9 Best Crypto Exchanges, Apps & Platforms of May 2024
Looking to buy and sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin? You likely want a crypto exchange. The list below includes our picks for the best crypto exchanges, online brokers and platforms to trade crypto.
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Choosing a cryptocurrency exchange is often the first step investors take when exploring the word of digital assets. While there are many ways to exchange cryptocurrencies for one another, centralized crypto exchanges provide a relatively easy way to convert cash into coins and tokens.
There are many exchanges to choose from — some with a longer track record than others. When comparing exchanges, investors can look at fees, cryptocurrency selection, advanced trading options and customer service offerings. But it's also important to keep in mind some caveats.
Though some stock brokers also offer crypto exchanges, crypto trading is not subject to the same investor protections you get when working with traditional investments. U.S. Securities Investor Protection Corp. insurance doesn't apply to cryptocurrency, so if your exchange fails (as FTX did in the fall of 2022), you could lose your investment. For this reason, some users prefer not to store assets on exchanges unless they're actively trading. You can use your own crypto wallet in many cases to store, trade and carry out transactions using cryptocurrency.
Which cryptocurrencies are available at which brokers?
If you're looking to trade a specific cryptocurrency, you'll want to confirm it's available through the platform you're interested in. And, the number of coins on offer can vary widely, from just two (in the case of Fidelity Crypto) to more than 250 (in the case of Crypto.com). Generally speaking, if you're looking for anything more than Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum, you should probably consider a pure-play crypto exchange rather than a traditional broker with a crypto offering. This becomes clear when comparing the number of cryptocurrencies available at pure-play crypto platforms and traditional brokers below.
Crypto platform and number of cryptocurrencies available
Crypto.com: 250+
Coinbase: 245
Kraken: 230+
Binance.US: 150+
Gemini: 80+
eToro: 25
Robinhood Crypto: 15
Webull Pay: 8
Interactive Brokers: 4
Fidelity Crypto: 2
Choosing a cryptocurrency exchange is often the first step investors take when exploring the word of digital assets. While there are many ways to exchange cryptocurrencies for one another, centralized crypto exchanges provide a relatively easy way to convert cash into coins and tokens.
There are many exchanges to choose from — some with a longer track record than others. When comparing exchanges, investors can look at fees, cryptocurrency selection, advanced trading options and customer service offerings. But it's also important to keep in mind some caveats.
Though some stock brokers also offer crypto exchanges, crypto trading is not subject to the same investor protections you get when working with traditional investments. U.S. Securities Investor Protection Corp. insurance doesn't apply to cryptocurrency, so if your exchange fails (as FTX did in the fall of 2022), you could lose your investment. For this reason, some users prefer not to store assets on exchanges unless they're actively trading. You can use your own crypto wallet in many cases to store, trade and carry out transactions using cryptocurrency.
Which cryptocurrencies are available at which brokers?
If you're looking to trade a specific cryptocurrency, you'll want to confirm it's available through the platform you're interested in. And, the number of coins on offer can vary widely, from just two (in the case of Fidelity Crypto) to more than 250 (in the case of Crypto.com). Generally speaking, if you're looking for anything more than Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum, you should probably consider a pure-play crypto exchange rather than a traditional broker with a crypto offering. This becomes clear when comparing the number of cryptocurrencies available at pure-play crypto platforms and traditional brokers below.
Crypto platform and number of cryptocurrencies available
Crypto.com: 250+
Coinbase: 245
Kraken: 230+
Binance.US: 150+
Gemini: 80+
eToro: 25
Robinhood Crypto: 15
Webull Pay: 8
Interactive Brokers: 4
Fidelity Crypto: 2
Best Crypto Exchanges, Apps & Platforms
Broker | NerdWallet rating | Fees | Account minimum | Promotion | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Coinbase Learn more on Coinbase's website | Best for beginner crypto trading | 0% - varies by type of transaction; other fees may apply | $0 | Get $200 in crypto when you sign up. Terms Apply. | Learn more on Coinbase's website |
Robinhood Crypto Learn more on Robinhood's website | Best for traditional brokers | $0 per trade | $0 | None no promotion available at this time | Learn more on Robinhood's website |
Gemini | 0.5% - depending on payment method and platform | $0 | $20 of BTC for new users after trading $100 or more within 30 days | Read review | |
Binance.US | 0%- depending on payment method | $0 | None no promotion available at this time | Read review | |
Webull Pay | 1% spread | $0 | None no promotion available at this time | Read review |
Our pick for
beginner crypto trading
Coinbase has been at the forefront of cryptocurrency trading since it was founded in 2012, paving the way for beginners who had previously been skeptical of decentralized wallets and how to use them. And that ethos continues to this day — Coinbase is consistently one of the most user-friendly crypto apps we review, even when using its more advanced trading features. This makes it a strong choice for beginners looking for an onramp into the world of crypto.
0% - 3.99%
varies by type of transaction; other fees may apply
$0
Get $200 in crypto
when you sign up. Terms Apply.
Pros
Offers access to more than 200 cryptocurrencies.
Low minimum to fund account.
Quick crypto withdrawals.
Cons
Higher fees than other cryptocurrency exchanges.
Why We Like It
Coinbase is the largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, trading more than 200 cryptocurrencies. Its fees, however, can be confusing and higher than some competitors.
Our pick for
traditional brokers
When Robinhood initially launched its crypto trading product, it was barebones and lacked many features central to crypto trading, such as the ability to send and receive coins. But over time, Robinhood has improved the offering, bringing its incredibly easy stock user interface to crypto markets. While it still can't compete with the pure-play crypto platforms on this list, Robinhood Crypto is a solid choice for those looking for an app that features crypto and stocks all in one.
$0
per trade
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
No fees for crypto trades.
Convenient if you already have a Robinhood brokerage account.
Cons
Comparatively fewer cryptocurrencies offered.
No crypto-to-crypto trading.
Why We Like It
Robinhood brings its no-fee ethos to cryptocurrency trading, but currently offers fewer cryptocurrencies compared to pure-play crypto platforms.
Our pick for
overall experience
Crypto.com rose to the top of the ranks thanks to its huge selection of digital assets, low fees, DeFi companion app, earnings and rewards program and slick user experience. For more advanced traders, the platform offers trading in crypto derivatives, as well as customizable alerts and watchlists. Beginners will find plenty of explanations and tool tips along the way.
0%-2.99%
Varies by type of transaction; other fees may apply
$0
None
no promotion available at this time
Pros
Large selection of crypto assets and trading pairs.
Fees are low if you fund your account with cash transfers.
Straightforward staking program.
Cons
Some services not offered in the U.S.
High fees to withdrawal cryptocurrency.
Why We Like It
Crypto.com offers a massive selection of digital assets, low or no fees, and additional perks for holders of its CRO cryptocurrency.
Want to compare more options? Here are our other top picks:
Common questions about cryptocurrency exchanges
What is a crypto exchange?
A crypto exchange is, very basically, a place where you can purchase a cryptocurrency using either cash or another kind of digital asset.
This roundup primarily discusses a type of crypto exchange known as a centralized exchange. A centralized exchange is a marketplace operated by a business entity that buys, sells and facilitates transactions in cryptocurrency.
If you're new to cryptocurrency, or if you just need to convert fiat currency into crypto, you'll likely be using a centralized exchange.
Another way to get crypto is through what is known as a decentralized exchange. These are largely automated, blockchain-based programs that allow users to swap certain kinds of cryptocurrency for one another. While these can have lower transaction costs, they also require more technical expertise. And if you don't already have cryptocurrency, your options are limited.
What services do crypto exchanges offer?
Aside from their primary role at the center of crypto sales and purchases, exchanges have added a handful of other offerings. Among those are services that pay rewards to people who lend out their crypto. Many crypto exchanges will hold your crypto for you if you don't want to set up a wallet that you control by yourself.
It's important to note that some crypto exchanges have had issues with these secondary services. For instance, some have had to freeze withdrawals from their rewards programs amid liquidity issues. And storing crypto in an exchange's wallet can leave you vulnerable to losses if an exchange fails or suffers a cyberattack.
How much money do I need to use a crypto exchange?
If you're just thinking about dabbling in crypto, it's good to remember that you don't have to put your life's savings on the line to get a sense of how it works.
Crypto exchanges reviewed by NerdWallet generally have no account minimums, which means you're free to create an account and look around without spending a dime. And if you decide to buy some crypto, you don't have to buy a lot. Many exchanges have a minimum purchase of around a dollar.
How is investing in crypto different from investing in stocks?
Trading cryptocurrencies is different from traditional investing in several ways. A few examples:
Compared to traditional investing, which has seen fees steadily decline in recent years, trading in cryptocurrencies costs much more. For example, depending on the method of payment, you could pay 5% or more in fees when trading Bitcoin. Most online brokers no longer charge a commission to trade stocks.
Crypto is still a relatively new and burgeoning industry, and customer service has lagged behind what's available at traditional brokerages. Want to speak to a person concerning questions or account issues at crypto exchange? Many pure crypto exchanges don't offer that service.
You have more responsibility for protecting your crypto from theft with cryptocurrency exchanges, especially if you use your own digital wallet. While exchanges protect you from losses due to site-wide hacks, you won’t be protected from individual attacks on your account — for example, a phishing email attack in which you unwittingly reveal your passwords to cybercriminals.
Last updated on May 10, 2024
Methodology
How do we review cryptocurrency platforms?
NerdWallet’s comprehensive review process evaluates and ranks platforms and companies that allow U.S. customers to buy and/or sell cryptocurrency. Our aim is to provide an independent assessment of providers to help arm you with information to make sound, informed judgements on which ones will best meet your needs. We adhere to strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
We collect data directly from providers through detailed questionnaires, and conduct first-hand testing and observation through provider demonstrations. The questionnaire answers, combined with demonstrations, interviews of personnel at the providers and our specialists’ hands-on research, fuel our proprietary assessment process that scores each provider’s performance across more than 20 factors. The final output produces star ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).
For more details about the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.
To recap our selections...
NerdWallet's Best Crypto Exchanges, Apps & Platforms of May 2024
- Coinbase: Best for beginner crypto trading
- Robinhood Crypto: Best for traditional brokers
- Gemini
- Binance.US
- Webull Pay
- Kraken
- Crypto.com: Best for overall experience
- Fidelity Crypto
- Interactive Brokers Crypto