The Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges of April 2023
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Understanding cryptocurrencies alone can be daunting, and if you’re new to crypto trading, finding the right platform to buy and sell popular assets like bitcoin, ethereum, and dogecoin can be another challenge. Most of the best dogecoin crpyto apps provide low fees, margin trading, and other features like staking rewards (interest rewards for holding crypto assets for a set period of time).
That said, if you don’t want to use your exchange’s built-in wallet (if applicable), you’ll need to set up an external crypto wallet to store your assets securely.
Most crypto exchanges also offer staking rewards (for holding a crypto asset for a set period of time), margin trading, and institutional services. Plus, you’ll find that many platforms offer crypto-backed loans and payment perks (e.g., the Coinbase debit card gives users up to 4% back on purchases).
Featured Offer
Wealthfront
Account Minimum
$1 ($500 for automated investing)
Fees
$0 for stock trades. 0.25% for automated investing (0.06% to 0.13% for fund fees)
Investment Types
Stocks, fractional shares, ETFs, index funds, and crypto trusts
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Featured Offer
Wealthfront
Account Minimum
$1 ($500 for automated investing)
Fees
$0 for stock trades. 0.25% for automated investing (0.06% to 0.13% for fund fees)
Investment Types
Stocks, fractional shares, ETFs, index funds, and crypto trusts
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On Wealthfront’s website
Wealthfront
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On Wealthfront’s website
Featured Offer
Details
Account Minimum
$1 ($500 for automated investing)
Fees
$0 for stock trades. 0.25% for automated investing (0.06% to 0.13% for fund fees)
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Low annual fee for investment accounts; crypto trust investments available
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Tax-loss harvesting, portfolio lines of credit, 529 college savings plans available
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Cash account
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Mobile app and investing and retirement tools
Cons
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You need at least $100,000 to utilize additional investment strategies
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No human advisor access
Highlights
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- Consider it if: You’re balancing several goals and want to streamline your finances.
- Promotion: Fund your first taxable investment account with at least $500 in the first 30 days of account opening and earn a $50 bonus.
Additional Reading
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Mục lục bài viết
The Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges of 2023
- Coinbase: Best for bitcoin-oriented traders
- Abra: Best for low fees
- Kraken: Best for futures and margin traders
- CEX.IO: Best cryptocurrency selection
- Gemini: Best for bitcoin and ethereum traders
- eToro USA: Best for all types of traders
Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies, and digital assets can be stored in a “wallet” for secure storage. Like the best investment apps that provide tools and resources for smart investing, the best bitcoin wallets offer low fees, educational resources, bitcoin features, and user interfaces.
We’ve compiled some of the best cryptocurrency exchanges for buying and selling crypto assets. Keep reading to find the best option for you.
The Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Best for bitcoin-oriented traders
Coinbase
/5
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Account Minimum
$2
Fees
0.50% spread for buy/sell transactions; transaction fee from $0.99 to $2.99; up to 0.60% for Coinbase Pro and Coinbase Advanced Trade
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies and NFTs
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Best for bitcoin-oriented traders
Coinbase
/5
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Account Minimum
$2
Fees
0.50% spread for buy/sell transactions; transaction fee from $0.99 to $2.99; up to 0.60% for Coinbase Pro and Coinbase Advanced Trade
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies and NFTs
View Full Details
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On Coinbase’s website
Coinbase
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On Coinbase’s website
Best for bitcoin-oriented traders
Details
Account Minimum
$2
Fees
0.50% spread for buy/sell transactions; transaction fee from $0.99 to $2.99; up to 0.60% for Coinbase Pro and Coinbase Advanced Trade
Editor’s Rating
/5
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Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Buy, sell, or store more than 170 cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and dogecoin
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Educational investment resources, mobile access, digital storage, and customer support
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Low account minimums
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Can earn rewards for certain cryptocurrencies
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Coinbase card lets you spend crypto or USD anywhere and earn crypto rewards; can deposit your paycheck into your account and convert from USD to crypto with no fees
Cons
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Pay more for lower balances
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High trading and transaction fees
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Limited staking options
Highlights
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More Information
- Promotion: Get $5 of bitcoin when you join Coinbase; earn up to $200 when you set up a new account and make your first purchase
- Features: Coinbase Earn rewards, Coinbase Pro advanced account, user-controlled storage, stablecoins, staking, and institutional trading tools.
- App store rating: 4.7 iOS/ 4.1 Android; Coinbase Pro: 4.7 iOS/ 4.1 Android
- Awards: Named Best Prime Broker in Hedgeweek’s annual European Digital Assets Awards
Additional Reading
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Best for low fees
Abra
/5
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Account Minimum
$5 minimum deposit; Minimums vary per cryptocurrency
Fees
0% (Spread fee built into exchange rates)
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies and NFTs
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Best for low fees
Abra
/5
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Account Minimum
$5 minimum deposit; Minimums vary per cryptocurrency
Fees
0% (Spread fee built into exchange rates)
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies and NFTs
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On Abra’s website
Abra
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On Abra’s website
Best for low fees
Details
Account Minimum
$5 minimum deposit; Minimums vary per cryptocurrency
Fees
0% (Spread fee built into exchange rates)
Editor’s Rating
/5
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Pros & Cons
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Pros
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No fees to trade 80+ cryptocurrencies (excluding spread fee)
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Can borrow against crypto holdings, with payback interest rates of 0% to 9.95%
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Can earn up to 10% interest on crypto or USD stablecoins
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Support in 150+ countries with access for 50+ fiat currencies
Cons
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High fees for Visa or Mastercard transactions
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Limited transparency on the exact exchange spread rates
Highlights
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More Information
- Features: 100+ cryptocurrencies, crypto-backed loans, staking, and support for traders in 150+ countries.
- App store rating: 4.6 Apple/4.3 Android
Additional Reading
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Best for futures and margin traders
Kraken
/5
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Account Minimum
Depends on cryptocurrency
Fees
0% – 0.26% (1.5% for instant buy, sell, or convert orders)
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies
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Best for futures and margin traders
Kraken
/5
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Account Minimum
Depends on cryptocurrency
Fees
0% – 0.26% (1.5% for instant buy, sell, or convert orders)
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies
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On Kraken’s website
Kraken
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On Kraken’s website
Best for futures and margin traders
Details
Account Minimum
Depends on cryptocurrency
Fees
0% – 0.26% (1.5% for instant buy, sell, or convert orders)
Editor’s Rating
/5
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Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Can exchange more than 100 crypto assets
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Low account minimums and fees
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Variety of educational resources and tutorials on cryptocurrencies
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Over-the-counter (OTC) trading and account management support available
Cons
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No 24/7 phone customer support
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Kraken’s futures mobile platform isn’t currently available in the US
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Not a personal wallet service
Highlights
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More Information
- Features: More than 100 cryptocurrencies, margin and futures trading, OTC trading, account management for HNW individuals and institutional clients, multiple trading platforms, educational resources, and staking rewards.
- App store rating: 4.7 iOS/ 4.2 Android
Additional Reading
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Best cryptocurrency selection
CEX.IO
/5
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Account Minimum
$20
Fees
0.00-0.15% maker fees; 0.01-0.25% taker transaction fee (2.99% deposit)
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies and tokens (support is also available for multiple fiat currencies)
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Best cryptocurrency selection
CEX.IO
/5
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Account Minimum
$20
Fees
0.00-0.15% maker fees; 0.01-0.25% taker transaction fee (2.99% deposit)
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies and tokens (support is also available for multiple fiat currencies)
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On CEX.IO’s website
CEX.IO
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On CEX.IO’s website
Best cryptocurrency selection
Details
Account Minimum
$20
Fees
0.00-0.15% maker fees; 0.01-0.25% taker transaction fee (2.99% deposit)
Editor’s Rating
/5
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Pros & Cons
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Pros
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100+ assets, including bitcoin, ethereum, and more (US users can currently trade more than 40 cryptocurrencies)
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Low fees
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Margin trading, staking rewards, crypto-backed loans for individuals
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Institutional services for businesses and advanced traders
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24/7 customer support and mobile access
Cons
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Limited coin options (CEX.IO offers more tokens)
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Staking rewards, crypto-backed loans, and savings features not available for US traders
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Services not available to residents of New York (see a complete list of CEX.IO’s geographic restrictions here).
Highlights
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More Information
- Promotion: None available at this time.
- Features: More than 100 cryptocurrencies, margin trading, staking rewards, crypto-backed loans, and institutional services.
- App store rating: 4.6 iOS/3.7 Android
Additional Reading
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Best for bitcoin and ethereum traders
Gemini
/5
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Account Minimum
$0
Fees
$0.99-$2.99 fee for web and mobile transactions between $10 and $200 (1.49% fee for transactions over $200); 0.50% convenience fee; 3.49% debit card transfers
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies
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Best for bitcoin and ethereum traders
Gemini
/5
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Account Minimum
$0
Fees
$0.99-$2.99 fee for web and mobile transactions between $10 and $200 (1.49% fee for transactions over $200); 0.50% convenience fee; 3.49% debit card transfers
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies
View Full Details
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On Gemini’s website
Gemini
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On Gemini’s website
Best for bitcoin and ethereum traders
Details
Account Minimum
$0
Fees
$0.99-$2.99 fee for web and mobile transactions between $10 and $200 (1.49% fee for transactions over $200); 0.50% convenience fee; 3.49% debit card transfers
Editor’s Rating
/5
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Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Want to trade more than 100 other virtual assets
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Value account security and want your assets securely stored and insured against theft
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Are an advanced trader looking for features like faster order execution, crypto trading pairs and auctions, and charting tools
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Want to earn daily interest from different cryptocurrencies
Cons
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Want to use margin accounts to take on additional buying power; no NFTs
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Multiple fee schedules to keep up with
Highlights
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More Information
- Promotion: Receive $10 of bitcoin (BTC) when a referral exchanges $100 or more within the first 30 days of creating an account.
- Features: Trading options for beginners, experts, and institutions; Gemini Earn, Gemini Wallet, and $200 million insurance in Gemini Custody.
- App store rating: 4.8 iOS/ 4.5 Android
Additional Reading
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Best for all types of traders
eToro USA
/5
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Account Minimum
$10
Fees
1% when you buy or sell a crypto asset; 0% stocks and ETFs
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies, stocks, and ETFs
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Best for all types of traders
eToro USA
/5
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Account Minimum
$10
Fees
1% when you buy or sell a crypto asset; 0% stocks and ETFs
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies, stocks, and ETFs
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On eToro USA’s website
eToro USA
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Best for all types of traders
Details
Account Minimum
$10
Fees
1% when you buy or sell a crypto asset; 0% stocks and ETFs
Editor’s Rating
/5
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Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Can trade bitcoin, dogecoin, ethereum, Litecoin, and a dozen other popular virtual assets; stock and ETF trading available
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eToro’s Copy Portfolios let you follow and copy the portfolios of experienced traders to enhance your investment returns
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Several educational resources
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Web and mobile app access
Cons
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Not available to residents of New York, Minnesota, Nevada, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Marianas, and the US Virgin Islands (see a full list of its geographic restrictions here)
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Limited selection of cryptocurrencies (eToro USA currently offers over 25)
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No margin accounts
Highlights
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More Information
- Promotion: None at this time.
- Features: Dogecoin and 15+ cryptocurrencies, CopyTrader system, Copy Portfolios, and eToro Trading Academy
- App store rating: 4.6 iOS/ 4.3 Android
Additional Reading
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Methodology: How We Chose the Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges
We researched over a dozen exchanges to find the best options for cryptocurrency availability, low fees, asset/account security, user interfaces, and mobile access.
We also explored whether exchanges offered services both for individuals and institutions, and we paid close attention to other account options like staking rewards, margin trading, and Stablecoin support.
Here’s Personal Finance Insider’s rating methodology for investing platforms.
Compare the best cryptocurrency exchanges
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Editor’s Rating
4.35/5
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Editor’s Rating
4.14/5
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Editor’s Rating
4.35/5
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Editor’s Rating
4.45/5
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Editor’s Rating
4/5
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Editor’s Rating
4.05/5
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On Coinbase’s website
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On Abra’s website
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On Kraken’s website
Learn more
On CEX.IO’s website
Learn more
On Gemini’s website
Learn more
On eToro USA’s website
Cryptocurrency Exchanges Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cryptocurrency exchange?
A cryptocurrency exchange is like an online brokerage for cryptocurrencies, tokens (virtual assets created through existing blockchains), and other digital assets. Many of these exchanges offer investment options for active traders looking to buy, sell, or hold digital assets like bitcoin, ethereum, and litecoin.
Most exchanges also offer custody and storage options for users looking to safely protect their crypto assets against theft and hacks. But then again, most exchanges aren’t solely personal wallet services. If you want to set up an external wallet with a bitcoin wallet provider or another storage wallet service, you can do so while maintaining your crypto exchange account. You can simply transfer assets between your exchange account and crypto wallet when necessary.
Are cryptocurrency exchanges worth it?
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This depends on your investment goals and needs. You can invest in cryptocurrencies in more than one place. For instance, both PayPal and SoFi aren’t strictly crypto-focused companies, but both offer digital assets.
And if you’re interested in low-cost options, note that you can also trade cryptocurrencies with fee-free brokerages like Webull and Robinhood. The catch with taking this route is that you won’t have as many crypto-specific features as you would with a Kraken or Gemini.
You would essentially sacrifice a wider range of investments and account features for lower fees and limited cryptocurrency options. If you’re looking for a wider range of crypto-specific trading tools and account features, a cryptocurrency exchange may be the best option.
Best Cryptocurrency Exchange for Bitcoin-oriented Traders
Why it stands out: Coinbase offers more than 170 cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin, dogecoin, and ripple. The exchange also offers multiple investment options for individual and institutional clients. Some of its account features include staking rewards, iOS and Android mobile apps, and a Coinbase learning rewards account option that pays you in crypto assets for watching educational videos.
Coinbase also offers a few other options: Coinbase Pro and Coinbase Advanced Trade for experienced traders and Coinbase Prime for institutions and high-net-worth clients (individuals with at least $1 million). Coinbase Pro users get access to more advanced features like secure trading bots, charting tools, and real-time order books. Coinbase Advanced Trade essentially enhances the offerings of Coinbase Pro, giving users access to crypto rewards and additional tools and security features.
In addition to the Prime cryptocurrency trading platform, institutional clients can utilize commerce services, cold storage (offline storage for crypto assets), and an Asset Hub that allows issuers to list and grow their products on the platform.
Plus, Coinbase also launched the beta version of its NFT trading platform. For a limited time, it’s offering no transaction fees for creators and collectors who use the platform. Many NFT platforms charge 2.5% per transaction, so Coinbase’s offerings are highly competitive when it comes to pricing (see more about its NFT platform here).
What to look out for: If you regularly use margin accounts to trade, Coinbase isn’t the best choice. The exchange doesn’t let you temporarily borrow money to trade crypto assets, nor does it offer futures (legal contracts that give you the choice to exchange a security at a specific price on a forthcoming date).
Best Cryptocurrency Exchange for Low Fees
Why it stands out: Abra is a global crypto exchange serving individual and institutional traders in more than 150 countries. Along with the fact that Abra doesn’t charge any trading fees (though it earns income from the spread between different assets), the exchange also stands out due to its expansive selection of crypto products and features.
This includes trading for 75 cryptocurrencies, interest accounts that let you earn up to 10% on eligible assets, crypto-backed loans, over-the-counter (OTC) trading, and multiple educational guides for beginners. Its OTC services also give institutional clients access to interest-earning accounts, loans, and one-on-one account support.
In addition, Abra pays you 3% cash back for CPRX token trades, and the exchange offers 0% interest loans.
Abra is available on iOS and Android phones.
What to look out for: Visa and Mastercard transactions have high fees.
Best Cryptocurrency Exchange for Futures and Margin Traders
Why it stands out: Kraken has 185+ cryptocurrencies with an array of options both for retail investors and institutional investors. But when it comes to global support, Kraken has a bit more reach than Binance.US. The exchange currently supports traders in nearly 200 countries.
Kraken also offers margin trading and futures trading. With its margin accounts, you can borrow up to five times your account balance to trade crypto assets. Futures trading — contracts which allow you to buy or sell an asset at a set price on an upcoming date — is available for bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin, bitcoin cash, and ripple.
The exchange also offers its own futures trading platforms. But institutional clients can take advantage of expert insights, one-on-one consultations, account management support, and more.
All clients can utilize Kraken’s staking rewards, iOS and Android mobile app access, and educational resources.
What to look out for: Kraken’s futures mobile platform isn’t currently available to US traders. In addition, only institutional and high-net-worth clients can utilize the exchange’s consultation and account management services.
Best Exchange for Cryptocurrency Selection
Why it stands out: Based in London, CEX.IO is a global crypto exchange supporting traders in more than 99% of countries worldwide, including 48 US states, according to its website. The exchange also gives you access to bitcoin and more than 100 other crypto assets.
All users can access CEX.IO’s instant buy feature (this is only for credit and debit card purchases), mobile app, staking rewards, and crypto-backed loans. But more advanced traders might prefer CEX.IO’s spot trading feature (this option lets you place different types of crypto market orders) and margin trading accounts. Institutions and businesses can use its aggregator and payment management services.
It’s also important to point out CEX.IO’s fee schedule. The exchange has a maker/taker schedule that’s based on your 30-day trading volume. Maker orders can’t be executed immediately since there are no other orders to match with them; however, taker orders match immediately, according to CEX.IO.
Its maker fees range from 0.00-0.15%, and its taker fees span from 0.01-0.25%. You can also access CEX.IO on iOS or Android devices.
What to look out for: Transactions with debit or credit cards can be pricey at CEX.IO. For Visa and Mastercard deposits, you’ll be have to pay a 2.99% fee (it only requires 1.49% for GBP deposits with UK-issued cards). Withdrawals for US residents using a Visa card include a service charge up to 3% plus an additional $1.20 and commission up to $3.80. Mastercard users can expect a service charge up to 1.8% plus an additional $1.20. There’s also a commission up to 1.2% plus $3.80.
Best for Bitcoin and Ethereum Traders
*Note: In response to the FTX crisis, Gemini’s lending partner, Genesis Global Trading, recently announced it is suspending redemptions and new loan originations. As a result, Gemini has currently paused withdrawals on its Gemini Earn account.
Why it stands out: Gemini offers a wide variety of crypto trading services for individuals and institutions. Traders can take advantage of multiple platforms, including the Gemini web exchange, Gemini iOS and Android mobile apps, Gemini Active Trader platform, Gemini Fund Solutions, and institutional trading tools.
But the exchange also provides a few other notable features: Gemini Wallet, Gemini Earn, Gemini Clearing (brokerage services for off-exchange crypto trades between parties), Gemini Custody, Gemini Pay, and Gemini Dollar (a digital asset backed by US dollars).
Though Gemini isn’t strictly a personal wallet service, its two storage and custody options — Gemini Wallet and Gemini Custody — give you the choice of online storage or institutional offline storage for your crypto assets. Gemini custody also offers $200 million in cold storage insurance coverage.
Gemini Earn gives you the option to receive up to 8.05% interest on your crypto balance, while Gemini Pay gives you the option to use your assets for purchases at more than 30,000 retail facilities across the US.
What to look out for: Gemini has multiple fee schedules for different accounts and account actions. While you won’t be charged for transferring funds through ACH or wire methods, credit or debit card transfers have a 3.49% fee. The exchange also has a limited number of cryptocurrencies (see its full list of supported assets here).
Best Cryptocurrency Exchange for All Types of Traders
The eToro USA crypto exchange offers a highly secure and easily navigable interface that gives you access to more than 25 crypto assets. The exchange also supports traders in 140 countries, and you’ll need at least $10 to trade.
When it comes to trading, you can either take the DIY approach, or you can utilize one of of eToro’s two hands-off options. The first, known as the CopyTrader™ system, allows you to mirror the portfolios of other successful traders. US clients can currently only mimic other US investors’ portfolios, and you’ll need at least $200 to do so.
The second option is SmartPortfolios. The exchange currently offers access to four different pre-built portfolios — CryptoEqual, CryptoPortfolio, Crypto-currency, and TheTIE-LongOnly SmartPortfolio — that eToro regularly rebalances for you.
Finally, eToro offers something that many crypto exchanges don’t — stock and ETF trading. Users can exchange both full and fractional shares of stocks and ETFs without commissions.
What to look out for: eToro doesn’t currently support traders in New York, Minnesota, Nevada, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Marianas, and the US Virgin Islands.
Other Cryptocurrency Exchanges We Considered
- Binance.US: Binance.US supports more than 125 cryptocurrencies and offers investment options for both individuals and institutions. Its account perks also include staking rewards, recurring buys, OTC trading, crypto trading pairs, and stablecoins (assets that are backed by US dollars). But it may not be the best choice for beginner traders since its educational offerings are limited.
- Bitstamp: Bitstamp is a Luxembourg-based company offering more than 60 cryptocurrencies, with options for advanced traders and institutional traders. US clients can trade crypto assets through its subsidiary, Bitstamp USA. The lowest fees start at 0.5%, and you’ll need at least $10 to trade.
- SoFi Invest: SoFi is more of an online brokerage than a cryptocurrency exchange, and it currently offers 30 crypto assets. The investment app also charges a 1.25% markup on all crypto transactions, meaning you’ll receive an additional 1.25% on the final price of your share(s). One of the downsides is that SoFi’s crypto options are limited compared to other major exchanges, and its fees are a bit higher than other crypto platforms.
- Bittrex: When it comes to account security, Bittrex is difficult to beat. In addition to two-factor authentication, the exchange says it uses a multi-stage wallet strategy to make sure funds are kept in secure, cold storage (offline storage). Bittrex’s transaction fees are also notably lower compared to other exchanges. Keep in mind, though, that Bittrex isn’t available for residents of New York, Connecticut, Vermont, or Hawaii.
- Webull: This online brokerage only requires $1 to start trading crypto, but its investment selection is limited. Webull may not be the best crypto option if you want to trade assets other than bitcoin, dogecoin, bitcoin cash, ethereum, litecoin, zcash, or stellar.
- Robinhood: This brokerage’s commission-free structure has quite the appeal for those who prefer low-cost investments. Plus, while Robinhood Gold members can earn 4.40% interest on their brokerage cash, non-Gold members can still earn 1.5%. But like SoFi and Webull, Robinhood’s cryptocurrency selection is on the shorter side. The investment app only offers 17 cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, bitcoin cash, bitcoin sv, ethereum, dogecoin, and others.
Rickie Houston was a senior wealth-building reporter for Business Insider, tasked with covering brokerage products, investment apps, online advisor services, cryptocurrency exchanges, and other wealth-building financial products.
Before Insider, Rickie worked as a personal finance writer at SmartAsset, focusing on retirement, investing, taxes, and banking topics. He’s contributed to stories published in the Boston Globe, and his work has also been featured in Yahoo News.
He graduated from Boston University, where he contributed as a staff writer and sports editor for Boston University News Service.
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Elias Shaya is a junior compliance associate on the Personal Finance Insider team based in New York City.
Personal Finance Insider is Insider’s personal finance section that incorporates affiliate and commerce partnerships into the news, insights, and advice about money that readers already know and love. The compliance team’s mission is to provide readers with stories that are fact-checked and current, so they can make informed financial decisions.
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Elias has a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the CUNY College of Staten Island. Prior to joining Insider, he volunteered at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he worked with the biomedical engineering department. In his spare time, Elias enjoys exploring new restaurants, traveling to visit his family in Lebanon, and spending time with friends.
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