Cryptocurrencies have been on quite the ride since being introduced, with some early investors seeing sizable gains, while those who bought at the peak having likely suffered some major losses. The digital coins have sparked much debate in the investment industry about their investment merits and viability, with legendary investors such as Warren Buffett saying cryptocurrencies are essentially worthless.
The collapse of crypto exchange FTX saw many of its executives get charged with crimes in 2022 and caused many to question whether crypto could survive as an investment. But then the industry experienced a huge rebound in 2023. If nothing else, the volatility of Bitcoin and other popular coins can make cryptocurrencies an attractive trading vehicle and creates the potential for some traders to profit.
While some traders like to own the currency directly, others turn to the futures market. Futures may be an even more attractive way to play the volatility of digital currencies such as Bitcoin, because they allow traders to use leverage to magnify their gains (but also magnify losses). But futures involve a lot more risk in exchange for that potentially higher reward.
Where you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies
Traditional brokers have the advantage of offering a wide selection of investible securities, though typically you can’t trade Bitcoin directly, only futures. Meanwhile, crypto exchanges are limited to digital currencies, though you can own the currencies directly and can often buy several, rather than simply Bitcoin or Bitcoin futures, as you would with a general broker. And services like Cash App and PayPal have also gotten in on the act, allowing U.S. users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.
Here are the best brokers for cryptocurrency trading, including traditional online brokers, as well as new specialized cryptocurrency exchanges. You might also want to check out which brokers offer the best bonuses for opening an account to determine where you can get a little extra.
Overview: Best brokers for cryptocurrency trading in February 2024
Robinhood
Robinhood is a great option for buying cryptocurrency directly. You’ll also get to take advantage of Robinhood’s wildly popular trading commissions: $0 per trade, or commission-free, though you’ll still be paying a built-in spread markup on any trades. And if you’re into more than just cryptocurrency, you can stick around for stock and ETF trades for the same low price. Robinhood’s slick app makes trading so easy, though those looking for a full-featured trading experience will be disappointed.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers lets you trade four cryptocurrencies through Paxos Trust Company and Zero Hash, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, for one of the lowest commissions in the market. Customers can also access 24/7 crypto trading through an associated app with Paxos. Plus, IB allows you to buy Bitcoin and Ethereum futures rather than owning the currencies directly. And in this broker’s case, you can buy Bitcoin futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, with contracts costing $5 at five coins per contract or Ethereum contracts for $3 at 50 coins per contract. In addition, Interactive Brokers brings its full suite of investment offerings, so you can buy almost anything that trades on an exchange.
Webull
Though Webull may be less known than its rival commission-free trading app Robinhood, it provides investors with a solid offering that includes cryptocurrency trading. While you won’t pay commissions on crypto trades (or stocks and ETFs), Webull does charge a spread markup of 100 basis points (1 percent of the price) on either side of a trade. Several cryptocurrencies are available for trading, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin. Charting tools and an impressive mobile app make Webull a broker worth considering.
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Commission: $0, but built-in spread markup of 1 percent
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Account minimum: $1 to trade crypto
TradeStation
Traders have a couple options at this broker, which has rolled out direct cryptocurrency trading via TradeStation Crypto, with a built-in spread markup. The spread markup is no more than 1 percent of the trade value, whether you’re buying or selling. Traders can also buy and sell Bitcoin futures.
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Commission: $0, but built-in spread markup of more than 1 percent
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Account minimum: $0, but futures margin depends on the contract
Binance.US
Binance is a specialized trading platform that allows you to buy and sell digital currencies, including the largest such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, but also hundreds of other much smaller coins, too. In total, you’ll have access to more than 300 cryptocurrencies. The commission structure at Binance is low and only gets cheaper the more you trade. Trading fees start at 0.57 percent of your trade value (i.e., $57 for every $10,000 traded) and fall from there, depending on your trading volume over the prior 30 days. However, Bitcoin trading is free here.
Binance’s finances came under scrutiny in 2022 after the collapse of FTX. The accounting firm used by Binance to verify its reserves paused its work for all crypto clients and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said investors should be wary of crypto firm audits. None of the big four accounting firms are willing to work with Binance, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The SEC sued Binance in June 2023, alleging that it had illegally operated as an exchange, broker-dealer and clearing agency and offered and sold unregistered securities. The lawsuit also accused Binance and its founder, Changpeng Zhao, of misusing customer funds. SEC Chair Gary Gensler warned investors of using Binance platforms. Binance said its customers’ assets are safe.
Coinbase
Coinbase is a specialized cryptocurrency-focused platform that allows you to trade digital currencies directly, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and Tether. In total, you’ll have access to more than 200 cryptocurrencies. You’ll also be able to store your coins in a vault with time-delayed withdrawals for additional protection. The exchange’s commission structure is steep. It charges a spread markup of about 0.5 percent and adds a transaction fee depending on the size of the transaction and the funding source, though its Advanced Trade platform does not charge a spread.
The SEC sued Coinbase in June 2023, alleging it had illegally operated as an exchange, broker-dealer and clearing agency, and offered and sold unregistered securities. The lawsuit said Coinbase knowingly violated securities laws that are designed to protect investors. Coinbase said it would continue to operate its business as usual.
Kraken
Kraken is a cryptocurrency exchange that allows you to trade in more than 200 different digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as emerging ones such as Cardano and Solana. Using the Kraken Pro tier the initial trading fee ranges from 0.16 percent to 0.26 percent and then declines quickly from there based on your 30-day trading volume. Kraken is not yet available to residents of New York and Washington state.
Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is routinely one of Bankrate’s picks for top broker, and this investor-friendly company offers trading in Bitcoin futures. Schwab also has no account minimum, but any futures contracts you trade will require some minimum margin to hold them open. Schwab offers an attractive commission of $2.25 per contract, and if you’re able to bring big money to the table, you’ll receive a welcome bonus, too.
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Commission: $2.25 per contract
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Account minimum: $0, futures margin depends on contract
Tastytrade
Tastytrade is a relatively newer player to the brokerage world, and it offers some attractive pricing on cryptocurrency trades, which are enabled by partner Zero Hash. Tastytrade charges 1 percent of the trade value on the buy and sell, but only up to $10 per side of the trade. So once you’re trading more than $1,000, your crypto commissions here flatline at a sawbuck. However, just four crypto coins are available for trading here. You can also purchase crypto futures at $1.25 per contract on the open and close.
Bottom line
Whenever you’re selecting a broker, it’s important to consider all of your needs. And for new traders in cryptocurrency, you’ll want to figure out whether you want to own the virtual currency directly or whether you want to trade futures, which offer higher reward, but also higher risk. If you’re looking to get started trading cryptocurrency, here are the key things you need to know.
You’ll also need to consider whether you want to trade more than Bitcoin, which is what the majority of traditional brokers restrict you to. If not, you may want to turn to a cryptocurrency exchange, since they offer more choice of tradable cryptocurrencies.