If you want to buy cryptocurrency, you have to make an account on a crypto exchange. Forbes Advisor looked at about 500 options to find the best one for both new and experienced investors.
What is a crypto exchange?
A crypto exchange is like an online store where you can trade cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, or Dogecoin. It’s similar to other platforms you might know for buying and selling things. On these exchanges, you can make accounts and use different options to place orders and trade in the world of cryptocurrencies.
Some places where you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies have special features for experienced traders, like borrowing money to trade or making bets on future prices. However, these features are not as common for people in the United States. Some platforms also let you earn interest on your cryptocurrency or borrow and lend it. The top platforms provide educational resources to help you stay informed about cryptocurrency.
How do cryptocurrency exchanges work?
Crypto exchanges are similar to brokerage platforms. They provide a place where you can place orders to buy, sell, or speculate on cryptocurrencies with other users.
There are two types of crypto exchanges: centralized and decentralized.
Crypto exchanges can be either centralized or decentralized. Centralized exchanges are managed by a single company, like a brokerage, ensuring trade security. On the other hand, decentralized exchanges share verification powers with network participants, similar to cryptocurrency blockchains. This setup promotes accountability and transparency and ensures the exchange can continue running even if the company behind it faces issues.
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Different Types of Crypto Exchanges
In simple terms, there are two main types of crypto exchanges: centralized exchanges and decentralized exchanges. Each type has its own pros and cons.
Centralized exchanges
CEX is run by one organization. They make it easy for people to start trading cryptocurrencies by letting them change their regular money, like dollars, into crypto directly. Most crypto trading happens on these centralized exchanges.
Some people who like cryptocurrency don’t like centralized exchanges because they go against the idea of decentralized currency. Additionally, some crypto users don’t like it when these exchanges ask for personal information, similar to what you provide when opening a bank account, to prevent illegal activities.
Another problem with centralized exchanges is the risk of hacking. In these exchanges, the company holds onto the cryptocurrency being traded, making it more vulnerable to hackers who might try to steal assets.
Decentralized Exchanges
Decentralized crypto exchanges, or DEX, share the job of managing and checking crypto trades among their members. Anyone who wants to be part of a DEX network can verify transactions, similar to how cryptocurrency blockchains operate. This can improve accountability and transparency, ensuring the exchange can function independently of the company that created it.
However, the challenge with decentralized exchanges is that they are not as easy for users. They may be difficult to use, both in terms of the interface and converting currencies. For example, DEX may not always allow users to deposit dollars and trade them for crypto. This means you either need to already have crypto or use a centralized exchange to get crypto before using a DEX.
Crypto Exchange Fees
Fees for trading
When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, you might have to pay fees. These fees can be a fixed percentage of the amount you trade. Some exchanges may also charge different fees based on whether your trade adds or removes liquidity from the exchange. Adding liquidity means your trade doesn’t immediately match with existing orders, while removing liquidity means it does. Usually, adding liquidity (maker orders) has slightly lower fees compared to removing liquidity (taker orders), but this can vary between exchanges.
Withdrawal Fees
Some exchanges make you pay a fee when you take your coins out. This might be a problem if you want to transfer your cryptocurrency to a safer wallet or a different exchange. The fees for taking out your coins depend on the type of cryptocurrency. If you plan to move your crypto from an exchange, it’s a good idea to pick a platform that lets you make a certain number of withdrawals without any fees, such as Gemini.
Other Fees
If you use advanced trading methods, such as borrowing money through margin trading, you’ll face extra fees. Beginner-friendly platforms like Coinbase and Gemini charge higher fees for their quick-buy options. To avoid these fees, learn to trade on the platform of an exchange.
When you buy crypto with a credit or debit card, both the exchange and your card issuer may charge extra. It’s better to use cash or wire transfers to buy cryptocurrency and avoid these additional costs.
How to Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange
Security
As cryptocurrency becomes more popular and valuable, it becomes a big target for hackers. Major exchanges like Binance and Ku Coin have been hacked, resulting in losses of tens of millions of dollars. While exchanges often repay those whose coins are stolen, it’s better not to be in that situation at all.
To reduce your risk, spread out your cryptocurrency purchases across different exchanges. Alternatively, regularly move your cryptocurrency from an exchange’s default wallet to your own secure “cold” wallet. These wallets are not connected to the internet, making them extremely difficult to hack. However, remember to carefully record your passcode, or you might lose access to your cryptocurrency permanently.
Available Coins Check out the different types of cryptocurrencies on a particular exchange. If you’re okay with a few options, you can use an exchange that only deals with a small number of coins. On the other hand, if you really love cryptocurrencies, you might prefer using Gate.io, which offers more than 600 different coins.
Make sure not to think that you can use a cryptocurrency exchange in your country or state just because you can visit its website. Governments are still deciding how to handle cryptocurrencies in terms of laws and taxes.
Trade Activity
Just having coins available is not enough if people aren’t actively trading them. It’s important to make sure there’s enough trading activity in the coins you’re interested in. This ensures that there is enough liquidity, making it easier for you to buy or sell your coins in dollars.
In markets with low trading activity, you might face issues with your transactions. When there’s low volume and you place an order, it’s called slippage. This means you might end up buying at a higher price or selling at a lower price than you intended.