Digital Asset Exchanges are the central services through which you’re able to trade or “invest” into “crypto” systems. They provide a safe, secure and manageable system through which you’re able to buy “crypto” tokens from other people…
There are a large number of “crypto” exchanges – with CoinBase being the most popular by far. This exchange also allegedly recorded revenues of just over $1bn last year (2017), due primarily to the massive influx of retail traders buying up the various “crypto” tokens. Whilst each “crypto” service has its own quirks, the most common traits are that they will typically only provision the trade of “Bitcoin” for “fiat” currency. Most systems will not touch “alt” coins because they have such low values, and such volatile prices.
To this end, two types of exchange have grown – fiat/crypto and crypto/crypto.
The likes of Binance – for example – give you the ability to trade crypto/crypto, not permitting any fiat transactions at all. Therefore, if you wanted to buy “Litecoin” or something, you typically have to buy Bitcoin through the likes of CoinBase, and then transfer the BTC into Litecoin via Binance.
Unlike traditional “currency” exchange services, the “crypto” exchanges do not handle the currencies directly. Whilst it’s true that they will store the tokens in their infrastructure, it’s almost always the case that they will actually just act as a “wallet” for you – meaning that when they find a buyer, they trigger the sending process without you having to do anything.
List of the best Crypto Exchanges
CoinBase
One of the most reputable bitcoin exchanges available, Coinbase is popular among fans of the ‘dollar cost averaging’ method, where users can automate bitcoin purchase every week or month. It is a no-fuss platform for just bitcoin buying and selling.
Binance
Binance is a popular Chinese cryptocurrency exchange, which is popular for its crypto to crypto exchange services. While the company is still fairly new on the market, it has managed to gain a lot of popularity thanks to its impressive number of Initial Coin Offering listings, but also due to its low trading fees.
Blockfi
The old way of doing things doesn’t cut it anymore. With BlockFi, you can use cryptocurrency to earn interest at up to 8.6% APY, borrow cash, and buy or sell crypto. There are no hidden fees, no minimum balances, and no reason to wait.
Paxful
Paxful is changing the world of finance. In just five years, we’ve become one of the leading peer-to-peer bitcoin marketplaces used by millions around the world. And we’re just getting started.
BitBuy
Bitbuy makes it simple to buy, sell, and manage your cryptocurrency portfolio. Get started today with our easy-to-follow guide to opening an account.
BTCC
BTCC is one of the leading digital asset trading platforms in the world. Founded in June 2011 in Shanghai. BTCC raised USD 5 million in a Series A funding from the Lightspeed Venture Capital in 2013.Later in January 2018, BTCC set up a headquarter in Hong Kong, and open new offices in the United Kingdom and other countries. The move marked the internationalization of BTCC as we are committed to provide stable, transparent, and fair investment services to users across the globe by integrating Blockchain technology with Fintech.
Cex.io
CEX.io is one of the oldest Bitcoin exchanges around. It started out in 2013 in London as a Bitcoin exchange and cloud mining provider. At some point its mining pool, known as Ghash.io, was so big it held 42percent of the total network mining power.
Kraken
A trading-focused bitcoin service provider, Kraken appeals to bitcoin traders as you can leverage and even short on the platform. They are very reputable and was one of the first bitcoin exchanges to pass an independent audit.
