Best Crypto Apps for Beginners
Top-rated exchanges that keep onboarding simple without sacrificing security.
Beginner losses typically come from poor onboarding, confusing interfaces, and hidden fees. We prioritize exchanges that reduce friction: clear KYC steps, simple buy flows, and responsive support. If you are new to crypto, the fastest way to avoid costly mistakes is to start on a platform built for clarity, not complexity.
Top Picks at a Glance
Kraken
Kraken is a security-first crypto exchange with proof of reserves, strong compliance, and 24/7 support.
Uphold
Uphold supports multi-asset trading with an audited reserve model and straightforward onboarding.
Coinbase
Coinbase is a regulated, public crypto exchange known for beginner-friendly onboarding and strong compliance.
Full Comparison
| Exchange | Trust Score | Fees | Features | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kraken Top Pick 5 | 100/100 PoR | Maker0.16% Taker0.26% | Volume Fee Discounts Security First Proof of Reserves | |
Uphold 4.8 | 96/100 | Maker0.8% - 1.2% spread Taker0.8% - 1.2% spread | 0% Deposit Fees Trade Anything Metals & Crypto | |
Coinbase 4.5 | 90/100 | Maker0.40% Taker0.60% | $200 New User Incentive Most Trusted Brand Publicly Traded (NASDAQ) | |
Binance 4.8 | 96/100 | Maker0.10% Taker0.10% | 100 USDT Trading Fee Rebate Lowest Fees (0.1%) 600+ Cryptocurrencies | |
OKX 4.7 | 94/100 | Maker0.08% Taker0.10% | Mystery Box (up to $10k) Web3 Integration DeFi Wallet | |
Bybit 4.6 | 92/100 | Maker0.10% Taker0.10% | Welcome Rewards Program #1 Derivatives Platform Copy Trading | |
Bitget 4.6 | 92/100 | Maker0.10% Taker0.10% | Sign-up Mystery Box Copy Trading $300M Protection Fund | |
MEXC 4.5 | 90/100 | Maker0.00% Taker0.05% | 1,000 USDT Futures Bonus 0% Maker Fees 2,700+ Coins |
Why These Winners
Coinbase
Best overall onboarding experience with a clean interface and strong compliance posture. Higher fees on the standard app are the trade-off for simplicity.
Kraken
A security-first option for beginners willing to learn a slightly more complex interface. Strong custody practices and transparent disclosures.
Crypto.com
Best mobile-first experience with accessible on-ramps and rewards, ideal for users who prefer app-based trading.
We screened exchanges for beginner-friendly onboarding, support responsiveness, and security defaults (2FA, withdrawal alerts, and custody transparency). Ratings reflect usability, clarity of fees, and overall trust signals for first-time users.
Frequently Asked Questions
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