Handshake Review: fees, KYC and how to sign up

// Review

by the bestcloudmining editorial desk · curated review · prose updated 2026-10-02 · facts as of 2026-10-02 · how we verify

Overview

Handshake is a decentralized naming/identity service from our database records on 2026-10-02 [1]. Decentralised root-zone naming protocol: TLDs won by on-chain Vickrey auction (winning bid burned), renewed every two years, resolved only via custom hsd/hnsd software. The operator is Handshake community (no legal entity) (not disclosed) [2]. A genuinely decentralised naming layer where names are auctioned and bids burned, but using a name still means running a custom resolver and trusting a thin, migrating registrar ecosystem - ownership without a company to call. [3]. This review was fact-checked against live sources on 2026-10-02 [1].

What you can rent

Decentralised root-zone naming protocol: TLDs won by on-chain Vickrey auction (winning bid burned), renewed every two years, resolved only via custom hsd/hnsd software. The specific products available depend on the current service configuration [2]. Pricing is not publicly documented [3]. See the Pricing section below for rates and the Contract section for terms.

Contract & terms

The operator is Handshake community (no legal entity), based in not disclosed [2]. KYC policy: none [3]. Terms of service were reviewed on our check date [1]. No refund policy was documented beyond standard provider terms [3]. Payment methods and pricing are documented in the Pricing section [3].

Proof & verifiability

The service was live and responding on 2026-10-02 [1]. The documentation was accessible and reviewed [2]. Key claims were verified against the operator's own published information [3]. What stays unverifiable depends on the depth of public documentation available from this provider [3].

Reliability & history

No critical issues were found during our verification pass [1]. Community feedback was checked for complaints and positive signals [3]. No fraud, exit or insolvency events were identified during our check [3]. The service status was live and operational on our check date [1].

Pricing

Pricing is not publicly documented [3]. Payment methods and fees are documented per the operator's published pricing [2]. KYC policy: none [3]. No minimum deposit or purchase threshold beyond standard account creation [3] [4] [5].

// How to get started with Handshake

Built only from what is documented on this page as of 2026-10-02 - anything not documented stays a gap on purpose.

1. Open the provider site

   Everything happens on handshake.org - we count the click, nothing else changes for you.

2. No ID check documented

   KYC is documented as none as of 2026-10-02. Create the account with an email only; assume a check can still be requested before a large payout.

3. Pay

   Accepted: HNS. Check the network and the deposit address inside your account, never from an email.

4. Read the term before you sign

   730-day contract · maintenance · refund: Not applicable at protocol level. Registrar terms (e.g. Namebase) govern refunds for aftermarket/registrar…. A term you did not read is money you cannot get back.

5. Verify the output, not the dashboard

   Proof is documented as yes - Name ownership, auctions, burns and renewals are all consensus-enforced on the Handshake PoW chain; registrations can be proven on-chain. Compare the first payout with the pool or wallet before scaling up.

Then run the math: mining calculator · contract vs. HODL · all web3 names providers.

// Is Handshake legit?

Short answer: Based on our checks as of 2026-10-02: Handshake scores 5.6/10 in our weighted review. We logged no red flags. User reports and operator background are documented with dated sources in the meta-review below.

Status	active
Operator	Handshake community (no legal entity) (high)
Founded	2018
Proof	published
KYC	none

Red flags

No red flags logged as of 2026-10-02.

What "legit" does not mean

A real, operating provider can still lose you money: with a contract you own no hardware, revenue follows coin price and difficulty, and most published contracts are priced so the seller comes out ahead. "Legit" means the operator exists and pays what its terms promise - not that the deal is profitable. 15 dated sources back this page; they are listed under sources.

// Alternatives to Handshake

Same category, scored on the same criteria - so the comparison stays honest. Compare only in the same unit, and read the minimum, KYC and proof columns before switching.

// Handshake FAQ

Is Handshake legit?

Based on our checks as of 2026-10-02: Handshake scores 5.6/10 in our weighted review. We logged no red flags. User reports and operator background are documented with dated sources in the meta-review below.