Best Crypto Platforms in 2025

What is a cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency is a digital form of money that exists only online. Unlike traditional currencies such as the US dollar or euro, cryptocurrencies are not issued or controlled by any government or central bank. Instead, they operate on computer networks across the world, allowing people to send or receive value directly over the internet. What makes cryptocurrencies unique is their independence from traditional financial systems and their ability to provide fast, global transactions without the need for intermediaries like banks.

One of the core innovations behind cryptocurrencies is the use of decentralized transactions. Instead of relying on a central authority to process payments or keep records, cryptocurrencies use a network of computers (called nodes) that work together in a peer-to-peer system. Every transaction is verified and recorded in a public ledger known as the blockchain. This system ensures that everyone in the network agrees on past transactions, making it almost impossible to tamper with the records and removing the need for a trusted third party.

To keep the system secure and trustworthy, every cryptocurrency network relies on participants called miners or validators. These participants are responsible for checking and confirming new transactions, and for adding them to the blockchain. By solving complex problems or reaching agreement with others, they make sure that only legitimate transactions are accepted, helping to protect the network from fraud or attacks. This process keeps the entire system running smoothly and securely.

Which platforms can you use to invest in cryptocurrency?

When looking to invest in cryptocurrencies, you’ll find two main types of platforms available: crypto exchanges and crypto brokers (CFD platforms). Exchanges allow you to actually buy and own real crypto assets (spot market), while brokers let you trade cryptocurrency derivatives—mainly CFDs (Contracts for Difference). Each approach suits different investor needs: holding and accumulating crypto for the long term, or actively trading short-term movements with leverage.

Bon à savoir: What is a crypto CFD?

A CFD (Contract for Difference) on crypto is a financial derivative. It allows you to speculate on the price movement of a cryptocurrency without actually owning the underlying asset. With a CFD, you can profit from both rising and falling prices, often using leverage—meaning you can control a larger position with a smaller initial capital outlay. However, leverage increases both potential gains and potential losses.

Comparative table: Crypto exchange vs. Broker (CFD & derivatives)

Exchange crypto

A crypto exchange works much like a regular securities exchange, but for digital assets. Here, you can buy, sell, and hold actual cryptocurrencies—for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum—which are then stored in your exchange account or transferred to your private wallet. Exchanges give you direct access to the spot market, meaning you own the tokens you purchase. This type of platform is best suited to those looking to invest for the long term, benefit from potential price appreciation, and even try staking (earning rewards by locking up assets).

Example: Investment via an exchange

Imagine Alex wants to invest $1,000 in Ethereum for the long term. He opens an account on a crypto exchange, buys $1,000 worth of ETH at the current market price, and stores it in his wallet, where it remains unless he sells or uses it. If Ethereum’s price rises, Alex benefits directly from this increase.

Broker crypto

Trading crypto via a broker means you do not own the actual coins. Instead, you’re speculating on the price movements of cryptocurrencies through derivatives called CFDs. You enter a contract that pays out the difference between your entry price and the closing price. Brokers typically offer features tailored to active traders: leverage (borrowing funds to increase position size), advanced order types, and very fast execution.

Example: Investment via a broker

Jordan wants to speculate on the price of Bitcoin without owning it outright. Using a broker platform, he opens a position of $1,000 on BTC, applying leverage of x5. This means his exposure is $5,000. If Bitcoin’s price moves up 5%, the profit is calculated on $5,000 rather than only his initial $1,000—amplifying both gains and potential losses.

What are the fees for brokers and crypto platforms?

Trading cryptocurrencies involves several types of fees that can significantly impact your returns. These costs depend on the platform you choose (exchange or broker), the way you invest (spot trading or CFDs), and how frequently you trade. Understanding these fees is essential to make informed investment decisions.

Good to know

Deposit fees and inactivity fees mainly affect beginner or passive investors, as these are typically incurred by those making infrequent transactions or leaving their accounts unused. In contrast, trading/commission fees, spreads, and CFD overnight fees concern mostly active traders who place frequent orders and hold leveraged positions regularly. Withdrawal fees may impact both groups, especially when moving funds on or off platforms.

What services are offered by crypto platforms?

Cryptocurrency platforms now offer far more than just buying and selling tokens. Modern crypto services enable users to optimize their returns, diversify how they engage with blockchain assets, and actively participate in the evolving Web3 ecosystem. These platforms provide a range of features that appeal to both passive investors seeking yield and active participants interested in the latest blockchain innovations. Understanding these services can help users make informed decisions and take full advantage of what the crypto world has to offer.

Crypto staking

Cryptocurrency staking means locking your digital assets on a blockchain to participate in network security and consensus, commonly in Proof-of-Stake systems. In return, you earn yield (staking rewards), paid in the native cryptocurrency. Most platforms offer flexible staking—where you can unstake anytime—or locked staking with higher yields but required time commitments.

Typical annual staking yields:

Flexible staking allows users to withdraw staked assets at any time, while locked staking may require you to hold your tokens for set periods (e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days) to receive higher returns.

Crypto lending

Crypto lending is a service where you deposit your digital assets into a platform that then lends them out to borrowers. In exchange, you earn interest—typically paid daily or weekly. Lending services often support both major cryptos and stablecoins. Many investors prefer stablecoins (like USDT or DAI) for lending to minimize exposure to market volatility.

Average crypto lending yields:

Stablecoins are popular among lenders seeking predictable returns, while lending volatile assets carries additional risk but can support higher yields.

Crypto mining and farming

Crypto mining involves using specialized computer hardware to validate transactions and add new blocks to Proof-of-Work blockchains like Bitcoin. Miners receive newly minted coins (block rewards) and transaction fees as compensation. Mining requires a significant upfront investment in equipment and electricity, and rewards depend on both network difficulty and crypto prices.

Yield farming, on the other hand, is a DeFi (decentralized finance) activity where users provide liquidity (e.g., deposit two or more tokens) to decentralized exchanges or lending protocols to earn variable returns. Returns can come from trading fees, interest, and additional incentive tokens. While yield farming may offer high yields, it carries risks such as smart contract bugs, impermanent loss, and market volatility.

Typical yields for mining and farming:

Mining yields are heavily influenced by energy costs and hardware efficiency. Yield farming returns vary based on protocol, market conditions, and reward structure.

NFT

NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are unique digital assets minted, bought, and sold on specialized marketplaces integrated with blockchains such as Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon. On most platforms, users can create NFTs (known as "minting"), purchase existing ones, or resell digital collectibles, art, music, and more. Each blockchain has its own transaction fees (e.g., Ethereum gas fees are typically higher than Solana or Polygon), which impact the cost of minting or trading NFTs.

NFTs can be used for collecting rare digital art, participating in speculative trading, supporting creators, or accessing exclusive content or communities. These assets are reshaping industries from gaming to music, offering both creative and financial opportunities for users.

Which cryptocurrencies can be traded on an online platform?

With online crypto trading platforms, investors in the US can access thousands of digital assets within a few clicks. In 2025, more than 10,000 cryptocurrencies are listed, but only a portion present suitable features for trading—such as sufficient liquidity, tradeable volatility, or strong underlying value. Navigating this abundance requires understanding the main categories of cryptos and what makes them relevant for active traders. Here is an overview of the main families of cryptocurrencies you’ll typically find on the best US-based trading platforms:

Before choosing a cryptocurrency to trade, it’s important to review a few key indicators to gauge the asset’s suitability and risk profile:

• Daily trading volume: A volume above $500 million generally signals healthy liquidity, making large trades possible without major price slippage.
• Historical volatility: Assets like SOL or DOGE can see price swings ranging from 5% to 20% in a single day; select according to your risk appetite and trading strategy.
• Market capitalization: Top 20 cryptocurrencies by market cap tend to show greater price stability and institutional interest compared to lesser-known small caps.
• Real-world utility: Coins and tokens with established use cases—such as for payments, smart contracts, or DeFi protocols—have more potential to maintain or increase their value over time.

How to choose a cryptocurrency platform?

Choosing the right crypto platform depends on several important factors, starting with your level of experience and your investment objectives—whether you favor long-term holding or short-term trading strategies. The ideal platform also varies based on individual needs, such as intuitive features for beginners, advanced tools for active traders, or user-friendly solutions for occasional investors. Distinguishing between different types of platforms comes down to a careful assessment of key criteria.

• Regulation and legal registration (compliance with recognized US regulatory bodies)
• Range of cryptocurrencies available for purchase or trading
• Transaction fees (including commissions, spreads, and withdrawal costs)
• Quality of the user interface (usability, speed, and clarity)
• Trading tools offered (such as leverage, advanced order types, and chart indicators)
• Opportunities for staking or crypto lending on the platform
• Availability and performance of a mobile application
• Platform reputation (user reviews and security track record)
• Accepted deposit methods (including cards, wire transfers, stablecoins)
• Customer support (language options, hours of availability, response times)

By evaluating these key factors, you can confidently identify the crypto platform that aligns best with your profile—whether you are a long-term investor, active trader, or casual user.

What is the best crypto platform depending on experience level?

Choosing the right crypto platform depends greatly on your experience level. Each type of user—beginner, active trader, or experienced trader—has unique needs, from ease of use to advanced trading options. Understanding these profiles will help you select a platform that matches your skills, trading goals, and the level of support you require.

Best Crypto Platform for Beginners

Beginners are new to cryptocurrency trading and may be making their first investment or seeking a simple way to buy and hold. Their priorities are clarity, strong customer support, and safety.

• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
• Robust educational resources and tutorials
• Transparent fees, with no hidden costs
• Strong security and insurance for funds
• Reliable customer support, available in real time

Informations importantes

A first-time investor wants to buy Bitcoin using their bank card and track their investment easily through a mobile app.

Best Crypto Platform for Active Traders

Active traders buy and sell cryptocurrencies frequently, aiming to capitalize on short-term price movements. They need more advanced tools, low trading fees, and fast order execution.

• Advanced charting and analysis features
• Wide choice of trading pairs and markets
• Low trading fees and discounts for high volume
• Fast and reliable order execution
• Flexible order types (limit, stop, etc.)

Informations importantes

A user makes several trades every day using real-time charts and places stop-loss orders to manage risk.

Best Crypto Platform for Experienced Traders

Experienced traders may manage large portfolios or use sophisticated trading strategies. They require access to multiple asset types, deep liquidity, and advanced features like margin trading or APIs.

• Access to derivatives, options, and futures products
• Deep liquidity for large trades without slippage
• Advanced security features like multi-factor authentication
• High-performance APIs for complex trading setups
• Support for algorithmic or automated trading

Informations importantes

A professional trader uses APIs to automate trades across several exchanges and manages both crypto spot and futures positions.

Which crypto platforms are registered in the US?

In the United States, any company offering crypto-asset services—whether buying, selling, custody, or trading—is required by law to register with the relevant local authorities. Crypto platforms must, at a minimum, register as Money Services Businesses (MSBs) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), and in many cases, obtain separate licenses in each state (such as the New York BitLicense). These regulatory requirements ensure a minimum level of compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) rules, introduce operational security standards, and provide greater transparency for investors.

List of crypto platforms registered in the US

Some platforms are formally registered within the US, typically as Money Services Businesses (MSB) with FinCEN and often hold specific state-level licenses as required by local law. These requirements are designed to monitor compliance and ensure platforms adhere to national and state-level AML and consumer protection regulations.

Please note

Please note: Local registration is not a guarantee of capital protection and does not grant the same level of protection as a banking license or that of an investment management company. Investors should remain vigilant regarding associated risks.

Other trusted regulations in the US

Some platforms may not be locally registered in the US, but are regulated in other major jurisdictions (such as within the European Union) and offer their services globally. While these platforms are not registered with US authorities, they are subject to strict oversight in their home countries, often under equivalent European financial regulations (“passporting”). However, direct passporting of European regulation is not currently recognized for the US market; access is often limited or restricted, but some users may still encounter offshore or European-regulated platforms.

These regulatory frameworks impose high standards in terms of fund security, operational transparency, and fair treatment of customers, helping to offer additional safeguards aligned with global best practices—even if not always accessible for US residents.

What strategies are there for investing in cryptocurrencies?

Investing in crypto assets offers a wide range of strategies, each tailored to suit different levels of involvement, time horizons, and risk tolerance. Whether you prefer a hands-off approach or active management, understanding these strategies can help you choose the right path for your goals and profile.

What is the taxation on income from crypto trading in the US?

The taxation of crypto-assets in the US is governed by federal legislation and IRS guidelines. The tax regime depends on both the type of activity (occasional or professional) and the nature of the income generated (capital gains, interest, etc.). Correct tax reporting is essential, as crypto transactions—including sales, exchanges, and other uses—are generally taxable events with specific rules based on the situation.

Information notes

• Capital gains are calculated as: sale price – (cost basis × quantity sold). The cost basis should reflect acquisition costs, including purchase price and transaction fees.
• Taxpayers are personally responsible for keeping records and reporting all crypto transactions on their tax return, often using IRS Form 8949 and Schedule D.
• If you hold assets (or have accounts) on non-US crypto exchanges, you may need to file additional disclosures (such as FBAR or FATCA) when thresholds are exceeded.
• Capital losses from crypto activity can offset capital gains and, if applicable, reduce ordinary income by up to $3,000 per year. Unused losses can be carried forward indefinitely.

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P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.