How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- Simple buy buttons cost far more than advanced trading screens: Coinbase Advanced, Kraken Pro and Gemini ActiveTrader all beat one-tap buys on fees.
- Coinbase suits beginners best, Kraken suits security-minded traders, and Binance.US suits frequent traders chasing the lowest spot fees.
- Coin counts and state availability vary widely, so check both before signing up, since Kraken is reported unavailable in New York and Maine.
- Crypto prices are volatile and losses can be total. This guide is not financial advice, and you should only use money you can afford to lose.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Coinbase | Beginners and US regulation | Free to join | Yes |
 Kraken | Security and low pro fees | Free to join | Yes |
 Gemini | Regulated US exchange | Free to join | Yes |
 Binance.US | Low spot fees for active traders | Free to join | Yes |
 Crypto.com | Rewards and mobile-first buying | Free to join | Yes |
 Robinhood Crypto | Simple stock and crypto in one app | Free to join | Yes |
 eToro | Social and copy trading | Free to join | Yes |
 Fidelity Crypto | Trusted brand for a few coins | Free to join | Yes |
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Starting priceFree to join
Free planYes
Coinbase is the most widely used US crypto platform for beginners, and its strength is trust: a US-listed company with strong compliance, deep liquidity on major pairs and an onboarding flow that takes a first-time buyer from sign-up to a first purchase in minutes. The standard app buy is simple but expensive, with a spread plus fees that vary by payment method, so the real value sits in Advanced Trade.
Advanced Trade uses a volume-based maker-taker model, with entry tiers around 0.40 percent maker and 0.60 percent taker for monthly volume under $10,000, far below simple buy costs. That two-tier structure is the key lesson for new buyers: learn the advanced screen early, even if the first purchase uses the simple flow. Support can slow during market spikes, and small-cap coverage trails Kraken and Crypto.com, but for a first platform in the US, Coinbase remains the default pick.
What we like- Easiest onboarding in the US
- Strong regulatory compliance
- Advanced Trade cuts fees sharply
- Deep liquidity on major pairs
Watch out for- Simple buys cost far more than Advanced Trade
- Support can be slow during market spikes
- Fewer small-cap coins than rivals
Starting priceFree to join
Free planYes
Kraken is the security-first choice among US platforms, with a long record of protecting customer funds and a Pro trading screen that keeps fees competitive. Kraken Pro entry tiers run 0.40 percent maker and 0.80 percent taker for 30-day volume up to $10,000, while simple instant buys cost about 1 percent plus a spread, with the fee waived for Kraken+ members on up to $10,000 a month. The coin list is wide, around 748 coins in recent comparisons, which suits traders beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The limits are state availability and complexity. Kraken is reported unavailable in New York and Maine, so residents there need another platform, and the Pro interface can overwhelm a first-time buyer. For traders who rank security first and will learn the Pro screen, Kraken is the strongest low-fee option with a serious compliance record.
What we like- Strong security reputation
- Kraken Pro fees from 0.40 percent maker and 0.80 percent taker
- Wide coin list around 748 coins
Watch out for- Simple buys cost about 1 percent plus a spread
- Reported unavailable in New York and Maine
- Interface can overwhelm beginners
#3Gemini
Best for: Regulated US exchange4.4/5 on
G2 (635 reviews, checked Oct 2026)
Visit gemini.com
Starting priceFree to join
Free planYes
Gemini is the regulation-first pick: a New York-regulated exchange with strong custody and insurance practices, available in all 50 states, which is a genuine advantage for residents of states where rivals are restricted. The interface is clean, and the brand suits security-conscious buyers who want a listed, regulated counterparty rather than the cheapest fee.
Fees are the trade off. ActiveTrader entry tiers run 0.60 percent maker and 1.20 percent taker, while standard app buys cost about 2.49 percent combined, from a 1 percent convenience fee plus a 1.49 percent transaction fee. The coin list is smaller, around 82 coins in recent comparisons, so altcoin hunters will find it thin. Pick Gemini when regulation, custody and nationwide availability matter more than the lowest fee.
What we like- NYDFS-regulated US exchange
- Available in all 50 states
- Strong custody and insurance practices
- Clean interface
Watch out for- ActiveTrader entry fees of 0.60 percent maker and 1.20 percent taker
- Standard buys cost about 2.49 percent combined
- Smaller coin list around 82
Starting priceFree to join
Free planYes
Binance.US is the low-fee pick for active US traders, with spot fees from about 0.10 percent at the base tier and free or minimal-fee Bitcoin trading in some cases. Liquidity is deep on major pairs, and the coin list runs around 150 coins, which covers most trading needs beyond the smallest altcoins. For frequent traders, the fee gap against simple buy apps is large enough to matter within weeks.
The caveats are scope and history. Binance.US is a separate US entity with a narrower list than global Binance, simple buys add a spread on top of spot fees, and the brand's regulatory history deserves a check before committing funds. Availability also varies by state, so confirm access at sign-up. For active traders who want the lowest spot fees in the US, Binance.US is hard to beat.
What we like- Spot fees from about 0.10 percent
- Free or minimal-fee BTC trading in some cases
- Around 150 coins
- Deep liquidity
Watch out for- US-only entity with a narrower list than global Binance
- Simple buys add a spread
- Regulatory history needs checking
Starting priceFree to join
Free planYes
Crypto.com suits mobile-first buyers who want rewards alongside trading. The app covers around 548 coins, offers a rewards card with cashback-style crypto returns, and supports staking for yield, though staking returns vary and carry risk. Exchange trading fees run far below app buys in published tiers, with maker and taker fees from 0.075 percent at higher tiers, while standard app buys can reach 2.99 percent depending on transaction type.
That fee gap is the main warning: the app buy button is convenient and expensive, while the exchange screen is cheap and complex. Card rewards also depend on staking levels, so the headline cashback needs a stake to apply fully. For mobile buyers who will use the exchange screen and value rewards, Crypto.com is a strong all-round platform.
What we like- Around 548 coins
- Mobile-first app with card rewards
- Exchange maker and taker fees from 0.075 percent in some tiers
- Staking options
Watch out for- Standard app buys can reach 2.99 percent
- Fee tiers are complex
- Card rewards depend on staking levels
Starting priceFree to join
Free planYes
Robinhood Crypto is the simplicity pick: stocks and crypto in one app, zero commission on crypto trades, and availability in every state plus DC, Puerto Rico and USVI. For a dabbler who already holds stocks on Robinhood, adding a first Bitcoin or Ethereum purchase takes minutes, and the interface hides the complexity that overwhelms beginners elsewhere.
The cost is hidden in spreads and markups rather than a commission line, with fee tiers from 0.00 to 0.95 percent depending on 30-day volume. The coin list is small, around 25 coins, and advanced trading tools trail dedicated exchanges. For casual buyers who value one app and simple pricing, Robinhood works well, but active traders will outgrow it fast.
What we like- Zero commission headline
- Stocks and crypto in one app
- Available in every state plus DC, Puerto Rico and USVI
- Simple interface
Watch out for- Spreads and markups replace commissions
- Coin list around 25
- Fewer advanced tools than dedicated exchanges
#7eToro
Best for: Social and copy trading3.6/5 on
G2 (27 reviews, checked Oct 2026)
Visit etoro.com
Starting priceFree to join
Free planYes
eToro is unique among US platforms for social trading: users can copy the trades of experienced investors, which suits beginners who want to learn by watching real portfolios rather than reading guides. The interface is simple, the platform covers stocks alongside crypto, and the community features give new buyers a way to ask questions and compare strategies.
Fees run around 1 percent on many trades including spreads, which is expensive next to advanced screens on Coinbase or Kraken, and the coin list is smaller than dedicated exchanges. Copy trading also carries real risk: copying a trader does not remove volatility, and past performance does not predict future results. Pick eToro for learning and social features, not for the lowest fees.
What we like- Copy trading from experienced investors
- Simple interface
- Multi-asset platform with stocks and crypto
- Good for learning
Watch out for- Fees around 1 percent on many trades
- Coin list smaller than dedicated exchanges
- Not built for serious pro traders
Starting priceFree to join
Free planYes
Fidelity Crypto suits investors who already trust Fidelity and want only the major coins. The offer is deliberately narrow: around 5 coins, a simple buying flow and a flat 1 percent fee that is easy to understand. For a retirement-focused investor adding a small Bitcoin or Ethereum position inside a familiar brand, that simplicity is the point.
The limits are obvious: five coins, no advanced trading tools and a 1 percent fee that trails advanced screens on Coinbase, Kraken or Binance.US. Availability also needs checking at sign-up. Pick Fidelity Crypto when brand trust and simplicity matter more than coin variety or the lowest fee, and use a dedicated exchange when either becomes a priority.
What we like- Trusted US brokerage brand
- Simple buying for major coins
- 1 percent fee is easy to understand
- Strong customer service reputation
Watch out for- Only about 5 coins
- No advanced trading tools
- 1 percent fee beats simple buys but trails advanced screens
How we chose
We compared US platforms on entry-level fees that new users actually pay, separating order-book fees from simple buy costs, since the gap between them is the most important fact for a first buyer. Fee figures come from an October 2026 comparison of vendor fee pages: Coinbase Advanced at 0.40 and 0.60 percent, Kraken Pro at 0.40 and 0.80 percent, Gemini ActiveTrader at 0.60 and 1.20 percent, and Robinhood tiers from 0.00 to 0.95 percent. Coin counts and state availability come from the same comparison and from platform lists.
We also weighed security, regulation and custody, since an exchange holds customer funds and its failure can mean total loss. No platform here was used hands-on for this guide, and this guide is not financial advice; the picks rest on published fees, availability and documented security practices, not on personal trading results.
What to check before you buy
First, use the advanced trading screen. Simple buy buttons add spreads and fees that can double or triple the cost of a purchase, while Advanced Trade, Kraken Pro and ActiveTrader cut fees sharply for the same coins. Second, check state availability and coin coverage before signing up, since Kraken is reported unavailable in New York and Maine and coin lists range from 5 to over 700.
Third, secure the account: enable two-factor authentication with an authenticator app rather than SMS where possible, use a unique password, and consider moving larger holdings to a hardware wallet, since exchange accounts carry hack and failure risk. Fourth, set a budget you can afford to lose entirely, since crypto prices are volatile and past gains do not predict future results. Start small, learn the fee screen, and never borrow to buy crypto.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest platform to buy crypto in the US?
For active traders, Binance.US spot fees from about 0.10 percent are the lowest headline rate, while Coinbase Advanced, Kraken Pro and Crypto.com exchange tiers are competitive. Simple buy buttons cost far more everywhere, so the cheapest real cost comes from using the advanced screen, not the app buy button.
Is Coinbase or Kraken better for beginners?
Coinbase is better for a first purchase, with easier onboarding and a simpler app. Kraken is better once you learn its Pro screen, with lower fees and a stronger security reputation. Many buyers start on Coinbase and move active trading to Kraken or an advanced screen as they gain experience.
Can I buy crypto in every US state?
No. Availability varies by platform and state: Gemini reports availability in all 50 states, Robinhood Crypto covers every state plus DC, Puerto Rico and USVI, while Kraken is reported unavailable in New York and Maine. Check availability at sign-up before funding an account.
Should I keep crypto on the exchange?
Small trading balances can stay on a reputable exchange, but larger holdings are safer in a self-custody wallet, such as a hardware wallet, since exchange accounts carry hack, freeze and failure risk. Enable two-factor authentication, use a unique password, and never share seed phrases with anyone.
Is crypto a good investment?
Crypto is highly volatile and speculative, and prices can fall sharply or to zero. This guide is not financial advice, and no platform choice removes that risk. Only use money you can afford to lose entirely, diversify beyond crypto, and consider speaking to a licensed financial adviser before investing a large sum.
What fees should I watch besides trading fees?
Watch spreads on simple buys, card purchase fees, withdrawal fees, network fees and staking terms. Simple buys combine a spread with a fee, card purchases often cost more than bank transfers, and withdrawal fees vary by coin and network. Read the fee schedule on the platform's own site before your first purchase.
Sources we checked (0)
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.