complete, Executor decides the refund and Courier sends it. It goes to your refund address or, if you left that field empty, back to the address you paid from. There is no ticket to open and no order ID to quote (Terms s.12).
SimpleSwap's terms describe refunds as requests handled by its support. They are processed within up to 31 calendar days, and the network fees of the refund may be deducted from the deposit. A recovery fee may apply, and SimpleSwap may ask for proof that the deposit is yours (terms s.6.3-6.5). The same terms list a wrong asset or network, a missing memo and an expired contract among the cases that are generally not refundable.
A worked example: you create an ETH to XMR order and the pair becomes unavailable before the swap executes. Ghostex returns your ETH on Ethereum, minus the network cost of that return transaction, and keeps no fee, because nothing was exchanged. The fee your own wallet paid to broadcast the deposit went to the Ethereum network, so it is not part of any refund. The guide on how automatic refunds work follows the same path step by step.
Neither service promises an automatic refund for a deposit made on the wrong network or without a required memo. Ghostex may attempt a recovery where it is technically possible, with network and handling costs deducted, so the network named on the order is the line to check twice.
Fees are published differently too. Ghostex states one figure, 0.48%, already inside every quote: on 1 ETH the fee is 0.0048 ETH, on 5 ETH it is 0.024 ETH. SimpleSwap's FAQ describes a rate that depends on the pair, volatility, liquidity providers, network fees and routing, and may start from 0.2% for some assets. Which quote pays more depends on the pair and the moment, so compare the final amount of both before you commit.
Honest trade-offs
Where SimpleSwap is the better choice
For some swaps SimpleSwap is the better fit. Its pages state an all-in-one rate that may start from 0.2% for some assets. The same pages state 2,800+ cryptocurrencies with fiat ramps and mobile apps, and a minimum as low as the equivalent of $0.50. Its FAQ also says it has operated since 2018, and it lists XMR in both directions.
- Possibly lower fees. Its all-in-one rate may start from 0.2% for some assets, below Ghostex’s flat 0.48%. Compare both quotes for your pair and amount.
- Far more coins and extras. 2,800+ cryptocurrencies according to its FAQ, fiat on- and off-ramps through third-party providers, iOS and Android apps, and a loyalty programme with cashback.
- Monero out, Lightning listed. It lists XMR in both directions and a BTCLN asset (we could not confirm the status of individual BTCLN pairs). Ghostex only pays out XMR and Lightning BTC.
- Very small amounts. Its FAQ says the minimum can be as low as the equivalent of $0.50; Ghostex starts at about $10.
- A longer track record. Its FAQ says it has operated since 2018. Ghostex is a new service.
How to switch
Switching from SimpleSwap: four steps
Nothing to register and nothing to verify: moving a swap over takes the same four steps on any pair. Choose the pair and a fixed or floating rate, paste the payout address, and send the stated asset and amount on the stated network. Then follow progress with your order ID; most orders complete within 5 to 30 minutes.
-
1. Pick the pair
Choose what you are swapping, for example ETH to XMR, BTC to ETH or USDT TRC20 to BEP20, then pick a fixed rate (30 minutes) or a floating one. -
2. Enter your address
Paste the wallet address that should receive the payout, on the network the form shows. Paying from an exchange account? Add a refund address of your own. -
3. Send the exact amount
Send the asset and amount stated on your order, on the stated network, within 30 minutes for a fixed rate. Your wallet pays the deposit network fee. -
4. Track the order
Keep your order ID and follow progress on the order page. Most orders finish in 5 to 30 minutes, depending on network confirmations.
FAQ
SimpleSwap alternative: questions
Is Ghostex affiliated with SimpleSwap?
No. Ghostex is a separate swap service with no link to SimpleSwap, and SimpleSwap does not endorse or sponsor it. The comparison on this page uses SimpleSwap’s public pages as they read on 26 September 2026.
Is Ghostex cheaper than SimpleSwap?
It depends on the pair: SimpleSwap’s rate is dynamic and may start from 0.2%; Ghostex is always 0.48%. Compare the final amount of both quotes.
How do refunds work on Ghostex?
They are automatic. If an order cannot complete, the deposit goes back in the same asset and on the same network. It returns to your refund address or the address you paid from, minus the network cost of sending it. No fee is kept and nobody has to file a request. A deposit on the wrong network or without a required memo is not refunded automatically.
How long is a fixed rate locked?
30 minutes from the moment you create the order, as long as you send the stated amount within that window. A late deposit, or one in a different amount, is executed at the market rate or refunded automatically, as your order page shows. SimpleSwap’s FAQ states 20 minutes.
Can I use Ghostex from the EU?
Ghostex never asks for ID; the Terms exclude sanctioned persons and prohibited jurisdictions and ask you to follow your local law. For comparison, SimpleSwap’s terms (s.4.3) list all 27 EU member states among the areas where its use may be restricted.
References
Sources
Every SimpleSwap detail on this page links to one of these public pages, all read on 26 September 2026.
- simpleswap.io/faq: account, all-in-one rate from 0.2%, 20-minute lock, coin count, aggregator model, $0.50 minimum, apps and history
- simpleswap.io/terms-of-service: restricted locations (s.4.3), fixed-rate window (s.5.12), refunds (s.6.3-6.5)
- simpleswap.io/aml-kyc: risk-based KYC (s.4.1, 4.2) and account registration (s.5.2)
- simpleswap.io/kyc: optional verification and its benefits
- simpleswap.io/crypto-to-crypto/btc-xmr: BTC to XMR status
- simpleswap.io/crypto-to-crypto/xmr-btc: XMR to BTC status
- simpleswap.io/coins/btcln: Lightning (BTCLN) listing
SimpleSwap, ChangeNOW and StealthEX are trademarks of their respective owners. Ghostex is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by them. Details were taken from their public pages on 26 September 2026 and may have changed.
Keep comparing
Other comparisons
See how Ghostex compares with other swap services, or read what to check before using any no-KYC exchange.
Ready when you are5 to 30 minutes
Swap at one flat fee
Pick a pair, paste your receive address and send the deposit. The quote already includes the 0.48% fee, and if the order cannot complete, the refund goes out without a request.