Crypto exchanges are where most people buy their first bitcoin. You pay by bank transfer or card, the exchange matches you with a seller, and the coins land in an account the exchange holds for you. Most large exchanges now handle both kinds of trade: money for crypto, and one coin for another.
Before you choose an exchange
- Is it licensed where you live? Many exchanges limit or block users from some countries.
- What does it cost? Compare trading fees, the spread on “instant buy”, and deposit and withdrawal costs.
- How is your account protected? Look for two-factor authentication (2FA) and published proof of reserves.
- Can you withdraw to your own wallet? Coins you don’t plan to trade are safer in a wallet you control.
Exchanges we cover (updated September 2026)
Coinbase
One of the best-known exchanges in the US and a public company, listed on Nasdaq since 2021. The app keeps buying simple and supports recurring purchases, and a separate advanced screen serves active traders.
Visit coinbase.com →Kraken
One of the longest-running crypto exchanges, known for its focus on security. It offers spot trading in many coins, plus staking and futures where local rules allow.
Visit kraken.com →Binance
The largest exchange by trading volume, with hundreds of coins and low trading fees. In 2023 Binance agreed to pay about $4.3 billion to settle US charges and its founder stepped down; Richard Teng has led the company since. Not available to US residents, who can use the separate Binance.US.
Visit binance.com →CEX.IO
A London-founded exchange that has operated since 2013 and holds money transmitter licenses in many US states. Buying with a bank card is quick, and a separate platform serves active traders.
Visit cex.io →Bitbuy
A Canadian exchange registered with Canadian securities regulators, with Canadian-dollar deposits by Interac e-Transfer. Its parent company, WonderFi, was acquired by Robinhood in 2026.
Visit bitbuy.ca →BTCC
One of the oldest names in crypto, started in 2011 as BTC China. Today it focuses on crypto futures, which are high-risk products meant for experienced traders.
Visit btcc.com →Keep your coins safe
An exchange account is not the same as holding your own keys. Many users keep only what they trade on an exchange and move the rest to a hardware or software wallet they control. New to the terms? See our Crypto Dictionary.
This page is for information only and is not financial advice. Crypto prices are volatile and you can lose money. Services and rules differ by country, so check what is available where you live. Last updated: September 30, 2026.
