Crypto exchanges can be used to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies such as Ether (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC). In this guide, we’ve looked at and compared some popular crypto exchanges in different categories to help you find the best option for you. Our top crypto exchange options are:
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best for Beginners ![]() | Coinbase
| 9.9 | Open AccountRead More |
Best for USD deposits ![]() | Coinmama
| 9.5 | Open AccountRead More |
Low fees ![]() | Kraken
| 9 | Open AccountRead More |
Best for Altcoins ![]() | KuCoin
| 8.8 | Open AccountRead More |
Best for social trading ![]() | eToro
| 8 | Open AccountRead More |
Individual Cryptocurrency Exchange Reviews:
Best for Beginners: Coinbase Digital Currency Exchange
Coinbase is the largest cryptocurrency exchange based in the US, trading more than 30 cryptocurrencies. Coinbase fees, however, can be confusing and higher than some competitors but still very reasonable. Coinbase offers advanced security features, great customer service high volume trading.
Best for USD: Coinmama Cryptocurrency Marketplace
Coinmama is perfect for those who want to buy bitcoin quickly and easily, they do charge a high fee (5.5%) and deposit fees can add up too. We placed Coinmama in second place because of their speed and ease, although their fees and lack of app is a little disappointing.
Best for Low Fees: Kraken Cryptocurrency Exchange
Kraken is a US based cryptocurrency spot exchange that also offers margin trading and futures contracts. Their low fees and excellent safety measures has made them one of the most popular exchanges over the last 10 years.
Offers Most Altcoins: KuCoin Cryptocurrency Exchange
Kucoin is famous for its exceptionally wide range of cryptocurrencies (over 200 altcoin) and extremely competitive fees (from 0.1%). They also offer a rewarding loyalty scheme that allows traders to earn its own native cryptocurrency (called KuCoin Shares). Read our full review to learn more.

Best for Social Trading: eToro USA Cryptocurrency Trading
eToro offers both crypto and non-crypto assets, allowing users to trade a wide variety of commodities and stocks using the same platform. eToro is a unique platform which lets investors mirror certain traders with successful track records, move-for-move.

Cryptocurrency Exchange Comparison Table:
Exchange | Fiat Currency | Cryptocurrencies | Deposit Methods | Visit |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, MXN, HRK, CZK, DKK, CLP, BGN & 10+ more | ATOM, BAT, BTC, BCH, XRP, DAI, DASH, EOS, ETH, ETC & 20+ more | Bank transfer (ACH),Credit card,Debit card,Bank transfer (SEPA),Wire transfer | |
![]() | USD, EUR, AUD, CAD, GBP, JPY | BTC, ETH, ETC, BCH, LTC, ADA, QTUM, XRP, XTZ, EOS | Credit card,Debit card,Bank transfer (SEPA),SWIFT,Wire transfer | |
![]() | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CAD, CHF, AUD | BTC, ETH, XRP, BCH, EOS, LTC, ADA, XLM, BAT, ETC & 40+ more | Electronic Funds Transfer,Wire transfer,FedWire, SWIFT, SEN | |
![]() | USD, EUR, GBP, RUB, CNY, AUD, KRW, JPY, TRY, VND & 40+ more | BTC, XMR, DAG, ETH, XRP, EOS, LTC, TRX, NEO, ONT & 200+ more | Bank transfer (ACH), PayPal, Interac e-Transfer | |
![]() | USD | BTC, ETH, BCH, XRP, DASH, LTC, ETC, ADA & 5+ more | Wire transfer,Online banking |
How to Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange:
There are hundreds of different exchanges to choose from, with each having its own set of advantages and disadvantages for each buyer, seller, or trader. So, how do you find the best cryptocurrency exchange for your needs? The best place to start is by researching as many different options as you can, learning more about the features that each offers, and comparing the pros and cons of each one. When comparing crypto exchanges, it’s a good idea to compare the following factors:
Getting started with buying and selling tokens and coins can be confusing and complicated for those who are new to it. On the other hand, if you are an experienced crypto trader, you will likely want a platform that offers advanced features to make the most of your experience. Consider your experience when choosing a platform to make it easier to select one that meets your needs. If you’re a beginner, you’ll need a simple, straightforward platform that’s easy to understand.
Consider the options offered to deposit funds into your account on the crypto platform. Can you use credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and PayPal? Generally speaking, the more payment methods that are offered by a crypto exchange, the more convenient it will be for you to use it. Before choosing an exchange, check that it offers the payment methods that you want to use and familiarize yourself with any fees.
Consider the type of trades that you are planning on making. Generally, cryptocurrency exchanges offer the following types of trades:
- Crypto-to-crypto trading
- Fiat-to-crypto trading
- Both crypto-to-crypto and fiat-to-crypto trading
If you want to buy BTC with USD, for example, you will want an exchange that allows purchasing coins using a debit card or bank transfer. On the other hand, if you’re looking to exchange your BTC for another cryptocurrency, look for a platform that offers the ability to pay for your crypto with another cryptocurrency.
Consider the currencies that you are planning to trade and research platforms to determine which of them list these in one or more trading pairs.
Cryptocurrencies: There are thousands of digital and cryptocurrencies in existence, so you will usually not be able to find them on any single platform. The majority of major cryptocurrencies such as BTC, XRP, and ETH are usually easy to find on most platforms, but if you want to trade rarer altcoins, you’ll usually have to find a specialized exchange.
Fiat currencies: If you want to use fiat currencies to purchase your cryptocurrencies, make sure that you know which currencies are accepted by the platform.
It’s important to be aware of how much it’s going to cost you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies at every part of the process, from deposit through to trading and withdrawing your funds. Keep your payment methods and the currencies that you want to trade with in mind. Many crypto exchanges offer certain discounts, which are worth researching and considering.
Be sure to find out whether there are any limits on the amount that you can deposit to your trading account or any limits on the amount of cryptocurrency that you can buy or sell in a certain time period or transaction. It’s also worth checking to see if there are any limits on the amount of money that you can withdraw from your account after trading. Bear in mind that both maximum and minimum limits may apply.
Consider how you want to access your trading account. The majority of exchanges will offer web browser trading, but this may not be convenient enough for those who want to buy and sell cryptocurrencies on the go. If you’d like to access your trading account whenever you like, it’s worth looking for a crypto exchange that offers mobile trading or even a mobile app.
Look out for any ways that you can access reduced trading fees. You might be able to take advantage of discounts because you use the exchange’s native currency, or they might offer a tiered fee structure that allows high-volume traders to take advantage of reduced fees. Some crypto exchanges also offer loyalty programs to traders, which you can use to take advantage of additional benefits such as shares in the platform or access to exclusive events.
The price of cryptocurrency is fluid and often defined by what people are willing to pay for it. It’s worth comparing various exchange rates across several different crypto exchanges to see just how much they can differ from one platform to the next. In some cases, there might be a difference as large as 10% which can make a significant difference to the success of your trades.
The ease and speed with which you are able to complete trades will be affected by the level of liquidity on an exchange. If the exchange has a high level of liquidity, or simply put, a high trading volume, it should be easier to complete quick and simple trades. This is one of the main benefits of using larger crypto exchanges since they typically get enough orders to easily match buyers and sellers. Looking at the order books before signing up is the best way to explore crypto exchange trading volumes.
If you’re concerned about your privacy when trading cryptocurrencies, there are various platforms that will allow you to make transactions anonymously. However, many other platforms will require that you verify your account before they will allow you to trade. The purpose of this step is to ensure that the exchange meets all regulations related to counter-terrorism financing and anti-money laundering. The requirements for verification will vary between exchanges, but you will typically be required to provide a range of personal details including your proof of ID, name and address, and your email address and phone number. Some exchanges may require you to provide a photo of yourself holding a signed declaration. Be sure that you are signing up for a trusted and reputable exchange before providing personal information. Some exchanges might require you to complete a range of further additional verification tasks in order to unlock and enjoy the full features of your account.
Before signing up, find out how long it is likely to take for transactions to be completed and account withdrawals to be processed. Don’t end up in a situation where you are missing out on trading opportunities because it is taking a long time for your trading funds to arrive in your account. It’s a very frustrating situation to be in, so avoid it by checking the average processing times before registering.
The security of the exchange is another important factor to consider when choosing where to trade. There have been several situations where exchanges have been hacked, and thieves and fraudsters target their users. Before signing up for crypto exchange, be sure to do your research into the security measures that are in place to protect you and your funds. Consider:
- Are your funds stored in online or offline wallets?
- Who controls your private key and where is it stored?
- How is your account verified before you can trade?
- Is the security monitored around the clock?
- Does the exchange support two-factor authentication?
- Will you receive updates regarding your account activity?
- Is email encryption used?
- Is proof of reserve provided?
Although authorities worldwide are beginning to catch up to cryptocurrency’s rapid growth, there is still very little regulation in the industry as a whole. How an exchange will be regulated will depend on where it is based, so research it to find out as much as you can about the platform operators. Cryptocurrency is still largely unregulated in the US, so it’s important to look into any exchanges that you are considering using to ensure that they are trustworthy. Some regulations will place restrictions on users from certain countries. Depending on where you are from, you may not be allowed to access some exchanges, so always check this before signing up.
Customer support is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, but it is often overlooked. Before signing up, consider how you will be able to access the customer support team if you run into problems with your account or with a transaction. Consider the following:
- At what times are the customer support team available?
- How can customer support be contacted?
- Is there an online support center?
- How quickly can you access support?
- If the exchange is based overseas, will you be able to access support in your language?
- Does the support center offer answers to frequently asked questions and provide clear instructional guides?
- How is the exchange’s overall reputation in terms of customer support?
Finally, search for the exchange you’re interested in and take a look at some of its reviews, particularly those posted on third-party sites. Does the platform have a good reputation for being reliable and secure? What do the reviews say about the good aspects and the bad aspects of the platform? Would current users recommend this exchange to others? It’s also worth looking into how long an exchange has been operating before deciding if it’s the right fit for you.
How to Use a Cryptocurrency Exchange:
1. Buying Cryptocurrency with Fiat Currency:
Imagine that you have $500USD available to buy Bitcoin with. Follow these steps:
- Compare and research crypto exchanges to find one that’s the right choice for you.
- Register and potentially verify your account on the platform, including providing any proof of ID and personal details required.
- Head to the ‘Buy’ screen once you’re set up.
- Select Bitcoin as the cryptocurrency you plan to purchase.
- Select your payment currency (USD in this case) and specify $500 as the amount that you want to spend.
- Choose your preferred payment method.
- Enter your payment details.
- Review the full details of your transaction. Check the amount of BTC that you’re purchasing and make sure that you are aware of any fees that apply.
- Click ‘Buy BTC’ if you are happy to proceed.
- The BTC will be deposited into your exchange wallet, or another address nominated by you once the transaction has been processed.
Check out our guide on how to buy bitcoin in the US.
How to Pay for Your Cryptocurrency:
You will be required to deposit funds into your exchange account to purchase crypto. Exchanges typically accept a wide range of different deposit methods, which may include:
Bear in mind that the payment methods will differ between exchanges, so it’s a good idea to check that an exchange accepts your preferred method before you sign up.
The Different Types of Cryptocurrency Exchange:
The term ‘exchange’ is used for a variety of crypto trading platforms, which include:
Best for: Novices and those who want a quick, easy method of buying crypto.
Downsides: Can be more expensive compared to other options and might not always offer as large a cryptocurrency selection.
Cryptocurrency brokers will typically offer the simplest, most convenient option for purchasing cryptocurrency. Using a broker is essential, like buying from a shop. The broker will purchase digital tokens and coins at wholesale rates, add their own margins, and sell them to you.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way into the world of buying and selling crypto, a broker could be the best platform for you. They are designed to be easy for anyone to use and you can make payments with your credit or debit card.
Next Steps:
There are hundreds of different crypto exchanges to choose from and not all of them are created equal. Similarly, different crypto buyers and sellers will have a variety of different needs. This is why it’s essential to research the best exchange option for you, as the best exchange for one person might be the worst 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.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Although laws and guidelines are gradually being implemented to protect consumers against fraud in this industry, it’s worth bearing in mind that plenty of dodgy exchange operators still exist. The best way to avoid scams is to research exchanges and ensure that they are reputable before signing up.
No, cryptocurrencies available can vary a lot from one exchange to the next. Some platforms will only support a few while others offer hundreds. It’s best to research first since there’s no guarantee that the cryptos you want to trade will be available on a platform.
Yes. However, most margin sites do not allow US citizens to trade.
It is worth considering the services of an over-the-counter broker to help you facilitate large crypto trades and avoid slippage.
In several other countries, crypto exchanges are subject to regulations regarding counter-terrorism financing and anti-money laundering. Gathering certain details about customers is required in order to comply with these regulations.
Sites like CoinMarketCap allow you to view 24-hour trading volume for various crypto exchanges.
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