Best Free Crypto Trading Platform

Kraken enables users to buy and sell various cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies. It was founded in 2011 and has built quite a good reputation, especially as one of the cheapest exchanges in the market. In fact, Kraken, without a doubt, deserves the spot of one of the best free crypto trading platforms.

Yes, Kraken’s fees go as low as zero - in other words, you can trade with a 0% fee!

However, the fees actually range from 0% to 0.4% and depend on several factors. For one, they depend on whether you are buying or selling. When buying, the initial fee is 0.25%, while when selling, it's 0.4%. However, the fees get lower as you increase your personal 30-day trading volume.

If you want to trade for free on Kraken, you'll have to increase your trading volume to $10,000,000+. Thus, only high-volume traders can benefit from zero-fee trading.

However, even if you don't get zero fees, the discounts you get by increasing your trading volume over $10,000 and up are pretty decent, too.

Now, regarding the range of crypto assets available, Kraken might not compare to exchanges like Binance, as it offers as little over 200 cryptocurrencies. However, let’s be real, most people focus on 2 or 3 assets, so having a huge range is not really necessary for most traders.

Moreover, one of Kraken's most important attributes is its high level of security. The platform uses a multi-layered security approach to protect users' funds, including two-factor authentication, cold storage, and encrypted data storage.

Additionally, Kraken is fully regulated and compliant with applicable laws, giving users peace of mind regarding the safety of their funds.

It also offers advanced trading features, such as margin trading and futures trading.

On the other hand, Kraken's customer support has been criticized as less than optimal compared to other platforms. However, the company improved it over time, so the situation has changed.

Overall, Kraken allows cryptocurrency trading free of charge and provides secure and advanced trading tools, making it an attractive option for traders of all skill levels.

Coinbase is one of the most used exchange platforms worldwide and it also deserves the title of one of the best free crypto trading platforms. This comes as no surprise, considering it’s a well-rounded platform where users can buy, trade, discover, and manage digital assets.

In addition, Coinbase is very strict with its security protocols, making it one of the safest crypto exchanges out there. The simplicity of its interface is also worth mentioning – it’s very clean, which helps users not feel overwhelmed when navigating through the platform. This is especially good for beginners.

Now, when it comes to fees, Coinbase crypto purchasing fees depend on the number of assets being purchased or the user’s country of residence and can vary from 1.49% to 3.99%. As for spot trading fees, maker fees start at 0.4%, while taker fees start at 0.6%.

Yes, these initial fees are pretty high. So, you might wonder, “Why is Coinbase on a list of the best free crypto trading platforms?”. Well, that’s because the platform provides special benefits for high-volume traders and members of Coinbase One.

Let's start with the former. While the trading fees start at 0.4% for makers and 0.6% for takers, they can be reduced by increasing your 30-day trading volume. Taker fees can be reduced to as low as 0.05% (with $400,000,000+ 30-day trading volume), while maker fees can be reduced to ZERO (with $250,000,000+ 30-day trading volume).

I know the volumes are pretty high, but then you have the second option for fee-free trading – Coinbase One, a subscription product launched in 2022. For $29.99 a month, eligible users can trade with zero fees. They also get other benefits, such as access to phone support 24/7, a $1M account protection, and a pre-filled form 8949 in Coinbase Taxes.

Seems like a deal, right? Admittedly, it’s quite appealing, considering you know you will be investing in a great exchange platform. However, it does have some downsides.

Firstly, there is a limit to the amount of money you can trade for free - if you surpass it, you will have to pay regular trading fees. The volume limit is provided in the account settings, so, if you already have a Coinbase account and are interested in this product, don’t forget to check that out.

Secondly, Coinbase One is only accessible to US-based users. Though, that is the only requirement for this product - besides having to sign up on Coinbase, of course.

Thirdly, Coinbase fee-free trading is only available for the Simple Trade feature on Coinbase. This feature is the straightforward process of buying and selling cryptocurrencies specifically targeted toward novice traders. However, this is not as much of a downside if Simple Trade fits your profile!

For those who want more advanced trading possibilities, there is Coinbase's Advanced Trade feature. As the name suggests, it is made for experienced traders who might want to use more complex trading strategies and tools. Though it does not offer zero fees.

Overall, regardless if you are a new or an experienced trader, Coinbase's option of free-of-charge crypto trading is a great option, especially if you're looking for a platform that delivers high liquidity in a safe and secure system.

Bitstamp is considered one of the best free crypto trading platforms available, but what sets it apart from other exchanges?

Well, first of all, it supports fiat currencies, which makes it ideal for beginners who are just starting out in the world of crypto. This excludes the need to depend on different platforms to buy and trade your digital assets.

Another significant advantage of Bitstamp is its security features. The platform uses cold storage to keep its users' assets safe from hackers. It is also fully insured and has two-factor authentication and text message alerts, which add an extra layer of security. Additionally, Bitstamp uses PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) to encrypt its communications.

Seems reliable, right? And, it is! Though, it is essential to note that Bitstamp was actually hacked in 2015, which resulted in significant damage to the platform at the time.

However, the team at Bitstamp acted quickly and responsibly and, due to that, no customer funds were lost. What’s more, the platform was entirely rebuilt to prevent a similar attack from happening again. So, this event did not harm Bitstamp's reputation in any way, indicating the company's strong commitment to its community.

Now, regarding the most significant aspect of this article, Bitstamp's spot trading fees range from 0% to 0.4%.

If you land on the lower end of the fee spectrum, Bitstamp is undoubtedly a free crypto exchange. But how can you achieve the lowest fee possible?

Bitstamp fees depend on whether you're a maker or a taker and your 30-day trading volume. Maker fees start at 0.3%, while taker fees start at 0.4%.

By increasing their trading volume, takers can decrease their fees to 0.03%. Makers, on the other hand, can decrease their fees to 0% once they surpass $100,000,000 trading volume. The same goes for FX fees. Maker fees start at 0.060%, while taker fees at 0.080%, but the former can be reduced to 0% after reaching the same trading volume.

Given that, Bitstamp definitely earns a spot on my list of the best free exchanges.

Bitstamp crypto purchasing fees are a bit higher, though, and can go up to 5%. They depend on which payment method you use. The best one is probably the International Wire Transfer method. By depositing funds, you are charged a fee of only 0.05%, whereas to withdraw, you need to pay a fee of 0.1%. That's a pretty good deal, isn't it?

The only disadvantage of Bitstamp is that it might fall a bit short compared to other exchanges in terms of its limited selection of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs.

Nonetheless, Bitstamp is a reliable and trustworthy trading platform that can be called one of the best free cryptocurrency trading platforms for high-volume market makers.

HTX (previously Huobi), established in 2013, is one of the longest-running cryptocurrency exchanges. Its longevity is a testament to its efficiency and safety. What’s more, HTX's fee structure further justifies its inclusion on this list of the best free crypto trading platforms.

Here’s why: you can trade with no fees via HTX's P2P trading feature. Besides, the platform sometimes introduces fee-free trading promotions.

Speaking of the usual spot trading fee structure, HTX charges a maximum fee rate of 0.2% for both market makers and takers. Note that I said ‘maximum’ – that’s right. It doesn’t go beyond that!

If you already think this is good, would you believe it if I told you that it actually gets better? HT tokens (or those who increase their trading volume) are provided with a unique benefit: the more HT held in their account, the more the fees can be reduced. By holding over 5,000 HT, you can reduce your fees to 0.07%.

Besides that, professional traders have access to different fee levels that are determined by the volume of crypto traded in a 30-day period (measured in BTC), or HT holdings, as well. Professional market makers who trade over 100,000 BTC or hold over 2,000 HT can reduce their fees to 0.0097%, while takers - to 0.0193%. That's pretty close to zero, for sure.

Now, beyond its great fee rates, HTX also has other good qualities, such as its security features. The platform has a range of multi-layered security protocols designed to safeguard both user funds and personal information.

One of them is regarding the use of cold wallet devices, where up to 98% of users' crypto assets are stored. This provides a robust layer of protection against potential security breaches, further solidifying HTX's commitment to safeguarding user funds.

Additionally, HTX Security Reserve provides insurance coverage in the unlikely event of a security compromise, ensuring that users are compensated for any losses incurred.

Another noteworthy feature is HTX's live customer support, which is quite uncommon when it comes to cryptocurrency platforms. Thus, HTX users don’t have to worry about extensive waiting, as the platform provides support 24/7.

Beyond that, HTX offers an extensive selection of over 700 different cryptocurrencies available for trading. However, one potential drawback is that the platform only supports cryptocurrency trading, with no options for fiat or other asset trading.

That surely elicits mixed feelings among users, as some traders may perceive it as a disadvantage, while others who exclusively trade in cryptocurrencies may not find it problematic at all.

While there are some potential drawbacks, the platform's ease of use, security features, and low fees make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to trade cryptocurrencies. In other words, HTX is definitely a decent option for users who are looking for the best free crypto exchange, as it charges only pennies (or nothing, in P2P trading).

Crypto.com is a prominent player in the cryptocurrency world, offering a comprehensive suite of financial services centered around digital assets. Founded in 2016, the platform has grown rapidly, boasting a user base of over 100 million by mid-2024.

Crypto.com provides a user-friendly app for buying, selling, and trading around 400 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and many altcoins. Beyond its exchange services, Crypto.com offers a non-custodial DeFi wallet, an NFT marketplace, and even a direct payment service for cryptocurrency transactions.

One of Crypto.com's most recognizable features is its Visa card, which allows users to earn cashback in CRO, the platform's native token, on their everyday spending. The card comes in various tiers, each offering different levels of rewards and perks, such as rebates on streaming subscriptions and airport lounge access.

Crypto.com also takes security seriously. It holds all customer assets deposited on our platform in institutional-grade reserve accounts on a 1:1 basis. Users’ accounts are protected by the latest security advancements, including Passkeys, HSMs, and FIDO2, as well as MFA methods like passwords, biometrics, and authenticator codes.

It also runs an active bug bounty program on Hacker One, where people can disclose security vulnerabilities on the platform and get rewards.

Gemini is a prominent cryptocurrency exchange established in 2014 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss with its headquarters in New York. It caters to both novice and experienced traders, offering a secure and user-friendly platform for buying, selling, and storing digital assets.

Currently, Gemini supports around 70 cryptocurrencies, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and some meme coins like Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Pepe (PEPE). While this list is relatively limited to other big names in the market, it still allows users to diversify their portfolios and explore other investment opportunities.

The platform is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for newcomers to buy, sell, and manage cryptocurrencies. For more experienced users, Gemini provides ActiveTrader, a platform with advanced charting tools, multiple order types, and faster order execution.

Another notable feature is Gemini Earn, which allows users to earn interest on their cryptocurrency holdings. Security is also a cornerstone of Gemini's operations. The exchange implements robust measures to protect user assets and data, including:

• Cold Storage: The majority of user funds are stored in offline, air-gapped cold storage systems, safeguarding them from online threats.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Users are required to enable 2FA, adding an extra layer of security to account access.
• SOC Certifications: Gemini has achieved SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications, demonstrating its commitment to industry-leading security standards.
• Insurance Coverage: Digital assets held in Gemini's hot wallet are insured against security breaches and fraudulent transfers.

All in all, Gemini stands out as a reliable and secure cryptocurrency exchange, offering a comprehensive suite of features tailored to meet the needs of a diverse user base.

Robinhood is a popular commission-free investment platform that gained widespread recognition for democratizing access to financial markets. Initially known for its user-friendly mobile app and commission-free stock trading, Robinhood has expanded its offerings to include options trading, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and cryptocurrencies.

The platform's intuitive interface and simplified trading experience have attracted a younger generation of investors, making it easier for them to start investing with smaller amounts of capital. Robinhood's appeal lies in its ease of use, particularly for beginners who might find traditional brokerage platforms intimidating.

While Robinhood offers access to a growing number of cryptocurrencies, its selection is generally smaller compared to dedicated crypto exchanges at around 40 assets.

Despite that, Robinhood takes security seriously. It holds the majority of users' coins in cold storage, entirely disconnected from the internet. Robinhood also carries crime insurance that protects a portion of the assets held across its storage systems against losses from theft, including cybersecurity breaches.

The platform also provides multi-factor authentication on all accounts, so users can protect their assets even further. Last but not least, Robinhood maintains strong US regulatory compliance, holding licenses from the New York State Department of Financial Services and FinCEN.

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.

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.