Choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange is the first decision every crypto investor makes, and it is one of the most important. The exchange you use determines your fees, available coins, security, user experience, and how easily you can move assets between centralized platforms and self-custody wallets for DeFi and gaming on platforms like SPUNK.BET.
In 2026, the exchange landscape has consolidated after the FTX collapse reshaped the industry. Regulated exchanges have strengthened their positions, proof-of-reserves has become standard, and user protection has improved significantly. This guide compares every major exchange to help you find the right fit.
| Exchange | Spot Fees | Coins | US Available | Proof of Reserves | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | 0.40-0.60% | 250+ | Yes | Public audit | Beginners, US users |
| Kraken | 0.16-0.26% | 200+ | Yes | Yes | Security-conscious |
| Binance | 0.10% | 400+ | Limited (Binance.US) | Yes | Lowest fees, most coins |
| OKX | 0.08-0.10% | 350+ | No | Yes | Advanced traders |
| Bybit | 0.10% | 300+ | No | Yes | Derivatives trading |
Coinbase is the most trusted cryptocurrency exchange in the United States. As a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN) with over 110 million verified users, it offers a level of regulatory compliance and transparency that no other exchange matches. Customer funds are held in segregated accounts, and the exchange has never been hacked in its 13-year history.
The platform has two interfaces: Coinbase (simple buy/sell for beginners) and Coinbase Advanced (formerly Coinbase Pro, with limit orders, charts, and lower fees). Beginners should start with the simple interface and switch to Advanced once comfortable, as the fee savings are substantial (0.40-0.60% on Advanced vs up to 1.49% on simple).
Coinbase also offers staking for ETH, SOL, and other proof-of-stake assets, a Visa debit card that earns crypto rewards, and Coinbase Learn (earn free crypto by watching educational videos). The Coinbase Wallet (separate from the exchange) provides self-custody for DeFi and NFT interactions.
Pros: Most regulated, publicly traded, never hacked, excellent beginner interface, staking, debit card, educational content.
Cons: Higher fees than competitors, limited coin selection compared to Binance, customer support can be slow, Coinbase Advanced has fewer features than Binance/OKX.
Kraken is the oldest US-based exchange still operating, founded in 2011. It has built a reputation for security, transparency, and strong customer support. Kraken was one of the first exchanges to implement proof-of-reserves audits, and it regularly publishes third-party security assessments.
Kraken Pro offers competitive fees (0.16% maker / 0.26% taker), a clean trading interface, margin trading, and futures on select assets. The exchange supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, including many smaller-cap tokens. Staking is available for 20+ assets with competitive yields.
Kraken's customer support consistently ranks among the best in the industry, with 24/7 live chat and phone support available. For security-conscious users, Kraken offers PGP-encrypted email communication, hardware security key (YubiKey) support for 2FA, and a Global Settings Lock feature that prevents account changes for a specified period.
Pros: Strong security track record, proof of reserves, competitive fees, excellent customer support, staking, margin trading.
Cons: Fewer coins than Binance, interface less intuitive than Coinbase for beginners, limited DeFi integration.
Binance is the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, processing over $20 billion in daily trades. It offers the lowest fees (0.10% with BNB discounts bringing it even lower), the widest selection of tokens (400+), and the most advanced trading features including spot, futures, options, and margin trading.
For US users, Binance operates a separate entity (Binance.US) with a more limited feature set and coin selection due to regulatory requirements. International users get the full Binance experience with its comprehensive suite of products including Binance Earn (savings, staking, liquidity farming), Binance NFT marketplace, and Binance Pay.
Binance's BNB token provides significant fee discounts (25% off trading fees) and access to token launches through Binance Launchpad. The exchange also offers a self-custody wallet (Binance Web3 Wallet) for DeFi access.
Pros: Lowest fees, most coins, highest liquidity, comprehensive feature set, BNB discounts, strong mobile app.
Cons: Regulatory concerns, limited US access, complex interface for beginners, occasional withdrawal suspensions, past regulatory fines.
OKX has emerged as a serious competitor to Binance for advanced traders. It offers some of the lowest fees in the industry (0.08% maker / 0.10% taker), a comprehensive trading suite, and an excellent integrated Web3 wallet for DeFi and NFT access. The exchange supports 350+ cryptocurrencies and offers spot, futures, perpetual swaps, and options trading.
OKX's standout feature is its integrated Web3 wallet, which supports over 80 blockchains and provides built-in DEX aggregation, NFT marketplace access, and DApp browsing. This makes it easy to move between centralized trading and decentralized activities without switching applications.
Pros: Very low fees, excellent Web3 wallet, comprehensive trading features, multi-chain DeFi integration, strong mobile experience.
Cons: Not available in the US, less regulated than Coinbase/Kraken, smaller English-speaking community.
Bybit has grown rapidly to become one of the top five exchanges globally, with a focus on derivatives trading. Its perpetual futures platform offers deep liquidity, competitive fees, and a smooth trading interface. Bybit also offers spot trading with 300+ coins, earn products, and an NFT marketplace.
The exchange is known for its copy trading feature, which lets beginners follow and automatically replicate the trades of experienced traders. The Bybit Card (Visa debit) allows users to spend crypto at any merchant that accepts Visa.
Pros: Excellent derivatives platform, copy trading, competitive fees, good mobile app, Visa debit card.
Cons: Not available in the US, primarily derivatives-focused, less established than Coinbase/Kraken.
Start with Coinbase. The simple interface, regulatory compliance, and educational content make it the safest choice. Switch to Coinbase Advanced for lower fees once you are comfortable.
Kraken offers the strongest security features, proof of reserves, and customer support. It is the best choice for users who prioritize safety above all else.
Binance or OKX offer the lowest fees, most trading pairs, and advanced features. Use BNB on Binance for additional fee discounts.
After buying crypto on any exchange, transfer to a self-custody wallet (Xverse, MetaMask, or Phantom) to interact with DeFi protocols and gaming platforms like SPUNK.BET. Exchanges are for buying; wallets are for using.
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Claim Free SPUNK NowCoinbase and Kraken are the safest for US users. Coinbase is publicly traded and has never been hacked. Kraken offers proof-of-reserves audits and hardware security key support.
Binance at 0.10% maker/taker (lower with BNB). Kraken Pro at 0.16%/0.26%. Always use the advanced trading interface to avoid inflated simple-buy fees.
Peer-to-peer platforms like Bisq and some Bitcoin ATMs allow non-KYC purchases with higher fees. Most regulated exchanges require identity verification. For most users, KYC on a regulated exchange is the recommended approach.
Only keep what you are actively trading. Transfer long-term holdings to a self-custody wallet (Ledger, Trezor). Exchange hacks and collapses have caused billions in losses.
Coinbase has the most beginner-friendly interface, educational content, and strong customer support. Start simple, then graduate to advanced trading for lower fees.