Identifying the best crypto exchange for altcoins is a great first step towards investing and profiting from it. So, what about a crypto exchange that makes it perfect for trading altcoins? Let’s explore the best altcoin exchanges, their key features, supported assets, trading fees, and minimum deposits to find out.
Key Insights
There are several key takeaways from this article, as listed below.
- Analysis of 10 best cryptocurrency exchanges for Altcoins
- Highlights on the categories of altcoin crypto exchanges
- Break down how to choose the best altcoin exchange
- Step-by-step instructions on how to buy altcoins
- A summary of how to use altcoins
Best Crypto Exchange for Altcoins
The U.S. is home to many crypto investors and enthusiasts. This makes it a target for information flooding from different exchanges that claim to be the best for trading altcoins. So, how can you separate the best from the rest? Here’s a summary of key characteristics of the best altcoin exchanges for US-based traders.
| Altcoin Exchange | Trading Fees | Minimum Deposit | Number of supported Coins | Supported platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | 1% per trade | $10 | 3000+ | Android, iOS |
| KuCoin | 0.1% per trade but may vary | $5 | 700+ | Android, iOS |
| Binance | 0% to 0.1% per trade | $50 | 350+ | Android, iOS |
| OKX | 0% to 0.1% per trade | $5 | 300+ | Desktop app for Chrome, Firefox Brave and Edge |
| Crypto.com | 0.04% -0.40% per trade | $1 | 250+ | Android, iOS |
| Kraken | 0.16% (maker) and 0.26% (taker) | $10 | 222+ | Android, iOS |
| Bitpanda | A 1.49% premium | $28 | 200+ | Android, iOS |
| Coinbase | 0.4% (maker), 0.6% (taker) | $2 | 150+ | Android, iOS |
| Gemini | 0% to 0.40% per trade | $0 | 100+ | Android, iOS |
| Bitstamp | At least 0.5% per trade | $10 | 75+ | Android, iOS |
Related Article: 11 Best Crypto Exchanges UK
- Bitstamp: Best for Customer Experience
Trading fees: At least 0.5% per trade
Minimum deposit: $10
Number of supported altcoins: 75+
When it comes to customer experience, few crypto exchanges can measure up to Bitstamp. This trading platform is known for its reliable live customer support that is available around the clock. Clients can also communicate their challenges and get assistance through the platform’s global phone and mail support teams.
Besides this, Bitstamp also supports clients through the “Crypto Pulse” report. This is a type of free newsletter that offers a simplified analysis of the crypto market. It provides insights on global cryptocurrency exchange trends and trading tips to help investors grow their portfolios.
Additionally, Bitstamp caters to both new and advanced traders with different user platforms tailored for each customer’s needs. This ensures each client gets the best trading experience, regardless of their crypto competency.
For complex trades, the site offers the Bitstamp Pro mobile application. This has enhanced analytics tools that provide real-time data streaming and complex order types. On the other hand, beginner and intermediate traders can use the Bitstamp app to trade crypto.
Why Should I Choose Bitstamp?
There are several reasons why Bitstamp should be one of the top altcoin exchange options for traders in the U.S. Below is a list of the leading reasons.
- Live customer support
- Crypto Pulse report for updates
- Flexibility for beginners and pros alike
- Gemini: Best for Organizations Investing in Altcoins
Trading fees: 0% to 0.40% per trade
Minimum deposit: $0
Number of supported altcoins: 100+
Businesses trying to conquer crypto should have Gemini at the top of their list of the best U.S. altcoin exchanges. Through Gemini Pay, such companies can buy the items they need and allow clients to purchase them through their Gemini accounts. This project has been largely successful, with at least 30000 retailers on board.
But Gemini is more than just a catch for business clients. The platform also has impressive deals for individuals, including free monthly crypto withdrawals and special sign-up bonuses.
For both clients, Gemini is a highly secure exchange and comes with comprehensive institutional vetting policies and security measures. It also implements user-defined access and role permissions to individual and institutional accounts and provides a device recognition option to ensure all intrusion options and malicious activities are averted.
Why Should I Choose Gemini?
Gemini is one of the most preferred crypto trading platforms. Here are some features that make it a hit among U.S. altcoin traders.
- Gemini Pay, which is suitable for businesses
- Top-notch security features
- Great trading fee discounts
- Coinbase: Best for Beginners
Trading fees: 0.4% (maker), 0.6% (taker)
Minimum deposit: $2
Number of supported altcoins: 150+
If you are completely green on cryptocurrency trading, you should consider Coinbase as your go-to altcoin trading platform. This platform is famous for its beginner-friendly user interface and trading features.
The exchange offers a simple yet comprehensive dashboard where users can track their asset portfolio and assess past performance. It also has a watchlist feature, allowing traders to track their favorite coins.
Other than that, Coinbase simplifies the altcoin-buying process by allowing users to purchase these digital assets directly from fiat currencies. Using legal tenders like EUR, USD, CAD, and GBP, altcoin traders can easily get assets on Coinbase.
However, the “Recurring Buy” option is the platform’s most impressive feature for simplifying trading. This attribute enables users to access “Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA),” an investment strategy that reduces the impact of volatility by distributing one investment across several periodic purchases. The distribution duration varies based on the investment size but can be channeled to weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly purchases.
Why Should I Choose Coinbase?
Coinbase has several impressive traits. It has a relatively low barrier to entry, and it supports multiple crypto wallets and accepted payment methods, including bank accounts and wire transfers. However, the list below gives you the main reasons for considering Coinbase over other altcoin exchanges.
- Simplified interface
- Recurring buy feature that simplifies repetitive purchases for beginners
- Supports fiat currency to altcoin purchases
Sign up for Coinbase and receive to $200 in crypto. Coinbase users can earn more, up to $400 on average just by taking advantage of the exchange rewards. Sign up now.
- Bitpanda: Best for Multiple Trading Options
Trading fees: A 1.49% premium
Minimum deposit: $28
Number of supported altcoins: 200+
Bitpanda is your one-stop shop for altcoin trading options. This platform goes all out where trading is concerned. Unlike most leading crypto exchanges with only a few options, including spot, derivative, and margin trading, Bitpanda raises the bar by offering access to ETFs and cryptocurrency indices.
Even better, the exchange permits the conversion of cryptocurrencies into other assets, including fiat currencies and precious metals, which you can trade on the platform. This multi-asset feature had earned the platform a ton of favor from U.S-based traders.
Bitstamp also has an incredibly efficient customer support team and a highly relevant help desk with informative articles about troubleshooting, resolving challenges, and using the exchange. This combination has earned the platform a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot, which is relatively impressive.
Why should I choose BitPanda?
Besides the platform’s high ranking on Trustpilot, let’s list other leading reasons that make BitPanda an excellent altcoin exchange platform.
- Has flexibility for asset conversion
- Multiple trading features
- Great customer support
- Kraken: Long-Standing Reputation
Trading fees: 0.16% (maker) and 0.26% (taker)
Minimum deposit: $10
Number of supported altcoins: 222+
If all you want is an altcoin trading platform with a long-standing positive reputation, Kraken has you covered. Since its launch, this trading site has maintained an impressive reputation.
Although it is more tailored for experienced traders with a deeper understanding of leverage trading, advanced technical analysis, and complex crypto orders, the platform is also beginner friendly.
Kraken’s pricing is also a catch. With 0.16% maker and 0.26% taker fees, this site is one of the most affordable crypto exchanges. The platform is also quickly and conveniently accessible through a mobile application. It has several trading options, including margin, spot trading, and staking. Users can leverage its in-built crypto wallet feature to store their assets securely.
Why Should I Choose Kraken?
Kraken has everything you’d need in an altcoin crypto exchange site. However, these top characteristics make it one of the best altcoin exchanges.
- Competitive fees
- Impressive features for complex trades
- 24/7 customer support
- Crypto.com: Best for Mobile Application Experience
Trading fees: 0.04%-0.40% per trade
Minimum deposit: $1
Number of supported altcoins: 250+
Crypto.com is the top altcoin trading site or a superior cryptocurrency trading app experience. Despite having a limited range of coins, the app fully compensates with an intuitive interface and a holistic approach to altcoin trading.
One of the most impressive features of this app is that it comes with an in-built Crypto.com wallet. Users can deposit, transfer, receive, and spend altcoins without leaving the application’s interface.
The crypto.com app is also linked to the platform’s debit card service. Crypto.com debit cards allow users to buy altcoins conveniently and at favorable prices. Additionally, the app has a Crypto Earn feature that provides lucrative investment returns. Through Crypto Earn, users can get as much as 14.5% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) for their altcoin investments, which is relatively impressive.
Why Should I Choose Crypto.com?
Crypto.com may have a limited range of assets, but it compensates for this with other benefits, as indicated in the list below.
- Best mobile application experience
- Crypto credit card
- Crypto Earn feature for more investment returns
- OKX: Best for Rich Features
Trading fees: 0% to 0.1% per trade
Minimum deposit: $5
Number of supported altcoins: 300+
Mobile app: Desktop app for Chrome, Firefox Brave, and Edge
One of the leading altcoins exchanges in the U.S. is OKX. The leading reason is that it is comprehensively designed with features to run complex as well as simple trades.
OKX is known for its rich set of trading features. The platform easily identifies the best altcoins by categorizing assets as new, trending, or surging tokens. There are also custom cryptanalysis charts and technical indicators for spot trading.
The platform has elaborate order types and multiple advanced trading options, including perpetual swaps and futures trading. It also offers access to a trading bot that helps simplify complex trades.
Additionally, OKX has a relatively low barrier to entry and one of the lowest trading fees. With only $5, OKX users can initiate lucrative trades while paying only 0% to 0.1% fees per trade. This makes it easy for small-time investors to trade and profit from the platform.
Why should I choose OKX?
OKX is the leading altcoin exchange in the U.S. crypto markets, and with good reason. Here are the top benefits that come with trading on the platform.
- Fully accessible to U.S. clients
- Affordable deposit of at least $5
- Extremely low trading fees
- Rich set of trading features, including token categorization, cryptanalysis charts, and technical indicators
- Binance: Most Affordable Altcoin Exchange
Trading fees: 0% to 0.1% per trade
Minimum deposit: $50
Number of supported altcoins: 350+
Binance comes very close to the top of the list where the best crypto exchanges are concerned, mainly because it is the most affordable altcoin exchange. Traders on this platform pay as little as a 0.1% trading fee, which can decrease to 0% depending on the amount spent in a 30-day trading interval.
Aside from pricing, Binance is a detailed yet simple-to-use platform. Its graphical user interface is impressively intuitive, despite accommodating custom price charts and cryptanalysis tools.
Binance users can also sign up for Binance Academy for free articles and tutorials on using Binance Exchange and other crypto topics. This gives beginners a level playing field to start and advance careers as crypto traders or analysts.
Why Should I Choose Binance?
The only thing holding Binance back from being the best U.S. altcoin exchange is the fact that the leading Binance platform is not accessible to us clients. For U.S-based traders, there’s the alternative, the Binance U.S. site, which has most of the offerings found on the main platform, although slight variations are expected. Despite this, there are multiple reasons why you should prioritize Binance when trading altcoins.
- It is the most affordable altcoin exchange
- Designed as a simple-to-navigate user interface
- Hosts Binance Academy that helps people learn more about the platform and cryptocurrency trading
Sign up now using Binance referral code NQ2WIF73 to enjoy a generous 100 USDT trading fee rebate and an exclusive -10% on your trading fees. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer.
- KuCoin: Best for Rare Altcoins
Trading fees: 0.1% per trade but may vary
Minimum deposit: $5
Number of supported altcoins: 700+
KuCoin is the place to be if you’re searching for some of the rarest altcoins in crypto history. With over 700 listed cryptocurrencies, the platform is an altcoin treasure trove for any keen investor.
Altcoin hunting aside, KuCoin ensures traders have multiple trading options for the products available. Anything from spot trading, margin trading, crypto lending, and staking is available. You also get free crypto swaps and the chance to buy digital assets using a credit or debit card.
To top it off, KuCoin offers a “Crypto Trading Bot” to help users place crypto orders. These free-to-use bots benefit beginners, helping them find their way through altcoin trading. More advanced platform users have the option to create their own bots suited for the outcomes they want. This makes the platform fun and efficient to use.
Why should I choose KuCoin?
KuCoin is a leading altcoin trading platform for various reasons. Here are the top factors that place this exchange above its competitors.
- It supports a wide variety of coins, making it the best for rare altcoins
- Has a range of crypto trading services
- Trading bots to simplify trading
- eToro: Best Crypto Exchange for Altcoins USA
Trading fees: 1% per trade
Minimum deposit: $10
Number of supported altcoins: 3000+
The overall best altcoin crypto exchange in the U.S. is eToro. This platform has earned its popularity because of the ease of use that it offers clients. Whether you are new to altcoin trading or a seasoned investor, eToro’s rich but innovative features will comfortably cater to your trading needs.
eToro traders get a “Discover” tab from the platform that helps them find leading altcoins to trade. This tab also has a section for the biggest daily movers, offering newbie users a clue on the best crypto to day trade.
Besides that, a “News and Feed” tab keeps users updated on the latest developments in the crypto market. Based on the news discoveries made, eToro users can select altcoins they want to monitor and use the platform’s Watchlist feature to keep track of their performance.
Even with these simplified navigation tools, eToro offers a copy trading feature to help complete newbies execute trades. The eToro copy trade allows novice traders to check the stats of high-performing traders and mimic their trades. This gives new clients trading experience and the opportunity to learn.
Why Should I Choose eToro?
Despite its relatively high fees, eToro is one of the best altcoin exchanges in the U.S. Here are the platform’s top benefits.
- Easy to navigate
- Copy trading feature that makes it easy to understand altcoin trading
- Wide variety of assets
What Exchange Has The Most Altcoins
Based on our research, eToro is the exchange with the highest number of listed altcoins. The site supports at least 3000 coins. In the second position, we have KuCoin with 700 tokens; third place goes to Binance, which lists at least 350 altcoins.
How Do You Choose the Best Altcoin Exchange
No fixed criteria should guide you in choosing the best altcoin exchanges. However, several pointers indicate an altcoin exchange is worth your investment. Let’s explore these indicators so you can easily spot a crypto exchange platform that will suit your needs.
Fees
Crypto exchange fees are the first make-or-break factor when selecting any crypto exchange. Try finding an exchange with the lowest price possible to make higher profits from your trades. Also, take into account other aspects like withdrawal fees and deposit fees based on your preferred payment method.
Supported Assets
You need to find cryptocurrency exchanges that support the assets you want to trade. People often assume the site with the most listed assets is the best, but this may be false. A better approach is to identify the coins you want to trade and find platforms offering the best price for those coins. You can use aggregator tools to simplify this process.
Potential Returns
Find a platform that offers lucrative returns on investment. These often include sites with multiple trading options and competitive interest rates.
Security
The crypto space is growing rapidly, opening doors for malicious activities and hacking incidents. To avoid being a victim, analyze an exchange’s security feature before you settle for it. Ensure it has safety features like two-factor authentication and asset-recovery insurance.
Altcoin Exchange Reviews
It’s always important to see what other people have to say about the exchange you want to invest in. Use sites like Trustpilot to find information about the platform from a user’s perspective. Before committing, check out the customer support reviews and comments about the site’s features and performance.
How to Buy Altcoins
Buying altcoins is a simple three-step process. This article will use Binance to illustrate the altcoin buying process. Although other crypto exchanges may have slight variations, the procedure is almost always the same.
Step 1: Sign Up for an Altcoin Cryptocurrency Exchange Account
- Open the Create Account page on the Binance web browser app and select the Sign up with phone or email option.
- Enter the required details on the next tab, read the terms of service and policy agreement, check the box to confirm you’ve read them, and then tap the Create Personal Account button.
Step 2: Verify Your Trading Account
- When you click the Create Personal Account button, it opens a verification page. Enter the verification code sent to your phone number or email and click Submit.
- Complete your verification and click the Verify Now button to submit.
- Verification confirmation can take a few hours or a maximum of two days.
Step 3: Buy Crypto in Your Account and Convert to Altcoin
Now that your account is all setup, now you need to buy crypto. With most exchanges, you can buy the three biggest cryptos which are BTC, ETH and USDT. In Binance you can also choose to buy BUSD, BNB and SOL.
- Log in to your Binance account. On the top ribbon click Buy Crypto, and choose how you want to buy your crypto. You can opt to buy using your credit card, P2P or third parties. Choose your preferred method and follow the prompts you will get.
- Once you have already bought your crypto. Now you can buy whichever altcoin you are interested in. On Binance click Trade and on the drop-down choose Binance Covert.
- Now you can convert the crypto you have on your spot wallet to whichever altcoin you want. On the To section search for the altcoin you want, and click Preview conversion.
- Confirm if all the details of your trade are fine then click convert.
- Now you have successfully bought your preferred altcoin.
Conclusion
There is a long list of the best altcoin exchanges. Based on exchange comparison factors such as trading fees, the number of supported crypto assets, security, potential returns, and altcoin exchange reviews, you will find that platforms like OKX, Binance, Kraken, KuCoin, Bitpanda, Crypto.com, Gemini, Bitstamp, Coinbase, and eToro have a lot to offer. Each platform has an outstanding aspect in one of the comparison factors listed above and other impressive features that make them worthwhile.
FAQs
What is the difference between altcoins and stablecoins?
The first and most significant difference between altcoins and stablecoins is that all stablecoins are altcoins, but not all altcoins are stablecoins. The term “altcoins” comes from “alternative coins,” a phrase that refers to all coins developed as an alternative to Bitcoin. So, every cryptocurrency that is not Bitcoin is an altcoin.
On the other hand, stablecoins are digital assets with less volatility than ordinary crypto tokens. This happens because their value is pegged to more stable reserve currencies like the U.S. dollar.
Are altcoin exchanges safe?
Most altcoin exchanges are extremely safe. These platforms often have multiple security features like multi-factor authentication, address whitelisting, connections to hardware wallets, and cold storage, among others. They are also audited and vetted for compliance standards.
Which is the best altcoin exchange to invest in?
There are multiple altcoin exchanges worth investing in. However, from our analysis, the top ten best crypto exchanges are OKX, Binance, Kraken, KuCoin, Bitpanda, Crypto.com, Gemini, Bitstamp, Coinbase, and eToro.
Which is the best altcoins exchange in the USA?
The U.S. is home to multiple altcoin trading platforms. One of the best U.S. crypto exchange for altcoins is eToro, Kucoin, Binance, OKX, Crypto.com, Kraken, Bitpanda, Coinbase, Gemini and Bitstamp.
