If you’ve decided to get into cryptocurrency, the first big question you face is: where do I even buy it? There are dozens of exchanges out there, but in the United States, you need a platform that’s safe, regulated, and a perfect fit for your specific needs.
In this post, I’m going to break down the four biggest and most trusted crypto exchanges available right here in the U.S. We’ll look at what makes each one unique, their fees, the pros and cons, and of course, the sign-up bonuses, to help you decide which one is the best for you, whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro.
We’re focusing on Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, OKX, Binance.US. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear idea of which platform is the best place to start your crypto journey. Let’s dive in!
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission at no cost to you if you decide to make a purchase through my links. Visit this page for more information. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.
1. Coinbase
First up is Coinbase, which is often seen as the go-to for beginners. Founded in 2012, it’s a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq stock exchange, giving it a level of transparency and trust that many others can’t match.
It’s designed to be the simplest way for new investors to buy and sell crypto. Its clean, intuitive interface makes it feel like a modern banking app, not a complex trading platform. They’ve also been a pioneer in educational content, including their popular “Learn & Earn” program where you can earn free crypto by just learning about each one and taking a quiz (“Learn & Earn” has been discontinued as of June 2025).
Coinbase offers a simple “Buy/Sell” platform for quick transactions and a more advanced trading platform called “Coinbase Advanced Trade” for lower fees. You can get a Coinbase debit card that earns crypto rewards and access to their extensive educational content.
Fees:
This is where it gets a little complex. For their basic platform, fees can be high, often a flat fee or a percentage (up to 4%) depending on your payment method. On the “Advanced Trade” platform, fees are much lower, following a maker/taker model that starts around 0.60% and drops with higher trading volume. They also have a subscription service called “Coinbase One” that offers zero trading fees for a monthly cost.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros:
- Unmatched Simplicity: The user interface is the easiest to use for beginners.
- Excellent Security: It’s a publicly traded, highly regulated company with robust security measures.
- Educational Resources: The “Learn & Earn” program is a great way to earn free crypto while learning.
- Cons:
- High Fees (on the basic platform): The convenience comes at a price.
- Less Variety: While they have over 240 cryptocurrencies, some competitors offer even more.
Coinbase Sign-up Bonus: Up to $200 BTC
New users who open a Coinbase account with the link below will get up to $200 in bitcoin as a sign-up bonus after they make their first trade. Simply make a minimum purchase of $1 for any cryptocurrency and you’ll get a chance to spin the wheel to receive a random reward in BTC between $3 and $200.
2. Kraken
Next, we have Kraken. Founded in 2011, it’s one of the oldest and most respected exchanges globally. Kraken has a reputation for being a secure platform with some of the lowest fees in the industry.
Kraken is a powerful platform that caters to both new and experienced traders. While it has a simple user interface for quick buys, its real strength lies in its advanced features and competitive fee structure, making it a favorite among more serious crypto investors.
It offers both a simple platform and “Kraken Pro” for advanced trading with more tools and lower fees. They have an excellent reputation for security, with a strong emphasis on proof of reserves. Kraken supports over 350 cryptocurrencies and provides features like margin trading and futures for advanced users.
Fees:
Kraken’s fees are very competitive. For their simple “Instant Buy” option, fees are around 1.5%. However, on the “Kraken Pro” platform, fees are much lower, starting at a maximum of 0.26% and dropping to almost zero for high-volume traders. Bank transfers via ACH are often free to deposit.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros:
- Low Fees: Especially on the Kraken Pro platform, fees are among the lowest available.
- Top-Tier Security: Kraken has a long-standing reputation for robust security and has never been successfully hacked.
- Wide Crypto Selection: With over 350 coins, it has one of the largest selections of altcoins in the U.S. market.
- Cons:
- Less Intuitive for Newbies: The “Pro” interface can be intimidating for first-time traders.
- Limited availability: Kraken is not available in every U.S. state.
Kraken Sign-up Bonus: $75 BTC
New clients can get a $75 USDG bonus when you join Kraken using the link below, enter promo code 7dyk3ybs during account registration, deposit at least $200 in fiat, and make a trade of at least $200 in any non stablecoin crypto within 30 days of account opening.
3. Binance.US
Third on our list is Binance.US, the U.S. partner of the global crypto giant, Binance. It’s built to comply with U.S. regulations and offers a comprehensive platform for traders of all levels.
Binance.US is known for its extensive range of features and extremely low fees, particularly on certain trading pairs. It aims to bring the power and liquidity of its global counterpart to the American market, offering a streamlined experience with lots of options.
The platform offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies and advanced trading tools. It stands out for its “zero-fee trading” on select Bitcoin and Ethereum trading pairs, a massive advantage for frequent traders. It also offers staking on over 20 cryptocurrencies, allowing you to earn rewards just for holding your assets.
Fees:
This is where Binance.US truly shines. It has a maker/taker fee structure that starts at a very low rate (around 0.60%) and decreases significantly with volume. Most notably, they offer 0% fees on major Bitcoin and Ethereum trading pairs, which is a huge money-saver. You can also get an additional discount by paying fees with their native token, BNB.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros:
- Free Bitcoin Trading: The 0% fee on key trading pairs is a major competitive advantage.
- Low Fees Overall: Its fee structure is one of the most competitive in the industry.
- Extensive Features: From staking to advanced trading, it offers a full suite of services.
- Cons:
- Regulatory Scrutiny: The platform has faced significant regulatory challenges, which has at times impacted its services.
- Limited U.S. Availability: It is not available in some states.
Binance.US Sign-up Bonus: $10 Cash Bonus
Binance.US is offering new users up a $10 cash bonus when they use referral code 57999143 and buy or trade at least $100 in crypto within the first 30 days of account opening.
4. Gemini
Finally, we have Gemini, founded by the Winklevoss twins in 2014. Gemini has built its reputation on one thing above all else: security and regulatory compliance.
Gemini is a full-reserve exchange and custodian, which means your crypto is held one-to-one and is not used for other purposes. It is a highly regulated platform that focuses on safety and transparency, making it a great choice for users who prioritize security above all else.
Gemini offers a simplified platform for beginners and a more advanced “ActiveTrader” platform with a low-cost, maker/taker fee structure. They have a strong emphasis on security, offering features like hardware-backed cold storage and a robust insurance policy. It’s also known for its user-friendly mobile app.
Fees:
Like Coinbase, Gemini’s simple platform can have higher fees, with a convenience fee and a transaction fee that can add up. However, their “ActiveTrader” platform offers very competitive fees, starting at a maximum of 0.40% and dropping with volume.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros:
- Unmatched Security: It is arguably the most secure and highly regulated exchange in the U.S.
- Available in All 50 States: Unlike some competitors, Gemini is fully licensed to operate in every U.S. state.
- Transparent & Reliable: Their focus on compliance and full reserves provides peace of mind.
- Cons:
- Higher Fees (on the basic platform): The simplicity for beginners comes with a significant cost.
- Fewer Coins: It supports a more limited number of cryptocurrencies compared to Kraken or Binance.US.
Gemini Sign-up Bonus: $50 in Any Crypto
Currently, Gemini is offering new users a $50 crypto bonus when they trade at least $100 within 30 days of account opening (use promo code lpnvmesn during signup – you need to switch this from the automatic promo code gemini15 that’s auto-populated). The bonus is your choice of any crypto available for trade on Gemini. The most popular selections are Bitcoin and Ether, but there are dozens to choose from.
5. OKX
A new and significant player in the U.S. market is OKX (formerly OkCoin). A major global exchange, OKX has officially launched its platform in the United States, bringing its advanced trading tools and low fees to American traders.
OKX is a powerful, globally recognized platform that has re-entered the U.S. market. It’s built for those who want a comprehensive trading experience with competitive pricing, and it offers both a centralized exchange and a non-custodial wallet for a full Web3 experience.
Features:
OKX provides access to a wide variety of cryptocurrencies and advanced trading tools. It stands out for its low trading fees and its focus on a seamless user experience that bridges centralized finance (CeFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). A key feature is their self-custody wallet, which gives users more control over their assets.
Fees:
OKX’s fees are highly competitive, using a maker/taker model that starts at a very low rate, often around 0.10% for makers and 0.15% for takers, with fees decreasing as trading volume increases. They also have a very low fee on instant transfers via ACH, making it affordable to fund your account.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros:
- Low Fees: OKX is one of the lowest-cost options for active traders in the U.S.
- Advanced Trading Tools: It offers a robust platform with a variety of trading options for more experienced users.
- Hybrid Experience: It combines a powerful exchange with a non-custodial wallet, providing a holistic crypto experience.
- Cons:
- New to U.S. Market: While a global giant, its track record and regulatory history in the U.S. are still developing.
- Not Available in All States: Like some competitors, OKX does not yet have licenses in all U.S. states.
- Interface Can Be Complex: The platform, with its many features, can feel overwhelming for absolute beginners.
OKX – $200 BTC Bonus
OKX is offering a $200 Bitcoin bonus when you join OKX using the referral code 56229764 and make a single trade of $200 or more.
- Download the OKX app using this link or the button below.
- Enter the referral code 56229764 during registration (on the same screen where you enter your email address).
- Verify your identity to get account approval.
- Deposit at least $200 and make a single crypto trade worth $200 or more to earn a $200 BTC bonus.
The Bottom Line
I have all the crypto platforms in this list (hello crypto bonuses!) and love each one for different reasons. However, if you had to choose just one, then here are my recommendations:
- If you’re an absolute beginner who wants the simplest, most intuitive experience, Coinbase is probably your best bet.
- If you’re a serious trader looking for the lowest fees and a wide selection of assets, Kraken could be your winner.
- If your number one priority is security and regulation, then Gemini is the clear choice.
All of these are excellent, legitimate platforms that are fully regulated and have strong track records. The best choice really comes down to what you value most: simplicity, low fees, or rock-solid security.
