These are our top pick sites if you are looking for the best places to buy cryptocurrencies.
Have a look at reviews of some of the best places to buy crypto.
Founded in 2014 as Bitreserve and rebranded in 2015, Uphold is a digital money platform that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, metals, and stocks. It is headquartered in New York and operates in 150+ countries with more than 10 million users. The platform supports over 260 cryptocurrencies, 35 fiat currencies, four metals, and various stocks. Users can convert assets directly to minimize fees. Security measures include encryption, a 100% reserve model, and regular audits.
The platform follows FinCEN regulations in the US and holds money transmitter licenses in multiple states. The FCA regulates its UK operations, while FINTRAC oversees Canada and Lithuania’s Financial Crime Investigation Service to ensure European compliance.
The US version of eToro launched in 2018 with a customized platform, designed to meet the US’s stringent regulations, and to reliably serve US traders. At start, the platform only offered crypto trading, but has obtained the necessary regulatory approvals and expanded its offerings.
Despite its regulatory compliance, eToro USA is still considerably more limited than its international counterpart, particularly regarding its crypto exchange offerings. The US version supports considerably fewer cryptocurrencies, and offers fewer trading pairs. Additionally, it doesn’t provide staking services.
However, it is just as fiat-friendly as the international platform, and accepts fiat deposits from several payment methods. Additionally, it also charges the same 1% fee for both buying and selling cryptocurrencies.
Initially established in 2011 and officially launched as a crypto exchange in 2013, Kraken is a crypto trading platform headquartered in San Francisco, California. It is one of the most popular exchanges on the market and consistently generates billions of daily trading volumes.
Kraken offers its services to all but two states in the US and holds the necessary permits to operate globally.
Kraken supports over 300 cryptocurrencies. Its service offerings include spot trading, margin trading with up to x5 leverage, and derivative trading with up to x50 leverage. The platform also offers earning opportunities for a select group of cryptocurrencies.
On Kraken, users can make fiat deposits with six major fiat currencies using several different payment methods. Kraken’s trading fee structure is tiered and offers discounted rates to users who generate large monthly trading volumes.
Founded in 2013, CEX.io is one of the pioneers in the centralized crypto exchange industry. With headquarters in London, and multiple offices around the world, CEX.io is a well-regulated and licensed crypto trading platform, available in hundreds of countries, including the US, with some state-specific exceptions.
On CEX.io, traders can engage in spot trading and margin trading with up to x10 leverage. The exchange supports around 180 cryptocurrencies, and allows users to directly purchase them with three major fiat currencies: USD, EUR, and GBP. In addition, CEX.io also provides earning and staking opportunities.
CEX.io supports a number of payment methods, including bank transfers, cards, PayPal, and Skrill. The exchange has a tiered fee structure and offers discounted maker and taker fees to users who generate large monthly trading volumes.
Gemini is a popular crypto trading platform that was launched in 2015, with headquarters in New York. It is an exchange with a significant global presence, regulated and operating in more than 60 countries worldwide. Gemini also provides its services to US users in all 50 states.
Traders on Gemini can buy, sell, and trade more than 70 cryptocurrencies. The exchange also offers a range of derivative trading options, including perpetual and dated futures with up to x100 leverage, options, and swaps. In addition to crypto trading, Gemini also offers staking services for a select group of coins.
Gemini supports seven major fiat currencies and accepts deposits made using a number of payment methods, including PayPal. Regarding trading fees, Gemini’s fee schedule is complex, and sometimes it charges fixed or tiered fees, depending on the trade.
Coinbase is a US-based crypto platform established in 2012 in San Francisco, California. It is one of the world’s most popular and largest crypto exchanges by trading volume. It operates in more than 100 regions worldwide and has the necessary licenses and approvals to offer its services to US users from all 50 states.
The Coinbase exchange supports over 240 cryptocurrencies and over 300 trading pairs. Its service offerings include spot trading, margin trading, perpetuals and futures trading with up to x20 leverage, and staking coins for interest.
On Coinbase, users can make fiat deposits using a range of payment methods, including popular options like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The exchange supports three fiat currencies: USD, EUR, and GBP.
For trading fees, Coinbase uses a tiered structure and offers discounted rates to active traders who generate large trading volumes.
Launched in 2018, Coinrule is an automated crypto trading platform that simplifies bot trading for all skill levels. Based in London, it supports major exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken, using a no-code, "if-this-then-that" system to automate strategies.
It offers 250+ pre-built templates, custom rule creation, demo trading, and backtesting. Users can test strategies in a risk-free demo exchange and optimize them with historical data. Security is strong, with military-grade encryption and no access to withdrawal rights. Paid users get prompt support, while free users may face delays.
Coinrule is user-friendly but pricey, with plans from $29.99 to $449.99 per month. The free plan is limited, and only select exchanges are supported. Despite this, its powerful automation tools make it a solid choice for serious traders.
Launched in 2007 as a social trading platform, eToro is an Israeli-based online brokerage that has supported crypto trading since 2013. As a licensed and regulated broker, eToro offers its services to over 100 countries worldwide, including most states in the US, through its subsidiary, eToro USA.
Besides traditional investment products, eToro users can also buy and sell over 100 cryptocurrencies, and exchange around 50 trading pairs. The platform also supports staking of four major coins, as well as CFD margin trading of cryptocurrencies with leverage.
Traders can use multiple payment methods, including cards, PayPal, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, to buy cryptocurrencies from eToro with fiat. The broker charges a fixed 1% fee on every crypto purchase or sale.
After facing regulatory challenges, the global Binance platform established Binance.US to comply with US regulations and serve US traders. Binance.US is a fully licensed and regulated crypto exchange, registered as MSB with the FinCEN. It is available across the USA, with the exception of states that have specific regulatory restrictions.
The service offerings of Binance.US are considerably more limited than those of its global counterpart. Binance.US supports just over 120 cryptocurrencies and 60 trading pairs. The exchange provides staking and earning opportunities but no derivative trading options. It also doesn’t accept fiat deposits.
Binance.US also offers fee-free trading of select cryptocurrency pairs, and charges trading fees according to its tiered-fee structure for the remaining pairs. For trading fees paid with its native BNB coin, Binance.US grants a 5% discount on all trading fees.
Launched in 2012, Bitfinex is one of the oldest crypto platforms in the world. Over the years, the exchange has made its name into a reliable trading hub and established a significant user base in the global crypto market. Despite being licensed and regulated almost everywhere in the world, Bitfinex is not available in the US.
On Bitfinex, traders can access over 270 cryptocurrencies and trading pairs, engaging in spot trading, P2P trading, derivative trading, staking, borrowing, and other financial services. The exchange also offers margin trading with up to 10x leverage.
For fiat deposits, Bitfinex supports a long list of payment processors, including a large number of third-party online payment services, but only accepts fiat deposits in USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY. The exchange charges trading fees according to a tiered structure, where the traders who generate large trading volumes pay smaller fees.
Casino | Welcome Bonus | Our Rating |
---|---|---|
Uphold | Trusted, Secure & Crypto Friendly | 4.50 |
eToro US | Get $10 of free Qualified Cryptocurrencies when you register and verify your account. | 4.00 |
Kraken | Get $10 in Bitcoin when you register through a referral link from an existing member. | 4.50 |
CEX.IO | Receive 50 USDT when you register for spot trading. | 4.00 |
Gemini | Get $10 in BTC when you sign up with a referral link and trade $100 in 30 days | 4.50 |
Coinbase | Earn $10 in Ethereum (ETH) when you stake $100 in ETH for the first time, up to $30 in rewards | 4.50 |
Coinrule | Refer a friend and earn up to $200—25% on annual plans, 20% on monthly plans. | 4.30 |
eToro | Trusted, Secure & Crypto Friendly | 4.17 |
Binance US | Get $10 USD when you sign up with a referral link from a friend, and make qualifying trades. | 4.33 |
Bitfinex | Earn a 6% rebate fee when you sign up through an affiliate link from your friend. | 4.17 |
Disclaimer: Investing in cryptocurrencies carries significant risk. Values are highly volatile. Never invest more than you can afford to lose. This site does not provide financial advice. Act based on your own research and consult with a financial professional before making decisions. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.
Choosing where to buy cryptocurrency in 2024 involves considering both the positive aspects and challenges associated with different platforms. Diverse coin options, user-friendly interface, educational resources, and security measures are definite advantages, but users must also navigate market volatility, regulatory uncertainties, technical risks, and ensure they bridge any educational gaps for a well-informed investment journey.
When looking for the best place to buy crypto, there are several key factors you should consider. These include the variety of supported digital coins, banking options, fees, and safety.
Also, check the rating, customer support, and mobile apps. Remember, some of the best exchanges are Coinbase, Robinhood, Bitstamp, Gemini, and Kraken. But, other markets may also work for you.
In this section, we will dive into how these factors affect your crypto-investing experience.
When it comes to buying cryptocurrencies, the first thing to look for is the availability of coins. The best crypto exchange offers a wide selection of trading pairs.
Well, not all exchanges offer every digital asset. Some focus on the big names like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or ADA. Others offer a vast array of altcoins. So, always ensure the exchange you choose has the coins you're interested in.
Now that you know why the variety of coins matters, let's talk about liquidity. This might sound like a complex term, but it does play a crucial role in crypto trading.
Think of liquidity as how you can buy or sell a cryptocurrency without affecting its price. If an exchange has high liquidity, it means there are many buyers and sellers actively trading. This is great for you because it ensures you can make transactions quickly and at a fair market price.
Most exchanges provide data on their trading volume. This is a good indicator of liquidity. You want to look for exchanges with high trading volumes because it means many people are trading there.
Websites like CoinMarketCap can help you find this information. Just search for the cryptocurrency you're interested in. You'll see a list of exchanges where it's traded, along with their trading volumes. Choose exchanges with high trading volumes and great trading tools.
Now, let's explore the fees applied, a concept that can significantly impact your crypto investments. Like any other service, crypto exchanges charge fees for their services. It's essential to understand these fees and how they can affect your overall returns.
Here are some common types of fees you might encounter:
Some crypto exchanges charge you when you deposit funds into your account. These fees can vary between exchanges but will often be a percentage of your deposit amount. In other cases, the deposit fee can be a fixed amount.
With every buy or sell transaction, a crypto exchange will charge you a trading fee. These fees are typically a percentage of the transaction amount. The exact percentage can vary. It's crucial to compare fees between different exchanges.
When you want to move your assets from the exchange and into your wallet, you’ll be charged a withdrawal fee.
If you're planning to invest a significant amount in cryptos, high fees can add up over time and reduce your profits. So, it's essential to compare fees between different exchanges. Choose one that aligns with your investment strategy.
Visit the exchange's website and look for a fee schedule or a page that explains their fee structure. Pay close attention to the deposit, trading, and withdrawal fees. Some exchanges offer fee discounts if you use their native tokens for trading. So that's something to consider as well.
Now, let's talk about security. This should be a top priority when choosing a crypto exchange. Although crypto trading can be a lucrative investment, it is also susceptible to hacks and scams. This is why you should be alert to the safety of your assets.
Before you choose an exchange, check if they offer basic security measures like:
Some exchanges go the extra mile to protect your account through key features like:
In your quest to find the perfect place to buy crypto, you'll want to consider whether the exchange offers educational resources. The world of cryptocurrency can be overwhelming for beginners. Having access to reliable educational materials can make a world of difference.
Venturing into the world of cryptocurrency without understanding its basics can be daunting. This is why educational resources are important.
Educational resources empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. They provide the building blocks for understanding concepts like blockchain technology. With this knowledge, you can make more informed decisions.
The cryptocurrency market is known for its wild fluctuations. Prices can skyrocket one day and plummet the next. Without a solid understanding of market dynamics, you might find yourself making hasty decisions based on emotions rather than facts.
Educational resources offer a lifeline here. They equip you with insights into how the market works. You will learn how to read price charts. You’ll understand the factors that influence cryptocurrency prices. With this information, you can make rational investment choices and avoid falling into common traps.
Lending, DeFi, loan rates, HODL, FOMO, NFTs—the crypto world is packed with terms. The right educational sources will help you understand them all.
Now, let's explore the different types of educational resources you should look for when choosing a crypto exchange.
Start with resources that explain the fundamental concept of blockchain technology. Understanding how blockchains work is crucial. It's the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies.
Find resources that specifically focus on your preferred coin. If you are interested in Ethereum, check the guides on the basics of Ethereum. Learn about its smart contract capabilities, decentralized applications (DApps), and why it's a significant player in the crypto space.
Look for resources that provide trading strategies and tips. These can help you understand when to buy or sell cryptos. Learn how to use certain tools like stop-loss orders and other tactics to minimize your risks.
Seek out resources that offer market analysis and insights. These can keep you updated on the latest trends, news, and developments in the cryptocurrency world. Such information comes in handy when making key trading decisions.
When you're considering the best place to buy crypto, one of the first things to check is the range of products and features. Each exchange can be unique in its offerings, catering to different types of traders and investors.
Trading platforms are the heart and soul of any crypto exchange. These platforms can vary widely in terms of complexity and functionality. Some exchanges have platforms designed for professional traders. As such, you are likely to find advanced order types, customizable chart analysis tools, and detailed order books.
Why does this matter? Well, if you're starting, you might prefer a user-friendly platform with basic trading features. Experienced traders might seek advanced tools for technical analysis and complex trading strategies. So, think about your trading goals and expertise level.
Not all exchanges offer the same types of trading. You'll come across spot trading, margin trading, and futures trading on various platforms. These types of trading are catered to different trading experts.
Spot trading involves buying or selling crypto at the current market price. It's straightforward and suitable for beginners.
Margin trading, on the other hand, allows you to borrow funds to trade large positions. This can appeal to experienced traders who want to leverage their trades or hedge against potential losses.
Futures trading involves contracts that obligate you to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price in the future. It's a more advanced form of trading and can be riskier.
Security is paramount when dealing with cryptocurrencies. Exchanges offer various options for storing your digital assets. Some exchanges provide built-in wallets. Others allow you to use external wallets.
If you're planning to hold a significant amount of crypto for the long term, consider using a self-hosted crypto wallet. This is key in boosting security. However, for everyday trading, exchange wallets are convenient.
Crypto exchanges offer a wide range of services to cater to both individuals and businesses.
For individuals, services may include buying and selling crypto and earning crypto rewards through staking or yield farming. You can also borrow cash using your crypto as collateral and create or collect Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
For businesses, exchanges may offer institutional solutions. For example, they can use cryptos for payments, list assets on the exchange for trading, and access the futures market.
When evaluating exchanges, keep an eye out for these additional features:
When it comes to trading cryptocurrencies, one of the first practical questions that comes to mind is, "How do I fund my account?" Well, crypto exchanges offer a variety of payment methods to make your life easier. Let's explore some of the most common options.
PayPal, the well-known online wallet, has made its way into the world of crypto. Many fiat-to-crypto exchanges and online brokers now accept PayPal payments. But how does it work?
PayPal allows you to deposit funds into your exchange account quickly. This means you can seize trading opportunities without delay.
One of the highlights of using PayPal is its robust security measures. You get the benefit of two-factor authentication (2FA) to add extra protection to your account. This is crucial in the crypto world, where security is paramount.
Visa, MasterCard, and other credit cards or debit cards are widely accepted on crypto exchanges. This payment method allows you to send money directly from your bank account or wire transfer to your exchange wallet. It's convenient and widely used.
Regulatory oversight ensures that credit/debit card transactions are subject to strict security protocols. Plus, many card providers offer additional security through features like "Verified by Visa." This extra step prevents unauthorized use of your card online.
For those in countries where using credit cards might be challenging or expensive, bank transfer is an excellent alternative. Some exchanges even process these transfers instantly.
While bank transfer can be slower than other methods, it can be a reliable option, especially for larger transactions.
You often have the option to use digital tokens as payment methods. This means you can fund your account with crypto transactions with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other altcoins.
Using digital tokens offers a unique set of security features. These transactions are decentralized, meaning they don't rely on a central authority. Instead, they rely on cryptography and blockchain technology for secure and anonymous transactions.
There are three main types of places where you can buy, sell, or trade crypto. They include centralized exchanges (CEX), decentralized exchanges (DEX), and hybrid exchanges. Each type of exchange has its own set of pros and cons.
Centralized exchanges are the most common type of exchange. They are run by a central authority, which holds users' funds and acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers. Some of the pros and cons of centralized exchanges are:
Decentralized exchanges are run on a blockchain network and do not have a central authority. Instead, users hold their own assets and trade directly with each other. Some of the pros and cons of decentralized exchanges are:
Hybrid exchanges combine the features of centralized and decentralized exchanges. They offer the user-friendliness of centralized exchanges and the security and control of decentralized exchanges. However, they also have some of the drawbacks of both types of exchanges.
Using multiple cryptocurrency exchanges can offer several benefits to you as an investor. Below are some benefits of trying multiple exchanges:
Each exchange has its unique interface, which can be overwhelming for beginners. By trying multiple platforms, you’ll get the experience to operate different interfaces. In the end, you’ll find the one that suits your preferences.
Different exchanges offer varying trading pairs. This helps you diversify your investment portfolio. By using multiple exchanges, you can access a broader range of trading pairs and potentially increase your profits.
If an exchange is compromised, investors can lose all their funds. This is why it’s risky to have all your assets in one place. When you use multiple exchanges, you get to spread your risk. Therefore, you minimize the likelihood of total loss if one exchange is compromised.
Some altcoins are only available on certain exchanges. When you use multiple exchanges, you can access specific altcoins that may not be available on other exchanges.
Some exchanges offer fiat integration. This allows you to cash out your cryptocurrencies for fiat currencies. Before you settle on a specific trading site, test multiple exchanges to choose the place with the best fiat integration. This will allow you to get the best value for your assets.
In addition, understanding crypto pairs and base currencies can help you take full advantage of crypto trading pairs.
An exchange is a place where crypto traders come together to buy and sell digital coins. Here's how a crypto marketplace functions and how you can get started.
To start trading cryptos, you need to sign up at a cryptocurrency exchange. If you are looking for recommendations, you can choose from our list of the best places to buy crypto.
Once signed up, choose which cryptocurrency you want to trade. Many exchanges support trading pairs, which indicate which currencies can be traded against each other.
The next step is to place an order to buy or sell a specific amount of crypto at a certain price. There are different types of orders that you can opt for. These include market orders, limit orders, and stop-loss orders.
Once an order is placed, you need to wait for the order to be filled. This can happen instantly, but sometimes it takes a few minutes. It depends on the liquidity of the exchange and the specific trading pair.
Once the order is filled, you can transfer the purchased cryptocurrency to your digital wallet. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are some general fees associated with cryptocurrency exchanges. These include:
Cryptocurrency trading can be a lucrative investment opportunity. But it also comes with risks. Below are some tips for safe and efficient crypto buying:
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. Usually, you’ll be required to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or email.
Hardware wallets are physical devices that store your cryptocurrencies offline. As such, your assets are less vulnerable to hacking or cyber-attacks.
Stay up-to-date with market news and platform updates. This will help you make informed investment decisions and avoid the latest scams.
It's important to start small and learn the ropes before investing significant amounts of money. This can help you avoid costly mistakes and reduce your risk of losing money.
In addition, it's important to conduct primary research on the value of the cryptocurrency you want to buy or trade. Also, build a balanced portfolio, manage risk, and avoid overtrading. Cryptocurrency trading is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It is a wealth-building and income-generating method that requires discipline, patience, and skills.
We’ve provided a comprehensive overview of various exchanges, highlighting their features, promotions, security measures, supported cryptocurrencies, and more. Binance emerges as a prominent choice due to its high ratings, diverse coin offerings, user-friendly interface, and robust security features.
It also offers a wide range of supported languages and payment methods. Blockchain.com, LBank, Binance TR, BitMEX, MEXC, Okcoin, OKX, Phemex, and Poloniex also stand out for their unique offerings, promotions, and security measures, catering to different trader preferences and needs.
There are three types of exchanges that you can choose from. These include centralized, decentralized, and hybrid exchanges. As a beginner, CEXs are a top recommendation mainly because these sites have user-friendly websites. These types of exchanges also tend to have high trading volumes. However, if you would like to have control over your funds, you can opt for a DEX exchange. Hybrid crypto trading sites are excellent for both beginners and advanced crypto investors. These combine the best features of both CEXs and DEXs.
The benefits of buying crypto are numerous. Crypto is a digital asset that is not tied to any government or central bank, meaning it is not subject to inflation or other economic forces. Crypto is also decentralized, meaning it is not controlled by any single entity and is instead managed by a network of computers. This makes it much more secure than traditional currencies, as it is much harder for hackers to gain access to the network.
The risks of buying crypto can be divided into two main categories: financial risks and security risks. Financial risks include the potential for significant losses due to price volatility, the lack of liquidity, and the lack of regulation. Security risks involve theft, hacks, and fraud. Crypto prices can be highly volatile, making it difficult to accurately predict the future value of any given asset.
The best time to buy crypto depends on a variety of factors, including market conditions, personal risk tolerance, and the type of crypto you are looking to purchase. In general, the best time to buy crypto is when the market is in a period of stability, and the asset is trading at a low price. This moment allows you to buy crypto at a lower price and potentially benefit from any future appreciation in value.
When it comes to investing in coins, it is important to do your research and understand the market before making any decisions. There are a few key factors to consider when deciding which coins are worth investing in. The main aspect is the coin’s market capitalization. Market capitalization is the total value of all the coins in circulation. Coins with higher market capitalization are generally more established and have more liquidity.