Looking for the best exchange to buy crypto with a credit card or wire transfer? This year, our experts reviewed 50+ platforms to highlight the top 7, with pros, cons, and key insights.
Our evaluation of options trading platforms is based on the following key criteria:
Exchange | Ranking | Taker/Maker | Available Crypto | Accepts Fiat | Payment Methods | KYC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Binance | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 396 | Yes | +1 | Yes |
Coinbase Exchange | 4.0 Read Review | 1.2% / 0.6% | 0 | No | +6 | Yes |
Kraken | 3.9 Read Review | 0.4% / 0.25% | 409 | Yes | +3 | Yes |
Bitget | 4.3 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 690 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
MEXC | 4.2 Read Review | 0.01% / 0% | 0 | No | +3 | No |
BTCC | No Rating Read Review | 0.3% / 0.2% | 237 | No | Optional KYC (Required for Fiat Services) | |
Blofin | 3.8 Read Review | 0.6% / 0.6% | 0 | No | +8 | No |
Binance is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, based on trading volume and user base. It offers many crypto services, including spot trading, staking, fiat on-ramps, and P2P trading. Binance has built a strong reputation for its reliability, deep market liquidity, and low trading fees, making it a go-to choice for users across all experience levels.
Launched in 2012, Coinbase is a US-based, publicly traded company that has become one of the most popular fiat on-ramp platforms for American crypto investors and traders.
Kraken is a US-based exchange and one of the longest-running platforms in the industry. Known for its flawless security record and strong focus on compliance, Kraken holds licenses from regulatory authorities across the EU, US, and UK.
Bitget is an exchange based in Singapore. It is best known for its advanced trading platform, which includes spot, margin, futures, bot, and copy trading.
MEXC is a Seychelles-based exchange known for offering one of the largest selections of spot tokens and some of the lowest trading fees in the industry.
BTCC is a non-KYC exchange founded in 2011, known for its global reach, competitive fees, and strong regulatory compliance.
Blofin is a non-KYC exchange founded in 2019. It offers a strong derivatives platform, competitive fees, and fiat access through integrated third-party providers.
When choosing a fiat-to-crypto exchange, consider these key features:
Fiat currency support varies by exchange. Major platforms like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken offer direct deposits for widely used currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, and AUD. Some regional exchanges, like Bitso, focus on local fiat options.
Many large exchanges now feature a Buy Crypto or One-Click service that supports hundreds of fiat currencies. However, these often rely on bank card payments, which may come with higher transaction and conversion fees.
Most exchanges support:
P2P trading platforms:
“One-Click Buy” (also called Buy Crypto) is a simplified feature for purchasing crypto instantly. You choose a coin, enter an amount in your local currency, and pay with a bank card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. It’s ideal for beginners: no manual bank transfers or trading screens required.
P2P (peer-to-peer) trading lets you buy crypto directly from other users and often supports local payment methods. The exchange acts as an escrow service, holding the crypto during the transaction to protect both parties. P2P can be useful in regions with limited banking access, but it carries added risks if you’re not cautious.
Look for exchanges that offer the following security features:
Yes, some exchanges allow you to hold fiat in your account balance, especially regulated platforms like Kraken and Coinbase. However, not all fiat balances are insured, so it’s essential to check whether the platform offers protection or insurance on your deposits.
Deposit fees depend on the payment method:
Yes. Choosing a platform regulated in your region offers:
Buying crypto with fiat is usually faster, easier, and safer. Fiat-to-crypto exchanges offer:
P2P and wallet transfers may offer lower fees and more payment options, but they come with higher risk and often involve more steps.
Avoid using unregulated or poorly rated exchanges. Deposit fiat only on regulated platforms that offer insurance coverage on fiat balances. Also, make sure the exchange holds user funds in segregated accounts and works with banking partners based in the US, UK, or Europe, as this typically offers greater stability and protection.
Yes. In many countries, converting fiat to crypto is a taxable event, even if you don’t owe taxes immediately. Future profits or losses from selling, trading, or using crypto may be subject to capital gains tax. Always check your local tax laws or speak with an accountant experienced in crypto reporting.
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.
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough, and accurate exchange reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.