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5 Best Crypto Trading Exchanges for Beginners

Looking for the top crypto exchange for beginners? After testing 50+ brokers this year, our experts have identified the five best options tailored to diverse trading needs, complete with practical tips.

By:
Shennon Hewa
Reviewed By:
Maria Zatler
Updated: May 25, 2025

List of Top Crypto Trading Platforms for Novice Traders

User-friendly Lite mode, top-tier security, fiat support, and a rich educational hub.

500+ tokens, low fees, and Lite mode with seamless fiat integration.

Clean, intuitive app design with fiat onboarding, FDIC insurance, and educational rewards for beginners in the US and UK.

Copy trading, demo accounts, and simplified interfaces.

Zero maker fees, 2,000+ coins, and KYC-light access.

How Did FXEmpire Choose the Best Trading Crypto Platforms for Beginners?

Our evaluation of options trading platforms is based on the following key criteria:

  • Ease of Use: We checked how simple and intuitive each platform is, favoring those with a clean design and clear guidance through buying, selling, and depositing.
  • Trading Experience: We looked for beginner-friendly features like Lite mode, basic order screens, and demo trading so users can practice without risk.
  • One-Click Buy Option: We prioritized exchanges that let users buy crypto with fiat in just a few clicks, making the first purchase fast and stress-free.
  • Beginner-Friendly Features: We favored platforms offering tools like DCA, copy trading, and built-in tutorials that help beginners learn and trade with confidence.
  • Security and Transparency: To ensure the safe use of user funds, we checked for proof of reserves, regulation, insurance, and third-party security rankings.
  • Fiat Deposit and Withdrawal Availability: We tested how easy it is to add or withdraw fiat using bank transfers or cards, favoring platforms with smooth, beginner-friendly processes.
  • Supported Fiat Currencies: We examined the number of fiat currencies supported. More options mean easier onboarding and fewer conversion fees.
  • Low Fees: We compared trading and non-trading fees, highlighting platforms with fair pricing and calling out those with above-average costs.
  • Liquidity: We checked if users can make trades quickly without slippage or price jumps, focusing on platforms with high volume and deep order books.
  • Educational Materials: We looked for in-app tutorials, articles, and guides that help beginners understand crypto basics without leaving the platform.
  • Customer Support: We tested response time and support quality, preferring exchanges with live chat and helpful answers to common beginner questions.

Best Crypto Exchanges For Beginners Comparison Table

ExchangeRankingTaker/MakerAvailable CryptoAccepts FiatPayment MethodsKYC
Kraken
Kraken
3.9
Read Review
0.4% / 0.25%
416
Yes
Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: CryptoPayment method: E-wallets
+3
Yes
Binance
Binance
4.6
Read Review
0.1% / 0.1%
396
Yes
Payment method: Credit/Debit CardPayment method: CryptoPayment method: P2P
+1
Yes
Coinbase Exchange
Coinbase Exchange
4.0
Read Review
1.2% / 0.6%
0
No
Payment method: Apple PayPayment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: Credit/Debit Card
+6
Yes
Bybit
Bybit
4.6
Read Review
0.1% / 0.1%
0
No
Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: CryptoPayment method: P2P
+2
Yes
MEXC
MEXC
4.2
Read Review
0.01% / 0%
0
No
Payment method: Apple PayPayment method: Credit/Debit CardPayment method: Crypto
+3
No

Best Overall

  • Available Crypto
    416
  • Payment Methods
    Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: CryptoPayment method: E-walletsPayment method: SEPA TransferPayment method: SWIFT Transfer
    +1
  • Fees
    High

Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the most trusted exchanges in the industry. It is known for strong regulatory compliance (licenses from the US, UK, and EU) and robust security measures. It offers a simplified, beginner-friendly interface for crypto newbies, 24/7 customer support, and a direct connection to a customer support agent if users need any assistance.

  • User-Friendly: Kraken offers an intuitive interface with a dedicated Lite mode for simplified trading.
  • Fiat & Crypto Support: Kraken’s support for major fiat currencies and free deposit methods makes it a cost-effective exchange for users to deposit fiat and buy crypto. With over 500 coins available, users can diversify their portfolio by investing in a range of different cryptos.
  • Educational Resources: Kraken Learn is a comprehensive educational platform that offers a range of guides, market insights, and educational articles for beginners to learn the crypto basics.
Pros
  • Supports 510+ cryptocurrencies
  • Dedicated Lite Mode on both desktop and mobile
  • Strong security and regulatory compliance
  • Responsive and helpful customer support
  • Demo trading
Cons
  • Higher spot trading fees than competitors
  • No Copy trading

Best for Buying and Selling Crypto

  • Available Crypto
    396
  • Payment Methods
    Payment method: Credit/Debit CardPayment method: CryptoPayment method: P2PPayment method: SEPA Transfer
  • Fees
    Low

Founded in 2017, Binance quickly became the world’s largest exchange by trading volume. Despite being known for its advanced trading features, Binance Lite Mode and easy fiat integration make it suitable for beginners.

  • Broad Coin Support: Binance supports around 490 cryptocurrencies while offering multiple fiat on-ramp methods, including bank transfer, P2P trading, and debit/credit card via Quick Buy.
  • Low Fees & High Liquidity: With industry-leading liquidity and spot trading fees starting at just 0.1%, Binance offers a reliable and cost-effective way for users to start buying and selling crypto.
  • Beginner-Friendly Features: Binance’s Lite Mode offers a simplified UI, making it easy for beginners to deposit funds and start trading crypto. Binance Academy offers free online courses covering crypto basics, with partners including the European Business Institute Luxembourg.
Pros
  • Supports 490+ cryptocurrencies
  • Mobile Lite Mode
  • Low spot trading fees
  • Multiple fiat on-ramp options
  • Demo trading and copy trading
Cons
  • Regulatory issues in certain regions
  • No desktop Lite mode

Best Mobile App

  • Available Crypto
    -
  • Payment Methods
    Payment method: Apple PayPayment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: Credit/Debit CardPayment method: CryptoPayment method: E-wallets
    +4
  • Fees
    High

Coinbase is a publicly traded exchange known for its strong regulation and beginner-friendly design. Popular in the US and Europe, it offers simple onboarding and a clean, easy-to-use app.

  • User-friendly app: Intuitive interface with support for bank transfers, PayPal, and cards, plus beginner-friendly market views.
  • Security and compliance: Licensed in the US, UK, and EU, with FDIC insurance on fiat and crypto asset coverage.
  • Earn & Learn: Users can earn crypto by completing short lessons that teach basic crypto concepts.
Pros
  • 290+ supported cryptos
  • Beginner-friendly interface
  • Wide range of payment methods
  • Complies with major regulatory standards
Cons
  • Higher spot trading fees than competitors
  • Recent history of user account security breaches in 2025, 2023, and 2021
  • No Demo or Copy trading

Best for Demo Trading

  • Available Crypto
    -
  • Payment Methods
    Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: CryptoPayment method: P2PPayment method: SEPA TransferPayment method: TPPP (Third-Party Payment Processors)
  • Fees
    High

Bybit is a popular derivatives trading exchange offering a beginner-friendly spot trading interface, a quick buy feature, and an app designed for ease of use.

  • Demo Trading: Beginners can practice trading risk-free using Bybit’s demo trading feature. This feature offers users virtual funds to practice trading with live market data. Demo trading is available across all trading instruments (spot, futures, options), letting beginners experiment and find the mode that is best for them.
  • Educational Material & Support: Bybit Learn offers a range of educational guides and articles designed to help beginners learn the crypto basics. Bybit also offers 24/7 support if users need help using the exchange.
Pros
  • 720+ supported cryptos
  • Low spot trading fees
  • Multiple fiat on-ramp methods
  • Demo & Copy trading
Cons
  • No Lite mode
  • Steeper learning curve for beginners

Lowest Fees

  • Available Crypto
    -
  • Payment Methods
    Payment method: Apple PayPayment method: Credit/Debit CardPayment method: CryptoPayment method: Google PayPayment method: SEPA Transfer
    +1
  • Fees
    Low

Founded in 2018, MEXC is known for ultra-low fees and a massive range of supported tokens. It’s beginner-friendly, with a simple spot trading interface and no full KYC required for basic features.

  • Zero maker fees: 0% maker fees on spot and futures markets, with taker fees under 0.05%.
  • Huge token variety: Over 2,000 cryptocurrencies, including niche altcoins and trending picks.
  • Copy trading: Let beginners follow expert traders with transparent stats and performance history.
Pros
  • 2100+ supported cryptos
  • Low spot trading fees
  • Multiple fiat on-ramp methods
  • Copy trading
Cons
  • No Lite mode
  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Less regulated than competitors

How to Choose The Best Beginner-Friendly Crypto Exchange?

How Can I Find A Safe Crypto Exchange For Beginners?

When choosing an exchange as a beginner, it’s important to consider reputation, security, and ease of use:

  • Regulation and Compliance: Licensed exchanges (like those regulated by FinCEN, FCA, or MiCA) tend to follow stricter security and transparency standards.
  • Security Features: Look for platforms with two-factor authentication, cold storage, insurance, and no history of major security breaches.
  • Liquidity: Exchanges with high trading volume make it easier to buy and sell crypto without delays or price slippage.
  • Fiat and Crypto Support: Support for local currencies and a wide range of crypto assets helps streamline the onboarding process.
  • User Reviews: Platforms with strong ratings on sites like Trustpilot or app stores often offer a smoother user experience.
  • Customer Support: Accessible, 24/7 human support can make it easier to solve issues, especially for new users.

What Should I Look For in a Crypto Exchange as a Beginner?

  • Simple Interface: A clean, easy-to-navigate platform helps beginners avoid confusion and confidently start trading.
  • Low Minimum Deposits: Smaller deposit requirements make it easier to get started without committing large amounts of money.
  • Low Fees: Lower trading fees help reduce costs, especially when making frequent or small trades.
  • Demo Trading: Practice accounts let you learn how trading works without risking real funds.
  • Educational Content: Built-in guides, tutorials, and FAQs help beginners understand the basics directly on the platform.

What Fees Should I Consider as a Beginner Trader?

  • Trading Fees: Usually around 0.1% for spot trades. Limit orders (maker) are often cheaper than market orders (taker).
  • Deposit Fees: Bank transfers are often free, but card deposits can cost up to 5 percent.
  • Withdrawal Fees: Crypto withdrawals include network fees, which vary depending on the blockchain used.
  • Spread Fees: The gap between buy and sell prices can reduce profits, especially on low-liquidity pairs.

What Beginner-Friendly Tools Do Crypto Exchanges Usually Offer?

Many exchanges offer demo accounts for practice with virtual funds. Other helpful tools include price alerts, auto-invest features, educational content, and simple buy/sell options without complex charts or order types.

What Should I Know Before Starting to Trade?

  • Start small
    Begin with small amounts or try demo trading to understand how the market works without risking real money.
  • Avoid FOMO
    Price spikes can be short-lived. Jumping in too late can lead to losses.
  • Use limit orders
    They help control your entry price and reduce slippage or extra fees.
  • Watch for scams
    When using P2P platforms, always use the exchange’s escrow service to stay protected.
  • Enable 2FA
    Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. Apps like Google Authenticator are more secure than SMS.
  • Track your trades
    Apps like CoinGecko or Delta can help you monitor your performance and learn over time.
  • Diversify
    Spreading your funds across multiple coins can reduce risk.
  • Learn market basics
    Understanding market cycles and emotional trends like FOMO or FUD can help with decision-making.

What Are the Risks of Crypto Trading?

  • Market volatility
    Crypto prices can change rapidly, sometimes within minutes, making trading unpredictable.
  • Scams and phishing
    Fake links and emails can steal your funds. Always double-check URLs and use anti-phishing codes if available.
  • Regulatory risks
    Some countries may suddenly restrict or ban crypto trading. It’s safer to use exchanges regulated in your region.
  • Over-leveraging
    Using too much leverage without experience can lead to fast and significant losses.

Should I Keep My Crypto on the Exchange or Transfer It Elsewhere?

Keeping small amounts on an exchange is common for active trading. For long-term or larger holdings, many users choose external wallets like Ledger, Trust Wallet, or Phantom to reduce the risk of hacks or frozen withdrawals.

FAQ

Exchanges like Kraken, Coinbase, and Binance are popular among beginners due to their user-friendly interfaces, helpful educational resources, and simple onboarding processes.
Coinbase and Kraken are considered among the safest, thanks to strong regulatory oversight, cold storage, and advanced security features. Binance is widely used but has faced regulatory challenges and fines in some regions.
Kraken Pro, Binance, and Bybit offer competitive trading fees, typically 0.1% or less. MEXC stands out with 0% maker fees on spot and futures markets.
Coinbase and Kraken offer beginner-friendly mobile apps with clean layouts, quick-buy features, and price alerts, ideal for new users looking for a smooth start.
Yes, most major exchanges support small trades, making $100 enough to get started. Many users begin with small amounts to learn before scaling up.
Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is one of the simplest strategies, helping reduce the impact of market volatility over time. Advanced strategies like swing trading or scalping can offer higher returns but come with more risk.
No, centralized exchanges provide built-in wallets for storing your crypto. However, for long-term storage or large amounts, many users prefer hardware wallets for extra security.
Look for licensing details on the exchange’s website. Regulated platforms usually display their licenses for transparency. Lack of regulatory info may be a red flag.
If an exchange is hacked, funds could be at risk. Reputable platforms may offer insurance or reimburse users through reserves. Many users store high-value assets in hardware wallets to minimize risk.

About the Author

Shennon Hewa is a crypto trader and crypto journalist based in London. Active in the crypto space since 2017, he specializes in scalping, derivatives day trading, and swing trading. At FXEmpire, he has reviewed dozens of crypto exchanges and has extensive knowledge of platform strengths and weaknesses.

Why you can trust FX Empire

At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough, and accurate exchange reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.

Why you can trust FX Empire

Founded in 2011, FXEmpire has established itself as one of the pioneering forex broker review sites and has seamlessly extended its expertise to the world of cryptocurrency. You can trust FXEmpire because of our thorough and unbiased review process. With over a decade of experience, we have a team of industry experts who conduct rigorous tests to ensure our reviews are accurate and unbiased. Our reviews aim to bring clarity and confidence to your cryptocurrency selection process, relying on objective criteria and measurable data. Our editorial team, composed of trading industry professionals and seasoned financial journalists, ensures our reviews are trustworthy and objective. Additionally, our review system is based on 6 core categories and over 200 distinct variables, covering all aspects of a crypto platform before giving a final rating. With FXEmpire, you can trust that you are receiving honest and informative reviews that will help you make an informed decision on which crypto platform will best enable you to reach your financial goals.