What Is a Direct Crypto Exchange? A Closer Look at Bintense in Lithuania

Originally published on JP.lt.

This article and its content have been produced and disseminated to persons outside the United Kingdom. The information provided is not directed at or intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity located within the UK. The financial products and services mentioned in this article are not eligible for the UK. Cryptoassets are classified as Restricted Mass Market Investments in the UK, meaning they are high-risk investments unsuitable for most retail investors. 

A Different Approach to Crypto Exchanges

Most exchanges ask users to deposit funds first into internal accounts before making the first transaction. That means leaving money in the custody of the exchange until it’s withdrawn. Bintense takes a different path. Operating as a direct exchange, it allows users to remain in control of their money at all times. Payments are made directly from a card or wallet, and proceeds return directly the same way — no prefunding, no exchange-held balances.

First Impressions of the Website

Bintense presents itself with clarity. The homepage avoids the busy charts and tickers seen on many platforms. Instead, it walks newcomers through a simple process: register, verify, and exchange. The focus is not on speculation or complex features, but on offering Bitcoin and Ethereum exchanges in the most straightforward manner possible.

How Direct Exchange Works in Practice

The mechanics reflect the platform’s philosophy. When buying, users pay directly from their bank account or card, with coins sent straight to their external wallet. When selling, crypto leaves the user’s wallet, and fiat returns to their account. At no point does Bintense act as a custodian of customer balances. This reduces risks associated with holding funds on third-party platforms and appeals to those wary of centralized custody.

Verification as a Regulatory Requirement

While the model is direct, it is not anonymous. Being a regulated Lithuanian exchange, Bintense enforces a thorough KYC process. Verification requirements scale with transaction size and can include ID documents, proof of address, and sometimes video verification. Though some users may see this as demanding, it is standard under EU compliance rules and necessary for a licensed service.

Transparency and Customer Support

Another defining feature is transparency. Bintense discloses fees upfront, ensuring no hidden charges. The platform also makes it clear that it is not a wallet provider — customers are expected to manage their own Bitcoin or Ethereum wallets. To support them, the site offers guidance, an FAQ library, and a blog covering topics like security and regulatory obligations. A 24/7 contact option is also available for technical issues.

A Lithuanian-Regulated Service

Green Cliff Inc. operates Bintense and is officially registered in Lithuania, an EU jurisdiction known for its regulatory oversight of crypto service providers. This status adds credibility for users seeking reassurance that they are dealing with a licensed entity in a regulated environment.

Bintense is not positioned as a hub for traders or those seeking dozens of tokens. Its value lies in its direct exchange model, which allows newcomers and everyday users to move between fiat and crypto — specifically Bitcoin and Ethereum — without ever giving up control of their funds. For many, this simplicity and regulatory backing may be exactly what they want from a crypto exchange.