You can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies on cryptocurrency exchanges. You cannot purchase or sell digital assets unless you have access to a cryptocurrency exchange. There are, however, some options.
Even yet, this does not imply that any cryptocurrency exchange is superior. If you ask any seasoned crypto OG or trader about their first Bitcoin buy, they will most likely tell you about how they squandered substantial sums of money and time dealing with inept, buggy, or just costly exchanges in the beginning. Learning how to separate the wheat from the chaff takes time, but you’ve come to the perfect place.
This tutorial will teach you how to pick the best cryptocurrency exchange for you straight now.
What factors to consider while Choosing a cryptocurrency exchange
You should consider many criteria before engaging in any random transaction suggested by someone. Cryptocurrency exchange security, liquidity, fees, history, markets, and user experience are among the most significant. It may take some time and effort to find the finest cryptocurrency exchange for you, but it will be well worth it.
Reading professional evaluations is one simple method to accomplish this. Follow this link to check our top exchange reviews and comparisons.
It is also critical to distinguish between crypto-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat trades. Crypto-to-crypto exchanges only list cryptocurrency pairs, but fiat-to-crypto exchanges allow you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies using dollars, euros, pounds, yen, and other currencies.
How should you choose the best cryptocurrency exchange?
Keep in mind that your mileage may vary when choosing an exchange. You may prefer an exchange that supports certain cryptocurrencies, trading pairings, and extra features like margin trading or over-the-counter (OTC) transactions.
Once you’ve found an exchange that fits your fundamental needs, consider the following additional factors:
1. Security
By far, the most crucial aspect of a transaction is security. If an exchange is not secure, hackers might steal your cash, rendering any other benefits it provides useless. No one likes to lose money, therefore consider the following factors.
2. Technology
- The web URL of the exchange should begin with HTTPS. Avoid using HTTP connections.
- It should use two-factor authentication should for login security.
- You should keep your customer deposits offline, in ”cold storage.”
- Auditing programs that monitor exchange activities 24 hours a day, as well as SMS and email notifications, provide exchange clients with extra security guarantees.
- For optimal protection, you may wish to whitelist your IP address or withdrawal wallet addresses.
3. Legal considerations
- We advise that you use an exchange from the same nation as you are since this can help you comply with regulatory changes. However, it is also workable to use different exchanges in other nations. You should note that certain exchanges only support a restricted number of countries.
- Some exchanges may guarantee their funds, which means they might pay you if they lose your funds.
4. Transparency
- Does the communication expose the company’s owners, headquarters address, and team members?
- Transparent exchanges also publicize their cold storage address or assist in the verification of their reserves in other ways, such as audit information.
5. Liquidity
The more liquid an exchange is, the larger the trade volume. Liquidity allows transactions to be completed more quickly, simply, and without having to cope with price fluctuation. Check to determine whether an exchange provides “locked-in” pricing, which assures you the price at the time of your transaction even if it doesn’t settle right away.
Be warned that liquidity varies depending on the trading pair. It can be high for BTC/EUR but low for BTC/GBP, for example. You can find the exchanges with the greatest trade volumes on this page.
6. Costs
- Examine all the fees that an exchange charges. They are typically less than 1% of each transaction and may drop as your trading volume grows.
- Examine the withdrawal costs. Some exchanges are notorious for charging exorbitant withdrawal fees for particular cryptocurrencies.
- Consider deposit fees as well. Many exchanges provide a quick and easy option to gain cryptocurrencies using a credit or debit card. However, such purchases are subject to a 5% or higher charge.
7. User encounter
- If you value your privacy, you will avoid any conversation that asks you to give too much about your identity.
- Is the user interface straightforward and simple to use on both a desktop and a mobile device?
- What do other users think about the advantages and disadvantages of a certain exchange, the help it provides, and so on? Examine community forums such as Bitcoin Reddit or Bitcoin Forum.
Final Thoughts
If you cannot register an exchange account or can not access cryptocurrency trading exchange for whatever reason, you may use services such as Local Bitcoins to meet individuals in your neighborhood and gain Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies offline.
Another option is to use a Bitcoin ATM. Bitcoinatmmap.com has a map of Bitcoin ATMs.
Keep in mind that Bitcoin and its infrastructure are still in the early stages of development, so things might change fast. Many decentralized exchanges are already in the works, and many bitcoin experts believe they will permanently alter existing exchanges.
Furthermore, new rules, new technology, or challenges may emerge. So keep up with the news and stay informed. The finest Bitcoin or cryptocurrency exchange is unique to each individual, so conduct your research and be cautious while doing so.
Also read: What are The Risks of Leaving Cryptocurrency in Exchange?
