Top US Crypto Exchanges at a Glance
Following a comprehensive review, the Tradeblock team identified the following cryptocurrency exchanges that support buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies for US customers.
| Exchange | Best For | Spot Fees | Coins | US States | Regulated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | Beginners | 0.5% spread | 275+ | All 50 | Yes, NASDAQ listed |
| Kraken | Proven track record | A flat 1% fee + spread | 500+ | Most, except for Maine and New York | Yes, US-based and one of the most highly regulated crypto exchanges in the US |
| Gemini | Security-focused users | 0%–0.6% maker / 0.020%–1.2% taker | 80+ | All 50 | Yes, regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) |
| Kraken Pro | Feature-rich for advanced traders | 0%-0.25% maker / 0.05%-0.40% taker | 500+ | Most, except for Maine and New York | Yes |
| Crypto.com | Mobile-first users | 0.08%–0.25% maker / 0.18%–0.5% | 400+ | 49 states (not available in New York) | Yes |
| Coinbase Advanced | Prolific traders | 0%-0.4% maker / 0.04%–0.6% taker | 275+ | All 50 | Yes |
Best US Crypto Exchanges Reviewed
Centralized exchanges regulated to operate in the US appeal to different types of traders. We review them to help US crypto enthusiasts decide which might work best for them.
Coinbase: Best for US Beginners
As a publicly listed NASDAQ company that is available in all 50 US states, Coinbase is often the platform of choice for US-based crypto traders, as being publicly traded signals to traders that the platform complies with more stringent regulations. Additionally, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures USD cash balances, enhancing the security of funds for platform users. The Coinbase exchange also supports multiple convenient deposit options, including direct bank account transfers, debit card payments, and e-wallets such as PayPal.
Trading newcomers buying crypto for the first time can benefit from the tips, tutorials, and guides available in the Coinbase Learn center, with the platform’s learn-and-earn feature incentivizing fast acquisition of knowledge through small rewards. The standard interface is the typical starting point for beginners, but it comes with lower fee transparency and higher costs through embedded spreads. In contrast, proficient traders usually buy and sell digital assets on Coinbase Advanced, where spot trading maker and taker fees are transparently displayed, with high-volume traders enjoying significantly lower fees.
Pros
Available in all 50 US states
The FDIC insures USD balances
Helps beginners with educational resources and incentivized learning
Cons
The fees are higher and not as transparent on the simple interface
The selection of altcoins is not as extensive
Kraken: Best Overall for US Traders
US traders seeking a security-focused exchange with a proven track record consider Kraken a solid choice, as the platform has been operating since 2011 and has not had a publicly documented complaint or incident where users lost funds on account of exchange-related problems, such as insolvency or hacks. Except in New York and Maine, Kraken is available in all US states (with some additional state-based restrictions), operating under federal registrations from FinCEN and individual state-issued licenses.
US-based traders have access to 600+ cryptocurrencies, where a flat 1% platform fee applies to standard Kraken app trades in addition to the spread embedded in quoted prices. It is important to note that the features on the standard Kraken interface are more basic and better suited to casual traders, while Kraken Pro (described below) offers more comprehensive trading options and order types. Overall, Kraken is arguably the best all-around option for US users.
Pros
No hacking incidents
Regulated at the federal and state levels
Suitable for different types of traders
Cons
Standard interface fees are higher than Kraken Pro
Not available in Maine and New York, and limitations exist in a few more states
Gemini: Best for Security-Focused US Users
Gemini is a US-based crypto trading platform, available in all 50 US states, whose operations are regulated by the NYDFS. As a result, Gemini is popular with security-first US traders. Gemini holds most user assets in cold wallets. At the same time, Lloyd’s of London offers hot wallet insurance for some crypto assets against hacking or theft. The platform is also SOC 2 Type 2 compliant, adhering to similar regulatory requirements as financial institutions.
On the downside, the coin selection is relatively small at only 70+ coins supported. Another drawback for casual traders is that the fees for users on the standard interface are comparatively higher.
Pros
Similar to reputable financial institutions, Gemini undergoes SOC 2 Type 2 audits
A New York trust company regulated by the NYDFS, holding a NY BitLicense
Available in all 50 states
Lloyd’s of London insurance on hot wallet storage
Cons
Only about 80+ coins are supported
Casual traders pay comparatively higher fees
Kraken Pro: Best for Advanced US Traders
The advanced trader interface of the Kraken platform is suited to active traders and those familiar with more complex order types. Providing users with competitive spot trading fees, Kraken Pro maker fees start at 0.25% and can drop to 0% with sufficient trading volume, while taker fees range from 0.05% to 0.4%.
As a feature-rich CEX platform, Kraken Pro enables functionalities such as stop-loss, trailing stops, take-profit orders, and TradingView-driven charting, creating an environment where US-based traders can stay in control of different trading scenarios.
Pros
Order types that suit advanced traders
Feature-rich with functionalities such as TradingView charts
Available in most US states
Cons
Steep learning curve for beginners
Not as many altcoin pairs as Binance
Crypto.com: Best Mobile App for US Users
With 49-US-state availability, Crypto.com offers coverage that rivals that of competitors but also provides users with a tailored mobile trading experience. App functionalities include buying, selling, converting, staking, and DeFi access. As an additional incentive, users can transact with crypto using a Visa card.
Crypto.com operates under applicable US crypto exchange regulatory requirements and holds the majority of users’ funds in cold storage – approximately 80% to 90% of all assets. Additionally, proof-of-reserve reports confirm asset backing.
Interestingly, Crypto.com fees are more competitive for mid-tier traders than high-volume users when compared to other crypto platforms. Overall, though, fees are lowest when trading volumes are consistently high.
Pros
Mobile app with full-functionality trading options
Visa card with crypto payments enabled
Available in 49 US states with robust security mechanisms
Cons
Restrictions exist in some US states
Fees for active traders are steeper than those of other top crypto exchanges
What Makes a Crypto Exchange Legal in the US?
If you are finding it hard to understand the US regulatory framework for crypto exchanges, you are not alone. The US regulatory system is among the most complex in the world. Instead of a single regulatory authority, multiple bodies supervise crypto trading activity, including:
- FinCEN: The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is in charge of ensuring anti-money laundering compliance and requires exchanges to register as businesses offering money services.
- SEC: It regulates crypto assets that are categorized as securities.
- CFTC: It oversees the market of crypto derivatives and futures.
- State-Level Licensing: Individual states license cryptocurrency exchanges, with New York’s BitLicense considered the strictest.
As can be seen, for an exchange to be legal in a particular state, it must be approved to offer its products and services by a state-approved authority. That is the reason why cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance and MEXC are not available in the US. So, when deciding which platform to trade on, it is essential to verify state-specific licensing instead of just focusing on fees and features. All the cryptocurrency exchanges we feature on this page are regulated to operate in the US.
How to Choose the Right US Crypto Exchange
To choose the right platform, you might want to try to answer a specific set of questions first. The answers could help you decide what type of crypto exchange might work best for you.
Decide on Which Coin to Buy
If you are buying Bitcoin or other major cryptocurrencies, any of the platforms listed will work. However, for altcoins, Kraken’s selection of 600+ crypto options is the most comprehensive among US-facing platforms, although it falls short when compared to Binance.
Evaluate Your Experience Level
If you are a crypto-trading newcomer, Coinbase’s learning resources and incentivized rewards scheme will complement your learning curve. In contrast, if you are an experienced trader, Kraken Pro’s competitive fees and trading tools will likely align with your expectations.
Check Your State Restrictions
Gemini enjoys the widest crypto exchange coverage in the US and is available in all states, whereas Crypto.com is not available in New York. While Kraken Pro is also available in most states, it cannot be used in New York and Maine, and there are restrictions in a few other states.
Look for Security Features
Gemini and Kraken are both top options with proven security track records, but Gemini holds a slight edge owing to its SOC 2 Type 2 compliance and NYDFS regulatory status.
Check Stablecoin Tools
If you are a frequent stablecoin trader, a decentralized exchange protocol such as Curve Finance could help with USDT, USDC, or DAI stablecoin swaps. However, it might be better suited to experienced traders rather than beginner customers and requires a self-custody wallet.
US Crypto Exchange Fees Compared
Fees at US-facing crypto exchanges vary depending on platform and, typically, trading volume. The table below compares the spot trading maker and taker fees across the five platforms authorized to operate in the US, while also providing details on the fee structure associated with platform account funding and withdrawals. Please note that the maker and taker fees are for base users with the lowest levels of trading volume. These fees will invariably get lower as trading volume increases.
| Exchange | Spot Maker | Spot Taker | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase Advanced | 0.40% | 0.60% | Free (ACH) | Network fee |
| Kraken | Spread-based – a flat 1% fee + spread | Spread-based – a flat 1% fee + spread | Free (ACH) | Network fee |
| Gemini | 0.6% | 1.2% | Free (ACH) | Network fee |
| Kraken Pro | 0.25% | 0.4% | Free | Network fee |
| Crypto.com | 0.25% | 0.5% | Free | Network fee |
Are US Crypto Exchanges Safe?
US cryptocurrency exchanges must be authorized by relevant US authorities, such as FinCEN, to offer their services to US-based traders, but that doesn’t always mean they are safe. For a cryptocurrency trading platform to be considered secure, it should generally align its operations with the industry’s best security practices, such as:
- To maintain a high percentage of over 80% of assets in cold storage
- To ensure their asset-backing capacity is regularly audited, and proof-of-reserve checks are passed
- To enable two-factor authentication for users, preferably not SMS-based, as it can be exploited through SIM-card swaps
- To process withdrawals only to verified and pre-approved wallet addresses
- To ensure hot wallet holdings against hacking through reputable companies
While all cryptocurrency exchanges featured on our list comply with existing regulatory and safety standards, it is worth noting that Gemini and Crypto.com are the two standout options when it comes to safety, as they are both subject to SOC 2 Type 2 audits. Kraken’s clean security record stretching back to 2011 should be highlighted as well, while Coinbase, as a publicly traded company, is required to submit financial reporting, resulting in greater transparency, trust, and accountability.
That said, no crypto exchange is completely safe, especially when traders leave themselves exposed by storing substantial amounts on platform accounts rather than in cold wallets. To store your crypto safely and avoid unexpected fund losses, minimize on-platform asset storage and instead opt for the much more secure option of holding assets in your own wallet, offline, regardless of the cryptocurrency exchange used.
Conclusion
The US crypto market is served by a handful of tested exchanges, each suited to different trader profiles. Coinbase suits beginners, Kraken offers the strongest all-around balance of security and asset depth, Gemini leads on compliance, and Kraken Pro delivers the tools advanced traders need. With IRS reporting obligations already in place and the regulatory framework forming under FinCEN, SEC, and state-level oversight, choosing a licensed, US-compliant exchange is very important for users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Crypto Exchanges Are Available in All 50 US States?
Coinbase and Gemini are available in all US states, Crypto.com in 49, and Kraken is not supported in only Maine and New York. However, it is worth noting that state restrictions may apply even when a platform is listed as available.
Is Binance Available in the US?
No. US-based traders cannot access Binance.com to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. There is a separate platform, Binance.us, but with limited services and coin selection.
Do US Crypto Exchanges Report to the IRS?
Yes. Crypto exchanges are obliged to share some transaction data with the IRS, as well as provide eligible customers with 1099 forms.
What Is the Best Crypto Exchange for Buying Bitcoin in the US?
It depends on your personal preferences. Kraken is the best overall choice, but Gemini might be better for those focused on security, while Crypto.com might be a superior option for mobile-first users. Coinbase, on the other hand, may suit beginners the most, due to its simple interface and learning resources.
Can I Use a Decentralized Exchange in the US?
Yes. US-based traders can access decentralized crypto exchanges (DEXs) such as Uniswap. DEXs might appeal to customers looking to skip KYC verification, but tax liability remains.
