Best Apps For Buying Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a new and intriguing concept to most people. It’s not just a new concept, it’s an emerging market. While it is currently volatile, it is also becoming one of the biggest areas of investment. While investing in cryptocurrency is an exciting idea, it can be a bit of a scary process. This blog will look at the best apps to buy cryptocurrencies.

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Cryptocurrency
Best Cryptocurrency Apps and Exchanges for May 2022
by:
Matt Frankel, CFP®
| Updated May 17, 2022
Many or all of the products here are from our partners that pay us a commission. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
Cryptocurrencies have become far more accessible for the average American after their recent rise in popularity. Several brokerage firms now allow investors to buy and sell cryptocurrencies right alongside their stocks, mutual funds, and other investments. Some of the top cryptocurrency exchanges have made the process more user-friendly than ever, especially those with the best cryptocurrency trading apps.

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Investing in cryptocurrencies may not be right for everyone, as they’re still a somewhat speculative investment. Whether or not they make money in the long term, investors can expect a roller coaster ride. That said, if you believe in the long-term potential of cryptocurrencies and have a fairly high risk tolerance, there’s nothing wrong with holding some digital currency as a long-term investment.

With that in mind, here are some of the best crypto exchanges for May 2022. These include brokers, exchanges, and apps you can use to start building your own cryptocurrency portfolio today.

The Ascent’s best cryptocurrency apps and exchanges:
Show The List [+]
Ratings Methodology
Coinbase
Coinbase

OPEN ACCOUNT Double arrow
Our Rating:

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.

4.50 stars
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
BOTTOM LINE

Coinbase shines with its vast array of cryptocurrencies available. There’s also an advanced trading platform for serious cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Plus, you can earn some free cryptocurrencies if you’re willing to take some educational courses.
Read Full Review
FEES:

$0.99-$2.99 (Coinbase), 0%-0.50% (Coinbase Pro)

ACCOUNT MINIMUM:

SPECIAL OFFER

Earn $5 in bitcoin when you place your first trade.

Open Accountfor Coinbase

Gemini Exchange
Gemini Exchange

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Our Rating:

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.

Offers a nice range of cryptocurrencies and a simple-to-use app experience. The Gemini Earn feature is also a standout perk and pays interest on idle cryptocurrencies at high rates.
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FEES:

$0.99-$2.99 for orders under $200, 1.49% for orders greater than $200

ACCOUNT MINIMUM:

SPECIAL OFFER

New users: Earn $50 BTC when investing $1,000 or more within 30 days

Open Accountfor Gemini Exchange
Robinhood
Robinhood

OPEN ACCOUNT Double arrow
Our Rating:

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.

Among the best apps to buy cryptocurrencies and traditional investments like stocks and options under one roof. It has wide array of popular cryptocurrencies and gives immediate access to deposits. Plus, cryptocurrency trading on Robinhood is 100% commission free.
Read Full Review
FEES:

$0 for stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies

ACCOUNT MINIMUM:

Open Accountfor Robinhood
Certain Limitations Apply

SoFi Active Investing
SoFi Active Investing

OPEN ACCOUNT Double arrow
Our Rating:

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.

4.00 stars
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
BOTTOM LINE

SoFi Active Investing has a well-rounded financial ecosystem. SoFi Members can buy and sell five different cryptocurrencies. They can take out loans, save, and trade stocks. SoFi does charge a markup, but the all-in-one convenience of the platform could still make it worth a look.
Read Full Review
FEES:

$0 for stocks, 1.25% for cryptocurrencies

ACCOUNT MINIMUM:

SPECIAL OFFER

Get up to $100 in crypto with a qualifying first trade

Open Accountfor SoFi Active Investing
eToro
eToro

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Our Rating:

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.

eToro has a good selection cryptocurrencies on its platform. It also offers some unique offerings, such as social network-like commentating capabilities and the ability to follow and match the investments of other cryptocurrency traders.
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FEES:

1% fee for buying or selling crypto

ACCOUNT MINIMUM:

$50

SPECIAL OFFER

Trade $100 get $10

Open Accountfor eToro
eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal.

Cash App Investing
Cash App Investing

Our Rating:

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.

Square’s Cash App only offers bitcoin. But it could be a smart choice for people who only want to buy, sell, and hold the leading cryptocurrency. Plus, the popular finance app has some other great features, such as stock trading and person-to-person payments.
FEES:

$0 for stocks, fees vary for cryptocurrencies

ACCOUNT MINIMUM:

Read Review
TIP

The right crypto investing mindset
Investing in crypto can be extremely risky. We think investors should approach these assets like any other technological investment — with a long-term mindset and the expectation of ups and downs. The Fool realizes there may be opportunities for investors. We do actively recommend select cryptocurrencies to our community. But we encourage everyone to be well versed prior to investing to understand the potential risks and rewards.

Where can you buy cryptocurrency?
If you’re wondering where to buy cryptocurrency, you have several options. The best places to buy cryptocurrency can generally be separated into two main baskets:

Brokerages. A brokerage is a company that facilitates the purchase and sale of investments, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Several of the best stock brokers now offer cryptocurrency trading through their platforms. These can be desktop-based, app-based, or both.
Exchanges. A cryptocurrency exchange facilitates the buying and selling of digital currencies. The biggest difference is that brokerages offer other investment vehicles. Cryptocurrency exchanges don’t.
Whether you go with a broker or an exchange, make sure it has the functionality you need. For example, if you want to buy cryptocurrency on your mobile, look for the best cryptocurrency app.

It’s also possible to buy cryptocurrencies directly from other people. This used to be far more popular in the early days of Bitcoin. However, that can get a little complicated and is beyond the scope of this discussion.

What is a cryptocurrency exchange?
A cryptocurrency exchange is a company that facilitates cryptocurrency transactions. Cryptocurrency exchange customers can buy and sell various digital currencies. They may also be able to do the following through the exchange’s platform (not an exhaustive list):

Exchange one type of cryptocurrency for another at prevailing exchange rates.
Exchange cryptocurrency for fiat currency (like U.S. dollars), or for cryptocurrencies tied to fiat currencies.
Spend cryptocurrencies, for example, using a linked debit card.
Access educational resources to learn about digital currencies.
Many of the best crypto exchanges have mobile apps which offer convenience if you plan to trade digital assets on the go

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Features of the best cryptocurrency apps and exchanges
There are several great cryptocurrency apps on the market. To choose the best exchange, you’ll need to decide on which features matter most to you.

Here are a few to consider:

Security. Look at the exchange’s security features to see how many of its assets are kept offline in cold storage, whether it has private insurance, and whether it is part of a bug bounty program that encourages ethical hackers to report any weaknesses. You can also find out whether the exchange has ever been hacked.
Customer service. If you’re new to cryptocurrency investing, 24/7 customer service is a must. Nobody wants to wade through pages of FAQ to get help because money hasn’t arrived in their account.
Range of currencies. There are over 4,000 cryptocurrencies, but even big exchanges only offer 50 to 150 coins. On most platforms, you’ll likely be able to buy Bitcoin and one or two other major currencies. But if you want to buy a specific currency or plan to invest in some of the smaller coins, you’ll need an exchange that has some variety.
Ease of use. Cryptocurrency apps have developed rapidly as more people want to invest. However, at times that fast development has come at the cost of user-friendliness. Make sure the app has the features you want to use, and if you’ve never traded before, pick one that is beginner-friendly.
Fees. Paying unnecessary fees is throwing money away, whether you’re choosing a bank, a brokerage, or the best cryptocurrency exchange. Check how much it costs to deposit, withdraw, and trade before you open an account. It’s also worth checking the withdrawal and deposit options to make sure they work for you.
Research. Cryptocurrencies are a relatively new kind of investment, so the more you can learn, the better. Some apps include cryptocurrency learning centers as well as information on specific coins.
Interest earning. Several cryptocurrency exchanges offer ways to earn interest on your coins. Make sure you understand and are comfortable with how the interest is generated. The exchange may loan out your money, or it may pay you staking fees if you commit to leaving your coins alone for a set period.
Location. Some exchanges cannot operate in every U.S. state. Make sure the exchange you choose covers your state and complies with U.S. crypto regulations.
Learn more about the best crypto exchanges
Compare top exchanges, view our expert reviews, and find the right platform for your needs.

Cryptocurrency Reviews
Cryptocurrency exchanges vs. brokers
By definition, a broker is an intermediary between two parties. It typically involves a financial transaction. For example, a real estate broker facilitates transactions between buyers and sellers of real estate.

So, technically speaking, cryptocurrency exchanges can be considered brokers. However, as we discussed above, there are two different types of intermediaries that facilitate the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency exchanges, which allow users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies only. And brokerages that offer cryptocurrency trading alongside other investments like stocks and bonds.

They are all technically brokers. But there are two distinct types of businesses you can use to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.

What is the best Bitcoin trading app?
Binance.US won The Ascent’s 2022 award for best cryptocurrency exchange for Bitcoin. It has excellent security credentials, and offers a wide range of features for beginner and advanced traders.

Outside of focusing on just Bitcoin, Gemini stands out as one of the best cryptocurrency trading apps because you can do more than just buy Bitcoin. Gemini Earn pays interest on cryptocurrencies, and Gemini Pay lets you spend your Bitcoin at over 30,000 stores.

The best Bitcoin trading app depends on your personal needs, and there are many good apps on the market. Before you download an app, think about everything you want it to do. For example, if you want to buy and hold Bitcoin, your needs are different from those of a person who plans to build up a diverse portfolio of coins.

Learn more: Best Places to Buy Bitcoin in 2022

Do you need a cryptocurrency wallet?
Cryptocurrency wallets are a safe way to store your digital assets, but you really only need one if you plan to amass large amounts of crypto assets or want to spend your crypto easily. The cryptocurrency you own is protected by public and private keys — a bit like your PIN and bank account number. You use a wallet to store your encrypted keys and keep them safe.

There are two types of wallet:

Cold wallet. This is usually a piece of hardware that is kept offline, making it extremely difficult to hack. Cold wallets cost between $50 and $150, and are often considered the safest way to store digital currencies.
Hot wallet. Hot wallets are connected to the internet, so they are not as secure. However, like normal wallets, they are a convenient place to keep small amounts of crypto you might want to use.
Until recently, when cryptocurrency became more mainstream, wallets were a lot more necessary. In the early days, several cryptocurrency exchanges fell victim to hacks. And at that point, if your crypto was stolen, there was no way to get it back. So long-term crypto enthusiasts use exchanges only for trading, and store their coins in their own wallets.

However, these days, it is a lot safer to leave your coins with the exchange or brokerage where you bought them. The best app for cryptocurrency will have excellent security and store your assets offline in cold storage. Several companies also insure the crypto assets they hold.

Moreover, some platforms don’t give you the option to move your digital currencies. For example, the crypto platforms offered by Robinhood or SoFi Active Investing are designed for investment purposes. So if you bought Bitcoin with them, you wouldn’t be able to move it out of your account.

In contrast, some of the best exchanges, like Coinbase and Gemini, have built-in wallets. Like any good exchange, each lets you transfer your currency to an external wallet as well, though you may have to pay a withdrawal fee. You may have to find a wallet that is compatible with your exchange.

Think about what you plan to do with your cryptocurrencies before you buy them. If you are investing long term and want to buy and hold, you may be happy to entrust your crypto keys to the exchange or brokerage. But if you plan to trade regularly or want to spend your coins, a wallet may make sense. In which case, you’ll need to look for the best app for trading cryptocurrency that will connect easily to your wallet.

Learn more: How to safely store cryptocurrency

What fees can you expect with the best cryptocurrency exchanges?
If you’re looking for the best cryptocurrency app, fees play an important role.

Here are some fees to watch out for:

Trading fees. Fees vary depending on the exchange and type of trade. You can find fee-free trading, but you’re more likely to have to pay between 0.1% and 0.5% per trade. Fees usually get lower if you trade high volumes, and you can sometimes reduce the cost further by using the exchange’s native coin.
Deposit fees. A lot of the best cryptocurrency trading apps let you transfer money from your bank account for free. But it is worth checking, as some will charge up to 1.5%, especially if you use a debit card. If you want to pay by credit card, be aware that you’re likely to get charged at least 3.5% and your bank may also treat it as a cash advance.
Withdrawal fees. As we saw above, you can’t currently withdraw your digital assets from traditional brokerages that are trading cryptocurrencies. The exchanges usually charge a set fee depending on the currency you want to withdraw. You can check the exact fees on their websites.
Fees can really eat into your profits, especially if you trade regularly. The best cryptocurrency trading app will let you trade, deposit, and withdraw your money at a minimal cost.

Are cryptocurrencies safe?
There are two components to cryptocurrency safety — security and investment volatility.

Let’s first look at the security of your cryptocurrency investments.

Security
The cryptocurrency you hold in your account in a broker or exchange is typically very secure. That’s as long as you use a reputable exchange or broker (like all of those mentioned here). Indeed, one of the selling points of Bitcoin’s blockchain is its security.

Most of the top cryptocurrency exchanges keep the bulk of their digital assets in “cold storage.” This means they are stored offline and aren’t at risk of being hacked or stolen. In the earlier days of cryptocurrencies, there was a risk of exchanges being hacked, but these issues have largely been dealt with.

Alternatively, as discussed above, you can opt to keep your cryptocurrencies in a separate digital wallet of your own. You could even use one to create your own offline storage. However, the security and functionality of the major exchanges should be enough for most investors. Bear in mind that you’ll need to take steps to secure your account too — even the best app for cryptocurrency won’t be protected if you don’t enable two-factor authentication and set up strong passwords.

Now let’s consider safety from an investment perspective.

Investment volatility
It’s important to point out that cryptocurrencies — even Bitcoin, the largest and most-established one — are a young asset class and are rather volatile. This is especially true for the smaller cryptocurrencies in the market. So, you need to be ready to withstand major price swings over time. And, just as with other investments, don’t invest money you can’t afford to lose.

OFFER BEST FOR COMMISSIONS NEXT STEPS
Coinbase Offer Image
Coinbase

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.

Trading platform and crypto selection

$0.99-$2.99 (Coinbase), 0%-0.50% (Coinbase Pro)

Open Accountfor Coinbase
Gemini Exchange Offer Image
Gemini Exchange

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.

Investing simplicity and high interest rates

$0.99-$2.99 for orders under $200, 1.49% for orders greater than $200

Open Accountfor Gemini Exchange
Robinhood Offer Image
Robinhood

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.

Diversified investing needs

$0 for stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies

Open Accountfor Robinhood
Certain Limitations Apply

SoFi Active Investing Offer Image
SoFi Active Investing

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.

Membership ecosystem

$0 for stocks, 1.25% for cryptocurrencies

Open Accountfor SoFi Active Investing
eToro Offer Image
eToro

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.

Finding new cryptocurrency investing strategies

1% fee for buying or selling crypto

Open Accountfor eToro
eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal.

Cash App Investing Offer Image
Cash App Investing

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.

Investing and peer-to-peer payment

$0 for stocks, fees vary for cryptocurrencies

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FAQs
Are cryptocurrency apps safe?

Which cryptocurrency app has the most coins?

What’s the best cryptocurrency app for beginners?

What’s the difference between a cryptocurrency exchange and broker?

What are the costs to buy cryptocurrencies?

Are cryptocurrencies legit?

Ask the experts
Hailey Lennon
Hailey Lennon

Partner at Anderson Kill

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matt Frankel, CFP®
Matt Frankel, CFP®
Matt is a Certified Financial Planner® and investment advisor based in Columbia, South Carolina. He writes personal finance and investment advice for The Ascent and its parent company The Motley Fool, with more than 4,500 published articles and a 2017 SABEW Best in Business award. Matt writes a weekly investment column (“Ask a Fool”) that is syndicated in USA Today, and his work has been regularly featured on CNBC, Fox Business, MSN Money, and many other major outlets. He’s a graduate of the University of South Carolina and Nova Southeastern University, and holds a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University.

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Robinhood disclosure

This advertisement contains information and materials provided by Robinhood Financial LLC and its affiliates (“Robinhood”) and Publisher, a third party not affiliated with Robinhood. All investments involve risk and the past performance of a security, or financial product does not guarantee future results or returns. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC and Robinhood Securities LLC, which are members of FINRA and SIPC. Publisher is not a member of FINRA or SIPC.

Robinhood Crypto disclosure

This advertisement contains information and materials provided by Robinhood Financial LLC, Robinhood Securities LLC and its affiliates (“Robinhood”) and Publisher, a third party not affiliated with Robinhood. All investments involve risk and the past performance of a security, or financial product does not guarantee future results or returns. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, a member of FINRA and SIPC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Robinhood Markets, Inc. Cryptocurrency trading offered through Robinhood Crypto LLC. Robinhood Crypto and Publisher are not a members of FINRA or SIPC and cryptocurrencies are not stocks and your cryptocurrency investments are not protected by either FDIC or SIPC insurance.

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