The Best Cryptocurrency Exchange Platforms In 2022

After reviewing and comparing over 38 of the most well-known crypto exchanges by industry professionals, we’ve compiled an updated list of the best cryptocurrency exchanges to buy, sell & trade crypto assets & contracts.

Cryptocurrency Exchanges We Recommend

Deposit Method

Your Location

  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Bank Transfer
  • Crypto Currency
  • Paypal
  • Other
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Australia
  • Europe
  • Netherlands
  • Finland
  • Sweden
  • Denmark
  • Norway
  • Iceland
  • Germany
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Spain
  • Portugal
  • Italy
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Qatar
  • Singapore
  • Hong Kong
  • France
  • Africa
  • South Africa
  • Japan
  • Latin America
  • Scandinavia
  • Malaysia
  • Bahrain
  • Ireland
  • Luxemburg
  • Russia
  • Slovakia
  • Malta
  • GCC

Deposit Method

  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Bank Transfer
  • Crypto Currency
  • Paypal

Your Location

  • Other
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Australia
  • Europe
  • Netherlands
  • Finland
  • Sweden
  • Denmark
  • Norway
  • Iceland
  • Germany
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Spain
  • Portugal
  • Italy
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Qatar
  • Singapore
  • Hong Kong
  • France
  • Africa
  • South Africa
  • Japan
  • Latin America
  • Scandinavia
  • Malaysia
  • Bahrain
  • Ireland
  • Luxemburg
  • Russia
  • Slovakia
  • Malta
  • GCC

Quick Filters

  • Margin Trading
  • Built in Wallet
  • Regulated
  • No Deposit Fees
  • CFDs
Rank
Exchange
Coins
Rating
Visit

How To Choose the Best Cryptocurrency Exchange Platform?

Whether you are looking for the best cryptocurrency exchange platform, purchasing your first ever cryptocurrency, or looking to diversify your coin portfolio, you need a list of the top exchanges.

Even though more than 1,000 cryptocurrency exchange platforms are in operation today, not all of them are trustworthy, not all of them provide fair fees, and not all of them safely secure your transactions. Many exchanges market themselves as the world’s No1 crypto exchange but that’s not always the case. An exchange might work great for an experienced trader because it offers advanced trading features, but be a horrible buying experience for a beginner exploring the world of crypto.

To help you quickly identify the best cryptocurrency exchange platform we have shortlisted the very best based on common demands. Click on the respective link to find out more about these platforms.

eToro – Best cryptocurrency exchange platform for novice traders

Uphold – Best Crypto Exchange for flexible trading;

AvaTrade – Best CFD trading platform for Mac

Trading212 – Best CFD trading platform for customer support

CEX.io – Best cryptocurrency exchange platform for users in the UK

Plus500 – Best trading platform for Bitcoin CFDs

XTB – Best cryptocurrency CFD platform for paying by bank transfers

Coinmama – Best cryptocurrency exchange platform for buying Bitcoin with cards

Binance – Best cryptocurrency exchange platform for buying Altcoins

ROInvesting – Best for trading XRP CFDs

BitMEX – Best cryptocurrency exchange platform for seasoned traders

IQ Option – Best Bitcoin CFD trading platform for Android

StormGain – Best cryptocurrency exchange platform to buy Bitcoin anonymously

101Investing – Best CFD platform for Meta Trader 4 trades

DAXBase – Best trading platform for low CFD fees

Coinbase – Best cryptocurrency exchange platform for buying Bitcoin

Changelly – Best for buying Altcoins anonymously

ChangeNOW – Best cryptocurrency exchange platform for fiat payments

bitFlyer – Best platform for high volumes

EXMO – Bes platform for day trading cryptocurrencies

Investous – Best trading platform for mobile trades

Indacoin – Best cryptocurrency exchange with a free mobile wallet

T1Markets – Best platform for paying with eWallets

Bitfinex – Best cryptocurrency exchange platform for advanced trading tools

ZBX – Best for regulated trading

Kraken – Best cryptocurrency exchange platform for experienced traders

PrimeBit – Best platform for Bitcoin perpetual contracts

ByBit – Best platform for trading ETH derivatives

BaseFEX – Best cryptocurrency exchange for serial traders

Delta – Best exchange for cryptocurrency futures

PrimeXBT – Best cryptocurrency exchange for EOS derivatives

CoinEx – Best crypto exchange platform for short term trading

 

Jump to page contents

eToro

eToro
Pros Regulated trading platformGood choice of coins for purchase90+ cryptocurrency trading pairsGreat choice of payment optionsCopyTrading & other tools
Cons Relatively higher spreadsCountry restrictions apply

eToro is a regulated multi-asset trading platform that offers asset & CFD trading in stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, forex, ETFs, and indices. Only cryptos are available in the US. With its offices in multiple locations, it provides its services to the residents of more than 140 countries worldwide. eToro Europe Ltd is regulated and authorised by the CySEC (Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission) while its other subsidiaries are regulated in all jurisdictions where they operate.

eToro offers a diversified portfolio of financial assets on its trading platform. It offers real asset trading for the most popular cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, EOS, Binance Coin, Stellar, Cardano and 10 more. It supports multiple fiat payment options like bank transfer, credit/debit cards and electronic wallets (PayPal / Skrill).

The trading platform is simple to use, user-friendly and is available in 20 different languages, including Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese. Moreover, the platform also has a mobile app for both iOS and Android users for trading on the go. eToro offers a multi-signature mobile wallet for its members to securely store their assets.

eToro follows a strict registration process and doesn’t allow users to start trading without having verified their identity. Even though eToro doesn’t provide advanced security measures, it offers basic features like two-factor authentication to protect customers’ funds. The platform is deemed secure and has never been the victim of significant cyber attacks.

With its Social Trading technology called OpenBook, it allows users to follow or copy trading positions of other members on the platform. As for fees, it doesn’t charge any commission for every trade, which is definitely an advantage. However, it does charge other types of fees which include spread, overnight funding and withdrawal fees.

Trading Fees: Fees vary by the asset. 0.75% Spread for BTC & 1.9% Spread for ETH.
This ad promotes cryptocurrency within the EU (by eToro Europe Ltd. and eToro UK Ltd.) & USA (by eToro USA LLC); which is highly volatile, unregulated in some EU countries and the UK., no EU consumer protection. Investments are subject to market risk, including the loss of principal.

Uphold

Uphold
Pros Over 60 supported cryptocurrenciesEasy to use, even for beginnersInvest automaticallySafe and reliable
Cons Limited choice of payment methods

Uphold is a safe and reputable cryptocurrency exchange that supports over 60 coins and tokens. Launched in 2013, it is available to users worldwide and currently has over six million accounts. Apart from being easy to use, it offers a range of financial services that go beyond just buying and selling cryptocurrencies.

One of the key features of Uphold is its availability in 180+ countries, including the US and China. It adheres to a range of global AML standards and protects users through various security measures. All users must register and verify their account before using the exchange’s services.

With an Uphold account, you’ll be able to invest in cryptocurrencies, precious metals, stocks, and forex, using any asset to trade any other supported asset. You can fund your account using a supported fiat currency or by depositing cryptocurrency into one of Uphold’s supported wallets.

Trading Fees: Whilst the spread varies greatly between assets, the typical cryptocurrency spread lies between 0.8% and 1.2%.

Plus500

Plus500
Pros A regulated platformOffers 14+ cryptocurrency CFD pairs24/7 live chat supportProvides a demo trading account
Cons Does not support the direct purchase of assetsSeveral country restrictions apply

Plus500 is a regulated CFD trading platform, which offers the investors the opportunity to trade in shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs and options. It is owned and operated by Plus500CY Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission). Plus500CY Ltd is a subsidiary of Plus500 Ltd, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The platform provides Client Money Protection by holding clients’ funds in segregated bank accounts. In accordance with the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s client money protection rules, Plus500 doesn’t use clients’ funds for hedging or other kinds of investment purposes.

Plus500 offers a portfolio of more than 2000 instruments on its trading platform. It offers CFD trading for the most popular cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin. It supports multiple fiat payment options like bank transfer, credit/debit cards and electronic wallets (PayPal / Skrill). Plus500 is available to residents in more than 50 countries worldwide including the EU, UK, Australia, Canada. Additionally, the trading platform is available in 30 different languages including Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese. Moreover, their mobile app for both iOS and Android users offers CFDs trading on the go.

Plus500 follows a strict registration process and doesn’t allow users to start trading without verifying their identity. Hence, users must provide all the required documents in order to start trading. Even though Plus500 doesn’t provide advanced security measures, it offers basic features like two-factor authentication to protect customers’ funds. As for fees, it doesn’t charge any commission for every trade, which is definitely an advantage.

Trading Fees: Spreads vary by asset and range from between 0.56% & 3.28%.
Plus500UK Ltd authorised & regulated by the FCA (#509909). 80.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

ChangeNOW

ChangeNOW
Pros Support for 170+ coinsNo registration requiredUser-friendly and sleek designQuick transactions
Cons Does not offer an in-built walletAn unregulated platform

ChangeNOW is an instant cryptocurrency exchange that aims to provide a transparent, reliable and user-friendly platform, to quickly swap cryptocurrencies without any limits. By partnering with leading exchanges like Binance, Bitfinex, and Bittrex, ChangeNOW aims to provide the most profitable exchange rates for its users. The user interface of ChangeNOW is very simple so that a novice trader can exchange any crypto within few minutes.

As a non-custodial service, ChangeNOW doesn’t control users’ digital assets by storing them on its wallet. Since the exchange is registration-free, users need not provide an email address, phone number or other kinds of personal information in order to exchange cryptos. In short, ChangeNOW neither stores the users’ personal information nor their digital assets. However, if a transaction is suspicious, the exchange might request users to provide identity documents based on the KYC procedure followed in their geographical location.

Moreover, ChangeNOW has listed more than 300+ cryptocurrencies on its exchange, including a large number of Ethereum based ERC20 tokens. In addition to providing better exchange rates, this exchange also processes all its transactions very quickly within 2 to 40 minutes.

Fortunately, ChangeNOW has recently updated its services to support fiat payment methods to buy cryptos. Since it doesn’t provide an integrated wallet, deposit/withdrawal fee is not applicable. Besides the network fee which is applicable for all blockchain transactions, ChangeNOW charges a nominal fee (0.5%-1.5%) to swap cryptos. Overall, ChangeNOW is a great exchange to quickly swap cryptos without any limits.

Trading Fees: Rates vary by coin but are usually set around 1%.

IQ Option

IQ Option
Pros 24/7 live chat supportUp to 100x leverage on cryptocurrenciesLow deposit/withdrawal limitsMobile-friendly and easy to use
Cons High maintenance fees for option positionsDoes not support the direct purchase of assets

IQ Option is a popular multi-asset trading platform which offers CFD trading in stocks, options, commodities, cryptocurrencies, forex, ETFs, and indices. It provides its services to residents of over 150 countries worldwide (including countries within the EU and UK). The trading platform is regulated by CySEC to operate in EU whereas, for other jurisdictions, it adheres to the local rules and regulations.

IQ Option offers a diversified portfolio of financial assets on its trading platform. It offers CFD trading for the most popular cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin and 6 more. It supports multiple fiat payment options like credit/debit cards, Web Money and electronic wallets (Neteller/Skrill).

The trading platform is simple, user-friendly and is available in 10+ different languages including Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese. Moreover, CFD trading platform also has a mobile app for both iOS and Android users who prefer trading on the go. IQ Option offers a multi-signature mobile wallet for its members to securely store their assets.

IQ Option follows a strict registration process and doesn’t allow users to start trading without verifying their phone number and email. For withdrawing funds, users must complete the verification process which includes uploading copies of documents related to identity and payment. Even though IQ Option doesn’t provide advanced security measures, it offers basic features like two-factor authentication to protect customers’ funds.

As for fees, it doesn’t charge any commission for every trade, which is definitely an advantage. However, it does charge other types of fees which include spread, overnight funding, withdrawal and maintenance/custodial fees. In addition to this, it charges a monthly inactivity fee.

Trading Fees: Fees vary by coin. BTC Maker is -0.065% & Taker is 0.015%.
77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Coinbase

Coinbase
Pros Instant purchases using a debit or credit cardOne of the safest exchanges in the worldUser friendly and ideal for beginnersLow fiat-to-crypto fees
Cons A limited choice of coinsLimited functionality for advanced traders

Coinbase is a US-based cryptocurrency broker which offers its services around the world. Owned and operated by Coinbase Inc., the exchange is registered with MSB with FinCEN, and is fully licensed to make money-based transactions, not only in the UK, EU and US, but also in other countries around the world. Coinbase has also received an eMoney License from the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) in the UK.

The exchange offers a seamless and user-friendly solution for novice users eager to buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies. Offering a selection of digital tokens, Coinbase implements a transparent fee structure whilst offering a variety of payment methods. After having verified your account, you can buy Bitcoin and Altcoins with Coinbase in seconds using a debit or credit card.

The Coinbase platform is just one of several cryptocurrency operations managed by Coinbase Inc. Coinbase Pro and Coinbase Wallet are also owned by the same company, making it one of the largest cryptocurrency organisation in the world. Its size comes with several advantages, such as being one of only a few exchanges to insurance user funds against theft.

Trading Fees: 1.49% is the standard buy or sell fee. Card instant buy fees 3.99%.

Binance

Binance
Pros Offers over 100+ coins and ICO tokensLow trading fees & discountsSupports cryptocurrency paymentsMulti-lingual support
Cons High card payment feesAn unregulated platform

Originally launched in China, Binance moved to Malta in 2019. It is considered to be the world’s largest crypto asset exchange by trading volume, and although the exchange was launched only in 2017, it’s managed to gain the trust of millions of investors, quickly becoming a top contender within the cryptocurrency exchange world.

Today, Binance offers a suite of cryptocurrency-based services. Its brokerage platform remains its most popular, allowing users to trade a massive selection of digital coins whilst also being able to buy or sell select currencies using a debit or credit card. Alongside this service, Binance offers advanced trading opportunities which include futures trading, margin trading, and staking.

With some of the lowest trading fees in the industry, combined with a user-friendly interface, Binance offers several great benefits to both novice and experienced traders. Supporting these users is a multi-lingual customer support team, available 24/7, combined with a Help Centre and the Binance Academy.

Thanks to the extra security steps, like anti-phishing code, PCI Scanning, Secured Sockets Layered encryption technology, pseudonymisation, internal data access restrictions (amongst others) it’s really no wonder why it’s considered a trustworthy exchange. Such precautionary safety features aim to protect the customer’s funds as well as personal information from unauthorized personnel, further putting their client’s mind at rest.

Trading Fees: Maker fees start at 0.1% & Taker fees start at 0.1%.

CEX.io

CEX.io
Pros Accepts several payment methodsProvides a user-friendly interfaceAvailable worldwideProvides Pro options for serial traders
Cons Offers a limited choice of cryptocurrenciesRelatively high fees

Launched in 2013, CEX.io is a multifunctional cryptocurrency exchange, headquartered in London. The exchange is fully licensed to offer monetary-based transactions since it is registered as an MSB (Money Service Business) with FinCEN. Moreover, CEX.io is registered with the non-departmental public body ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) in the UK.

Providing advanced trading options to the more experienced traders, CEX.io is popular whether you are a seasoned or novice trader. It offers a dedicated brokerage service for newbies and an advanced platform with lower fees for professionals. Perhaps one of the greatest features of the platform is its accessibility, which allows customers to instantly purchase cryptocurrencies using their credit card.

This detailed overview of CEX.io evaluates several aspects of the platform so as to provide you with an objective summary of both the exchange itself as well as the services it offers. While Cryptimi does its utmost to present you with accurate and relevant information, we still advise you to visit CEX.io for any updates that might be available once this text is published.

Trading Fees: Fees starting at 0.16% Maker & 0.25% Taker.

BitMEX

BitMEX
Pros Offers up to 100x leverage for crypto tradingProvides futures and perpetual contractsA significantly secure platformFunds are stored in a multi-sig cold storage wallet
Cons Fiat currencies are not supportedOnly accepts BTC payments

BitMEX is a futures trading platform which allows its users to buy future and perpetual contracts. And while the trading interface of BitMEX is simple, it isn’t a popular choice among novice traders, as it only offers advanced trading options like margin trading with 100x leverage. Therefore if you’re a newbie, this exchange is probably not best for you.

However, if you’ve got trading experience, BitMEX gives you access to a variety of futures, including perpetual contracts, which never end. The platform offers competitive trading fees with no deposit or withdrawal charges. Bitcoin is the only supported currency for payments, but the exchange allows you to buy a variety of altcoins.

BitMEX boasts of its highly secure platform, and rightly so. Never successfully hacked, the exchange runs 100 audits every second and protects user funds by storing them in cold storage devices. All sensitive processes, such as withdrawals, are carried out by two or more employees, and users can opt for a variety of additional security features, such as 2FA.

Trading on BitMEX is fast and convenient, with a sleek and intuitive trading platform. The platform offers detailed currency and currency pair charts, along with several tools for analysis. When placing an order, BitMEX allows you to set several limits in order to protect your investment and manage your risk. All this makes the exchange an ideal solution for trading cryptocurrency contracts.

Trading Fees: Fees vary by coin. BTC Maker is -0.025% & Taker is 0.075%.

Brokereo

Brokereo
Pros A regulated platformDifferent account types availableOffers 30+ cryptocurrency pairsAvailable on web and mobile
Cons A relatively high minimum depositCountry restrictions apply

Brokereo is a regulated CFD trading platform based in Cyprus. Owned and operated by Concorde Investments (Cyprus) Limited, it is licensed by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). The safe and award-winning platform is a relatively new player in the sector but features several characteristics of some of its best competitors.

Brokereo offers both professional and retail investor accounts, providing a range of benefits, features, and discounts based on your trading preferences. In addition to trading cryptocurrency CFDs, the online broker offers commodities, metals, shares, indices, and Forex. Brokereo implements a transparent fee structure with 0% commission and spreads starting at 0.7 pips.

Trading on Brokereo’s trading platforms is easy and intuitive. In addition to this own web and mobile trader, you can integrate Meta Trader 4 easily. In addition to allowing you to trade seamlessly across devices, Brokereo supports you with educational support, tutorials, and 24/7 customer service.

Trading Fees: Spreads starting at 0.07 pips.

InvestLite

InvestLite
Pros Provides educational trading tutorialsAvailable on web and mobileOffers 30+ cryptocurrency pairsNo deposit or commission fees
Cons A relatively high minimum depositCountry restrictions apply

InvestLite is a regulated CFD trading platform specialising in cryptocurrencies. Based in Belize, it is licensed by the country’s International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) and owned by Bayline Trading Limited.

The platform provides investors with an opportunity to trade over 350 different pairs. Apart from cryptocurrencies, InvestLite lets you invest in commodities, stocks, and indices. You can trade with ease using either the WebTrader or mobile app. Both trading platforms integrate seamlessly with Meta Trader 4.

Although InvestLite is a CFD trading broker it does not charge any commissions on CFD trades. It offers competitive spreads and other fees, making it an award-winning platform. Opening an account is fast and easy, and you can deposit funds and start trading in minutes.

InvestLite takes security seriously and has implemented a series of mechanisms to protect itself, its users and its funds. Encryption and secure data servers are just some of the ways the platform keeps you safe. Moreover, in line with international industry standards, account verification is required for all accounts.

Trading Fees: Fees vary depending on the pair.
InvestLite is a trading platform owned by Bayline Trading Limited and Bayline Global World Limited. It is authorized and regulated by the Belize International Financial Services Commission (IFSC). Retail investor accounts are at risk of losing money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

FXCM

FXCM
Pros A regulated platform with over 20 years in the industryLow trading fees and no deposit feesFree demo account and educational resourcesTrade on desktop, mobile or web
Cons A limited choice of cryptocurrency CFDsMissing key security tools, such as 2FA

FXCM is a CFD trading platform based in the UK, with offices located across the globe. Established over 20 years ago, the platform is regulated by various authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. It offers novice and experienced traders a convenient opportunity to invest in Forex, shares, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Featuring a free demo account and extensive educational resources, FXCM is a great place to develop your investment strategy. Opening and verifying your account is easy, and you can choose from several account types and trading platforms depending on your trading preferences and experience.

The platform implements a transparent and competitive fee structure which is on par with some of its top competitors. FXCM has and continues to win several awards each year, further confirming its efforts to be customer-centric, have integrity and be agile. As a result, it is considered to be one of the top CFD trading platforms in the world today.

Trading Fees: Floating spread which varies by the asset.
75.38% of all retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Before investing, make sure you understand the risks and can afford to lose part or all of your investment.

T1Markets

T1Markets
Pros Supports a variety of payment methodsA regulated platformA transparent fee structure with no commissionsOffers 30+ cryptocurrency pairs
Cons Country restrictions applyDoes not support the direct purchase of assets

T1Markets is a reputable and award-winning online CFD broker based in Cyprus. Licensed since 2017, it is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). The broker caters primarily to European nations, including the UK and Switzerland, and its user-friendly website is available in several languages.

When trading with T1Markets you can choose between the powerful web traders and the convenient mobile app. Both platforms offer full compatibility with MT4 and give you access to the over 1,500 asset contracts available. You will be able to trade over 30 different cryptocurrency pairs, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. In addition, T1Markets provides you with trading opportunities across other major markets, such as Forex, commodities, and stocks.

Even though the online CFD broker is regulated it simplifies the registration process and compliance requirements. Several documents let you verify your account easily, and numerous payment methods are available for your first deposit.

T1Markets fees are transparent and easy to understand. Unlike most brokers, there are no commissions or deposit fees. The platform charges a withdrawal fee, but only in certain cases, and utilises the spread as the primary charge. Depending on the type of account you open you can get discounts on fees, together with additional benefits and support.

Complimenting T1Market’s overall solution is a team of friendly and dedicated customer service agents. Available Mondays to Fridays, you can reach them in several convenient ways, including live chat.

T1Markets is a safe and trustworthy online broker. It enjoys an overall positive online reputation and protects retail investors with an investor compensation scheme. Transactions and data are protected with encryption and firewalls, and all user accounts are verified in order to prevent fraudulent users. The company’s efforts in security have ensured that it has never been successfully hacked and it maintains its operating license year in and year out.

Trading Fees: Fees vary by coin.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

101Investing

101Investing
Pros A regulated platformOffers an investor compensation schemeSupports 18+ languagesNo deposit fees
Cons No 24/7 customer supportDoes not support the direct purchase of assets

101Investing is a regulated trading platform which specialises in Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Through a single user interface, the platform lets you invest in cryptocurrencies, Forex, commodities, and other markets. Apart from the web trader, 101Investing lets you trade using a mobile application or desktop trader.

The platform gives you direct access to 1,000s of trading pairs to invest in. 101Investing charges competitive trading fees with no commissions. Your trading experience is supported by a knowledgeable customer care team and a variety of educational resources and video tutorials. You can open an account and fund your account in a few minutes, whilst enjoying the service offered by this award-winning trading platform.

Trading Fees: Fees vary by coin.
101Investing is a trading name of FXBFI Broker Financial Invest Ltd registration number 315/16 and authorized and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. Between 74% - 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

StormGain

StormGain
Pros No verification requiredBonus rewards for depositing funds20+ perpetual contracts with leverage up to 200xIncludes a demo account
Cons Limited supported coins on walletNo fiat currency withdrawals supported

StormGain is a centralized exchange based in St. Vincent and Grenadines with its headquarters in London, UK. It allows users to trade a variety of perpetual contracts.

The exchange does not have a strict verification process and is available to users from almost all over the world. However, users of the United States, Japan, and other countries are restricted from using the exchange.

Security on the platform is via the standard email and password with the option of adding SMS 2FA authentication. Additionally, user funds are stored in a cold wallet further guaranteeing the safety of all digital assets.

Trading Fees: Fees vary by coin and contract. BTC Maker is 0.04% & Taker is 0.40%.

HYCM

HYCM
Pros A regulated platformForms part of an investor compensation schemeNo deposit feesLive chat support
Cons Provides a limited choice of crypto pairsLimited security features

HYCM is one of the trustworthy and reliable trading platforms that allow users to have a diversified portfolio of assets across different classes like forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities and indices. The trading platform has been providing its services to over 140 countries for the past 40 years. It is authorized and regulated by multiple organisations such as the Financial Conduct Authority of the UK (FCA), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).

At the time of writing, the CFD trading platform lists more than 300+ financial instruments including the top cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and Litecoin. HYCM provides an advanced web trading platform (MetaTrader 4 / MetaTrader 5) that provides real-time pricing charts, technical analysis and other trading tools. The web trading platform is available in 10+ languages including Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Being a regulated platform, HYCM requires users to verify their identity by uploading all relevant documents within a week of creating the trading account on its platform. Regarding fees, it doesn’t charge any fee to deposit funds. However, a withdrawal fee might be applicable based on the amount of withdrawal. The trading platform accepts multiple fiat payment options such as credit and debit cards, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney and Bank Transfer.

HYCM takes strict and rigorous security measures to protect not only its clients’ assets but also their sensitive information. It keeps its clients’ assets on segregated Tier 1 bank accounts. In order to comply with FCA regulations, it offers Investor Compensation Fund so that the investors won’t lose money even if the platform is not able to repay them.

Trading Fees: Different types of spreads which vary by asset.
72% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

PrimeBit

PrimeBit
Pros Quick registration processNo verification requiredIncludes a demo accountUp to 200x leverage
Cons Not a regulated platformDoes not support fiat payments

PrimeBit is a centralized exchange based in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that allows users to directly exchange perpetual contracts.

The exchange does not have a strict verification process and is available to users in almost every country around the world. However, users of the United States and other countries are restricted from using the exchange.

Security on the platform is through an email and password with the option of adding 2FA authentication. Additionally, user funds are stored in a cold wallet further guaranteeing the safety of digital assets.

Trading Fees: Vary by trading volumes. Starting at 0.025% Maker Fee and -0.075% Taker Fee.

AvaTrade

AvaTrade
Pros A regulated trading platformNo deposit/withdrawal feesProvides a demo accountWorks on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android
Cons A limited choice of cryptocurrency CFDsDoes not support the direct purchase of assets

AvaTrade is one of the reputed EU-based FX/CFD trading platforms which offers CFD trading in stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, forex, ETFs, and indices. It provides its services to various jurisdictions worldwide. It is regulated in Europe, Australia, Japan, British Virgin Islands and South Africa. The trading platform is regulated by multiple organisations (ASIC, FSCA, FSA, BVIFSC) in the various regions it operates. It provides better client money protection by offering compensation to users (up to 50,000 GBP person) in the unlikely event of insolvency.

AvaTrade offers a diversified portfolio of financial assets on its trading platform. It offers CFD trading for the most popular cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin and more. It supports multiple fiat payment options like credit and debit cards, bank transfers and electronic wallets (Paypal/Skrill).

The web trading platform is simple, user-friendly and is available in over 20 different languages including Spanish, German, Italian and Portuguese. AvaTrade has a mobile app for both iOS and Android users who prefer trading on the go. It allows users to trade on all devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets.

AvaTrade follows a lengthy registration process and doesn’t allow users to start trading without verifying their identity. Therefore, users must complete the verification process which includes uploading copies of documents to verify their identity and address.

As for fees, it doesn’t charge any commission for every trade, which is definitely an advantage. However, it does charge other types of fees which include spread, swap/overnight, and inactivity fees.

Trading Fees: Fees vary by the asset. A spread of 0.6% applies on BTCEUR market.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

ROinvesting

ROinvesting
Pros A regulated platformNo deposit/withdrawal fees with some exceptions20+ cryptocurrency pairs availableLive chat support
Cons Does not support the direct purchase of assetsNo 24/7 support

ROInvesting is a Cyprus-based CFD trading platform which is registered and authorised by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and which offers a variety of markets, including cryptocurrencies. Designed to offer a secure trading environment, the service forms part of an investor compensation scheme, giving further credibility to a well-rounded platform.

Available across three platforms, ROInvesting offers users the opportunity to invest using the award-winning MetaTrader 4. No matter which platform you choose, you will get access to a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and DASH, along with Forex markets and more. Trading is fast, simple, and intuitive, ideal for novice traders or those will little time available.

ROInvesting does not charge any commissions, and deposits and withdrawals are generally free. The main fee is the spread, which is already added to the final price of the asset, no matter whether you are buying or selling. Funding your account is easy, with the platform supporting a variety of convenient payment methods, such as cards and eWallets.

Supporting your investment activities are a proficient team of customer service agents available through live chat, email, and online tickets. The ROInvesting website contains detailed and helpful information, including an investment education centre and video tutorials. All this combines to offer a superb trading experience, no matter your trading experience level.

Trading Fees: Spreads vary by asset.
Trading CFDs is considered to be a high risk investment which you should only participate in if you fully understand the risks involved and can afford to lose your investment. 86% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.

HFTrading

HFTrading
Pros A regulated platformNo deposit fees or commissionsSupports several payment methodsGood choice of cryptocurrency pairs
Cons Restricted to just Australia and New ZealandDoes not support the direct purchase of assets

HFTrading is a New Zealand-based trading platform which is authorised and regulated both the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Specialising in offering Contracts for Difference (CFDs), HFTrading offers a variety of cryptocurrencies, forex, commodities, and more.

With no commissions or deposit fees, HFTrading charges a simple spread for every position which is opened or closed. Financing fees also apply for any trades involved leverage. Whilst the website does not display a clear fee structure for each asset you will see the relevant costs before you open or close a position. When in doubt, the platform’s customer care team are available to assist you.

Compared to other CFD trading platforms, HFTrading is severely limited, not least due to the fact that it currently only supports users based in New Zealand and Australia. Support is not currently available 24/7, and the website is only available in English. Whilst the platform is considered to be safe, implementing a variety of security measures, it does not currently support two-factor authentication.

Trading Fees: Spreads starting at 0.03 pips.
Trading CFDs is considered to be highly risky and should only be done by traders who understand the risks involved and can afford any potential losses.

ETFinance

ETFinance
Pros Low trading feesSupports convenient payment methodsAn extensive selection of crypto pairsNo commissions on trades
Cons Had its operating license revokedNot available in most countries, including UK and EU

ETFinance is an online brokerage platform which has been recently established to provide traders with an opportunity to invest in cryptocurrency CFDs and other instruments.

Once a user has verified an account, he/she can choose between one of three trading platforms to use. Apart from its own platform, ETFinance gives users access to the opt for the award-winning MT4 platform, which is available across digital devices. No matter which platform you choose, you will get access to detailed charting and analysis tools.

Choosing a market and making an order is extremely easy and fast on ETFinance. To reduce your exposure to risk, the platform lets you set automatic stop orders, such as Take Profit and Stop Loss. The platform does not charge any commission on trades, with the main applicable fee being the spread. Similarly, ETFinance does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees for active accounts.

The relatively new cryptocurrency CFD trading platform has various limitations at the moment, such as offering a 14-day limit on its demo account. As the platform gains popularity and grows, it is most likely to improve its services and release new developments to challenge established trading platforms.

Trading Fees: Spreads starting at 0.03.
ETFinance is a trading name of MAGNUM FX (CYPRUS) LTD registration number HE 360548 authorized and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. 81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

bitFlyer

bitFlyer
Pros Supports both fiat and cryptocurrency paymentsA licensed and regulated platformUser-friendly interfaceSupports high limits for professional trading accounts
Cons Country restrictions applyA limited choice of cryptocurrencies

bitFlyer is a licensed and regulated cryptocurrency exchange which is based in Japan. As one of the largest centralised exchanges in the world, bitFlyer is responsible for over $250 billion worth of transactions every year. Secure and trustworthy, the exchange is available in several jurisdictions through several dedicated websites. Currently, bitFlyer supports 7 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. You can buy and sell these cryptocurrencies using fiat currency or another supported digital currency. If you opt to use fiat currency, the platform allows you to use credit or debit cards or bank transfers. Selecting currency pairs and placing orders is easy and intuitive, thanks to the user-friendly interface.

bitFlyer offers competitive fees across the platform. Deposits are free, irrespective of which currency you opt to use. Withdrawals in most currencies incur a fee, with the exception of Monacoin. Deposit and withdrawal limits vary depending on which account class you are listed in. The Trade Pro class, which requires users to submit identification documents, does not impose any payment limits whatsoever.

The exchange is regarded as one of the safest in the industry. Apart from storing over 80% of funds in cold storage devices, bitFlyer implements a variety of security measures to protect itself and its users from cyberattacks. These security measures including 2FA, multi-signature transactions, and SSL encryption. When creating an account, users are advised about the strength of their password, and it is possible to reset it in case it is lost.

These and many other great features are what make bitFlyer one of the best cryptocurrency exchanges available.

Trading Fees: Rates vary by coin, starting at 0.15%.

PrimeXBT

PrimeXBT
Pros Up to 100x leverage for cryptocurrenciesProvides a good variety of crypto pairsMobile and user friendly24/7 live chat support
Cons Only accepts BTC paymentsNot a regulated platform

PrimeXBT was established in 2018 and offers users the opportunity to trade in cryptocurrencies and other assets. Offering five digital currencies in a variety of pairs, including fiat currencies and commodities, PrimeXBT makes trading derivtatives easy and efficient. Trading is done using an intuitive and user-friendly interface, designed for both novice and experienced traders. The interface is customisable, and you can add or remove charts, trading information and currency positions.

The platform operates solely with Bitcoin, with all deposits, withdrawals and trades made with this base currency. If you would like to use altcoins or fiat currency, the platform offers an integrated conversion option offered by Changelly.

Although the trading platform is unregulated it implements some of the best security features in the industry. Apart from offering 2FA and SSL encryption, PrimeXBT stores most user funds in cold storage devices. The platform offers a free, in-built wallet, and is also available on mobile.

Using PrimeXBT is easy, even if you’ve never traded cryptocurrency CFDs before. The platform operates a 24/7 customer service desk and offers detailed information in its Help Centre. Trading is instantaneous, and PrimeXBT offers some of the lowest trading fees in the industry.

Trading Fees: The standard trading fee is 0.05%.

Delta

Delta
Pros Offers innovative cryptocurrency futuresCompetitive trading feesUser-friendly and great designAvailable in 10+ languages
Cons Only supports BTC paymentsRelatively low liquidity

Delta Exchange specialises in offering cryptocurrency futures including perpetual contracts. Although the platform is unregulated, it is registered in Saint Vincent and Grenadines and led by professionals who hail from several top financial institutions and cryptocurrency organisations. The platform is available to users from across the world with some exceptions, including the United States of America.

Signing up to the exchange is fast and simple, and does not require the submission of documentation. As a result, you can trade on Delta Exchange with relative anonymity, however, the platform might request documentation in case you exceed the standard limits.

The main trading currency on the platform is Bitcoin. No other cryptocurrency or fiat currency is currently accepted. You can invest in a variety of contracts, including Litecoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Stellar. Delta is one of very few futures exchange which offers contracts margined and settled in USDC, a stablecoin launched by Goldman Sachs and backed by Circle.

To support existing and prospective users, Delta Exchange offers a live chat option which puts you directly in touch with a customer service representative. For more sensitive requests, such as the rest of 2FA, you can get in touch using email. In addition, the platform offers several information resources, including a Support Center, Platform User Guide, and a Blog.

Trading Fees: Vary by trading volumes. Starting at -0.025% Maker Fee and 0.075% Taker Fee.

DAXBase

DAXBase
Pros Video chat supportFeatures copy trading toolsSupports crypto and fiat paymentsQuick registration and setup
Cons An unregulated platformDoes not form part of an investor compensation scheme

DAXBase is a simple and user-friendly trading platform that allows users to quickly buy/sell CFDs over, commodities, stocks, indices, forex and cryptocurrencies. It is operated by Clever Technologies Ltd, which is not regulated by any legal organisation. Except for residents of USA, the CFD trading platform accepts members from all countries worldwide.

The web trading platform is intuitive and supports multiple languages like French, Russian, Spanish and Thai.  It has a lot of features such as Fundamental Analysis, Charting Tools, Economic Calendar and Technical analysis which might be helpful for professional traders. It provides CopyTrading (copy trade movements of successful traders) to help users who don’t have prior trading experience. Unlike other platforms, DAXBase doesn’t offer a mobile app. Of course, this was true at the time of writing.

DAXBase offers three types of accounts: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Except for the initial deposit amount, other features are the same for all accounts. Depending on the amount of deposit, users will get a bonus of up to 100%. Even though it is an unregulated platform, it doesn’t allow withdrawals without verifying users’ identity.

The CFD trading platform doesn’t charge any fee to deposit funds. A withdrawal fee is not applicable for all payment methods except wire transfer. Even though DAXBase doesn’t charge a commission for every trade, it does charge other kinds of fee like inactivity fee, spread fee and swap fee. Regarding security, the platform claims that customers’ funds are securely stored in European banks. However, it doesn’t provide any investor compensation scheme at the time of writing.

Trading Fees: Fees vary by coin.
The financial services provided by this website carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all of your funds. You should never invest money that you cannot afford to lose.

Bybit

Bybit
Pros Quick and easy to set upSupports up to 3 daily withdrawalsUp to 100x leverageA secure trading platform
Cons Not a regulated platformLimited choice of cryptocurrency derivatives

Bybit is relatively a new futures trading platform that allows users to trade perpetual contracts of the top cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, EOS and Ripple. It is headquartered in Singapore and accepts users from all parts of the world including Europe, North America, Japan, Russia. Since its recent launch in 2018, it has grown steadily with 100,000 registered users worldwide.

Even though Bybit is not regulated by any legal organization, it follows the industry’s best practices to protect customers’ assets. Like most of the cryptocurrency exchanges, Bybit also provides two-factor authentication to its clients. Moreover, it securely stores all its customers’ funds on multi-signature cold storage wallets to provide utmost protection.

The exchange allows users to start trading instantly after they create an account on the platform. It doesn’t require users to upload any kind of documents to verify their identity. Regarding fees, it doesn’t charge any fee to deposit or withdraw fees. Nevertheless, a fixed mining fee is applicable for all withdrawals. Apart from that, it charges a nominal maker/taker fee for every trade.

At the time of writing, Bybit doesn’t have a mobile app. However, its web-based trading interface is user-friendly and displays real-time pricing charts and analysis graphs. It is available in multiple languages including Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese and Russian.

Trading Fees: Vary by trading volumes. Starting at -0.025% Maker Fee and 0.075% Taker Fee.

Trading212

Trading212
Pros A regulated platformOffers an investor compensation schemeSupport via live chat and phoneNo deposit/withdrawal fees
Cons Offers a limited number of cryptocurrency CFDsDoes not support the direct purchase of assets

Trading 212 is one of the leading CFD trading platforms that offer CFD trading for more than 1800 financial instruments over different classes like forex, commodities, stocks, and indices. It is owned and operated by a London based Fintech company, Trading 212 Ltd. It is regulated and authorized by FCA (Financial Conduct of Authority) and FSC (Financial Services Commission). Trading 212 UK Ltd is registered in England and Wales whereas Trading 212 Ltd is registered in Bulgaria.

The web trading platform of Trading 212 is simple and intuitive. It offers a lot of customization options for the users including light/dark mode. It supports 10+ languages including Spanish, Italian, German, French and Polish. Apart from the web interface, Trading 212 is available as a mobile app for both iOS and Android platforms.

The CFD trading platform follows a lengthy registration process and expects users to provide a lot of information including their tax ID. Without verifying their identity, users will not be able to deposit/withdraw funds on Trading 212. Regarding fees, it doesn’t charge any fees to deposit/withdraw funds. However, other types of fees like conversion fee and overnight funding fee are applicable.

Trading 212 protects its customers’ assets by keeping them in segregated bank accounts. Furthermore, its clients are eligible for an investor compensation of up to €20,000 or 90% of their assets, whichever is less. Even though it doesn’t provide additional security features like 2FA protection, it has an exclusive security control team to monitor the traffic of its website in order to prevent any security lapses.

Trading Fees: Varies by asset and spread type.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Investous

Investous
Pros A regulated platformLow minimum withdrawal limitsSupports multiple fiat payment optionsLive chat support
Cons Only offers a limited choice of cryptocurrency pairsCountry restrictions apply

Investous is a CFD trading platform that allows users to quickly trade a wide range of financial instruments including top cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Ripple. The trading platform is operated by two organisations namely F1Markets Limited (only in the EU) and IOS Invesments Limited (Worldwide). It is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) in the EU and International Financial Services Commission of Belize outside the EU.

Investous supports more than 270 instruments on its platform including forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies.  Apart from a handful of countries, it provides its services to almost all the countries in the EU and worldwide. It provides two trading platforms : WebTrader, MetaTrader 4 (an advanced trading platform) for its desktop users. For mobile users, Investous is available as an Android app. The CFD trading platform supports five different languages: English, Dutch, German, Italian, and Spanish.

The CFD trading platform offers four types of accounts: Basic, Gold, Platinum and VIP. Minimum deposit limits and fees vary depending on the account type. Being a regulated exchange, it expects users to provide documents like a government-issued ID, proof of address and photo of a payment card in order to withdraw funds. Even though it doesn’t charge a commission for every trade, other types of fees like inactivity fee, swap fee, spread fee and withdrawal fee are applicable. It is worth noting that the inactivity fee in particular is rather high (€80 for one-month old inactive accounts)

Even though the trading platform is protected with SSL encryption, it doesn’t provide any additional security features like two-factor authentication to protect customers’ accounts.

Trading Fees: Variable floating spread based on the particular cryptocurrency pair.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 80.41% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

XTB

XTB
Pros A regulated platformNo fees for bank transfer or card payments24/7 live chat supportOffers an investor compensation scheme
Cons Does not support the direct purchase of assetsCountry restrictions apply

XTB is one of the reputed EU-based FX/CFD platforms which offers CFD trading in stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, forex, ETFs, and indices. It provides its services to residents of many countries worldwide and has offices in multiple countries including the UK, Poland, Germany, France, and Turkey. The trading platform is regulated by UK FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). It provides better client money protection by offering compensation to users (up to 85,000 GBP person) in the unlikely event of insolvency.

XTB offers a diversified portfolio of financial assets on its trading platform. It offers CFD trading for the most popular cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin and more. It supports multiple fiat payment options like credit and debit cards, bank transfers and electronic wallets (Paypal/Skrill).

The web trading platform is simple, user-friendly and is available in 10+ different languages including Spanish, German, Italian and Portuguese. XTB has a mobile app for both iOS and Android users who prefer trading on the go. It allows users to trade on all devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.

XTB follows a lengthy registration process and doesn’t allow users to start trading without verifying their identity. Therefore, users must complete the verification process which includes uploading copies of documents to verify their identity and address.

As for fees, it doesn’t charge any commission for every trade, which is definitely an advantage. However, it does charge other types of fees which include spread, swap/overnight, and withdrawal fees.

Trading Fees: Varies by the asset. The minimum spread on the standard account is 0.9 pips.
80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. These products are not suitable for all clients, therefore please ensure you fully understand the risks and seek independent advice.

BaseFEX

BaseFEX
Pros No documents required to start tradingNo cryptocurrency deposit/withdrawal feesUp to 100x leverage on Bitcoin contractsUser-friendly interface
Cons Does not support fiat currency payment methodsNot a regulated platform

Arguably one of the most transparent, advanced and reliable crypto derivative exchange, BaseFEX is a platform like no other. It prides itself in challenging the status quo by offering an innovative setting which gives traders the option of using leverage on four different cryptocurrency pairs of up to 100x.

BaseFEX is a novel cryptocurrency futures exchange where traders are given the opportunity to trade crypto in a controlled manner. Based in Hong Kong, BaseFEX have been evolving their platform for more than 2 years. While officially launched in December of 2018, BaseFEX is registered in the Republic of the Seychelles as Base Investing Corporation.

This derivative exchange is accessible to clients from around the globe, since they have translated their site into 5 different languages, namely English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Russian. Nevertheless, their global presence does not negate the fact that there are some restricted jurisdictions. BaseFEX is not available in the United States of America, Québec (Canada), Cuba, Crimea and Sevastopol, Iran, Syria, North Korea and Sudan.

BaseFEX affords its clients to trade cryptocurrency derivatives in a convenient and practical way. Users’ trading journey can begin at the click of a button, thanks to their nifty, easy-to-navigate website. Its trading screen is well designed, easy to use and packed with sought-after features, such as indicators and multiple chart types.

With 11 Perpetual Contracts available for trade with BaseFEX and Futures Contracts as well as the amount of leverage offered is high (100x) fees are very reasonable. Moreover, there are no extra charges for deposits or withdrawals. Even makers fees are free with takers’ fees being a universal 0.06%.

In the words of BaseFEX’s CEO (Jesse Wu) and CTO (Isaac Zeng), BaseFEX aims to “make trading smooth, secure and accessible for traders worldwide.”

Trading Fees: Vary by trading volumes. Starting at 0.00% Maker Fee and 0.07% Taker Fee.

ZBX

ZBX
Pros A regulated trading platformFunctional mobile appNo minimum depositRelatively low trading fees
Cons Limited selection of cryptocurrency pairsLengthy verification process

ZBX is based in Malta and mainly targets the European market. Owing to the technical solutions from Zillion Bits AG ZBX is constructed with, it has already been commercially used on many high-ranking exchanges like ZB.com. A reputable exchange, made up of dedicated experts whose broad understanding of traditional financial services and extensive experience within various industries, ZBX is truly a new front-runner within the crypto world.

ZBX exchange’s main objective is to provide a safe and regulated environment for investors to trade and buy digital assets. Moreover, it is also working towards getting approval from European Financial regulation, so that it can list the security tokens on its platform.

As opposed to some exchanges which accept users from selected countries, ZBX Exchange strives to bring deep liquidity to Europe, Asia, and other western countries. ZBX accepts both FIAT as well as cryptocurrency deposits at no fees.

 

Trading Fees: Vary by trading volumes. Starting at 0.2% Maker and a 0.2% Taker.

Indacoin

Indacoin
Pros Offers 100+ cryptocurrenciesProvides a free multi-currency mobile walletNo registration or verification requiredLive chat support
Cons Relatively high feesCountry restrictions apply

Indacoin has its headquarter in the UK and is trusted Bitcoin & altcoins broker within the crypto community. They have been selling Bitcoin since 2013 and gained over 500,000 customers over the years.

Their service is all about efficiency. They don’t require the user to set up an account and KYC verification is not mandatory for purchases less than $200. This is great especially for beginners as KYC can be intrusive to some. Additionally, Indacoin allows the purchase of popular coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Monero, Binance Coin and 100+ more.

The only downside to Indacoin is the fees. Compared to the competition the fees are higher, however, we believe this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. Beginners benefit from excellent customer support, clear instructions and an excellent choice of coins. Through Indacoin, one is able to set up an Indacoin Wallet which is a separate product provided by this exchange. Indacoin does not support Crypto to Fiat payment, hence, users will not be able to cash out and must transfer their funds to another exchange to do so.

Trading Fees: 15% + network fees if using their website & 9% + network fees if you use their Exchange App.

Kraken

Kraken
Pros A trusted cryptocurrency exchange platformFeatures several advanced security featuresSupports cryptocurrency and fiat paymentsQuick account opening process
Cons No in-built walletLimited support channels

As one of the world’s oldest Bitcoin exchange, Kraken has its headquarters in San Francisco. Although Kraken Exchange is not registered with any legislative board, it is still a very respected by regulated banks in the EU as well as the government of Japan. Virtually accepting all countries worldwide, it offers extremely high security for its customer’s accounts so that it will be very challenging for hackers to steal the coins.

Kraken’s trading platform is perfect whether a customer is new to the trading scene or a professional, seasoned trader. It allows its users to trade more than 50+ currency pairs on its exchange. What’s more, it offers great security thanks to its advanced settings, especially when compared to other cryptocurrency trading platforms. The only lacking feature against its competitors is a Mobile app.

Update. Kraken now offers margin trading.

Trading Fees: Vary by trading volumes. Starting at 0.16% Maker and a 0.26% Taker.

EXMO

EXMO
Pros Offers 80+ trading pairsAccepts several fiat currenciesNo KYC for cryptocurrency purchasesSupports 10+ payment methods
Cons High credit card feesOffers a limited number of cryptocurrencies

EXMO is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in Europe, although it is significantly smaller than major platforms, including Binance and Coinbase. With an average monthly trading volume of $1.5 billion and thousands of users worldwide, the exchange offers access to a variety of cryptocurrencies and services.

As an EXMO user, you will be able to store your currency into a free, in-built wallet. The platform supports 6 fiat currencies and convenient payment methods. Additionally, users can take advantage of the platform’s referral and cashback programs, as well as OTC and merchant services.

This EXMO review will analyse the primary features and functions in order to provide you with an all-rounded and detailed overview. While Cryptimi does its utmost to provide you with the best and most current information on a regular basis, we highly recommend that you to visit EXMO for any updates which might occur after the time of writing.

Trading Fees: Rates vary by coin but are usually set around 0.2%.

Coinmama

Coinmama
Pros Offers a quick verification processInstant purchase of coins with cardsHigh limitsLocks conversion rate upon order
Cons Does not support cryptocurrency paymentsOnly offers a small choice of coins

Coinmama, is owned by NBV International (a daughter company of New Bit Ventures Ltd) and accepts members from virtually all countries worldwide. Whilst Coinmama itself is not regulated, its owner is a registered Money Service Business with FinCEN.

The trading interface of Coinmama is so easily accessible that it is ideal for novice users to buy Bitcoins swiftly because the transaction literally takes a few minutes. The process is straightforward and allows users to choose between card payments or bank transfers.

Customers can rest assured that Coinmama is a safe and trustworthy exchange. Although it is the user’s responsibility to protect their coins by sending them to a valid wallet address, to prevent scams, Coinmama requests its customers to confirm their wallet address prior to sending the coins. It’s worth pointing out that the exchange doesn’t store any type of users’ sensitive data on its servers.

Trading Fees: Fees start at 5.9%.

CoinEx

CoinEx
Pros Supports 50+ trading pairs50% discount on fees when using CET coinQuick withdrawalsNo documents required to start trading
Cons Does not support fiat currency paymentsNo live chat support

Launched quite recently in December 2017, CoinEx has its headquarters in Hong Kong, and aims to build a highly secure, user-friendly, low cost and high-speed cryptocurrency platform to trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies by using its proprietary trade matching system. It supports multiple languages and accepts users from more than 100 countries. CoinEx  is not registered with any legislation yet.

CoinEx offers the basic 2FA option to protect customers’ funds. Moreover, it uses security factors like multi-signature strategy and HTTPS to provide full-dimension protection for customers’ funds and data protection.

Trading Fees: 0.1% Maker Fee and 0.1% Taker Fee. Discounts apply when using CET coin.

Changelly

Changelly
Pros Offers 150+ cryptocurrenciesOverall low trading feesSupports anonymous cryptocurrency paymentsLive chat support
Cons No wallet for cryptocurrency storageHigh credit card processing fees

Changelly is an exchange platform that allows its users to buy and exchange a vast selection of cryptocurrencies, virtually instantly. By means of its easy-to-follow verification process, which doesn’t require document uploads, it literally takes a few minutes to purchase digital currencies on this exchange. Although it charges high fees for buying cryptos using fiat currency, the crypto-to-crypto rates are very reasonable.

Changelly is great whether you’re a novice or a seasoned trader. So whether you want to get hands-on experience with cryptocurrency trading, or are a professional trader, you can instantly exchange any cryptocurrency without divulging your identity since the transactions are kept anonymous. Additionally, it allows its users to expand their coin portfolio in a straightforward manner.

While it is not regulated with any legislative board, it has managed to gain both a good reputation and the trust of its customers by partnering up with other reputable cryptocurrency exchanges and wallet providers. The main objective of the Changelly is to offer a transparent, simple and accessible interface to buy and exchange cryptocurrencies.

Trading Fees: 0.25% commissions on all trades.

Bitfinex

Bitfinex
Pros Supports a broad range of coins and tokensLow trading feesOffers a variety of charting tools and analysis resourcesHighly secured platform
Cons No live chat supportNo credit card payments

Bitfinex is one of the most advanced cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. It was launched in 2012 in Hong Kong. Even though it was hacked and more than 100,000 Bitcoins were stolen in 2016, it managed to compensate for most of the losses and pay back users’ investments.

This has won the trust of many new traders who classify it as a truly reputable exchange. Since then, it has improved its security measures and now stores coins in cold storage wallets. Bitfinex offers advanced trading channels for its customers. Accepting wired transfers as well as cryptocurrency payments. Bitfinex tends to be an exchange which is favoured by serious, long-term investors. While novice traders can try this service out, it doesn’t offer live chat support – a feature which is rather essential for those unfamiliar with crypto exchange practices.

Trading Fees: Vary by trading volumes. Starting at 0.1% Maker and a 0.2% Taker.

What Is A Cryptocurrency Exchange?

Definition: A cryptocurrency exchange platform is an online website that supports the buying, selling and/or trading of cryptocurrency assets or contracts.

 

Cryptocurrency Exchanges

In reality, a lot of factors have to be considered in rating these exchanges. An inexperienced trader would expect it to be simple and user-friendly so that it will take less time to create an account and start trading immediately.

On the other hand, a professional trader seeks cryptocurrency exchanges that offer advanced trading tools, high trading limits and chart analysis. Expectations vary depending on the nature of the trader however, certain features are sought after by both novices as well as professional traders.

A Cryptocurrency exchange that offers the following is highly desirable:

  • Built-in Wallets
  • Low trading fees
  • High security
  • Regulated
  • Good customer support
  • Multiple payment options
  • FIAT deposits & withdrawals
  • Large availability of cryptocurrencies & trading pairs

In this article, we have compiled a list of some of the best cryptocurrency exchanges which have succeeded in gaining the trust of novice and professional traders alike. The ranking of these exchanges might vary depending on your needs. Hence, we opted to include a short summary on each, however, we highly recommend that you check out our exchange reviews to learn more in-depth about each platform.

Moreover, you can use our advanced filtering system to customize the results according to your preferred deposit method, country and desired features. Our system will calculate all the ins and outs and the exchange presented on top will most likely be the best crypto trading exchange for you.

Cryptocurrency Exchanges We Recommend

Definition: FIAT refers to any currency whose value is backed up by the government. This includes currencies like Euro, USD, GBP, AUD, and similar currencies.

While we do our best to update this article with accurate data, there might be slight changes from the time of writing. We always recommend you to perform your own research and to use this portal for research purposes only and not as a piece of investment advice.

Do You Need Exchanges To Trade Cryptocurrency?

Yes, you do. Both novices, as well as professional traders, are buying Bitcoins or other altcoins from cryptocurrency brokers and exchanges. Even though there are few additional options like Bitcoin ATMs to buy cryptocurrencies, these are only available at limited locations which makes them inconvenient.

The best exchanges provide a lot of features like flexible payment options, ease of use, a variety of cryptocurrencies, storage wallets and more. If you’re a beginner looking for your first crypto exchange to deposit funds in, look for the following traits:

  • Built-in Wallet – This will allow you to buy and store crypto within the exchange platform. Consider the wallet acting as a bank within the trading platform.
  • Credit/Debit Card or Bank Transfer Deposit Methods – Choose whichever method you prefer working with. Usually, bank transfers come with lower fees.
  • The exchange has most if not all the cryptocurrencies you’d like to own or trade.

It’s important to note that certain exchanges have geographical restrictions based on government regulations and operational licenses. The most restricted area is the US, so if you’re a US resident make sure you tick our ‘USA’ filtering option. On the other hand, residents of the UK, Germany & the EU have lower restrictions.

Crypto Exchange Types

Cryptocurrency exchanges come in two main varieties. Centralized exchanges (CEX) and decentralized exchanges (DEX). CEX (Centralized Exchanges) act as a middleman between the buyer and seller for trading cryptocurrencies. Therefore when trading on a CEX, your funds are held by a third party company.

In the case of DEX (Decentralised Exchange), the concept of an intermediary is eliminated as it directly connects the buyers and sellers via the blockchain.

A DEX is technically more secure, however, they have their drawbacks of low liquidity, low popularity and slow platform updates. To date, centralized exchanges are the goto exchanges, however, the crypto community is working on several DEXs to try to solve their drawbacks. The best crypto exchanges can be classified under the following categories:

Trading Platforms

Trading Platform Best Exchanges

Generally, a trading platform is a website that connects buyers and sellers and then deducts a fee for every transaction. Apart from buying Bitcoins/altcoins using FIAT currencies, trading platforms may also allow you to trade two cryptocurrencies against each other.

A crypto trading platform can be considered a stock exchange. BitMex is an example of a trading platform which, however, does not support FIAT. Nonetheless, BitMex offers advanced margin trading tools, ideal for serious traders.

Other types of trading platforms are what are known as atomic swaps. Atomic swaps are smart contract technology that enables the exchange to communicate between several cryptocurrency blockchains, allowing the user to trade 1 cryptocurrency with hundreds, if not thousands, of other cryptocurrencies. You may check out Changelly and ChangeNOW to better understand how these trading platforms look and feel.

Peer to Peer Exchanges

Peer to Peer Exchanges

A P2P (Peer to Peer) exchange does the job of a matchmaker. That is, it connects the sellers and potential buyers. In a P2P exchange, the price of the cryptocurrency and payment option will be agreed between the buyer and the seller. The P2P platform is not directly involved in the transaction between the seller and the buyer. LocalBitcoins.com is the best example of a P2P exchange.

Crypto Brokers

Broker Exchanges

Brokers are company websites that purchase a sufficient supply of cryptocurrencies and then sell them at their own price. It can be visualized as one high net worth seller with multiple buyers. Coinbase is an example of a cryptocurrency broker. Typically, all brokers allow the buying and selling of crypto using FIAT money.

Crypto CFD Brokers

 

Crypto CFD Contract Broker

Granted, whenever you’re buying a crypto CFD you are not the owner of the cryptocurrency asset, but you are the owner of a contract between you and the CFD broker. However, trading crypto CFDs is becoming increasingly popular with investors and speculators as they can benefit from the volatile price movements of cryptocurrency, without the hassle of security & wallets. But perhaps the biggest advantage of using crypto CFD brokers is that you can make a profit out of crypto even when the cryptocurrency price is going down. To learn more about this topic visit our trading crypto CFDs guide.

Choosing The Best Cryptocurrency Exchange

Understanding what makes one exchange better than another is not a straightforward process. At Cryptimi we use the combined experience of our team as well as industry analysts to understand which platforms provide the best overall value and experience. With so many different demands and experience levels in the market, it is impossible to expect any single exchange to be the best for everyone. Instead, different platforms are able to meet the needs of a single or a variety of clients. From novice users to serial traders and investors looking for Altcoins, we continually put ourselves in your shoes to find and update the best cryptocurrency exchange platform based on your needs.

The following are just a few features and benefits which we look out for. In reality, our research delves much deeper, resulting in a list of reliable and reputable exchanges you can use today.

Payment Methods

Some cryptocurrency exchanges will not accept fiat currencies. Fiat currencies are your typical government-controlled currency like EUR, GBP & USD. If the exchange platform does not support the purchase of Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency using Fiat, then it means you will not be able to use your debit/credit card to buy crypto. Hence, you will be forced to buy Bitcoins from another FIAT to Crypto exchange and then send them over to the other exchange to start your cryptocurrency trading. If the exchange platform supports multiple payment options like PayPal, Wire transfer, debit/credit cards, SEPA & Crypto Deposits then it will be easier to trade and cash out.

If the exchange platform supports multiple payment options like PayPal, Wire transfer, debit/credit cards, SEPA & Crypto Deposits then it will be easier to trade and cash out. If not, you will have to transfer your funds from one exchange to another.

Coin Pairs

Long-term crypto investors will be more interested in trading pairs. Trading pairs refer to trades between two different types of cryptocurrencies. A trading pair would look like this:

  • EUR/BTC (Trading Euro to Bitcoin or vice-versa)
  • BTC/ETH (Trading Bitcoin to Ethereum or vice-versa)
  • LTC/BTC

There are 1000s of trading pairs but not all exchanges support the same pairs. It is important to keep in mind that a trading pair BTC/ETH on Binance is not exactly the same as the trading pair BTC/ETH on Bitmex. Every exchange has its own market for every pair that it supports. If you are an experienced trader who would like to diversify his coin portfolio, then look for the best cryptocurrency exchanges which support a lot of trading pairs and high liquidity.

Trading Fees

If you are serious about cryptocurrencies and would like to be a long-term trader, then you should select the best cryptocurrency exchanges with low fees. If you do so, you will save a lot of money from trading fees. The best option would be to try out exchanges that offer zero fees to deposit/withdraw funds on your account. Some exchanges will charge a flat trading fee while others may follow the Maker-Taker model.

Also, find out the trading fee for your preferred payment method. For example, let’s assume that you are planning to buy cryptocurrencies using a credit card. If the exchange deducts 5% or 7% as a fee apart from the credit card fee, then it will not be profitable for you.

Reputation & Trust

Try to find out the approximate launching date of the exchange or go through our exchange platform reviews. An old exchange will most likely have a good reputation when compared with a new one. Check whether the cryptocurrency exchange is officially registered and whether it has a license as well. You may search on the internet to find out whether the exchange has been involved in any kind of scams or hacks. Visit the contact page of the exchange’s website and find out if it has a physical address. PO Box address is not accepted and considered as a red flag.

Security

Security is a feature you need to take seriously before depositing any funds as your investment might be at risk. The majority of the cryptocurrency exchanges offer 2FA (Two Factor Authentication) protection for your account. This means, whenever you are making any transaction, you need to enter the security code received on your phone or authenticator app. Only then, your transaction will be processed. Security features include:

Best Exchanges Security

  • 2 Factor Authentication
  • KYC & AML procedures
  • IP protection
  • Cold storage
  • Encryption
  • Anti-phishing procedures

A few exchanges provide IP based protection so that you will receive a warning if a login is made from an unauthorized device. The best exchange is one that provides the utmost protection for your account and transactions.

Geographical Restriction

Since cryptocurrency investments are unregulated in certain countries you need to find out whether the cryptocurrency exchange you have chosen is available in your country or not.

Customer Support

Any crypto exchange should have a dedicated customer support team to quickly resolve the issues faced by the customers. Unfortunately, only a few exchanges provide live chat or 24/7 customer support. Some exchanges may take up to a week to answer simple questions. They might also send some standard reply messages which do not solve your problems. When choosing the best exchange make sure it has at least a dedicated email to solve your issues quickly. We highly recommend checking Reddit and their social media channels.

Exchange Liquidity

Liquidity is an important aspect not only for digital assets but also for the cryptocurrency exchanges. You should always choose exchanges which have high liquidity, as this helps you to get a fair and stable price for your crypto coins.

Definition: Liquidity is the ease at which an asset can be converted to cash.

Unfortunately, you are not able to yet compare the liquidity of cryptocurrencies with other tradable assets like gold, because digital currencies are not yet listed and traded globally on stock exchanges. Nonetheless, the more active traders an exchange has, the higher the liquidity it tends to have.

KYC Verification

Some exchanges will not allow you to buy/sell Bitcoins or altcoins without completing the KYC (Know Your Customer) process. This process is typically required by law to protect from scams and money laundering, hence you should provide documents to verify your identity and address. To pass through KYC you would typically need the following:

  • Photocopy of  your ID card or passport (Front & Back)
  • A photo of your face holding the ID card or passport
  • Proof of address can usually be obtained through a bank statement
  • Some exchanges require you to write the date on a piece of paper and take a photo of it

All serious platforms which allow the purchasing of cryptocurrency using fiat require KYC verification. There are some exchanges that require KYC only to increase your crypto to crypto buying/selling limits. An exchange that does strict KYC is generally considered a good sign.

Ease of Use

A user-friendly interface is not only beneficial for novice traders, but also for experienced traders and investors. Ask yourself, does it feel too complicated to use this exchange? Check if the exchange has FAQs, help or knowledge base section so that you can easily refer to it if you get stuck.

Storing Coins

A wallet is required to store your cryptocurrency coins. There are two types of wallets used to store digital assets within an exchange: Web-based and Cold storage. A Web-based wallet, also known as a hot wallet, is always connected to the internet, whereas a hardware wallet, also known as cold storage wallet, is most of the time offline and is only connected to the network during transactions.

Few exchanges offer the commodity of a wallet to safeguard your investment. For security reasons, you should always store your coins on hardware wallets, but having an exchange with a built-in wallet provides you quick and easy access to your funds. For storing your coins check our best cryptocurrency wallets section.

Other Benefits

Few cryptocurrency exchanges provide insurance for the digital assets which are stored either on their servers or in cold storage vaults. Trading on an insured exchange means you will be able to receive compensation if someone had to hack the exchange and steal your coins from your account.

It is crucial to remember that no cryptocurrency exchange will offer compensation if an individual’s account is compromised for lack of due diligence. You can only file an insurance claim if there is a security lapse on the entire exchange platform. Therefore, we recommend you not to keep your coins on the exchange, but to store them on a hardware wallet such as the Ledger Nano S or, their most recent release the Ledger Nano X.

Final Thoughts

Before finalizing on the cryptocurrency exchange, it is highly recommended to do an in-depth study on that exchange by visiting their official website and FAQ or Help section. You can also read the reviews of other people who have used the exchange. There are plenty on Reddit and on other social media platform which can help you do that.

Always remember that cryptocurrency investment is associated with high risk. If you do a wrong decision, then it may result in a severe financial loss. It is always advisable to spend some time and do your homework before buying any cryptocurrency from the exchange. The content provided on Cryptimi should not be treated as financial advice and you must never risk more money than you afford to lose.

How do cryptocurrency exchanges make money?

Cryptocurrency exchanges charge fees in order to make money, stay profitable, and keep users safe.

Why are cryptocurrency prices different on different exchanges?

Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, which means that no entity has control over them. As a result, different platforms are able to set different prices for each coin, giving traders an opportunity to use Arbitrage.

How easy is it to hack a crypto exchange?

Reputable cryptocurrency exchanges are very difficult to hack, although there have been successful attacks in the past.

Which crypto exchanges accept credit card?

There are many reputable cryptocurrency exchanges that support credit and debit card payments. Use our filter options above to view exchanges which accept this payment method.

Can I trade crypto between exchanges?

Yes, all you need is to have the wallet or account addresses for each exchange.

How are crypto exchanges regulated?

Cryptocurrency regulation is still in its infancy, however certain exchanges are regulated by jurisdictions which have developed laws especially for this industry.