Top Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Cryptocurrency exchanges are websites where you can register to buy and sell Bitcoin and other alternative coins. They differ by ease of use, fees, trading features and number of coins supported.

Here is a list of the top Bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchanges based on security, popularity, and past history. We’ve based the security ratings on CER security research.

Buying Bitcoin or other crypto with regular currencies, like USD or EUR, requires an identity verification for all exchanges.

cryptocurrency exchanges

Binance

Binance is the most popular and widely used crypto exchange. It has low fees, lots of cryptocurrencies and many financial features, like earning interest on your coins.
# Crypto Coins – 1000+ supported
97%
1000+ supported
Fees – Very low
98%
Very low
Ease of use – Relatively easy
95%
Relatively easy
Security – 3rd in the world
98%
3rd in the world
  • Lowest fees to buy crypto with credit or debit card
  • Supports Binance Visa card
  • NFT marketplace
  • 9 fiat currencies supported like, EUR, GBP
Read Full Review
Go to Binance >>

Coinbase

Coinbase is the most user-friendly exchange of all. However, the fees are high, and it is not very suitable for trading.
# Crypto Coins – 30+ supported
72%
30+ supported
Fees – High fees
78%
High fees
Ease of use – Very easy to use
100%
Very easy to use
Security – #2 in the world
98%
#2 in the world
  • Beginner friendly
  • Has easy-to-use mobile app
  • Available in 103+ countries
  • High fees
Read Full Review
Go to Coinbase >>

Kraken

Kraken is one of the most trusted and secure exchanges. It has the highest trading volume in EUR currency.
# Crypto Coins – 90+ supported
75%
90+ supported
Fees – Very low
96%
Very low
Ease of use – Relatively easy
86%
Relatively easy
Security – Best in the world
100%
Best in the world
  • The most secure exchange
  • The biggest EUR trading exchange
  • Many financial features, like staking and futures
Go to Kraken >>

Coinbase Pro

Unlike, the normal Coinbase, the Coinbase pro exchange is designed for advanced traders. It offers much lower fees and more trading features than Coinbase.
# Crypto Coins – 200+ supported
82%
200+ supported
Fees – Very low
97%
Very low
Ease of use – Trader friendly
92%
Trader friendly
Security – #2 in the world
99%
#2 in the world
  • Very secure exchange
  • Coinbase Visa card to spend from crypto balance
  • Earning, Lending
Go to Coinbase Pro >>

Bitstamp

Bitstamp is an exchange regulated by the EU, and if you are a European union citizen, you can claim back your money if the exchange gets hacked.
# Crypto Coins – 30 supported
50%
30 supported
Fees – Very low
96%
Very low
Ease of use – Trader friendly
78%
Trader friendly
Security – High
88%
High
  • Regulated by the EU, so your money is safe if you are an EU citizen
  • Fast SEPA transfers
  • Lightning network support
  • Basic financial features
Go to Bitstamp >>

Gate.io

Gate.io has many trading features and lots of coins. It is suitable for experienced traders, although it has slightly higher than normal fees.
# Crypto Coins – 900+ supported
97%
900+ supported
Fees – Low
90%
Low
Ease of use – Trader friendly
86%
Trader friendly
Security – Very high security
95%
Very high security
  • NFT marketplace
  • Copy trading available
  • Crypto loans, lending and earning
  • Harder to use than other exchanges
Go to Gate.io >>

KuCoin

Kucoin is a great exchange for experienced traders as it offers many advanced financial features, like futures, earning interest, loans. However, it is not available to use for US citizens.
# Crypto Coins – 500+ supported
91%
500+ supported
Fees – Very low
96%
Very low
Ease of use – Relatively easy
86%
Relatively easy
Security – Excellent security
97%
Excellent security
  • Newest coins are usually listed here first
  • Has an intuitive mobile app (Android, iOS)
  • Advanced crypto trading features
  • Doesn’t operate in the US
Go to KuCoin >>

Bithumb

Bithumb is targeted mainly for South Korean users. The only currency it supports is South Korean won (KRW). Bithumb has many advanced trading features.
# Crypto Coins – 70+
87%
70+
Fees – Very low
97%
Very low
Ease of use – Trader friendly
89%
Trader friendly
Security – Previously hacked
76%
Previously hacked
  • The biggest Korean (KRW) exchange
  • Many financial features like lending, earning, futures
  • Fiat deposits not available for non-Korean residents
  • Oriented towards Korean users
Go to Bithumb >>

Summary

The best exchange for first time Bitcoin users is Coinbase

The best exchange overall is Binance

Cryptocurrency exchanges has evolved lately. Most offer buying cryptocurrencies with credit or debit card with fees ranging from 2% to 5%. Some are oriented towards newcomers with an easy to use and simple interface, but with higher fees. Others offer a variaty of financial features like, trading with leverage, interest earning, lending, NFT marketplaces, but it takes some time to get used to them.

All of the exchanges require identity verification where you have to upload a picture of your ID and possibly a selfie. One tip. It is easier to complete it using the mobile app of the exchange.

However, you should not keep all of your coins on a cryptocurrency exchange, because it can get hacked or banned and you could lose some of your money. Consider moving some portion of your coins to a desktop, mobile, hardware, or paper wallet. One of the best features of Bitcoin is that you don’t need to rely on an exchange, bank, or somebody else to protect your money.

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