Some of the most reputable crypto exchanges in the world are registered in America. With a lot of options to choose from, we have compared and analyzed the best crypto exchanges for Americans.
In our review, we considered a lot of factors that control customers’ decisions when choosing the best crypto exchanges for buying, selling, and storing Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other Altcoins.
In short, our top pick from the best cryptocurrency exchanges for Americans is Coinbase ($5 BTC signup bonus) based on important factors such as ease of use, deposit methods, fees, overall trading experience, mobile app security, and customer support.
The Best Crypto Exchanges for Americans
These are the best crypto exchanges for Americans to buy Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies:
- Coinbase (best overall exchange)
- FTX.US (best for margin trading)
- eToro (best for social trading)
- Kraken (best trading platform)
- Gemini (best for security)
- Crypto.com (best for mobile apps)
- Binance.US (best for low fees)
- CEX.IO (best for payment methods)
- Swan Bitcoin (best for DCA)
- Coinmama (best for credit cards)
Best American cryptocurrency exchanges compared
This comparison guide provides an overview of the best cryptocurrency exchanges for Americans to buy, trade, and sell Bitcoin and other altcoins.
Our review is based on a thorough study of the platform’s features, trading pairs, payment options, supported currencies, trading fees, customer support, and security methods.
1. Coin Base
Coinbase is based in San Francisco, California, and is considered the best cryptocurrency exchange for Americans.
It is currently the largest cryptocurrency trading platform in the United States by trading volume with a total trading volume of over 20 billion.
Coinbase revolutionized the digital currency environment by providing a simple, reliable, and easy-to-use platform.
Individuals and institutions in the United States can buy, trade, store, and sell digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum XRP, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and more.
The American-based cryptocurrency exchange supports US dollars as a form of payment.
Coinbase is also one of the safest cryptocurrency exchanges with no reported hacks or breaches of security systems and wallets resulting in monetary losses due to criminal activity.
Coinbase’s notable features that make it our top pick include:
- The best cryptocurrency exchange for beginners
- Buy cryptocurrencies via bank transfer or credit/debit card
- Quick and easy cryptocurrency wallet monitoring on website or app
- Coinbase Pro offers advanced trading tools and indicators
- Earn free cryptocurrencies by learning about cryptocurrencies
- Secure wallet for storing bitcoin and other digital assets
Once a Coinbase account is created and verified, US citizens can choose a payment method to fund their wallets, such as a debit card for small investments, a wire transfer for large investments, or a transfer that takes a few days to process.
One of the main benefits of using Coinbase is that funds stored online are covered by an insurance policy.
A downside to Coinbase is its fees, which start at 0.5% per transaction and gradually decrease with higher transaction volumes.
For new investors and starters with low capital, the fees are quite high compared to other platforms.
2.FTX.US
FTX.US is a cryptocurrency derivatives exchange available in the United States for traders looking to profit from leveraged digital currencies.
The platform differentiates itself from its competitors by offering a variety of indices and leveraged tokens that can be traded on the futures or options market.
FTX is known for creating the world’s first cryptocurrency index futures, allowing its users to benefit from the rise or fall of a specific index in the form of a futures contract. Index futures can be traded directly on the FTX trading platform.
The benefits of using FTX.US include:
- Professional user interface for desktop or mobile trading
- Enjoy up to 101x on cryptocurrency trading pairs
- New trading pairs and tokens are added regularly
- Leveraged SHORT or LONG tokens with up to 3x leverage with no margin
- MOVE Contracts that are settled based on the absolute change in a currency’s price over time
3. eToro
eToro is suitable for beginners in the USA. The platform allows you to buy cryptocurrencies with a powerful and easy-to-use trading platform.
The platform offers a simple platform for trading major digital currency pairs, altcoins, or trading cryptocurrencies with a virtual wallet.
When buying cryptocurrencies on eToro, there are only similar costs for wealth distribution as with Uphold.
The fees vary for each digital asset and increases or decreases depending on market conditions.
For example, Bitcoin buying and selling fees are 0.75% per transaction. Compared to other cryptocurrency providers like Coinbase which charges between 0.5% and 3.99%.
The trading interface includes real-time cryptocurrency market news and research, advanced trading features, risk management tools, and a social network.
Users can copy the trades of the most profitable cryptocurrency traders and connect with other traders to share ideas and strategies or mirror the trading performance of profitable traders.
Beginners can use the copy exchange selection system to find out an investor’s portfolio to copy based on their criteria such as return on investment, risk tolerance, and a number of copiers. To limit potential losses, it is possible to set a stop-loss level.
4. Kraken
Kraken is a Bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011 and based in San Francisco, California.
The exchange is a top 5 exchange based on traffic, liquidity, and spot market trading volume according to Coinmarketcap.
Kraken is a licensed and regulated cryptocurrency exchange in the United States with FinCEN, excluding clients in Washington (WA) and New York (NY) state.
Kraken offers 54 cryptocurrency assets to buy and sell including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether USDT, XRP, and Litecoin.
There are also popular Defi tokens like Composite (COMP), Kava (KAVA), and Kyber Network (KNC).
Traders can take advantage of advanced trading options and automated portfolio monitoring, allowing users to monitor the market and manage their portfolios from a single interface.
Kraken also supports cryptocurrency PoS coin staking to allow participants to delegate their coins and earn passive income.
Kraken uses a taker and maker system with spot trading fees of 0.16% and 0.26% respectively.
All cryptocurrency pairs have volume incentives based on trading activity over the past 30 days.
Traders are encouraged to enter the market with lower trading fees to provide liquidity to the exchange by filling the order book by placing conditional and limited orders (i.e. maker fees).
5. Gemini
Gemini is a New York-based company and US-regulated cryptocurrency exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins.
The company offers a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange licensed and regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYSDFS).
In our opinion, the site is the best crypto exchange for security. Gemini offers individuals, traders, and institutions a safe place to buy, sell and store digital currencies and also earn interest.
Notable features include an advanced trading platform, escrow service, secure wallet, mobile trading app, and over-the-counter cryptocurrency trading.
The Gemini exchange is one of the best bitcoin exchanges in the United States and maintains a high level of security that has earned it a solid reputation in the industry as a provider of trusted digital assets.
The exchange has also partnered with world leaders such as Samsung, Tradingview, Brave, and Nifty Gateway.
The Gemini platform is one of the safest cryptocurrency exchanges for both buyers and sellers.
The digital asset exchange provides institutional-level measures to protect its users’ information and funds stored on the platform.
Security features include cold wallet storage, multi-signature dump processing, two-factor authentication, encryption, address whitelisting, and brute-force login protection.
6. Crypto.com
With over 1 million customers worldwide, Crypto.com is a premium cryptocurrency exchange and trading app supported in 49 US states.
The Crypto.com app is a complete platform to buy, sell, trade, spend, store, earn, lend money and even pay bills with cryptocurrencies.
By using its own native digital token currency (CRO), Crypto.com is able to provide high levels of liquidity, resulting in competitive trading fees for exchanging crypto coins for fiat and stable coins.
The interface is very intuitive in an easy-to-use mobile app. Crypto.com is very active on social media and regularly runs limited-time promotions to attract new users to the platform, such as:
- 90 days of free cryptocurrency trading for new users
- Up to 50% discount on trading fees on all transactions for existing exchange users2% interest rate on bonus deposits for deposits made within the first 30 days
- Send cryptocurrencies to Crypto.com app users instantly and for free
- Buy bitcoin with 0% credit card fees
7. Binance.US
Binance.US is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges that has experienced a meteoric rise to become the most popular cryptocurrency exchange with the highest daily trading volume.
The company launched Binance.US to help US residents buy, trade, and sell cryptocurrencies with US dollars.
In our opinion, Binance is the best cryptocurrency exchange to buy, trade, and sell cryptocurrencies.
Fees ranging from 0% to 0.1% are one of the cheapest fees for buying and selling cryptocurrencies compared to other exchanges.
Binance Exchange also offers a wide range of financial services and advanced features including buying cryptocurrencies with USD and various payment methods.
These include bank deposits and credit/debit cards, basic and advanced trading charts suitable for users of different skill levels, and a secure Binance wallet for storing crypto assets.
However, the number of supported currencies and markets on Binance.US is fairly limited to US-licensed exchanges.
8. CEX.IO
CEX.IO is one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world for cryptocurrency buyers and sellers and is trusted by over 3 million users.
It is a world-class exchange that attracts all types of investors with its user-friendly interface, making it ideal for both new and experienced investors.
CEX.IO is a popular option in the US for residents looking to buy cryptocurrencies instantly using credit/debit cards.
The exchange is available on desktop or on their mobile app, which supports iOS and Android smartphones. Users can even sell coins instantly and withdraw fiat earnings on VISA or Mastercard.
9. Swan Bitcoin
Swan Bitcoin aims to simplify the investing experience for beginners who want to start trading with an easy-to-use platform that can automatically buy bitcoins based on average dollar cost.
Users can create an account and auto-deposit funds daily, weekly, or monthly with as little as $10.
The benefit of Swan Bitcoin is that it takes price out of the equation, allowing investors to build a position over time without the hassle.
Not to mention the outstanding customer service compared to the larger bags.
10. Coinmama
Coinmama offers a fast, secure, and easy way to start buying or selling digital currencies in virtually any country in the world, including the United States.
Since its inception in 2013, Coinmama has served over 2.6 million customers worldwide.
The exchange accepts fiat currencies such as USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, and CAD.
Coinmama allows cryptocurrency purchases with a VISA or Mastercard credit/debit card, allowing residents to use a fast and secure payment method.
However, merchant fees and credit card fees are quite high.
How we compiled the best cryptocurrency exchanges for Americans
As we mentioned earlier, there are so many crypto exchanges to use in America, and this can be a very challenging task for beginners in the crypto space.
To help beginners and safety-conscious US citizens, we individually researched the cryptocurrency exchanges listed above and evaluated their performance based on the following criteria:
- Reliable and regulated
- Suitable for beginners
- Deposit Methods
- Withdrawal to an American bank account
- Supported Cryptocurrencies
- Wallet security
- Customer service
- Customer reviews
To learn more about the categories evaluated when comparing top exchanges, read our full exchange rating and ranking methodology.
Reliable and regulated
Using a local exchange is the safest option to buy and sell cryptocurrencies in the US as some platforms are not supported in some countries due to regulations.
The United States has one of the highest standards in the world when it comes to financial laws and regulations governing the digital currency industry.
Therefore, we ensure the exchange is a licensed entity and complies with regulations such as those defined by the Financial Crimes Combat Network (FINCEN).
Suitable for beginners
Ease of use is an important consideration for beginners who have limited experience with an exchange, broker, or trading platform.
New investors looking to convert fiat to cryptocurrency are best served with a quick and simple interface on a desktop or mobile app.
Deposit Methods
The availability of supported local payment methods to fund an account should be a priority for new investors in the United States.
Our review examines the deposit methods available to US citizens using USD.
For example, one of the quickest and cheapest deposit options is to transfer via a US bank account.
Alternative methods for US customers include credit card and debit card purchases.
Withdrawal to an American bank account
Not all cryptocurrency exchanges allow withdrawing dollars to your American bank account.
This is an important feature for investors who will love to ultimately benefit from their investment.
Regulated exchanges in this guide are all based in the United States and they allow cryptocurrencies to be sold in USD.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin is the most widely used cryptocurrency on the most reputable crypto exchanges. However, there are thousands of cryptocurrencies that have become popular due to their usage or speculative nature.
Our ranking takes into account the number of available cryptocurrency assets and trading pairs against cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies.
Fees
There are different fee structures to look out for when using a crypto exchange.
There are fees for depositing USD, withdrawing cash or cryptocurrencies, and trading between assets.
Exchanges also charge distribution fees, which are often “hidden costs” and are not fully disclosed.
It is essentially the difference between the buying price and the selling price on the market. Our assessment takes all costs into account.
Wallet security
The risk of online fraud, scams, and theft is a major concern for the blockchain community.
Our rating system evaluates the security features of the platform to ensure the safety of funds stored by the exchange.
Common security measures include cold wallet storage, a multi-signature withdrawal process, and two-factor authentication.
Customer service
Explore the site to discover the communication methods available to help users who need troubleshooting tips or replacement assistance.
Additionally, some exchanges offer comprehensive FAQs and helpful hands-on guides for beginners.
Customer Reviews
Browsing online forex analysis, forum comments, and social media posts is a great way to see what other investors and traders have experienced with the platform.
Types of cryptocurrency exchanges available to Americans
There are different types of cryptocurrency exchanges in the United States. The most suitable exchange depends on users’ experience with investing and trading in the financial markets. Below we describe the basic types for each investor category.
- Fiat to Cryptocurrency Exchanges
- Cryptocurrency trading Exchanges
- Futures & Derivatives Cryptocurrency Exchanges
- Cryptocurrency CFD Providers
Fiat to Cryptocurrency Exchanges
New investors and beginners looking to make their first digital currency purchase must use a cryptocurrency exchange that accepts fiat currencies.
These types of sites accept various fiat currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and NZD in exchange for digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
When choosing a fiat cryptocurrency exchange, make sure that the platform accepts US dollars and offers local US payment methods, preferably bank transfer.
Finally, check if there are any deposit or withdrawal fees as they may be hidden fees.
Cryptocurrency Trading Exchanges
Once a purchase is made, the cryptocurrency can be transferred to a cryptocurrency-to-cryptocurrency exchange to trade cryptocurrencies.
The most popular trading exchanges in the United States are Coinbase and Binance, which are available in many countries around the world.
These popular exchanges offer modern trading platforms with chart packages to enable advanced and experienced traders to buy, trade, and sell cryptocurrencies for other currencies.
Using a trading exchange allows investors to diversify their initial cryptocurrency purchase into other well-known altcoins and Defi tokens.
Advanced investors and day traders can use trading exchanges to speculate on the price of electronic currencies using technical analysis on a price chart.
Many trading platforms offer charting features and tools such as technical indicators, drawing tools, and chart templates to analyze price movements and identify trading opportunities.
Futures & Derivatives Cryptocurrency Exchanges
There are also cryptocurrency exchanges that offer futures and derivatives.
These types of trading platforms like Bybit and FTX are only recommended for experienced traders.
Trading derivatives in the margin markets requires a thorough understanding of leveraged trading and sound risk management principles.
It is possible to lose more than the initial capital deposited on the platform by shorting bitcoin or other assets.
Using leveraged positions is risky and traders can lose more than what is deposited into an account.
Advanced traders can use up to 100:1 leverage on positions to buy or short the market and take advantage of small price movements.
It is possible to grow a trading account very quickly, but it involves more risk.
Cryptocurrency CFD Providers
Online brokers offer investors another way to buy cryptocurrencies and index funds.
While CFD platforms do not offer actual cryptocurrency assets for purchase, they do allow traders to speculate on price direction using margins in specific regions.
This means that investors can buy or sell cryptocurrencies.
Conclusion
To conclude our article on the best cryptocurrency exchanges for Americans, it is recommended to stick to an established and reputable exchange in the US that accepts dollar deposits and is regulated in most states.
The above bitcoin and crypto platforms in the United States are trusted and used by millions of customers around the world to buy, trade, and sell cryptocurrencies.
If you plan to buy and trade cryptocurrencies, make sure to withdraw your earnings to a reputable bitcoin wallet for security reasons. This is the best method to protect your cryptocurrency investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to buy cryptocurrencies in the United States?
The legal status of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency assets varies from state to state in the US due to local regulations and is constantly changing due to the changing fiscal landscape.
Under United States federal law, bitcoin is classified as a “commodity” and is considered “legal.”
Like most countries around the world, the US government does not consider bitcoin or cryptocurrencies to be illegal, meaning they can be bought and sold on exchanges if proper anti-fraud measures are followed.
Although the US Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has stated that it is legal to buy bitcoin, its status as money or commodity in the United States varies from state to state.
Customers must verify the legal status of cryptocurrencies in their respective states before investing.
Are cryptocurrencies taxed in the US?
Trading and holding bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are taxable assets under US federal law.
Any sale of cryptocurrency is considered a capital appreciation event and the gain or loss must be reported as part of an individual’s or entity’s tax return.
Taxable acts include digital assets bought, traded, and sold on exchanges, mined, used to pay for things, and earned through interest-bearing crypto savings accounts.
Which US banks support cryptocurrencies?
Most banks in the United States do not accept bitcoin or cryptocurrency transactions.
However, as adoption grows, the tide is slowly turning and several banks in the US such as Chime Bank, Ally Bank, USSA, Simple Bank, and even JP Morgan have started to relax their policies on digital currencies.
Where can I buy cryptocurrencies?
US-based cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini have proven their worth, offering users a secure way to create an account, verify identity, deposit funds, and earn cryptocurrencies.
How can I get cryptocurrencies in the United States?
The best way for people to obtain cryptocurrency in the United States is through a licensed cryptocurrency exchange that is regulated in the customer’s state of residence in the United States.
Using a locally regulated exchange reduces the risk of fraudulent activity as the platform has to meet strict government-imposed requirements.
What is the best payment method to receive cryptocurrencies in the US?
When choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, it is important to ensure that the platform supports your preferred deposit method.
The best option is to transfer from a US bank account. Transaction fees are generally low and funds are processed within a few business days.
Other popular methods to convert US dollars (USD) to cryptocurrencies include credit or debit cards, bank transfers, cash deposits, PayPal, Amazon vouchers, and gift cards.
Can cryptocurrencies be bought with a credit card in the US?
Exchanges available in the US, such as Coinbase, allow the use of credit/debit cards to purchase coins.
It’s fast, secure, and easily accessible for those with a bank account.
Other popular platforms that accept credit cards for US citizens are Binance, eToro, Changelly, and CEX.IO.
Using a bank card for purchases is attractive to investors looking for a fast and secure way to earn bitcoins and other altcoins.
The only downside to using a credit card is the transaction fees, which are higher than traditional payment methods like a local bank transfer.
Are cryptocurrency exchanges safe?
There are still cases of cryptocurrency exchange hacking leading to the theft of funds.
It is not 100% secure to store crypto assets on an exchange, regardless of the security measures in place.
The largest cryptocurrency exchanges have bank-like security features to keep risk extremely low. However, the best place to store Bitcoin and cryptocurrency is in your custody with a cold storage wallet.
Can cryptocurrencies be bought with Apple Pay in the US?
Customers can buy digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum on Coinmama using Apple Pay. The global cryptocurrency exchange is US compliant and accepts USD transactions. Coinmama is one of the largest exchanges to support Apple Pay.
