One of your first steps into the cryptocurrency industry will most probably see you use an exchange. These platforms perform one primary task, exchange one currency for another. Some of the larger exchanges have grown to offer a full suite of services, including exchanging crypto to fiat and crypto to crypto, or providing separate wallets, but their core role remains unchanged. Finding the right crypto exchanges can be tricky, so this guide will help you choose from among the hundreds out there. Coinbase Coinbase is one of the world's largest exchanges and is based in the US. It has the necessary licenses to carry out transactions in the United States, and Europe, together with other countries. The operator of the exchange, Coinbase Inc, includes in its portfolio an eMoney Financial Institution license from the UK. [cta dual='true' color='purple' text='Visit Coinbase' text2='Coinbase Review' href='/out/coinbase' href2='https://www.cryptimi.com/cryptocurrency-exchanges/coinbase-review'] Coinbase, the exchange, complies with several international and rules on combating money laundering and protecting consumers. It utilises 2-factor authentication which boosts user security and funds, but is still very easy and accessible, which is especially important to novice traders. One of the most popular features of Coinbase is that it allows deposits via PayPal, as well as credit and debit cards. A large number of currencies can be traded, including Bitcoin, ZRX, and Litecoin. To store your funds securely, you can also apply for a Coinbase Wallet, which also makes the process of storing and using your funds simpler. Binance Binance is another of the world's major exchanges and a favourite amongst European and Asian traders. It uses highly secure processes to operate and provide access to users, making it one of the safest exchanges available. Nevertheless, earlier in 2019 Binance was hacked, with millions worth of Bitcoin stolen, however, none of its customers lost anything, with the losses covered by company funds. [cta dual='true' color='purple' text='Visit Binance' text2='Binance Review' href='/out/binance' href2='https://www.cryptimi.com/cryptocurrency-exchanges/binance-review'] With Binance you can trade the most popular cryptocurrencies in 2019, and many more. The exchange does not accept fiat currency, so you will first need to use another exchange to get your crypto, which you can then deposit and use in Binance. CEX.io If you are looking for an exchange which offers advanced trading options, including margin trading, then CEX.io offers exactly what you're looking for. This exchange is fully licensed to carry out money transactions by the FinCEN in the UK. Security at CEX.io is given a lot of importance, with all users needing to go through two-factor authentication to access and use their account. Similarly, the exchange's credit and debit card payments are compliant with the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. [cta dual='true' color='purple' text='Visit CEX' text2='CEX Review' href='/out/cex' href2='https://www.cryptimi.com/cryptocurrency-exchanges/cex-io-review'] CEX.io allows a large number of cryptocurrencies to be traded, including DASH, Stellar, and Bitcoin Cash. Conveniently, card payments are allowed by the exchange, as are bank transfers and crypto payments. Using the exchange to buy and sell cryptocurrencies is very simple, which makes the exchange attractive even to newer traders.