11 Best Crypto Exchanges & Apps in the US for April 2023 | Finder.com - The first knowledge sharing application in Vietnam

Disclaimer: This page is not financial advice or an endorsement of digital assets, providers or services. Digital assets are volatile and risky, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Potential regulations or policies can affect their availability and services provided. Talk with a financial professional before making a decision. Finder or the author may own cryptocurrency discussed on this page.

When deciding on the best crypto trading platform for your needs, think about what you plan on using it for.

It’s quite common to use multiple exchanges to benefit from their different areas of specialty, such as using one for its range of coins and another for staking options. You may also want to consider whether you’re new to crypto markets or you’re a seasoned trader when selecting the platform that’s right for you.

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Finder’s best crypto exchanges USA of April 2023

Coinbase – Best crypto exchange (overall)
Bitstamp – Best value crypto exchange
eToro – Best crypto platform for beginners
Crypto.com – Best exchange for altcoins
Kraken – Best exchange for advanced trading
Gemini — Best crypto app
SoFi Invest – Best portfolio tools
Binance.US – Best exchange for staking rewards
KuCoin – Best exchange for emerging altcoins
Uphold – Best platform for multi-asset trading
Paybis – Best for self-custody

Our selection of best crypto exchanges is based on the same criteria as our annual Crypto Trading Platform Awards but is updated by our editorial team throughout the year to reflect changes in the market.

The platforms we’ve picked are those we’ve evaluated to be the best for certain product features or categories – you can read more in our full methodology. If we show a “Promoted” pick, it’s been chosen from among our commercial partners and is based on factors that include special features or offers and the commission we receive.

Keep in mind that these picks are suggestions and that the exchange that is best for you will depend on your individual needs. There are other products on the market not included in our picks.

1. Coinbase: Best crypto exchange (overall)

Coinbase Digital Currency Exchange
Read review

Coinbase Digital Currency Exchange

★★★★★

Finder rating

252

Supported cryptos

Fiat currencies

States supported

(incl. FL, NY, TX)

Why we chose Coinbase
Pros & cons
Fees & deposits
States supported

Coinbase won the 2023 Finder Award for Best Crypto Exchange Overall because it offers a world-class service for all levels of crypto traders and investors.

If you are new to crypto, you can use the exchange to make instant purchases in just a few clicks. Seasoned crypto investors can use the platform’s advanced trading option for lower trading fees, charting tools and a view of the exchange’s order book.

Beyond trading, there are features such as lending, staking, Web3 access, a crypto wallet and an NFT marketplace, making the service well-rounded for most crypto needs.

Coinbase also encourages users to learn more about crypto assets and blockchain networks. In its Learning rewards section, you can watch videos that explain how digital asset networks work and then earn small amounts of the crypto assets you learn about upon correctly responding to questions about them.

Coinbase automatically rewards you with yield on any USDC held in your account. So, if you decide to park your money in stablecoins for a while, you can still increase your digital asset holdings while doing so on Coinbase.

Coinbase Digital Currency Exchange markets interface

Pros

Instantly purchase cryptocurrency with a debit card or bank transfer
Feature-rich mobile app with many of the same features as the desktop exchange
The Advanced Trading mode offers lower fees
Automatically earn yield on any USDC held in your account
Earn small amounts of free crypto with the learn-and-earn program
Registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN and licensed in most states

Cons

Limited cryptocurrencies available for staking and lending
Customer service team isn’t very responsive

Fees and deposit methods

Bank transfer (ACH),Debit card,PayPal,Wire transfer,Apple Pay,Google Pay

Deposit fees

Wire transfer: $10

Withdrawal fees

Wire transfer: $25

Trading fees

Maker: 0.00 – 0.4%
Taker: 0.05 – 0.6%

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

2. Bitstamp: Best value crypto exchange

Bitstamp Cryptocurrency Exchange
Go to site Read review

Bitstamp Cryptocurrency Exchange

★★★★★

Finder rating

Supported cryptos

Fiat currencies

States supported

(incl. CA, FL, HI, NY, TX)

Why we chose Bitstamp
Pros & cons
Fees & deposits
States supported

Bitstamp won the 2023 Finder Award for Best Value Exchange because with 24/7 customer support, it provides great value for entry-level traders.

If you trade under $1,000 per month, you won’t be charged any maker or taker fees for using the spot market. Fees do increase after this limit, to a moderate 0.3% and 0.4% maker-taker fee which is still competitive for traders in the US.

The exchange offers advanced charting tools, precise order execution, deep liquidity on over 80 crypto assets and top-quality APIs, which advanced traders can use to integrate their algorithmic trading strategy.

Bitstamp covers this service with 24/7 customer support that includes a phone line. This is incredibly rare for cryptocurrency exchanges, adding to its value for money service.

The exchange also has a commendable track record of serving its customers. It’s only been hacked once in its more than 10 years of operation. All of the users that lost funds were reimbursed in full.

Bitstamp Cryptocurrency Exchange markets interface

Pros

0% fees for low-volume traders
Live, over-the-phone customer support
Free bank transfers and low wire transfer fees
One of the longest-running exchanges with over a decade of experience
Registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN and licensed in all states

Cons

Fees increase for trades over $1,000
$5 million in Bitcoin hacked in 2015
Instant purchase fee is higher than some competitors

Fees and deposit methods

Bank transfer,Credit card,Cryptocurrency,Debit card,SEPA,Faster Payments (FPS)

Deposit fees

Cryptocurrency: None; blockchain network fees apply
Bank transfer (ACH): None; bank fees may apply
Debit card transfer: 5%
Credit card transfer: 5%
Wire transfer: 0.05%

Withdrawal fees

Cryptocurrency: None; blockchain network fees apply
Bank transfer (ACH): None; bank fees may apply
Wire transfer: 0.01%

Trading fees

0.0% – 0.50%

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

3. eToro USA: Best crypto platform for beginners

eToro USA LLC Cryptocurrency Trading
Go to site Read review

eToro USA LLC Cryptocurrency Trading

★★★★★

Finder rating

Supported cryptos

Fiat currencies

States supported

(incl. CA, FL, TX)

Why we chose eToro
Pros & cons
Fees & deposits
States supported

Get $15 when you sign up and buy $100 of crypto. T&Cs apply.

eToro won the 2023 Finder Award for Best Platform for Beginners because its crypto trading services are tailored toward those new to the crypto market. It received positive customer reviews as well.

The platform offers instant purchases, notable educational resources and unique trading features designed to help beginners learn to trade crypto better and benefit from the skills of more experienced traders.

If you’re looking to make your first crypto purchases without having to navigate a complex trading interface, eToro makes it easy to buy digital assets in just a few clicks, which is why it also won the 2023 Finder Award for Best Instant Purchases.

The platform’s beginner-level trading resource page provides short tutorials that have titles such as What is Bitcoin? and The Fed Made Simple to help prepare you to trade and invest.

eToro is known for its CopyTrader feature that lets users connect with and copy the trades of more experienced traders. This allows those new to financial markets to preview how more experienced traders operate plus automatically make the same trades as they do.

eToro USA LLC Cryptocurrency Trading markets interface

Pros

Has a social media feed that helps beginners connect and learn from the community
CopyTrader function allows new traders to copy the trades of more experienced ones
Provides educational resources geared toward newer traders
Trade crypto, stocks and ETFs on the same platform
Simple process to open an account
Registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN and licensed in most states

Cons

Fees and spreads can be higher than on other crypto exchanges
Limited range of cryptocurrencies available

Fees and deposit methods

Bank transfer,Debit card,PayPal,Wire transfer

Deposit fees

None. Minimum deposit amount is $10.

Withdrawal fees

None

Trading fees

1% fee for buying or selling cryptoassets

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

4. Crypto.com: Best crypto exchange for altcoins

Crypto.com App
Read review

Crypto.com App

★★★★★

Finder rating

266

Supported cryptos

Fiat currencies

States supported

(incl. CA, FL, HI, TX)

Why we chose Crypto.com
Pros & cons
Fees & deposits
States supported

Crypto.com won the 2023 Finder Award for Best Exchange for Altcoin Trading because the platform allows you to buy and sell over 250 cryptocurrencies with high liquidity.

The mobile app provides a simple pathway to buying and selling while the desktop exchange offers reduced fees and advanced order types for traders.

Crypto.com’s site features up-to-the-moment digital asset price information from CoinMarketCap, a market data website that reports price information for over 20,000 crypto assets.

Using this information, you can set up price alerts to help time your trades and take advantage of market changes as they happen.

Crypto.com also supports earning for a wide range of altcoins.

Crypto.com App markets interface

Pros

One of the biggest selections of crypto coins and tokens in the US
Trading fees are cheaper on the desktop exchange
Earn yield on a range of altcoins
Minor fees for depositing some cryptos
Registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN and licensed in most states

Cons

Not currently available in New York
Fees on the app may be higher than on the desktop exchange
Fees on the app are higher than some competitors

Fees and deposit methods

Bank transfer,Credit card,Cryptocurrency,Debit card,PayPal,Wire transfer,Apple Pay,Google Pay,SWIFT

Deposit fees

None

Withdrawal fees

Cryptocurrency: Fees vary

Trading fees

Maker – 0-0.075%
Taker – 0.05-0.075%

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

5. Kraken: Best exchange for advanced trading

Kraken Cryptocurrency Exchange
Go to site Read review

Kraken Cryptocurrency Exchange

★★★★★

Finder rating

186

Supported cryptos

Fiat currencies

States supported

(incl. CA, FL, HI, TX)

Why we chose Kraken
Pros & cons
Fees & deposits
States supported

Kraken won the 2023 Finder Award for Best Advanced Trading because of the array of trading services it offers through Kraken Pro, its advanced crypto trading platform.

Kraken Pro offers crypto trading vets access to margin for leveraged trading, a highly customizable trading interface and low maker and taker fees that range from 0% to 0.26%.

Kraken is one of the few crypto exchanges in the US that offers margin as well as futures contracts to traders. Please keep in mind, though, that these financial instruments are risky to trade, and they aren’t designed for less-experienced traders.

Kraken Pro’s customizable interface allows you to resize and reorganize the windows on the platform’s trading interface so you can optimize the presentation of the data you’ll use to trade.

Kraken Cryptocurrency Exchange markets interface

Pros

Offers margin for trades and futures contracts
Customizable user interface
Advanced order types and charting tools
Low spot market fees
Registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN and licensed in most states

Cons

Not available to residents of New York and Washington state
No longer offers staking

Fees and deposit methods

Bank transfer,Credit card,Cryptocurrency,Debit card,Apple Pay,Google Pay

Deposit fees

ACH deposit – Fees vary ($10 minimum deposit)
Credit and debit card – Fees vary ($10 minimum deposit)
Apple Pay or Google Pay – Fees vary ($10 minimum deposit)
Crypto – Free

Withdrawal fees

FedWire withdrawal – $4-$35
Crypto – Fees vary depending on coin or token

Trading fees

Maker: 0-0.16%
Taker: 0.1-0.26%

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY

6. Gemini: Best crypto app

Gemini Cryptocurrency Exchange
Read review

Gemini Cryptocurrency Exchange

★★★★★

Finder rating

102

Supported cryptos

Fiat currencies

States supported

(incl. CA, FL, HI, NY, TX)

Why we chose Gemini
Pros & cons
Fees & deposits
States supported

Gemini’s app is intuitive, uncluttered and secure. Its straightforward interface makes it easy to purchase any of the approximately 100 crypto assets it supports.

The app allows you to track your overall crypto portfolio as well as view and maintain a watchlist of cryptos you’re interested in purchasing. And when you’re ready to purchase new crypto assets, you can use the app to make a one-time purchase or set up recurring buys.

The app also enables you to protect your account using two-factor authentication (2FA).

Gemini Cryptocurrency Exchange markets interface

Pros

Good security record – no hacks in eight years and assets on the platform are insured
Offers reduced trading fees when you use the ActiveTrader feature
Available on both Android and iOS platforms
Registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN and licensed in all states

Cons

Debit card deposit fees are 3.5%
Some competitors support significantly more crypto assets

Fees and deposit methods

Bank transfer (ACH),Cryptocurrency,Debit card,PayPal,Apple Pay,Google Pay,SWIFT

Deposit fees

Cryptocurrency: None
Bank transfer (ACH): None, bank fees may apply
Wire Transfer: Determined by your bank
Debit Card: 3.49% + Trading Fees
Paypal: 2.50% of total deposit amount + Trading Fees

Withdrawal fees

Cryptocurrency: None (for 10 withdrawals and below per month)
Others: None (for 10 withdrawals and below per month)

Trading fees

ActiveTrader:
Taker fee – 0.03-0.4%
Maker fee – 0-0.2%

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

7. SoFi Invest: Best portfolio tools

SoFi Invest Crypto
Go to site Read review

SoFi Invest Crypto

★★★★★

Finder rating

Supported cryptos

Fiat currency

States supported

(incl. CA, FL, HI, NY, TX)

Why we chose SoFi
Pros & cons
Fees & deposits
States supported

Win up to $100 in crypto with a qualifying first trade. T&Cs apply.

SoFi provides the tools and interface to manage and track all of your investment accounts in one place.

Using SoFi, you can get an overview of your crypto portfolio, retirement account and even your education savings account.

If you need some assistance managing your portfolio, SoFi offers a free robo-advisory service to help you invest according to your risk tolerance.

The platform provides visualized data on how your net worth has grown over time and on the progress you’re making toward your retirement goals.

It also offers information focused on how to manage and grow your crypto portfolio.

SoFi Invest Crypto markets interface

Pros

Track multiple investment accounts in one place
Provides a free robo-advisor service for automated trading
Offers plenty of educational resources on how to manage a crypto portfolio
Registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN and licensed in all states

Cons

Relatively small number of cryptos available for trading
Can’t transfer your crypto from SoFi to another account

Fees and deposit methods

Bank transfer (ACH),Cash,Debit card,Wire transfer,Rollover or personal check

Deposit fees

N/A

Withdrawal fees

N/A

Trading fees

1.25%

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

8. Binance.US: Best exchange for staking rewards

Binance.US Cryptocurrency Exchange
Read review

Binance.US Cryptocurrency Exchange

★★★★★

Finder rating

151

Supported cryptos

Fiat currency

States supported

(incl. CA, FL)

Why we chose Binance.US
Pros & cons
Fees & deposits
States supported

Binance.US makes earning yield on crypto assets straightforward, which is why it’s our pick for the best exchange for staking rewards.

Binance.US lets you stake digital assets such as Binance Coin (BNB), Avalanche (AVAX) and Solana (SOL) without needing to send your crypto to a wallet outside of the platform.

However, please note that you aren’t directly staking your assets on-chain when you use Binance.US’s staking service. Instead, you are lending the assets to Binance.US, which then stakes them on-chain for you.

Using Binance.US’s staking service, you maintain plenty of control over your assets — deposit terms are flexible so you can withdraw at any time.

Binance.US Cryptocurrency Exchange markets interface

Pros

Stake your crypto assets with relative ease
No need to deal with the hassle of transferring assets off of Binance.US
Easy-to-follow staking instructions on the Binance.US website
Registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN and licensed in most states

Cons

Not available in all 50 US states
You leave the private keys to your digital assets in Binance’s custody, which creates counterparty risk compared to staking directly on-chain

Fees and deposit methods

Bank transfer (ACH),Cryptocurrency,Debit card,Wire transfer,Apple Pay

Deposit fees

Bank transfer: None
Wire transfer: None
Debit card: 3.75%
Apple Pay: 3.75%
Cryptocurrency: None

Withdrawal fees

Bank transfer: None (minimum $1 withdrawal)
Wire transfer: $10-15 (minimum $100 withdrawal)
Cryptocurrency: Fees vary

Trading fees

Maker: 0-0.30%
Taker: 0-0.45%

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

9. KuCoin: Best exchange for emerging altcoins

KuCoin Cryptocurrency Exchange
Go to site Read review

KuCoin Cryptocurrency Exchange

★★★★★

Finder rating

742

Supported cryptos

Fiat currencies

Why we chose KuCoin
Pros & cons
Fees & deposits

KuCoin lists an impressive array of up-and-coming altcoins compared to other centralized crypto exchanges, which is why it’s our winner for this category.

Usually, to buy trending altcoins, you must purchase them through a decentralized exchange (DEX) like Uniswap or PancakeSwap, which requires learning how to use a Web3 wallet and a blockchain.

With KuCoin, all you have to do is create your account and you’ll have access to over 700 digital assets.

Many of these assets are brand new, untested and much riskier than coins like BTC and ETH, so tread carefully.

KuCoin Cryptocurrency Exchange markets interface

Pros

Provides access to 700+ crypto assets
No Know Your Customer (KYC) process required to trade crypto-to-crypto
Offers altcoin staking
Relatively low trading fees

Cons

Not registered with FinCEN as a virtual currency exchange service
Numerous poor customer service reviews
Emerging assets can be higher-risk investments

Fees and deposit methods

Bank transfer,Credit card,Cryptocurrency,Debit card,P2P

Deposit fees

None

Withdrawal fees

Cryptocurrency: Fees vary

Trading fees

Maker: 0.005-0.1%
Taker: 0.005-.08%

Advanced Trading Features

Yes

10. Uphold: Best platform for multi-asset trading

Uphold - Digital Asset Platform
Go to site Read review

Uphold – Digital Asset Platform

★★★★★

Finder rating

229

Supported cryptos

Fiat currencies

States supported

(incl. FL, HI, TX)

Why we chose Uphold
Pros & cons
Fees & deposits
States supported

Refer a friend to earn US$20 — $10 for you and $10 for the person you refer. T&Cs apply.

Uphold is unique in that it enables direct trading between cryptocurrencies, national currencies and precious metals.

This means you can trade directly between any two of these assets without having to first go back into a common asset like US dollars.

For example, you can trade some of your Ethereum (ETH) for Japanese yen or gold-backed tokens.

Keep in mind, though, that you may be taxed as if you did sell back into US dollars depending on the jurisdiction in which you live, the currency that you sold and the amount of profit you made selling the said currency.

Uphold - Digital Asset Platform markets interface

Pros

Trade across 250+ crypto and traditional currencies
Available in 184+ countries
Provides access to assets beyond crypto and forex
Registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN and licensed in most states

Cons

Not available in all 50 states
Notable spread fees

Fees and deposit methods

Bank transfer,Credit card,Debit card,Bank transfer (SEPA),Apple Pay,Google Pay

Deposit fees

Bank transfer: None
Credit card: 3.99%
Debit card: 2.49%
Google Pay: None

Withdrawal fees

Cryptocurrency: subject to network fees
Bank transfer: None
Google Pay: None

Trading fees

$1 flat fee on trades Spreads also apply

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WV, WY

11. Paybis: Best platform for self-custody

Paybis Cryptocurrency Exchange
Go to site Read review

Paybis Cryptocurrency Exchange

★★★★★

Finder rating

Supported cryptos

Fiat currencies

States supported

(incl. CA, FL, TX)

Why we chose Paybis
Pros & cons
Fees & deposits
States supported

Paybis is a crypto exchange on which you can trade upwards of 30 different crypto assets.

To receive the crypto you purchase on Paybis, you have to connect your account to a non-custodial crypto wallet, because Paybis doesn’t custody the crypto assets that you purchase via the platform for you.

This makes Paybis a great option for those who don’t mind accepting the responsibility of managing the crypto they purchase.

However, please note that if you are a frequent trader, Paybis might not be the best platform for you. The combination of commission and processing fees that it charges can total between 4.5% and 6.99%.

Paybis Cryptocurrency Exchange markets interface

Pros

Enables direct exchanges with buyers and sellers in over 180 countries
Allows you to self-custody your digital assets upon purchasing them
Supports a range of payment methods
Easy registration process
Registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN and licensed in most states

Cons

Must first learn how to set up and use a non-custodial wallet
High commission and processing fees

Fees and deposit methods

Bank transfer,Credit card,Debit card,Neteller

Deposit fees

Fees vary

Withdrawal fees

Fees vary

Trading fees

Fees vary

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

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help

How to choose the best crypto exchange in the US

It’s important to research a wide range of crypto platforms and compare the pros and cons of each option. The best crypto exchange for you depends on what you’re looking for, so consider the following:

If you’re a crypto novice, getting started buying and selling coins and tokens can be complicated and confusing. On the other hand, experienced traders may want a platform with special features such as advanced charting and order types, plus the option to trade on margin.

If you’re a beginner at crypto trading, look for a platform with a straightforward user interface that’s easy to understand.
Can you deposit funds into your account via bank transfer, credit card and/or PayPal? The more payment options an exchange has, the more convenient it generally is to use. Make sure your exchange has deposit and withdrawal options that work for you. Remember to check the fees associated with different methods.
First, consider the type of trades you want to place. Some exchanges offer these trading options:
- Fiat-to-crypto
- Crypto-to-crypto
- Both fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-crypto
For example, if you want to buy BTC with US dollars, you’ll need to find a platform that allows you to buy coins via bank transfer or card. Alternatively, if you want to exchange your BTC or ETH holdings for another cryptocurrency, you’ll want a platform that offers direct crypto-to-crypto trades.
- Cryptocurrencies. There are thousands of different cryptocurrencies in existence, so don’t expect to find them all listed on any single platform. Major cryptocurrencies such as BTC, ETH, XRP and others in the top 20 coins by market capitalization are listed on an extensive range of exchanges. However, rarer altcoins may be much harder to find.
- Fiat currencies. If you want to buy crypto with US dollars, check which currencies the platform accepts.
Consider which currencies you want to trade and which platforms list those currencies in one or more trading pairs:

You can find an overview of the crypto assets and fiat currencies that each exchange supports in the table. Read the full review for a more detailed analysis.
From depositing to trading and withdrawing funds, how much will it cost you to buy and sell crypto on each platform? Consider your payment method, the currencies you want to use and any discounts you may be entitled to when completing these calculations. For instance, fees for credit card purchases are usually higher than for a bank transfer.

You can find detailed information on fees for each exchange by clicking on the “View details” text in the table.
Are there any limits on the amount you can deposit into your account or the amount of cryptocurrency you can buy or sell per transaction or per day? This question typically only applies to what some colloquially call “crypto whales” or people who make transactions ranging in value from hundreds of thousands to millions of US dollars.

Most exchanges that require the Know Your Customer (KYC) process allow you to deposit and withdraw tens of thousands of US dollars per day. This is more than most average traders deposit and withdraw on a daily basis.
How can you access your trading account? Certain platforms only allow you to trade through a web browser, but some have mobile apps. If trading on the go is important to you, it’s worth reading up on whether or not the exchange has a mobile app and how easy it is to use.
If you are looking to earn a yield on your cryptocurrency, you can do so through exchanges that offer earning options. Certain exchanges allow you to either lend or stake your cryptocurrency as a means to earn a yield on it.

Lending involves loaning out your cryptocurrency to other users or businesses who pay you a fee for doing so. Staking involves locking up your assets to help them secure a blockchain network.

Before using any exchange to generate yield, make sure you understand the risks involved, what type of earning the exchange offers and whether it’s appropriate for your needs.

The price of a digital asset is determined by whatever people are willing to pay for it.

Most brokers or instant buy services charge a fee as part of the service it provides. This means you will pay anywhere from a fraction of a percent to a few percent more than the going rate of the asset when you make the purchase.

If you purchase your asset in the spot market, you can set the price that you want to pay and then wait for your order to be filled. For example, if you are willing to pay US$21,000 for 1 BTC, then you can set a limit order to buy BTC at that price in hopes that someone is willing to sell it to you at that price.
The level of liquidity on an exchange affects the ease and speed with which you can complete trades. If there’s a high level of liquidity – in other words, if the exchange has a high trading volume – then trades should be completed quickly and easily.

One of the biggest benefits of trading on larger crypto exchanges is they get enough orders to match buyers and sellers without any difficulty. However, low liquidity can lead to substantial price fluctuations.

You can check websites such as CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap to get a better idea of an exchange’s level of liquidity.
Most centralized crypto exchanges these days require you to complete a KYC or identity verification process.

But some exchanges still let you deposit crypto and trade crypto-to-crypto without completing the KYC process.

The said exchanges may not be properly regulated, so please proceed with caution if you choose to use these, especially if they are located offshore.

Keep in mind that these exchanges may limit the amount of crypto you can withdraw from the exchange on a daily basis.

For exchanges that require the KYC process, verification requirements vary. You will likely need to provide some or all of the following:
- Your name
- Your email address and phone number
- Your address
- Proof of ID
- Proof of address
- A photo of yourself holding a signed declaration
If you need to provide a wide range of personal information, it’s important to be sure you’re dealing with a trusted exchange.

It’s also a good idea to research how long you can expect the verification process to take. For some exchanges, it can take up to 2–3 business days while others are near-instant.

Finally, be aware that some exchanges require you to complete additional verification tasks to unlock full account features and permit higher transaction limits.
What is the difference between a brokerage and an exchange? How long will it take for your transaction to be completed? Is one better than the other?

Broker. Brokers buy and sell cryptocurrency to you. They typically charge a convenience fee for this, which may be hidden as a spread or markup on the going market rate.

The advantage of using a broker is your transactions should be instant. When you purchase crypto using either the fiat you’ve deposited into your account or with a credit card, that crypto should be available to you right away.

The same goes for when you decide to sell your crypto for fiat. You sell the broker your crypto in exchange for fiat and the fiat should instantly register in your account.

Exchange. An exchange has a spot market, which is where users come to place buy and sell orders on the open market. Doing so allows you to set a specific price for an asset. For instance, if you think the price of Bitcoin will go down from US$23,000 to US$21,000, you can set an order for US$21,000 and wait for it to be filled. Likewise, you can set an order to sell your assets for a higher price than what is being offered.

Exchanges may also offer brokerage services.

Most exchanges allow you to withdraw crypto to your own wallet. This is sometimes not the case with brokers.

Whether you use an exchange or broker will come down to your own needs and whether you plan to trade regularly or make a few one-off purchases now and then.
Security is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a crypto exchange.

There have been more than a handful of cases in which exchanges have been hacked in crypto’s history, so do your research on what security measures are in place to protect your funds.

Questions you should ask include the following:
- Is the exchange ld and regulated by the proper authorities?
- Is 2-factor authentication (2FA) – a code sent to your phone each time you log in – supported?
- What percentage of customer funds are stored offline or in cold storage? Cold storage refers to storing the private keys to digital assets somewhere offline to greatly reduce the ability for hackers to access the assets.
- What level of verification is required to open an account?
- Have you checked the exchange’s trust score on CoinGecko or CER?
Cryptocurrency exchanges in the US are regulated by the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).

The BSA requires that crypto exchanges register with the US Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

FinCEN requires all exchanges in the US to be licensed and to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.

Certain states, such as New York, also have specific regulatory requirements under a “BitLicense” that requires “virtual currency businesses” to go through a number of bureaucratic procedures to obtain a license to do business in the state.

You will know that you are using a regulated exchange if you are asked to provide KYC information in order to create an account.

It’s important to use a regulated exchange so the owners of the exchange are accountable to the proper authorities, which means you are less likely to be defrauded.
This is a crucial but often overlooked factor when comparing crypto exchanges. If you ever have a problem with an individual transaction or with your account, how will you access a platform’s customer support team?

You’ll need to consider the following:
- Is customer support available through email, phone and/or live chat?
- Is support available 24/7 or only during specific hours?
- How quickly does the support team respond to inquiries?
- Is support offered in a language you are comfortable speaking?
Does the exchange have a reputation as a secure and reliable platform? Finder has reviewed a number of crypto exchanges to craft a list of the best crypto exchanges in the US.

In efforts to assess the soundness and reliability of crypto exchanges, we look at whether or not exchanges are properly regulated, how they secure the private keys to the crypto they hold and the level of customer support they provide, among other factors.

You can also read our dedicated review for each exchange or see what other users think of the platform using a third-party service like Trustpilot.

Using FinCEN-registered exchanges to buy cryptocurrency

There are plenty of places to buy crypto, including platforms founded here in the US or based in locations all around the world. Exchanges headquartered locally are required to register with FinCEN and comply with requirements that don’t apply to global platforms. Depending on your goals, this may have some benefits or drawbacks.

Pros

US-based exchanges must comply with FinCEN’s Anti-money Laundering (AML) and Counter-terrorism Financing (CTF) reporting obligations.
You can usually buy crypto with USD.
Exchanges in the US typically support local payment methods.
You may be able to access local customer support.
Subject to local laws.

Cons

You’ll need to provide your personal details and proof of ID – a disadvantage if you want to trade anonymously.
Overseas trading platforms may provide better liquidity.
Some features are simply not available on FinCEN-registered exchanges. For example, margin trading, DeFi features and some altcoins.

Compare more crypto trading platforms and apps in the US

Use the table to compare crypto exchanges and platforms on fees, range of cryptos, deposit methods and more. Once you’ve found the right fit, select Go to site to get started.

How to use a cryptocurrency exchange

Use the table to compare crypto exchanges and platforms on fees, range of cryptos, deposit methods and more. Once you’ve found the right fit, selectto get started.

For the sake of our example, let’s assume that you have $500 that you want to use to buy Bitcoin (BTC).

Compare cryptocurrency exchanges to find one that offers the right service for you.
Register for an account on the platform and provide any personal details and proof of ID required.
Navigate your way to the “Buy” screen.
Select BTC as the cryptocurrency you want to buy.
Select your payment currency, which in this case is USD, and specify the amount you want to spend as $500.
Select your payment method, such as a credit card payment or bank transfer.
Enter your payment details, such as your account number if sending a bank transfer or your card number and CVV if paying by credit card.
Review the full details of your transaction, including the fees that will apply and the amount of BTC you are purchasing.
If you’re happy to proceed, click “Buy BTC”.
Once the transaction has been processed, the BTC will be deposited into your exchange wallet. However, please note that some brokers will automatically send your purchased BTC to an external wallet address that you nominate.

How to pay for your cryptocurrency in the US

Crypto exchanges in the US support a range of deposit methods, including the following:

Credit and debit cards
Bank and wire transfers
PayPal and other payment apps like Venmo and CashApp
Cryptocurrency transfers

Peer-to-peer (P2P) payments
Neteller, Skrill and other online payment services
Apple Pay and Google Pay

Accepted payment methods vary between exchanges. Prior to signing up, it’s worth checking that your preferred payment method is supported.

The different types of cryptocurrency exchanges

The term “exchange” may refer to a variety of cryptocurrency brokers, trading platforms and other services. Different types of exchange are often more geared toward beginners or experienced users.

Cryptocurrency brokers (suited to beginners). Buy directly from cryptocurrency dealers for simple and quick purchases. Many beginners use brokers for their first purchase. A broker will facilitate an instant purchase of the digital asset of your choosing and will not offer spot trading.
Cryptocurrency trading platforms (suited to beginner/intermediate users). Buy and sell cryptocurrency on an open market for competitive fees, a wide selection of cryptocurrencies and optional features like margin trading. Many exchanges now offer brokerage services to be more beginner-friendly.
Cryptocurrency derivatives platforms (suited to advanced users). These trading platforms don’t sell cryptocurrency outright. Instead, they let certain users trade cryptocurrency derivatives in regions where this restricted-access feature is available. They’re for advanced traders who want high speed, high leverage and deeply liquid platforms with a full range of features.

It’s difficult to find one exchange with all the coins and features you want. I spread my trading around several exchanges to make sure I’m getting exactly what I need, while also diversifying my risk should the exchange get hacked or shut down. To further reduce risk I use one registered locally so it’s subject to local laws and regulations.

James Edwards
Finder’s Global Crypto Editor

Risks of using a crypto exchange

Cybersecurity breaches. Hacks and scams are, unfortunately, commonplace in the crypto space. Exchange-related security breaches and targeted phishing scams remain a major concern for exchanges and their customers.
Not your keys. “Not your keys, not your crypto” is a common industry saying and refers to holding your digital assets in a wallet that another person or company controls, such as on an exchange. By storing cryptos on an exchange rather than
in a non-custodial wallet, you’re relinquishing full ownership of those assets and putting trust in a third party – which some may see as contradictory to the decentralized philosophy of crypto.
Lack of consumer protection. While crypto exchanges are increasingly regulated in the US and may be registered with FinCEN, they are still lacking a lot of consumer protections such as mandatory insurance or strict rules about how user assets are managed.
Proof of reserves. Since the widely publicized collapse of FTX, many traders and investors have demanded centralized exchanges provide proof of reserves and user deposits. This may be done by a third-party auditor or through the use of on-chain data. Proof of reserves is still an evolving concept, and it’s not clear yet what the best practices are or how reliable it will prove to be.
Transaction limits. Most crypto trading platforms have daily deposit and withdrawal limits. This means that even though you may have, for example, 10,000 USD available, you may not be able to access and withdraw the total balance. Transaction limits depend on the exchange and FinCEN stipulations and typically increase as you provide additional KYC information.
Frozen accounts. Crypto exchanges freezing deposits and withdrawals can happen without warning. If your account is frozen, you will not be allowed to remove your funds until the exchange approves or denies your request. Precautionary measures such as only holding a trading balance on an exchange are recommended.
Asset delistings. Centralized exchanges can opt to delist a cryptocurrency at any time. This can happen for numerous reasons, including poor asset performance, security concerns or anti-money laundering (AML) breaches. If delisting is taking place, you will be notified by the exchange and forced to sell your assets or remove them from the platform.

Is it safe to store your cryptocurrency on an exchange?

Securely store your crypto:

Best crypto wallets
Best hardware wallets

Cryptocurrency is held in digital wallets. Some exchanges will give you your own wallet that lets you hold cryptocurrency in your exchange account and then transfer it anywhere as desired.

However, once you have purchased what you consider to be a sizable amount of digital assets, you may want to consider transferring the private keys to those assets to a self-custodial wallet.

This is because the exchange controls the private key to your wallet, which means you don’t have total control of your funds. And with exchanges sometimes falling victim to hackers, there is some degree of risk involved with leaving the private keys to your crypto in the hands of a centralized exchange.

Learn more about cryptocurrency wallets

2023 crypto exchange industry predictions report

We polled 56 specialists in the fintech industry to get their opinion on what the future looks like for centralized crypto exchanges and what the demise of FTX means for the crypto industry.

The vast majority of our panelists (83.93%) don’t think the collapse of FTX was the beginning of the end for crypto, while 8.93% think it was and 7.14% are unsure.

However, because of the FTX collapse, more than half of our panelists (58.49%) believe that crypto exchanges should be regulated just as much as other financial trading platforms.

22.64% believe that crypto exchanges should be regulated, but less so than other financial trading platforms. 15.09% don’t believe that crypto exchanges should be regulated to the same degree.

Over one-third of our panelists (35.19%) believe all crypto exchanges will be regulated as traditional financial institutions by 2030. A further 22.22% believe this will happen by 2025 and another 14.81% think it will happen by 2024.

In the future, the majority of our panelists (86.79%) feel that crypto exchanges should be required to disclose both their proof of reserves (PoR) and records of their liabilities.

42.31% think that more crypto exchanges will face bankruptcy as a result of a reduction in their customer base. 15.38% believe this will play out over the next 5 years while a quarter (26.92%) think it’ll happen within the year.

Finder surveyed 56 fintech specialists in January 2023. Panelists are able to answer as many or as few questions as they like, meaning the number of responses received varies by question. Panelists may own some cryptocurrencies.

Meet the panel

Bottom line

Not all crypto exchanges are created equal and not all crypto buyers and sellers have the same trading needs. The best exchange or platform for one person might not necessarily be the right choice for someone else, so it’s essential to do your own research.

Read our reviews of some of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges in the US and around the world before you decide which to use. Compare the features, fees and pros and cons of each platform and consider whether they align with your investment goals and budget.

FAQs

Methodology

To evaluate our 2023 picks for the best crypto exchanges in the US, we compared trading platforms on a range of criteria, including the following:

Supported assets. Does the platform offer a good breadth of coins, tokens and NFTs?
Payment methods. What account funding options are available? Does the exchange accept bank transfers, credit and debit cards or crypto-only transfers?
Fees. What trading fees, withdrawal fees and other miscellaneous charges are levied by the exchange, and are these rates comparable with competitor exchanges?
User experience. Is the platform simple to use for both beginners and advanced crypto traders?
Platform features. What tools, charts and functionalities are available on the exchange? Is there support for advanced trading features such as derivatives or hedging?
Security. What measures are taken by the exchange to protect its customers’ assets and prevent theft or loss? Are additional security features in place, including 2-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage of assets, regular audits and insurance coverage?
Regulator registration. Is the platform registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network?
Customer support. How do existing users rate the exchange’s customer support? Does the exchange offer various methods of contact, such as email, instant chat, phone or social media?

Read our full trading platform rating methodology

Finder’s crypto exchange reviews

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators’ websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.

11 Best Crypto Exchanges & Apps in the US for April 2023 | Finder.com

Finder’s best crypto exchanges USA of April 2023

1. Coinbase: Best crypto exchange (overall)

Coinbase Digital Currency Exchange

2. Bitstamp: Best value crypto exchange

Bitstamp Cryptocurrency Exchange

3. eToro USA: Best crypto platform for beginners

eToro USA LLC Cryptocurrency Trading

4. Crypto.com: Best crypto exchange for altcoins

Crypto.com App

5. Kraken: Best exchange for advanced trading

Kraken Cryptocurrency Exchange

6. Gemini: Best crypto app

Gemini Cryptocurrency Exchange

7. SoFi Invest: Best portfolio tools

SoFi Invest Crypto

8. Binance.US: Best exchange for staking rewards

Binance.US Cryptocurrency Exchange

9. KuCoin: Best exchange for emerging altcoins

KuCoin Cryptocurrency Exchange

10. Uphold: Best platform for multi-asset trading

Uphold – Digital Asset Platform

11. Paybis: Best platform for self-custody

Paybis Cryptocurrency Exchange

Why you can trust Finder’s crypto experts

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How to choose the best crypto exchange in the US

Using FinCEN-registered exchanges to buy cryptocurrency

Pros

Cons

Compare more crypto trading platforms and apps in the US

How to use a cryptocurrency exchange

How to pay for your cryptocurrency in the US

The different types of cryptocurrency exchanges

Risks of using a crypto exchange

Is it safe to store your cryptocurrency on an exchange?

Securely store your crypto:

2023 crypto exchange industry predictions report

Meet the panel

Bottom line

FAQs

Methodology

Finder’s crypto exchange reviews