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5 best crypto exchange and platforms

Eric Esposito

Fact checked by Clay Halton

Updated May 19, 2025

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Bitcoin (BTC) has gone from trading for pennies in 2009 to reaching $100,000 in 2024: a meteoric rise that’s hard to ignore. As cryptocurrencies gain traction with governments and businesses, more investors are taking interest.1 Still, many remain wary. In fact, 63% of Americans say they’re concerned about the safety of this asset class.2

Scams and hacks are a real risk, but that doesn’t mean all trading platforms are unsafe. Here are five reputable crypto exchanges that offer strong security, transparent fees, and beginner-friendly features.

Best crypto exchanges and platforms

  • Best crypto platform and app overall: Uphold
  • Best exchange for beginners: Coinbase
  • Best exchange for day trading: Crypto.com
  • Best exchange for advanced features: Kraken
  • Best crypto platform for low fees: Robinhood

  • Methodology: Best crypto exchanges and platforms

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    Our ranking methodology

    The best crypto exchange reviews and ratings on Moneywise are determined by a team of seven subject matter experts, including fintech journalists, crypto analysts, and financial professionals. We focused on the features that matter most to everyday users — from ease of use to fee transparency — while upholding strict editorial integrity standards. Our goal is to empower readers to make informed, confident decisions when choosing a crypto trading platform.

    While the exchanges featured in this article were independently selected, some links may be from our sponsors. That never influences our rankings or recommendations.

    Our evaluation process

    To identify the top crypto exchanges and brokers, our team gathered and analyzed 3,738 data points across 14 platforms that offer access to digital assets. We evaluated each platform using a comprehensive framework designed to reflect the real-world needs of both beginner and experienced crypto users.

    Each platform was evaluated across a range of key categories designed to reflect the needs of real-world users. These included customer support (availability, responsiveness, and support options), educational resources (the quality and accessibility of learning tools), and ease of use (including user interface, onboarding process, and navigation). We also assessed app performance and features, such as functionality, reliability, and user ratings; reputation, including public perception, transparency, and regulatory compliance; and crypto access, meaning the number and variety of supported cryptocurrencies. Additional criteria included security measures like fund protection, two-factor authentication, insurance, and regulatory safeguards; availability across U.S. states; and overall fees, including trading costs, spreads, and any hidden charges.

    Each factor was weighted based on importance to deliver fair and balanced scores that reflect how well a platform serves its users — whether they’re buying their first token or managing an active portfolio.

    Our data-driven approach

    All ratings are grounded in independent research. While we do maintain affiliate relationships, we do not accept paid placements, and our editorial team operates separately from our business operations. Our reviews are written with readers in mind — not sponsors.

    We took a data-first approach to assess how crypto exchanges stack up in the current landscape. In addition to platform usability and security, we paid close attention to fee structures, access to altcoins, the availability of staking or earning features, and whether platforms provide integrated wallets, advanced trading tools, or tax reporting functionality.

    Because cryptocurrency is still a fast-evolving space, we also monitored changes in regulatory compliance, platform outages, and user-reported issues to ensure our reviews remain timely and relevant.

Best crypto platform and app overall: Uphold

Uphold logo
Fast facts:
  • Investment type offered: Cryptocurrencies and precious metals
  • Minimum investment: $1
  • Fees: Deposit (3.99% if using debit/credit cards), withdrawal (1.75% fee if using debit card or Apple pay), debit card, and trading fees (vary by asset, ranging from 0.2% to 2.95%)
  • Accredited investor requirement: No
  • Fincen/SEC registered: Fincen: Yes; SEC: No
  • Supported crypto: 250+
  • Staking offered: Yes
  • Cold storage: Yes

  • Why we chose Uphold

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    The user-friendly platform Uphold has something to offer investors with many different interests and skill levels. Launched in 2014, this site was initially billed as an "anything-to-anything" trading platform, but it has since focused more exclusively on its suite of crypto offerings — particularly its expansive array of small-cap altcoins.3 But you don't have to be interested in the more niche aspects of crypto investing to get a lot of use out of Uphold. This site has big-cap coins like Bitcoin, digitized precious metals, and ways to make passive income via crypto staking or good old-fashioned interest. Uphold also takes transparency seriously with audits and constant updates to its Proof-of-Reserves.4 Whether someone wants to "hodl" their crypto and earn rewards or trade new projects, Uphold is an all-around solid pick.

  • Offers crypto and precious metals: Traders can diversify on Uphold with a wealth of altcoins and precious metal tokens.
  • Passive income opportunities: Earn yield either on a supported Proof-of-stake cryptocurrency or USD reserve.
  • High transparency: It's easy to find information on Uphold's latest audits and reserve data.
  • High Trustpilot rankings: Uphold's average score on Trustpilot is an impressive 4.3 stars, and its iOS and Android apps have high rankings.5
  • Not ideal for advanced traders: Uphold is better known for its beginner-friendly UI/UX than its wealth of technical trading tools.
  • No crypto derivatives: Unlike competing exchanges, you won't find crypto derivatives on Uphold to speculate or hedge positions.
  • High fees: Trading fees for each altcoin or precious metal purchase could be as high as 2.95%.6

Best crypto exchange for beginners: Coinbase

Coinbase logo
Fast facts:
  • Investment type offered: Cryptocurrencies and crypto derivatives
  • Minimum investment: $1
  • Fees: Transaction fees (depends on transaction and payment method), spread fees (~0.5%), deposit and withdrawal ($25 wire transfers), Coinbase One subscription (optional), and potential network fees
  • Accredited investor requirement: No
  • Fincen/SEC registered: Fincen: Yes; SEC: No
  • Supported crypto: 250+
  • Staking offered: Yes
  • Cold storage: Yes

  • Why we chose Coinbase

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    Ever since its 2012 founding, Coinbase has become the "home base" for millions of crypto enthusiasts. This American-based centralized exchange (CEX) has a long reputation for security and transparency, particularly following its listing as a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ in 2021.7 As a major crypto exchange, Coinbase also has extremely high liquidity for hundreds of coins and extreme security features.8 People with a Coinbase account can also take advantage of bonus products and services like derivatives trading, the Coinbase Debit Card, and staking rewards to put their cryptocurrencies to use. While Coinbase has one of the more complicated fee structures, many users feel it's worth the additional cost due to this platform's ease-of-use and high reputation for security.

  • Beginner-friendly UI/UX: Whether on desktop or mobile, Coinbase's intuitive interface allows users to buy, sell, and transfer hundreds of crypto assets.
  • Large and well-regulated: Coinbase is one of the oldest CEXs and has high transparency due to its public stock listing.
  • Many attractive features: In addition to buying and selling crypto, Coinbase offers many other features, such as staking, "Learn to Earn" rewards, and a debit card.
  • Complicated fee structure: Coinbase's fee schedule isn't the most transparent or attractive compared with competitors.
  • Nothing outside of crypto: Although Coinbase offers crypto derivatives, it doesn't offer other assets like stocks or precious metals for diversification.
  • Complaints about customer service: A common complaint customers have with Coinbase is the difficulty of reaching out to customer care agents.9

Best crypto exchange for day trading: Crypto.com

Crypto.com logo
Fast facts:
  • Investment type offered: Cryptocurrencies, crypto derivatives, stocks, and sports betting
  • Minimum investment: $15
  • Fees: Maker/taker fees (0.075%), withdrawal fees (depends on currency), and debit card fees (2.99% to 3.99%)
  • Accredited investor requirement: No
  • Fincen/SEC registered: Fincen: Yes; SEC: No
  • Supported crypto: 350+
  • Staking offered: Yes
  • Cold storage: Yes

  • Why we chose Crypto.com

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    No company in cryptocurrency has a more straightforward name than "Crypto.com." This trendy exchange's URL lets people know what they're offering upfront — and they certainly deliver in terms of variety. With over 400 supported cryptocurrencies, this is a haven for anyone who loves diving into high-risk niche projects. Crypto.com's wide access to altcoins — along with an attractive maker-taker fee schedule and advanced order types — makes it particularly popular with anyone involved in day trading.10

    Crypto.com also appeals to day traders with its margin trading capabilities and derivatives products, including perpetuals and UpDown options.11 As a bonus, Crypto.com continues to branch out into other asset categories like equities and sports betting, giving traders even more opportunities to capitalize on opportunities with one account.

  • Advanced strategies: Day traders have easy access to many tools, including technical charts, margin, and derivatives.
  • Competitive fees: Maker and taker fees for spot crypto trading is competitive, especially at higher volumes.
  • Unique non-crypto opportunities: Crypto.com now offers ways to diversify outside of digital assets with stocks or sports betting.
  • CRO lockup for better fees: Crypto.com only offers the best trading fees if users invest heavily in its proprietary CRO coin and lock it.
  • Lower liquidity: Compared with other day trading platforms like Coinbase or Binance, Crypto.com tends to have a lower total volume.
  • High withdrawal fees: While every crypto has different withdrawal rates, Crypto.com's fees tend to be higher than those of other exchanges.12

Best exchange for advanced features: Kraken

Kraken logo
Fast facts:
  • Investment type offered: Cryptocurrency, crypto derivatives, stocks, and ETFs
  • Minimum investment: $1 for crypto-to-crypto trading, 1 unit for fiat currencies
  • Fees: Maker/taker fees (0% to 0.40%), transfers (depends on crypto type), and margin (varies)
  • Accredited investor requirement: No
  • Fincen/SEC registered: Fincen: Yes; SEC: No
  • Supported crypto: 200+
  • Staking offered: Yes
  • Cold storage: Yes

  • Why we chose Kraken

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    Even though crypto isn't really old, Kraken is one of the "oldest" exchanges in the business. Since 2011, this US-based CEX has offered a safe environment to buy and transfer cryptocurrencies. While Kraken hasn't caught up to competitors like Coinbase in terms of user accounts, it continues to offer unique products and services, particularly for advanced crypto traders.

    For instance, the Kraken Pro platform is ideal for experienced traders who want powerful technical analysis tools, multiple order types, and both spot and margin trading capabilities. Interestingly, Kraken also offers access to US stocks and ETFs, so crypto traders don't have to look elsewhere if they want equities. As a bonus, Kraken has a 24/7 customer support line, so you could get your questions answered anytime.13

  • Long-established crypto brand: Kraken has a long and solid reputation for security in the crypto industry.
  • Customer service: Along with security standards, Kraken often receives high praise for its accessible customer care division.
  • Wealth of trading options: Beyond spot trading, Kraken users can access staking, derivatives, and even stocks.
  • Lower liquidity: While Kraken often ranks high in terms of trading volume, it usually doesn't have the same liquidity as rivals like Coinbase.
  • Services not available everywhere: You may not qualify for a Kraken account, depending on where you live or what products you want.14
  • Not geared for beginners: Although beginners can use Kraken, there are higher fees for simpler "Instant Buy" features, and this exchange tends to target advanced traders interested in futures or margin.

Best crypto platform for low fees: Robinhood

Robinhood logo
Fast facts:
  • Investment type offered: Stocks, ETFs, options and cryptocurrencies
  • Minimum investment: $1
  • Fees: Regulatory fees, spreads,and Robinhood Gold subscription (optional)
  • Accredited investor requirement: No
  • Fincen/SEC registered: Fincen: Yes; SEC: no
  • Supported crypto: 25+
  • Staking offered: Yes, in specific regions
  • Cold storage: Yes

  • Why we chose Robinhood

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    When Robinhood launched in 2013, it soon made a name for itself as an easy-to-use, commission-free stock trading app. While equities are still at the epicenter of Robinhood's offerings, this company has made substantial inroads into the crypto market since 2018. Over time, Robinhood continues to expand its crypto features, even offering services like a crypto wallet and the option to withdraw assets to self-custodial accounts.15

    While you won't find as many cryptocurrencies on Robinhood's platform, it has all the big names like Bitcoin and Ethereum, plus seamless access to stocks, ETFs, and options. A major pro to using Robinhood over more crypto-centric competitors is its attractive fees. If crypto investors are most concerned with extra costs and don't mind a limited selection of altcoins, Robinhood may be the way to go.

  • Commission-free trades: Robinhood shines for its simple and cheap fee schedule.16
  • Easy-to-use interface: Users typically don't have issues navigating Robinhood's intuitive mobile app
  • Access to other markets: Beyond crypto, it's easy to diversify on Robinhood with stocks, options, and ETFs.
  • Limited altcoin selection: At just about 30 cryptocurrencies, Robinhood doesn't have the greatest selection of altcoins.
  • Mobile-first app: Robinhood's desktop app isn't as seamless as its mobile offering.
  • Lacks advanced crypto features: While Robinhood offers limited staking, it doesn't have extra features on other exchanges like an NFT market or crypto derivatives.

Which platform is right for you?

Platform
Who is it for and why?
Standout feature
Uphold
A great beginner-friendly platform with a simple UI/UX, competitive fees, and access to both crypto and precious metals. 
Uphold boasts early access to altcoins, giving traders a way to capitalize on new (albeit risky) projects before a broader launch. 
Coinbase
Great for crypto-focused traders of all skill levels who want a highly liquid, respected, and easy-to-navigate exchange. 
Coinbase shines for its high reputation for security and transparency. 
Crypto.com
Users who want a comprehensive range of digital assets as well as plenty of financial services outside of trading (e.g., staking rewards, debit cards, and NFTs) 
The oft-advertised Crypto Visa Cards offer many rewards to users and an easy way to use digital assets in daily life. 
Kraken
Best for more experienced traders who want a platform with a diverse range of advanced trading features like margin and futures trading.
The Kraken Pro platform stands out as one of the most advanced for traders interested in technical analysis, leverage, and derivatives. 
Robinhood
A good starting place for “crypto curious” investors who are more interested in traditional assets like stocks and ETFs. 
Robinhood is best known for its convenient mobile app and commission-free trading, which makes it both easy and affordable for new traders. 

Bitcoin price history

When Bitcoin came out in 2009, the price was so low that anyone online could have got five coins per day absolutely free.17 Famously, the first recorded Bitcoin transaction in 2010 valued 10,000 BTC at two pizzas.18 The price gradually rose, hitting $1 in February 2011 and experiencing its first bubble to $32 later that year. Significant events since then include breaking $1,000 in 2013, the massive bull run to nearly $20,000 in 2017, and subsequent multi-year stagnation in the mid $1,000s-range.

Bitcoin finally broke through the strong resistance at $20K in a big way in 2021, but it fell back into a multi-year bear market due to multiple crypto scandals and bankruptcies (notably FTX). More recently, Bitcoin reached new all-time highs above $100K in December 2024, marking its evolution from a cool experiment to a mainstream asset.

Track all markets on TradingView

Crypto exchange vs broker: what’s the difference?

As more investors crave easy ways to put crypto in their portfolios, it's becoming common for traditional stock brokerages to advertise "crypto offerings." But in many cases, the "cryptocurrencies" on brokerages aren't the same as what you find on true crypto exchanges. Be sure you know what you're getting from a brokerage and whether it fits your digital asset desires. 

Brokers that offer crypto
Crypto exchanges
Trading method
All trades are “broker-assisted,” meaning the broker executes trades on your behalf and holds the assets on its platform. 
Most CEXs transfer crypto between buyers and sellers and record all of this data in a centralized order book. 
Control over pricing
Limited. Prices are generally determined by the broker based on market feeds, and there might be a spread (the difference between the buying and selling price) that benefits the broker.
Usually offers more control over crypto purchases with limit orders, where users can set their preferred buy and sell prices.
Ease of use
Although some are tailored for advanced traders, these exchanges are typically user-friendly (especially for new crypto traders). Account setup is often quick and straightforward.
Can range from beginner-friendly interfaces (e.g.,Uphold) to more complex platforms with numerous features and charts (e.g., Kraken Pro). 
Storage
Typically, the broker holds the cryptocurrency on your behalf. Users don’t have direct access to their private keys.
Offers custodial wallets where the exchange holds your private keys. However, most of these exchanges let users withdraw their crypto to private wallets if they choose. 
Asset variety
Often has a more limited selection of crypto assets (particularly altcoins). They may only offer trading for stocks or ETFs related to crypto. 
Offers a much broader range of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs, including many smaller and newer altcoins.
Fees
Might include spreads, commissions per trade, and potential fees for deposits/withdrawals.
Usually has a tiered fee structure based on trading volume and maker/taker status. Fees are often lower for more active traders. Deposit and withdrawal fees vary by method and cryptocurrency.
Payment method
Usually only offers fiat for payment via bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and sometimes fintech apps like PayPal. 
Welcomes both fiat via bank transfers or credit/debit cards as well as cryptocurrency deposits/withdrawals.
Type of user
Primarily targets beginners and individuals looking for a simplified way to gain exposure to cryptocurrency, often as a “side dish” to stocks and ETFs.  
Caters to a wider range of experience levels. Ideal for people more interested in taking control of their crypto assets, accessing rarer altcoins, or getting involved with web3.

How to store your crypto

The simplest option is to leave your crypto in an exchange account, but keep in mind you don’t truly own your crypto unless you hold it in a private (aka self-custodial) wallet. As long as your crypto is on an exchange, the CEX’s execs have the essential private keys to all of these digital assets, putting you at risk of hacks or counterparty interference. If you transfer cryptocurrency to a self-custodial wallet — whether a software app like Trust Wallet or a hardware device like the Trezor Model One — you have full control (and responsibility!) over your digital assets. 

  • What is the most trusted crypto exchange?

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    Some argue Coinbase is the most “trusted” crypto exchange because it's publicly traded and has a long history. However, Kraken has been around for over a decade, and other exchanges like Crypto.com and Uphold have positive security features.

  • What is the safest crypto exchange?

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    In terms of longevity, Kraken is arguably the safest exchange, but Coinbase also ranks high due to its history, size, and transparency. However, other exchanges like Crypto.com, Uphold, and Robinhood have strong safety records.

  • Which crypto wallet is best in the USA?

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    Software wallets like Phantom, Trust Wallet, or Exodus tend to be better suited for beginners because they’re usually free to download and have a clean UI/UX. However, hardware wallets by manufacturers like Trezor and Ledger are the “best” in terms of security because they store sensitive private key data offline (making them virtually hack-proof).

  • Is there a better crypto exchange than Coinbase?

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    Whether a crypto exchange is "better" than Coinbase depends on each user's preferences and the specific features and reputation of each competing platform. While Coinbase has exceptional credentials, other options like Kraken and Crypto.com have similar track records for ease of use and security.

Advertiser Disclosure– This advertisement contains information and materials provided by Robinhood Financial LLC and its affiliates (“Robinhood”) and Moneywise, a third party not affiliated with Robinhood. All investments involve risk and the past performance of a security, or financial product does not guarantee future results or returns. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC and Robinhood Securities LLC, which are members of FINRA and SIPC. Moneywise is not a member of FINRA or SIPC.”

Eric Esposito Freelance Contributor

Eric Esposito is a freelance contributor on MoneyWise with an interest in financial markets, investing, and trading. In addition to MoneyWise, Eric’s work can be found on financial publications such as WallStreetZen and CoinDesk. When not researching the latest stock market trends, Eric enjoys biking, walking his dog, and spending time with family in Central Florida. Eric holds a BA in English from Quinnipiac University.

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