The Best Crypto Exchanges 0f 2021

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last decade you probably have heard about cryptocurrencies.  And unless that rock has been really, really, big, you probably have noticed that the last two years cryptocurrencies have exploded in popularity.  Around this time you might be saying to yourself what exactly is crypto? How do I get started?  What does it do?  If those are some of your questions you have come to the right place.

What is a Crypto Exchange?

In order to purchase cryptocurrencies you will need to find a spot to purchase them from.  These places are called exchanges.  There are several different exchanges and they all offer something “special”. Some exchanges are not available in some countries or some exchanges have the ability to store crypto and you can then earn interest on those coins.  So with this article I am going to highlight some of the better exchanges that are both trustworthy and popular to use.

Top Exchanges of 2021

  • Coinbase 
  • Kraken
  • Crypto.com
  • Gemini
  • Gate.io
  • KuCoin
  • Pionex

Coinbase

Coinbase is another exchange that operates for residence in the United States.  It has very good trading volume as well.  The user interface is also very easy to work with.  Coinbase came to the United States in 2012.  It originally was just a very simple exchange, however since crypto has become increasingly popular it has transformed into basically a “One Stop Shop” for all crypto. The user interface is set up very well, it is extremely user friendly, and you are able to link an account straight to the exchange.  It even has a “learn and earn”option, where you can learn about different crypto coins, take a quick quiz, and then you are given some coins for passing the quiz.

best crypto exchange

  • Trading Volume – $4 Billion
  • Country- United States
  • Number of Coins – 101 Coins
  • Trading Fees – You can find the list of trading fees here.​​
  • Withdraw Fees – You can find the list of withdrawal fees here.
  • KYC – Coinbase does require all users to KYC.  However if you choose to not KYC then your account will be very restricted.  However “Coinbase will help you in any way that we can to ensure you can verify your identity.”
  • Access:  Website and App

Kraken

Kraken is another United States based exchange.  It offers services between fiat and crypto currencies and offers great security.  Kraken has been around in the United States since 2011.  It claims to have the best security because “95% of the deposits are held in cold storage that are spread out across the world.”  If that is not enough for you, “the servers are held in cages, protected by armed guards, who are on CCTV 24/7”.

  • Trading Volume – $1.4 Billion
  • Country – United States
  • Number of Coins – 88 Coins
  • Trading Fees -You can find the list of trading fees here.
  • Withdraw Fees You can find the list of withdrawal fees here.
  • KYC – Laws and regulations require that we verify your account by asking who you are and where you live.  Kraken takes every measure to prevent fraud and be fully compliant with KYC and AML regulations for trading of digital assets.  We offer different levels of verification based on your country of residence.
  • Access – Website and App

Crypto.com

Crypto.com has a different approach than some of the other exchanges.  Their approach is to try to make it easier for other individuals to use crypto.  They would almost be considered like a bank.  Crypto.com is an exchange that is based in the United States. I kind of consider them an all around exchange.  You are able to buy and sell on this exchange, as well as their own credit card that gives you “cash back” on a crypto coin that you choose.  Please look at which coins you are wanting to get back in order to utilize this feature.  

  • Trading Volume – $2.69 Billion
  • Country – Hong Kong
  • Number of Coin – 117 Coins
  • Trading Fees – You can find the list of trading fees here.
  • Withdraw Fees – You can find the list of withdrawal fees here.
  • KYC – Crypto.com does require full KYC in order to use their service
  • Access – Website and App

Gemini

Gemini Logo

Gemini is another United States based crypto exchange.  One of the features that it really boasts is the fact that it has some of the best security.  Gemini also is another exchange that also reminds me of a bank.  They are able to hold your crypto, buy and sell crypto, have their own credit card, as well as a very good number of coins that you can stake and earn a percentage back based on how much you stake.

  • Trading Volume – $213 Million
  • Country – United States
  • Number of Coins – 51 Coins
  • Trading Fees – You can find the list of trading fees here.
  • Withdraw Fees – You can find the list of withdrawal fees here.
  • KYC – Gemini does require KYC for all of their customers.  
  • Access – Website and App

Gate.io

Gate.io is another United States based exchange.  One key feature for this exchange is that the transactions are transparent and secure as well.  They are not as popular as some of the other exchanges.  However, they do have a neat feature called “copy trade”.  With this feature you would be able to copy other individuals who are able to use their resources to trade successfully.

  • Trading Volume – $2.1 Billion
  • Country – Currently seems to be in the United States.
  • Number of Coins – 890 Coins
  • Trading Fees – You can find the list of trading fees here.
  • Withdraw Fees – You can find the list of withdrawal fees here.
  • KYC – From what I can gather about Gate.io you are recommended to KYC and your account has a limited availability if you choose to not KYC.
  • Access – Website and App

KuCoin

KuCoin is another exchange that is very popular.  It boasts that 1 out of every 4 crypto holders has an account with KuCoin.  They also have spot and futures trading.  They even have  just started to implement trading bots for both spot and futures and have several good reviews on it. 

  • Trading Volume – $3 Billion
  • Country – Singapore
  • Number of Coins – 447 Coins
  • Trading Fees – You can find the list of trading fees here.
  • Withdraw Fees – You can find the list of withdrawal fees here.
  • KYC – With KuCoin you do not need to KYC.  However, there are limits on withdrawals, leverage, and other features that individuals might want to utilize.
  • Access – Website and App

Pionex

Pionex is an exchange that is based out of Singapore.  It has some great security as well as a great community to help others and to bounce ideas off of each other.  Another great aspect of Pionex is the fact that this exchange has trading bots that are built into the platform itself.

  • Trading Volume – $1.7 Billion
  • Country – Singapore
  • Number of Coins – 304 Coins
  • Trading Fees – You can find the list of trading fees here.
  • Withdraw Fees – You can find the list of withdrawal fees here.
  • Access – Website and App