Best Crypto Exchanges in the US for January 2025

US-based investors have many options when buying and selling crypto, with online exchanges being the most common. However, not all exchanges offer a secure trading experience, so careful consideration is crucial.

We’ve done the hard work by ranking and reviewing the best crypto exchanges in the US. We reveal the safest exchanges, those offering the lowest fees, and everything in between. Read on to make an informed decision.

Reviewing the Top US Crypto Exchanges

Key factors when choosing an exchange include security, licensing, available coins, commissions, and trading tools.

Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 crypto exchanges for US investors.

1. Best Wallet – The Overall Best Crypto App for US Investors

• Supported Cryptos: Thousands of cryptos on 60+ networks
• Spot Trading Fees: Built into the quoted exchange rate
• Min Deposit: $8
• Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: Mirrors the Bitcoin mining fee
• FINRA Approval? No
• KYC? No
• Mobile App? Yes
• Leverage: No (coming soon)
• Staking/Earn Tools: No (coming soon)

Best Wallet is our overall top pick for US investors. It’s a free iOS and Android app with a non-custodial wallet. No account is needed; just download the app, choose a PIN, and set up biometrics. The private keys are encrypted on the device, so you own any purchased crypto coins outright. Best Wallet also offers a decentralized exchange. It enables US investors to buy crypto with a debit/credit card.

The minimum purchase is just over $8 and fees average 3%. No KYC documents are needed, meaning an anonymous investing experience. Thousands of crypto assets are supported, covering over 60 popular networks. This includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, and BNB Chain. Ultimately, this is the best option if you want to buy and store crypto away from centralized platforms, ensuring counterparty risks are avoided.

Crypto Trading Fees

Charges approximately 3% when buying crypto with a debit/credit card (fees are built into the exchange rate). Offers fee-free swaps on thousands of coins and tokens.

Key Features

Offers a hybrid solution for crypto investors, combining non-custodial storage with a decentralized exchange. Comes as a user-friendly app that offers debit/credit card purchases without KYC requirements.

Safety & Licensing

No licensing or regulatory approval, which is normal for non-custodial ecosystems. Users control their crypto assets 100%; no third-party authorization is needed.

2. Margex – A Great Option for Trading Crypto Futures With 100x Leverage

• Supported Cryptos: 49
• Futures Trading Fees: 0.019% (limit orders), 0.06% (market orders)
• Min Deposit: $5
• Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: 0.002 BTC
• FINRA Approval? No
• KYC? No
• Mobile App? Yes
• Leverage: 100x
• Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

Next on this crypto exchanges list is Margex, an offshore platform offering an anonymous trading experience. Getting started only requires a phone number or email address. It specializes in crypto futures, with 49 popular markets supported. This includes Bitcoin, Solana, TRON, BNB, Dogecoin, and Chainlink. Margex futures come with leverage of up to 100x.

This amplifies profits by 100 times, but unsuccessful trades can result in liquidation (meaning the upfront margin is lost). Margex futures are also ideal for short-selling. Just place a sell order when speculating on crypto prices falling. The best commissions of 0.019% per slide are offered to market makers. A premium is paid by market takers, who pay 0.06%.

While most Margex users trade futures, the platform also supports instant crypto purchases. Over 150 payment methods are accepted, including debit/credit cards and Google/Apple Pay. The minimum deposit is just $5 and purchases are delivered instantly. Long-term investors will like Margex’s staking tools; with Ethereum and Bitcoin yielding 5% and 4% respectively.

Crypto Trading Fees

Market makers and takers pay 0.019% and 0.06% respectively.

Key Features

Crypto futures with leverage of up to 100x, with the capacity to short-sell. Staking APYs of up to 5% plus copy trading tools. Also offers a free demo account.

Safety & Licensing

No FINRA approval. Isn’t licensed in any jurisdiction, which is why KYC isn’t needed.

3. MEXC – 0% Commission Trading on Thousands of Spot and Derivative Markets

• Supported Cryptos: 2,900+
• Spot Trading Fees: 0% (limit orders), 0.02% (market orders)
• Min Deposit: $30
• Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: 0.0001 BTC
• FINRA Approval? No
• KYC? No
• Mobile App? Yes
• Leverage: 200x
• Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

MEXC has grown rapidly in recent years, with over 15 million users taking advantage of its no-KYC policy. Just an email address or phone number is needed, so you won’t be asked for personal information or a government-issued ID when joining. MEXC accepts instant USD deposits via debit/credit cards. The minimum requirement is $30.

MEXC lists almost 3,000 markets, covering both spot trading and futures. The latter offers leverage of up to 200x. MEXC – which isn’t regulated or approved by FINRA – offers 0% commission trading. This increases to 0.02% for market takers. Copy trading is also available, alongside earning tools with competitive APYs. MEXC offers a mobile app for iOS and Android. It’s also important to note that MEXC was ranked #2 on our Coinbase alternatives list.

Crypto Trading Fees

Market makers avoid commissions, while takers pay 0.02% per slide.

Key Features

MEXC users will find earning tools, copy trading, and advanced analysis tools. Futures trading comes with leverage of up to 200x.

Safety & Licensing

No FINRA approval, nor any regulatory licenses elsewhere. This enables MEXC to offer anonymous accounts.

4. Exodus – Combine a Non-Custodial Wallet With Crypto Swaps and Fiat Payments

• Supported Cryptos: 100,000+
• Spot Trading Fees: Built into the quoted exchange rate
• Min Deposit: Stated in the crypto being purchased
• Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: Mirrors the Bitcoin mining fee
• FINRA Approval? No
• KYC? No
• Mobile App? Yes
• Leverage: No
• Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

While Exodus is a non-custodial wallet, it offers everything needed to buy and sell crypto. This includes USD facilities, allowing users to buy crypto instantly with a debit/credit card. Exodus also offers crypto swaps, with over 100,000 pairs supported. This is a convenient way to exchange one crypto asset for another, directly within the wallet balance.

Exodus removes counterparty risks; nobody but the wallet owner can view the private keys. It’s free to download and available on desktops, mobiles, and browsers. Exodus also offers in-wallet staking tools, and the ability to connect to decentralized applications (e.g. Uniswap). However, analysis tools are non-existent, which will be a drawback for technical traders.

Crypto Trading Fees

Fiat purchases and swap fees are built into the quoted exchange rate. You’ll need to manually compare them to spot prices.

Key Features

Non-custodial storage with staking, swaps, and fiat facilities. Also connects to decentralized applications.

Safety & Licensing

Like all non-custodial wallets, Exodus isn’t licensed or regulated.

5. BloFin – Buy and Sell Hundreds of Crypto Assets at Just 0.1% per Slide

• Supported Cryptos: 300+
• Spot Trading Fees: 0.1%
• Min Deposit: $50
• Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: Quoted on the account withdrawal page
• FINRA Approval? No
• KYC?: No
• Mobile App? Yes
• Leverage: 150x
• Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

BloFin offers hundreds of crypto assets. It’s a great option for trading the spot markets with low fees. Both market makers and takers pay just 0.1% per slide. Some of the best altcoins coins are listed, including Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin, Solana, and Cardano. BloFin also supports crypto futures with leverage of up to 150x.

Users can purchase crypto instantly with Visa or MasterCard, although the minimum requirement is $50. Passive investing tools are available, covering automated bots and copy trading. BloFIn offers a clean trading interface, accessible on browsers and a mobile app. It isn’t approved or licensed by any financial bodies, meaning KYC-free accounts are offered.

Crypto Trading Fees

Market makers and takers pay 0.1% when trading the spot markets. Futures fees start from 0.06%. BloFin offers discounts when trading volumes increase.

Key Features

Offers a wide selection of investing tools, including leverage of up to 150x, copy trading, and automated bots. Earning tools and KYC-free accounts are also featured.

Safety & Licensing

No regulatory approval, meaning BloFin is an unlicensed exchange.

6. Kraken – User-Friendly Crypto Trading App Backed by an Established Exchange

• Supported Cryptos: 200+
• Spot Trading Fees: 0.25% (limit orders), 0.4% (market orders)
• Min Deposit: $10
• Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: 0.00002 BTC
• FINRA Approval? No, but legally operates in the US and is licensed at the state level
• KYC?: Yes
• Mobile App? Yes
• Leverage: 5x
• Staking/Earn Tools: Not for US retail clients

Kraken is an established crypto exchange that launched in 2013. It lists over 200 crypto assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Kraken is a safe trading platform, with licenses at the state level, and oversight from FinCEN. It has never been hacked and takes KYC procedures seriously. US retail clients can open margin accounts for added capital.

These come with a minimum margin requirement of just 20%, converting to leverage of 5x. Kraken also offers perpetual futures, but these are available in the US. Kraken is a great option for mobile trading, with its iOS and Android apps offering a user-friendly experience. Payments can be made via ACH or debit/credit cards, and commissions start from 0.4%.

Crypto Trading Fees

Uses a market maker and taker system, with commissions declining as trading volumes increase. Entry-level fees are 0.25% and 0.4% for market makers and takers respectively. Instant buy fees are built into the exchange rate.

Key Features

One of the oldest and most trusted exchanges supporting over 200 markets. Offers US margin accounts with 5x leverage. Plus, a top-rated mobile app that’s ideal for newbies.

Safety & Licensing

Approved at the state level and overseen by FinCEN. Legally operates in the US, although was fined $30 million for offering unregistered staking services.

7. Coinbase – Instantly Buy Crypto With Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal

• Supported Cryptos: 260+
• Spot Trading Fees: 1.49%
• Min Deposit: None
• Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: Quoted on the account withdrawal page
• FINRA Approval?: No, but legally operates in the US and is licensed at the state level
• KYC?: Yes
• Mobile App? Yes
• Leverage: Yes, margin requirements depend on the account holder
• Staking/Earn Tools: Not for US retail clients

Coinbase is one of the most popular US crypto exchanges. Over 100 million users have a verified account. It enables US clients to instantly buy crypto with PayPal, Visa, or MasterCard. Fees are high; Coinbase charges 3.99% of the transaction amount. Coinbase also offers fee-free ACH deposits, but you’ll pay 1.49% when exchanging USD for crypto.

Coinbase – which launched in 2012 – also offers crypto futures. It has approval from the NFA, meaning US retail clients are welcome. Coinbase offers custodial storage solutions with two-factor authentication and cold wallets. It also offers a user-friendly mobile app. Crucially, Coinbase offers a safe way to invest in crypto but its crypto exchange fees are well above the industry average.

Crypto Trading Fees

Coinbase users pay 3.99% when buying crypto instantly with a debit/credit card or PayPal. Commissions are reduced to 1.49% when using the spot trading platform.

Key Features

Aimed at beginners who want to invest in crypto with minimal fuss. That said, it also offers crypto futures with leverage, available to US retail clients.

Safety & Licensing

Coinbase is no longer approved by FINRA, but it legally operates in the US. It’s licensed at the state level and also boasts NFA regulation for its futures platform.

8. Binance.US – One of the Best Options for Active Traders Depositing Crypto

• Supported Cryptos: 150+
• Spot Trading Fees: 0.4% (limit orders), 0.6% (market orders)
• Min Deposit: Depends on the crypto
• Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: Quoted on the account withdrawal page
• FINRA Approval? No, but legally operates in the US
• KYC?: Yes
• Mobile App? Yes
• Leverage: No
• Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

Binance.US is a US-only exchange that’s separate from Binance’s global platform. It no longer accepts USD payments, meaning deposits must be made with crypto. It’s a good option for active crypto traders seeking high-level charting tools. Binance supports over 150 crypto assets, so it’s also ideal for building a diversified portfolio.

Trading commissions are higher than the main Binance website, with makers and takers paying 0.4% and 0.6% respectively. Discounts are available when holding BNB or trading higher amounts. All users must complete KYC and no leverage facilities are offered. Binance.US offers staking rewards; APYs are currently up to 28.9%.

Crypto Trading Fees

Market makers and takers pay commissions of 0.4% and 0.6% respectively. Traders can reduce their fees by holding BNB or meeting 30-day minimum volumes.

Key Features

Offers staking rewards of up to 28.9%, covering a wide range of supported coins. Advanced users will find high-level charting tools, including technical indicators.

Safety & Licensing

Legally operates in the US but no longer accepts USD payments.

9. Bybit – KYC-Free Accounts With High Leverage and Automated Trading

• Supported Cryptos: 1,500+
• Spot Trading Fees: 0.1%
• Min Deposit: $2
• Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: Quoted on the account withdrawal page
• FINRA Approval? No
• KYC?: No
• Mobile App? Yes
• Leverage: 200x
• Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

Bybit is one of the biggest global crypto exchanges. It witnessed trading volumes of almost $18 billion in the past 24 hours and boasts over 55 million users. Bybit lists over 1,500 crypto assets, including the best meme coins like Pepe, Bonk, and Shiba Inu. No KYC procedures are needed when joining, and you can withdraw up to 20,000 USDT without verification.

Bybit offers 200x leverage on perpetual futures, meaning $2,000 worth of capital for every $100 deposited. It also supports automated bots and copy trading tools. These passive investing methods support spot trading and derivatives. Bybit is available on browsers and a mobile app for iOS and Android. Entry-level spot commissions start at 0.1%.

Crypto Trading Fees

Spot trading commissions start at 0.1% for makers and takers, with discounts offered on higher volumes. Futures trading fees are 0.055% for makers and 0.02% for takers.

Key Features

Copy trading and automated bots for passive investing. High leverage of up to 200x on futures, with short-selling options. Also offers KYC-free access.

Safety & Licensing

No regulatory licenses are held, so investors should proceed with caution.

10. Gemini – Secure and Trusted Exchange But Fees are on the High Side

• Supported Cryptos: 70+
• Spot Trading Fees: 1.49%
• Min Deposit: Depends on the payment method
• Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: Quoted on the account withdrawal page
• FINRA Approval?: Yes
• KYC?: Yes
• Mobile App? Yes
• Leverage: Not for US retail clients
• Staking/Earn Tools: Yes (excluding New York)

Gemini is a heavily regulated crypto exchange with FINRA approval. It’s one of the leading crypto exchanges and is considered the Gold Standard for safety and security. Custodial services include insurance, cold storage wallets, and two-factor authentication. Gemini supports over 70 crypto assets, covering everything from Bitcoin and Ethereum to Pepe, Stellar, and Arbitrum.

While safety is assured, Gemini charges high fees. This includes a 3.49% charge when buying crypto with a debit/credit card. And a 1.49% commission on standard trades. Gemini offers staking rewards on multiple coins, plus a crypto-backed credit card. The latter is ideal for spending crypto balances in the real world while earning cashback rewards.

Crypto Trading Fees

Instant purchases with debit/credit cards cost 3.49%. Standard commissions are 1.49% per slide, which is considerably more than most platforms.

Key Features

The main focus is safety and security. Gemini offers over 70 spot trading markets, a crypto-backed credit card, and staking rewards.

Safety & Licensing

Approved by FINRA and licensed by the New York Department of Financial Services. Also approved in other countries, including the UK and Singapore.

Our Methodology for Ranking Crypto Exchanges

Here’s our methodology when ranking the best crypto exchanges in the US:

• Supported Cryptos: We explored what crypto markets each exchange offers, including spot trading and derivatives. This ensures all trading preferences are catered for.
• Trading Fees: We prioritized exchanges with the lowest trading fees. Commissions were analyzed based on the market maker/taker rate, and whether discounts are available for higher volumes.
• Minimum Deposit: The minimum USD deposit requirement was also considered for each supported payment type.
• Regulatory Approval: FINRA-approved platforms scored the highest for safety. Those legally based in the US were also prioritized. We also included offshore exchanges without KYC procedures, as this marketplace remains in high demand. 
• Payment Methods: We focused on crypto exchanges accepting everyday payment methods, such as Visa and MasterCard. E-wallets like PayPal and Neteller were also explored.
• Leverage: We included exchanges offering leverage, with limits ranging from 5x to 200x. Leverage is aimed at experienced traders.
• Trading Tools: Another key area is trading tools, including extensive pricing charts with reliable data. Not to mention automated bots and copy trading for passive investing, plus recurring buy orders for dollar-cost averaging.

Comparing the Best Crypto Exchanges in the US

The table below compares the best crypto exchanges in the US for 2025:

How Do Crypto Exchanges Work?

Most crypto exchanges in the US offer a similar business framework:

• Users open an account by providing personal information, contact details, and a social security number. The account is verified via a government-issued ID.
• A deposit is made in USD, with some platforms having minimum requirements. This can range from $0 to $100 and more.
• Users search for the crypto they want to buy, such as Bitcoin or XRP.
• An order is placed with the exchange. This requires the amount (e.g. $50) and the order type (e.g. market/limit order).
• The crypto assets are added to the exchange account. They can be kept there or withdrawn to an external wallet.

However, it’s important to note that some exchanges operate offshore, meaning no KYC procedures are needed. This often means access to crypto derivatives, high leverage, and low trading fees.

Different Types of Crypto Exchanges in 2025

The best crypto trading platforms in the US come in various shapes and sizes.

The most common are summarized below:

• FINRA-Approved Crypto Exchanges: These exchanges focus on regulatory compliance, safety, and reputation. Examples include Gemini, which charges higher fees but comes with a secure framework. This is the best option for most investors in the US.
• No-KYC Exchanges: An increasing number of US clients are using no-KYC exchanges to bypass domestic restrictions. These platforms offer anonymous accounts, derivatives like futures, and leverage limits of 100x and more.
• Peer-to-Peer Exchanges: Another option is peer-to-peer exchanges, where US clients purchase crypto directly from US sellers. Local payment methods are often accepted, such as Cash App and Venmo. The best peer-to-peer crypto exchanges offer an escrow system for secure trades.
• Decentralized Exchanges: This high-growth market enables traders to buy and sell crypto without centralized platforms. Orders are executed via pre-funded liquidity pools, meaning another market participant isn’t needed. This option won’t be suitable for beginners.

Crypto Exchanges Fees Explained

Crypto trading platforms charge fees like any profitable business.

US traders should expect the following charges:

• Instant Buy: Buying crypto instantly with a debit/credit card is usually the most expensive method. Expect to pay at least 3-5%.
• Trading Commission: This fee is charged when buying and selling crypto. For example, exchanging USD for Bitcoin, or Ethereum for USD. MEXC offers 0% commissions, while Gemini charges 1.49%.
• Spreads: The difference between the bid and ask prices, spreads should also be considered. They likely won’t be displayed by the exchange, so manual calculations are needed.
• Funding Fees: Additional fees apply when trading with leverage, often charged every eight hours. The specific fee depends on the leverage amount and interest rate.
• Crypto Withdrawals: Withdrawing crypto from an exchange will incur fees. Some exchanges replicate the real-time network fee, meaning it doesn’t add a markup. Others have a flat fee that’s often much higher.

How to Stay Safe When Using Crypto Exchanges: Best Practices

These best practices will ensure you stay safe when using online crypto exchanges:

• Use Reputable Exchanges: Hundreds of crypto exchanges operate in the market. Only a small selection can be trusted. Safety-conscious investors should consider exchanges approved by FINRA. Or, at the very least, licensed in their respective state.
• Consider a Non-Custodial Wallet: The FTX bankruptcy shows that no exchange is 100% safe. Consider withdrawing any purchased crypto to a non-custodial wallet. Nobody will have access to its private keys but you.
• Be Mindful of Scams: Crypto scams are not only becoming more frequent but increasingly difficult to detect. Ensure you’re visiting the exchange’s official website and be mindful of phishing attempts – especially when clicking links contained in emails and social media posts.
• Install Two-Factor Authentication: Always install two-factor authentication when offered by an exchange. Account logins will only be possible when obtaining a code from the registered mobile device. This is often generated via the Google Authenticator app.
• Consider the Investment Risks: Crypto investments are high risk – you could lose a substantial amount of money. Start slow, learn how crypto volatility works, and consider dollar-cost averaging. The latter reduces the impact of wild pricing swings.

How to Use a Crypto Exchange: Simple Guide

Using a crypto exchange is simple once you understand the basic steps.

Here’s how to get started with Best Wallet, which is our overall top pick for US clients:

• Step 1: Download Best Wallet – First, download the Best Wallet app. You’ll find the download link on the Best Wallet website.
• Step 2: Secure the Wallet – Set up biometrics and two-factor authentication, and choose a secure PIN. Write down the backup passphrase on a sheet of paper.
• Step 3: Choose a Crypto to Buy – Visit the Best Wallet exchange and choose which crypto to buy. Best Wallet supports everything from Bitcoin and Shiba Inu to Dogecoin and Ethereum.
• Step 4: Choose Investment Amount – Now type in the purchase size in USD. The minimum purchase amount is just over $8.
• Step 5: Buy Crypto – Type in the debit/credit card details to complete the order. The purchased coins or tokens will be added to your wallet balance.

Conclusion

In summary, we’ve discussed the top crypto exchanges in the US, covering important factors like safety, trading fees, and payment methods. Overall, our top pick is Best Wallet.

It supports USD payments via debit/credit cards; no account or KYC documents are needed. Thousands of crypto assets are available, and purchases are settled instantly.

Best Wallet also offers non-custodial storage, so you own the crypto assets outright; avoiding counterparty risks.

FAQs