***Rankings as of Dec 5, 2022***
***Money is not a client of any investment adviser featured on this page. The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Money does not offer advisory services.***
Crypto exchanges are where traders can buy, sell and convert different cryptocurrencies and NFTs (non-fungible tokens). They are necessary for digital assets to be traded at the scale they are today. Some exchanges offer the most competitive prices or speeds, whereas others provide specialized financial products.
Read on to learn about the best cryptocurrency exchanges, how they work, and which one you should pick.
What happened with FTX Crypto ExchangeOn November 11, 2022, FTX — previously one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world — put out a statement on its Twitter page that it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and its CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was resigning. This was a huge shock to the entire crypto ecosystem and has greatly affected the way people perceive the industry.
Suffice it to say, 2022 has not been a good year for crypto. Nonetheless, the exchanges included in our top picks list have transparent financial backing and a strong cybersecurity infrastructure.
If you're looking for the absolute safest way to manage your crypto, consider buying a cold wallet (you can find our pick for the best hardware wallet in our list of best crypto wallets).
Our Top Picks for the Best Crypto Exchanges of December 2022
© Provided by Money.com Best Crypto Exchanges Reviews 
© Provided by Money.com Pros Why we chose it: We chose Coinbase as the best crypto exchange for beginners because of its easy-to-use interface, extensive educational material on everything from blockchain to volatility, and robust security features.
If you're familiar with crypto, chances are you've already heard of Coinbase. The exchange is one of the largest and most well-known in the U.S., and its debut on the public market last year was seen by many as a legitimization of the crypto market.
The Coinbase platform does a great job of lowering the barrier to entry for investing in crypto, with a straightforward onboarding process that eases users into trading. At the same time, its interface makes navigating the platform and managing crypto a seamless experience.
Coinbase also features a comprehensive and accessible variety of learning materials. Users are encouraged to use these resources through the Coinbase Earn program, which teaches how to trade specific cryptocurrencies and rewards users with free crypto.
Lastly, the exchange's security features are worth mentioning: Coinbase uses two-factor authentication on all versions of its platform, stores 98% of customers' crypto offline, and has an insurance policy to protect custodial accounts of up to $250,000 (in line with per-depositor FDIC coverage limits). Such robust measures are why Coinbase is ultimately worth it, despite the higher fees.
Users who enjoy Coinbase but would like more advanced trading and charting features may want to look at the company's other exchange platform, Coinbase Pro.
© Provided by Money.com Pros Why we chose it: We chose Binance.US as the best crypto exchange for low fees because it features one of the most generous fee structures across all the trading platforms we considered.
Binance is the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, and its United States partner, Binance.US, offers many of the former's advantages. One of its greatest assets is a competitive maker/taker fee structure that tops out at 0.1%. This fee starts low and keeps getting lower as your trading volume increases.
Binance.US also offers discounts for using Build and Build (BNB), one of the world's most popular utility tokens, to buy and sell other coins.
The exchange features more than 140 cryptocurrencies, all of which are purchasable with USD, saving money in conversion fees for those who want to buy crypto directly. This variety of discounts and purchase options benefits advanced users who may also enjoy the platform's comprehensive market dashboards, margin trading, and variety of order types, including limit orders, market orders, and stop limit orders.
Binance.US is not available in Hawaii, New York, Texas and Vermont.
© Provided by Money.com Pros Why we chose it: We chose Crypto.com as the best crypto exchange for security because of its multiple layers of protection against crypto fraud and cyberattacks.
Most reputable crypto exchanges feature a solid cybersecurity infrastructure, but this is where Crypto.com really stands out. The exchange is ranked first in the Cybersecurity Ranking and CERtification Platform's top 100 exchanges by cybersecurity rating.
Crypto.com employs various techniques to keep users' cryptos secure on its trading platform, including offline cold storage for all crypto, a regulated custodian bank account for traditional currency, and regular software peer-review. It also uses multi-factor identification with a password, biometric, email, phone, and authenticator verification.
In addition, its platform has successfully completed several penetration tests, which are simulated cyberattacks performed to evaluate system security, and has shown proof of its funds over the years.
Security isn't Crypto.com's only attraction. The exchange offers the largest selection of currencies among all the companies on our list — over 250 coins.
Other noteworthy features are its non-custodial DeFi wallet — which allows users to send crypto at their preferred speed and earn interest on coins —, margin trading, prepaid visa cards to spend crypto, and crypto loans.
© Provided by Money.com Pros Why we chose it: We chose Bisq as the best decentralized exchange because it follows the ethos of Bitcoin best by maintaining an open-source platform that is completely decentralized without limiting currency support.
Formerly known as Bitsquare, Bisq brings the clean, easy-to-use interface and vast coin support of centralized exchanges to a decentralized environment. The platform is built on open-source software, meaning its design is publicly available, and the project is funded by personal savings and donations from its community of users.
Bisq doesn't need a third party to conduct cryptocurrency transactions, nor does it require users to submit personal information to trade on the platform. It's an excellent alternative for Bitcoin fans looking for a wide variety of coins to trade with, including altcoins like Cardano, XRP, and Dogecoin. In fact, it's not typical for decentralized exchanges to support so many digital assets — and fiat currency.
Additionally, the platform's security features, such as multi-signature and a security deposit system, enhance the inherent safety and privacy of decentralized exchanges by ensuring that both parties act honestly and have complete control of their funds during the trading process.
© Provided by Money.com Other crypto exchanges we considered The following trading platforms are all excellent options, especially for new traders. However, they didn't make it to our top list because they lack certain core features or are not dedicated crypto or bitcoin exchanges.
Public ProsPublic is a beginner-friendly platform that tries to mix accessible, affordable investing with an approach that puts financial literacy first. It does this by providing users with articles on a wide variety of investment topics, market updates and a daily live show called Public Live, where a panel of experts, analysts and journalists join to discuss market headlines.
Why it didn't make the cut: Public is not a full-service cryptocurrency exchange — it focuses on stocks and ETFs — meaning it lacks certain tools and operates fundamentally different from an actual crypto exchange.
Robinhood ProsRobinhood is another commission-free investment platform that caters to beginners and casual investors. Users can trade seven cryptocurrencies in addition to stocks, ETFs, options and more.
Why it didn't make the cut: Robinhood lacks the tools and features of a full-service cryptocurrency exchange. It has also been the target of numerous complaints from users and regulators regarding its dishonest business practices (just last year, the app was fined 70 million by FINRA for misleading consumers) and involvement in the GameStop/meme-stock mania of 2021.
Gemini ProsGemini is a well-funded crypto exchange with a reputation for being easy to use. The platform supports more than 100 crypto to buy, sell and store, has tools for high-performance traders and boasts industry-leading security.
Why it didn't make the cut: Gemini's fees are more expensive compared to other exchanges. And while the platform's features make for a good package overall, none of them were impressive enough to earn Gemini a top spot with us.
Kraken ProsKraken has been around for a while now, and is well known — and loved — by many crypto traders around the world. The platform is a jack-of-all-trades: it supports more than 185 cryptocurrencies across a variety of crypto services, which includes regular trading, margin trading, staking and futures.
Why it didn't make the cut: Kraken didn't make our list due the lack of a standout feature. That said, we still fully recommend the exchange both for newcomers and experienced crypto investors due to its highly affordable fee structure and robust security framework.
eToro ProseToro is a multi-asset investment platform that allows users to trade a variety of assets, including 30 popular cryptocurrencies. The platform's main highlight is its social trading features, which allows users to create a custom news feed and follow, copy and interact with their favorite traders.
Why it didn't make the cut: eToro did not make our top list because it's not a full-service crypto exchange. This means it lacks basic tools and services, such as withdrawing your crypto, and directly depositing, trading or exchanging crypto on the platform.
Cash.app ProsCash.app is a great option if you just want to test the Bitcoin waters or simply need another platform to do quick bitcoin transactions. Unlike with other non-dedicated cryptocurrency exchanges, Cash.app lets you keep custody of your coins. This alone makes it worth a try.
Why it didn't make the cut: Cash.app is not a dedicated crypto exchange and its bitcoin services are bare bones. While it may be an accessible entry point for those interested in crypto, we cannot recommend it as an exchange for trading in the long term.
Crypto Exchanges GuideDespite having broken into the mainstream, crypto can still be a confusing subject for investors of all levels. How exactly do they work? What are the different types of exchange and how do they differ from crypto wallets? Read our guide to understand the ins and outs of cryptocurrency exchanges.
Crypto exchanges are platforms where users can trade digital currencies for other assets, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and regular currencies, like U.S. Dollars and Euros.
Exchanges are an essential part of the crypto ecosystem because most traditional investment firms do not offer cryptocurrencies in their portfolios. Without exchanges, you would have to find another person willing to trade crypto and agree at an exchange rate. Then, you would have to send the coins directly to each other's cryptocurrency wallets — a somewhat convoluted process.
Crypto wallet vs exchangeCrypto wallets and exchanges are both essential tools used to manage cryptocurrencies. Wallets are meant to keep your crypto funds safe, whereas exchanges are trading hubs where users convert fiat currencies to digital ones and buy or sell crypto based on current market rates.
Crypto exchanges Crypto wallets Facilitate trading between users Hold the private keys that are necessary to access cryptocurrency on the blockchain Convert fiat currencies into digital currencies Are offered by exchanges and independent developers. Are available 24/7, unlike traditional investment firms Can be an online-only platform, a physical storage device, or incorporate both aspects.Many crypto exchanges operate their own wallets, so users can start trading crypto as soon as they open their account without having to worry about getting a digital wallet of their own. These are known as web-hosted wallets, and their incorporated exchange is responsible for their security measures.
Serious traders are encouraged to keep an independent cryptocurrency wallet to deposit any coins they aren't actively trading. This is because you could lose all your digital assets if the exchange is hacked.
Although you'll be responsible for securing, backing up, and managing your own funds, independent digital wallets are a much safer alternative for safeguarding the bulk of your crypto.
How do crypto exchanges workThe way crypto exchanges work depends on their type of platform. Most crypto trading platforms are known as centralized exchanges, which function as a brokerage, acting as intermediaries between buyers and sellers.
Users can deposit money into exchanges to buy cryptocurrency or deposit their own crypto to trade for other currencies, known as crypto-to-crypto spot trading. Traders can expect to pay a fee for converting one crypto to another, like when exchanging regular currencies at a bank (for example, converting USD to EUR).
In exchange for digital currencies, exchanges may accept a wide variety of payments, including credit card payments, ACH transfers, credit or debit cards, money orders and even gift cards.
Dedicated crypto and bitcoin exchanges will allow you to withdraw your crypto funds and transfer them to another wallet of your choice. Others, especially those that focus on other assets, like stocks and ETFs — including Robinhood and eToro — only let you purchase the crypto but not transfer it out of their web wallets.
What are the different types of crypto exchanges?Crypto exchanges come in three varieties: centralized, decentralized, and hybrid.
Centralized exchanges (CEX)Centralized exchanges are the most common and traditional type of crypto exchange. These are owned by private companies and offer investors a platform to trade cryptocurrencies. This type of exchange tends to have higher trade volumes and liquidity and a greater number of trading pairs.
Centralized exchanges are often considered a good option for new crypto traders because of their better onboarding and user interface, availability of customer support, and insurance should the platform's systems fail.
The main issue with this type of exchange is that users are inherently more vulnerable to hacking attacks. Some users also feel uncomfortable sharing their private data in the KYC process.
Examples: Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini
Decentralized exchanges (DEX)Decentralized exchanges follow in the spirit of Bitcoin by operating with no central point of control. Servers for this type of exchange are spread throughout computers located across the world, which means if one computer is attacked, the network keeps running. This alone entices many users who fear losing their crypto due to a security flaw in a company's trading platform.
Where centralized exchanges operate as brokerages, decentralized exchanges are more like marketplaces. They facilitate peer-to-peer trading and have a less rigid registration process. The main drawbacks of decentralized exchanges include lower trading volume, small liquidity, generally poor user interface, and a lack of customer support.
Examples: Bisq, Uniswap, PancakeSwap, Tokenlon, dYdX
Hybrid exchangesHybrid exchanges are part of a new generation of crypto trading platforms whose goal is to provide the best of both worlds. They aim to overcome the limitations of older exchanges by offering the greater functionality and liquidity of centralized exchanges together with the security advantages of decentralized exchanges.
Hybrid exchanges boast fast transaction speeds without compromising their users' privacy but are still a relatively new development in the crypto world. Time will tell if they will be successful or struggle due to high costs, limited scalability and limited assets.
Examples: Nash, Qurrex, Eidoo, Legolas
Understanding crypto exchange feesCrypto exchanges charge several fees, and it's not always clear what exactly you'll be charged for.
There are two main types of fees to look out for: exchange fees and network fees.
Exchange fees are how crypto exchanges make money. In other words, they're service fees that include:
Network fees are paid to cryptocurrency miners, who process and secure crypto transactions on the blockchain. Many centralized crypto exchanges incur this cost, though some may allow their users to pay more in miner fees to speed up transaction speeds. Users on decentralized exchanges generally have to pay this themselves, since there is no third party between them and the crypto miners.
What to look for when choosing a crypto exchangeWhen looking for a crypto exchange, it's essential to keep an eye out for fake websites and mobile apps. Even if the platform seems legitimate, make sure to check for any misspellings in the copy, inauthentic branding, and, in the case of a website, whether there's a small lock icon indicating security near the URL bar.
Likewise, it's important to remind yourself that scams aside, trading crypto can be dangerous. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, meaning that they are subject to sudden increases and decreases in values that even the wisest investors cannot predict with certainty.
Financial advisors recommend that if you invest in cryptocurrency, practice caution and keep it below 5% of your total investments.
How to open a crypto exchange accountEvery crypto exchange has its own registration and setup process. Some exchanges may let you open an account without verifying your identity or submitting sensitive information. Others will require new users to undergo an extensive "Know your Client" (KYC) process to comply with U.S. government regulations meant to prevent money laundering and fraud.
However, some parts of registration are shared across platforms. You will need the following information and documentation to open an account on most crypto exchange platforms:
The sign-up process generally starts by asking for your personal information, followed by an email to confirm your address. Some exchanges may also ask for a copy of a utility bill sent to your physical address and inquire about your interest in trading crypto. Then, you'll need to add a payment method to deposit funds into the exchange and start to buy and sell cryptocurrency.
Latest News on Crypto ExchangesThe recent FTX bankruptcy announcement has left experts and investors wondering how the market will react to the implosion of such a large name in the crypto industry. Many are asking what will happen to FTX customers — in the states and abroad — and how the exchange got to this point in the first place. Coin prices have fluctuated aggressively in reaction to the collapse, as have people's perception of the crypto market.
Interest in different crypto is on the rise: many investors now own multiple types of crypto, despite the market issues that digital assets are currently facing. The latest annual Crypto Literacy Survey from the industry education initiative CryptoLiteracy.org shows that the diversity of individual holdings increased by 30% in 2022. According to this same survey, which was conducted in October, nearly a third of Americans now hold investments in crypto.
Crypto Exchanges FAQ Why is crypto down? Cryptocurrencies are down because they are subject to the same factors that are currently impacting stocks and other financial assets. Growing inflation, higher interest rates -- making it more expensive for businesses to borrow money -- and events like the war in Ukraine have destabilized the global economy. This has spilled over into the crypto market, which is already infamous for its high volatility. What is the best crypto exchange?There is no one best exchange for every user. However, some of the features shared by the best cryptocurrency exchanges include solid security tools, low fees, several payment options, an accessible platform and availability on both mobile and desktop.
A large number of tradable cryptocurrencies that include various altcoins and trading pairs -- for example, Bitcoin/Litecoin (BTC/LTC) and Ethereum/Bitcoin Cash (ETH/BCH) -- is also something to look for. How many crypto exchanges are there?Because crypto exchanges do not register with any central authority, it's hard to know how many crypto exchanges there are at any given point in time. Many exchanges may be set up and then closed after very little time, which makes tracking this number even harder.
As of September 28, 2022, CoinMarketCap lists more than 270 exchanges, the biggest of which are Binance, Coinbase, and FTX (by volume of trades).
Which crypto exchange has the lowest fees?Crypto exchange fees are complicated and can be the source of great frustration, especially when the cost of a trade suddenly spikes upwards due to unexpected charges.
Based on our research, we found that the best crypto trading platform for low trading fees is Binance.US. Its maker and taker fees start at a very generous .01% / .01%, and its discount programs allow active traders to grab even lower rates.
What is the most secure crypto exchange? The nature of a crypto exchange's security depends on whether it is centralized or decentralized. The most secure crypto exchange should offer one or more methods of safeguarding your login and personal information. Based on our research, Crypto.com is the most secure exchange among all centralized exchanges. How We Chose the Best Crypto ExchangesWe looked at over 20 crypto exchanges and evaluated them based on cost, security, and user experience. Other factors we considered include cryptocurrency selection, payment options and trade volume.
We mainly focused on dedicated crypto exchanges and looked at trading platforms that let you trade other securities.
The best cryptocurrency exchanges scored high in the following categories:
SecurityUsers should feel that their crypto is secure on their trade platform, so security breach prevention measures and safe account management methods are essential elements. We looked at each platform's history of keeping their users' funds and information safe and considered whether they offered insurance to users in case they lost their money due to a mistake on their part.
User ExperienceRegardless of whether one is a novice or an expert, an exchange that is easy to use and navigate is always a plus. We considered each crypto exchange's mobile and desktop interface and favored those with more intuitive designs. We also looked at the educational content and research tools available for users.
CostFees can be a headache for users, especially those trading with great frequency. We favored crypto exchanges that offered lower fees or ways of reducing said fees. We also valued transparency when it came to their fee structure.
Summary of Money's Best Crypto Exchanges of December 2022© Copyright 2022 Money Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money's full disclaimer.