The 5 Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges (December 2024)
Updated August 15, 2024
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Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two mins to learn more.
- A list of the Top Cryptocurrency Exchanges for December 2024:
- Description of the Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges for December 2024
- What Is a Cryptocurrency Exchange?
- Centralized and Decentralized Exchanges
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- Why Should You Use a Cryptocurrency Exchange?
- How to Choose a Good Exchange in 2024
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
A list of the Top Cryptocurrency Exchanges for December 2024:
Description of the Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges for December 2024
1. eToro
Pros
- Wide range of cryptocurrencies
- Social trading
- Regulated platform
- Multiple payment options
Cons
- Higher fees
- Limited wallet control
eToro is widely recognized as a prominent social trading platform and has become particularly noted for its features in cryptocurrency trading. eToro supports an extensive range of financial assets, including over 75 cryptocurrencies, making it a versatile platform for traders interested in diverse markets.
eToro offers two platforms for trading cryptocurrencies. The primary platform facilitates quick spot trading of crypto pairs with spread fees as low as 1%.
The more advanced eToroX exchange supports over 100 crypto pairs and allows crypto-to-crypto trades, along with algorithmic trading via its API. eToro also provides a free crypto wallet for storing and swapping cryptocurrencies.
The CopyTrader system allows users to mimic the trades of top investors on the platform. It offers a range of traders with various strategies and risk profiles to choose from, though a minimum of $200 is required to start copy trading.
Users can create virtual eToro accounts to practice trading with a simulated $100,000 portfolio. This feature is particularly useful for beginners or those looking to test new strategies.
Regarding fees, eToro applies a 1% trading fee on cryptocurrency transactions. However, this fee is integrated into the displayed price rather than shown separately.
For example, if the market price for a cryptocurrency is $2,000, eToro would display it as $2,020, including the 1% fee.
The platform also charges a conversion fee for non-USD transactions and an inactivity fee for accounts inactive for more than a year.
It's important to note that while eToro does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees for US-based clients, other users may encounter such fees.
eToro also provides a range of analysis and research tools for advanced traders, including ProCharts which offers 66 indicators and 13 drawing tools, and is available on both web and mobile platforms.
However, it's essential to be aware of the risks associated with cryptocurrency trading, as these assets can be highly volatile and are not supervised by any EU regulatory framework.
Therefore, while eToro offers a range of services and features that make it appealing, especially for social and copy trading, users should trade with caution and consider their investment goals and risk tolerance.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two mins to learn more.
2. Uphold
Pros
- Easy account setup, ideal for newcomers
- Intuitive user interface and app
- Abundance of advanced trading features
- Ability to trade across various asset categories (cryptocurrency, fiat currencies, metals)
- Regular addition of new, low-liquidity altcoins
- Transparent and secure reserve system
Cons
- Limited charting capabilities
Best for: Diverse asset support
Type: App & web
Uphold stands out as a top choice for purchasing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the UK.
With over 10 million users spanning 150 countries, Uphold makes buying, trading, and storing assets, including Bitcoin and 250+ other cryptocurrencies, simple and secure. Uphold prioritizes safety and transparency, operating on a 100% reserve model to hold user funds securely.
Additionally, the platform regularly updates real-time asset and liability data, accessible to the public every 30 seconds, ensuring transparency.
3. Binance
Pros
- Low trading fees
- Large range of cryptocurrencies and altcoins
- Comprehensive user interface
- The maximum trading amount is unlimited
- Low trading fees at 0.1%
- Easy sign-up process
Cons
- High withdrawal fees
- No built-in wallet feature
- Medium levels of security
Binance is a cryptocurrency exchange for more experienced users that want to trade mostly cryptocurrency pairs.
It operates an exchange based around its native currency (BNB) and offers high liquidity, supporting 1.4 million transactions per second.
There is limited availability of the platform in the US, and the interface is not as straightforward as other offerings.
It does have a good education section; more confident beginners can start here.
- Countries – Widely available in Europe and Asia, but has limited availability in the US
- Fees – Maker/Taker: 0.05% to 0.1% depending on volume
- Number of currencies – 100+
- Security – 2FA (SMS and Google Authenticator), YubiKey (Universal 2nd Factor)
- Ease of use – Savvy beginners will be okay, but it is more for the experienced trader
4. Kraken
Pros
- Low minimum deposit
- Available on web and mobile app
- Useful educational resources for beginners
- Wide range of cryptocurrencies
- Low fees with Kraken Pro
Cons
- Fees can be high without Kraken Pro
- Poorly rated customer service
- Funding an account can be slow
Kraken was founded in 2011 in San Francisco. It is one of the largest centralized exchanges and a partner in the first cryptocurrency bank.
Kraken deals with a large array of altcoins, as well as offering deposits in fiat currency, such as US dollars, euros, pounds and Canadian dollars.
Kraken is beginner-friendly, with a great selection of educational resources available.
- Countries – US/Japan/Canada/Europe
- Fees – 0%–2.6% depending on volume; $0 withdrawal fee; 3.75% + $0.25 card deposit fee
- Number of currencies – 50+ as well as fiat currency
- Security – 2FA (SMS and Google Authenticator, Masterkey and Global Settings Lock; never been hacked
- Ease of use – Interface is simple and user-friendly, but there isn’t much real-time customer support. Guides and education offers are great
5. Bitcoin IRA
Pros
- Offers tax-deferred investing opportunity
- Wide range of cryptocurrencies available
- Available on web and mobile app
- Can earn interest on account
- Digital assets securely stored offline
Cons
- High fees
- Bitcoin IRA Earn requires $10,000 minimum investment
Founded in 2015 by Alternative IRA Services, a Bitcoin IRA is an all-in-one platform for trading BTC from your IRA.
You can move your Roth, SEP or Traditional IRA into the Bitcoin IRA, as well as your current 401k (as long as you are 59.5+ years old or no longer with the employer that funds it).
The minimum deposit for a standard account is $3,000; however, you can open a Saver IRA with $100.
- Countries – 50+ supported
- Fees – 1.50%–12.50% platform fees, 1% maker, 5% taker; annual custodial fee $240, withdrawal fee $75
- Number of cryptocurrencies – 60+
- Security – BitGo Trust (the largest processor of chain bitcoin transactions); all assets insured up to $100 million; crypto stored offline in 100% cold storage
- Ease of use – Full-service product, everything is taken care of including trades, etc; simple and effective alternative retirement fund
What Is a Cryptocurrency Exchange?
A cryptocurrency exchange is a website or platform that can be used to buy, sell and exchange cryptocurrency with traditional currencies, such as the US dollar, and with other digital currencies.
Essentially, they are trading platforms that connect buyers and sellers of cryptocurrency.
There are more than 4,000 digital currencies available, and exchanges exist to meet the need for infrastructure to allow for their trade.
Most cryptocurrency exchanges operate like a traditional broker, allowing users to buy digital currency using their credit card or bank account.
Some exchanges act as middlemen connecting the buyers and sellers, whereas others allow for direct peer-to-peer buying and selling.
Some act as the seller and buyer. Therefore, users deal directly with the exchange to purchase.
Exchanges are used by beginner investors who are looking to create a digital currency portfolio, as well as professional traders.
The exchanges themselves differ in what they offer to their customers, as well as their level of support. Some make it quite simple to trade in cryptocurrency, while others are more suited to traders who know what they are doing.
Centralized and Decentralized Exchanges
Cryptocurrency, like bitcoin, is a decentralized currency.
Therefore, there is no central bank or location that holds the funds. It is created and stored on numerous computer networks.
The value of an altcoin (another term for digital currency) changes according to the market and is not tied to a commodity or a government, unlike most fiat (traditional) currency.
There are two types of exchanges available for trading in cryptocurrency:
- Centralized exchanges
- Decentralized exchanges
Centralized Exchanges
Centralized exchanges are managed by private companies and usually offer more active trading, with higher trading volume and better liquidities.
They are usually more regulated, and users must have their identities verified to trade thanks to Know Your Customer legislation.
Centralized servers are more vulnerable to hackers, leading to downtime and possible loss of personal information.
Kraken is an example of a centralized exchange.
Decentralized Exchanges
Decentralized exchanges, however, do not allow for much regulation, making them arguably safer from hacking attempts.
Users do not have to identify themselves to make trades, and they often do not allow deposits of fiat currency.
Similar to the digital currency itself, decentralized exchanges operate through a network of computers. Therefore, it cannot be attacked directly despite the possession of a company headquarters.
Bisq and BitMEX are good examples of a decentralized exchange.
Why Should You Use a Cryptocurrency Exchange?
If you are interested in investing in cryptocurrency, then the appropriate exchange will allow you to expand your portfolio.
Cryptocurrency exchanges allow users to convert fiat currency into altcoins (for a percentage fee) and connect buyers and sellers to trade.
Once you have bought your chosen cryptocurrency, you can invest it in other trading instruments on some exchanges, use it as a savings pot to gather interest or sell it back on the exchange to make more money.
Some exchanges allow purchases of products online directly from a digital wallet too.
How to Choose a Good Exchange in 2024
Bitcoin and other digital currencies have grown tremendously over the last few years.
A lack of regulation for the industry and education for those interested in investing can make it difficult to judge whether an exchange is legitimate.
There are a few things to look out for to help you decide which one to choose, whether as a novice investor or a full-time trader:
Step 1. Research the Fees
The exchange needs to make money to provide the service, so there are fees involved for both buyers and sellers of cryptocurrency.
These are usually built into the buy/sell price of the trade and presented as a percentage of the final price.
Transaction fees might be the same for both the buyer (known as the taker) and the seller (known as the maker); however, it is often cheaper to be a maker than a taker.
Currency conversion fees might also be charged by the exchange.
If the base fiat currency of the exchange is different from the one you are depositing, it will require converting. That will incur a charge, usually a percentage of the deposit amount.
In some cases, there might be a deposit fee, especially if you are depositing from a credit card where there is a risk of a charge reversal.
You might also have to pay a withdrawal fee.
If you are using your digital currency to trade on commodities or forex, etc., other fees may apply.
The amount and type of fees charged by the exchanges can vary substantially. That should be one of the first things that you consider when looking at different cryptocurrency exchanges.
Step 2. Look at Security and Safety
Although there is a distinct lack of coherent regulation in cryptocurrency as a whole, exchanges need to ensure that all users are safe to trade. That means that their security measures protect the currency and the private information of the user.
For the decentralized exchanges, that is usually helped by not having a specific point of control; therefore, it is less vulnerable.
Look out for Amazon Web Services (AWS), Two-Factor Authorization (2FA) and complex captchas for logging into accounts, as well as robust identity verification.
Assess to the overall security of the exchange can be granted by considering its track record.
For example, has it suffered an attack or lost sensitive data in the past?
Reputation and popular opinion is another good way to assess the care your chosen exchange takes with customer data.
Step 3. Research the Range of Currencies Available
With so many altcoins available, a good exchange will allow you to buy, sell and trade with more than just bitcoin.
It might also be important that it deals in fiat currency, particularly if you want to withdraw in US dollars or euros.
Generally, the more currencies that are available, the more flexible your investments can be.
Step 4. Is it Legal in Your Location?
Digital currency is designed to be borderless; however, the lack of regulation does mean that it might not be legal to buy, sell or trade cryptocurrency in your location.
It is a volatile market and without proper licensing and certifications, not all states, territories and countries have exchanges available.
For example, New York has strict laws around blockchain and cryptocurrency. Therefore, there are very few exchanges available to residents there.
Step 5. Look at Ease of Use
The interface between you as the user and the exchange is important to look at when making your decision, especially if you are new to cryptocurrency.
In most cases, centralized exchanges tend to be the most user-friendly and offer the best customer support.
However, if you are a more seasoned crypto trader, you might not need an overly simple interface to get the most out of your investments.
Step 6. What Are the Payment Methods
Exchanges need you to deposit funds to begin trading, and there are various methods available for this.
Bank transfers and wire transfers are often the cheapest way to deposit, attracting fewer fees than the riskier credit card deposits.
However, you can also find exchanges that are willing to allow a deposit from PayPal and Apple Pay.
Some exchanges allow direct deposits of bitcoin (BTC) to open an account and will only allow withdrawals in BTC too.
The deposit methods will also have different hold periods and time frames for the funds to be available. A free deposit from a wire transfer might take five days to clear.
However, a credit card deposit will be immediate.
The best cryptocurrency exchange for beginners is Binance. It offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, low fees, robust security, and a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for both new and experienced users.
Beginners should look to familiarize themselves with cryptocurrency exchange before they spread their investments.
Bitcoin is the most well-known cryptocurrency and has been in the trade since 2009. It is a great coin to get used to buying, selling and getting used to exchanging cryptocurrency via an encrypted wallet.
Monero is also considered to be a very good coin for beginners to use because it is easy to purchase and is offered on most cryptocurrency exchanges.
Bitcoin is the most well-known cryptocurrency and it is available on most trading platforms that deal with cryptocurrency.
Cashapp and Binance allow you to exchange bitcoin.
For other cryptocurrencies, Binance offers the greatest variety. Binance is more suitable for experienced cryptocurrency traders because of its advanced tools and acute focus on crypto exchange.
There are over 1,600 different types of cryptocurrencies. It is very possible to set up your cryptocurrency and put it into the trading market.
To find a good cryptocurrency exchange software development company you must understand what you are going to be using the cryptocurrency for and how much you expect it to value.
You must also understand how easy it is to mine and develop. Some cryptocurrencies are harder to mine than others, and this is a significant factor in the value of the cryptocurrency.
Another may factor to consider in how you find a software development company is how much it costs a blockchain developer to create a cryptocurrency.
Understanding these issues will help you find the best software development company to suit your requirements.
Using the Indian Rupee (INR) is popular when investing in crypto coins. The best cryptocurrency exchanges for this are WazirX and CoinDCX.
WazirX was founded in 2018 and is one of the largest exchange platforms in India. It has a beginner-friendly user interface and accepts INR deposits quickly, making altcoin investments simple.
CoinDCX offers exchanges on over 200 types of cryptocurrencies, making it a great option for altcoin exchanges. On top of this, CoinDCX charges low trading fees and has enough liquidity to support its crypto traders.
Cashapp is great for anyone who wants to buy altcoins quickly. Pepperstone is also a great cryptocurrency exchange platform. It is regulated by financial authorities including ASIC, BaFin, CMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA and SCB.
If you want to check a cryptocurrency exchange that has been operating for a long time, then Kraken is the place to go.
Kraken was founded in 2011 and it is one of the largest exchange platforms. It is also great for accessing educational resources for trading altcoins.
Finally, Binance is one of the best cryptocurrency exchanges to use. It has over 100 cryptocurrencies and has numerous advanced tools for experienced users.
First you must ensure that you have the correct licensing in place to set up your own exchange.
Once you have this in place and have an adequate amount of funding, you can partner with a payment processor so that any cryptocurrency transactions go through seamlessly.
Also ensure that you beta-test your cryptocurrency exchange before publicly launching, and make sure you have the right security software.
Once you are comfortable launching your exchange, market your platform to try and increase traffic.
As long as you have the legal protocols in place and sufficient customer support, you can make a success of your cryptocurrency exchange.
When you are trading in futures you are agreeing to buy or sell a commodity or security at a future date for a set price. This contract ensures that someone can get a return when a certain financial threshold is hit.
Kraken is considered to be one of the best exchange platforms to trade both futures and margins. It has been in operation since 2011 and you have access to over 50 types of currencies.
On top of this, it is a very secure service and has 2FA technology in place to protect any of your investments or assets.
The best cryptocurrency exchanges in 2024 include Binance, known for its extensive range of cryptocurrencies, low fees, and robust security. Kraken offers advanced trading features, high security, and excellent customer support. Gemini stands out for its strong regulatory compliance, security, and user-friendly interface. KuCoin is recognized for its wide variety of coins, competitive fees, and user-friendly platform.
KuCoin was founded in 2017 and is one of the most secure cryptocurrency exchanges available. It has not been subject to any significant crashes and runs very well. There was a breach in 2020, but the response from KuCoin highlights how much it can be trusted. A total of $285 million was stolen and 84% of this total was recovered. The 2FA technology also ensures its users are safe. In the event of any hacks then users can be assured that KuCoin will do their absolute best to retrieve any stolen funds.
Exchanges like Kraken and eToro have been operating for a long time. They are notable names and millions of users exchange cryptocurrency on these platforms daily.
Don’t invest in unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.
However, new cryptocurrency exchanges are emerging that offer attractive new services.
ZenGo is a very exciting exchange that was launched in 2018. Since its creation, it has developed into one of the easiest platforms to use. It has an integrated keyless crypto wallet and accounts can be created in just 19 seconds.
You can also buy and sell a variety of cryptocurrencies across the global market. On top of all of this, the customer support is not automated, human-led, and is available 24/7.
Cryptoassets are highly volatile and unregulated in the UK. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.
Final Thoughts
Cryptocurrency is a developing market, and you can choose the way you want to diversify your portfolio through investment in digital currencies.
Choosing the appropriate cryptocurrency exchange for you is a decision that should be made with consideration for the level you want to invest. Consider how much it will cost, what you can get from it and the simplicity of use.
For beginners, it is worth considering a platform that offers good customer service, secure access and a simple user interface when you are starting.
You can always scale up and graduate to the more in-depth and advanced exchanges as you develop and gain experience.
Any investment into cryptocurrency is a financial risk, like an investment into other trading instruments. Therefore, ensure you are choosing the appropriate exchange.
WikiJob does not provide tax, investment or financial services and advice. The information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two mins to learn more.
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