Top crypto exchanges

Crypto exchanges make it easy to buy and sell the assets you want, with low fees and strong security.

Bitcoin is the superstar of the crypto world, and adoption keeps growing. To take part, you'll need an account with a crypto exchange. There are plenty to choose from, so here's how I pick.

Three tips for choosing an exchange

1. Low fees. Pick an exchange whose fees won't eat into your returns.
2. Strong security. Look for two-factor authentication, a long track record and a clean security history.
3. Good liquidity. Plenty of trading volume means better prices and smoother trades.

The exchanges I use

• Coinbase: the simplest on-ramp from a US bank account. It's where I send people buying their first bitcoin.
• Kraken Pro: low fees and a clean order book. I use it to stack sats on a schedule.

Bitcoin and payment apps

• Strike: buy bitcoin with low fees and send it over the Lightning Network.
• Cash App: an easy way to buy small amounts of bitcoin and set up recurring buys.
• Fold: earn bitcoin rewards on everyday spending.

Other exchanges worth knowing

• Gemini: a US-regulated exchange with a strong focus on security.
• Crypto.com: an app with a wide asset selection and a crypto debit card.
• OKX: a large global exchange with advanced trading tools.
• Uphold: a multi-asset platform for crypto and other assets.
• Binance.US: the US arm of the Binance exchange.

Referral links: some of the links above are referral links. If you sign up through them, I may earn a commission or bonus. Sign-up offers and availability vary by country and state, so check the terms on each provider's site.

Whichever you choose, don't leave large amounts on an exchange long term. The wallets chapter explains why.