9 Best Crypto Exchanges, Apps & Platforms of May 2024

Common questions about cryptocurrency exchanges

What is a crypto exchange?

A crypto exchange is, very basically, a place where you can purchase a cryptocurrency using either cash or another kind of digital asset.

This roundup primarily discusses a type of crypto exchange known as a centralized exchange. A centralized exchange is a marketplace operated by a business entity that buys, sells and facilitates transactions in cryptocurrency.

If you're new to cryptocurrency, or if you just need to convert fiat currency into crypto, you'll likely be using a centralized exchange.

Another way to get crypto is through what is known as a decentralized exchange. These are largely automated, blockchain-based programs that allow users to swap certain kinds of cryptocurrency for one another. While these can have lower transaction costs, they also require more technical expertise. And if you don't already have cryptocurrency, your options are limited.

What services do crypto exchanges offer?

Aside from their primary role at the center of crypto sales and purchases, exchanges have added a handful of other offerings. Among those are services that pay rewards to people who lend out their crypto. Many crypto exchanges will hold your crypto for you if you don't want to set up a wallet that you control by yourself.

It's important to note that some crypto exchanges have had issues with these secondary services. For instance, some have had to freeze withdrawals from their rewards programs amid liquidity issues. And storing crypto in an exchange's wallet can leave you vulnerable to losses if an exchange fails or suffers a cyberattack.

How much money do I need to use a crypto exchange?

If you're just thinking about dabbling in crypto, it's good to remember that you don't have to put your life's savings on the line to get a sense of how it works.

Crypto exchanges reviewed by NerdWallet generally have no account minimums, which means you're free to create an account and look around without spending a dime. And if you decide to buy some crypto, you don't have to buy a lot. Many exchanges have a minimum purchase of around a dollar.

How is investing in crypto different from investing in stocks?

Trading cryptocurrencies is different from traditional investing in several ways. A few examples:

• Compared to traditional investing, which has seen fees steadily decline in recent years, trading in cryptocurrencies costs much more. For example, depending on the method of payment, you could pay 5% or more in fees when trading Bitcoin. Most online brokers no longer charge a commission to trade stocks.

• Crypto is still a relatively new and burgeoning industry, and customer service has lagged behind what's available at traditional brokerages. Want to speak to a person concerning questions or account issues at crypto exchange? Many pure crypto exchanges don't offer that service.

• You have more responsibility for protecting your crypto from theft with cryptocurrency exchanges, especially if you use your own digital wallet. While exchanges protect you from losses due to site-wide hacks, you won’t be protected from individual attacks on your account — for example, a phishing email attack in which you unwittingly reveal your passwords to cybercriminals.