Cryptocurrency exchanges

Where people buy, sell and store crypto.

Affiliate disclosure: the buttons below may be affiliate links. If you open an account through one, we may be paid a commission, at no extra cost to you. This doesn't mean an exchange is better than another, and we haven't been paid to rank any of them above the rest.

An exchange is a company that lets you swap normal money for cryptocurrency and back again. Which one suits you depends on where you live, what you want to buy, and how comfortable you are with trading tools. Before you sign up, check these on the exchange's own website:

Is it available and legal where you live? Rules differ a lot between countries, and some exchanges restrict some services.
What does it really cost? Compare trading fees, spreads, deposit and withdrawal charges.
How is it regulated? Look for a clear statement of which regulators oversee it, and how customer funds are held.
Does it list the coins you want?
What security options does it offer? Two-factor authentication should be a minimum.

Coinbase

A long-established, beginner-friendly platform with a simple buying flow, a listed parent company and a large range of popular coins.

Visit Coinbase

Kraken

One of the older exchanges, known for a wide choice of coins and a step-up from basic buying to more advanced trading tools.

Visit Kraken

Binance

Among the largest exchanges by trading volume, with a huge list of assets. Which services you can use depends heavily on your country.

Visit Binance

Bitstamp

One of the oldest names in the industry, with a straightforward, no-frills trading interface aimed at people who know what they want.

Visit Bitstamp

Gemini

A US-founded exchange that puts security and regulatory compliance at the centre of its pitch, with a clean, easy-to-use app.

Visit Gemini

OKX

A large global platform offering a broad coin selection plus a built-in wallet. Services on offer vary by region.

Visit OKX

Descriptions are general and may go out of date. Always check current fees, availability and regulation yourself. Never keep more on an exchange than you can afford to lose.