American Traders

Best for US users.

US users face the most restrictive crypto exchange landscape globally. After regulatory crackdowns and exits in 2023-2025, the field of legally-compliant options has narrowed significantly. These are the best remaining choices.

TL;DR

Coinbase is the default choice — publicly listed, fully regulated, FDIC-insured. Kraken serves most states with a strong derivatives offering. Crypto.com is increasingly competitive for US mobile users.

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

Methodology

What we looked for.

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

▸ State-by-state availability
▸ Regulatory licences (BitLicense, money transmitter)
▸ FDIC insurance on USD balances
▸ Tax reporting integration
▸ Derivatives availability (typically more limited in US)

Full Methodology

Other Categories

Best for US users.

Best overall.

Coinbase

What we looked for.

Best for beginners

Lowest fees

Best for derivatives

Best for altcoins