Cookie Policy
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Your Privacy Matters
ExchangeHandles uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to provide, protect, and improve our services. This policy explains what cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can control them.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, phone, tablet) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, keep you logged in, and understand how you use the site.
Cookies can be:
- Session cookies: Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
- First-party cookies: Set by ExchangeHandles directly
- Third-party cookies: Set by external services we use (e.g., analytics, payment processors)
2. Types of Cookies We Use
2.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled. They enable core features like:
- Authentication: Keeping you logged in to your account
- Security: Protecting against CSRF attacks and fraud
- Session management: Remembering your cart and transaction state
- Load balancing: Routing traffic to the right servers
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
session_token | Authentication & login session | 30 days |
csrf_token | Security (prevent CSRF attacks) | Session |
escrow_state | Transaction state tracking | 7 days |
2.2 Functional Cookies (Optional)
These cookies enhance functionality and personalization:
- Preferences: Remember your language, currency, and theme (dark/light mode)
- Recently viewed: Show you handles you recently browsed
- Saved searches: Remember your search filters
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
theme | Dark/light mode preference | 1 year |
recently_viewed | Recently viewed listings | 30 days |
search_prefs | Saved search filters | 90 days |
2.3 Analytics Cookies (Optional)
We use analytics to understand how visitors use our site and improve user experience:
- Google Analytics: Page views, bounce rate, traffic sources
- Custom analytics: Feature usage, conversion rates, search behavior
- A/B testing: Comparing different versions of pages
Analytics data is anonymized and aggregated. We do not sell this data to third parties.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics (user identification) | 2 years |
_gid | Google Analytics (session identification) | 24 hours |
analytics_token | Internal analytics tracking | 1 year |
2.4 Marketing Cookies (Optional)
These cookies track your browsing to show relevant ads and measure campaign effectiveness:
- Ad targeting: Show you relevant ads on other websites
- Retargeting: Remind you about listings you viewed
- Conversion tracking: Measure if ads lead to purchases
- Social media pixels: Track engagement from social platforms
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
fb_pixel | Facebook Pixel (ad tracking) | 90 days |
google_ads | Google Ads conversion tracking | 90 days |
retargeting_id | Retargeting campaigns | 180 days |
3. Third-Party Cookies
We use trusted third-party services that may set their own cookies:
3.1 Payment Processing
- Stripe: Payment processing and fraud detection
- Privacy Policy: stripe.com/privacy
3.2 Analytics & Monitoring
- Google Analytics: Website analytics
- Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy
- Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
3.3 Advertising & Marketing
- Facebook Pixel: Ad targeting and conversion tracking
- Privacy Policy: facebook.com/privacy
- Google Ads: Ad campaigns and retargeting
- Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy
3.4 Customer Support
- Intercom (if integrated): Live chat and support
- Privacy Policy: intercom.com/legal/privacy
4. How to Control Cookies
Cookie Consent Manager
When you first visit ExchangeHandles, you'll see a cookie consent banner. You can:
- • Accept All: Enable all cookies for full functionality
- • Reject Non-Essential: Only essential cookies will be used
- • Customize: Choose which categories to enable
You can change your preferences anytime by clicking "Cookie Settings" in the footer.
4.1 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
Note: Blocking essential cookies will prevent you from using certain features (like logging in).
4.2 Do Not Track (DNT)
We respect Do Not Track browser settings. If DNT is enabled, we:
- Disable marketing and advertising cookies
- Limit analytics to essential metrics only
- Do not share data with third-party advertisers
4.3 Mobile App Settings
If you use our mobile app (future):
- iOS: Settings → Privacy → Tracking → Disable "Allow Apps to Request to Track"
- Android: Settings → Privacy → Ads → Opt out of personalized ads
5. Local Storage & Similar Technologies
In addition to cookies, we use:
5.1 Local Storage
HTML5 local storage stores data on your device without expiration:
- Theme preference: Dark/light mode selection
- Cookie consent: Your cookie choices
- Draft listings: Save in-progress listings locally
Clear local storage by clearing your browser cache or using developer tools.
5.2 Session Storage
Temporary storage cleared when you close the browser tab:
- Search query state
- Filter selections
- Wizard progress (multi-step forms)
5.3 Web Beacons & Pixels
Small transparent images used for:
- Email open tracking (newsletters, transactional emails)
- Conversion tracking (Facebook Pixel, Google Ads)
- Page view analytics
6. Data Retention
Cookie data is retained as follows:
- Session cookies: Deleted when browser closes
- Authentication cookies: 30 days (or until logout)
- Preference cookies: 1 year
- Analytics cookies: 2 years (per Google Analytics default)
- Marketing cookies: 90-180 days
You can delete cookies manually at any time through your browser settings.
7. International Users & GDPR
7.1 EU/EEA Users (GDPR)
Under GDPR, you have the right to:
- Consent: Opt-in consent required for non-essential cookies
- Access: Request a copy of data collected via cookies
- Deletion: Request deletion of cookie data
- Portability: Receive cookie data in a portable format
- Object: Object to profiling and automated decision-making
To exercise these rights, contact privacy@exchangehandles.com.
7.2 UK Users
UK GDPR applies with the same rights as EU users.
7.3 California Users (CCPA)
Under CCPA, you have the right to:
- Know what personal information is collected via cookies
- Opt-out of the "sale" of personal information (we do not sell data, but sharing with advertisers may qualify)
- Request deletion of cookie data
Use the "Do Not Sell My Information" link in the footer to opt-out of ad tracking.
8. Children's Privacy
ExchangeHandles is not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children.
If we discover a child under 18 has provided data, we will delete it immediately. Parents/guardians can contactprivacy@exchangehandles.com if concerned.
9. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date.
Significant changes will be communicated via:
- Email notification to registered users
- Banner notification on the website
- Re-prompt for cookie consent if new categories are added
10. Contact Us
For questions about cookies or privacy:
- Email: privacy@exchangehandles.com
- Support: support@exchangehandles.com
- Data Protection Officer: dpo@exchangehandles.com
Response time: 7 business days for privacy-related inquiries.
11. Cookie Settings
Manage Your Cookie Preferences
Click the button below to open the cookie consent manager and adjust your preferences.