Even though there is evidence that a blockchain type of cryptocurrency was on the works during the early 2000s, the industry really took off with Bitcoin, launched by the notoriously anonymous Satoshi Nakamoto back in 2013. Bitcoin's peer-to-peer system and blockchain technology shed light on a new way to store data in an immutable database. 

In just a few years, blockchains like Ethereum, Binance, Solana, and more joined Bitcoin, building what some claim to be the next internet. It's amazing to see the growth of cryptocurrencies, adoption doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon. 

Perhaps you are want to learn more how it works or just want to buy in to see what the fuzz is all about. If you are new to crypto, investing a small amount is really all you need to educate yourself a bit and get started. No need to let the FOMO kick in and remortgage the house, just spare a couple of bucks you don't mind losing and jump in.

Without further adieu, let's go over some of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges in the United States.

  • Coinbase
  • Kucoin
  • Crypto.com
  • Gemini
  • Kraken
  • Binance

Coinbase

By far the most popular exchange in the US, boosting over 89 million users today since being founded in 2012. The company also offers a more robust version of the platform called Coinbase-Pro, better suited for professional traders. In 2021 the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

  • Fees: 1.99%
  • Minimum deposit purchase: $2
  • Number of cryptocurrencies available to trade: 150+
  • Available in all states: yes
  • KYC required: yes
  • Mobile apps: iOS and Android

Kucoin

The exchange offers an advance design and low fees to its vast range of altcoins and tokens to trade. Only available to trade crypto and not fiat, so you will need another intermediary like Coinbase or deposit your own crypto to get started.

  • Fees: 0.1%
  • Minimum deposit purchase: $2
  • Number of cryptocurrencies available to trade: 150+
  • Technically KuCoin isn’t approved to be used in the United States. However, they don’t require you to verify your identity to trade crypto.
  • KYC: partial, unless you plan to trade 1 or more bitcoin per day.
  • Mobile apps: iOS and Android

Crypto.com

A rapidly growing exchange with their own token (CRO) to facilitate trades with low fees, offering a crypto rewards debit card, and sporting stellar cybersecurity ratings.

  • Fees: 0.40%
  • Number of cryptocurrencies available to trade: 170+
  • Available in all states except New York
  • KYC required: yes
  • Mobile apps: iOS and Android

Gemini

A great beginners alternative to good ol' Coinbase. Even though it offers a smaller amount of cryptocurrencies compared to other exchanges, it is well known to be a vetted, safe option to get started.

  • Fees: 0.25% to 0.35%
  • Minimum deposit purchase: $2
  • Number of cryptocurrencies available to trade: 40+
  • Available in all states
  • KYC required: yes
  • Mobile apps: iOS and Android

Kraken

One of the earliest crypto exchanges to operate in the US, it offers a nice range of coins paired with sophisticated trading features for intermediate to experienced users. 

  • Fees: 0.16% to 0.26%
  • Minimum deposit purchase: $2
  • Number of cryptocurrencies available to trade: 90+
  • Available in 43 states, excluding Washington and New York.
  • KYC required: yes. Different levels like the Starter, Express, Intermediate and Pro offer access to different features.
  • Mobile apps: iOS and Android

Binance.us 

Born out of the Binance Smart Chain (BNB), this exchanges comes from one of the largest blockchains in the world and offers low trading fees when using BNB to trade.

  • Fees: 0.1%
  • Minimum deposit purchase: $2
  • Number of cryptocurrencies available to trade: 50+
  • Available in 43 states, excluding Connecticut, Hawaii, New York, Texas, Vermont, Idaho, and Louisiana.
  • KYC required: yes
  • Mobile apps: iOS and Android

This blog post aims to show you some of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges so you can buy, hodl (hold), and sell at your will. Even though the following options have been all vetted as sound alternatives, remember to do you own research (DYOR), and take your own risk. Happy trading!