Best crypto exchanges: where to actually buy and trade
An exchange is where most people's crypto journey begins. The right one is regulated, has a long track record, and is easy to use. Here are the two we trust most, plus the one rule that matters more than which platform you pick.
- Best for beginners and US users: Coinbase. A publicly traded company with strong compliance, simple to use, and insured on a portion of assets.
- Best all-rounder: Kraken. Trading since 2011, a deep asset list, and a strong security reputation for more hands-on users.
- The rule that beats all of them: an exchange is for buying and trading, not for storing. Move meaningful holdings to a hardware wallet.
Affiliate note: some links below may earn ScalpStreet a commission. It does not change our rankings, and we did not accept payment for placement. We only list platforms with a long operating history and a serious compliance posture.
What makes an exchange safe
Not all exchanges are equal, and the differences are not cosmetic. The ones worth using share a few traits: a real regulatory posture, years of operating history without losing customer funds, transparency about how they hold assets, and a security team with a track record. The platforms that promise outsized yields or that appeared out of nowhere are exactly the ones that have burned people before. When in doubt, stick to the established names.
Coinbase
What we like
- Publicly traded on Nasdaq since 2021, so it files audited financials with the SEC
- Founded in 2012, with 120 million-plus verified users across 100-plus countries
- The easiest on-ramp for beginners and US users
- Carries insurance on a portion of crypto and FDIC coverage on cash balances
Worth knowing
- The simple interface charges more than it needs to; use Advanced Trade for lower fees
- Not every smaller token is listed
- Insurance covers a portion of assets, not a blanket guarantee
Kraken
What we like
- Operating since 2011 with a strong security reputation and no history of losing customer funds
- Access to 500-plus cryptocurrencies across 190-plus countries
- Kraken Pro offers low fees for more active traders
- A clear focus on regulation and transparency
Worth knowing
- Does not carry insurance on crypto holdings, and no FDIC coverage on cash
- The full platform is less beginner-friendly than Coinbase
- Some advanced features are not available in every region
If you want an insured alternative, Gemini and Crypto.com also carry a degree of insurance on crypto and FDIC coverage on cash, and are reasonable options to weigh.
The rule that matters most
Whichever platform you choose, remember the oldest line in crypto: not your keys, not your coins. When your crypto sits on an exchange, the exchange holds the keys, and you are trusting the company to stay solvent and secure. That is fine for money you are actively trading. For anything you plan to hold, move it off the exchange and into self-custody. Our hardware wallet guide covers how.
How to stay safe on any exchange
Turn on two-factor authentication using an authenticator app, not text messages, which can be intercepted. Use a unique password and a dedicated email. Withdraw holdings you are not trading to your own wallet. And treat any promise of guaranteed high returns as a warning sign, not an opportunity.
Ready to make your first purchase? Our Buy Crypto guide walks through it step by step.
- Forbes Advisor, "10 Best Crypto Exchanges and Apps of 2026." forbes.com
- Kraken, "Most secure crypto exchange in 2026." kraken.com
- Yahoo Finance, "The 7 best crypto exchanges in 2026: Our top picks after hands-on testing." finance.yahoo.com