Best Crypto Exchanges in the US

This article includes a list of the best cryptocurrency exchanges in USA. Check out their features, pros, cons, supported cryptocurrencies, fees, and why they made it to the list.
Best Crypto Exchanges in the US

If you visited this page you’re probably into buying and selling cryptocurrencies, you just don’t know where to do that. According to Statistica’s survey in 2018, crypto traders spread their “eggs” across more than 3 crypto exchanges, why? Because of stories like this, and this. Better safe than sorry, huh?

In this roundup, we researched, filtered, and listed the brands we believe are the best crypto exchanges in the US, from security, brand recognition, and reputation, range of offerings, trading experience, fees structure, and more. Let’s get started. 

Overall Best Cryptocurrency Exchange in the US – Gemini

Image Source: Gemini
Pug Score4.5/5
Fees (Maker/Taker)0.25%/0.35%
Cryptocurrencies Traded50+
Wallet IncludedYes

Why We Chose Gemini

Gemini makes the list of US-based crypto exchanges because of its strong security and range of offerings.

ProsCons
Regulated exchangeCustomer service is not great
Supports stakingHigh fees
High security
Excellent user interface

Overview

Gemini is a US-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2014 by Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss. The exchange boasts as one of the earliest to get a trading license.

Gemini offers the multi-coin wallet, which traders can use as alternatives to hold their crypto assets. Other services include Gemini Pay that allows user to spend their cryptocurrencies online.

The ActiveTrader offers professional trading services for Pro traders looking to get on the market. Holding crypto assets, especially the Gemini USD, allows users to earn rewards via staking.

Trading experience on the exchange is great, and it is easy to join and use. There is a mobile application available to help users take positions and fulfill orders. However, Gemini’s fee structure is high and complex, which it divides into Convenience and Trading fees.

Gemini’s customer support is an uninteresting part of the exchange, as direct contact with the exchange agent is not feasible. However, there are alternatives to resolve complaints which are basically through the help center.

Gemini is a regulated exchange and offers industry-standard security measures. It has also never experienced a hack, which gives it an edge as a top secure exchange.

Cheapest Cryptocurrency Exchange in the US – CEX.io

Image Source: CEX.io
Pug Score4.0/5
Fees (Maker/Taker)0.1%/0.1%
Cryptocurrencies Traded50+
Wallet IncludedYes

Why We Chose CEX.io

CEX.io provides an excellent trading platform for crypto enthusiasts and is available to beginners and advanced traders.

ProsCons
Suitable for beginnersCustomer support is not excellent
High security
Brokerage service available
Excellent UI
Easy to use and access

Overview

CEX.io is a cryptocurrency trading platform based in the UK. It started operations in 2013, growing to become a global brand for crypto enthusiasts, in over five different cities, including the US, Ukraine, and Cyprus.

CEX.io’s team comprises over 200 professionals from the IT and trading industry. The exchange also boasts over 3M users worldwide, making it one of the top cryptocurrency trading platforms in the world.

There are over 50 supported cryptocurrencies you can trade in the spot and margin trading sections. Additionally, users can trade at leverages up to 100x their initial deposits and buy cryptocurrencies using credit or debit or international wire transfers.

CEX.io has a well-designed trading environment with advanced charts allowing users to trade assets in real-time using proper technical tools. Users can also access its brokerage services and incentives. However—as it is with most exchanges—its fee structure is quite complex and high, especially for low-volume traders.

CEX.io is a regulated trading platform available in over 40 US states and over 50 countries worldwide. The exchange also adopts strict security protocols to safeguard user funds and information on the platform.

Changelly

Image Source: Changelly
Pug Score4.5/5
Fees (Maker/Taker)0.1%/0.1%
Cryptocurrencies Traded100+
Wallet IncludedYes

Why We Chose Changelly

Changelly offers a unique way of buying and selling cryptocurrencies. Newbies can easily navigate and trade cryptocurrencies instantly on the platform.

ProsCons
160+ crypto pairs available for tradingNot regulated
Excellent customer supportChangelly Pro is not suitable for beginners
Suitable for Beginners
Relatively low fees
Standard security

Overview

Changelly is a non-custodial and custodial crypto trading platform. Konstantin Gladych founded the company in 2015 in Prague, Czech Republic.

Changelly offers instant crypto buying and selling services using credit/debit cards. Users can also swap their cryptocurrencies using network or locked-in rates. On Changelly Pro, users can create and fulfill order books.

Changelly is easy to use and access and has a mobile app that allows users to perform similar transactions as the web application. Fees are quite low compared to most exchanges and begin from 0%-0.15%, depending on the transaction volume involved.

Customer support is not quite what you may expect. However, there are systems to help you resolve your technical and random problems on the platform.

Security-wise, Changelly adopts viable measures to secure investors’ funds on its network. Changelly is not regulated, and US traders may have to trade with caution to avoid encountering problems. However, the exchange is a great fit for most traders worldwide.

Binance.US

Image Source: Binance.US
Pug Score4.3/5
Fees (Maker/Taker)0.5%/0.5%
Cryptocurrencies Traded50+
Wallet IncludedYes

Why We Chose it

Binance.US—a subsidiary of Binance Global—maintains its reputation as a top exchange, offering high competition to other American crypto exchanges.

ProsCons
50+ tradable options availableCustomer support lags
Secure and reliable exchangeHigh fees
Supports stakingStrict KYC compliance 
Spot and margin trading available
Excellent user interface

Overview

Binance.US is a crypto trading platform launched in 2019. It is a subsidiary of the global Binance platform, adopting nearly similar offerings, features, and technologies as its parent company.

Following the regulatory problems Binance faced in the US over taxes and money laundering, the exchange, in a bid to expand its reach and compete in the country’s crypto exchange market, launched Binance.US.

BAM Trading Services manages the platform in San Francisco, California. Binance.US has limited offerings compared to the global brand. However, users can trade over 50 crypto assets and buy and sell them instantly.

Other trading services include OTC, advanced and basic trading, etc. There are incentives as well, which traders may earn through staking – click here to learn how to use Binance. Binance.US trading fees spread across the Instant Buy/Sell and Spot Trading where the former is 0.5% and the latter, 0.1%.

Security-wise, Binance.US, since its launch in 2019, has never experienced a hack. Also, the exchange is unregulated but operates in compliance with the AML and KYC policies of the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Kraken

Image Source: Kraken
Pug Score4.25/5
Fees (Maker/Taker)0.25%/0.25%
Cryptocurrencies Traded50+
Wallet IncludedYes

Why We Chose Kraken

Kraken is among the most trustworthy exchanges with many years of experience in the industry.

ProsCons
Offers high securityHigh fees
Suitable for beginnersBad customer support
Multi-coin wallet available
Regulated exchange

Overview

Kraken is a US-based cryptocurrency exchange. It is a fiat-to-crypto exchange offering trading pairs of cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, ADA) and fiat currencies like USD, EUR, JPY, GBP, etc.

Jesse Powell, alongside others, founded the company in 2011, and after its seed funding of $118M, the exchange has grown to become one of the best crypto exchanges in the USA.

Advanced traders can use the platform to trade derivatives and margins. The exchange offers four types of accounts—Starter, Express, Intermediate, and Pro—suited for beginner and advanced traders.

Trading experience on Kraken is great. Users can access trading charts, create and fulfill order books. For high-volume traders, there is a dark pool that allows you to place large orders.

Kraken adopts an industry-standard trading fee structure that ranges from 0.00% to 0.26%, depending on what volume of cryptocurrencies you trade on a 30-day scale.

The exchange is regulated and complies with the US virtual currency trading policies. In terms of security, it offers one of the safest approaches to protecting user information and funds.

Crypto.com

Image Source: Crypto.com
Pug Score4.2/5
Fees (Maker/Taker)0.4%/0.4%
Cryptocurrencies Traded100+
Wallet IncludedYes

Why We Chose Crypto.com

Crypto.com offers crypto wallet and exchange services to American users.

ProsCons
100+ tradable assetsHigh fees
Easy to use and accessPoor customer support
Supports staking
Offers high security
Convincing incentives

Overview

Crypto.com is a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange with offices scattered worldwide in the US, Singapore, China, Japan, Argentina, UK, etc.

Kris Marszalek founded the company in 2017 and grew it to become a global brand. Crypto.com offers instant buying and selling of cryptocurrencies using credit and debit cards and wire transfers.

Other offerings by the exchange include Crypto.com Pay which allows users to spend their crypto assets online or purchase NFTs. The Metal Visa Card allows for fiat deposits and crypto purchases.

Crypto.com extends to a decentralized exchange that allows for DeFi swapping and staking and an ecosystem that supports decentralized applications and developers.

Trading experience on Crypto.com is great. The platform is easy to join, navigate, and use. There is a mobile and web application for users to trade crypto pairs easily.

One downside of the exchange is its poor customer support. Generally, it has a live chat service, a help center, and supports tickets. However, direct contact with Crypto.com’s agent may not be feasible considering its large customer base.

High-volume US traders may use the support ticket option in their help center to resolve complaints and technical issues.

Trading fees on Crypto.com are quite high. However, bonuses of up to 40% apply to loyal traders who may leverage it to earn more on the exchange.

Crypto.com adopts industry-standard security measures in protecting users’ funds and information. However, the exchange is not regulated but follows strict KYC/AML policies.

KuCoin

Image Source: KuCoin
Pug Score4.2/5
Fees (Maker/Taker)0.1%/0.1%
Cryptocurrencies Traded100+
Wallet IncludedYes

Why We Chose KuCoin

KuCoin offers many crypto trading options which advanced traders would find interesting.

ProsCons
100x leverageUI is not excellent
100+ trading optionStrict KYC compliance
Low trading fees
Advanced charts
Educational resources available

Overview

KuCoin is a cryptocurrency exchange based in Singapore and launched in 2017 by Michael Gan and Top Lan. The exchange is a global brand available in over 100 countries, boasting a daily trading volume of about 2 Billion USDT.

KuCoin offers spot, margin, and derivatives trading to its users. KuCoin Finance includes interesting options and incentives for users to leverage and earn more on the platform.

Some of the Finance features include liquidity pools, staking/mining protocols, etc. You can also buy and sell cryptocurrencies using credit/debit cards. The exchange has a multi-coin wallet for holding earnings/funds.

Trading experience on KuCoin is fair. There is a mobile application available to users to enter trading positions on the go. The exchange is also open to all crypto enthusiasts and has easy signup and access procedure.

KuCoin lacks a good customer support system. However, users can use the help center to find answers to common questions. The live chat may also be helpful too.

The exchange is not regulated but adopts strict KYC and AML compliant policies. KuCoin also maintains a secure approach to safeguarding user-funds and information internally and externally through applied measures like anti-phishing, IP restriction, and 2FA.

bitFlyer

Image Source: bitFlyer
Pug Score4.2/5
Fees (Maker/Taker)0.2%/0.2%
Cryptocurrencies Traded30+
Wallet IncludedYes

Why We Chose bitFlyer

bitFlyer is one the largest cryptocurrency trading platform from Japan, exchanging over half of the countries’ Bitcoin. It also offers one of the best services worldwide.

ProsCons
Margin trading availableComplex fee structure
Suitable for beginnersUnconvincing royalty programs
Regulated exchange
High security
Excellent customer support

Overview

bitFlyer is a cryptocurrency exchange based in Japan. The company began operations in 2014 with over 2 million users worldwide and operating different blockchain services.

bitFlyer entered the crypto trading industry shortly after Mt. Gox stopped operations. The company processes over $1B worth of assets daily, exchanging most of Japan’s Bitcoin market.

bitFlyer offers spot and derivatives trading majorly in assets like BTC, ETH, BCH, ETC, LTC, etc. Users can buy/sell cryptocurrencies using credit/debit cards and wire transfers.

bitFlyer’s trading experience is excellent, and users can access advanced charts spiced with technical tools to enable them to fulfill orders on the trading platform. Users can also leverage Bittrex’s mobile app to take positions from any location.

bitFlyer is easy to use and access. However, it complies with strict KYC policies, which require users to complete KYC to enjoy better benefits. Fees are quite okay and range from 0.1% to 0.2%, depending on the users’ trade volume.

bitFlyer has a responsive customer support system. The exchange is licensed in the US by Virginia State Corporation Commission.

Since expanding its operation in the US in 2017, the exchange took up strict KYC/AML policies. bitFlyer performs well in terms of security, adopting quality security services to maintain its platform.

Bitstamp

Image Source: BitStamp
Pug Score3.9/5
Fees (Maker/Taker)0.5%/0.5%
Cryptocurrencies Traded20+
Wallet IncludedYes

Why We Chose Bitstamp

Bitstamp offers an excellent crypto trading service, and most beginners will receive its UI with high praise.

ProsCons
Suitable for beginnersHigh fees
Bitstamp is regulatedFewer trading options
Easy to use and access
Mobile app available
High security

Overview

Bitstamp is a cryptocurrency exchange from Slovenia. It has offices scattered across different cities like London, Luxembourg, and New York. 

Launched in 2011 by Nejc Kodrič and Damijan Merlak, the exchange competed with the defunct bitcoin exchange, Mt. Gox, serving only Europe until its expansion to include other regions, including the US.

Bitstamp supports only a few cryptocurrencies. However, it offers primary features like buying and selling cryptocurrencies using credit and debit cards on third-party money services like Simplex and Banxa.

Traders will have to upgrade to the Pro Traders’ service to trade crypto options. There are also special services offered to Institutional or high-volume traders. Incentives apply through staking and 30-day trading volume discounts.

Trading experience on Bitstamp is great. However, not as great as other exchanges like Binance or Kraken. Users can hold positions and access charts in real-time.

Bitstamp has a good customer support system, especially for institutional or high-volume traders. For normal traders, there are alternatives like the help center or live support to help resolve complaints.

Bitstamp is a regulated exchange and adopts strict KYC policies like verification and 2FA. The exchange also appears to offer advanced security measures to its users.

Bittrex

Pug Score3.8/5
Fees (Maker/Taker)0.75%/0.75%
Cryptocurrencies Traded100+
Wallet IncludedYes

Why We Chose Bittrex

Bittrex is a global brand available in over 50 countries. It offers excellent support and educational materials for its users, enabling newbies to get acquainted with trading crypto assets easily.

ProsCons
Suitable for beginnersHigh fees
Excellent customer supportNot regulated
Supports fiat depositsLimited trading incentives
Educational tools available
High security

Overview

Bittrex is a US-based cryptocurrency exchange with offices in Lichtenstein and Bermuda. Three IT engineers—Bill Shihara, Richie Lai, and Rami Kawach—founded the company in 2014.

Bittrex offers spot, margin, and derivatives trading with over 500 trading options, including BTC, ETH, and USDT. Users can also trade leveraged tokens at margins up to 3x and buy cryptocurrencies using credit/debit cards or wire transfers.

Bittrex’s trading experience is excellent, and there are incentives offered through staking the ADA token. The exchange is easy to use and access. However, it complies with strict KYC policies, which require users to complete KYC to enjoy better benefits.

Advanced charts allow users to take and fulfill orders and apply indicators like standard crypto trading platforms. Users can also leverage Bittrex’s mobile app to take positions from any location.

Bittrex has excellent customer support for beginner and pro traders. You can use the help center, social media handles, or FAQ to resolve complaints.

Bittrex is a regulated exchange in Bermuda and adopts strict AML policies to trade in the US. The exchange also appears to offer industry-standard security measures to its users.

Gate.io

Image Source: Gate.io
Pug Score3.7/5
Fees (Maker/Taker)0.2%/0.2%
Cryptocurrencies Traded100+
Wallet IncludedYes

Why We Chose Gate.io

Gate.io is a great exchange and houses tons of resources and features well-suited for advanced traders.

ProsCons
Many trading options are availableNot suitable for beginners
Advanced chartsNo mobile app
100+ crypto assets listed
Educational resources available
Industry-standard security protocols

Overview

Gate.io is an all-in-one cryptocurrency exchange that offers both centralized crypto trading and decentralized exchange. The exchange started operations in 2013 in China, expanding to Singapore after the Chinese government ban on Cryptocurrencies.

Gate.io offers spot, margin, and futures trading and accepts fiat-to-crypto deposits using credit or debit cards through partnerships with money services like Banxa and Mecuryo.

Other services include the NFT marketplace, staking, and Gate.io Wallet. Users can also access the Gatechain, which is a decentralized offering.

Gate.io is easy to join, navigate, and use. Users can access advanced charts and take positions from the exchange’s web application. Unfortunately, the exchange does not have a mobile app.

Gate.io adopts an industry-standard fee structure starting from 0.02% to 0.2% for makers and takers. When it comes to regulatory compliance, users must complete KYC to enable them to withdraw earnings.

However, the exchange is not regulated and performs poorly security-wise due to its history of hacks. However, since its last hack in 2019, Gate.io has adopted strict security checks and protocols to keep user-funds and information safe.

Coinbase

Image Source: Coinbase
Pug Score3.3/5
Fees (Maker/Taker)0.5%/0.5%
Cryptocurrencies Traded50+
Wallet IncludedYes

Why We Chose Coinbase

Coinbase offers excellent trading services and is unarguably one of the best crypto exchanges in the US.

ProsCons
Suitable for beginnersHigh fees
Accepts fiat depositsCustomer support is not great
Regulated Exchange
Excellent user interface
50+ tradable assets

Overview

Coinbase is a US-based cryptocurrency exchange launched in 2013. The exchange is also a global brand, serving American crypto traders and enthusiasts and many other regions worldwide.

The company has its headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, US. Founded in 2012 by Brian Tracy and Fred Ehrsam, the company has grown to become a big name in the industry, listing in the American stock exchange, NASDAQ, as COIN.

Coinbase offers crypto trading through Coinbase Pro and instant crypto buying and selling using credit cards or wire transfers. There are over 30 crypto options available to trade, plus additional incentives for beginners who use its educational tool.

Trading experience on the platform is great, and beginners can easily learn to use Coinbase. Advanced users may also like Coinbase, especially because of its reputation, but they may have to look elsewhere in terms of wide trading options.

As such, it’s fair to say that Coinbase is best for starters without prior knowledge of cryptocurrencies. However, fees are one area it lags. Coinbase’s fee structure is complex and high—from credit and debit card fees for deposits and withdrawals to trading fees.

Coinbase is a regulated exchange and complies with the US securities trading policies. In terms of security, Coinbase has a fairly secure platform. Users may need to store their cryptocurrencies in external wallets, preferably hard wallets.

Comparing Best Exchanges in the USA

Crypto ExchangeSupported CryptocurrenciesFeesBest For (Traders)Available Transactions
Gemini50+0.25%Beginners, AdvancedSpots, Margin
CEX.io50+0.1%Beginner, AdvancedSpot, Margin
Changelly100+0.1%Beginner, AdvancedSpot, Margin, Instant Swap
Binance.US50+0.5%Advanced, BeginnersSpot, Margin, Futures
Kraken50+0.26%Beginners, AdvancedSpot, Futures
Crypto.com100+0.4%Beginners, AdvancedSpot, Futures
KuCoin100+0.1%Beginners, AdvancedSpot, Margin, Futures
bitFlyer30+0.2%Beginners, AdvancedSpot, Instant Buy/Sell
Gate.io100+0.2%AdvancedSpot, Margin, Futures
Bitstamp20+0.5%BeginnersSpot
Bittrex100+0.75%AdvancedSpot, Margin
Coinbase50+0.75%BeginnersSpot, OTC

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Crypto Exchange for US Traders

Security

While no user wants to lose their funds to hacking incidents, it’s advisable to study the security policies of your preferred exchanges.

Doing so should help you decide and if an exchange meets your security demands. Besides, it is important to know if exchanges offer insurance policies to high-volume traders should they lose their funds.

The List of Currencies Available

Brands like Binance and eToro that allow users to trade against currencies like EUR, GBP, or USD are generally more preferable than those in the crypto trading sphere that offer only cryptocurrencies

Ease of Use

Both advanced and beginner traders prefer and use exchanges that are easy to use and access.

Some of the widely used exchanges in the world are beginner-friendly. More so, they offer users a range of educational tools or demo accounts to get them up to speed with trading cryptocurrencies and better understand their offerings.

Type of Trading

While advanced traders have a basic understanding of the types of tradings exchanges offer, regular traders might be unfamiliar with them. 

However, it is important to know the type of trading exchanges offer so you can leverage their unique services and know what to expect when you get on board. Some exchanges offer services as varied as OTC, spot, futures, inverse futures, margin, etc. 

Payment Methods

From credit or debit cards to fiat deposits to crypto-to-crypto, payments methods differ with exchanges. It’s important to choose methods that are not only available but also convenient to pull off. 

Besides, understanding specific payment methods that an exchange offers will make trading faster and error-free. 

Liquidity

Liquidity is simply an exchange’s trading volume, and it can also help users judge the exchange’s reputation and how much users trust it.

Meanwhile, if you know the minimum amount required to start trading on an exchange, it could help you decide on platforms that cater to your financial capabilities and discover fees to pay. 

Fees

Crypto platforms offer different commission or fee structures. Knowing this information beforehand can help you save money and avoid exchanges that pose as low-fee exchanges but add hidden fees.

Regulation

Regulatory issues are one of the cryptocurrency space’s biggest problems in some areas. So it is important to know if you can use and access an exchange in your region to avoid potentially losing funds. 

Reputation

A platform’s reputation could go a long way in helping you decide which to go with. Platforms with big reputations such as Coinbase or Binance have the advantage of lasting longer in the crypto space. They boast of years of experience and plenty of satisfied customers. 

Customer Support

Exchanges can’t do without customer service or help centers as it helps them connect with their users. Despite its importance, most high-volume exchanges offer slightly unimpressive customer support services due to their large user-base.

In the end, some of these exchanges only rely on their reputation to pull in and keep customers, so you need to consider customer support before choosing an exchange.

Account Verification Process

An exchange with an easy verification process might be a better choice for traders than those with strict processes. So always check out an exchange’s account verification process to decide if it’s simple enough to complete in minutes. 

Loyalty Programs and Discounts

Not a lot of exchanges reward traders for their loyalty, but exchanges with loyalty programs and discounts are a great choice. Some exchanges even offer regular or active traders discounts as they increase their trade volume.

FAQs

What Licenses Do Crypto Exchanges Need to be Regulated in the US?

The US regulatory structure is rather complicated one. This reason has brought an abrupt end to many crypto exchanges that once operated in the region. 
The US federal level oversees the administrative operations of virtual assets and securities through agencies such as the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and so on.
But the problem of regulation has faced obstruction at the state level, where different states are reluctant to approve the use and adoption of digital currencies. Implementing strict AML/CFT policies that may differ from state to state makes regulation and licensing difficult for prevalent crypto exchanges.
However, every exchange states in their policies if they accept US traders. Ensure to do due diligence to avoid complications during signing up to a crypto exchange.

Do All Crypto Exchanges Accept US Traders?

No. Not all crypto exchanges accept US traders because of the regulatory structure of the country. However, some exchanges operate fully with either licenses or immunity. They include Binance.US, Coinbase, Gemini, and CEX.io.

What Crypto Wallet is Best for US Traders?

Security has been a general issue for crypto traders over the year. For this reason, financial advisors enjoin crypto holders or investors to keep cryptocurrencies in cold “offline storage” wallets.
Some popular cold wallets include Ledger Nano, Trezor, etc. You can buy them from online stores such as Easy Crypto or directly from the brand’s site.

Is Binance Available to US Crypto Traders?

Yes. Binance is available to crypto traders through the Binance.US division. However, bear in mind that Binance.US does not offer exactly what its global brand offers but has a good list of over 50 altcoins on its exchange.

What is a Crypto Exchange?

A crypto exchange is a platform that curates cryptocurrencies, paring them for easy transactions. You may swap one crypto for another, withdraw or deposit fiat, etc.

Where Can You Buy Cryptocurrencies in the US?

You can purchase cryptocurrencies in crypto exchanges or through P2P networks like LocalBitcoin or Binance or from exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken.

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