The most productive cryptocurrency exchanges are combined with the most productive inventory trading applications, providing competitive rates and resources in virtual markets such as mobile or desktop.
Cryptocurrency enthusiasts can seamlessly buy, sell and acquire virtual currencies such as Bitcoin or altcoins such as Ethereum alongside classic investment securities.
Note that if you don’t want to use your exchange’s built-in wallet (if applicable), you’ll need to set up an external crypto wallet, such as one of the Bitcoin wallets, to store your assets securely.
These are the most productive cryptocurrency exchanges offering low fees and human advisors, selected by Business Insider editors in 2025.
As one of the largest and most globally identified US-based cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase is an easy-to-use virtual marketplace with an intuitive, streamlined interface and content library.
It offers plenty of cryptocurrencies, a standalone NFT trading platform, and personal consumer services. Coinbase offers other investors its Pro, Advanced Trade, and Prime platforms.
A subscription to Coinbase One costs $29. 99 per month and offers low trading fees, tax help, and priority customer support. Creator and creator fees on Coinbase Advanced from 0% to 0. 6%.
Coinbase does allow crypto swapping using DEC through the Coinbase Wallet.
Coinbase has a low minimum account to get started and offers a virtual wallet garage for cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets. Coinbase’s beta NFT trading platform imposes transaction fees for creators and collectors.
Cons: Coinbase is under investigation through the SEC. Additionally, if you use margin accounts for trading, Coinbase is not the most productive option. Charge the highest rates.
Learn more at our Coinbase or Coinbase.
Crypto. com is a global crypto trading platform known for its easy-to-use cellular trading app, DeFi wallet storage, and rewards opportunities.
Although Crypto.com offers a web-based exchange, US investors are limited to its mobile app.
Maker/Taker payouts are calculated based on your 30-day spot trading volume and start at 0. 0750% for balances under $250,000. Some cryptocurrency pairs have a taker payout of 0. 025%.
Crypto.com supports 350+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. The platform accepts 20+ kinds of fiat money. The Crypto.com mobile app provides Visa Card perks, reward-earning opportunities, crypto-tracking features, and price alerts.
In addition, you can make crypto-crypto swaps through Crypto.com’s DeFi wallet.
Cons: US investors may not have access to Crypto. com’s more complex trading features such as margin trading, OTC trading, staking, and trading robots.
Learn more in our Crypto.com review.
Abra is a global cryptocurrency exchange that serves private institutions and clients (including family offices and hedge funds) in more than 150 countries.
Abra personal accounts have no penalties, withdrawals or origination payments and transactions qualify for an open term payment and fee setting model. There is a minimum deposit of $50,000.
It offers comprehensive cryptocurrency investment solutions and wealth management services, such as OTC trading, lending services, and sovereign wealth funds.
Private clients can meet with a committed account manager to get tailored crypto trading solutions, competitive rates, and 24/7 recommendations from a team of professionals.
Institutional clients can use Abra Prime to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies, trading pairs, and create traditional cryptocurrency and virtual asset programs.
Abra’s OTC services give institutional clients access to interest-earning accounts, loans, and one-on-one account support.
Cons: Retail is no longer available in the United States. Therefore, only Abra Prime and Private are available to US-based investors.
Learn in our Abra review.
Ideal for: security
Kraken is one of the oldest and most well-established global crypto exchanges with industry-leading educational resources and security features.
Kraken is one of the safest crypto exchanges for investors looking to trade 200+ cryptocurrencies. It has a comprehensive cybersecurity and security management approach with proof of reserves, legal compliance, cold wallet storage, SSL encryption, and regular security testing.
The exchange gives users priority live chat and 24/7 email support. Karken also offers users a library of additional security resources, such as facts about Kraken’s PGP key and how to set up a master key.
Crypto exchanges are not considered the most secure nor the most transparent platform, which is why industry-leading crypto trading platforms like Kraken stand out significantly.
The platform also offers a handful of fiat currencies with features for retail and institutional investors. Kraken offers investors margin and spot trading. You can borrow up to five times your account with margin for greater liquidity and higher trading volumes. NFTs have no fuel fees.
Cons: Kraken’s futures trading platform isn’t available to US traders. In addition, only institutional and high-net-worth clients can use the exchange’s consultation and account management services.
Learn more in our Kraken review or at Kraken.
Binance. US is another more sensible crypto exchange, compared to Kraken, as one of the safest crypto exchanges for active blockchain traders.
However, this is the time when the exchange has a history of unethical activities (see our review for more information).
Many crypto exchanges have a history of fraudulent and unethical trading practices, so it is not uncommon (even for large and reputable exchanges) to have recent government actions filed against them. Thus, investors should trade cautiously and thoroughly research each platform before joining.
Some security protocols used by Binance.US include data privacy controls, proactive security monitoring, completing its SOC 2 exam, and a self-service account lock feature.
However, Binance. US is one of the lowest paying cryptocurrency exchanges and offers trading and equipment available to retail and institutional investors.
Binance.US also offers perks like cold-wallet storage, staking, and institutional services.
Cons: Binance. US offers crypto futures or margin trading.
Learn in our Binance. US review.
Cash App Investing is one of the crypto exchanges in the United States due to its easy-to-use interface and available for beginners. Plus, it offers commission-free trading on over 1,800 stocks and ETFs.
When you link your Cash App balance to the mobile app, investors can easily buy, sell, send, and receive Bitcoin. You can even designate a specific portion of your paycheck to be converted into bitcoin when you set up direct deposits.
Send Bitcoin to your friends for free with Lightning Network features in Cash App. The Cash app also provides an in-app custodial wallet to purchase your Bitcoin assets. You can start trading with as little as $1.
Cons: Cash App Investing only offers Bitcoin. Consider other top cryptocurrency platforms if you want to invest in other cryptocurrencies, like Ethereum or Dogecoin.
Learn in our Cash App Investing review.
A cryptocurrency exchange is like an online brokerage for cryptocurrencies, tokens, and virtual assets like NFTs. Investors can buy, sell, and exchange cryptocurrencies for cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies (such as USD and EUR).
The best cryptocurrency exchanges offer competitive pricing for cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum and prioritize user experience through an intuitive interface, transparent platform navigation, and a mobile app.
Reliable cryptocurrency trading platforms are licensed and comply with regulations.
When deciding how to decide on a crypto exchange, whether the exchange matches your investment preferences. This includes things like your threat tolerance, time horizon, preferred trading features, and investment objectives.
Additionally, ensure the exchange you pick matches your preferred trading style.
For example, if you are a practical trader, you decide on a platform provided with automated trading features and tools. Most crypto exchanges are designed for active traders. If you’re looking for passive cryptocurrency trading, its features are limited.
We surveyed the following investment experts to see what they had to say about cryptocurrency trading.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of investing through a cryptocurrency exchange?
Sandra Cho:
“The benefits of making an investment through a cryptocurrency exchange are ease of trading and functionality. These exchanges are designed for cryptocurrencies and are designed as such.
“The disadvantages, however, are significant. Recently, several cryptocurrency exchanges have gone bankrupt and investors have lost significant amounts of money. Since this sector and the elegance of the assets are still new, there are unique dangers that are not covered in classic investments like stocks and bonds. Investing through a cryptocurrency leaves you at the discretion of the stock market itself, which has a non-zero chance of disappearing.
Tessa Campbell:
“Investing through a cryptocurrency exchange provides several benefits, adding access to real-time market knowledge and research, trading strategies, and cryptocurrency features for loading into individual brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, etc.
“The disadvantages come with high trading fees, limited resources, and common fraudulent activity. These platforms are criticized for insufficient security measures, dangerous transactions, and poor visitor support.
Who deserves to make an investment through a crypto exchange?
Sandra Cho:
“Investors with an incredibly high threat tolerance and those who perceive the threats inherent in making an investment through cryptocurrency exchanges could use an exchange. However, they deserve to be wary of threats and the obvious lack of oversight in the sector.
Tessa Campbell:
“You may need to make an investment through a crypto exchange if your main focus is trading cryptocurrencies and other decentralized currencies. In addition, it will need to have maximum tolerance for investment threats and a hands-on business approach. “
Are there any recommendations you would give to someone thinking about making a crypto investment through a crypto investment app?
Sandra Cho:
“I would tell them to first potentially reconsider dealing with cryptocurrencies at all. The asset class is extremely volatile and unregulated. If they insisted, I would then tell them to do their research on the relevant exchanges and choose the one that is safest and best backed. As mentioned, many crypto exchanges have gone under recently, which is a huge risk to the investor.”
Tessa Campbell:
“Make sure you understand the dangers of purchasing highly volatile cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, ether or dogecoin. Also make sure that the cryptocurrency exchange you are investing in is free of scams, poor business practices or public scandals to determine this, use the System of Better Business Bureau score.
Business Insider deployed its trading platform scoring method to dozens of cryptocurrency exchanges to locate features for cryptocurrency traders. Criteria for comparing crypto exchanges include platform fees, asset/account security, accessibility score, and visitor support. All investment platforms obtain a score between 1 and 5.
Go to