Key Takeaways
- The exchanges listed are eToro, Gemini, KuCoin, Kraken, Coinbase, and Coinmama.
- The information provided about each exchange includes its fees, number of cryptocurrencies supported, deposit methods, and additional features.
- eToro is listed as the best for beginners, while Gemini is the most secure.
- KuCoin offers the most altcoins, Kraken has the lowest fees, Coinbase is the largest US-based exchange, and Coinmama is best for USD purchases.
Not all cryptocurrency exchanges accept fiat currencies (USD, GBP, EUR etc), so if you want to buy Bitcoin or other crypto using USD, you need to check if they accept it. To help you out, I have compiled a list of the top exchanges that accept USD here:
Best for Beginners: eToro
We place eToro as #1 because they make it so easy to buy crypto using USD, that we even made a guide on how to buy Bitcoin using eToro. It is simple, you just need to create an account, verify your identity, deposit funds (eToro only accepts USD) and then choose from one of the 30 popular cryptocurrencies offered. The fees for eToro are built into the spread so it is perfect for beginners - it clearly shows the price you pay in USD and the amount of cryptocurrency you will receive in return. eToro is a highly regulated global brand that is registered with FinCEN to operate in the USA, making them super trustworthy.
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
Based in New York, Gemini is an extremely secure exchange regulated by the NYSDFS, with FDIC protection for their USD; you can trust your funds are safe with Gemini. Like eToro, you can simply deposit your USD and begin buying and selling cryptocurrencies. Gemini offers two interfaces that can be switched easily, a simple version for beginners and a more advanced one for more experienced traders. If you want to buy and sell different coins regularly, then Gemini is a better option than eToro, but if you want to take trading seriously, Kraken and Kucoin are better options.
Offers Most Altcoins: KuCoin Cryptocurrency Exchange
Kucoin is a bit of a dark horse, they are not a US based exchange which means they can operate with less regulation, and users only need partial verification to use their account. KuCoin supports over 250+ altcoins with low trading fees of 0.1%, in addition to advanced tools and features like free access to trading bots, crypto lending service, P2P marketplace and much more. You can purchase crypto directly on their platform using a credit or debit card.
Best for Low Fees: Kraken Cryptocurrency Exchange
Kraken shares some similarities to Kucoin with its features, except Kraken is based in the USA and is regulated by FinCEN. Kraken offers 50+ different cryptocurrencies, 7 fiat currencies, and a range of services including staking, margin trading, futures trading and OTC desk. They have low trading fees starting from 0.16% maker fee and 0.26% taker fee, and although not quite as low as KuCoin, it is highly competitive compared to other US exchanges. Kraken is easy for beginners to use, with the instant buy/sell feature, and it also has serious tools for the experienced crypto trader.
Runner up for Beginners: Coinbase Digital Currency Exchange
Coinbase is the largest US based crypto exchange, targeting their platform towards beginners by providing an easy-to-use dashboard. They have higher fees compared to their competitors but in exchange provide excellent security and crime insurance cover. Coinbase offers a similar service to eToro but without the social trading aspect; it does however, support 70+ cryptocurrencies, more than double what eToro offers.
Best for USD: Coinmama Cryptocurrency Marketplace
Coinmama is another platform aimed towards ease of use, they are a crypto broker so you buy crypto directly from them. It is the best method for purchasing crypto directly with your USD, as you don't need to deposit any money into your account beforehand. Instead, when you buy crypto, you pay at the time of sale and receive the coins direct to your personal crypto wallet. If your investment strategy is to buy and hold then Coinmama is a good choice, but if you want to dabble in trading then I wouldn't recommend them. Coinmama has a wide spread plus high fees (from 3.81%) with a range of only 10 different cryptocurrencies. We placed Coinmama in 6th place because although they have speed and ease of use, their trading fees and lack of mobile app is a letdown.
Is there a fee to deposit USD into a crypto exchange?
In most cases it will be free to deposit USD, although some exchanges charge a fee (eg: Kraken charges a flat fee of $5 for some deposit methods). Your bank may also charge a transfer fee.
What fees are charged when I convert my USD into crypto?
Every exchange has a different fee structure so you need check before you sign up. Most charge a percentage fee (eg: KuCoin charges 0.1% fee), but some brokers like eToro build their fees into the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price. Basically, when you buy with eToro you pay a fraction more than the market average and when you sell you receive a fraction less. This is great for beginners because it creates a what-you-see-is-what-you-get scenario.
What are stable coins like USDT?
Stable coins are technically cryptocurrencies but they are pegged to the US dollar, meaning they track the value of the USD. It's easier to think of these as USD because they essentially are. Your stable coin will always be the same value as a US dollar except for minor fluctuations.
How do I convert my crypto back into USD?
It is easy to sell your cryptocurrency and receive USD in return. Most exchanges, including eToro make this process simple. After you have purchased any coin, it will show up in your portfolio, and there should be a 'sell' button next to it. By clicking this and choosing the amount you want to sell, you will convert it back into USD.
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