What are some top crypto exchanges in the US?

[Quibble]

Hey folks, I’m finally jumping into crypto and need help picking a US-based exchange. Saw lists recommending Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, etc., but I’m overwhelmed. What’s your go-to platform, and why? Bonus points if you’ve had experience with fees, security, or customer support. Thanks in advance!

 

[7Frop]

Coinbase all the way. Yeah, their fees are a bit steep, but the UI is so clean even my grandma could figure it out. Plus, they’re publicly traded, which adds a layer of trust IMO. I’ve had zero issues with withdrawals, and their customer support actually replied to me once (shocking, I know). If you’re new, just stick with the basics. Pro tip: Use Coinbase Pro for lower fees—same login, better rates.

 

[Zlurb^9]

^ This guy hasn’t tried Kraken. Coinbase’s 'Pro' tier is still mid compared to Kraken’s advanced tools. Margin trading, futures, staking rewards… the works. Security-wise, Kraken’s never been hacked (unlike some exchanges cough Coinbase 2014 cough). Their fee structure is transparent too. Only downside? The app feels like it was designed in 2012. Function > form, I guess.

 

[MortPlug]

Gemini’s the only exchange I trust with real money. They’re NYDFS-approved, which is basically the gold standard for regulation. ActiveTrader mode cuts fees to 0.25%, and their insurance policy actually covers breaches. Also, free withdrawals? Yes please. Downside: Limited altcoins. But if you’re just stacking BTC/ETH, it’s perfect. Avoid their basic interface though—it’s a fee trap.

 

[Krog_Mellow]

Lol at everyone sleeping on Binance.US. Fees are dirt cheap (0.1% spot trading), and the liquidity is insane. Yeah, the SEC is breathing down their neck, but until they pull the plug, I’m saving hundreds on trades. Just don’t leave your crypto there—withdraw to a wallet ASAP. Also, CZ’s Twitter is a meme goldmine.

 

[PingFong42]

All these centralized exchanges are ticking time bombs. Remember FTX? Use DEXs like Uniswap or dYdX. No KYC, no middlemen. But if you must use a CEX, at least pick one that doesn’t nickel-and-dime you. Kraken’s decent, but Gemini’s 'free withdrawals' are a scam—they bake fees into the spread.

 

[YibboX]

Can we talk about how shady Crypto.com is? Their Super Bowl ads got me to sign up, but the app glitched and locked me out for a week. Support blamed 'server issues' and offered me $10 in CRO as compensation. Hard pass. Stick with platforms that prioritize stability over celebrity endorsements.

 

[Drankle87]

PSA: Whatever exchange you pick, TURN ON TAX REPORTING TOOLS. Coinbase and Gemini generate CSV files for TurboTax. Kraken’s API is a nightmare if you’re not tech-savvy. And Binance.US? Good luck reconciling trades after their 'system updates.' The IRS doesn’t care if your exchange sucks—they’ll still audit you.

 

[PickleTrap]

Hot take: Exchanges don’t matter. Buy a Trezor, DCA through whatever app has the lowest fees that week, and move your coins offline. The less time your crypto spends on an exchange, the better. Also, avoid meme coins unless you enjoy losing sleep.

 

[Jet9Zorb]

Wait, why does everyone hate on fees? Aren’t they, like, just a few dollars? I’m only putting in $100… should I care?

 

[Zlurb^9]

Wait, why does everyone hate on fees? Aren’t they, like, just a few dollars? I’m only putting in $100… should I care?

Bruh, fees compound. If you’re trading frequently, 2% per trade vs. 0.1% adds up FAST. Think of it like Robinhood selling your data—except here, you’re paying for the privilege. Start with a low-fee platform now so you don’t have to relearn later.

 

[MortPlug]

Wait, why does everyone hate on fees? Aren’t they, like, just a few dollars? I’m only putting in $100… should I care?

For small amounts, use Gemini’s free withdrawals to avoid network fees. Buy BTC, send it to a wallet, then trade on a DEX. Minimizes your exposure to exchange BS.

 

[7Frop]

All these centralized exchanges are ticking time bombs. Remember FTX? Use DEXs like Uniswap or dYdX. No KYC, no middlemen. But if you must use a CEX, at least pick one that doesn’t nickel-and-dime you. Kraken’s decent, but Gemini’s 'free withdrawals' are a scam—they bake fees into the spread.

DEXs are great until you mess up a gas fee or send ETH to a Bitcoin address. Newbies need training wheels. Let them learn on Coinbase before going full degen.

 

[Krog_Mellow]

Can we talk about how shady Crypto.com is? Their Super Bowl ads got me to sign up, but the app glitched and locked me out for a week. Support blamed 'server issues' and offered me $10 in CRO as compensation. Hard pass. Stick with platforms that prioritize stability over celebrity endorsements.

Skill issue tbh. CDC’s app is slick if you’re not trying to trade during peak hours. Also, their Visa card cashback in CRO isn’t terrible. Just don’t HODL their token—it’s down 90% from ATH

 

[PickleTrap]

Final thought: This thread proves why Bitcoin was invented. Banks and exchanges are all flawed. Stack sats, stay humble.