Disclosure: CoinTrader AI is an independent educational platform. We may earn a commission from partner links in this article, but our reviews and rankings are based on rigorous testing and data analysis. This does not affect the price you pay.
Navigating the US crypto market can be challenging due to a fragmented regulatory landscape. With strict oversight from the SEC, CFTC, and stringent state-level licensing requirements (like New York's BitLicense), not all global exchanges are available to American traders.
We've tested over 20 platforms to identify the safest, most reliable, and compliant crypto exchanges available to US residents in 2025.
Key Takeaways
US residents are restricted to exchanges that comply with federal (FinCEN) and state regulations.
Coinbase is our top pick for beginners due to its intuitive interface and strong regulatory standing.
Kraken Pro offers the lowest trading fees (0.16% taker) for active traders in the US.
Gemini is recommended for security-conscious investors, featuring robust insurance and SOC 2 compliance.
Taxes apply to every crypto trade in the US – consider using tax software to track your liabilities.
Quick Comparison: Top US Crypto Exchanges
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the leading compliant platforms available in the United States.
| Feature | Coinbase | Kraken | Gemini | Crypto.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 4.5/5.0 | 5/5.0 | 4.3/5.0 | 4.3/5.0 |
| Trading Fees | 0.40% Maker / 0.60% Taker (Adv.) | 0.16% Maker / 0.26% Taker (Pro) | 0.20% Maker / 0.40% Taker | 0.10% Maker / 0.10% Taker |
| US Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Security | Standard Security | Proof of Reserves | Standard Security | Standard Security |
| Supported Assets | 314+ coins | 500+ coins | 80+ coins | 400+ coins |
| Sign-up Bonus | $200 New User Incentive | Volume Fee Discounts | $20 BTC Promo | CRO Rewards |
Affiliate links. See our methodology.
1. Coinbase
Best For: Beginners & Long-Term Investors
Coinbase is the most recognized name in the US crypto space. As a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN), it offers an unmatched level of transparency and trust. It is licensed to operate in nearly all US states, including New York.
Why We Picked Coinbase
Coinbase simplifies the process of buying Bitcoin and Ethereum. Its "Advanced Trade" platform now offers lower fees, making it a viable option for both new and experienced traders.
- Publicly traded (NASDAQ: COIN) and heavily regulated
- Extremely user-friendly interface for beginners
- Coinbase One subscription offers zero trading fees
- Available in almost all US states (including NY)
- Strong educational resources (Coinbase Earn)
- Standard trading fees can be high (unless using Advanced Trade)
- Customer support response times can be slow during peak periods
- Privacy is limited due to strict KYC requirements
Coinbase
US Beginners & Safety
2. Kraken
Best For: Active Traders & Low Fees
Kraken is one of the oldest Bitcoin exchanges, known for its emphasis on security and privacy. For US users, Kraken Pro offers some of the most competitive fee structures in the industry, significantly undercutting Coinbase's standard rates.
Why We Picked Kraken
If you trade frequently, fees matter. Kraken Pro's maker/taker fees start at 0.16%/0.26% and decrease with volume. Additionally, their customer support is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry.
- Low trading fees via Kraken Pro interface
- Top-tier security record (Proof of Reserves audits)
- 24/7 live chat support is responsive
- High staking rewards (where available)
- Wide range of altcoins for US users
- Funding options can be limited compared to Coinbase
- Interface can be intimidating for absolute beginners
- ACH deposits not instantly available for withdrawal
Affiliate link. See our methodology.
3. Gemini
Best For: Security & Institutional Grade Custody
Founded by the Winklevoss twins, Gemini prides itself on compliance and security. It utilizes a "security-first" mentality, making it a favorite for those with larger portfolios who prioritize the safety of their funds over rock-bottom fees.
Why We Picked Gemini
Gemini is SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and maintains insurance coverage for crypto held in its hot wallet. It is fully licensed in New York.
- SOC 2 Type 2 security compliance
- Hot wallet insurance coverage
- Available in New York (BitLicense holder)
- Gemini ActiveTrader offers competitive fees
- Clean, professional user interface
- Standard fees are high without ActiveTrader
- Fewer supported assets than Kraken or Coinbase
- Account verification process can be strict
Affiliate link. See our methodology.
4. Crypto.com
Best For: Mobile Experience & Crypto Rewards
Crypto.com has aggressive marketing and a sleek mobile app. It's an excellent all-in-one ecosystem that includes a Visa debit card offering crypto cashback rewards.
Why We Picked Crypto.com
For users who want to spend their crypto or manage everything from a phone, Crypto.com is hard to beat. The Visa card is a major draw for lifestyle integration.
- Sleek, powerful mobile app
- Crypto.com Visa Card creates real-world utility
- Large selection of cryptocurrencies
- Earn rewards on stablecoins (availability varies by state)
- Complex fee structure (spreads in app can be high)
- Web exchange not available in the US
- Customer service is app-based only
Affiliate link. See our methodology.
5. Robinhood Crypto
Best For: Stock Traders & Simplicity
Robinhood brought fee-free trading to the masses. While primarily a stock brokerage, its crypto offering allows users to buy major coins with zero commission.
Why We Picked Robinhood
If you already trade stocks on Robinhood, adding Bitcoin or Dogecoin to your portfolio is effortless. The user experience is frictionless, though it lacks the advanced features of a dedicated crypto exchange.
- Zero commission trading
- Integrated with stock and ETF portfolio
- Extremely simple interface
- Instant localized bank transfers
- Limited selection of cryptocurrencies
- No ability to withdraw crypto to a private wallet (for some assets)
- Minimal customer support for technical crypto issues
- Spreads can be wider than dedicated exchanges
US Exchange Fee Comparison
| Exchange | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | USD Deposit | BTC Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase Advanced | 0.40% | 0.60% | Free (ACH) | Dynamic |
| Kraken Pro | 0.16% | 0.26% | $4 (wire) | 0.00015 BTC |
| Gemini ActiveTrader | 0.20% | 0.40% | Free (ACH) | Dynamic |
| Crypto.com | 0.075%* | 0.075%* | Free (ACH) | 0.0004 BTC |
| Robinhood | 0% | 0% | Free | Free |
*With CRO stake. Base fees: 0.40%/0.40%
Note: "Free" trading on Robinhood includes spread markup averaging 0.5-1.0%. Factor this into total cost calculations.
State-by-State Availability
Not all exchanges operate in every state. Here's the breakdown:
| State | Coinbase | Kraken | Gemini | Crypto.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Washington | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Texas | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| California | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Florida | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
New York, Hawaii, and Texas Restrictions
New York (BitLicense): Only exchanges with a specific BitLicense can operate here (e.g., Coinbase, Gemini). Many platforms like Kraken or Binance.US may have limited or no service.
Hawaii: Historically difficult for crypto exchanges due to asset reserve requirements, though regulations are easing.
Texas: Actively enforcing securities laws against interest-bearing crypto accounts.
Always double-check that your chosen exchange is licensed to operate in your specific state of residence.
Security & Insurance Comparison
After the FTX collapse, exchange security deserves careful scrutiny:
Proof of Reserves Status
- Kraken: Semi-annual audits since 2014 (industry pioneer)
- Coinbase: Quarterly SEC filings as public company
- Gemini: Regular third-party attestations
- Crypto.com: Monthly PoR with Merkle tree verification
Insurance Coverage
- Coinbase: FDIC on USD, crime insurance on crypto
- Kraken: Lloyd's of London crypto insurance
- Gemini: Hot wallet coverage, SOC 2 examined
- Crypto.com: $750M cold storage policy
Security Track Record
- Kraken: Zero breaches since 2011
- Coinbase: No major breaches (phishing incidents only)
- Gemini: No breaches
- Crypto.com: $30M hack in 2022 (fully refunded)
Essential Security Checklist
- Enable 2FA: Use an authenticator app (Google Auth, Authy) or a hardware key (YubiKey). Do not rely on SMS 2FA, which is vulnerable to SIM swapping.
- Whitelisting: Enable "Address Whitelisting" on your exchange account. This ensures that crypto can only be withdrawn to wallet addresses you have pre-approved.
- Self-Custody: For large amounts, consider moving your funds to a hardware wallet like a Ledger or Trezor. "Not your keys, not your coins."
Products Not Available to US Users
Due to SEC regulations, US traders cannot access:
- Derivatives/Futures: Not available on any major US exchange for retail
- Margin trading: Generally prohibited or severely limited
- Most DeFi tokens: Many classified as unregistered securities
- Leverage products: ETFs like BITO allowed, but exchange leverage is not
This is why many experienced US traders maintain accounts on Coinbase/Kraken for fiat on-ramp and security, while using offshore alternatives (accepting the regulatory risk) for advanced trading.
Tax Considerations
In the eyes of the IRS, cryptocurrency is treated as property, not currency.
Taxable Events
Trading one crypto for another (e.g., selling BTC to buy ETH) is a taxable event in the US, just like selling for USD. You must report capital gains or losses on every trade.
Buying crypto with USD is not a taxable event until you sell or trade it.
We strongly recommend using crypto tax software or consulting a CPA to ensure you remain compliant with IRS regulations.
Getting Started Safely
- Verify you're on the official website (bookmark it)
- Use a unique, strong password with a password manager
- Enable 2FA immediately using an authenticator app (not SMS)
- Complete KYC verification before depositing
- Start with a small test deposit to verify everything works
- Set up withdrawal address whitelisting for extra security
Final Verdict
For most US users, Coinbase strikes the best balance between safety, ease of use, and feature set. It is the gold standard for compliance in the American market.
For users sensitive to fees or trading frequently, Kraken Pro is the superior choice structurally. All three major options (Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini) offer excellent security standards that are miles ahead of offshore unregulated exchanges.
Coinbase
The gold standard for US investors. Publicly traded, fully licensed in all 50 states, and offering the most intuitive experience for beginners and pros alike.
On Coinbase's secure website
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions answered
The global Binance.com platform is banned in the US. There is a separate entity called Binance.US, but it has faced significant regulatory challenges and has limited availability in certain states.
Coinbase and Gemini are widely considered the safest for US users. Both are heavily regulated, licensed in New York (BitLicense), and maintain insurance policies for digital assets held in their hot wallets.
Yes, many exchanges allow credit card purchases, but they often come with high fees (3-5%). Additionally, your credit card issuer may treat the transaction as a 'cash advance,' charging extra interest. ACH bank transfers are usually the cheaper option.
Yes. The IRS classifies cryptocurrency as property. You owe capital gains tax when you sell crypto for a profit or trade it for another asset. You also owe income tax on crypto earned through mining or staking rewards.
Coinbase is our top recommendation for beginners due to its intuitive design, educational rewards, and strong reputation. Robinhood is also a good alternative if you want a simpler, fee-free experience without advanced features.