Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are touted as the best inventions of the decade. It is expected to change the way our world works.
Crypto coins are decentralized, highly regulated, immutable digital assets that are based on a network of interconnected computers.
These crypto coins can be bought and sold through crypto exchanges. They can also be mined using specialized computer hardware, which costs a dime to set up.
Cryptocurrencies are the denomination of the changing world. However, many people are still oblivious to how cryptocurrencies and crypto trading work.
Crypto trading is not rocket science. In this guide, we’ll guide you through the process of crypto trading.
Along with it, we’ll also be sharing our top 10 list of the best crypto trading exchanges.
So, read along to find out more about crypto trading and start your crypto trading journey with the best crypto exchange that offers the best-in-class security and safety.
What is Crypto Trading?
Crypto trading or cryptocurrency trading is the act of buying or selling digital assets to make a profit.
Unlike fiat currencies, cryptocurrency value is decentralized and not pegged with anything. Meaning, that a federal agency or government does not control it.
They are created and transferred on the blockchain making them immutable. Cryptocurrency trading is speculating the price movements of crypto coins using a CFD account.
What is a CFD?
CFD or Contract for Difference is essentially a contract between a buyer and a seller that specifies that the buyer must pay the seller the difference between the value of the asset at the contract time and its current value.
This agreement allows the buyer to gain profits from the asset’s price movement without owning the real asset.
CFD is not only used for crypto trading, it has been used in Forex, stocks, commodities, futures, options, and various other trades.
What is a Crypto Exchange?
A crypto exchange is very similar to a stock exchange. Instead of dealing in stocks, crypto exchanges are where people can transact, exchange, buy, or sell digital currencies.
Crypto exchanges operate online and are based on a digital marketplace that can be accessed on smartphones and desktops.
Before crypto exchanges came into being, traders had to obtain cryptocurrencies by mining or getting them directly transferred from someone who owns them. Crypto exchanges have simplified the process of owning cryptocurrencies.
Apart from buying and selling crypto coins, there are also various other trading options on crypto exchanges.
Futures and options and margin or lending trading are various other methods where you can trade in cryptocurrencies without owning one.
They also offer certain trading tools to predict the price of cryptocurrencies which will aid the process of crypto trading.
Crypto exchanges may operate on-chain and off-chain. But rest assured, it has state-of-the-art security to prevent fraudulent activities.
Take a look at some of the best crypto exchanges currently available, where you can buy or sell cryptocurrencies:
- Kraken: Best overall crypto exchange
- Coinbase: Best for transparency and ease of use.
- Binance: Best for crypto exchanges and fast transaction times.
- Gemini: Best for security
- KuCoin: Best for the number of cryptocurrencies.
- HTX: Available in more countries
- ByBit: Best for high-leverage
- OKX: Lowest transaction fee
- MEXC: 1700+ cryptocurrencies are listed
- Bitget: Competitive fee structure
Best 10 Crypto Trading Platforms
1. Kraken
Best Crypto Exchange Which is the Jack of all Trades
Although launched in 2011, Kraken’s crypto exchange started functioning in 2013. Kraken has over 215 cryptocurrencies that include all major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Polygon, and a wide selection of meme coins.
Kraken boasts of a reasonable trading fee of up to 0.26%. While many other competitors offer way lower trading fees, the intuitive and easy-to-use platform of Kraken makes the fee quite reasonable.
The trading app supports 5x leverage on over 100 markets. The customizable margin limits can be made higher for professional traders, making it an app ideal for new and experienced traders.
Kraken levies a 3.75% fee on credit /debit cards. It also supports Internet banking and ACH. The only gripe we found was that Kraken does not have a proprietary crypto wallet to store digital assets.
Started in | 2011 |
No. of cryptocurrencies | 215+ |
Trading fees | Up to 0.26% |
Customer Support | Help page, Live chat, Email, Phone |
Compatibility | iOS and Android |
Pros | Advanced trading tools and features Simplified trading procedures. |
Cons | High charges on credit/debit card deposits |
2. Coinbase
Best Crypto Trading Platform for Beginners
Coinbase started its operation in the year 2012 and boasts a huge customer clientele that exceeds over 100 million.
There are over 248 cryptocurrencies listed on the crypto exchange, which is regulated by the US government.
Coinbase charges a trading fee of up to 0.60% on all crypto transactions. The crypto trading platform supports a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options to move your funds in and out of it.
Credit/debit card and PayPal transactions attract fees of up to 3.99%. The app also supports traditional bank transfers.
The crypto trading app has the highest security offered by any trading platform. Additionally, 98% of the client’s digital assets are stored in cold storage, securely storing them from security breaches and hackers.
Coinbase has listed all popular cryptocurrencies, altcoins, and meme coins that can be bought from the exchange and securely stored in their state-of-the-art cold wallet.
Started in | 2012 |
No. of cryptocurrencies | 248 |
Trading fees | 0.5% to 0.6% |
Customer Support | Help page, Live chat, Email, Phone |
Compatibility | iOS and Android |
Pros | Supports PayPal for deposits No fees for online bank transfers |
Cons | High charges on credit/debit card deposits |
3. Binance
Fastest Online Crypto Exchange
Binance is one of the largest crypto exchanges based in the US. The crypto trading platform was established in 2017 and has listed over 350 cryptocurrencies for trading. The exchange operated under the tight regulations of the US.
The crypto trading platform charges between 0.4% and 0.6% as trading fees while buying and selling cryptocurrencies.
However, all the Bitcoin transactions on the crypto exchange are free of charge.
Advanced trading features, trading tools, and a smart user interface make Binance one of the fastest crypto exchanges for executing a trade. The platform also offers staking options.
It supports all popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Polygon, Litecoin, Dogecoin, etc. Make deposits using credit/debit cards, online banking, and e-wallets.
Started in | 2017 |
No. of cryptocurrencies | 350+ |
Trading fees | 0.4% to 0.6% |
Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Compatibility | iOS and Android |
Pros | Zero fee for Bitcoin trades Advanced trading features and tools |
Cons | Does not support US Dollars Higher transaction fees when compared to competitors |
4. Gemini
Best Crypto Trading Platform for Security
Gemini is a cryptocurrency trading platform that started its operation in 2014. It allows trading and storage of over 120 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, Litecoin, etc.
The decentralized crypto trading platform also has its native token called the Gemini dollar (GUSD).
Even though GUSD is a decentralized cryptocurrency that can be bought and sold on the platform, it is pegged to the US dollar.
The trading app also has a digital wallet to securely store your cryptocurrencies. The user interface of the trading app makes it easy to use and trade. However, the mobile app for the trading platform requires a convenience fee.
Gemini has one of the lowest trading fees in our list of the top 10 crypto trading platforms. It charges 1.10% up to 0.30% for trades of up to $10,000 in 30 days. For orders up to $200, there is a flat-tiered fee.
Traders can stake Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon in Gemini.
Started in | 2014 |
No. of cryptocurrencies | 120+ |
Trading fees | 0.10% up to 0.30% |
Customer Support | Live chat, Email, Complaint registration |
Compatibility | iOS and Android |
Pros | Good user interface Excellent trading features |
Cons | High fees for low-volume users Only three coins can be staked A low number of cryptocurrencies are listed |
5. KuCoin
Best Crypto Exchange With the Lowest Fees
Started in 2017, KuCoin has gained over 20 million users over the short period since its inception.
Currently, the trading platform hosts over 900 cryptocurrencies that include popular and emerging crypto coins.
The exchange has also listed over 1,000 trading pairs for experienced traders and has also included a wide range of trading and staking options as well. The trading app also supports spot trading, futures, and margin trading.
KuCoin is one of the crypto trading platforms with the lowest trading fees. It starts at 0.10% for spot trading and offers up to 100x leverage.
For trading pairs, it charges a 0.10% maker fee and a 0.10% taker fee.
The crypto exchange offers a wide range of withdrawal options, strong security encryption, and multi-factor authentication.
There are also additional benefits like trading fee discounts, access to token sales and dividends, and automation of trading with AI and an advanced trading bot.
Started in | 2017 |
No. of cryptocurrencies | 900 |
Trading fees | 0.1% for spot trading |
Customer Support | Self-service, FAQ, Live chat, Email, Phone |
Compatibility | iOS and Android |
Pros | Low trading fees High leverage options High-end security encryption |
Cons | Unavailable in certain countries. |
6. HTX
Best Crypto Exchange Supported Around the World
Originally launched in 2013 under the name of ‘Huobi’, the crypto exchange was then rebranded as ‘HTX’ in 2023.
HTX is a Seychelles-based crypto exchange which predominantly operates in China. They also operate in South Korea and Japan.
The exchange hosts over 300 cryptocurrencies and provides margin trading, futures, options, and many more trading options.
The platform also offers 300+ trading pairs. The exchange supports all popular cryptocurrencies and altcoins.
Bitcoin and Ethereum can be traded for free on the platform. However, the crypto exchange charges a 0.2% trading fee for all other transactions up to a volume of 5 million USDT within 30 days. For lower volume transactions, it is 0.7% per trade.
HTX is a well-designed crypto trading platform that is supported by Trading View.
The trading tools and intuitive features make it a reliable and easy platform for crypto trading. It also has excellent customer support.
The crypto exchange supports the Chinese Yuan and USDT for making transactions.
Started in | 2013 |
No. of cryptocurrencies | 300+ |
Trading fees | 0.20% to 0.70% |
Customer Support | Live chat, Email. |
Compatibility | iOS and Android |
Pros | 24/7 customer support Supported in most countries |
Cons | Higher fees when compared to competitors Mixed reviews by the traders |
7. ByBit
Crypto Trading App for High Leverage
ByBit was launched in 2018 and is one of the top crypto exchanges in the world. The crypto exchange has its headquarters in Dubai and offers up to 607 cryptocurrencies and 220 trading pairs.
The platform allows up to 100x leverage and has a highly competitive fee structure. It also offers spot trading, cold storage facilities, and a multi-factor authentication process for advanced security.
The crypto trading platform charges 0.10% trading fees for all trades executed. It also charges a 0.60% maker fee and a 0.01% taker fee.
The withdrawal fee varies according to the currency chosen. However, there are no fees for making deposits.
ByBit offers an easy-to-use mobile app, an advanced trading bot for automating crypto trades, a ByBit card, a VIP program for consistent traders, and a lucrative referral program to earn more.
Started in | 2018 |
No. of cryptocurrencies | 607 |
Trading fees | 0.1% |
Customer Support | Help center, Live chat, Email. |
Compatibility | iOS and Android |
Pros | Low trading fees High leverage on derivatives 24/7 customer support |
Cons | Not available in all regions. |
8. OKX
Best Crypto App for Mining, and Staking.
OKX started its operation in the year 2017 and has listed over 350+ cryptocurrencies that can be bought, sold, or traded.
It offers very advanced tools for crypto trading and staking. There are also over 400 trading pairs on the platform.
The crypto exchange supports futures, options, derivatives, perpetual swaps, and many other trading options.
It also offers a highly secure crypto wallet for its customers to securely store their digital assets. However, it is a non-custodial wallet.
The exchange charges a trading fee of 0.10% up to 0.20% per trade. This is one of the few crypto trading platforms that levy a very low trading fee for executing the trades.
The platform does not charge any fee for making deposits, but there is a withdrawal fee of 0.0004 BTC and 0.003 ETH on Bitcoin and Ethereum respectively.
The crypto exchange can be accessed from the computer or the mobile app. The user interface and advanced trading tools make it easy to execute traders.
The exchange also has excellent customer support for its users around the world.
Started in | 2017 |
No. of cryptocurrencies | 350+ |
Trading fees | 0.10% up to 0.20% |
Customer Support | Live chat, Email, Support ticket system |
Compatibility | iOS and Android |
Pros | Highly robust trading platform Low trading fees. |
Cons | Lack of transparency Mixed trader reviews. |
9. MEXC
Best Crypto Exchange that Supports a Large Number of Crypto Coins
MEXC has over 100 million users worldwide and boasts of having 1.4 million transactions per second.
The crypto trading platform that started in 2018 has soon garnered the title of one of the best crypto trading exchanges.
The crypto exchange charges 0% spot and taker fees, 0% futures maker fees, and 0.02% taker fees.
It also supports over 1,000 cryptocurrencies and offers up to 200x leverage. It also has futures, options, derivatives, spot trading, and margin trading options as well. However, there is no trading for Bitcoin trades.
Advanced charting tools, indicators, drawing tools, and copy trading features to ease the process of crypto trading.
It is one of the few crypto exchanges that does not require much personal information to set up an account.
Make deposits on the platform using debit/credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and online banking.
The exchange charges up to a 2% fee for USDT purchases with debit/credit card.
Started in | 2018 |
No. of cryptocurrencies | 1000+ |
Trading fees | Starts at 0.1% |
Customer Support | Live chat, Email, Phone |
Compatibility | iOS and Android |
Pros | Supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. Supports 1000+ cryptocurrencies. Copy trading feature. No fee for Bitcoin purchases. |
Cons | Restriction in certain GEOs. |
10. Bitget
Best App to Buy Crypto With Offers
Bitget is a leading crypto trading platform that was established in 2018. It supports over 780 cryptocurrencies and has users from all over the globe.
New and experienced traders can use Bitget to trade in cryptocurrencies.
The trading fees on Bitget are very competitive. The platform charges 0.10% for spot trading and 0.20% up to 0.060% for futures trading.
Users can also get passive income of up to 30% APR.
Bitget also provides the feature of copy-trading and has integrated Trading View for new traders to emulate the trades done by experienced traders.
The exchange has also integrated AI with the help of trading bots like Spot Grid and Martingale.
Even after being a huge crypto exchange that trades in 780+ cryptocurrencies, Bitget is unavailable in the US and in some other regions.
Started in | 2018 |
No. of cryptocurrencies | 780+ |
Trading fees | Starts at 0.1% |
Customer Support | Live chat, Email, FAQ, Self-service |
Compatibility | iOS and Android |
Pros | Very competitive trading fees Copy trading feature AI trading bots. |
Cons | Not available in the US. |
How does Crypto Trading Work?
In a crypto exchange, you can use your CFD account to predict the prices of how a cryptocurrency will fall or rise.
In most of the exchanges, the prices of a cryptocurrency are shown in fiat currency like the US Dollars.
However, these cryptocurrency prices can also be shown in a wide range of fiat currencies, according to your wish.
In a CFD account, you don’t own a cryptocurrency. But you can trade with a fraction of the cryptocurrency’s full value and make huge profits or similarly huge losses.
To be a full-time or a part-time crypto trader, you should know a few terms related to the crypto market, such as; leverage, lot, spread, margin, etc.
The CFD accounts are leveraged products, which means that you can trade on the crypto markets without owning the entire cryptocurrency.
Instead, you can make a small deposit called ‘margin’. Using this margin you can enter a position in the crypto market and close it whenever you like.
Cryptocurrencies are usually traded in ‘lots’. It can be a fraction of a large cryptocurrency or a group of a few units of a cryptocurrency that is small in value.
This allows you to easily trade a crypto coin without actually owning it. The profit or loss you make while crypto trading is based on the ‘spread’.
It is the difference between the buy and sell prices of a cryptocurrency. The margin requirement also changes based on the broker and the exchange.
These above-mentioned processes are involved only if you are trading cryptocurrencies using a CFD account. You can also directly buy, sell, and exchange cryptocurrencies using the crypto exchanges.
It is usually very risky when compared to the former as cryptocurrencies are highly volatile.
If you buy a cryptocurrency, the most difficult task is to securely store it. There are a bunch of digital wallets, cold wallets, and hot wallets to securely store, receive, and send cryptocurrencies.
Take a look at the various processes associated with cryptocurrencies and their trading:
What is Blockchain?
A blockchain is a network of interconnected computers that is used to share information. It is an immutable ledger that helps with recording and tracking data and transactions.
Blockchain technology is best used for creating and transferring cryptocurrencies. It is an advanced and secure database that allows transparent data sharing between systems.
In a blockchain, the data is stored as blocks with a definite time stamp and is arranged chronologically, which makes it difficult to manipulate.
Any change in the data will trigger a cascade in the blockchain, changing its hash value, which helps identify and track the data transaction.
Cryptocurrencies operate under this basic principle. Additionally, crypto exchanges also work partially on the chain to ensure the correct tracking of the cryptocurrencies.
What is Crypto Mining?
New cryptocurrencies are added to the chain using crypto mining. Crypto miners use specialized computer hardware to process and validate various transactions using the computing skills of their system.
After solving these complex mathematical problems, the miners are rewarded with digital tokens or cryptocurrencies.
Cryptocurrency mining is a tedious and expensive process. It requires state-of-the-art computing hardware and enormous amounts of electricity.
There are a limited number of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Which makes crypto mining a very competitive venture.
The cryptocurrencies gained through mining can be stored in digital wallets or sold off at crypto exchanges for fiat currencies.
This is how cryptocurrencies are added to crypto exchanges for trading.
If you own a CFD account, you don’t have to get involved in the complex task of mining, but you can surely reap good profits by trading in crypto without actually owning it.
What Determines The Price of Cryptocurrencies?
The price of cryptocurrencies is based on supply and demand. News, economic reforms, force majeure, and everything and anything can cause a fluctuation in the prices of cryptocurrencies.
However, cryptocurrencies are decentralized denominations and therefore the rise or fall of fiat currencies does not affect their prices.
There are no government or federal agencies that determine the price of cryptocurrencies.
Inflation also has little to no effect on the price of cryptocurrencies.
The factors that determine the price of a cryptocurrency are its supply, demand, security threats, media, press, social media, and market capitalization.
A simple tweet from a renowned X user or an Instagram influencer can heavily affect the price of a cryptocurrency.
Since most cryptocurrencies are limited in number, if there is a demand for a limited number of cryptocurrencies, it is natural for their value to increase.
Likewise, a security breach or bad press could plummet the price of a cryptocurrency.
How do the Crypto Exchanges Work?
The cryptocurrencies mined or airdropped are listed in the exchanges and can be sold to them.
Users can directly buy these cryptocurrencies or use a CFD account to trade cryptocurrencies without actually owning them.
All the crypto transactions occur in the blockchain technology which records all the information about the transactions.
Crypto exchanges may be decentralized or centralized. This means that it can be regulated by a government agency or not.
The crypto exchanges usually charge a transaction fee while buying and selling cryptocurrencies. This is how they earn a profit from the business.
How to Trade Cryptos?
Crypto exchanges have simplified the process of owning a cryptocurrency or trading in it. Here’s how you can trade cryptocurrencies:
- Choose a reputable and trustworthy crypto exchange with reasonable transaction fees to start your crypto journey.
- Register for an account on the crypto exchange and open an account in it.
- Add funds to your crypto wallet by depositing fiat currencies or cryptocurrencies.
- Now go on to select the cryptocurrency that you want to buy or trade in.
- Follow the steps mentioned in the crypto exchange to make a buy.
- Verify your account and your crypto wallet to ensure that the transaction was successful.
Pros and Cons of Crypto Exchanges
Pros | Cons |
Crypto exchanges simplify the process of buying/trading cryptocurrencies. | Highly susceptible to cyber hacking and security breaches. |
Exchanges make sure that your transactions are legitimate. | Many exchanges do not provide the user with private keys. |
Many crypto exchanges provide a pre-made tax form to their users, simplifying the tax calculations. | If the crypto exchange goes bankrupt, you cannot access your crypto assets or deposits. |
Conclusion
Crypto exchanges make the crypto trading process hassle-free. You can easily sell or buy cryptocurrencies with just a click or a tap.
There are more than 25,000 cryptocurrencies and more than 600 crypto exchanges in the world.
Not every cryptocurrency or crypto exchange is trustworthy. It is a very strenuous task to select a crypto exchange that suits you the best.
Choose any crypto trading platform from our list of the top 10 crypto exchanges and we are sure that all the exchanges from our list will ultimately serve its purpose.
However, the crypto realm is highly volatile and there are equal chances of making huge losses, just like making huge profits.
So, you should be aware of how crypto trading works before making your first crypto-buying decision.