Getting Started in Crypto

Best for beginners.

If you're new to crypto, you want an exchange that prioritises simplicity over flexibility. The best beginner exchanges have clean interfaces, strong customer support, easy fiat on-ramps, and substantial educational resources.

TL;DR

Coinbase wins for US users with its polished onboarding and FDIC insurance. Crypto.com is the strongest mobile-first option. Kraken offers more advanced tools as you grow without forcing you to switch platforms.

Our Top Pick

Best overall.

#1 Top Pick

Coinbase

Est. 2012 · San Francisco, USA

The most trusted name in crypto for beginners. Publicly traded on NASDAQ, fully regulated in the US, and packed with educational tools — though fees are higher than rivals unless you use Advanced Trade.

Score

4.5

Spot Fee

0.40% (Advanced) / 1.49% (Simple)

Coins

300+

Best

Beginners

Read Full Review Visit Coinbase →

Why It Wins

＋ Publicly traded company (NASDAQ:COIN) — highest transparency
＋ Strong regulatory standing in US, EU, UK, and beyond
＋ Excellent beginner-friendly interface
＋ FDIC insurance on USD balances up to $250,000

Also Strong

Other top picks.

Crypto.com

Singapore

4.2

/ 5.0

A mobile-first exchange backed by serious marketing muscle, offering one of the broadest product suites in crypto — from spot and derivatives to a Visa card with cashback and a fully-fledged DeFi wallet.

Read Review → Visit

Bitstamp

Luxembourg

4.3

/ 5.0

One of the oldest crypto exchanges in the world, founded in 2011 and now owned by Robinhood. A sterling regulatory record and strong focus on institutional and European users makes it a favourite for the cautious and the long-term-minded.

Read Review → Visit

Methodology

What we looked for.

To rank exchanges in this category, we weighed the following factors heavily:

▸ Ease of account creation and KYC verification
▸ Quality of mobile app and beginner interface
▸ Customer support availability and quality
▸ Educational resources (videos, articles, demos)
▸ Fiat deposit options and speed

Full Methodology

Other Categories

Best for beginners.

Best overall.

Coinbase

Other top picks.

Crypto.com

Bitstamp

What we looked for.

Lowest fees

Best for derivatives

Best for altcoins

Most secure