Best Online Brokers for Bitcoin Trading in 2021
The best crypto exchanges for US bitcoin trading offer three essential benefits. The first, and most important, is robust security with two-factor authentication, cold storage, and integrated safe wallets. Second is a user-friendly website and platform. Third, they provide access to trading a variety of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
In our assessment and ranking of cryptocurrency exchanges, we focused on traditional exchanges headquartered and regulated in the United States, as well as the incumbent online brokers in the US, which are expanding to offer bitcoin trading on top of regular stock trading (e.g. buying shares of Apple or Google).
Best Bitcoin Trading Platform
- TradeStation — Best Trading Platform
- Coinbase — Best Crypto Exchange
- eToro — Low Fees
- Kraken — Maker-Taker Fee Schedule
- Bittrex — Most Altcoins
- Gemini — Offers Gemini Dollar
- Robinhood — Best Mobile App
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best online brokers for US crypto trading.
Best Trading Platform
As a trading technology leader, TradeStation supports casual traders through its web-based platform and active traders through its award-winning desktop platform, all with $0 stock and ETF trades. TradeStation Crypto allows you to buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and XRP. TradeStation Crypto caters to both institutional and recreational clients.
Best Crypto Exchange
Founded in June of 2012, Coinbase is the largest US-based cryptocurrency exchange, housing over 20 million users. Coinbase is best known for its easy to use website and crypto trading platform, Coinbase Pro. Coinbase supports 14 different cryptocurrencies for trading, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC), among others.
Low Fees
eToro is great for traders seeking zero-commission stock and ETF trades, an efficient platform, and access to copy trading. That said, there are hidden fees, education is sub-par, and eToro doesn’t offer the same range of investments as traditional brokers. eToro’s crypto offering includes 16 different coins. Although crypto fees are cheap, you can only withdraw your crypto assets with a dedicated eToro wallet.
Maker-Taker Fee Schedule
Kraken was founded in July of 2011 and offers trading on 18 different cryptocurrencies, including Monero (XMR), Ripple (XRP), and Dash (DSH). Kraken currently offers a web platform but does not have a mobile app.
Offers Gemini Dollar
Founded in 2015 by the Winklevoss twins, Gemini is a licensed digital asset exchange and custodian built for both individuals and institutions. Gemini lets users buy, store, and sell Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and ZCash (ZEC), as well as the self-named Gemini dollar (GUSD).
Best Mobile App
Robinhood Crypto allows users to trade Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Ethereum Classic (ETC), and Bitcoin SV (BSV). Ten additional coins can be added to a watch list. Robinhood Crypto is best-fitted for users who trade multiple classes of assets.
