How to Choose the Best Cryptocurrency Exchange

A cryptocurrency exchange is a trading platform where users sell and buy cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency exchanges act like similar fiat trading platforms. They provide their customers with accounts

A cryptocurrency exchange is a trading platform where users can buy and sell cryptocurrencies. They act similarly to fiat trading platforms, providing customers with accounts and allowing them to create different types of orders to speculate in the cryptocurrency market. Some exchanges also support advanced trading features such as margin accounts and futures trading, cryptocurrency betting or crypto loans.

There are two main types of cryptocurrency exchanges: centralized and decentralized. Centralized exchanges are run by a single corporate body, such as a brokerage firm, which secures transactions. Decentralized exchanges typically distribute verification authority to anyone willing to join the network and confirm transactions, similar to cryptocurrency blockchains. This can help increase accountability and transparency, as well as ensure that the exchange will continue to operate if something happens to the company running the exchange.

To identify the best cryptocurrency exchanges, Forbes experts conducted a thorough evaluation of the features and functionality offered by nearly 25 cryptocurrency exchanges, cryptocurrency trading apps, and brokerage platforms offering cryptocurrency trading options. 10 key factors were selected for analysis:

Key trading features. Include the number of cryptocurrencies available for trading, number of fiat currencies accepted, overall exchange liquidity and trading commissions.

Advanced trading features. Availability of sophisticated trading features such as advanced order types and volume discounts for frequent trading.

Margin trading. Estimated margin trading rates, if applicable.

Availability of the platform from different countries.

Support services.

Educational resources.

Crypto Rewards credit card.

Security and Storage. Includes available storage options, security and insurance, and an assessment of any large-scale hacks of each exchange over time.

Rates and rewards.

Cryptocurrency lending.

The top five exchanges according to Forbes include:

Kraken

It offers trading in Australia, Canada, USA, Japan and Europe, has restrictions in New York and Washington states as it currently does not have the necessary license for those states. It is insured and has 100% reserves to back up user funds. It allows users to trade 280 cryptocurrencies in the spot and futures markets with up to 5x leverage. Considered best-in-class in terms of customer security and regulatory compliance.

You can open a Kraken account and trade digital assets without going through the KYC or AML process. However, withdrawal limits for these accounts are low and fiat currencies cannot be deposited or withdrawn without a verified KYC account. Anyone who wants to purchase a futures contract must also be KYC verified.

Gemini

An American cryptocurrency platform that is part of Gemini Trust Company, LLC, headquartered in New York City. The exchange allows you to exchange, buy, sell, and store digital assets. The platform offers Gemini Earn program to earn interest on cryptocurrency assets, and Gemini credit card. There are 92 trading pairs available for trading.

Gemini operates under NYSDFS regulations, complying with strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements.

Crypto.com

Crypto.com is a multifunctional cryptocurrency platform founded in 2016 that includes an exchange (spot, futures, margin trading), payment service, NFT marketplace, loans and deposits, plastic card issuance, DeFi wallet, and CRO service token. The number of cryptocurrencies is 146, and that of trading pairs is 250.

Mandatory identity verification is required for operation.

KuCoin

It operates in 200+ countries and supports 700+ cryptocurrencies. In addition to buying cryptocurrency, it offers spot trading, cryptocurrency derivatives, margin trading, leveraged tokens. You can earn passive income in the KuCoin Earn program.

Starting July 15, 2023, all KuCoin users must undergo mandatory verification. Without identity verification, they will not be able to access some products and services of the crypto platform. Without KYC, no money can be deposited, though withdrawals are available.

Coinbase

It provides exchange, buy and sell, and storage services for digital assets. It supports fiat pairs, offers Earn section for passive earnings, NFT, cryptocurrency wallet. It has two versions – for beginners and advanced traders (Coinbase Advanced).

The procedure of mandatory verification on Coinbase requires entering contact information with documentary confirmation.

How to protect your account on exchanges

Exchanges scrutinize users' assets for purity. If an exchange client received a coin that was involved in illegal transactions or simply passed through an exchange that was labeled as untrustworthy, the account and all assets can be blocked. Returning one’s funds is a complicated and long procedure.

To avoid such situations, use a reliable Bitcoin mixer. An ordinary mixer “mixes†the coins of its clients, which does not protect them from blocking, but on the contrary – exposes them to greater danger. Mixer.Money has a completely different principle of operation.

Mixer.Money offers the “Complete anonymity†option, where clients receive coins not from other mixer members, but from verified investors. Thanks to cooperation with independent players of the cryptocurrency market, traders,