Security-wise, it’s legit—eToro is registered with FinCEN in the U.S., and it’s been around for a while globally as a trusted broker.
Also, Uphold’s video resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced traders are a plus. You can use a site like CoinMarketCap that will show you the 24-hour trading volume for various crypto exchanges. Founded in 2014 by none other than the Winklevoss twins, Gemini has managed to solidify its position in the charts with more than USD 175 million in trading volume generated. Not only that, but the Winklevoss brothers also launched the Gemini Dollar token . Crypto exchanges first started emerging with the release of the Bitcoin white paper in 2008.
- While eToro offers over 100 crypto assets globally, only 30 tradable cryptocurrencies are available in the U.S.
- IBKR is known for its suite of trading platforms, which tends to appeal to advanced traders in search of sophisticated tools.
- It’s always a good idea to look up customer ratings and reviews to see if there are ongoing technical, security or customer service-related issues.
- The exchange also offers a Visa prepaid debit card that lets you earn rewards when you use it to spend your crypto.
- Furthermore, in many other states, additional restrictions apply to activities such as staking, payment services, funding, and custody.
Cryptocurrency exchange fees are structured to facilitate trading while generating revenue for the platform. These fees vary based on the exchange’s fee model, trading volume, and payment methods used. Its copy trading feature lets investors mirror experienced pros, with buy and sell orders replicated in real-time.
How to Pay for Your Cryptocurrency
For traders who want to trade crypto and nondigital assets like stocks, options and more on the same platform, IBKR is a solid choice. CEXs act as intermediaries, managing transactions and custody of user funds. Binance is the most popular exchange in the market with over 275 million registered traders.
Trading platforms are the most popular type of cryptocurrency exchange. They work by connecting crypto buyers and sellers and take fees for facilitating each transaction made. They can be used to exchange cryptocurrency at the market rate or at a specific limit. Typically, a crypto trading platform will provide access to a more diverse range of cryptocurrencies compared to brokers.
There are hundreds of different crypto exchanges to choose from and not all of them are created equal. Similarly, individual crypto traders and investors will have different needs. This is why it’s essential to research the best exchange option for your personal needs, as the best exchange for one person might be a terrible choice for another. Check out reviews, compare features, fees, pros and cons of each exchange and determine how well they align with your preferences and requirements. Kraken’s been around for over 10 years, and it’s one of those names that keeps coming up when people talk about reliable US-based crypto exchanges. I’ve used it a fair bit myself, and what stands out is the mix of low fees, strong security, and a bunch of features that cater to both beginners and more advanced traders.
Bitmart, which offers over 1,700 cryptocurrencies, is our top choice as the best crypto exchange for altcoins. While the exchange lacks fundamental trading features, it’s an excellent plateform to buy cryptocurrency that traders would not usually have to access on other exchanges. Crypto.com is also our choice for Bitcoin traders and investors due to its reasonable fee structure and excellent security infrastructure, which is important to many Bitcoin investors and users. In addition, Crypto.com provides crypto traders with Bitcoin options and futures. In addition to being our choice for security, Gemini is also our top choice for experienced Cryptocurrency Exchanges traders due to its ActiveTrader software.
Buying Cryptocurrency with Fiat Currency
Before committing to opening an account, you should check to see if Crypto.com legally operates in your geographical location. While Crypto.com has an excellent support center to help users resolve issues on their own, it only provides access to a live chat feature for further assistance. Gemini holds most customer assets in offshore cold storage, and it works to facilitate easy transfers of assets between the exchange and consumer wallets.
PrimeXBT – The best exchange for trading crypto futures and CFDs with high leverage
In some instances, our researchers did much deeper online research to get the information they needed to complete the data collection. The data collection process spanned from Feb. 7, 2025 to Feb 11, 2025. Investing in cryptocurrencies, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and other Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) is highly risky and speculative, and the markets can be extremely volatile. Consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. This article is not a recommendation by Investopedia or the writer to invest in cryptocurrencies, nor can the accuracy or timeliness of the information be guaranteed.
CoinEx – Best for Meme Coin Traders
All in all, Kraken’s one of those platforms that’s solid across the board. Whether you’re just getting started or you want more advanced tools down the line, it’s a dependable option that covers pretty much everything. The fees are on the higher end, starting at around 3.90%, and the spreads can be a bit steep too.
This might be a good choice for big-time traders looking to exchange large amounts of cryptocurrency, as a percentage-based fee would probably be higher. One of the most prominent names in the crypto exchanges industry is Binance . Founded in 2017, the exchange quickly reached the number one spot by trade volumes, registering more than USD 36 billion in trades by the beginning of 2021.
Always enable strong security settings and regularly check the exchange’s reputation. BitMart, founded in 2017 and headquartered in New York, N.Y., is our top choice for altcoins due to its accessibility to over 1,700 tradable cryptocurrencies. While still offering access to the most important coins on the market, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, it provides other coins that may be difficult to find on other exchanges. It’s important to note that cryptocurrency poses significant risks even with established digital coins.
Crypto.com is a big name in the crypto space and it’s also one of our top picks for best crypto exchanges for its relatively low trading fees and large selection of coins. Outside of leverage trading, BYDFi has plenty of other features too. You can trade over 400+ cryptocurrencies on the spot market, use a demo account to test out strategies without risking real funds, and even take advantage of Copy Trading. With Copy Trading, you just follow a top-performing trader, and BYDFi will automatically mirror their trades on your account—even if you’re offline or sleeping. It’s a nice option if you want to be active in the market without constantly watching charts.
Fees (20%)
- This includes spot trading, derivatives trading, staking, crypto swaps, a Visa card for spending cryptocurrency balances and much more.
- Options and futures are two of the most common types of derivatives.
- In addition to its basic trading platform, there’s Coinbase Advanced, which is designed for experienced traders.
- Everything’s clearly labeled, and buying or selling crypto is just a matter of tapping a couple of buttons.
- Users can take advantage of Crypto.com’s utility token Cronos (CRO) to pay fees on the platform and earn other benefits.
- According to Binance, it’s the largest staking platform in the U.S.
Forbes Advisor researchers analyzed 20 leading crypto exchanges, gathering data related to nearly 40 individual queries. Our team verified the data by conducting thorough online research and directly contacting companies to confirm or fill in any missing details. Plus, IBKR’s trading platforms are sophisticated and highly customizable.
Best For Security,
In contrast, non-custodial platforms like Best Wallet or DEXs let users trade directly from their self-custody wallets, often without KYC. Transactions occur through smart contracts, with blockchain transparency ensuring trades are verifiable and irreversible. Some exchanges also support peer-to-peer (P2P) trading, allowing users to buy crypto directly from others using local payment methods. MEXC is a good choice for crypto investors who prioritize altcoins, including Ethereum, Dogecoin, Avalanche, and Solana. You can buy cryptocurrencies instantly with local currencies and payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, and Google/Apple Pay.
Coinbase’s fees, however, tend to be higher than most of our top picks. In addition to its basic trading platform, there’s Coinbase Advanced, which is designed for experienced traders. Coinbase offers more than 340 tradable cryptocurrencies, which should satisfy most investors looking to break into the crypto space.
The exchange supports over 350 speculative meme coins from a range of narratives, including market leaders like Dogecoin, dogwifhat, Pepe, and Bonk. It also has a dedicated section for celebrity meme coins, including those linked to Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and Dave Portnoy. The exchange is commonly used by active day traders who seek tight spreads, deep liquidity, and access to high-level trading tools. Analysis features include technical indicators, drawing tools, and custom charting areas. Futures trading fees are 0.019% and 0.06% for market makers and takers, respectively, and funding charges apply to leveraged positions every eight hours.