How exactly does a beginner get started investing in Bitcoin?
Is it necessary to have Bitcoin in order to invest?
Is it possible to transfer money from your bank account to somewhere and convert it to Bitcoin?
This article provides answers to all of these questions and lists 10 of the best cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms where you can buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
The best crypto exchanges and investment platforms
- BTCC
BTCC is a cryptocurrency exchange based in London, founded in June 2011, aimed at providing users with a reliable cryptocurrency trading experience.
With its top technology, BTCC has passed hundreds of thousands of major market tests, and it has been running safely and stably for the past 11 years. The exchange is registered in the UK and holds cryptocurrency financial licenses in the US, Canada and Europe. By being the longest running exchange in the world, BTCC has been focusing on facilitating transactions, growing with the industry, and always leading a fairer environment and simplifying transactions.
- Uphold
In Uphold, you can trade multiple assets without going back to cash. Open one account and trade multiple assets at once. If you’ve ever traded crypto, you’ll know that many coins and tokens only trade in certain pairs, so you’re always going back to BTC or ETH. But on Uphold, you can trade multiple assets directly.
Additionally, Uphold is one of the few exchanges that support XRP, DOGE, and other cryptocurrencies.
- Gemini
Among the first major exchanges, Gemini was a popular platform to invest in crypto, and it remains one of the largest today.
In addition to supporting most major cryptocurrencies, Gemini offers decent support and engagement, and pays competitive interest rates on assets.
You can also earn $10 in BTC when you open a Gemini account after trading $100 in cryptocurrency.
- Binance
It’s a great place to start trading some currencies like Cardano or Neo. They don’t have as easy a platform to use as some of the top ones on this list, but they do have one of the most robust trading platforms. There is a decent mobile app, but we have been frustrated with it. Try Binance here.
Unlike the international version of Binance, Binance.us has a limited number of coins and tokens to invest in.
- Coinbase
Due to the fact that you can invest directly with USD, Coinbase is one of the most popular and best cryptocurrency exchanges. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and 30+ other coins and tokens are available on the platform at the moment. Furthermore, you can earn interest on your USDT, and you can earn token rewards by completing various tasks.
- Bitstamp
The Bitstamp cryptocurrency exchange was founded in 2011, has been operating for over 10 years, and offers over 70 tokens to trade.
There is a volume-based fee structure with Bitstamp, and you can buy crypto instantly with your credit or debit card.
- Kraken
The Kraken exchange is an original crypto trading platform with a good selection of coins and tokens to trade and invest in, and margin trading. However, it’s not as easy to use as some of the top exchanges.
On this list, Kraken is one of the few platforms that allows you to trade DOGE and other, riskier, tokens.
For US customers, Kraken offers a limited selection of coins and tokens compared to international customers.
- Bitcoin IRA
The Bitcoin IRA platform is a little different from most exchanges and wallets. Instead of exchanging currency, you are basically exchanging currency and paying taxes on your gains (learn how taxes work on cryptocurrencies here).
Basically, Bitcoin IRA combines the best features of crypto wallets and exchanges with IRAs, which means your gains are tax-deferred or tax-free.
- eToro
In the UK and throughout Europe, eToro has been around for some time, but now the company is accepting US traders. On their platform, you can buy and sell a wide range of digital assets, and even better, you can trade with a practice account before you actually invest.
You can also get $10 back if you deposit $100 and trade it in crypto-assets with eToro right now.