Interested in adding crypto to your portfolio? If you already have a diversified portfolio of traditional stocks and bonds — and don't mind taking on some additional risk — consider investing in trusted and regulated crypto exchanges.
The best cryptocurrency exchanges work similarly to the best stock trading apps, offering competitive fees and resources on digital marketplaces like mobile or desktop. A crypto exchange allows crypto enthusiasts to easily buy, sell, and store popular digital currencies like Bitcoin, altcoins like Ethereum, and traditional investable securities.
Here are the top cryptocurrency exchanges for low fees and human advisor access, as chosen by Business Insider editors in 2025.
Best Crypto Exchanges
- Coinbase: Best for Crypto Collectors
- Crypto.com: Best for Mobile Traders
- Abra: Best for Institutional and Private Clients
- Kraken: Best for Security
- Binance.US: Best for Security Runner-Up
- Cash App Investing: Best for Bitcoin Investors
Featured Cryptocurrency Companies
Best Crypto Collectors
$1
0.50% spread for buy/sell transactions; transaction fee from $0.99 to $2.99; up to 0.60% for Coinbase Pro and Coinbase Advanced Trade
Pros
Cons
Coinbase is one of the best investment platforms for crypto trading, staking rewards, and crypto storage. The crypto exchange offering nearly 250 coins and tokens and is great for active real investors who can utilize Coinbase's services, account options, and investment tools.
Coinbase- Promotion: Get $5 of bitcoin when you join Coinbase; earn up to $200 when you set up a new account and make your first purchase
- Features: Coinbase Earn rewards, Coinbase Pro advanced account, user-controlled storage, stablecoins, staking, and institutional trading tools.
- App store rating: 4.7 iOS/ 4.1 Android; Coinbase Pro: 4.7 iOS/ 4.1 Android
- Awards: Named Best Prime Broker in Hedgeweek's annual European Digital Assets Awards
As one of the largest US-based, globally recognized cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase is a user-friendly digital marketplace with an intuitive and streamlined interface and a library of educational content.
Coinbase's huge selection of cryptocurrencies and altcoins makes it the best crypto exchange for investors who like diversifying their portfolio with various digital assets, including emerging coins and tokens.
Coinbase offers a separate NFT trading platform and private client services. Coinbase caters to different investors through its Pro, Advanced Trade, and Prime platforms.
A Coinbase One subscription costs $29.99 a month and offers lower trading fees, tax help, and priority customer support. Maker and taker fees on Coinbase Advanced range from 0% to 0.6%.
Coinbase does allow crypto swapping using DEC through the Coinbase Wallet.
Coinbase has a low account minimum to get started and offers digital wallet storage for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. Coinbase's beta NFT trading platform has no transaction fees for creators and collectors.
Coinbase has a rating of 4.7/5 on the Apple Store and a 4.6/5 on Google Play.
Pros of Coinbase
- Access to hundreds of cryptocurrencies
- Multiple advanced trading platforms are offered and hot wallet storage
- Private client services
- NFT trading platform
Cons of Coinbase
- High trading and transaction fees
- Pay more for lower balances
Best for Mobile Traders
$1
Maker fees 0.0750% - 0% and taker fees are 0.0750% - 0.0500%; 0% credit/debit card purchases for first 30 days of opening account
Pros
Cons
- Promotion: Get up to $2,000 for every friend you refer and 50% of their trading fees.
Crypto.com is a popular global crypto trading platform known for its user-friendly mobile trading app, DeFi wallet storage, and reward opportunities.
In early 2025, Crypto.com launched its US-based institutional-grade exchange, providing US-based investors with access to advanced trading technology, including staking, thematic Crypto Baskets with pre-specified token ratios, and over 5,000 US fee-free stocks and ETFs (including fractional shares)
Crypto.com supports 400+ 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, which is now called Crypto.com Onchain.
Crypto.com has a rating of 4.6/5 on the Apple Store and a 4.5/5 on Google Play.
Pros of Crypto.com
- Supports 400+ cryptocurrencies
- Mobile app with advanced crypto trading features and reward opportunities
- DeFi wallet storage
- Staking for a wide range of coins, including ether, solana, and cronos
Cons of Crypto.com
- Not available in New York
- High fees on debit and credit card transactions
Best for Institutional and Private Clients
$50,000
Varies by services and account balance
Pros
Cons
- Features: 100+ cryptocurrencies, crypto-backed loans, staking, and support for traders in 150+ countries.
- App store rating: 4.6 Apple/4.3 Android
Abra is a global crypto exchange serving institutions and private clients (including family offices and hedge funds) in 150+ countries.
Abra private accounts have no penalty, withdrawal, or origination fees and charge trades using an open and fixed-term fee and rate pricing model. There is a $50,000 minimum deposit.
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 dedicated account manager for tailored crypto trading solutions, competitive fees, and 24/7 expert guidance from a team of professionals.
Institutional clients can use Abra Prime to gain cryptocurrency exposure, access trading pairs, and build custom crypto and digital asset programs.
Abra's OTC services give institutional clients access to interest-earning accounts, loans, and one-on-one account support.
Abra has a rating of 4.7/5 on the Apple Store and a 3.4/5 on Google Play.
Pros of Abra
- Institutional and private client crypto trading services
- OTC trading strategies
- Treasury services
Cons of Abra
- Abra's retail trading is no longer available in the US
Best 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 offers users access to high-priority 24/7 live chat and email support. Karken also offers users a library of additional security resources, such as info on Kraken's PGP key and how to set up a master key.
Crypto exchanges aren't generally regarded as the safest or most transparent platform, so industry-leading crypto trading platforms like Kraken stand out quite a bit.
The platform also offers a handful of fiat currencies with options for retail and institutional investors. Kraken provides investors with access to margin and spot trading. You can borrow up to 5x your account with a margin for increased liquidity and higher trading volumes. NFTs have no gas fees.
Kraken has a rating of 4.7/5 on the Apple Store and a 4.1/5 on Google Play.
Pros of Kraken
- Educational resources and tutorials available
- Offers institutional services like OTC trading and one-on-one consultations
- Range of advanced trading tools
Cons of Kraken
- Kraken's futures trading platform isn't available to US traders
- Only institutional and high-net-worth clients can use the exchange's consultation and account management services
Best Security Runner-Up
$0
20% to 35% service fee for cryptocurrencies and staking rewards
Pros
Cons
Binance.US is a comprehensive cryptocurrency exchange and mobile app for trading a wide range of cryptocurrencies with low fees and robust staking reward options. However, it doesn't offer margin trading or futures.
Binance- Promotion: Earn $20 when you trade $100 or more within the first 30 days of signing up using code BINANCEUS
- Features: Automated recurring buys, over-the-counter trading, staking rewards, crypto pairs, and institutional trading services
- App store rating: 4.2 iOS/ 2.4 Android
Binance.US is another top crypto exchange, often compared to Kraken, as one of the safest crypto exchanges for active blockchain traders.
However, it is only the runner-up since the exchange's parent company BAM Trading Services has been charged with violations for unethical activity (see our review for further info).
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.
Nevertheless, Binance.US is one of the crypto exchanges with the lowest fees, offering accessible trading features and tools for retail and institutional investors.
Binance.US also offers perks like cold-wallet storage, staking, and institutional services.
Binance.US has a rating of 4.2/5 on the Apple Store and a 3.2/5 on Google Play.
Pros of Binance.US
- Free bitcoin trades are available and low trading fees
- Institutional services available
Cons of Binance.US
- Does not offer crypto futures or margin trading.
Best for Bitcoin Investors
$0 ($1 for access to fractional shares)
0%
Pros
Cons
Cash App Investing is a beginner-friendly platform for banking and investing on the go. If you’re looking for simplified, low-cost trading, Cash App may be worth looking into. However, other low-cost investing apps for beginners offer more investment options, more account options, and better resources.
Cash App InvestingCash App Investing is one of the best crypto exchanges in the US due to its user-friendly and accessible interface catered to beginners. Additionally, it offers commission-free trades of more than 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 fee-free with Cash App's Lightning Network features. Cash App also provides an in-app custodial wallet to store your Bitcoin assets. You can start trading with as little as $1.
Crypto.com has a rating of 4.8/5 on Google Play.
Pros of Cash App
- No minimum to open an account
- Online banking and investing on the same platform
- Fractional shares available
Cons of Cash App
- Cash App Investing only offers bitcoin
What are Crypto Exchanges?
A cryptocurrency exchange is like an online brokerage for cryptocurrencies, tokens, and other digital assets like NFTs. Investors can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies for other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies (like USD and EUR).
Types of Crypto Exchanges
- Centralized Exchanges (CEX): Centralized exchanges are the most common type of crypto exchange. Companies manage them and offer features such as fiat on-ramps, access to liquidity, and other advanced charting tools and analytics. However, they are susceptible to centralization and custodial risk.
- Decentralized Exchanges (DEX): Decentralized exchanges operate on the blockchain and are managed by their users. The most popular example is the Bitcoin system. Decentralized exchanges offer peer-to-peer trading without intermediaries and prioritize privacy and security. However, they lack liquidity and consumer protection and are vulnerable to security breaches.
How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange
The best crypto exchanges offer competitive pricing for cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum and prioritize user experiences with an intuitive interface, clear platform navigation, and access to a mobile app.
Trustworthy crypto trading platforms are licensed and compliant with industry regulations.
When deciding how to choose a crypto exchange, consider whether the exchange aligns with your investing preferences. This includes factors such as your risk tolerance, time horizon, preferred trading features, and investment goals.
Additionally, ensure the exchange you pick matches your preferred trading style.
For example, if you're a hands-off trader, you should pick a platform equipped with automated trading features and tools. Most crypto exchanges are designed with active traders in mind. If you're looking for passive crypto trading, your options are limited.
Why You Should Trust Us
We interviewed the following investing experts to see what they had to say about cryptocurrency exchanges.
- Sandra Cho, RIA, wealth manager, and CEO of Pointwealth Capital Management
- Tessa Campbell, Investment and retirement reporter at Personal Finance Insider
What are the advantages/disadvantages of investing through a cryptocurrency exchange?
Sandra Cho:
"The advantages to investing through a cryptocurrency exchange are the ease of trading and functionality. These exchanges are built for cryptocurrency are are made as such.
"The disadvantages, however, are important. Recently, several cryptocurrency exchanges have gone under, and investors have lost significant amounts of money. Given that this industry and asset class is still relatively new, there are unique risks that are nor present in traditional investments like stock and bonds. Investing through a cryptocurrency leaves you at the will of the exchange itself, which has a non-zero possibility of going defunct."
Tessa Campbell:
"Investing through a cryptocurrency exchange offers several advantages, including access to real-time market data and research, trading strategies, and multiple cryptocurrency options to add to individual brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, and more.
"Some disadvantages include high trading fees, limited resources, and frequent fraudulent activity. These platforms are often criticized for their inadequate security measures, risky trading, and subpar customer support."
Who should consider investing through a crypto exchange?
Sandra Cho:
"Investors with an extremely high-risk tolerance and those that understand the inherent risks in investing through cryptocurrency exchanges may want to consider using an exchange. However, they should be wary of the risks and the lack of oversight that is apparent in the industry."
Tessa Campbell:
"You may want to consider investing through a crypto exchange if you're primarily focused on trading crypto and other decentralized currencies. Moreover, you'll want to have a high investing risk tolerance and a hands-on trading approach."
Is there any advice you'd offer someone who's considering investing in cryptocurrencies 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 fully understand the risks involved in purchasing highly volatile cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, ether, or dogecoin. You should also ensure that the cryptocurrency exchange you're investing through is free of scams, bad business practices, or public scandals. One way to check this is with the Better Business Bureau's grading system."
Methodology
Business Insider applied its rating methodology for investing platforms to dozens of cryptocurrency exchanges to find the best options for crypto traders. The criteria for comparing crypto exchanges include the platforms' fees, asset/account security, accessibility score, and customer support. All investment platforms are given a rating between 1 and 5.
FAQs
Are crypto exchanges safe?
In general, cryptocurrency exchanges are not as secure or as closely regulated as other investment platforms. The crypto world has been subject to numerous frauds, scams, and bankruptcies. But that doesn't guarantee whether the platform will be good for you. Some exchanges, like Coinbase, have built strong trustworthiness reputations by complying with regulatory practices and enforcing security protocols.
Do I need a crypto wallet to use an exchange?
You must have a crypto wallet to buy and sell cryptocurrencies through an exchange. Most platforms have built-in wallet storage. 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 best bitcoin wallets, to store your assets securely.
What are the tax implications of trading cryptocurrencies?
For tax purposes, cryptocurrencies are considered property by the IRS, similar to stocks and bonds. Typically, you'll be taxed when you sell or trade crypto for more than you originally bought it.
