cryptocurrency exchange

Cryptocurrency Exchanges: What They Are and How To Choose

As we know, many new cryptocurrencies are launched in the ecosystem monthly. Crypto investors are curious to know where to store their digital currency and how to make informed investment decisions. If you are ready to invest, you cannot buy cryptocurrencies from a firm or financial institution. Instead, you need to create an account on a crypto exchange for your digital assets. Then you can start making cryptocurrency investments, but before that, you should know how to choose a cryptocurrency exchange. 

Yes, many crypto exchanges are available in the market, and we need to choose the best one after looking at all the features and functionalities of the exchange. So, let us know what crypto exchange is.

What is a Crypto Exchange?

A crypto exchange is a platform where you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies. For example, you can trade one crypto for another or buy crypto directly from Fiat currency, such as the US dollar. With these cryptocurrency exchanges, you can convert your coins back into US dollars or any other currency.

No crypto exchange fits everyone; you need to figure out the best one that aligns with your goals. Investors opt for a cryptocurrency exchange because of relatively lower fees. However, they must remember that every exchange could be more beginner-friendly; some have complex functionalities.

That’s why beginners should compare the cryptocurrency exchange with each other. You should know the primary difference between platforms and find the best one that works for you.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cryptocurrency exchange verifies all the accounts according to AML and KYC standards.
  • It allows withdrawing funds directly to their crypto wallet.
  • A crypto exchange platform can only work with a trading engine, which helps in tracking bids, opening orders, generating new trades, etc.
  • Some crypto exchanges also offer interest in keeping crypto in the exchange. Users should understand the interest-earning policy of the platforms.

How to choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange?

While choosing a crypto exchange, users should consider all the risk parameters associated with investing in cryptocurrencies. With high risk and short-term gain potential, smart contracts have become a prominent part of crypto investment.

It is a challenging task to choose the best crypto exchange. You need to consider some factors before making your decision. Let us know about those factors. 

  • You need to be cautious

The first thing you need to keep in mind is to figure out the frauds and scams. These things negatively impact investors’ minds, so you need to be very careful about them.

How can we find out whether the crypto exchange is legit or not?

Well, you need to look at the physical address of the exchange. You shouldn’t choose that exchange if there is no physical address available. If your account is hacked, you can address the issue with the help of a physical address. Transparency is a key that defines whether the platform is legit or not.

Second, you should check where the exchange is based because you need such information to get a good sense of the legal ramifications of your investments. 

  • User Experience

User Experience is another essential factor to consider when choosing a crypto exchange. We all want a smooth and pleasant experience, so never underestimate these features. Do a thing, ask yourself whether the exchange gives you a modern feel.

Rather than sticking to a crypto exchange, you should try different exchanges, analyze which exchange is giving you a smooth ride, and select the best exchange accordingly. 

  • Fees and Pairs

After doing a lot of research, you will conclude the exchange with an excellent reputation, stellar history, and no hacks or scams history. Yes, that’s a great start, but you should know the exchange impacts your daily investment.

For that, you should consider the factor of fees and pairs. First, you should know how frequently you will place trades; if you place trades daily, you should opt for an exchange with relatively lower fees than others. However, if you invest in a single crypto for the long term, then fees will make a small impact.

Another thing you should look at is to check how many crypto pairs the exchange is providing. You should have extensive knowledge of the number of coins in circulation. Coinbase is one of the popular exchanges that offer limited currencies options.

However, they focus on security, user experience, and other considerations. So, remember to consider such basic things for a better experience. 

  • Security 

Security is one of the most critical factors you should consider because, in the past few years, security has been the biggest concern. You can use your judgment; if the exchange allows you to create an account quickly, it means they are not trustworthy.

What if your digital currencies disappeared on those exchanges? You will find it very difficult to retrieve your money in those situations.

Regardless of choosing your exchange, it will be an excellent option to store most of your currencies in offline storage, such as a cold wallet.

The exchanges are also providing information on their security measures. While no crypto exchange is 100% secure, you need to figure out which exchange has been serving a long time with a vast customer base and has minor issues. 

  • Liquidity

Liquidity is another important factor we must consider while choosing a crypto exchange. It means the availability of buyers and sellers willing to trade at a prescribed time.

As we know, cryptocurrency markets have high volatility, and High liquidity will help you find buyers and sellers easily without waiting for so long. Infect, it will be constructive in finding a better price for your trades because of the high competition in the market.

So, always make sure that the crypto exchange has high liquidity so that you can benefit from quick and profitable trades. 

  • Customer Support

Knowledgeable and responsive customer support should be the priority of investors. Beginners have questions regarding crypto’s basics and how the exchange works. 

Commonly, you will have to face problems at some point, and we will always expect to find quick solutions. Sometimes, we need a quick response from the support team, especially when we are staking. Getting a response in a week can raise financial consequences.

Investors should always check the reputation of customer support of a specific exchange. Ensure that they are making a quick response, customers are satisfied, and they prioritize it. 

  • Deposits and Withdrawal Limits

It will be frustrating if you want to withdraw your amount and you can’t because you need to meet the withdrawal limit. We know that you want to hold as long as possible, but at some time, you need to withdraw your amount.

Here, you need to research and find an exchange with no withdrawal limit. These exchanges limit how much money a user can withdraw in a specific timeframe.

Some popular crypto exchanges limit how much crypto you can withdraw in a specific period. Crypto investing will become a daunting task if you have some strict deposit and withdrawal limits, so always do your research. 

  • Jurisdiction

You must ensure that the crypto exchange serves your country and the state where you live. Subsequently, different jurisdictions have different regulations and market caps, which can affect risk tolerance also.

Some websites have a specific address for each country too. Like, US-based users will visit exchange.us rather than exchange.com. It is because the jurisdiction reflects the target market and allows them to run their business due to specific rules and regulations.

Once you have all this information, you can ensure that the risk tolerance matches up with what you are investing in.

Final Words

Choosing the best crypto exchange is complicated; finding the best one requires diligence and recognizing efforts.

While choosing the exchange, you need to consider some critical factors, such as fees, jurisdiction, security, etc., to have the best trading experience.

Sounds good? There are a lot of things that you need to take into account to choose an exchange. More than 270 crypto exchanges are available in the market, so you need to go with profound research to find the best exchange.

FAQs

Q. Which crypto exchanges are considered the most secure?

Ans. The crypto exchanges with more users and the most prominent team supporting the network are considered the most secure exchanges. Such exchanges also take some effective security measures to secure users’ funds.

Q. How can I be sure whether the crypto exchange is legitimate?

Ans. First, check the physical address of the exchange; if there is no physical address, it means the exchange is not trustworthy. Transparency is the crucial point of legitimacy.

Q. Why choose a cryptocurrency exchange?

Ans. A crypto exchange also works like a broker but offers numerous easy ways to buy and sell crypto. Together with this, they offer security features with a wallet option on their storage. Crypto exchanges are also offering custodial key storage for user’s convenience.

Q. Do these crypto exchanges charge a fee?

Ans. Yes, most crypto exchanges do; it depends on the size of the transaction and your trading activity. That’s why it is essential to research and choose an exchange with minimal fees.