Best USA Crypto Exchanges June 2026 (Expert Reviewed)
ByZac McClure, MBA · Reviewed byAlex MilesUpdated on April 5, 2026 · minute read
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We compared Coinbase, Gemini, and Robinhood for fees, security, staking, mobile experience, and trading tools. Coinbase is a common US on-ramp for beginners, Gemini stands out for security and custody, and Robinhood focuses on low-cost, commission-free crypto trades.
Choosing a US crypto exchange starts with the basics. You'll want to look at all-in trading costs, security history, and the features you will actually use.
Why trust our crypto tax experts
At TokenTax, we create original content to educate and empower the many crypto investors we serve. Our informational articles reflect the latest tax guidelines from agencies worldwide and are regularly updated to be accurate, actionable, and current. Certified tax professionals research, write, and review each piece to combine industry expertise with rigorous fact-checking. Whether you're navigating DeFi, NFTs, or complex trades, TokenTax is your trusted partner in the complex, evolving world of crypto taxes.
We reviewed eleven US-compliant exchanges on fees, security, staking lineup, mobile design, and pro-level tools. Coinbase remains the smoothest starting point for newcomers, and Gemini leads on fund protection.
Binance.US is a popular crypto exchange that offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies. Despite some geographic limitations within the US, Binance.US ranks among the top global exchanges and provides a user-friendly platform and supports staking for various cryptos, offering enticing yields.
+ Pros & Cons
Pros
Access more than 130 cryptocurrencies
Stake up to 19 different cryptos on a platform Forbes Advisor ranks as one of the best
Highly secure
Easy to use, ideal for both beginners and experienced traders
Cons
Compared to its parent company, Binance.US offers a narrower range of crypto
Unavailable in New York, Texas, and Vermont
+ Why our experts picked it
Binance.US stands out for its vast cryptocurrency options, user-friendly interface, and the ability to stake various cryptos for attractive yields. It addresses the needs of both beginners and experienced traders, offering competitive fees and high-security standards.
A reliable and accessible trading platform backed by the biggest exchange in the world
Accessible in most of the US and recognized as a top global exchange
Coinbase
Best crypto exchange overall
Coinbase is our top overall choice for its extensive range of supported cryptocurrencies, robust security measures, and advanced trading features, all presented on a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for beginners to get started in crypto in addition to advanced trading interfaces.
+ Pros & Cons
Pros
Wide array of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs
Novice and advanced trading interfaces
Highly liquid trading environment
Cons
Relatively high trading fees
Customer support could be improved
+ Why our experts picked it
Coinbase was founded in 2012 to make Bitcoin transactions easy. The platform has since grown into a major exchange valued at over $13 billion, accessible in over 100 countries. It's known for user-friendly design, robust security, and advanced trading. The platform appeals to newcomers due to over 300 supported assets and a familiar interface like online banking.
Custodial and non-custodial storage options
Highly credible and well-established exchange
Crypto.com
Best crypto exchange for mobile
Crypto.com is our top choice for a mobile crypto exchange app, providing a comprehensive digital asset trading ecosystem easily accessible from smartphones. Launched in 2016 and available in 90 countries, it supports 250+ cryptocurrencies and offers its own blockchain, CRO token, crypto visa card, yield products, and more.
+ Pros & Cons
Pros
Comprehensive mobile app
Diverse ecosystem
Wide support for hundreds of cryptocurrencies
Cons
Limited customer support
Up to 0.075% trading fees for lower-volume traders
Complex fee structure
+ Why our experts picked it
The Crypto.com app stands out by offering a full range of features, allowing users to trade, earn interest, and pay with crypto on the go. While it excels in offerings, customer support is a drawback, and trading fees can be up to 0.075%. For a robust mobile trading experience with an array of features and supported assets, Crypto.com is a standout choice.
Exceptional mobile app
Supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies
Gemini
Best crypto exchange for security
Established by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss in 2014, Gemini is a standout exchange prioritizing security and compliance. Based in New York, it features hot wallet insurance and enforces two-factor authentication, along with SOC 2 certification for verified security and compliance.
+ Pros & Cons
Pros
Prioritizes security and offers hot wallet insurance
Main platform charges fees for smaller trades and a high 1.49% rate for trades over $200
Active trader platform employs maker-taker fees up to 0.4%, relatively high
+ Why our experts picked it
Geared towards advanced traders, Gemini offers a professional trading dashboard and supports 80+ digital currencies. While fee structures vary between its platforms, higher fees are offset by robust security, making it appealing to those valuing safety in their trading endeavors.
Verified by third-party auditors for security and compliance
Professional dashboard for advanced traders
Kraken
Best crypto exchange for advanced traders seeking low fees
Kraken, established in 2011 and renowned globally, stands as a reputable cryptocurrency exchange offering a wide range of features. The exchange caters to investors by providing access to over 200 cryptocurrencies through its professional-grade trading platform, Kraken Pro.
+ Pros & Cons
Pros
Trade hundreds of cryptocurrencies
Basic and pro trading tools
Margin and derivatives trading
Cons
High instant buy fees
Limited funding options, no ACH transfers
+ Why our experts picked it
Kraken's extensive offering of cryptocurrencies, coupled with its robust professional trading platform, makes it an attractive option for investors seeking a reputable and feature-rich exchange.
Relatively low fees
Customizable trading tools
Robinhood
Best crypto mobile app (broker) for low cost crypto trades
Robinhood is a broker that offers low costs, especially for options trades (except in IRAs). The platform is easy to use, but some worry it might make complex trading too easy for beginners. Robinhood also lets you trade cryptocurrencies "for free" (really, low cost), taking a cut through the price spread and network fees.
+ Pros & Cons
Pros
No fees for cryptocurrency trades
Convenient for existing Robinhood brokerage account holders
Cons
Limited variety of available cryptocurrencies
No crypto-to-crypto trading
+ Why our experts picked it
Robinhood extends its fee-free philosophy to crypto trading; however, the platform currently provides a limited selection of cryptocurrencies and lacks the ability to transfer crypto assets externally.
For those new to crypto, an easy way to begin
Easy-to-use app
SoFi
Best crypto exchange (broker) for beginners trading crypto and stocks
SoFi Crypto enables cryptocurrency trading within their main app, providing investors an opportunity to acquaint themselves with cryptocurrencies, supported by robust security measures, excellent customer support, and an intuitive user interface. SoFi exited crypto in 2023 and restarted crypto trading rollout in November, 2025.
+ Pros & Cons
Pros
Exceptional customer support
Leverages Coinbase to process transactions
Cons
Crypto access is broker-facilitated
Selection and transferability can be more limited than a dedicated exchange
+ Why our experts picked it
For beginners looking to centralize their investments of both stocks and cryptocurrencies, SoFi can be a great place to start to get into crypto without a steep learning curve.
Credible platform
Caters to those new to investing and crypto
Webull
Best crypto exchange (broker) for advanced users to trade crypto and stocks
Webull's sleek interface caters to mobile-first and casual investors, with a rich toolset that also satisfies active traders. It distinguishes itself as an appealing option for experienced active traders as well.
+ Pros & Cons
Pros
Trade dozens of crypto and stocks
Social message board feature
Cons
Limited educational content
Broker-facilitated crypto access
Smaller selection than a dedicated exchange
+ Why our experts picked it
Webull caters to the preferences of modern investors, including newcomers and casual traders, by providing an excellent mobile experience and a streamlined desktop interface.
Gemini distinguishes itself as the safest crypto exchange through an unwavering commitment to security and adherence to regulatory standards. From New York, this exchange ensures the safety of user funds through hot wallet insurance in the event of a security breach.
To boost security, Gemini encourages the utilization of two-factor authentication and grants users the ability to review and authorize devices accessing their trading accounts.
Notably, Gemini holds an SOC 2 certification, indicating that external auditors have validated the effectiveness of the company's security and compliance frameworks. Given the platform's unparalleled security, paying Gemini’s slightly elevated fees may be a reasonable trade-off.
Robinhood offers no-fee crypto trades but isn’t considered a comprehensive crypto platform. Kraken, Gemini, and Binance.US are known for low fees. These do change over time, so always check with a given exchange for the current rates.
Choosing the right crypto exchange involves considering several standard factors, including the required identification documentation, trade limits, currency support, and trading fees.
However, when selecting a crypto exchange based in the United States, additional considerations come into play. Beyond examining fee structures, security measures, and deposit/withdrawal methods, ensuring that the exchange is legally permitted to operate in your jurisdiction is crucial.
When evaluating a US-compliant crypto exchange, focus on the following factors:
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the exchange complies with US regulations to avoid future issues, as exemplified by the 2019 case where Binance.com investors lost access to their cryptocurrency.
ID Requirements: Many US-accessible cryptocurrency exchanges may require more identification documentation, such as proof of address, than their international counterparts.
Trade Limits: Some US-available crypto exchanges restrict the amount of cryptocurrency that can be bought or traded within a single day.
Trading Pairs: Before signing up, check if the exchange supports the specific crypto asset you intend to trade. Certain US-based exchanges, like Gemini, may not offer as many cryptocurrencies as major international platforms.
Hacks and Security: Given hackers' frequent targeting of cryptocurrency exchanges and traders, prioritize exchanges with a strong security track record. Look for security features like two-factor authentication to enhance protection.
Coinbase stands out as the best crypto exchange for beginners due to its extensive selection of supported cryptocurrencies, robust security protocols, and sophisticated trading tools, all seamlessly integrated into a user-friendly interface that accommodates both newcomers and advanced traders. It provides a simple on-ramp, strong security practices, and a widely adopted mobile app.
Coinbase emerged in 2012 to simplify Bitcoin transactions. Since then, It has evolved into a major exchange boasting a valuation exceeding $13 billion and accessible in over 100 countries. Renowned for its intuitive design, robust security measures, and advanced trading capabilities, Coinbase holds a special appeal to those just starting in crypto.
If you’re looking to get started in crypto, Coinbase is a solid option. More advanced traders might consider Gemini for its extreme commitment to security or Binance.US for staking. Robinhood is great for low-cost crypto trading if you'd like to use a mobile app and get started quickly.
Methodology
How our crypto tax professionals selected the best crypto exchanges and apps
Our process to select the best crypto exchanges and apps involved a comprehensive evaluation of various factors, considering a wide range of investor needs. We looked at aspects such as platform features, security measures, available cryptocurrencies, fees, user experience, and regulatory compliance to identify the most suitable options in the crypto space.
Platform Features and User Experience: We examined the functionality and user-friendliness of each exchange's platform, including trading interfaces, charting tools, order types, and customization options.
Security Measures: Security is critical in crypto. We assessed exchanges' security protocols, including two-factor authentication, cold storage options, insurance coverage, and third-party security audits.
Cryptocurrency Diversity: The range of supported cryptocurrencies is crucial for catering to different investor preferences. We evaluated exchanges that offered a diverse selection of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs to provide users with ample choices for their investment strategies.
Fees and Costs: We looked at trading fees, withdrawal fees, deposit fees, and other charges associated with each exchange. Our goal was to identify platforms that provide competitive fee structures, ensuring that users get value for their trades.
Regulatory Compliance and Geographic Access: Regulatory adherence is important in order to provide a safe and compliant trading environment. We looked for exchanges with proper licensing and regulatory approvals in the United States to ensure that users' funds are protected and compliant with relevant laws.
Customer Support: The availability and responsiveness of customer support play a crucial role in user experience. Exchanges with reliable and accessible customer support channels garnered favorable consideration.
Innovation and Unique Offerings: We sought out platforms that offered innovative features or services beyond basic trading, such as staking, mobile apps, social trading, and yield products. These features enhance the overall trading experience and attract a wider user base.
Feedback and User Reviews: We took into account user feedback and reviews. Positive feedback about ease of use, security, and overall satisfaction with the exchange carried weight during our decision-making process.
By carefully evaluating these factors, our crypto tax professionals selected the best exchanges and apps that cater to various trading preferences, skill levels, and investor needs. Whether you're a beginner looking for simplicity or an experienced trader seeking advanced tools, our expert picks aim to guide you toward the best exchange for crypto in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency trading.
Always do your own research before investing in crypto and selecting a platform to use.
Best crypto exchange FAQs
What is a crypto exchange?
A crypto exchange is an app or website where you can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin using USD or other crypto. Most US exchanges act as custodians, meaning they hold your crypto on your behalf inside your account. Some platforms use an order book, while others route trades like a broker and build costs into the spread and fees.
What are the different types of crypto exchanges?
There are primarily two types of crypto exchanges:
Centralized Exchanges (CEX) like Coinbase function much like traditional stock exchanges and brokerages. They are regulated by a single authority that oversees all transactions and user accounts. CEXs offer high liquidity and faster transactions, but they store user data on centralized servers, which makes them susceptible to hacking and manipulation of trading volume.
Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) like Uniswap function on distributed ledger infrastructure and allow trading without any central authority. Users have full control over their digital assets and keys, offering enhanced security and privacy. DEXs bypass KYC and grant users more privacy but often suffer from lower liquidity compared to CEXs.
What is the difference between a crypto exchange and a crypto wallet?
A crypto exchange is a platform account where you trade, and the platform typically controls the private keys unless you withdraw. A crypto wallet is a tool that lets you hold and use crypto directly, and with a self-custody wallet you control the private keys. Many people use an exchange to buy crypto, then move long-term holdings to a wallet.
Are crypto exchanges safe?
Generally yes, but there's always risk. Even in the US, crypto exchanges are not risk-free, and you can lose access to funds through hacks, insolvency, account lockouts, or simple user mistakes. Safer exchanges tend to have strong security controls, clear compliance posture, and transparent custody practices, but that still does not eliminate counterparty risk. If you do not need to trade actively, self-custody can reduce exchange exposure.
How is trading crypto different from trading stocks in the US?
Crypto trades run 24/7, settle fast, and can move in price much more sharply than most stocks. Costs also show up differently, because many crypto platforms charge spreads, network fees, and tiered trading fees. For taxes, selling crypto for USD is taxable, and trading crypto for crypto is also taxable in the US, even if no cash hits your bank account.
What is the best crypto exchange for beginners in the US?
For most US beginners, the best exchange is usually the one that is easy to use, clearly US-compliant, and has strong account security and simple USD on-ramps. Coinbase is a common starting point for this reason, and Gemini is often chosen by people who prioritize security and custody controls. If your main goal is low-cost, simple buys, a broker app like Robinhood can work, but pay attention to spreads.
Can you make $100 a day trading crypto on Binance.US?
You can, but there's no guarantee. There is no reliable way to make $100 a day trading crypto on Binance.US, and anyone promising consistent daily profits is usually selling you something. Day-to-day results depend on market volatility, position size, fees, spreads, and mistakes that compound quickly. If you trade actively, assume results can swing hard in both directions.
Is Bitcoin the safest cryptocurrency?
Bitcoin is often considered one of the “safer” cryptocurrencies in the sense that it is the most established, most liquid, and has the longest operating history. That said, Bitcoin can still drop sharply, and it is not protected like a bank deposit. “Safest” in crypto usually means lower relative risk, not low risk.
How can I improve the security of my assets on a crypto exchange?
You can reduce exchange risk by locking down your account and limiting how much you keep on-platform.
Turn on authenticator-based 2FA, and store backup codes offline
Use a unique password and a password manager
Enable withdrawal allowlists and anti-phishing protections if offered
Keep long-term holdings in a hardware wallet, and only leave trading balances on the exchange
Is transferring crypto between US exchanges taxable?
No, moving crypto between wallets or exchange accounts you own is generally a non-taxable transfer. It can still become taxable to the extent any crypto is used or withheld to pay transaction services (like network or gas fees) to complete the transfer. Keep the withdrawal and deposit records so you can match the transfer and separate any fee amount.
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Zac co-founded TokenTax after his career in international finance and accounting at JPMorgan, Imprint Capital and Bain. He has worked in more than a half-dozen countries and received his MBA from the UPenn Wharton School.
Prior to TokenTax, Alex worked as a Product Designer at Dropbox and before that Readmill (acquired by Dropbox). He holds a BS in Digital Information Design - Interactive Media from Winthrop University.
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