The landscape of crypto trading in the United States has matured significantly, with exchanges offering more than just a place to buy and sell digital assets. From zero-commission models to institutional-grade infrastructure, platforms now cater to a wide range of users—each with different priorities. Whether you’re a first-time Bitcoin buyer or an advanced trader seeking low latency and margin tools, understanding how these exchanges differ is critical.
This guide breaks down the top 10 crypto exchanges in the US, highlighting their features, strengths, trading fees, hidden costs, and ideal user profiles. Whether you prioritize low spreads, regulation, or a seamless mobile experience, this comparison will help you make an informed decision.
1. Coinbase
The mainstream choice for retail traders
Coinbase is the most widely used crypto exchange in the United States and is ideal for beginners. It offers two modes: Coinbase (basic) and Coinbase Advanced.
Trading Fees:
- Coinbase Basic: ~0.50% spread + flat fee ($0.99 to $2.99 depending on amount)
- Coinbase Advanced: Maker: 0.00–0.40%, Taker: 0.05–0.60%
- Other Fees: Higher costs for credit card purchases and withdrawals
- Strengths: Strong brand, easy-to-use interface, insured custodial wallets
- Weaknesses: High fees unless using Advanced mode
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2. Kraken
High-security exchange for serious traders
Kraken is favored by experienced traders for its security and full suite of services, including margin and futures trading.
Trading Fees (Kraken Pro):
- Maker: 0.00–0.16%, Taker: 0.10–0.26%
- Other Fees: Free ACH deposits; crypto withdrawal fees vary by asset
- Strengths: Advanced tools, low fees, US and EU licenses
- Weaknesses: Slower fiat processing at times
3. Gemini
Institutional-grade infrastructure with a retail touch
Gemini is known for transparency, security, and compliance, offering both a simple app and an ActiveTrader platform.
Trading Fees:
- Mobile App/Web: ~0.50% spread + convenience fee (up to 1.49%)
- ActiveTrader: Maker: 0.00–0.25%, Taker: 0.01–0.35%
- Other Fees: $0 for ACH transfers, $10 minimum for wire withdrawals
- Strengths: Regulation-focused, secure custody, insurance coverage
- Weaknesses: Expensive on retail interface
4. Crypto.com
Mobile-first experience with extensive rewards
Crypto.com offers one of the most expansive app experiences, including a Visa debit card and DeFi integration.
Trading Fees:
- Maker: 0.075–0.16%, Taker: 0.075–0.25%
- Up to 0% if staking enough CRO tokens
- Other Fees: Free crypto transfers to other Crypto.com users; network fees apply for external withdrawals
- Strengths: Rewards ecosystem, broad crypto support
- Weaknesses: CRO staking required for top perks
5. Binance.US
Low fees and wide range of tokens
Binance.US provides one of the lowest-cost trading environments in the country.
Trading Fees:
- BTC Spot Pairs: 0% (zero-fee Bitcoin promotion)
- Others: Maker: 0.00–0.35%, Taker: 0.00–0.35%
- Other Fees: Free ACH deposits/withdrawals; wire: $15–$35
- Strengths: Inexpensive, wide token access
- Weaknesses: Limited features compared to global Binance
👉 Explore Binance.US’s zero-fee Bitcoin trading
6. eToro USA
Social trading meets crypto investing
eToro combines crypto with stocks and ETFs on a single platform, featuring a social trading system where users can mirror top investors.
- Trading Fees: 1.0% flat spread per transaction (buy/sell)
- Other Fees: $5 withdrawal fee, $10/month inactivity after 12 months
- Strengths: Social trading, intuitive UI
- Weaknesses: Limited tokens, high spread cost
7. Robinhood Crypto
Zero-commission trading for the masses
Robinhood offers commission-free crypto trading, though the price spread can hide costs.
- Trading Fees: $0 commission, but hidden spreads often range from 0.3–1.5%
- Other Fees: No deposit or withdrawal fees, but crypto transfers newly supported
- Strengths: Clean app, zero fees
- Weaknesses: Less transparent pricing, fewer tokens
8. Bitstamp USA
European reliability with US access
Bitstamp is a veteran exchange with a conservative approach to asset listings and a strong record of stability.
Trading Fees:
- Maker: 0.00–0.30%, Taker: 0.00–0.40%
- Fees drop with higher 30-day volume
- Other Fees: $10 wire withdrawal (free for SEPA and ACH)
- Strengths: Regulated, good liquidity
- Weaknesses: Limited trading pairs
9. Uphold
Multi-asset platform with strong cross-border access
Uphold allows trading of crypto, metals, and fiat from a single wallet, with transparent pricing.
- Trading Fees: Spread: ~0.8–1.2% on major cryptos
- Other Fees: $0 ACH transfers; $3.99/card withdrawal fee
- Strengths: Transparent pricing, asset diversity
- Weaknesses: Wider spreads than pro exchanges
10. Swan Bitcoin
Dedicated to long-term Bitcoin investors
Swan is ideal for users who want to dollar-cost average into Bitcoin over time, not trade actively.
- Trading Fees: 0.99–2.29% depending on purchase amount
- Other Fees: Free BTC withdrawals (within reasonable limits)
- Strengths: Education-driven, Bitcoin-only simplicity
- Weaknesses: Not suitable for traders or altcoin buyers
Summary Fee Comparison Table
| Exchange | Trading Fees (Maker/Taker) | Notable Perks | Typical Users |
|----------------|----------------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Coinbase | 0.00–0.40% / 0.05–0.60% (Advanced) | Insured custody, easy UI | Beginners, casual investors |
| Kraken | 0.00–0.16% / 0.10–0.26% | Margin, staking, security | Advanced traders |
| Gemini | 0.00–0.25% / 0.01–0.35% (Active) | Regulated, insured | Institutions, security-focused |
| Crypto.com | 0.075–0.25% | Debit card, CRO rewards | Mobile users, rewards seekers |
| Binance.US | 0.00–0.35% | 0% BTC, large asset range | Cost-sensitive traders |
| eToro USA | ~1.0% spread | Social trading | Copy traders, multi-asset fans |
| Robinhood | 0% commission, hidden spread | Easy access | Retail traders, mobile-first |
| Bitstamp USA | 0.00–0.30% / 0.00–0.40% | Trusted legacy brand | Institutions, conservative |
| Uphold | ~0.8–1.2% spread | Cross-asset trading | Global and casual users |
| Swan Bitcoin | 0.99–2.29% | Education + BTC-only focus | Long-term Bitcoin holders |
Conclusion
Crypto exchanges in 2025 serve as gateways to a broader financial ecosystem. Coinbase and Kraken dominate for general use, while Binance.US and Crypto.com appeal to active traders. Niche platforms like Swan Bitcoin and Uphold cater to long-term or cross-asset strategies.
Before choosing a platform, compare fees, features, compliance, and user protection to align with your needs.
👉 Find the best crypto exchange for your needs
FAQs
Q: Which exchange has the lowest fees?
A: Binance.US and Kraken offer some of the lowest trading fees, especially for high-volume traders.
Q: Is Coinbase safe for beginners?
A: Yes, Coinbase is highly regulated and offers insured custodial wallets, making it ideal for new investors.
Q: Can I trade altcoins on Swan Bitcoin?
A: No, Swan Bitcoin is exclusively for Bitcoin, focusing on long-term investment strategies.
Q: Does Robinhood support crypto withdrawals?
A: Yes, but only recently introduced; other platforms offer more flexible withdrawal options.
Q: Which exchange is best for margin trading?
A: Kraken and Binance.US provide advanced margin trading tools for experienced users.