The best crypto app for you will depend heavily on your investing or trading goals and level of experience with cryptocurrencies. We break down all of that to help you choose.
Chris Davis is a Managing Editor on the Investing team. As a writer, he covered the stock market, investing strategies and investment accounts, and as a spokesperson, he appeared on NBC Bay Area and was quoted in Forbes, Apartment Therapy, Martha Stewart and Lifewire, among others. His work has appeared in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, MSN, Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, Newsday and TheStreet.
Arielle O’Shea leads the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet. She has covered personal finance and investing for nearly 20 years, and was a senior writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet before becoming an assigning editor. Previously, she was a researcher and reporter for leading personal finance journalist and author Jean Chatzky, a role that included developing financial education programs, interviewing subject matter experts and helping to produce television and radio segments. Arielle has appeared on the “Today” show, NBC News and ABCs “World News Tonight,” and has been quoted in national publications including The New York Times, MarketWatch and Bloomberg News. She is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Chris Davis is a Managing Editor on the Investing team. As a writer, he covered the stock market, investing strategies and investment accounts, and as a spokesperson, he appeared on NBC Bay Area and was quoted in Forbes, Apartment Therapy, Martha Stewart and Lifewire, among others. His work has appeared in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, MSN, Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, Newsday and TheStreet.
Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.
Our deep, independent analysis of crypto exchanges and online brokers that offer crypto sorts through key account details to find and evaluate the information investors want when choosing the best crypto exchange or platform for them. To see our full methodology and learn more about our process, read our criteria for how we evaluate crypto platforms and exchanges.
Over 20 crypto platforms and wallets reviewed and rated by our expert Nerds.
Hands-on testing of platforms where possible, including the account funding and trading processes.
Our writers and editors have reviewed the top crypto exchanges, both pure-play platforms and online brokers that offer cryptocurrency. Weve compared these products across dozens of factors, including fees, cryptocurrency selection, advanced trading options and customer service offerings. We then narrowed down the list to the best overall crypto platforms and apps. Among those, these three stood out above the rest as the best exchanges right now:
However, there may be other crypto exchanges below that appeal to certain types of investors, such as more advanced crypto traders or those who already have an account with an online broker and want to house all their investments under one roof.
In a digital landscape where cybersecurity threats loom large, choosing the safest crypto app isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your hard-earned investments. With crypto hacks and exchange failures making headlines, security has become the top priority for crypto investors both new and seasoned.
I’ve spent countless hours researching the most secure crypto platforms, and I’m here to share what I’ve found. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch to a more secure exchange this guide will help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of crypto security.
What Makes a Crypto App Safe?
Before diving into specific platforms, let’s clarify what actually makes a crypto exchange secure:
- Regulatory compliance – Exchanges operating within regulatory frameworks
- Insurance coverage – Protection against potential hacks or failures
- Security features – Two-factor authentication, cold storage, etc.
- Transparency – Clear communication about security practices
- Track record – History of handling security incidents
The Safest Crypto Platforms in 2025
Based on NerdWallet’s comprehensive reviews and my own research, these are the most secure crypto exchanges currently operating:
1. Coinbase – Best for Beginners with Strong Security
Coinbase has established itself as one of the most trusted names in the crypto space, especially for newcomers. Here’s why it stands out from a security perspective:
- Insurance coverage: Maintains insurance policies that protect against theft and cybersecurity breaches
- Regulatory compliance: Registered with FinCEN as a Money Services Business
- Cold storage: Stores 98% of customer funds offline in cold storage vaults
- Two-factor authentication: Requires additional verification for account access
- FDIC insurance: USD balances are covered up to $250,000
While Coinbase’s fees aren’t the lowest (ranging from 0% to 4% depending on transaction type) the peace of mind from their security measures might be worth the cost for many users.
2. Gemini – Security-First Approach
Founded by the Winklevoss twins, Gemini has built its reputation around regulatory compliance and security:
- SOC certification: Completes SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 examinations
- Insurance coverage: Digital assets insured in cold storage
- Whitelisting: Option to restrict withdrawals to pre-approved addresses
- Hardware security keys: Support for physical security keys like YubiKey
- New York trust charter: Operates under strict regulatory oversight
Gemini’s fees range from 0.03% to 3.49% depending on platform and payment method but their security measures and $20 BTC promotion for new users make them an attractive option.
3. Kraken – Top-Tier Security Features
Kraken has built a sterling reputation for security over its years of operation:
- Proof of reserves: Conducts audits to prove they hold all customer assets
- Global Security team: 24/7 monitoring by security professionals
- Air-gapped cold storage: Majority of funds stored in secure, offline wallets
- Bug bounty program: Rewards security researchers for finding vulnerabilities
- Penetration testing: Regular testing of security infrastructure
Kraken also offers some of the most extensive security settings for users to customize their account protection level.
4. Uphold – Impressive Security with Transparency
Rated 4.8/5 by NerdWallet, Uphold stands out with its strong security posture:
- Transparent reserves: Publishes real-time reserve status
- Multi-signature technology: Requires multiple approvals for transactions
- Biometric authentication: Additional layer of security on mobile
- Regular security audits: Conducted by third-party security firms
- Zero liability fraud protection: Protection against unauthorized transactions
With fees between 0.2% and 2.95% and a low $1 minimum deposit, Uphold makes secure crypto trading accessible to most investors.
Traditional Brokers with Secure Crypto Offerings
If you’re looking for the added security of an established financial institution, these traditional brokers now offer crypto trading:
1. Robinhood Crypto – Mainstream Security
- SIPC membership: While not covering crypto directly, shows financial stability
- Strong encryption: For personal information protection
- Free trades: $0 trading commission (though spread costs may apply)
- Integrated platform: Manage crypto alongside traditional investments
Robinhood doesn’t offer as many cryptocurrencies as pure crypto exchanges, but its established security infrastructure makes it a safe option for basic crypto investing.
2. Interactive Brokers Crypto – Institutional-Grade Security
With a 4.3/5 NerdWallet rating, Interactive Brokers brings its respected security practices to crypto:
- Regulatory oversight: Multiple international regulatory bodies
- Strong customer support: Helpful when dealing with security concerns
- Risk management tools: Advanced features to protect investments
- No crypto withdrawal fees: Unlike many exchanges
While they don’t offer staking, their capped 1% fee and established security make them a strong contender for safety-conscious investors.
3. Fidelity Crypto – Legacy Financial Security
Fidelity has brought its decades of financial security expertise to crypto:
- Established reputation: Long history of financial services security
- Institutional backing: Substantial resources for security infrastructure
- Limited selection: Only offers Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin (which may actually reduce risk exposure)
- Excellent customer support: Critical when dealing with security issues
Fidelity charges a 1% spread but no additional fees, making it a straightforward option for existing Fidelity customers.
Common Security Risks and How to Avoid Them
Even the safest platforms can’t protect you if you don’t practice good security habits:
Phishing Attacks
These remain one of the most common ways crypto gets stolen.
- Never click suspicious links in emails claiming to be from your exchange
- Always check the URL is correct before entering credentials
- Consider using a separate email just for your crypto accounts
Weak Password Protection
- Use unique, complex passwords for each exchange
- Enable 2FA using an authenticator app (not SMS)
- Consider a hardware security key for critical accounts
Insecure Networks
- Avoid trading crypto on public WiFi
- Use a VPN when accessing your accounts away from home
- Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches
How to Evaluate a Crypto Exchange’s Security
When researching any crypto platform, ask these questions:
- Where are funds stored? Look for exchanges that keep majority of assets in cold storage
- What insurance coverage is available? Both for digital assets and USD balances
- What security features are offered? 2FA, withdrawal delays, address whitelisting, etc.
- How transparent is their security policy? Clear documentation is a good sign
- How have they handled past incidents? Their response to previous issues reveals a lot
Important Considerations Beyond Security
While security should be your primary concern, don’t forget these other factors:
- Fees: Even the safest exchange isn’t worth excessive fees
- User experience: Security features should be intuitive to use
- Supported cryptocurrencies: Make sure they offer what you want to trade
- Educational resources: Especially important for beginners
- Customer service: Crucial when dealing with security-related issues
Self-Custody vs. Exchange Storage
The safest option might actually be taking custody of your own crypto through:
- Hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor
- Self-custodial software wallets with proper backup procedures
Remember: “Not your keys, not your crypto” is a popular saying for a reason. While exchanges have improved security dramatically, nothing beats proper self-custody for maximum security.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Final Decision
The “safest” crypto app ultimately depends on your specific needs and experience level. For beginners concerned with security, Coinbase and Gemini provide excellent protection with user-friendly interfaces. More experienced traders might prefer Kraken’s advanced security features.
Traditional brokers like Fidelity and Robinhood offer familiar environments with strong security for those already comfortable with mainstream financial platforms.
Whatever you choose, remember that no platform is 100% immune to security threats. Always practice good security hygiene by:
- Enabling all available security features
- Using unique, strong passwords
- Being vigilant against phishing attempts
- Only investing what you can afford to lose
What crypto exchange do you currently use, and what security features matter most to you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
Which crypto exchange offers the largest selection?
The number of coins on offer at crypto exchanges can vary widely. If youre looking to trade a specific cryptocurrency, youll want to confirm its available through the platform youre interested in. Generally speaking, if youre looking for anything more than Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum, you should probably consider a pure-play crypto exchange rather than a traditional broker with a crypto offering. This becomes clear when comparing the number of cryptocurrencies available at pure-play crypto platforms and traditional brokers above.
Do all of these exchanges support Bitcoin?
Yes, if all youre looking for is to gain exposure to Bitcoin, then any of the platforms above will easily offer that. Despite bouts of intense volatility, Bitcoin has endured, hitting a fresh all-time high in October. Its now gaining acceptance and adoption at the institutional level in the form of spot bitcoin ETFs and other financial products, likely adding to the assets upward momentum.
Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, has surged alongside Bitcoin this year, briefly setting a new all-time in August 2025. Much of this is due to favorable legislation around stablecoins. While Ethereum is not a stablecoin, many large stablecoins run on the Ethereum network. Similarly, Ethereum-based projects focused on “tokenizing” traditional aspects of finance, such as lending and stock trading, have gained momentum in 2025. Operating on the Ethereum network requires fees to be paid in its native currency, Ether. So as activity on the Ethereum blockchain heats up, demand for (and the price of) Ether goes up.
Top 6 Best Ways To Store Your CRYPTO!! How To Stay Safe!!
FAQ
Which crypto exchange has never been hacked?
Kraken is honestly the best mix of security + transparency. Never been hacked, super clear with regulators, and withdrawals are smooth. Coinbase is fine if you just want an easy app but man, those fees can really sting once you start trading more often.
What is the most trusted site to buy crypto?
- Coinbase, founded in 2012, is one of the largest and most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. …
- eToro is a global multi-asset platform, founded in 2007, offering stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies to U.S. users.
What is the most secure crypto?
Which cryptocurrency is most secure? Ethereum is considered to be the most secure cryptocurrency as compared to other digital assets. This is largely because its platform uses the blockchain technology, which is one of the most robust technologies for digital transactions.
Where is the most secure place to buy crypto?
- Bitget. 5.00 / 5. …
- WEEX. 3.00 / 5. …
- BuyUcoin. 4.00 / 5. …
- CEX.IO. 4.00 / 5. …
- Uniswap V2. 4.00 / 5. …
- Coinone. 4.33 / 5. …
- Zengo. 4.00 / 5. …
- BitMEX. 4.67 / 5. Established in 2014, BitMEX is a crypto-to-crypto exchange based in the Seychelles.