Best Crypto Brokers and Trading Platforms in 2024

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Written By
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Written By
Michael MacKenzie
Michael is a writer and editor with over a decade in journalism and publishing. His niche lies in editing and fact-checking content in the financial services sector, with a focus on online brokers and trading platforms. Michael previously reported on politics and economics in the Middle East and edits books for established publishers.
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Edited By
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James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. He has worked as a management consultant, where he delivered large-scale operational transformational programmes at some of Europe's biggest banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
Updated

Crypto brokers offer a way to trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin that’s safer than directly buying and selling tokens on exchanges, many of which we’ve seen go bankrupt following high-profile scandals.

We’ve evaluated dozens of platforms to find you the best cryptocurrency brokers, taking into account:

  • The trustworthiness of the crypto broker
  • The number of digital tokens available
  • The usability of the trading platform and app
  • The fees you will incur placing short-term crypto trades
  • The unique selling points that distinguish the top crypto brokers

Best Brokers For Cryptocurrency Trading In 2024

Our exhaustive reviews show that these are the 5 best crypto brokers and trading platforms in March 2024. Every cryptocurrency broker listed we assessed using either a real money or test account.

  1. eToro USA - eToro US offers 24 tradeable cryptoassets, with just a 1% buying/selling fee added to the spread. Additionally, there are 80 different coins available through the broker’s proprietary wallet service. You can also practice your crypto strategies easily by switching between live and demo mode. Crypto asset investing is highly volatile and unregulated. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.
  2. NinjaTrader - You can get exposure to micro Bitcoin futures through the CME Group’s centralized exchange, which is highly regulated by the US CFTC. Micro contracts allow you to trade a fractional size of one Bitcoin, giving you more risk control and order flexibility.
  3. Interactive Brokers - IBKR lets you purchase and hold Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin at competitive commission rates and without needing a crypto wallet. Additionally, there is a range of other diverse assets to explore, such as crypto indices like the NYSE Bitcoin Index, as well as futures contracts like the BAKKT Bitcoin Futures.
  4. OANDA US - You can speculate on the world’s biggest cryptos by market cap. Commissions are lower than many peers starting at 0.25%. Through the broker’s partnership with Paxos, clients can spot trade cryptocurrencies on the itBit exchange through the OANDA native platform.
  5. Uphold - You can buy and sell 250+ crypto assets with fiat currencies or in crypto pairs using the straightforward mobile app or through Uphold's browser-based account homepage. This is significantly more than many rivals. You can also earn up to 16% APY by staking one or more out of 32 valid tokens, or send tokens to an external wallet.

Best Crypto Brokers and Trading Platforms in 2024 Comparison

Best Crypto Brokers and Trading Platforms in 2024 Comparison
Broker Bitcoin Trading Crypto Spread Crypto App Minimum Deposit Visit
eToro USA logo
BTC 0.75% iOS & Android $10 Visit
NinjaTrader logo
Floating iOS & Android $0 Visit
Interactive Brokers logo
0.12%-0.18% iOS & Android $0 Visit
OANDA US logo
$100 iOS & Android $0 Visit
Uphold logo
Up to 1.5% iOS & Android $0 Visit
IG logo
Variable iOS & Android $0 Visit
Coinmama logo
From 2.93% to 3.90%. Express fees of 0-5.00% also apply. Android only $30 Visit
IQCent logo
Variable iOS & Android $250 Visit
LQDFX logo
1.02 - 28.0 pips iOS & Android $20 Visit
Plus500 US logo
- iOS & Android $100 Visit
DNA Markets logo
$28 (Bitcoin) iOS & Android $100 Visit
CEX.IO logo
0.15% maker & 0.25% taker (Standard) iOS & Android $20 Visit
CloseOption logo
No fee - payouts approx. 40% (Copper) iOS & Android $5 Visit
Coinexx logo
From 0.0 pips iOS & Android 0.001 BTC Visit
Firstrade logo
Variable iOS & Android $0 Visit

#1 - eToro USA

Why We Chose eToro USA

eToro US offers 24 tradeable cryptoassets, with just a 1% buying/selling fee added to the spread. Additionally, there are 80 different coins available through the broker’s proprietary wallet service. You can also practice your crypto strategies easily by switching between live and demo mode. Crypto asset investing is highly volatile and unregulated. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.

"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BTC, ETH, BCH, DASH, LTC, ETC, MIOTA, XLM, EOS, NEO, ZEC, XTZ, MKR, COMP, LINK, UNI, YFI, DOGE, AAVE, ALGO, MANA, ENJ, BAT, MATIC, FLR, SHIBxM
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: BTC 0.75%
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: No
  • Platforms: eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
  • Minimum Deposit: $10
  • Regulator: SEC, FINRA

About eToro USA

eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.

Pros

  • The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
  • A free demo account means new users and prospective day traders can try the broker risk-free
  • Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence

Cons

  • The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
  • There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools
  • There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos

#2 - NinjaTrader

Why We Chose NinjaTrader

You can get exposure to micro Bitcoin futures through the CME Group’s centralized exchange, which is highly regulated by the US CFTC. Micro contracts allow you to trade a fractional size of one Bitcoin, giving you more risk control and order flexibility.

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BTC
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: Floating
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: No
  • Platforms: NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Regulator: NFA, CFTC

About NinjaTrader

NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.

Pros

  • You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
  • NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets

Cons

  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods

#3 - Interactive Brokers

Why We Chose Interactive Brokers

IBKR lets you purchase and hold Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin at competitive commission rates and without needing a crypto wallet. Additionally, there is a range of other diverse assets to explore, such as crypto indices like the NYSE Bitcoin Index, as well as futures contracts like the BAKKT Bitcoin Futures.

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BTC, LTC, ETH, XRP
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: 0.12%-0.18%
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: No
  • Platforms: Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Regulator: FCA, SEC, FINRA, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB

About Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage for experienced traders, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.

Pros

  • While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.
  • IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries.
  • The TWS platform has clearly been built for intermediate and advanced traders and comes with over 100 order types and a reliable real-time market data feed that rarely goes offline.

Cons

  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.

#4 - OANDA US

Why We Chose OANDA US

You can speculate on the world’s biggest cryptos by market cap. Commissions are lower than many peers starting at 0.25%. Through the broker’s partnership with Paxos, clients can spot trade cryptocurrencies on the itBit exchange through the OANDA native platform.

"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH, PAXG, LINK, UNI, AAVE
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: $100
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: No
  • Platforms: OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Regulator: NFA, CFTC

About OANDA US

OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available for short-term traders, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.

Pros

  • The broker offers a transparent pricing structure with no hidden charges
  • Seasoned day traders can access industry-leading tools, including an MT4 premium upgrade and advanced charting provided by MotiveWave
  • The proprietary OANDA web platform continues to deliver a highly competitive charting environment, including 65+ technical indicators powered by TradingView

Cons

  • It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
  • The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
  • There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported

#5 - Uphold

Why We Chose Uphold

You can buy and sell 250+ crypto assets with fiat currencies or in crypto pairs using the straightforward mobile app or through Uphold's browser-based account homepage. This is significantly more than many rivals. You can also earn up to 16% APY by staking one or more out of 32 valid tokens, or send tokens to an external wallet.

"Uphold remains a top choice for crypto investors looking for a one-stop-shop solution to accessing the markets. There are over 250 tokens to buy, sell and trade through flexible platform options."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Coins: BTC, BTCO, AAVE, ALCX, DYDX, INH, XYO, API3, GHST, LSK, AUDIO, GLMR, NMR, CAKE, GODS, REQ, CHR, TRB, DAO, ROOK, XRP, ETH, BAT, ADA, ALGO, ATOM, AVAX, AXS, BCH, BAL, BTG, CSPR, COMP, CRV, DASH, DCR, DGB, DOGE, DOT, EGLD and many more
  • Crypto Mining: No
  • Auto Market Maker: No
  • Crypto Spread: Up to 1.5%
  • Crypto Lending: No
  • Crypto Staking: Yes
  • Platforms: Desktop Platform, Mobile App
  • Minimum Deposit: $0

About Uphold

Uphold is a digital asset platform offering a range of services, from crypto trading and staking to payment cards that provides rewards and easy multi-currency payments. The company was established in 2015 and has enabled $4+ billion in transactions. Uphold is now active in 180+ countries and deals in 200+ crypto and fiat currencies.

Pros

  • The proprietary app is extremely easy to use with a slick design and navigation
  • Uphold is 100% reserved which helps to protect client funds
  • Uphold continues to remain ahead of the industry, often being one of the first platforms to list new crypto tokens

Cons

  • Customer service is slow based on tests, with limited contact options
  • There is a 2.49% fee if you want to use debit or credit cards
  • The charting analysis features on the platform trail specialist exchanges

Regulatory variations may result in the unavailability of specific crypto brokers in some regions.

How Did DayTrading.com Choose The Best Crypto Brokers?

  • We selected crypto brokers that year after year have earned the trust of our in-house experts, helping to ensure your funds are secure. AvaTrade excels as a highly trusted crypto broker with authorization from 9 regulators, including 4 top-rate bodies.
  • We favored online crypto brokers that offer an excellent range of cryptocurrencies, from major tokens like Bitcoin to up-and-coming tokens, ensuring you have a wide range of trading opportunities. XTB stands out with a list of 45+ digital currencies, including crypto-fiat pairs like BTC/USD and crypto-crypto pairs like ETH/BTC.
  • We chose cryptocurrency brokers with platforms and apps that offer a terrific user experience with an easy-to-use design for beginners and excellent analysis tools for advanced traders. OANDA continues to tick these boxes for us, with OANDA Trade excelling for its ease of use and MetaTrader 4 serving advanced day traders.
  • We prioritized cryptocurrency brokers with low fees because we’ve seen that high costs can seriously erode the profits of active day traders, in particular. IC Markets routinely impresses for its low fees, with tight spreads from 8.710 on Bitcoin, as well as no inactivity fees that can penalize casual investors.
  • We opted for crypto brokers with unique features that elevate the trading experience and your ability to discover market opportunities. Eightcap continues to impress here with its Crypto Crusher market scanner that’s great for finding live trading ideas.

Find out more about how we test.

Methodology snapshot

What Is A Crypto Broker?

Crypto brokers provide an online platform to trade cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC).

Unlike crypto exchanges that are generally used to buy and sell digital currencies directly and often operate with little to no regulatory oversight, brokers can be established firms that deal in other asset classes and have obtained multiple regulatory licenses, so we consider them as a more reliable and trustworthy way to trade cryptocurrencies.

Some cryptocurrency brokers may allow traders to directly buy and sell the crypto tokens, but most will provide trading through derivatives like CFDs.

These derivatives typically allow for leveraged trading, meaning you can magnify your profits (or losses) by a factor, though this is often at levels far below those mandated for other assets due to crypto’s volatility.

For example, the majority of crypto brokers we’ve reviewed offer 1:2 leverage on cryptocurrencies, while retail trading on traditional currencies is often available up to 1:30 in major jurisdictions like Europe.

Should I Trade With A Crypto Broker Or Crypto Exchange?

Crypto exchanges like Binance offer popular ways to trade tokens, since their clients can place buy and sell orders in the same way as you would on a stock exchange.

In addition, some exchanges offer margin trading and decentralized finance (DeFi) functionality that lets you put your digital assets to work.

So, why sign up with crypto brokers?

There are many good reasons – and foremost among them is safety. From the 2014 collapse of the Mt. Gox exchange to 2022’s FTX fiasco, the largely unregulated exchanges have time and again fallen foul of poor management, unscrupulous business practices or bankruptcy, losing clients’ assets worth billions.

Brokers offer similar services to exchanges, but many are overseen by reputable regulators, reducing the risk factor in our view. Although, it’s important to note that not every cryptocurrency broker is regulated for their activities in digital currency trading.

Since they are generally not wholly invested in the crypto sector, online brokers are also usually better able to withstand the crypto markets’ wild swings. eToro, for example, offers stocks and commodities as well as cryptocurrencies.

Finally, many cryptocurrency brokers offer derivative products such as CFDs or binary options that can be difficult to find on an exchange. These allow you to make leveraged bets on crypto assets without having to actually purchase and hold them – meaning you don’t need to worry about an exchange being hacked or about keeping their crypto keys safe.

Table showing crypto CFDs at IC Markets
IC Markets Crypto CFDs

What Do I Need To Start Trading Crypto?

The first step is to open an account with brokers that offers cryptocurrency trading.

As part of the sign-up process, you will normally need to provide contact details, verify your identity and make a minimum deposit (typically ranging from $0 to $500).

Most cryptocurrency brokers then offer the opportunity to trade tokens using fiat currency through pairs such as USD/BTC.

When you have decided on a crypto you want to trade, you can place an order directly through your brokerage platform or mobile app.

Whether you make a profit or loss, and the size, will depend on the direction and extent the market moves when you close the trade, as well as any fees.

Top Crypto Platforms - eToro
eToro Crypto Trading Platform

Bottom Line

Crypto brokers offer an excellent way to make short-term trades on digital assets, benefiting from the market’s notorious volatility while avoiding some of the risks associated with crypto exchanges.

Which crypto brokerage you choose to trade with is ultimately a personal decision. However, you can use our list of the best crypto brokers to find the right firm for your needs.

💡
Tip: If you are new to day trading cryptos start with a demo account. They use virtual funds and operate under real market conditions, making them a great way to get comfortable trading this volatile asset class before risking money.

FAQ

Can Crypto Brokers Be Trusted?

We see crypto brokers as a step up from exchanges in terms of security since they tend to have better regulatory oversight and a longer track record.

That said, not all crypto brokers are necessarily regulated for their digital currency operations. Also, not all brokerages are equal in terms of service and security.

You should deal with one that is reputable and trusted.

Do Crypto Brokers Offer Leverage?

Yes, there are online crypto brokers that offer leverage. Rates are usually capped at around 2x (1:2) your deposit amount, however, some firms offer up to 5x (1:5) leverage on certain digital assets.

It’s worth noting that some regulators, including the UK’s FCA, have imposed blanket restrictions banning leverage for crypto markets.

Which Is The Best Crypto Broker For Day Trading?

Our analysis shows that AvaTrade, OANDA, EightcapIC Markets and NordFX are all excellent brokers for day trading cryptocurrencies. They offer a good range of digital currencies including Bitcoin, low fees, great charting tools, access to leverage, and are trusted.