Best cryptocurrency exchanges in USA for 2021
- Coinbase – Best Crypto Exchange
- Kraken – Great Bitcoin Exchange
- Binance – Great Advanced Trading Platform
- CEX.io – Great Global Cryptocurrency Exchange
- Bitstamp – One of The Oldest Crypto Exchanges
- Gemini - The Winklevoss twins company
- Changelly
- Bittrex
- Coinmama
- Localbitcoins.com
- Cash App
- Skrill crypto options
Best cryptocurrency exchanges in USA for 2021
- Coinbase – Best Crypto Exchange
- Kraken – Great Bitcoin Exchange
- Binance – Great Advanced Trading Platform
- CEX.io – Great Global Cryptocurrency Exchange
- Bitstamp – One of The Oldest Crypto Exchanges
- Gemini - The Winklevoss twins company
- Changelly
- Bittrex
- Coinmama
- Localbitcoins.com
- Cash App
- Skrill crypto options
Best cryptocurrency exchanges in USA for 2021
| Exchange | Rating | Fees |
| Coinbase | 9.9 | 0.30% |
| Kraken | 9.8 | 0.20% |
| Binance | 9.6 | 0.30% |
| CEX.io | 9.4 | 0.50% |
| Bitstamp | 9.4 | 1.30% |
| Gemini | 9 | 0.80% |
| Changelly | 8.8 | 0.10% |
| Bittrex | 8.5 | 0.30% |
| Coinmama | 8.4 | 0.90% |
| Localbitcoins.com | 8.3 | 0.60% |
| Cash App | 7.6 | 0.35% |
| Skrill crypto options | 7 | 2.20% |
Cryptocurrency exchanges are the easiest way to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies such as Ether (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC). In this guide, we’ve tested and compared some popular crypto exchanges in different categories to help you find the best option for you. All of these exchanges are available in the USA, and are safe, legitimate options. These are our top recommendations:
eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. "Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk."
| Crypto Exchange | Features | Score | More |
|---|---|---|---|
Best for Beginners  | eToro ☑️ Extremely safe exchange (Global brand and regulated in the US) ☑️ Supports 30 cryptocurrencies that you can buy with PayPal, debit card, credit card, online banking or wire transfer ☑️ Demo account provided so you can practise trading risk-free with $100,000 virtual money | 9.8 | Open AccountRead More |
Most Secure Exchange  | Gemini ☑️ Gemini's security-first mindset means users' funds are extremely secure ☑️ Supports 50+ cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, BCH, LTC & MATIC ☑️ Offers a huge number of options: Direct buying, Advanced ActiveTrader interface, Auction support, and Electronic block trades | 9.5 | Open AccountRead More |
Wide Range of Assets  | Uphold ☑️ Supports 60+ cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies and 4 precious metals ☑️ Trade from one asset to any other asset ☑️ Fees incorporated into spreads, which are quite reasonable compared to industry standards | 9.4 | Open AccountRead More |
Best for Staking  | Crypto.com ☑️ Supports more than 150+ cryptocurrencies & staking for over 40+ coins ☑️ Crypto.com has their own coin (CRO) that has plenty of benefits when staked ☑️ Crypto.com Visa debit card with up to 8% cashback on purchases and additional benefits, such as Airport Lounge access | 9.3 | Open AccountRead More |
Runner-up for Beginners  | Coinbase ☑️ Offers more than 70+ cryptocurrencies & over 10+ fiat currencies ☑️ Coinbase privately insures their own platform so users' funds are safe in the event of a cybersecurity breach ☑️ Deposit Methods: Bank transfer (ACH), Credit card, Debit card, Bank transfer (SEPA), Wire transfer | 9.3 | Open AccountRead More |
Best for Speed & Ease  | Coinmama ☑️ Allows customers to buy crypto instantly, with no need to pre-fund account ☑️ Various payment methods including debit/credit cards, wire transfers, Google Pay and Apple Pay ☑️ Serves 10 cryptocurrencies to over 2 million customers | 9.1 | Open AccountRead More |
Low Fees  | Kraken ☑️ Supports over 50+ cryptocurrencies with low trading fees (0.00% - 0.26%) ☑️ Offers futures trading, margin trading, forex trading, OTC desk and more ☑️ Deposit Methods: Bank transfer (ACH), FedWire, SWIFT, SEN, Apple Pay & Google Pay | 9 | Open AccountRead More |
Best for Altcoins  | KuCoin ☑️ Fees as low as 0.1% and a loyalty scheme which earns you their native cryptocurrency (KCS) ☑️ Deposit Methods: Bank transfer (ACH), PayPal, Interac e-Transfer ☑️ Offers over 250+ cryptocurrencies & over 40 fiat currencies | 8.8 | Open AccountRead More |
Best USA Cryptocurrency Exchanges for 2021: Reviews
Best for Beginners: eToro USA Cryptocurrency Trading
eToro is the #1 choice for beginners to cryptocurrency. Not only is the platform user-friendly, but it even includes a Demo account where you can learn how to trade risk-free. Users receive $100,000 virtual money to practise trading with, so you can try it out and see if it's right for you, before depositing your real money. eToro is registered with FinCEN in the USA and is a globally recognized broker, so you know your funds are secure with them.
eToro has a focus on social trading, meaning users can interact with others in the cryptocurrency community, and even set up the CopyTrader feature which means they can set their account to automatically copy the exact trades of a successful trader.
eToro's trading fees are hidden within the spread, so it can be hard to compare with other crypto exchanges. From my comparisons, their fees are reasonable when comparing to other exchanges with an instant buy/sell feature. However, if you compare their fees to exchanges where you can trade on the market, eToro's fees are above the industry average.
Overall, eToro is an excellent choice for a beginner or a casual investor. If you consider yourself a serious trader, then I would suggest one of the other alternatives where you get a more competitive high-volume trading fee structure and wider selection of altcoins.
eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. "Virtual currencies are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk."
Most Secure Exchange: Gemini Crypto Exchange
Founded in the USA by the famous Winklevoss twins in 2014, Gemini is a secure crypto exchange regulated by the NYSDFS and enjoys FDIC protection for their USD. They have incorporated a security-first mentality for their users which makes them a popular choice for many. Gemini upholds the highest standards of security and operational compliance, having completed SOC 1 Type 1 & Type 2, and SOC 2 Type 1 & Type 2 examinations, and earning the ISO 27001 certification. Gemini is the world’s first cryptocurrency custodian and exchange to demonstrate this standard of financial operations and security compliance, and has never been hacked, making it one of the most secure US crypto exchanges around.
Gemini offer two interfaces which can be toggled easily with a button - a basic one for the newbies and an advanced trading platform for the experienced. They offer a range of services, including Gemini Earn, Gemini Pay, Gemini Wallet and Gemini Custody that make this exchange worth using. You can buy and sell over 50+ cryptocurrencies using USD (or 6 other fiat currencies) and there is a mobile app available so you can trade on the go.
Trading fees on Gemini are not the lowest, but they are still reasonable. Maker/taker fees start at 0.25% / 0.35% which can be reduced based on high trading volume. In summary, Gemini is a great choice for those who prioritise security above all else.
Related articles: Gemini vs Coinbase, Gemini vs Kraken
Offers Wide Range of Asset Classes: Uphold Crypto Exchange
Uphold was founded in 2015 as not just a cryptocurrency exchange, but also a broker for forex and precious metals, making their platform an excellent one for those that want to diversify their portfolio beyond cryptocurrency. Their platform supports over 60+ cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies and 4 precious metals, with a unique ability to trade between any two assets. For example, you can buy Gold using your Cardano or trade your Ether for Euros, quickly and easily.
Uphold also allows users to access financial services that are not possible from their bank. For example, you can receive payments from your employer to your Uphold account in any currency, fiat or digital, or even a combination of currencies, for example 50% USD, 30% Euro and 20% Bitcoin. Sending money to your friends and family around the world is also extremely easy. Transactions are instant and free, and you can send any fiat or cryptocurrency. Uphold also has a Debit card that you can use at nearly 50 million merchants and ATMs worldwide, with no foreign transaction fees. You even earn 1% Cash Back in USD on any USD-sourced purchases and 2% back in the crypto used for every purchase with the Uphold Debit card.
Uphold does not charge any commission on trades, but includes fees in the spread. Spreads vary based on the coin, and they are quite reasonable. For Bitcoin and Ethereum, the spread is only 0.8% - 1.2%. Uphold is a great choice for those that want to invest in cryptocurrency, as well as dabble in some other options, such as foreign exchange and precious metals (gold, silver, platinum and palladium).
Uphold Disclaimer: Assets available on Uphold are different per region. All investments and trading are risky and may result in the loss of capital. Cryptoassets are largely unregulated and are therefore not subject to protection.
Best for Staking: Crypto.com App and Exchange
Crypto.com is an excellent crypto platform with its desktop exchange and the mobile app offering over 150+ different cryptocurrencies, with the option to stake over 40+ coins. Crypto.com users can enjoy up to 14.5% interest on coins they stake. Staking periods can be locked for 1 month, 3 months, or flexible, and the amount of CRO coins you have staked will affect how much interest you receive on your other staked coins.
CRO is Crypto.com's own coin, and it has plenty of benefits that make it a worthy coin to stake. If you stake CRO on the desktop exchange, you receive 10% APR interest paid daily, CRO rebate when you pay trading fees with CRO, and cashback when you use Crypto.com Pay. If you stake CRO on the mobile app, you receive up to 12% APR, a premium metal Visa card, where you receive up to 8% cashback on purchases (paid in CRO), rebates on subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify) and bookings (Expedia, Airbnb), and better APR in Crypto Credit and Crypto Earn.
Related articles: Crypto.com vs Coinbase
Runner-up for Beginners: Coinbase Digital Currency Exchange
Coinbase is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the USA, and it offers more than 70+ cryptocurrencies to its 68 million users. The features that make Coinbase such a popular exchange are its user-friendly platform, simple registration, various deposit methods, and crime insurance cover against cybersecurity breaches. Coinbase is known to have higher fees compared to other crypto exchanges, but you are receiving benefits like ease of use, multi-layered security and peace of mind with the crime insurance cover.
Related articles: Coinbase vs Gemini, Coinbase vs Kraken, Coinbase vs KuCoin
Best for Speed & Ease: Coinmama Cryptocurrency Marketplace
Coinmama is perfect for those who want to buy cryptocurrency instantly and easily, with no pre-funding of the account, and coins going straight to your personal wallet. Selling crypto is also fast and simple, even if you bought it on a different exchange, and your payment goes direct to your bank account. Coinmama is safe, because it never holds users' funds nor does it store any payment details. Users always have complete control of their crypto assets and fiat funds.
Coinmama does have a wide spread on top of their high fees (from 3.81%) and they only have a limited range of 10 different cryptocurrencies. Coinmama comes in sixth place because of their speed and ease of use, but their fees and lack of mobile 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, excellent security measures and additional features, like staking and forex trading have made it one of the most popular exchanges in the world over the last 10 years.
Related articles: Kraken vs Coinbase, Kraken vs Gemini, Kraken vs KuCoin
Best for Altcoins: KuCoin Cryptocurrency Exchange
KuCoin is famous for its exceptionally wide range of cryptocurrencies (over 250+ altcoins) and extremely competitive trading fees (from 0.1%). KuCoin also offers a rewarding loyalty program that allows investors to earn KCS (KuCoin's own token), as well as providing discounted fees when you pay with KCS. Plenty of features are available, including Margin trading, Spot trading, P2P marketplace, Futures trading, and Crypto lending. Read our full review to learn more.
Related articles: KuCoin vs Kraken, KuCoin vs Coinbase, KuCoin vs Binance
Comparison Table of the Best Crypto Exchanges in the USA
How to Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange
There are hundreds of different exchanges to choose from, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. 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 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 can be confusing if you are new to crypto, while on the other hand, more experienced traders may want a platform that offers more advanced features.
Consider how you want to deposit money to the exchange and make sure that your preferred payment method is available. Most exchanges accept popular options like credit and debit cards or PayPal.
Consider whether you want to trade fiat-to-crypto, crypto-to-crypto, or a combination of both.
How much is it going to cost you to buy and sell crypto from the beginning to the end of the process on the platform? Remember to consider any fees associated with the payment method you plan to use, exchange rates, and any discounts you might be entitled to.
Be aware of any deposit and withdrawal limits that you may be subjected to when using the exchange. Minimum and maximum limits may apply.
Do you want to trade on a web browser, or do you prefer the option to trade from a mobile app? How easy will it be for you to access your exchange account wherever you are?
Does the exchange offer any discounts or rewards for those who meet certain guidelines, such as keeping up a certain trade volume each month?
Compare cryptocurrency exchange rates across a variety of different exchanges - you may be surprised to see just how much they can fluctuate.
The higher the liquidity of the exchange, the easier and faster it will be for you to complete trades. Larger crypto exchanges tend to have high liquidity levels.
Most platforms will require you to verify your identity before allowing you to begin trading. Are you happy to give out this information or would you prefer to use an anonymous platform?
When you deposit money into or withdraw money from the exchange, how long can you expect to wait for your transaction to complete?
Security should be a top priority when choosing a crypto exchange. Platforms without a range of high-security features such as two-factor authentication, strong account verification processes, 24/7 security monitoring, and offline secure storage for customer funds leave you vulnerable to hackers and fraudsters.
The crypto industry is still quite lightly regulated, and how an exchange is regulated will depend on where it is based. In the USA, crypto exchange operators must be registered with FinCEN and meet compliance and reporting obligations for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
What is the customer support like on the exchange? Is there Live Chat support? Is a customer service team available at all times? How responsive and helpful are customer service agents?
Overall, you should look for an exchange that has a strong reputation for being reliable and secure. Read independent reviews and find out about as many user experiences as possible - both positive and negative - to find out what the exchange is doing well and where it could do better.
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 need to deposit funds into your crypto 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 the following:
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 digital currency. Using a broker is easy, it is like buying your crypto 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.
Is it Safe to Store Your Cryptocurrency on an Exchange?
Most cryptocurrency exchanges will provide you with a digital wallet to store your crypto when you open an account. It is possible to leave your crypto stored on the exchange, but there is a risk of you losing the funds if the site is hacked. Since the crypto exchange controls the private key to that wallet, you don't have total control of your digital assets.
A safer way to store your crypto after purchasing it from an exchange, is to transfer it to a personal wallet, either a hot wallet app, or a cold hardware wallet. Some crypto exchanges will require you to have your own wallet at the time of purchase, and the coins you purchase are sent directly to that wallet address.
Next Steps
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.
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, the cryptocurrencies available can differ greatly from one exchange to the next. Some platforms will only support as few as ten coins while others offer over 300. If you have a list of coins that you are interested in, it is best to research the exchange first to check that they are supported.
Yes, there are exchanges that support leverage trading. However, the USA has strict regulations regarding leverage trading, therefore it is usually not available to US citizens.
Yes you can trade in large amounts, and you may be entitled to trading fee discounts. It is worth considering using an OTC (over-the-counter) service to help you facilitate large crypto trades and avoid slippage.
In some countries, crypto exchanges are subject to strict regulations concerning counter-terrorism financing and anti-money laundering. Gathering certain details about customers is required in order to comply with these regulations.
You can use a site like CoinMarketCap that will show you the 24-hour trading volume for various crypto exchanges.
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