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Are you looking to start buying, trading and selling altcoins, but not sure what the best altcoin exchange is? I know the feeling; there are hundreds of different platforms to choose from, each with its own pros and cons.

But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place! Today, I am going to give you a review of eight of the best altcoin exchanges, in which I’ll show you where to buy altcoins and how to buy altcoins with USD.

In this best altcoin exchange guide, I will review some of the top exchanges, highlighting their fees, security measures, coin availability, trading volume, and user-friendliness. So, once you have read through all these exchanges, you will be able to decide which one best suits your needs:

  • Binance - Trade Over 500 Cryptocurrencies With High Liquidity
  • Kraken - Easily Convert Fiat to 360+ Altcoins
  • Coinbase - Secure Trading of Over 290 Altcoins
  • CEX.IO - User-Friendly Interface & 200+ Supported Assets
  • Coinmama - Newbie-Friendly 500+ Altcoin Swapping
  • Gemini - Highly Regulated Exchange for Trading 70+ Crypto Assets
  • WEEX - Non-KYC Trading With High Leverage, Wide Asset Variety & Low Fees
  • BYDFi - User-Friendly Trading for All

Well... what are you waiting for? Let's find you the best altcoin exchange that suits your needs!

1. Binance - Trade Over 500 Cryptocurrencies With High Liquidity

Ranks #1 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges

Binance is definitely one of the best altcoin exchanges within the industry, with its low fees, high security, and user-centric design.

It offers access to over 500 cryptocurrencies, including many of the most trusted and talked-about projects in the space. A few big names you’ll find on Binance include Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), and Polkadot (DOT).

One of the best things about Binance is how many different ways it lets you trade. You’ve got the basics like spot trading, but also more advanced options like margin trading, futures, copy trading, and even automated bots.

Best altcoin exchange: Binance mobile application.

When it comes to fees, Binance is hard to beat. Its trading fees are among the lowest in the industry, starting at just 0.1% and dropping even further with higher trading volumes or by using BNB, the exchange’s native token, for fee discounts. If you're the kind of trader who makes moves every day, those savings can really add up fast.

📚 Read Further: Binance Fees

In terms of security, Binance takes things seriously and goes well beyond the basics. Along with standard features like Know Your Customer (KYC) verification and two-factor authentication (2FA), the platform also uses more advanced tools like AI-powered fraud detection and keeps the majority of user funds in cold storage for added protection.

On top of that, Binance has its own emergency insurance fund called SAFU (Secure Asset Fund for Users), which is there to help cover unexpected losses in the rare event of a major security breach. All in all, it’s one of the most trusted platforms in the crypto space when it comes to keeping your assets safe and sound.

Binance also offers two different storage options, both fully integrated within the platform: the built-in Binance exchange wallet and the Binance Web3 Wallet.

Both are super convenient, but what really stands out is that the Binance Web3 Wallet is a non-custodial hot wallet. This means you stay in full control of your private keys while still enjoying easy access to DeFi apps, NFTs, and more.

📚 Read More: Binance Web3 Wallet Review

Here's how Binance may help you in a nutshell:

Pros

Cons

 Top-tier security features

 Can be somewhat challenging to get started

 Over 180 countries supported, including most of the US states as well

 Fiat payments - accepted!

 Caters to all types of users

Table: Advantages and disadvantages of Binance

Whether you're just starting out or already know your way around charts, Binance is a great place to experiment and take your altcoin strategy to the next level.

👉🏻 Visit Binance
...or read our Binance review

2. Kraken - Easily Convert Fiat to 360+ Altcoins

Ranks #2 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges

Kraken provides traders with ease of use and takes a very beginner-friendly approach. It has a really basic platform, making it perfect for first-time buyers. Not only that, if you are a seasoned trader, Kraken Pro offers even more trading options besides spot trading, such as margin, futures, and even OTC trading.

Founded in 2011, Kraken is still one of the most popular altcoin exchanges, especially among traders in Europe and the US.

Kraken offers a solid selection of altcoins, including options like Stellar Lumens (XLM), Ripple (XRP), ZCash (ZEC), and many more. It even features its own NFT marketplace, giving users a way to explore digital collectibles directly on the platform.

While Kraken used to be limited in payment methods, it’s not anymore. Apart from debit and credit cards, it offers Apple Pay and Google Pay in many regions. Users in the US, Canada, Japan, and most of the European Union can also take advantage of traditional bank transfers. These expanded options make Kraken far more accessible, especially for those looking to convert fiat to crypto quickly and easily.

Best altcoin exchange: Kraken.

Of course, to be able to use all these features of Kraken, you need to verify your account before getting started. If you are only depositing cryptocurrency and planning to trade less than $100,000 per month, then you just need to provide basic information such as a valid ID and proof of address. However, if you want to exceed this amount, you need to provide additional details like proof of funds.

When it comes to trading fees, it depends on how much you trade over a 30-day period. Kraken uses a maker-taker fee model, with rates starting at 0.25% for makers and 0.40% for takers, but the more you trade, the lower your fees get. You can check each fee tier from your Kraken account.

📚 Read More: Kraken Fees Explained

Although there is no phone support available, you can request help through their live chat support, which is available 24/7. However, there do seem to be a few bad reviews about the quality of their customer service.

Pros

Cons

Basic interface for beginners

 Reports of poor customer service

24/7 live chat support

 Relatively high fees

Available in the US

Offers NFT marketplace

Table: Advantages and disadvantages of Kraken

All things considered, Kraken is definitely one of the best altcoin exchanges within the crypto industry.

👉🏻 Visit Kraken
...or read our Kraken review

3. Coinbase - Secure Trading of Over 290 Altcoins

Ranks #3 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges

If you have been involved in the world of cryptocurrency for a long time, then there is a good chance you've heard of Coinbase. Launched in 2012 and based in San Francisco, it’s one of the most recognizable names in the crypto world.

The platform is really easy to use, which makes it perfect for beginners. Not only this, but they have excellent customer service, which includes phone support!

Best altcoin exchange: Coinbase advanced.

If you're a more advanced trader, you can still benefit from Coinbase Advanced at no extra cost, unlocking features like margin trading, real-time charts, and deeper order controls – all without leaving the Coinbase environment.

You can even store your crypto right within the ecosystem using Coinbase’s non-custodial wallet, giving you full control over your assets while staying connected to the platform.

📚 Further Reading: Coinbase Wallet Review

One of the main reasons that people love Coinbase is that it allows you to deposit using a debit/credit card or a bank account. Keep in mind that before you get started with fiat money, you will need to verify your identity. It's a straightforward process, as all you need to do is provide a few personal details and then upload a government-issued ID, such as your passport.

Coinbase started out primarily focused on Bitcoin and a few altcoins and had one of the largest trading volumes for Bitcoin.

Best altcoin exchange: Coinbase statistics.

Today, it supports a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, over 290, including popular choices like ETH, LTC, BCH. While it's not as altcoin-heavy as some other platforms, it still gives users access to many of the most well-known and widely traded assets.

The security measures of Coinbase are also very good. It holds 98% of customer funds in cold storage, and you also have the option of setting up two-factor authentication.

Cold storage is when private keys are held offline with no connection to the internet. This makes them extremely secure and almost impossible for criminals to steal your funds.

While the globality of Coinbase was limited some time ago, now it has expanded its services to over 100 countries, including Australia, Canada, Singapore, the US, and most EU countries.

When it comes to fees, Coinbase offers decent rates, though not the lowest on the market. Trading fees start at 0.60% for takers and 0.40% for makers, slightly above the industry average. Deposits are generally reasonable, and in some cases completely free, depending on the payment method. Yet, using a debit or credit card can be costly, typically close to 4%, but it's fairly standard for instant card payments.

Pros

Cons

Very basic platform – perfect for beginners

 Expensive fees for debit/credit card deposits

Accepts debit/credit cards and bank transfer

Excellent security

Good customer support

Table: Advantages and disadvantages of Coinbase

Even though it can be a bit more costly to use Coinbase compared to others like Binance, it's still a reliable platform with its global availability and variety of products.

👉🏻 Visit Coinbase
...or read our Coinbase review

Compare Crypto Exchanges Side by Side With Others

Did you know?

Compare Crypto Exchanges Side by Side With Others

All Crypto Exchanges may look similar to you but they're NOT all the same!

Yes! Show me the Comparison Chart

4. CEX.IO - User-Friendly Interface & 200+ Supported Assets

Ranks #4 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges

CEX.IO was launched in 2013 and is based in the UK. During its first two years of trading, it was both an exchange and a mining pool. However, since 2015, it has been 100% focused on its trading platform. Let's explore if CEX.IO has the potential to be called the best altcoin exchange.

There is a decent number of different altcoins you can buy on CEX.IO, as it supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, and new ones are being added all the time. While it doesn't have the thousands of trading pairs you’d find on platforms like Bybit, the exchange offers a clean and stable experience for those looking to trade top altcoins without diving into overly complex interfaces.

Best altcoin exchange: CEX.IO products.

When trading on CEX.IO's spot market, you can choose the Time in Force Policy (the lifetime of the order you want to place). By default, the CEX.IO trading system uses the Good Till Cancel (GTC) model, which leaves the order open until you fill or cancel it.

However, it can also process orders in a Good Till Date (GTD) or Immediate Or Cancel (IOC) model, though you must choose those explicitly. IOC, for example, processes orders similarly to a “fill or kill” trade. If you are only trading low amounts, this shouldn’t be a problem, as there will always be enough liquidity to fill your order.

A fill or kill trade is where the buyer either gets what they ask for, or the order is canceled. For instance, if Peter wants to buy 20 ETH at $1,500, the trade will only go through if Peter is able to get the entire amount at that price. Otherwise, the order will be canceled.

One of the best features of using CEX.IO is that you can deposit and withdraw funds using a variety of different methods, including bank transfers, which is one of the most convenient ways possible. If you are based in the EU, then you can use SEPA, but you must use an international wire transfer if you're based elsewhere.

To deposit fiat, you will need to complete a verification process, just like on any other reputable centralized exchange. This includes uploading your ID, sending them an image of you, and some other personal information like your residential address. It usually takes CEX.IO a few minutes to verify your ID.

Official KYC processing time is up to 24 hours, so it can sometimes take much longer than just a few minutes. If you want to buy straightaway, you might want to consider an exchange without mandatory KYC.

Depositing with a debit/credit card (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) will typically cost you from 0.49% to 4.99%, plus an additional service charge. Bank transfers tend to have flat fees, usually around $2.99 for both deposits and withdrawals.

Trading fees vary according to your levels, starting from 0.15% for makers and 0.25% for takers, which is not the best option, but still not really above the current market prices.

As a UK-based company, CEX.IO prioritizes security, and the majority of funds are held in cold storage, which makes it one of the more secure platforms featured in this best altcoin exchange review.

Pros

Cons

Various trading options

 Slightly high trading fees

Clean interface

Offers annual crypto rewards

Table: Advantages and disadvantages of CEX.IO

In my opinion, CEX.IO is a considerable platform, especially for beginners. The interface is quite intuitive, and since it also features a wallet, you don't necessarily need to leave the platform to keep your funds. However, if you are planning to trade high amounts, I would highly recommend getting a cold wallet like Ledger Flex for more security.

👉🏻 Visit CEX.IO
...or read our CEX.IO review

5. Coinmama - Newbie-Friendly 500+ Altcoin Swapping

Ranks #5 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges

Coinmama is located in Israel and is well-known for serving 190 different countries around the world. These include countries from Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world, with only a small list of restricted countries being present. By that extent, Coinmama also works in most US states, as well.

You can swap over 500 cryptocurrencies, trade over 80, and buy over 100 assets with fiat on Coinmama.

Coinmama is a pretty well-known crypto exchange that was established all the way back in 2013. This makes the exchange one of the oldest, still-functioning platforms on the market!

The exchange in question is considered to be reliable, secure, and well-established. Users can expect all of the common payment gateways to be present within the platform - you can purchase Bitcoin and altcoins via a credit or debit card, or bank transfers, as well. The entire process is very newbie-friendly, so if you've never bought crypto before, you needn't worry - there shouldn't be any hurdles along the way!

Best altcoin exchange: Coinmama pros.

Coinmama is also often praised for having a really friendly and helpful support team. While there's no direct live support via phone, you may submit an inquiry ticket, and you should receive an answer in 24 hours.

That said, email support is for the days when Coinmama's support isn't working (Friday and Saturday) – any other day, from 9 AM till 6 PM (GMT+3), you can talk with an agent via built-in live chat on their official website.

Pros

Cons

Decent security features

 Customer support is not available at all times

Available in over 190 countries

 Some niche altcoins might not be available

Over a decade of experience in the industry

Table: Advantages and disadvantages of Coinmama

All in all, while Coinmama doesn't have all that many supported crypto assets, it will still offer users many of the main altcoins on the market. Definitely an exchange worth looking into!

👉🏻 Visit Coinmama
...or read our Coinmama review

6. Gemini - Highly Regulated Exchange for Trading 70+ Crypto Assets

Ranks #6 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges

Gemini was created in 2015 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. The twins are famous for suing Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg for $65 million, as they say that he stole their idea!

Gemini is based in New York, and it holds something called a “BitLicense”.  This means that it is regulated in the same way as the banking industry, meaning that it takes security very seriously.

As Gemini is also used by institutional investors, there are always high trading volumes, meaning that you will have no issues finding liquidity. Gemini also has good relationships with regulators, so they allow you to deposit and withdraw using a bank account.

An institutional investor is somebody who invests on behalf of a large organization, such as a bank or a hedge fund. They normally invest very large amounts of money.

Before you're able to fund your account, you will need to complete a verification process. This will include entering your personal details and uploading a government-issued ID (such as a passport). Depending on how busy the verification department is, it could take a few days before your account is verified.

While deposits with bank transfers are free, card payments cost 3.49%. Trading fees start at 0.2%; however, when you start trading with larger amounts, these fees are reduced.

When it comes to withdrawals, there were some limitations before. You were allowed to make up to 30 bank account withdrawals and 10 Bitcoin or Ethereum withdraws for free each month. However, that's no longer the case. Gemini now charges dynamic withdrawal fees, meaning you only pay the actual network fee—Gemini doesn't add any extra charges on top.

Best altcoin exchange: Gemini.

The main downside of Gemini is that, due to its strict regulatory compliance, it only supports 70+ cryptocurrencies, which limits your overall strategies and narrows your portfolio. Don't get me wrong, you can still buy Ethereum and other top altcoins; however, keep in mind that you won't be able to find a lot of niche altcoins on this platform like you would on MEXC, for example.

In terms of the platform itself, although there are tools available for advanced users, the exchange is really simple to use, making it a good option for first-time buyers.

Pros

Cons

Simple usage

 Limited cryptocurrency support

Highly regulated

Available in many countries, including the US

Table: Advantages and disadvantages of Gemini

Most users appear to be generally satisfied with the platform, which is an important consideration when seeking the best altcoin exchange.

👉🏻 Visit Gemini
...or read our Gemini review

7. WEEX - Non-KYC Trading With High Leverage, Wide Asset Variety & Low Fees

Ranks #7 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges

If you want a feature-rich exchange that’s easy to use and doesn’t force KYC right away, WEEX is a strong pick. It’s a centralized exchange available in 130+ countries, including the US and Canada. Its interface is clean and familiar, which makes switching between spot, futures, copy, and P2P trading frictionless.

WEEX offers deep liquidity and features a fast matching engine, capable of handling up to 20,000 transactions per second on its spot market.

The exchange supports over 1,000 cryptocurrencies and more than 3,000 spot pairs, as well as plenty of perpetual USDT futures pairs with leverage of up to 400x. Also, there’s a demo futures mode with virtual funds, and copy trading where you can follow Elite traders (or become one and get an up to 20% profit share).

Security on WEEX is layered, featuring 2FA, anti-phishing protections, withdrawal address whitelisting, cold storage, multi-signature, proof of reserves, and even a 1,000 BTC protection fund. On top of that, WEEX claims to run independent third-party security audits and utilize AI-powered risk controls.

WEEX review: copy trading stats.

KYC is optional for core use – VIP 0 users can deposit, trade, and withdraw up to 10K USDT per day without verification. If you complete KYC, though, withdrawal limits jump to 1M USDT daily, with even higher thresholds at top VIP tiers (up to 15M USDT for verified VIP 8; 500K USDT for unverified VIP 8). The only feature for which you must pass KYC to access is P2P trading.

When it comes to WEEX's fees, spot trading costs start at 0.1% for makers and takers, while futures fees at 0.02% for makers and 0.08% for takers. However, the VIP club can further reduce these rates. To increase your VIP level, you have to trade more, hold WXT, the exchange's native token, or keep a higher asset balance.

Speaking of perks like the VIP club, WEEX offers various ways to earn rewards daily, including a hefty welcome bonus, daily Spin to Win, trading competitions, and a referral program.

WEEX Deal Active Right Now:

Are there any trade-offs, though? Well, all platforms have those. As for WEEX, fiat on-ramping is currently limited to P2P and supports a narrow set of currencies, so most users will have to fund their accounts via crypto deposits. Also, some WEEX reviews report experiencing slower customer support during busy periods.

The bottom line is that WEEX combines optional KYC, a huge supported crypto list, various trading features, low fees, and strong security into a smooth package. So, I'd say this exchange is great for beginners and pro traders alike, with only minor caveats that might not even bother most users.

👉🏻 Visit WEEX
...or read our WEEX review

8. BYDFi - User-Friendly Trading for All

Ranks #8 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges

BYDFi is a cryptocurrency exchange platform that aims to provide a user-friendly experience for both novice and experienced traders. While relatively newer compared to some established giants, BYDFi has focused on offering a diverse range of trading options. Some of BYDFi’s key features include:

  • Spot Trading: Buy and sell cryptocurrencies at current market prices.
  • Derivatives Trading: Trade cryptocurrency futures and options contracts.
  • Copy Trading: Automatically replicate the trades of experienced traders.
  • Mobile App: Trade on iOS and Android devices.
  • Educational Resources: Guides and tutorials for learning about crypto trading.
  • Trading Bots: Use automated tools to trade cryptocurrencies like a pro.

The platform supports more than 400 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC). BYDFi also aims to provide competitive trading fees by offering a flat maker/taker rate of 0.1% on its spot trading platform.

BYDFi is available in the US, Canada, and 150 other countries.

When it comes to security, BYDFi implements essential measures to ensure users' data and funds safety. It uses Amazon Web Services, multi-factor authentication and hardware verification, as well as SHA512 with 512-bit encryption to protect the system. Users can also use two-factor authentication (2FA) using Google Authenticator and SMS to protect their accounts.

👉🏻 Visit BYDFi
...or read our BYDFi review

Table of Comparison

I have created a comparison table below of all of the exchanges mentioned above. This might make it easier for you to compare the above exchanges and help you decide the best place to buy altcoins.

Fiat Deposits

Trading Fees

User-Friendly?

Security

Altcoin Availability

Binance

Debit Card & Bank Account

0.1%

Very user-friendly

Secure,
provides SAFU fund

500+

MEXC

Debit Card & Bank Account

0.05% for takers, 0% for makers

Intermediate to advanced

Secure,

features anti‑phishing

4,200+

Bybit

Debit Card & Bank Account

0.1%

Intermediate to advanced

Secure,

has encrypted data transmission

1,900+

Kraken

Debit Card & Bank Account

0.25 for makers, 0.40% for takers

Very user-friendly

Secure,

has a whole dedicated department named Security Labs

360+

Coinbase

Debit Card & Bank Account

0.40% for makers,

0.25% for takers

Very user-friendly

Secure,

FDIC‑insured and highly regulated

290+

CEX.IO

Debit Card & Bank Account

0.15% for makers,

0.25% for takers

Intermediate

Secure,

regulated (FinCEN/MSB)

200+

Coinmama

Debit Card & Bank Account

0.2%

Very user-friendly

Secure,

provides no custody

500+

Gemini

Debit Card & Bank Account

0.99%-3.90% (depends on the amount traded)

Intermediate to advanced

Secure,

FIDO2 authentication standard

70+

Table: Comparison of the best altcoin exchanges

As you can see, there are many options with different features, so the best choice ultimately depends on your preferences. However, the most important factors to consider when choosing an exchange are its security features and liquidity levels, as these can significantly impact your potential gains and help prevent losses.[2]

Conclusion

And that’s the end of my best altcoin exchange guide! I understand that it can be really difficult to pick a specific one, as they all have their own advantages and disadvantages! But at least you now know the best places to buy altcoins and how to buy altcoins with fiat money.

While some are perfect for beginners, others are good if you're looking to trade anonymously. This is why I personally use more than one exchange. Sometimes I need an altcoin exchange that accepts debit card deposits, but other times I look for lower trading fees – it all depends on my trading goals!

Anyway, if you read my guide from start to finish, you should now have a good idea of the good and bad points of each of these popular exchanges!

Still not sure which best altcoin exchange to use? Binance, Bybit, and MEXC are great choices.


Other Crypto Exchanges in This Category

Here are other crypto exchanges related to the category but not as favored by BitDegree readers yet. In my personal opinion, today there are much more optimal crypto exchanges in the list with the higher rating that I'd recommend for the same price range or less.

Poloniex - KYC-Optional Centralized Exchange

Poloniex is a US-based exchange that was created in 2014 by Tristan D'Agosta. It is now one of the most popular exchanges to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, and its list of altcoins is quite decent, with the number over 400. Trading volumes are also high, meaning that it's not likely to have any problems finding liquidity.

As Poloniex is registered and located in the US, it actually has one of the best security systems in place. However, it is important to note that back in 2014, it experienced a big hack, where the hackers stole more than 12% of their total Bitcoin holdings.

No matter how good an exchange’s security is, your funds are never 100% safe on an exchange. I would recommend getting a cold wallet to keep your private keys offline.

Poloniex supports several fiat currencies, and you can use your debit/credit card or bank account to fund your account. Moreover, both deposits and withdrawals are free, other than the blockchain transaction fees taken to pay miners (which is normal when transferring cryptocurrencies).

Like some of the other altcoin exchanges I have reviewed, their trading fees will depend on the amount you trade. The most you will pay is 0.20%, with this being reduced to 0% if you are trading with large amounts. This is one of the reasons why Poloniex always has lots of liquidity.

Best altcoin exchange: Poloniex.

Unless you plan to withdraw more than $10,000 per day, there are no requirements to submit identity documents. You can deposit and trade unlimited amounts with a Level 1 account, and enabling 2FA increases your daily withdrawal limit to $50,000.

In addition to all these, Poloniex also has a good customer service department, which includes a live chat facility for instant assistance. Furthermore, although the exchange has lots of tools, such as charts and graphs, the actual platform is really user-friendly.

You can also find different types of trading options within the platform, such as spot, margin, strategy, bots, and more.

Pros

Cons

Decent selection of altcoins

 Had 12% of Bitcoin stolen in 2014

Suitable for both beginners and advanced traders

Zero fees for deposits and withdrawals

No KYC until withdrawal of $10,000 per day

Table: Advantages and disadvantages of Poloniex

While not the top choice, Poloniex still deserves a place in the best altcoin exchanges list.

Bitstamp - High Liquidity Exchange

Bitstamp was created in 2011 and was originally based in Slovenia, but it now has offices located in many different countries. The platform is actually designed for more experienced traders. So, if you are still in your early days of cryptocurrency, then it might not be the best altcoin exchange for you.

However, it has a good trading volume in the industry, so liquidity levels are decent. Nevertheless, one of the biggest advantages of using Bitstamp is that you can deposit funds using a debit/credit card, bank account, and cryptocurrencies, too.

In most cases, deposit fees are free. However, withdrawal fees vary depending on what payment method you decide to use. Here is an example of what you will pay.

Withdrawal Method

Fees

ACH

Free

SEPA

3.00 EUR

Faster Payments (UK)

2.00 GBP

International Wire

0.1% (min fee = 25 USD/EUR/GBP)

Table: Withdrawal fees on Bitstamp.

When withdrawing by international wire, the fees are quite expensive, being minimum of $25. However, SEPA is only €3!

Standard trading fees are fixed at 0.3% for makers and 0.4% for takers, which is quite higher than the market average. The more you trade, the cheaper the fees, with the lowest being 0% for makers and 0.03% for takers, if you are able to trade more than $20 million. Which is a bit out of my budget!

Although Bitstamp now has one of the best security systems available, the exchange has been hacked more than once, with the last time being in 2015. This particular hack was so serious that the criminal stole more than 19,000 BTC. Luckily, nothing has happened since.

Best altcoin exchange: Bitstamp features.

Although the amount of altcoins available to buy is not as much as other exchanges, you can buy more than 130 cryptocurrencies, including options like Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ripple (XRP) and Litecoin (LTC).

One of the main disadvantages of using Bitstamp was that its verification process could be really slow, because it was trying to catch up from the huge number of account applications it had in December 2017. Some people have reported waits of up to two weeks.

As of 2025, it looks like Bitstamp has improved its onboarding processes. User reviews claim that it takes only a few hours.

Another disadvantage of using Bitstamp is that their customer service can be really slow, with the team sometimes taking up to 3 days to reply, which shouldn't be the case if it wants to be on top of the best altcoin exchange list.

Pros

Cons

Accepts a variety of payment methods

 High fees

Low fiat withdrawal fees

 Slow customer service

Range of tools for advanced traders

Table: Advantages and disadvantages of Bitstamp

Bisq - Decentralized Altcoin Exchange

Bisq, formerly known as Bitsquare, is slightly different from the other exchanges I have reviewed so far, as it is a decentralized exchange. This means that, unlike the others, there is no third party between the buyer and seller, and no single authority has control over the network. Most importantly, the exchange never holds your funds.

Bisq was originally launched as Bitsquare, but rebranded in March 2017 to avoid trademark issues and to simplify its name.

First launched in 2016, Bisq allows users to not only exchange crypto-to-crypto but also crypto-to-fiat. There is no need to supply an ID or even any personal details, which allows you to trade anonymously. So, let's see if Bisq could be the best altcoin exchange for you.

Once you have downloaded the software onto your device, you can buy and sell a good selection of altcoins such as Litecoin and Dash.

There are more than 20 different payment options available, such as a national bank transfer, SEPA, OKPay, and even cash deposit. Furthermore, if you use the third-party payment processor Perfect Money, you can use your debit or credit card.

Best altcoin exchange: Bisq values.

The trading fee system is quite complicated and depends on how much you plan to trade. According to their FAQ page, makers pay 0.10% and takers pay 0.70% if the fee is paid in BTC. However, fees are roughly halved when paid in BSQ tokens.

In addition to trading fees, you’ll also need BTC to cover on-chain mining fees for the deposit and payout transactions, as well as for the security deposit, which is refunded once the trade is completed successfully. Since you are trading peer-to-peer, there are no deposit or withdrawal fees other than the blockchain transaction fee.

Pros

Cons

Decentralized, so nobody holds your funds

 Complicated trading fee structure

Good range of fiat payment methods

 A bit confusing for first-time traders

No identity verification – anonymous trading

Table: Advantages and disadvantages of Bisq

Although the platform interface looks very clear, it might take some time before you get used to the decentralized aspect of trading. This is why it might not be best suited for beginners. So, if it is your first time using Bisq, make sure you start off with a small amount.

The content published on this website is not aimed to give any kind of financial, investment, trading, or any other form of advice. BitDegree.org does not endorse or suggest you to buy, sell or hold any kind of cryptocurrency. Before making financial investment decisions, do consult your financial advisor.


Scientific References

1. A. Gupta, R. Chopda, B. Chaudhary, P. Dwivedi, S. Vhatkar: ‘A Comprehensive Study on Namecoin‘;

2. D. Bianchi, M. Babiak, A. Dickerson: ‘Trading Volume and Liquidity Provision in Cryptocurrency Markets´.

About Article's Experts & Analysts

By Aaron S.

Editor-In-Chief

Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era. W...
Aaron S. Editor-In-Chief
Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.

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Leave your honest Best Altcoin Exchange review

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FAQ

What is the best altcoin exchange?

Many of the best altcoin exchanges are going to be the same as the best crypto exchanges in the industry, overall. These would include the likes of Binance, MEXC, Bybit, and Kraken. Many of the best altcoin exchanges are also widely regarded as some of the top crypto exchanges overall. However, choosing the best altcoin exchange ultimately comes down to your individual needs and circumstances. Factors such as your country of residence, preferred payment methods, security priorities, and even the specific altcoins you’re interested in can all influence which exchange will be the right fit for you. That’s why it’s a good idea to compare several platforms and see which one aligns best with your trading goals.

How are altcoin exchanges different from any other crypto exchange?

To put it frankly, the best altcoin exchanges don't really differ all that much from the best crypto exchanges, in general. That said, when specifically evaluating exchanges for altcoin trading, the breadth of supported crypto assets becomes a crucial factor. After all, the more altcoins an exchange offers, the greater your opportunities to diversify or find emerging projects early. For instance, MEXC stands out by supporting over 4,200 different assets, which is an impressive number by any standard. So, while many top exchanges share similar strengths in security and trading features, the sheer variety of listed altcoins is often what truly sets the best altcoin platforms apart.

How to pick the best crypto exchange for yourself?

Picking out the best crypto exchange for yourself, you should always focus on maintaining a balance between the essential features that all top crypto exchanges should have, and those that are important to you, personally. For example, all of the best exchanges should possess top-tier security features, but if you're looking to trade only the main cryptocurrencies, you probably don't really care too much about the variety of coins available on the exchange. It's all a case-by-case scenario!

Which cryptocurrency exchange is best for beginners?

Reading through various best crypto exchange reviews online, you're bound to notice that one of the things that most of these exchanges have in common is that they are very simple to use. While some are more straightforward and beginner-friendly than others, you shouldn't encounter any difficulties with either of the top-rated exchanges. That said, many users believe that KuCoin is one of the simpler exchanges on the current market.

What is the difference between a crypto exchange and a brokerage?

In layman's terms, a cryptocurrency exchange is a place where you meet and exchange cryptocurrencies with another person. The exchange platform (i.e. Kraken) acts as a middleman - it connects you (your offer or request) with that other person (the seller or the buyer). With a brokerage, however, there is no "other person" - you come and exchange your crypto coins or fiat money with the platform in question, without the interference of any third party. When considering cryptocurrency exchange rankings, though, both of these types of businesses (exchanges and brokerages) are usually just thrown under the umbrella term - exchange. This is done for the sake of simplicity.

Are all the top cryptocurrency exchanges based in the United States?

No, definitely not! While some of the top cryptocurrency exchanges are, indeed, based in the United States (i.e. KuCoin or Kraken), there are other very well-known industry leaders that are located all over the world. For example, Binance is based in Tokyo, Japan, while Bittrex is located in Liechtenstein. While there are many reasons for why an exchange would prefer to be based in one location over another, most of them boil down to business intricacies, and usually have no effect on the user of the platform.

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