Category: Exchange Reviews

Review of Cryptocurrency exchanges. Learn which crypto-exchange is safe to use and have high liquidity.

  • Top Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges in 2022

    Top Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges in 2022

    This is an update of our previous top crypto exchanges article for 2021. A lot has changed since then and here’s what to look for in 2022.

    The easiest way to start trading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin is through a cryptocurrency exchange, and in this article, we list what we consider to be the top cryptocurrency exchanges in 2022 with the beginner user in mind. For this article, exchanges which we at Team Boxmining use frequently are listed in Tier 1, exchanges we occasionally use are listed in Tier 2, down to those which we seldom or do not use at all are listed in Tier 3. However, this is only based on our personal preference only. Potential users should also always check if the exchange is supported in their country as there are geographical restrictions. 

    Check out our latest video where we talk about our picks for the best cryptocurrency exchanges in 2022:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRocD5PqvZ8
    Best Cryptocurrency Exchange in 2022? (EXCLUSIVE trading fee discounts)

    Tier 1 Exchanges

    Binance

    Founded in 2017 and currently serving over 13.5 million active users worldwide, Binance allows you to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrency with low fees. You also have the option to earn interest on your cryptocurrencies by staking them for a period of time to earn an interest rate of between 0.5%-10%.

    Binance supports trading of over 400 different types of cryptocurrencies and with more being added almost every week. In fact, Binance has become so popular as a cryptocurrency exchange that the mere news of new coins being listed can cause the tokens’ prices to skyrocket. 

    Cryptocurrencies can be purchased on the Exchange through a variety of ways: PayPal, bank transfer, credit card, and debit card (although they charge a hefty 4.5% fee). It is worth noting however, that users cannot simply exchange their US dollars for cryptocurrencies. Nevertheless, the aforementioned purchase methods should be sufficient for most, if not all cryptocurrency traders.

    As for security measures, Binance not only has an asset fund as insurance in case of misappropriated user funds but also provides two-factor authentication.

    Binance also has its own native token- BNB, which comes 4th in terms of trading volume. The token can be used for various features and discounts on the exchange.

    Binance does have a US version of its exchange for US users at Binance.US which was launched in September 2019. Although Binance.US will have fewer cryptocurrencies available for trading and features in order to be compliant with US regulations.

    Binance is Team Boxmining’s second most frequently used exchange. Binance is easy to use, their team is always quick to respond if there are any issues with the exchange, and pioneered many of the special features we come to expect today such as Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs). Binance also caters to experienced traders with advanced trading options and plenty of analytics. Novice users will inevitably experience a learning curve, but once you find your way around, it becomes almost second nature.

    Check out Binance Exchange Review 2021: Best Crypto Exchange? For a detailed look at what Binance has to offer. 

    Sign up for Binance here!

    KuCoin

    kuCoin exchange
    Its focus on security and intuitive design has attracted fervent supporters for KuCoin

    KuCoin is a relatively new cryptocurrency exchange that has quickly developed a fervent fan base thanks to its intuitive design and high level of security. The Exchange is highly regarded for its large number of different cryptocurrency pairs, which means users can purchase a wide variety of cryptos. 

    The Exchange is also spreading into new regions at a rapid pace. In just 1 year their adoption rate for different countries has skyrocketed. For example, in Latin America, there was a 171% increase, in Africa a 130% increase, and in Asia a 67.5% increase.

    KuCoin supports over 500 cryptocurrencies which means you can trade lots of small-cap tokens with low trading fees. At team Boxmining, we find that if we want to trade small-cap coins, we would need to use our MetaMask and then trade on different platforms and different DEXs. And if it’s an ERC 20 token you would have to pay ridiculously high gas fees which are really not practical. So, if these small-cap tokens are already on KuCoin, then you can save yourself a lot of unnecessary costs.

    KuCoin also allows you to use trading bots through their mobile app. Trading bots can
    automatically buy and sell your cryptocurrencies so you don’t have to be online all the time to follow the market. However, it’s not always clear how they’re investing your money, and you need to understand the cryptocurrency trading strategies they use. Also, if you’re buying and holding cryptocurrencies for the long term, these bots may not be able to help you a lot.

    On the downside, Kucoin is a crypto-only exchange, which means you will need another exchange if you’re looking to purchase coins with fiat currency such as HKD, USD or CAD. That means that Kucoin is not a great option for anyone just getting started with cryptocurrency, but if you are an experienced trader then KuCoin is a great way to diversify your cryptocurrency portfolio.

    SwissBorg

    SwissBorg
    SwissBorg is a popular choice amongst European users and has a very intuitive and user-friendly app.

    SwissBorg was launched in December 2017, they are based in Switzerland and are fully compliant with Swiss Law, making them hugely popular amongst the European cryptocurrency trading community. The Exchange is available in over 100 countries (although currently not supported in the US). Please note however that for some countries, the full range of features offered by SwissBorg may not be available.

    SwissBorg supports over 30 cryptocurrencies and 16 fiat currencies. New cryptocurrencies are continuously being added and users can vote for the next cryptoasset to be listed on their app. Users can directly fund their SwissBorg accounts via bank transfer, and SwissBorg does not charge any fees for bank transfers.

    Another popular feature is SwissBorg’s multi-award-winning app which allows users to access their crypto wallets and trade on the go.

    To keep ahead of the yield farming and decentralized finance (DeFi) craze, SwissBorg offers their Smart Yield account for yield farming, which allows users to get exposure to farming without much prerequisite knowledge. The Smart Yield feature does this by scanning and finding a range of DeFi and CeFi (Centralized Finance).

    SwissBorg’s native token $CHSB is a multi-utility token that entitles holders to lower fees when buying/selling Bitcoin, CHSB and stablecoins on the Exchange. Other benefits include being able to have 2x yield on your USDC, BTC, ETH, XRP, and CHSB holdings.

    Learn more about SwissBorg with our in-depth guide- SwissBorg ($CHSB): What is it?

    Sign up for SwissBorg with our exclusive link to get FREE CHSB!

    Coinbase

    coinbase exchange
    Coinbase offers a more limited selection of cryptocurrencies but makes up for it with high security and ease of use

    Coinbase was launched in 2012 and currently has over 30 million users spanning 103 countries. While Coinbase may not offer a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, the San Francisco-based exchange platform is still a top favorite among many investors due to its highly secure and easy-to-use platforms. Also, Coinbase is the first stop for many beginner traders (especially those from the US) as they have a very easy-to-use mobile app, you can directly fund your Coinbase account from your bank account. Coinbase is also particularly popular in the US since it is the first publicly listed US crypto exchange and it is compliant with US regulations.

    Coinbase’s popularity stems from the fact that their platform has one of the fastest and easiest cryptocurrency buying processes, which along with their claim to have never been hacked, makes them an ideal choice for beginners who are looking to get started with cryptocurrency investment. Advanced users can also opt for Coinbase Pro, which has more trading features.

    Coinbase supports hundreds of digital currencies, however, in terms of the number of cryptocurrencies supported, it definitely loses out to other major crypto exchanges in this respect. Coinbase also charges higher fees compared to most other exchanges, charging $0.99-$2.99 per purchase under a $200 transaction and an additional 0.5% fee depending on the amount traded. However many novice or infrequent traders consider this a fair price to pay for the convenience the platform offers and the fact that it is one of the few exchanges available to US users.

    As mentioned earlier, Coinbase does charge higher fees compared to other cryptocurrency exchanges on the market, hence we have prepared our popular guide- Coinbase Fees: How to Avoid Them.

    Tier 2 Exchanges

    eToro

    Established in 2007, eToro was originally a social trading exchange that launched its cryptocurrency platform in 2018. It has since grown to a user base of over 17 million users worldwide.

    The main factor to note about eToro is that it is extremely simple to use, which can be both positive and negative. eToro currently only offers the 6 major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Etherium, Litecoin, XRP, and XLM. This means that the platform is perfect for those looking to trade in only the biggest cryptos using a simple interface.

    In addition, the only fiat that this exchange deposits in is USD, which works out great if you are a US-based trader but not so much if you’re interested in dealing with other currencies.

    Whilst we at Team Boxmining do not use eToro, our friends who only occasionally trade cryptocurrencies are big fans due to its simplicity. However, the downside is the lack of supported cryptocurrencies, features and trading discounts. 

    Kraken

    One of the more established cryptocurrency exchanges, Kraken was founded in 2011 then relaunched in 2013. Kraken has a wide variety of cryptocurrencies available for trade, and currently supports over 200 traders globally.

    Kraken also offers margin trading and futures trading. With its margin accounts, you can borrow up to five times your account balance to trade crypto assets. Futures trading — contracts which allow you to buy or sell an asset at a set price on an upcoming date — is available for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ripple.

    The Exchange also offers its own futures trading platforms. But institutional clients can take advantage of expert insights, one-on-one consultations, account management support, and more.

    Kraken is hugely popular amongst European cryptocurrency enthusiasts due to its range of features. 

    Tier 3 Exchanges

    OceanEx

    OceanEX was launched in 2018 by BitOcean Global, a fully registered and licensed Japanese trading platform. BitOcean Global consists of core members with past experience from Morgan Stanley, BNP Paribas, and Deloitte. 

    With a variety of features to improve user and trading safety, OceanEX is the trading hub of the VeChainThor Ecosystem. The main advantages promoted by OceanEX are its AI security, tailor-made services, lightning fast trading, and global support. However, the platform lacks liquidity which makes buying and selling coins difficult.

    Coincheck

    coincheck exchange
    Coincheck is the go to if you’re living in Japan

    Coincheck is a Japanese-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2012 that also functions as a Bitcoin wallet. The platform is simple and user-friendly and boasts competitive fees, along with features such as cashback for paying utility bills. However, the coins available for trade are limited, and the majority of the additional features are available in Japan only. 

    Tier 4 Exchanges

    Bisq

    bisq exchange
    Bisq does not require user verification, which for some people is a security risk

    Launched in 2014, Bisq is a decentralised exchange with servers distributed worldwide and offers a large variety of cryptocurrencies and fiats for trading.

    However, unlike other exchanges Bisq does not require verification of user accounts, which raises the question of trader safety.

    HitBTC

    hitbtc exchange
    HitBTC also raises security concerns due to the nature of their KYC processes

    Designed for the more experienced trader interested in dealing with altcoins, HitBTC was founded in 2013 and based in Chile. 

    Main concerns surrounding HitBTC are the lack of transparency and clear KYC (Know Your Customer) processes, which raises red flags about the security of the platform. In addition, users have reported that support is slow, with resolutions of issues taking up to several weeks. 

    Conclusion

    Tier 1:

    • Binance
    • KuCoin
    • SwissBorg
    • Coinbase

    Tier 2:

    • eToro
    • KuCoin

    Tier 3:

    • OceanEx
    • Coincheck

    Tier 4:

    • Bisq
    • HitBTC

    Of course, this list is meant to be a guide when selecting the best cryptocurrency exchange for your individual needs, and conducting thorough research and background checks will go a long way in protecting your digital wealth. Be sure to spend some time when choosing your own exchange, and you can enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your coins are in the right hands. 

    In addition, exchange fees are usually a huge factor in choosing which exchange to use. Hence we have compiled our ESSENTIAL guide on How to Save Money on Crypto Exchange Fees.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.

  • eToro Exchange Review (2023): Best Trading Platform for Learning

    eToro Exchange Review (2023): Best Trading Platform for Learning

    eToro is a global multi-asset platform that enables users to trade CFDs of stocks, commodities, indices, and more than 15 major cryptocurrencies, all in a fully regulated and secure environment. This review will discuss eToro online trading platform that enables users to trade a variety of assets, including stocks, commodities, and currencies, with the help of its innovative and user-friendly interface.

    Sign up here to get started

    What is eToro?

    eToro is a global multi-asset platform that allows users to trade CFDs of stocks, commodities, indices, and more than 15 major cryptocurrencies. With over 10 million registered users worldwide, eToro is a fully regulated exchange and broker. Unlike other cryptocurrency trading services, eToro does not allow users to withdraw their crypto assets unless they use the dedicated custodial eToro Wallet, available on iOS and Android. With eToro, users can easily trade oil, stocks, gold, and cryptocurrencies with confidence.

    eToro is an online broker and social trading platform that has been advocating for Bitcoin since 2007 and offering Bitcoin trading services since 2013. It is the perfect platform for new traders and investors who want to learn and experience the best of both crypto and traditional finance worlds. eToro is a secure and reliable platform that provides users with a wide range of tools and features to help them make informed decisions and maximize their profits. With its user-friendly interface, comprehensive educational resources, and advanced trading tools, eToro is the ideal platform for both novice and experienced traders.

    Key Features of eToro

    The key features of eToro include:

    eToro Social Trading: The most effective social platform for traders is eToro since it provides a distinctive social trading experience. To stay up with your favored assets’ news, you can follow, copy, engage with, and follow your favorite traders. You can even make your own news stream.

    Most Effective Trading Platform for Learning: Several instructional resources, including a training virtual portfolio.

    Outstanding Customer Service: You can get in touch with the eToro team by phone, live chat, or support ticket if there is a problem. Also, the site is available in over 20 other languages. 24/7 customer service is offered from Monday through Friday.

    A Wide Variety of Assets: Along with 16 other cryptocurrencies, there are traditional markets like equities, bonds, currency, ETFs, commodities, and others that you may learn about and trade in.

    Mobile Trading Apps: You may quickly access eToro while on the go and execute trades using an Android or iOS smartphone.

    Key Advantages of eToro

    eToro Usability

    eToro is a great platform for starting and novice traders, offering a Virtual Portfolio and ‘demo mode’ to buy and trade cryptocurrencies without staking real money. It also features CopyTrader, which allows users to copy the best-performing traders in various asset markets, such as commodities, stocks, ETFs, and crypto. With CopyTrader, users can choose how much to invest and mirror every action the trader takes, while making adjustments as needed. eToro is a great platform for those looking to get into trading, offering a safe and secure environment to learn and grow.

    eToro’s trading platform is designed with the user in mind, offering a user-friendly and easy to navigate layout. The left-hand side of the screen features a control panel, while the right-hand side displays charts, data, and profiles to help you make informed investment decisions. eToro’s mobile apps, available for both Android and iOS devices, allow you to do pretty much everything you can do on the desktop version, including receiving notifications on the go. With its intuitive design and comprehensive features, eToro’s trading platform is a great choice for both experienced and novice traders.

    eToro Social Trading

    eToro is the social media platform for traders that connects you to experienced traders from around the world. With eToro’s copy trading feature, you can copy the actions of your chosen traders in real time and benefit from their expertise. Monitor their trades and opt-in to copy everything they do. eToro provides indicative prices, and the current market price is shown on the eToro trading platform. With eToro, you can benefit from the knowledge and experience of seasoned traders and make the most of your investments.

    Trusted and Established Reputation Within the Industry

    eToro is a leading online brokerage site that offers its users the ability to trade cryptocurrencies. US customers can access real crypto assets, while CFD trading is also available. This is a very interesting business move due to the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies, which have a reputation for being unpredictable. eToro has a solid business plan to ensure they can profit from this service, while clients can benefit from CFD-based crypto trading. eToro is a secure and reliable platform that provides users with a wide range of features, including copy trading, social trading, and a variety of educational resources. With its user-friendly interface and low fees, eToro is a great choice for anyone looking to get involved in the cryptocurrency market.

    eToro is a broker that offers users the widest variety of cryptocurrency trading options available, both long-term and short-term. This is thanks to their introduction of the “copy trading” feature, which allows investors to copy the decisions of experienced traders. This is a great option for those who don’t have the time or knowledge to research the crypto market, as it allows them to benefit from the expertise of experienced investors. Additionally, investors can pick the expert they want to follow based on their performance and receive a bonus for correct decisions.

    Key Disadvantages of eToro

    Somewhat High Fees

    eToro now charges a 1% fee on all cryptocurrency trades – buying or selling. This fee is included in the price when a user opens or closes a position and is charged for the ’round trip’ – meaning a 1% fee on the purchase and an advance of 1% for the eventual sale of the coin. The only outlier is Terra Classic (LUNC), which has an operational fee of 0.6% added to the standard 1%. eToro no longer charges overnight – or rollover – fees on cryptocurrency, however, 79% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider, so it is important to consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    Can Only Deposit Via Fiat Currency

    eToro users can deposit fiat currency into their account using credit/debit cards, wire transfer, and popular e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill & Neteller, Klarna, and iDEAL. All fiat funds held by eToro are in US dollars, so a conversion fee may be incurred. The minimum first-time deposit ranges from USD 50 to USD 10,000. Withdrawals are also available via credit/debit card, bank transfer, and PayPal, with a flat fee of USD 5 for every withdrawal. Additionally, users can transfer cryptocurrency directly to the eToro wallet and hold and withdraw supported cryptocurrencies.

    Why eToro?

    eToro is a leading cryptocurrency brokerage firm that offers a wide variety of cryptocurrencies for trading. They guarantee security and a fluid user interface experience, with no hidden fees and good transaction rates. eToro has the most cryptocurrencies available for trading out of any other brokerage firm, making it a great choice for those looking to invest in the cryptocurrency market. They also offer a variety of other features, such as copy trading, which allows users to copy the trades of experienced traders, and a social trading platform, which allows users to connect with other traders and discuss strategies. With its wide range of features and benefits, eToro is a great choice for those looking to invest in the cryptocurrency market.

    Conclusion

    eToro is a revolutionary startup that has changed the way people trade stocks and cryptocurrencies. With its innovative “copy trading” system, investors can potentially earn more revenue without having to do anything but register and set up their portfolio. Experienced investors can take advantage of this system to boost their earnings, while newcomers should start slow and not invest more than they’re willing to lose. Projects like Follow Coin have tried to follow the same path, but have been much less successful due to a lack of experience and professionals in the field.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.

  • Coinbase Review: MUST READ

    Coinbase Review: MUST READ

    Coinbase is one of the world’s most popular cryptocurrency exchange and is well known because unlike other exchanges, is based in and subject to US regulations. The Exchange is split into several categories, Coinbase– for retail users, Coinbase Pro– their professional trading platform for individuals, Coinbase Prime– for institutional clients. In this review we highlight each of their various features and controversies that you need to know.

    Key Advantages of Coinbase

    • Regulated under US law.
    • One of the few exchanges available for US citizens.
    • Maintains an insurance policy against theft or hacks.

    Key Features and Functions

    One point to note is that Coinbase only offers spot trading, unlike other exchanges which offer other products such as derivatives, futures trading etc.

    The Exchange is split into several categories catering for different types of users. Coinbase is for retail users, Coinbase Pro for individual professional traders and Coinbase Prime for institutional clients. This distinction is because they each have different functions to cater for the user. By way of example the main difference between Coinbase and Coinbase Pro are that Coinbase Pro offers charting tools, real-time order books, among other tools to help the advanced trader make most out of the Exchange. Coinbase Pro and Coinbase Prime both offer cheaper transaction fees and more supported cryptocurrencies. However they are still substantially fewer than other Exchanges out there.

    Despite only offering spot trading, Coinbase does have its own suite of products to assist users in getting started. For example it has its own wallet, and allows users to earn cryptocurrencies by participating in their courses.

    Coinbase products
    Products offered by Coinbase

    History of Coinbase

    Coinbase was launched in October 2012 and is based in the United States. Their headquarters are located in San Francisco, California. It is also becoming widely used in Europe where it has an operating license. It currently has over 30 million users and over USD$150 billion being traded on the Exchange.

    The Exchange has currently expanded to over 100 countries across the globe.

    [wp-compear id=”5176″]

    Supported Countries

    Coinbase is available in over 100 countries. Most notably the US, which a lot of Exchanges cannot support due to regulatory issues. However whilst Coinbase says it is “available” in some countries, it may not offer the full set of services i.e. being able to “convert” between different cryptocurrencies, and to “buy and “sell” the same. Check here for the services available for your specific country.

    Supported Cryptocurrencies

    Coinbase supports 91 cryptocurrencies- relatively fewer compared to other major exchanges such Binance. Also, the availability to buy, sell, send and receive a particular cryptocurrency depends on (a) whether you are using Coinbase or Coinbase Pro; and (b) your location.

    Check here for the full list of Coinbase’s supported cryptocurrencies.

    We can see that Coinbase is actively trying hard to list more cryptocurrencies. Whilst its current cryptocurrency support is sufficient for most average traders, they do lag behind their competitors in this respect. So unless we see more listings in the future, we will be keeping our score of 3.8/5 for cryptocurrency support…for now.

    Payment Methods

    Coinbase provides a variety of payment methods and most importantly, allows traders to pay in their local currency. However there are regional restrictions for payment methods. Below is a helpful list of the accepted payment methods for various countries.

    • Bank deposit: Europe, US, UK
    • Debit card: Available for most countries including Australia, Canada, Chile, Europe, Mexico, UK, US.
    • Credit card: Australia, Singapore
    • Paypal: Canada, Europe (most countries), US and UK

    You can check here to see the accepted payment methods for your specific country. Although we noticed that the information on supported payment methods is slightly different from the information on their other page.

    The Exchange also has its own Coinbase Card– a Visa-based debit card allowing customers to make purchases online and in-store using cryptocurrencies. However it is currently only available to UK and European customers.

    Deposit and Withdrawal Fees

    Cryptocurrency

    There are no fees for cryptocurrency deposits onto Coinbase. As for withdrawals, Coinbase will only charge you the relevant network fees required for sending your funds.

    Fiat

    Not all fiat deposits or withdrawals are free, and the amount depends on the method used. Coinbase supports fiat deposits/withdrawals via ACH, Wire (USD), SEPA (EUR) and SWIFT (GBP).

    Coinbase fiat deposit withdrawal fees
    Coinbase fiat deposit withdrawal fees (Image credit: Coinbase)

    Trading Fees

    Coinbase charges different fees depending on whether you are on Coinbase, Coinbase Pro or Coinbase Prime. Fees are cheaper for the latter 2 due to the larger volume by these traders.

    Coinbase charges its fees based on a maker-taker fee model. Placing an order at market which is filled immediately incurs a taker fee between 0.04% and 0.50%. Conversely, if you place an order which is not immediately matched the order is placed on the order book. When another user puts in an order and matches yours on the book you are charged a maker fee between 0.00% and 0.50%. The taker and maker fees are reduced if the value traded is higher.

    For stablecoin pairs specifically (e.g. USDC/USDT to DAI/PAX, or to fiat etc), Coinbase charges 0.01% and 0.00% for taker and maker fees respectively.

    Controversies

    In late February 2020, Coinbase was identified as one of the entities working with Clearview AI, a controversial facial recognition technology provider who was facing legal threats from Apple and Google for lack of scrutiny into its practices. Coinbase admits to testing Clearview’s software but denies that customer’s data was used in any of such tests. (https://yellowtail.tech/)

    The Exchange has come under fire from users during the Bitcoin price dump on 10th May 2020. On 10th May 2020 at 17:26 Pacific Time, the Exchange’s website and mobile app both experienced outages. 10 minutes later Coinbase came out with a notice saying that it was still investigating this outage, by 18:14, service had been restored. However during this time the price of Bitcoin tumbled from USD $9,500 to $8,100, leaving users only able to helplessly watch the crash and unable to trade.

    Coinbase is pretty much infamous for crashing during huge fluctuations in Bitcoin prices. On 29th April 2020, the Exchange suffered an outage whilst Bitcoin prices shot up to just under USD $9,000. And AGAIN on 10th May 2020.

    Needless to say, users are not happy with the situation, with some noting that Coinbase “crashes” when there is a huge change in Bitcoin prices. And whilst some attribute this to the Exchange being overloaded with users, others are not satisfied with how Coinbase has not fixed this over the years considering the high fees charged from users.

    As to the latest crash on 1st June 2020, Coinbase says that the Bitcoin price spike led to an increase in traffic by 5 times in only 4 minutes. As a result their autoscaling system was overwhelmed and created a backlog which meant that new survey requests were dropped or timed out. Coinbase however alleges that they are working on reducing the impact of price-related traffic spikes.

    Is Coinbase safe in 2022?

    The Exchange has top of the range security features. Additionally, being licensed in the United States, users have additional protection since Federal laws apply.

    In terms of the Exchange’s method for fund storage, only 2% of customer funds are held in hot wallets. The other 98% is kept in secure cold wallets in different parts of the world. So far, it has not been hacked…yet. Also, Coinbase has an insurance policy that insures against theft of cryptocurrencies resulting from security breaches, hacks, employee theft or fraudulent transfer.

    On account security, Coinbase advises its users to use two-factor authentication. The system supports either short messages sent to the registered mobile phone number, Google Authenticator, among other reliable ways to prevent malicious account login.

    HOWEVER, storing substantial assets in exchanges is not recommended as exchanges are prone to hacks. The best practice is to only leave enough assets for day-to-day trading on exchanges, the remainder should be stored offline on hardware wallets for.

    To learn more about hardware wallets, check out our reviews on the Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T.

    Is Coinbase affected by the liquidity issues at FTX?

    Coinbase issued an announcement on 8th November 2022 concerning transparency, risk management, and consumer protection. In the announcement, Coinbase confirmed they have approximately US$15 million worth of deposits on FTX which they use to facilitate business operations and client trades. However, they do not have any exposure to Alameda Research, and no loans to FTX.

    As at 10th November 2022, there do not appear to be widespread reports of issues with withdrawing or trading funds on Coinbase. Their status page is also only showing that there are delayed withdrawals on the Polygon Network ONLY but a fix has been implemented. Therefore, it appears that Coinbase is not affected by the issues surrounding FTX exchange.

    Conclusion: Coinbase exchange pros and cons

    Pros

    • Coinbase has remained one of the most secure and reliable cryptocurrency exchanges.
    • The Exchange maintains an insurance policy against hacks and theft, which is reassuring for users.
    • Generally available in many countries, including the US with many payment options.

    Cons

    • Fee structure is highly confusing and not the cheapest out there.
    • Lack of features.
    • Not many supported cryptocurrencies compared to other exchanges.
    • Seems to be unable to handle sudden surges of users and has a history of crashing during periods of high price volatility.

    Final Score

    Services offered: 3/5
    Cryptocurrency support: 3.8/5
    Fees: 3/5
    Security: 4.5/5
    Final Score: 3.6

    To learn more, check out our review of the Top Cryptocurrency Exchanges of 2023!

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.

  • BitMart Exchange Review (2023): Complete Beginners Guide

    BitMart Exchange Review (2023): Complete Beginners Guide

    BitMart has users from over 180 countries can access a wide range of digital assets. This includes more than 1,000 cryptocurrencies and tokens. It is through their secure and reliable global cryptocurrency exchange platform. In this review, we will expand on how BitMart works, it’s features, advantages and disadvantages.

    Get up to $3,000 welcome bonus for signing up below!

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    What is BitMart?

    BitMart is a leading cryptocurrency exchange platform that was established in 2017 and began public operations in 2018. It is one of the top-20 cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. It offers users a secure and reliable platform to buy, sell, and trade digital assets. BitMart provides a wide range of services, including spot trading, margin trading, futures trading, and OTC trading. The platform also offers a variety of features such as 24/7 customer support, advanced security measures, and a user-friendly interface. With competitive fees, low latency, and high liquidity, BitMart is a good choice for traders looking to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies.

    It is a cryptocurrency exchange platform that is gaining popularity among users. It also offers a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets. Additionally, BitMart offers a comprehensive customer service system. It has 24/7 customer support, and a variety of educational resources to help users learn more about cryptocurrency trading.

    Key Features and Advantages of BitMart

    Here are the key features of BitMart:

    Supports a Very Wide Assortment of Cryptocurrencies. BitMart is a top-rated cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to trade over 170 different cryptocurrencies in various trading pairs.

    Quite Decent Fees. BitMart is a cryptocurrency exchange that offers a flat fee model of 0.25% for both market makers and takers. With an additional 25% discount available for holders of BMX tokens or those trading higher amounts of cryptocurrency.

    Broad Selection of Payment Methods. BitMart offers a wide range of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit & debit cards, and PayPal.

    Perfect for Both Beginner and Expert Traders. BitMart is offering users features such as cold wallet storage, referral rewards, lending programs, and up to 100x leverage trading. All these are perfect for both beginners and expert traders.

    Key Disadvantages of BitMart

    At this point in our BitMart exchange review, we can conclude that the platform offers some great features to users. However, is it a reliable option for long-term cryptocurrency trading? To answer this question, let’s take a look at some of the less-positive user reviews of BitMart.

    Higher Fees When Buying Cryptocurrency with Fiat Money

    BitMart is a cryptocurrency exchange that offers a range of services, including crypto-to-crypto trading, fiat-to-crypto purchases, and more. The exchange is known for its low fees, fast transactions, and a wide range of supported coins. Fiat-crypto purchases on BitMart can be expensive, with fees depending on the payment method. BitMart has some minor issues, such as limited customer support and coin selection. But, these are outweighed by its overall benefits.

    All in all, BitMart is a great choice for those looking to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies.

    BitMart is a cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to purchase cryptocurrencies with PayPal, credit & debit cards, or bank transfers. Fiat-crypto purchases on BitMart have higher fees but offer a secure, fast, and simple way to buy cryptocurrencies. The choice is up to the user.

    Not That Many User Reviews Found Online Yet

    When it comes to user reviews, there is a lack of them for BitMart exchange. However, most of the reviews that are available are overwhelmingly positive. This could lead one to believe that BitMart is an underground, shady trading platform, but this is not the case. BitMart is a legitimate and reliable cryptocurrency trading option that is worth considering.

    BitMart is a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange that is slowly gaining recognition among traders for its positive features. Despite its relatively young age, the platform is quickly becoming a popular choice for those looking to trade digital assets.

    BitMart Hacked for $200 million in December 2021

    In December 2021, BitMart suffered a security breach in which hackers stole about $200 million worth of tokens. BitMart suspended customer withdrawals and conducted a thorough security review following the hack. In an official statement, BitMart vowed to use its own money to reimburse victims of the hack. Some users complained several weeks later they still have not been repaid. However, there has not been any further news on this.

    How to Use BitMart Cryptocurrency Exchange?

    How to Register on BitMart?

    1. Visit the BitMart official website and click the “Get Started” button located in the top-right corner to begin.

    2. Create an account by entering your email address, setting a password, and confirming you are 18 or older.

    3. Verify your email address by clicking the link in the confirmation email BitMart sent to you.

    4. Log in to your account to complete the process – it’s that simple!

    Registering on the BitMart exchange is a breeze and can be done in a matter of minutes. With no need for KYC verification, users can quickly explore and use the exchange after signing up. This makes the process incredibly simple.

    After registering successfully on BitMart, it will redirect you to the main trading page. BitMart is simple and user-friendly, even for beginner crypto traders. Navigating the exchange is easy and doesn’t require any complex interfaces or leverage trading features.

    How to Purchase Cryptocurrency on the BitMart Exchange?

    1. Navigate to the upper-left corner of the trading dashboard after registering and click the “Buy Coins” button to start trading.

    2. On the screen that appears, you can select the preferred crypto purchasing method that best suits your needs. You will also be able to view the different crypto options available for each method.

    3. Choose the cryptocurrency and fiat currency you wish to buy, and enter the amount. You will then be able to view your wallet address.

    4. Once you have confirmed your details, you will be given the option to purchase cryptocurrency. You can pay with either a credit/debit card or via bank transfer. To complete the purchase, you will need to verify your identity (KYC) – a standard procedure for most crypto exchanges.

    Buying cryptocurrency on BitMart is a simple process. You can easily buy the cryptocurrency of your choice and have it delivered to your BitMart wallet in minutes. The platform provides clear instructions at each step of the way, so no special knowledge of crypto trading is required.

    Buying cryptocurrencies with PayPal or via a bank transfer is easy. If you don’t have any cryptos to transfer to BitMart, you can buy them on the platform easily.

    Conclusion

    BitMart is a good choice for people who want to trade cryptocurrencies. It has many coins to choose from, is easy to use, and has security measures and an insurance fund. It also has other features like leverage trading and referral programs. BitMart is becoming popular and has fair fees, but buying cryptocurrencies with regular money can be a bit expensive. Still, many people like using BitMart.

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    BitMart Exchange Review

    When reviewing a cryptocurrency exchange, it is important to consider several key factors to ensure that the exchange meets the needs and expectations of its users. In our reviews, we have evaluated a crypto exchange based on the services it offers, the cryptocurrencies it supports, its trading fees, and its security measures. These criteria were chosen because they are essential for providing a comprehensive and reliable trading experience for users. So by examining these aspects of an exchange, we can provide an informed and objective assessment of its overall performance and value to users.

    Services offered: BitMart offers a secure and reliable platform for buying, selling, and trading digital assets, with services including spot, margin, futures, and OTC trading. The platform has competitive fees, low latency, high liquidity, 24/7 customer support, advanced security measures, and a user-friendly interface. It also accepts various payment methods.

    Cryptocurrency support: BitMart supports a very wide assortment of cryptocurrencies, allowing users to trade over 170 different cryptocurrencies in various trading pairs. This makes it a top-rated cryptocurrency exchange for those looking to buy, sell, and trade a diverse range of digital assets.

    Trading fees: BitMart offers quite decent fees for trading on its platform. It uses a flat fee model of 0.25% for both market makers and takers. Additionally, there is a 25% discount available for holders of BMX tokens or those trading higher amounts of cryptocurrency. (https://daveseminara.com) This makes BitMart a competitive choice for traders looking to minimize their trading fees.

    Security: BitMart takes the security of its platform very seriously and offers advanced security measures to protect its users’ assets. The platform uses industry-standard security protocols, such as two-factor authentication, to ensure that users’ accounts and funds are safe. Additionally, BitMart offers 24/7 customer support to assist users with any security concerns they may have.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.

  • Gemini Exchange Review (2023): Easy to Use and Strong Security

    Gemini Exchange Review (2023): Easy to Use and Strong Security

    Gemini is a leading regulated cryptocurrency exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins in 2014, offering a secure platform to trade over 20 digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more. The following topics will be covered in this review of one of the most reputable cryptocurrency exchanges: what the Gemini crypto exchange is, a brief history, benefits and drawbacks of the platform, supported digital currencies, and all you need to know about the Gemini fees.

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    What is Gemini?

    Gemini is a leading cryptocurrency exchange founded by twin brothers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss in 2014. It is one of the biggest regulated crypto exchanges, operating in six continents and providing a user-friendly platform. Gemini is known for its security, with no publicly known large-scale hacks. It offers a wide range of services, including buying and selling of cryptocurrencies, trading, and custodial services. Gemini also provides a secure wallet for storing digital assets, as well as a mobile app for trading on the go. With its commitment to security and customer service, Gemini is a great choice for those looking to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies.

    The Winklevoss twins rose to fame in 2004 after they sued Mark Zuckerberg over Facebook. Tyler and Cameron received $65 million in damages for their claim that Zuckerberg stole their idea for the popular social network. The pair famously invested $11 million into Bitcoin in April 2013, when each coin was worth just $120. Today, their investment is valued at well over $1 billion! Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, is based in New York and is quickly becoming one of the most respected exchanges in the digital currency space. It was also the world’s first licensed Ether exchange in 2016. Gemini is a secure and reliable platform for trading digital assets, offering users a safe and easy way to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies.

    Key Features of Gemini

    Top cryptocurrency exchange Gemini was created with security in mind. The exchange’s unique features include:

    Fiat to cryptocurrency onramp for both beginner and seasoned traders: Gemini has advanced trading options for professionals but is also easy enough for new users and regular traders to use.

    OTC desk and custody at Gemini: Taking use of Gemini’s markets and security infrastructure may be desirable for institutional investors.

    Free withdrawals and deposits: Gemini is perfect for retail traders because it does not charge extra fees for deposits or withdrawals of either cryptocurrency or fiat currency unless you go over designated transaction thresholds.

    Outstanding customer service: At non-busy times, you will receive a response to your question in less than two hours.

    Key Advantages of Gemini

    Here are some key advantages of Gemini:

    Strong security

    Gemini is a New York State Trust Company and regulated cryptocurrency exchange and custodian that puts security first. With institutional-grade technology and protocols, the majority of assets are held in its offline cold storage system and only a small portion is held in its online hot wallet. Gemini takes important steps to help ensure its customers’ data and funds remain secure, including maintaining sensitive data such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), banking/financial information, and other data that may directly or indirectly identify customers. Gemini is committed to protecting customers’ assets and data to ensure their security.

    Gemini is a secure cryptocurrency exchange that implements field-level encryption for sensitive data in its databases, as well as encryption in transit between all production systems. It has a data classification framework to assign risk ratings to all data, and strict physical security controls to protect assets, data, and personnel. Access to systems and customer data is granted based on the employee’s role and job duties, and Gemini was the first platform to obtain insurance on its online “hot” wallet, providing USD 200 million of protection for digital assets in Gemini Custody.

    Usability and Design

    Gemini is a secure and reliable crypto exchange and custodial service provider, ideal for both beginners and experienced investors. It offers a user-friendly experience, a convenient mobile app, an advanced platform for traders, and interoperability between different products. Gemini’s Exchange and Custody services are perfect for those less crypto-savvy, while institutional investors can take advantage of the Custody and Gemini Clearance OTC platform. Professional traders can make the most of Gemini’s Active Trader and API tools. Gemini is a great choice for those looking for a secure and reliable crypto exchange and custodial service.

    Customer Support

    Gemini offers comprehensive customer support for users dealing with issues. Customers can submit a ticket request through a form using their email address, write to Customer Support at their address, call Customer Support at +1 (866) 240-5113 (toll-free in the USA), or direct message @GeminiSupport on Twitter. Gemini takes customer support seriously and users can expect a response within a few hours.

    Supported Countries

    Gemini is a United States-based exchange available in more than 50 countries worldwide, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. To sign up for a Gemini account, customers must provide their full legal name, date of birth, address, phone number, social security number, and email. Additional documentation is required for full verification and to withdraw from the exchange, such as a valid passport, driver’s license, and/or national identity card. Canadian residents must provide a valid passport, driver’s license, and social insurance number.

    Key Disadvantages of Gemini

    Fees

    Gemini Exchange has a complex fee structure for different products, including API fees, mobile fees, web fees, custody fees, ActiveTrader fees, and transfer fees. All orders placed via Gemini’s website and mobile phone application incur a convenience fee of 0.5% and a transaction fee based on the order amount in the account currency. API fees are based on the number of API calls made, while mobile fees are based on the order amount. Web fees are based on the order size and type, while custody fees are based on the number of assets held in custody. ActiveTrader fees are based on the order size and type, while transfer fees are based on the amount and type of transfer.

    Gemini is a regulated cryptocurrency exchange that is more expensive than other exchanges for retail traders. However, it is still cheaper than Coinbase. If you are looking for an exchange with low volume transaction fees, you may want to consider BitFlyer, Kraken, Bittrex, Bitstamp, and Coinbase Pro, which charge from 0.16% to 0.5% per order without any additional trading fees. Gemini is a secure and reliable exchange, but if you are looking for a more cost-effective option, there are other exchanges available.

    Gemini offers traders the option of trading via its ActiveTrader platform or API. All orders placed via either of these methods are subject to the same 30-day trading volume adjusted maker-taker fee model. This model is designed to reward traders who provide liquidity to the market by offering lower fees for maker orders, while taker orders incur higher fees. This fee model is designed to encourage market liquidity and provide traders with a competitive edge. With its competitive fees and advanced trading features, Gemini is an attractive option for traders looking to take advantage of the latest trading technology.

    Which Coins Can You Buy at Gemini?

    Gemini is a highly trusted and institutional-friendly exchange that only supports Bitcoin and Ethereum. This is because these two cryptocurrencies have been around long enough to prove themselves, and Gemini wants to maintain its reputation as a reliable platform. By only offering these two assets, Gemini can ensure that it won’t have to delist any assets, which would make the exchange appear less sophisticated and mature. Gemini is committed to providing a secure and reliable trading experience for its users.

    Which Deposit Methods are Accepted at Gemini?

    Gemini is a digital asset exchange that allows users to buy, sell, and store digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Basic Attention Token (BAT), and Chainlink (LINK). It also accepts deposits in USD via ACH (automated clearing house) in the US and wire transfers elsewhere, as well as deposits in Bitcoin and Ether. Gemini is a secure and regulated platform that provides users with a safe and easy way to buy, sell, and store digital assets. With its advanced security measures, Gemini ensures that users’ funds are safe and secure.

    Account Verification

    Verifying your personal account is quick and easy with our simple step-by-step process.

    • First, visit Gemini.com.
    • Click “register” at the top of the page.
    • Fill out the details on the following page. Your entire name, email address, and password will be included in this. Read the “user agreement” and the “privacy policy” after you’ve finished.
    • Please select the box to the right of the “create my account” link if you agree to the conditions of these documents. Following that, click the “create my account” link.
    • On the following page, enter your phone number. It’s crucial to enter the proper number because this will be used for verification. To verify that the number is actually yours, a code will be issued to your phone. This must be typed into the appropriate field.
    • Connecting your bank account to your Gemini exchange account is the next step. In the future, this will make adding US cash to your account much quicker. Simply provide the information requested when asked.
    • Upon the addition of your bank account, you must confirm your identification. In order to do this, you must provide numerous types of documentation. Although it is customary for “know your customer” and compliance checks, some prospective customers may be discouraged from enrolling as a result.
    • Gemini requires new users to provide both a photo ID and a proof of address, as seen in the screenshot above. They are very particular about the types of photo identification they will accept; just a passport will do! They do, however, accept a few alternative kinds of address proof.
    • Your account will be fully verified in one to three days. While you wait, you will have access to some features. They consist of trading between the various pairs and making bitcoin deposits. But, until the account is validated, fiat withdrawals and deposits are not permitted.

    Who Should Use Gemini?

    Gemini is a secure and reliable cryptocurrency exchange, ideal for professional traders and those exchanging large amounts of fiat currency for either Bitcoin or Ether. It offers enhanced security features to protect both fiat and digital currency accounts, as well as a sliding scale of fees that favors those who make lots of trades. Gemini is a great choice for those who value security and want to make lots of trades daily.

    Gemini is a great place for beginner traders, adopters, or investors to start their journey into cryptocurrency. It offers a secure platform to buy, sell, and transact in Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, those looking for exposure to a wider range of digital assets may be better off using a different exchange such as Kucoin. Beginner investors who want to take up a decent position in either Bitcoin or Ethereum and demand the highest level of security should consider using Gemini.

    Conclusion

    Gemini is a secure and trusted cryptocurrency exchange that offers high-level security and is suitable for different kinds of investors and traders. It is not ideal for those wanting to switch in and out of various cryptocurrencies but is great for large volume and one-off buys. Gemini is supported by the likes of the Chicago Board Options Exchange for their Bitcoin futures financial product. It is important to remember that it is still not a good idea to leave your cryptocurrency on an exchange platform, even though most of Gemini’s BTC and ETH are kept offline. Other reliable exchanges, such as Binance, Kucoin and Kraken, offer more fiat currencies and more flexible platforms.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange. (https://comcapllc.com)

  • Binance vs Coinbase Exchange Comparison Review: Features, Fees, Services and More

    Binance vs Coinbase Exchange Comparison Review: Features, Fees, Services and More

    Which Cryptocurrency Exchange is the “Best?”

    Cryptocurrency exchanges have been the central trading platform in the crypto space. Traders worldwide have made substantial returns on their investment just from pressing a couple of buttons. This has attracted many others to join in hopes of profiting from trading crypto.

    However, one of the key factors in successful trading is finding the right crypto exchange. With hundreds of crypto exchanges available, everyone is constantly asking “which crypto exchange is the best?” Traders want to make the most of their investments, whether it be low trading fees or lucrative services. In this article, we will be comparing two of the top crypto exchanges in the world: Binance and Coinbase.

    See also: Top Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges of 2023

    What is Binance?

    Binance is the world’s most popular crypto exchange by a large margin. It is rank one in organic trading volume per day ($14 billion at the time of writing) and in website and app user session (87 million visits).

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    Key Features of Binance

    This is because Binance is largely focused on the spot market, supporting a wide range of cryptocurrencies for users to trade. On top of that, users can earn passive income on their holdings via Binance Earn. There is also no shortage of trading features for experienced investors such as leveraged trading, options trading, and lending platform.

    Since Binance is not accessible in the U.S., Binance started Binance.US in compliance with U.S. regulations for citizens to trade freely.

    See also: Binance Exchange Review (2022) Best Crypto Exchange?

    Who Founded Binance?

    Binance was founded in 2017 by Chengpeng Zhao (CZ), former Chief Technology Officer of OKCoin who had years of experience developing high-frequency trading softwares.

    Binance’s Milestones

    For the longest time, the cryptocurrency industry is dominated by Binance. The exchange is held in high regard for being proactive and astute in their planning and actions, not only for themselves but also for advancing the crypto space as a whole.

    Binance has been very active in collaborating with global regulators such as the Financial Action Task Force to support the development of crypto regulatory framework and policies. In 2022, Binance has received regulatory approval to set up locations in Dubai and Bahrain, which is an important step as the granted license allows them to operate in compliance with global standards.

    What is Coinbase?

    Founded in 2012, Coinbase is one of the earliest crypto exchanges in the world. Unlike other exchanges, Coinbase is based in the U.S. and subject to its regulations. As such, it is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S. by trading volume.

    Key Features of Coinbase

    Coinbase is split into several categories catering for different types of users. Coinbase itself is for retail investors, and only offers spot trading, unlike other exchanges which offer other products such as derivatives or futures trading.

    Coinbase Pro is for individual professional traders, and Coinbase Prime is for larger institutional clients. Both platforms provide charting tools, real-time order books, among other tools to help advanced traders make the most of the exchange. Moreover, they also have cheaper transaction fees and more supported cryptocurrencies compared to Coinbase.

    Coinbase’s Milestone

    Moreover, Coinbase was the first crypto exchange to go public on the Nasdaq in 2021, establishing itself as one of the front-runners of the crypto industry. With its market value on the stock market worth $100 billion in 2021, this is an impressive achievement that would further advance the crypto industry as a whole.

    Coinbase Controversies

    However, Coinbase has also had its fair share of controversies, from experiencing outages in the 2020 bull run to insider trading and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigations this year.

    Nevertheless, Coinbase remains one of the top crypto exchanges in the world and will continue to be in the future. In fact, like Binance, Coinbase is also proactive, and has demonstrated time and time again the ability to turn unfavorable situations around.

    The exchange immediately discovered the root cause of the outage in 2020 and remediated traffic spikes through autoscaling procedures. Additionally, Coinbase has called on the SEC to develop a viable regulatory framework for digital asset securities following the insider-trading incident in July.

    Binance vs Coinbase Exchange Overview

    In this section, we will take a closer look at what Binance and Coinbase have to offer and compare them based on these features:

    Cryptocurrency and Products

    Binance is the winner in terms of the number of cryptocurrencies supported. It has more than 600 coins and tokens compared to Coinbase which has over 100. This is because Binance’s spot market includes many different crypto categories such as GameFi, DeFi protocols, and even meme coins. On the other hand, Coinbase largely focuses on low-risk cryptos with a high market cap such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

    Both exchanges offer crypto earning products which allow investors to earn passive income on their investments. However, Binance offers more earning products such as liquidity farming, dual investment and DeFi staking, whereas Coinbase is only limited to savings and single token staking. Moreover, Binance also has the edge in maximizing return on investment (ROI). Though most of their products are estimated at APR, they outweigh Coinbase’s APY products.

    See also: APY vs APR in DeFi: What They Actually Mean for Your Rewards

    Moreover, Binance offers a wide array of trading tools such as leveraged trading, options trading and lending platform, whereas those features are only available on Coinbase Pro and Coinbase Prime.

    Fees

    The difference in fees between Binance and Coinbase is quite significant. Overall, Binance charges much less for trading crypto as well as funding your account. At the lowest-tiered account, Binance only charges 0.1% for their maker and taker fee. Its rate go as low as 0.02% at the highest-tiered account, which saves a lot of money for active traders.

    On the other hand, Coinbase charges users an average flat fee of 0.5% per transaction. Additionally, extra fees are also incurred based on the account used in the transaction, i.e. 1.49% for US Bank Account, 2.49% for Coinbase USD Wallet, and 2% for credit/debit card.

    Fortunately, we have a comprehensive guide that would allow you to avoid withdrawal fees. Click here to learn more.

    On another note, since Coinbase is subject to U.S. regulations, users in the U.S. have to pay capital gains tax on profits made and staking rewards. Users are responsible for reporting all profits made as income on tax forms, even if it is just $1. According to Coinbase, if users earn $600 or more through the exchange, Coinbase is required to report those payments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

    Depending on the users’ location, Binance users do not have to pay taxes on their crypto gains. However, Binance.US also complies with U.S. tax laws, which means U.S. users also have to pay capital gains tax. Click here if you want to learn more about crypto tax-free countries.

    Security

    Both Binance and Coinbase have the highest cybersecurity score (AAA) audited by CER, the leading cybersecurity ranking and certification platform.

    Both exchanges require Know Your Customer checks (KYC) in order to open an account, and provide two-factor authentication via SMS or the Google Authenticator app. They also store account funds in cold storage and crypto vaults off the Internet so that they cannot be hacked.

    Though both have similar security protocols, Binance focuses more on access restriction, whereas Coinbase implements biometric access (i.e. fingerprints) for logins. Binance offers address whitelisting and device management to review and secure address books and devices, blocking other entries that users do not recognize. On the other hand, Coinbase has biometric fingerprint logins as well as AES-256 encryption and multi-signature security for digital wallets. This is because Coinbase has its own digital wallet, whereas Binance does not. But Binance partners with Trust Wallet, one of the most secure digital wallets with over 25 million users.

    The main difference between both exchanges is that Coinbase is one of the only exchanges that offers FDIC insurance on USD deposits, insuring up to $250,000 of deposited USD funds which is similar to traditional banks. This also applies to Binance.US but not Binance. User funds on Binance are protected by reserves they have in their treasuries.

    Conclusion

    Although Binance and Coinbase are two of the top crypto exchanges in the world, they offer very different user experiences. With new features being added on a regular basis, Binance offers more than almost any exchange on the market as well lower fees.

    On the other hand, Coinbase is a more reputable exchange on an institutional level. It was the first crypto exchange to be listed on the NASDAQ stock market with its market value reaching more than $100 million. This is an impressive milestone in propelling the crypto industry as whole as it signifies the recognition of cryptocurrency as tradeable securities in the global market.

    Although its fees are high and offer less products compared to Binance and other exchanges, Coinbase has a slight edge in security compared to other exchanges as it is subject to U.S. regulations. It is also one of the few crypto exchanges that has its own self-custody crypto wallet.

    But the bottom line is if you are looking for a wide variety of crypto products, Binance is the pick. Coinbase is better suited for beginners due to its spot market offering more secure long-term investments.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. (https://wbctx.com) As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.

  • SwissBorg vs eToro Comparison Review: Which Crypto Exchange is Better?

    SwissBorg vs eToro Comparison Review: Which Crypto Exchange is Better?

    Recently, the news has been flooded with talks about crypto regulation and exchange investigations by the SEC. This has raised a lot of problems among investors as particular crypto exchanges they use might one day become restricted by international regulators. Therefore, one of the safest long-term solutions is to find yourself a fully regulated crypto exchange.

    In this article, we will be comparing two of the top regulated crypto exchanges in the world: SwissBorg and eToro.

    See also: Top Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges of 2023

    What is Swissborg?

    SwissBorg

    Company Overview

    After having raised USD $53 million, SwissBorg was launched in 2017 by Anthony Lesoismier (CSO) and Cyrus Fazel (CEO). SwissBorg is based in Switzerland and is fully compliant with Swiss Law, making it a popular European crypto exchange. It is the first blockchain-based secure wealth management platform, aimed at simplifying the process of crypto investments. It integrates with major crypto exchanges, DeFi protocols, and features a community-based ownership model.

    SwissBorg is available in over 115 countries, and they have plans to include many more in the future. However, as of now, SwissBorg is not supported in the U.S. If you want to see if your country is included, you can visit their Supported Countries page.

    SwissBorg Team

    Prior to founding the exchange, Lesoismier was Head of Financial Market Digital-Advisory at JFD Brokers, and Fazel was a multicultural FinTech professional with decades of experience in asset management and algorithmic trading.

    The SwissBorg team spans 20 different countries, consisting of 300 highly experienced professionals in portfolio management, financial advisory services, and blockchain development. The combined power of their diversified expertise has led them to achieve numerous impressive milestones, including receiving the Mass Adoption Project of the Year award and the Top Swiss Fintech Startups award.

    Key Features of SwissBorg

    Wealth App Smart Engine

    The Wealth App is the smart command-and-control centre of SwissBorg. It lets users build, manage, and monitor their crypto portfolios, enabling easy and secure wealth management. Users can fund their accounts with 16 different fiat currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, and CHZ. Additionally, similar to Coinbase, a limited number of high-cap digital assets are supported to ensure quality.

    The biggest advantage that SwissBorg has is their Smart Engine. It ensures zero spreads and no inflated exchange rates or hidden fees, allowing users to trade at the best rates and lowest slippage. Moreover, the Smart Engine analyzes hundreds of live trading pairs in seconds by connecting to major crypto exchanges such as Binance or Kraken. As a result, SwissBorg finds the best route to execute customer orders in milliseconds, saving investors time to find the best exchange rates.

    Smart Yield Account

    SwissBorg’s Smart Yield is a feature on its app which allows users to potentially earn passive income through Decentralized Finance (DeFi) protocols and Centralized Finance (CeFi) platforms. Smart Yield’s user-friendly interface allows easy access to the benefits of DeFi and CeFi, even average crypto users without much pre-requisite knowledge can stand to gain from it.

    The Smart Yield feature works with top platforms such as Compound, Curve Finance, Binance, Aave, and Uniswap, with its rates ranging from 0.1% to the highest 25% APY for over 20 assets. Since APY rewards change invariably due to supply and demand, you can check the current rates on the SwissBorg Smart Yield Rates page.

    Thematics (Crypto Portfolio Bundles)

    There are a lot crypto themes, and within each theme there are hundreds of different tokens to choose from. Decision fatigue really sets in when you are opting to diversify your crypto portfolio. SwissBorg’s answer to this is their “Thematics”, expert-designed bundles of different crypto themes.

    They provide exposure and diversification that is important for every crypto investor. SwissBorg’s Thematics lets you choose a category you have long-term belief in. For example, if you believe in layer-one protocols, you can choose a layer-one protocol bundle containing Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, Avalanche and so on.

    If you are interested in upcoming layer one protocols, you can check out our comprehensive article on Aptos or Sui.

    What is eToro?

    eToro

    Company Overview

    Based in Tel-Aviv, eToro was established in 2007 by co-founders Ronen Assia (Executive Director), Yoni Assia (CEO), and David Ring (Former CTO). The company was originally a social trading exchange offering commodities, indices, and stocks before diving headfirst into the crypto industry in 2018 with the launch of eToroX and a crypto wallet. It has since grown to one of the largest crypto exchanges, with a user base of 25 million active users worldwide.

    eToro offers a secure, regulated platform for crypto trading with a track record of storing investor funds for well over a decade. The company is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchance Commission (CySEC), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). As such, eToro has a cross border license to operate in member states of the European Economic Area and other permitted countries.

    eToro Team

    Before eToro was established, Yoni Assia had held managerial roles in the FinTech industry and is an expert in computer science and finance. On the other hand, his brother Ronen Assia is a specialist in product design and engineering, having created products across various platforms such as medical devices, household applications, and web applications.

    eToro has one of the largest teams in the crypto exchange scene, with roughly 1,700 employees across 16 different countries in the EMEA, APAC and North America. They have seasoned veterans coming from various disciplines, such as IT and business solutions, data analytics, and blockchain innovations.

    Key Features of eToro

    CopyTrader

    The biggest innovative feature of eToro is their CopyTrader, which allows you to automatically copy top-performing traders, what they invest in and when. This is great for average crypto users and beginners as they can easily leverage other crypto traders’ expertise, instead of going through the hassle of constantly monitoring the market, unsure of whether to enter or exit. As a result, you can simply replicate their trading in your own portfolio. In a way, it is similar to KuCoin’s trading bot, where trading activities are already figured out for you.

    Moreover, CopyTrader is also a social trading platform, where traders are part of a collaborative community. They can with chat with other traders, discuss strategies and benefit from each other. This is a great place to start for beginners and learn from the best on how the market moves, but keep in mind that their quality is not assured. Crypto investments are always volatile.

    Smart Portfolios

    Similar to SwissBorg’s Thematics, eToro’s Smart Portfolios are essential a grouping of several assets bundled together based on the theme. In addition to crypto, eToro also has portfolios of stocks, ETFs, commodities and even people, as per their business model in the early 2010s before crypto became mainstream.

    Smart Portfolios leverages machine learning algorithms and data science to group the best performing bundles, taking into account factors such as balance, exposure, potential yield, risk, and more. Moreover, there are no management fees or commission, other than those applied with assets comprising each portfolio.

    eToroX

    eToroX is the company’s product specifically designed for professional crypto traders and institutional investors. It is not available to retail investors. It offers a suite of advanced trading tools, 30+ crypto assets including 17 unique stablecoins and 80+ tokenized asset pairs. eToroX has a highly competitive fee structure and is renowned for having deep liquidity for stabilizing large-volume trades.

    SwissBorg vs eToro Overview

    Cryptocurrencies and Products

    Both SwissBorg and eToro only offer a limited number of cryptocurrencies, around 30-40. Most of these assets have large market cap like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP (Ripple), BNB, and Polkadot. This is done to ensure quality, reducing exposure to high risk/high reward assets or degen projects that could incur a lot of loss. Both exchanges strictly adhere to standards set by financial regulatory agencies to protect the securities of investors.

    In terms of trading, both exchanges offer a wide array of trading tools for all crypto users as well as deep liquidity to support large volume trades with zero spreads. However, trading on eToro only benefits whales and institutional investors as eToroX unlocks them the full benefit and is inaccessible to retail investors. In contrast, SwissBorg’s Wealth App, optimized with Smart Engine, performs just as well as eToroX and is accessible to everyone.

    Furthermore, SwissBorg offers much more than crypto trading. Their Smart Yield feature works with numerous DeFi protocols and CeFi platforms, simplifying the process of earning and allowing users to stake and receive passive income. On the other hand, eToro also has their own staking reward programs, but is only limited to Cardano, Tron, and Ethereum. Although their monthly staking yield is high, only UK and US users have access to it.

    Fees

    Thanks to their Smart Engine, SwissBorg users do not have to worry about inflated exchange rates, floating spreads, and hidden fees. In other words, you will never end up with less crypto than what you paid for. There are no deposit fees, but crypto withdrawals are subject to an execution fee of at least 0.10%, which is relatively low compared to other exchanges. In terms of exchange fees, SwissBorg fees are among the lowest in the crypto industry, but vary greatly depending on loyalty tier and which fiat or crypto asset is being used. Moreover, 20% of their profits generated from the fees are reinvested back into the SwissBorg ecosystem.

    On the other hand, eToro charges a 1% fee on crypto transactions plus a spread. Although this is still considered lower compared to other exchanges, it is not as competitive as SwissBorg. If you are planning to trade a lot of cryptocurrencies, paying more than 1% can eat into your profits. Unlike SwissBorg, eToro charges foreign transaction (FX) fees for non-USD deposits, and USD $5 for withdrawals. Furthermore, if you are planning to HODL assets long-term, it is important to note that eToro charges an inactivity fee for accounts that have not been online for a year. You can simply log in each day to negate that.

    Overall, SwissBorg is the clear winner in terms of lower and transparent fees.

    Security

    As leading trading platforms, both SwissBorg and eToro have successfully ensured compliance with top regulatory authorities, placing the security of their platform and the safety of their clients’ funds as a top priority.

    Both exchanges adhere to Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, protecting traders from fraudulent and criminal activities. Much like all other major crypto exchanges, SwissBorg and eToro uses two-factor authentication (2FA), data encryption, network monitoring and other standard security protocols.

    Both companies also store account funds in cold storage so that they cannot be hacked online. However, their methodology of cold storage security is different but impenetrable nevertheless.

    eToro deploys a cold storage Custody as a Service (CaaS) solution in partnership with leading cybersecurity firm GK8. It is essentially the application of secure institutional model of custody and cryptographic security in crypto. The funds are also insured by Aon PLC against theft, loss, damage or destruction of assets.

    On the other hand, instead of custody mechanism, SwissBorg addresses and enhances cold wallet security by implementing multi-party computation (MPC) keyless technology. It does not require a private key to be created, eliminating a single point of failure. MPC works by multiple parties jointly performing mathematical computations, without one party revealing its information to the others. SwissBorg achieves this in collaboration with Fireblocks as their security partner. Fireblocks is renowned for being the most secure and adaptable platform that leverages MPC technology to secure digital assets.

    Crediting to their advanced security protocols and regulation compliances, there have been no known successful hacks on both SwissBorg and eToro to date.

    Key Takeaways

    Both SwissBorg and eToro are great crypto exchanges for investors to manage and expand their portfolio. While eToro’s CopyTrader feature is great for beginners to learn how expert traders maneuver the market, it is important to note that their quality is not assured. Crypto investments are always volatile, and no one can predict the market.

    Overall, SwissBorg is relatively better than eToro in terms of trading efficiency, fees, and product variety. SwissBorg’s Smart Engine allows users of all levels to trade without inflated exchange rates, spread and hidden fees. Their exchange fees are also much lower than eToro’s, and have no deposit fees. Moreover, the company also brings DeFi benefits to its users, letting them earn high APY rewards in a simple process.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.

  • Liquid Exchange Review (2023): A Cryptocurrency Exchange with a Diverse Range of Supporter Coins

    Liquid Exchange Review (2023): A Cryptocurrency Exchange with a Diverse Range of Supporter Coins

    For those looking for a reliable and legitimate cryptocurrency exchange, Liquid is a great place to start, as the platform has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. This Liquid review will provide you with all the information you need about the features and benefits of the Liquid exchange, so you can decide if it’s the right choice.

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    What is Liquid?

    Liquid is a Tokyo-based cryptocurrency-fiat exchange platform that was established in 2014 and granted an official license from the Japan Financial Services Agency in 2017. It offers a comprehensive solution to modern financial trading problems, providing traders with a secure and reliable platform to buy and sell digital assets. Liquid’s services are designed to be user-friendly and secure, allowing traders to access a wide range of features such as advanced order types, margin trading, and more. With its cutting-edge technology and customer-centric approach, Liquid is the perfect choice for traders looking for a reliable and secure platform to trade digital assets.

    Liquid is dedicated to establishing a safe crypto space that enables every trader and customer to benefit from secure financial transactions and exceptional blockchain technology. Its position in the top ten regulated crypto platforms not only benefits the organization but also serves as a robust platform for customers to enjoy excellent services with optimal security. With its creative interface, Liquid has successfully incorporated effective features and measures that provide users with a great experience. Liquid places a high emphasis on ensuring user satisfaction.

    Key Features of Liquid

    Some of the core features of Liquid are as follows:

    • The trading environment is excellent, facilitating the exchange of various cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
    • Innovative security measures are in place.
    • There is a strong focus on fintech innovation.
    • Advanced trading capabilities are available.
    • The interactive interface includes live price charts and analytical tools for professional traders.
    • Greater liquidity and fund control are provided.
    • The website is easy to navigate, allowing for effective information mining.
    • The search and browsing experience is smooth.
    • Despite dropping to the 67th spot during the Covid-19 crisis in March 2020, the Liquid exchange still boasts strong liquidity, ranking among the top 20 for 30-day trading volume at 5.7 billion.

    Key Advantages of Liquid

    As usual, we will begin our review of Liquid by examining the features and advantages that this Singapore-Japan exchange provides to its users. Subsequently, we will delve into some of the more noteworthy grievances. Finally, I will demonstrate how to register on the platform and make your first cryptocurrency purchase.

    Supports a Wide Range of Cryptocurrencies

    At present, there are over 7000 cryptocurrencies available for discovery, trading, and utilization, each with its unique approach. Although an average crypto enthusiast won’t require even 1/100th of them, the point is that the popularity of cryptocurrencies is on a steady rise. With this increased popularity comes an increase in the public interest. Through user Liquid reviews found online, it’s apparent that even cryptocurrency newbies do their research before entering the industry. The result is asset diversification and a move beyond Bitcoin.

    As a result, people seek cryptocurrency exchanges that allow them to trade more than just Bitcoin or Ethereum. That’s where Liquid exchange comes in. In Liquid crypto, users can access over 100 different cryptocurrencies for trading, which is quite a high number. While no single trader may require such a vast portfolio of crypto assets, having a wide range of choices is always appreciated. This aspect is frequently mentioned in user Liquid reviews, and understandably so – it is one of the exchange’s most significant features.

    Bank Transfers and Credit/Debit Card Purchases are Accepted

    The Liquid exchange is a popular platform for buying and trading cryptocurrencies. It supports multiple payment options, including bank transfers and credit/debit cards, making it easy to purchase Bitcoin and Ethereum. The exchange also offers a wide range of other coins, with some exceptions. Reviews of the exchange are generally positive, with users praising its user-friendly interface and secure transactions. With its wide range of payment options and secure transactions, Liquid is a great choice for those looking to buy and trade cryptocurrencies.

    Account and Asset Security is Taken Seriously

    This platform offers users a secure trading platform. With its advanced security measures, users can rest assured that their accounts and assets are safe from potential hacks. Liquid reviews have praised the exchange for its security features, which include two-factor authentication, cold storage, and advanced encryption. With these measures in place, users can be sure that their cryptocurrencies are safe and secure.

    It utilizes mandatory 2FA, withdrawal protection, IP address whistling, cool-down periods of certain setting changes, and 98% of user crypto assets stored in cold storage devices. Furthermore, it also implements KYC and AML checks and verifications to ensure the security of its users. All these measures make Liquid one of the most secure cryptocurrency exchanges on the market.

    Some Extra Features

    Liquid is a cryptocurrency exchange that offers users a wide range of features, including traditional cryptocurrency trading, Infinity trading (CFD trading), futures trading, margin trading, and more. With up to 100x leverage available, users can take advantage of the platform’s features to maximize their profits. Additionally, Liquid has a mobile app that allows users to trade and exchange on the go. With its extensive list of features, Liquid is a great choice for those looking to get involved in cryptocurrency trading.

    Key Disadvantages of Liquid

    Now, let’s determine whether they are significant problems or minor inconveniences.

    Issues for Users in the United States

    US-based customers can only trade on the exchange using crypto-crypto pairs as fiat-crypto pairs are reportedly inaccessible for residents of the States. This limitation is not surprising as many cryptocurrency exchanges have issues with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), and do not allow US investors to trade on them.

    However, trading with crypto-crypto pairs can cause inconvenience for newbie crypto traders as they have to acquire cryptocurrency, transfer it to Liquid, and trade it for another crypto coin of their choice. This process is long and tedious, and not beginner-friendly. As a result, Liquid may not be the ideal choice for US-based customers who are new to crypto trading and would prefer to buy cryptocurrency with fiat money.

    Mediocre Fees

    Liquid exchange reviews note that the platform offers a 0.3% trading fee for both market makers and market takers. This is considered to be rather high when compared to other exchanges. However, market makers have many more benefits, such as no fees when trading under $10,000 per month. Additionally, both categories of traders can reduce their fees by performing more trades, with makers having a faster reduction. Finally, users can also use the Liquid exchange native token, QASH, to reduce their fees even further. All of these factors combined can help traders get some good deals, fee-wise.

    How to Register on Liquid?

    We’ll start with the registration.

    • Step 1: Visit the Liquid official website and click the “Get started” button.
    • Step 2: Enter your legal name, email address, referral code (if applicable), and country of residence.
    • Step 3: Confirm your email address by clicking the verification link in your inbox.
    • Step 4: Sign in to your account and start trading!

    The registration process on Liquid is straightforward and quick, taking less than a minute to complete. Unlike other exchanges, KYC verifications are not required during registration, making it beginner-friendly.

    How to Start Trading on Liquid?

    Liquid Exchange makes it easy to fund your account and start trading quickly, with its optimized process.

    • Step 1: Log in to your Liquid account.
    • Step 2: You’ll be sent to your dashboard. Here are some useful hints on how to correctly set up your account – two-factor authentication, KYC, account funding, and so on. You’ll also notice a Buy | Swap button and a small VISA sign in the upper right corner of the screen. Click the button.
    • Step 3: Following the completion of some legalities and confirmations, you will be presented with a trading screen. You can use a credit or debit card to purchase cryptocurrencies or exchange one asset for another.
    • Step 4: The final step may be a little confusing, as you will be routed to your profile page and requested to complete KYC verification as well as secure your account with 2FA, if you haven’t already.

    The “complicated” element here just refers to the fact that you will need to take the time to authenticate your identity and set everything up in order for your order to be processed. Keep in mind, however, that this is a typical procedure – while you were able to avoid the tedious formalities during registration, they are still required.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the Liquid exchange is definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re located outside of the US and looking for a secure and reliable alternative crypto trading platform. With a wide variety of cryptocurrencies to choose from and an assortment of different features, Liquid offers a smooth and streamlined trading experience. While the platform’s default fees are slightly high and US investors can only trade crypto-crypto, these are minor drawbacks in the grand scheme of things. Overall, Liquid is one of the better exchanges in the industry, suitable for both beginners and experts. However, if Liquid doesn’t quite fit your needs, there are plenty of other cryptocurrency exchanges available, such as Coinbase or Binance, to explore.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.

  • Yobit Exchange Review and Guide 2020

    Yobit Exchange Review and Guide 2020

    YoBit is a cryptocurrency exchange launched in 2014 and is one of the oldest in the market. YoBit’s philosophy is to keep things simple. The Exchange only offers spot trading on its relatively intuitive and uncomplicated platform. The exchange is popular around the world, with an especially large community in Russia and Europe. However, YoBit does offer some unique non-trading related features such as investment plans, a dice game, and ongoing opportunities for users to earn free cryptocurrencies.

    Registered in Panama as YoBiCrypto Corp, the Exchange was the creation of a group of European developers with a passion for cryptocurrencies. According to CoinMarketCap Yobit has a trading volume of more than USD$50 million every 24 hour

    In this review, we look at the various features of YoBit exchange and give users a guide on how to get started. We also look at whether YoBit is a reliable and safe choice for cryptocurrency traders in 2020.

    Key Features

    • No frills approach: YoBit distinguishes itself from its competitors by being simple. This notion of simplicity can also be seen in its interface. Once you log in all the necessary features and information is displayed clearly and is easily accessible in 1 click.
    • No KYC required: No KYC procedures are required for registering an account and they do not collect any data from users. The Exchange’s aim is to protect users’ anonymity and respect their privacy and confidentiality. New users can register with their email and start trading within minutes.
    • Unique features: In addition to spot trading, the Exchange has unique features such as InvestBox, a dice game, FreeCoins, “YoPony” and collaboration with CryptoTalk forums, etc.

    Let’s take a look at their major unique features in turn.

    InvestBox- a simple how-to guide

    According to YoBit, InvestBox allows users to grow their portfolio and potentially earn from 0.1% up to 7% per day. The purpose of InvestBox is to bridge the gap between cryptocurrency traders and developers by helping the latter popularise their coin, and so traders can benefit from its popularity. The Exchange claims that payments from these plans are from a special fund which is replenished from commissions earned by the Exchange. Users can withdraw their funds from the plans at any time and withdrawals are not subject to any commissions payable to the Exchange.

    Plans differ in terms of what coin you can earn, the minimum investment amount and time required, and the actions required to obtain the payments. As seen in the below image, each InvestBox plan has its own “rules” as follows:

    • Coin: The type of cryptocurrency to be invested
    • Percent: The percentage you will get
    • Period: When you will get your payments e.g. daily, weekly etc.
    • MinInvest: Miniumum investment required
    • MaxInvest: The maximum you can invest
    • Action: What actions are required to get the payments. Taking YOMI in the below image as an example “YOMI/BTC: 10 buy trades + no YOMI sells + BTC: 10 ds” means that users: (1) must buy YOMI tokens 10 times on the YOMI/BTC market; (2) cannot sell their YOMI tokens until payment is received; and (3) play the DICE game 10 times (though it doesn’t matter if you win or lose).
    • Status: Whether the plan is active or not.

    Dice game and YoPony

    A popular feature on the Exchange is their dice game where users guess if an upcoming dice roll is going to be less than 48 or more than 52. As mentioned in the InvestBox section, some plans may require users to play this game for a specified number of times. YoPony is a crypto racing game, where you guess which horse will win a race.

    FreeCoins- how to earn cryptocurrencies on YoBit

    To encourage more people to trade on YoBit, the Exchange gives out free coins for users who share the Exchange on social media. All users need to do is to choose which free coin they would like to get and click “Get free coins”.

    Then in the pop-up window choose whether you want to make your post on Twitter, Facebook or Vkontakte. You will then automatically be directed to your social media website to put up the post. Afterwards you will need to paste the link of your post into the address bar and press “Check” so that YoBit can verify you have posted.

    Pop-up window
    Pop-up window will prompt you to post and insert the address of the post for checking

    YoBit CryptoTalk campaign- another way to earn free cryptocurrencies

    Yobit also has reward campaign with CryptoTalk.org, a cryptocurrency forum where people can earn Bitcoin by engaging in discussions. YoBit will reward users with 0.00001 BTC per post, for up to 30 posts per day. Once you have posted, you will need to enter your CryptoTalk UID into the CryptoTalk campaign page for your posts to be verified. After verification by the moderators on the CryptoTalk forum, rewards will be given to eligible posts and you will be able to send this directly to your BTC balance on the Exchange.

    Supported cryptocurrencies

    YoBit offers trading for over 442 cryptocurrencies, more than twice as many as competitors such as Binance exchange. These include some altcoins which are relatively unknown, potentially making it one of the only options available for serious altcoin traders.

    What also makes YoBit exchange stand out is its number of trading pairs available. It has more than 4,600 trading pairs making it the most trading pairs of any exchange in the market according to CoinGecko.

    Supported currencies and payment methods

    YoBit accepts both USD and RUB (Russian Ruble). As for payment methods, the Exchange accepts Visa/Mastercard, AdvCash, Payeer, Perfect Money, Capitalist, Yandex and cryptocurrency deposits.

    YoBit Fees

    Deposit and withdrawal fees

    Deposits onto the Exchange are free of charge for most major payment methods such as Visa/Mastercard or cryptocurrency deposits. For withdrawals however the fees can range from 0.0005 for cryptocurrencies, to 7% (USD) using Payeer or USD $6 and 5% using credit cards.

    Here’s a list of YoBit’s deposit and withdrawal fees.

    Trading fees

    YoBit charges 0.20% for every buy and sell order on the Exchange. Compared with its competitors, this is generally average. Some exchanges such as KuCoin or OKEx charge a bit less at 0.10%, whilst other exchanges such as Coinbase Pro charge a lot more at 0.50% plus other fees.

    Supported countries

    The Exchange is available to users from all around the globe, including the USA. To cater for its international clientele, the Exchange supports English, Russian and Chinese languages. One of their unique features is its live chat in the sidebar where you can chat with other traders in real time. The live chat is available in English, German, Arabic, Chinese and Russian.

    Security- Is YoBit safe?

    YoBit has a good track record of no hacks in the 6 years it was launched. The Exchange has the following features to protect its users.

    Email login confirmation: After logging into the Exchange, they will send you an email letting you know you have successfully logged in together with details of your login such as your IP address, location and login time. This means you will be notified if someone else has wrongfully logged into your account.

    2-Factor Authentication (2FA): Users can set up the Google Authenticator app on their phones to be used with the Exchange. So when a user makes a deposit or withdrawal, they would also be required to type in a one-time password to complete the request.

    Freeze withdrawals: A unique feature, the freeze withdrawals function can prove to be very useful if you suspect your account has been hacked. In the Settings page, you can select “Freeze withdrawals from my account (I suspect hacking)”. Upon selecting this option, any withdrawals from the Exchange would be frozen and users can only enable withdrawals again by going through customer support.

    Insurance fund: In the Support page, there is an option to request compensation from an insurance fund.

    Not many details are known about the insurance fund. But from our research, the Exchange did suffer a 51% attack in January 2019 and according to YoBit, the losses suffered were covered by the Exchange’s insurance fund.

    User Experience

    The Exchange really takes it to the next step with its simplicity. So much so that there are virtually no tutorials or instructions available on the Exchange or elsewhere. So if users are confused about the Exchange’s features and functions, they will have to look up external websites, figure it out themselves or ask the active and helpful YoBit community. However since the interface is very simple very self-explanatory, most experienced traders should be able to master using YoBit fairly easily and maybe come to appreciate its no-frills approach.

    How to register for a YoBit account

    Registration is staightforward. On YoBit’s main page, simply click “Registration”, fill in the form and click “Register”.

    Afterwards you will receive an email asking you to click on their link to activate your account. On the webpage, select “Activate” and you are all set!

    The registration process was very simple and we were able to register for an account in less than 10 minutes.

    How to deposit and withdraw cryptocurrencies on YoBit

    Deposits

    On the top bar, click “Wallets” to view your balances. Choose which coin to deposit and click “+”. A popup window will appear showing your cryptocurrency address and a QR code. From there either enter the address or scan the QR code with the wallet you want to send from.

    Withdrawals

    Withdrawals on YoBit are just as simple. Click on the “Wallets” page on the top bar, choose which coin to withdraw and click “-“. A popup window will appear for you to fill in your withdrawal address and the quantity you wish to withdraw. YoBit will automatically calculate the withdrawal fees payable and show the amount that the recipient will actually get. Then click “withdrawal request”.

    Customer support

    YoBit has encountered some controversy with users complaining that the Exchange is slow to respond to requests on their support page. From using the Exchange we can see that they have taken this comment on board and tried to make improvements. YoBit customers can get support through the following means:

    • Send a customer support ticket on their Support page;
    • Ask the community on the live chat on the Exchange’s sidebar;
    • On their telegram chat, PM an admin or ask in the main page; and
    • Contact their official support account @YbtSP on Telegram (currently in test mode).

    To test out their customer service, we tried asking for help using all the methods mentioned above. We got a response from the Support page in under 10 minutes, which is quite impressive. We also got replies from other YoBit users on the Telegram community and the live chat who were all very helpful.

    Conclusion: Is YoBit a safe and legit exchange?

    YoBit certainly does live up to its repuation of keeping things simple. Here’s some pros and cons of the Exchange based on our research and user experience.

    Pros

    • Compared with other exchanges, they have a long history and a track record of no hacks.
    • Signup is simple and can be done in 10 minutes.
    • Clean and relatively intuitive interface.
    • Huge number of trading pairs making it a good option for serious altcoin enthusiasts.
    • Very responsive customer support.

    Cons

    • Only offers spot trading and other non-trading related functions such as InvestBox or FreeCoins.
    • Virtually no information about themselves or tutorials on their website. We had to find information about the Exchange from external sources, or figure it ourselves.

    All in all, YoBit is suited for users who have at least some experience with cryptocurrency trading or serious altcoin enthusiasts. YoBit does have a good security record with the usual security features expected of any legitimate exchange. YoBit is certainly an exchange worth looking into.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Where can I find YoBit on social media?

    YoBit can be found on Twitter and Telegram, where they have one of the largest communities with over 77,000 members on their English channel. The Exchange also has a Russian Telegram channel.

    Can I find any other reviews on YoBit exchange?

    Websites such as Trustpilot, Blocknomi and Cryptocompare have also written detailed reviews on YoBit’s features and functions.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.

  • Prime XBT Exchange Review (2023): Decent Fees, and Relatively Simple to Use

    Prime XBT Exchange Review (2023): Decent Fees, and Relatively Simple to Use

    Trade cryptocurrencies and traditional financial instruments such as Forex, S&P 500, and Nasdaq composite indices, as commodities like crude oil and natural gas, all from one account with Prime XBT, the Multi-asset Crypto-based derivatives trading exchange. You’ve come to the right place if you’re seeking to figure out if Prime XBT is legitimate or want to learn more about the Prime XBT costs because we’ll go over all the important details of the platform below.

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    What is Prime XBT?

    Prime XBT is a multi-asset crypto-based derivatives trading exchange that allows traders to access a wide range of financial instruments, including cryptocurrencies, Forex, S&P 500, and Nasdaq indices, commodities, and more. With up to 200x crypto leverage and 1000x leverage for Forex trades, traders from more than 150 countries can open an account and start trading in minutes. Prime XBT is easy to use, even for beginners, and provides a secure and reliable platform for trading a variety of assets.

    It has become a popular choice for traders due to its leverage options and low fees. However, some users have complained about the limited number of coins supported by the platform. Prime XBT is constantly expanding its list of supported coins, so traders can expect more options in the future. The platform also offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to get started. With its competitive fees and great usability, Prime XBT is a great choice for traders looking for a reliable and secure trading platform.

    Key Features of Prime XBT

    The platform’s other standout features include:

    Crypto-based platform with multiple assets: You can fund and use numerous trading accounts simultaneously with Prime XBT. Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USD Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), and Covesting are included in this (COV). Each specific trading account’s base currency is used to settle profits and equity.

    Ability to Margin Trade popular cryptocurrency and traditional assets: Trade popular global stock market indices, commodities, and forex with leverage up to 1000x, as well as Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, DogeCoin, XRP, and more. More than 100 asset pairs from the traditional and cryptocurrency sectors are supported by the platform.

    A strong, beautifully designed platform with widgets you can customize: It has more than 12 integrated liquidity sources and can process up to 12,000 orders per second, ensuring that the average order is completed in less than 7.12 milliseconds on average.

    Covesting module: Prime XBT seamlessly interacts with Covesting, a different cryptocurrency social trading platform that enables you to follow and automatically imitate the trades of experienced traders.

    Cheap platform: When it comes to pricing, Prime XBT is incredibly open and promises some of the lowest rates available.

    Privacy: Since Prime XBT is a pro-privacy platform, no KYC (know your customer) checks are necessary before you can begin trading. The platform nevertheless has affiliations with numerous anti-money laundering (AML) service providers.

    Key Advantages of Prime XBT

    Some of the Highest Leverage Options in Crypto Trading

    Prime XBT is a cryptocurrency trading platform that offers users a range of features and services, including high leverage limits, low fees, and a wide range of trading options. Prime XBT reviews found online are generally positive, with users praising the platform for its user-friendly interface, low fees, and high leverage limits. The highest leverage limit available on Prime XBT is 100x, which can be used to increase profits significantly. Prime XBT also offers a range of risk management tools, making it a great choice for both experienced and novice traders.

    One That Is Very Secure

    Prime XBT is a cryptocurrency trading platform that offers users a secure and reliable trading experience. It utilizes AWS web servers to ensure smooth operations and employs a cold storage system to protect user assets. This means that the majority of crypto assets are stored in offline devices, making them much less vulnerable to hacking and other malicious activities. Prime XBT also offers a variety of trading tools and features, such as margin trading, leverage, and more, to help users maximize their profits. With its advanced security measures and comprehensive trading features, Prime XBT is a great choice for those looking to trade cryptocurrencies safely and securely.

    Easy to Use

    Prime XBT is a cryptocurrency trading platform that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of trading options. It is a secure and reliable platform that allows users to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrencies. The platform also offers margin trading with up to 100x leverage, and a variety of order types, including limit, market, and stop orders. Prime XBT also provides a range of educational resources to help traders understand the markets and make informed trading decisions. With its competitive fees and low minimum deposits, Prime XBT is an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced traders.

    Fiat Currency / Cryptocurrency Trading Pairs + Fiat Deposits

    Prime XBT is a trading platform that allows users to make fiat deposits and trade fiat currencies for crypto ones. This is a big deal, as many exchanges do not offer this option. Prime XBT offers a wide range of trading pairs, including fiat/crypto trading, and users can also make fiat currency deposits to their Prime wallet. This makes it an ideal platform for those looking for an easy entry into the cryptocurrency market, as it offers direct fiat deposits and fiat/crypto trading pairs. Prime XBT reviews are generally positive, with users praising the platform for its ease of use, security, and customer service.

    Key Disadvantages of Prime XBT

    Despite the many positive Prime XBT reviews, it is important to consider some of the common concerns that users have with the platform.

    Prime XBT is a cryptocurrency trading platform that supports only the most popular and mainstream coins. Specifically, the platform offers support for Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), and EOS (EOS). This is a relatively small number of coins, but it should be more than enough for entry-level crypto traders who are just getting started. With Bitcoin and Ethereum being the two most popular coins, beginner traders should have no problem finding the coins they need to start trading.

    Services That Are Limited on a Regional Basis

    Prime XBT is a popular cryptocurrency trading platform that operates in more than 150 countries. Unfortunately, it is not available in the US or Canada due to financial laws in those regions. This is a major con of the platform, as it restricts access to those living in the two countries. Despite this, Prime XBT is still considered a legitimate platform, offering a wide range of features and services to its users. It is a great option for those looking to trade cryptocurrencies, but those in the US or Canada will have to look elsewhere.

    How to Register on and Use Prime XBT?

    All that’s left to do is tell you how to register on it, and use the basic features!

    1. Go to the company’s official website, and click Sign Up.

    2. Enter your email address, contact information, and password.

    3. A PIN code will be sent to you, which you must input on the website and press Enter to confirm your email address.

    4. Next, you’ll be prompted to select the nation in which you now reside.

    You’re in! The registration is quick and straightforward!

    How to Add Bitcoins to Your Wallet?

    1. Go to the Account tab on your Prime XBT account.
    2. There will be a huge blue button that reads, “Deposit to wallet.” Toggle it.
    3. Your unique Bitcoin wallet code is located here. You must transmit Bitcoin to this address, which is your public wallet code. As an alternative, you may even buy Bitcoin with a credit or debit card – it’s that easy!

    Conclusion

    Prime XBT is a great asset trading platform for cryptocurrency traders. It offers a comparatively simple user interface and the ability to trade fiat/crypto pairs and purchase cryptocurrencies with a credit or debit card. The fees are lower than those of Coinbase, but the latter is available in the US and provides top-tier security for crypto assets. Prime XBT offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, but US-based traders may need to look for alternatives such as Kucoin. All in all, Prime XBT is a great choice for beginner and entry-level traders.

    Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risks and may result in the loss of your capital. You should carefully consider whether trading cryptocurrencies is right for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate widely in a short period of time. As such, trading cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, storing cryptocurrencies on a centralized exchange carries inherent risks, including the potential for loss due to hacking, exchange collapse, or other security breaches. We strongly advise that you seek independent professional advice before engaging in any cryptocurrency trading activities and carefully consider the security measures in place when choosing or storing your cryptocurrencies on a cryptocurrency exchange.