Safest Crypto Exchanges

Is Kraken a safe exchange? Yes, and it might be one of the top options. Since launching in 2011, Kraken has never experienced a major incident that resulted in customer fund losses (as of writing, at least). In June 2024, a zero‑day bug allowed a researcher to withdraw around $3 million from Kraken’s treasury (not user accounts), but the issue was fixed in under 47 minutes, and users remained safe.

Kraken also successfully defended against DDoS, phishing, and social‑engineering attacks with no breach of user data or funds.

Additionally, Kraken’s physical infrastructure is locked down too. Its servers are kept in secure cages, monitored 24/7 with video surveillance, alarm systems, and even armed guards.

As for fund safety, the majority of user assets are stored offline in advanced cold storage. On the user side, security is just as customizable on Kraken.

You can fine-tune API key permissions to control access based on your specific needs, adding an extra layer of flexibility and protection. Plus, configurable time-out settings help reduce the risk of unauthorized access if you forget to log out or step away for too long.

And for those worried about SIM-swapping attacks, Kraken lets you disable account recovery via SMS. So even if someone gains control of your phone number, they won’t be able to access your account through text messages.

Key Features

Although the CEX has been running for years, it has maintained a very strong fort, as evident in its strong security footing:

• ISO Compliant. Kraken has earned the prestigious international certifications of ISOIEC 27001:2013 and SOC 2, Type 1, demonstrating their commitment to information security.
• Globally Compliant. If you're looking for one of the best exchanges in the US, Kraken is certainly an example. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), among others. The platform is also widely accessible in 190+ countries.
• Proof of Reserves. Kraken periodically conducts external Proof of Reserves audits to foster greater trust and transparency in the assets held within the exchange and its on-chain staking service.

• FIDO2-Powered Passkeys. Thanks to this integration, you can log into your account without the hassle of remembering or inputting passwords while enjoying the safety of multi-layered authentication.
• Global Settings Time Lock. Thinking of taking a hiatus from the crypto world? No worries, your account will be tightly locked with a Master Key, so your funds won't fall into the hands of hackers.

So, is Kraken a safe exchange? Yes, it is.

When it comes to choosing the safest crypto exchange, reputation and regulatory compliance are essential factors every trader should consider.

Coinbase stands out for adhering to strict regulatory standards enforced by the SEC, ensuring consistent financial transparency, thorough disclosures about the business, and compliance with industry regulations.

As required by law, the CEX undergoes regular third-party audits, which help reinforce its position as one of the most trustworthy crypto exchanges.

User data and transactions are safeguarded with industry-standard AES-256 encryption, as well as Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols, which keep data safe during transmission between user devices and Coinbase servers.

Additionally, around 98% of traders’ funds are stored offline in cold storage, adding another layer of defense against online hacking attempts and unauthorized access. As for online wallets, Coinbase provides insurance coverage, meaning users are protected in the event of breaches or cyber theft, reinforcing its position as one of the safest places to buy cryptocurrency.

Finally, educational resources will help you learn the ropes of account security best practices, like setting strong passwords and identifying phishing scams. And for any additional support, reach out to the support team via phone or chat.

Key Features

Trusting an exchange with your trading activity takes more than just conviction. To turn your uncertainty into certainty, I've rounded up Coinbase's top-notch security measures:

• Publicly Traded Company. As an exchange that is listed on NASDAQ, Coinbase is constantly under tight regulatory scrutiny, meaning that it constantly upholds industry's highest standards.
• Your Account, Your Crypto. The platform holds your assets 1:1 and does not take any advantage of your funds - they're completely yours.
• Data Anonymity. Coinbase will only collect your necessary personal data, and they're fully transparent about how it's going to be used.

• Comprehensive Tools. Do you need password protection, or perhaps multi-approval withdrawals? Thankfully, this CEX offers all of them.
• Bug Bounty Program. This trading exchange is battle-tested, as security experts worldwide are constantly on the watch for bugs and loopholes. If you're a bug hunter yourself, get in on the challenge and receive juicy rewards while you're at it.

On top of that, if you're in need of help, the CEX's customer support will get back to you on a timely manner during business hours, either via chat, phone, or email.

Founded in 2020 as BitYard, BYDFi is rapidly establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing platforms in the crypto world. With a vision to become one of the safest crypto exchanges, it prioritizes a simple and secure trading experience for all users.

Based in Singapore, it adheres to strict local regulations, particularly those outlined by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Additionally, it holds licenses in the US and Canada, meeting stringent international standards.

📚 Read More: Best Cryptocurrency Exchange in Singapore

BYDFi's infrastructure is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), providing a solid foundation for secure transactions and internal controls.

Similar to other CEXs, it uses encrypted protocols to secure site traffic and data while partnering with Cloudflare to prevent DDoS attacks.

BYDFi stores the majority of its users’ digital assets in offline, deep cold storage, minimizing exposure to online threats. It uses multi-signature authorization for deposits and withdrawals, ensuring no single individual has complete control over user funds.

These security measures and ongoing commitment position BYDFi as a promising choice for anyone looking for one of the most secure cryptocurrency exchanges.

Key Features

Does the platform stand true to its reputation as a leading secure CEX? Let's find out:

• Risk Controls. Any account will automatically be flagged and possibly suspended if there are unusual activities.
• Extreme Scenario Protection. In case of a platform-wide breach, hackers won't be able to trespass your account, as it is protected with private keys - stored in a cloud server.
• High-Security Trading Engine. BYDFi can support up to 1 million transactions per second, ensuring an efficient process all around.

• Security Audits. The CEX keeps up with industry standards with its regular security testing and audits. Any potential bugs are immediately thwarted.
• Next-Level Encryption. SSL encryption protects incoming traffic, SHA512 safeguards your sensitive data, and Cloudflare mitigates DDoS attacks.

So far, I can confidently say yes, BYDFi lives up to its promise of being a safe trading platform.

Formerly known as Huobi, HTX is one of the safest crypto exchanges around, with a solid track record since 2013. For example, HTX uses a decentralized server system with advanced traffic filtering to fight common threats like DDoS attacks.

On top of that, it uses load balancing to keep traffic evenly distributed, auto-scaling to handle high loads, and real-time monitoring to catch anomalies the moment they appear.

The platform also keeps 98% of its digital assets in cold storage with multi-signature authorization. As for transparency, HTX has adopted Merkle tree proof-of-reserves technology, which verifies their asset holdings and ensures that user deposits are backed up 100%.

They’ve conducted over 20 reserve audits since late 2022, consistently maintaining a reserve ratio above 100%, so users know they can fully withdraw assets anytime. Last but not least, you can set a payment password for withdrawals and significant trades and protect your assets from being stolen.

Key Features

In order to maintain safe trades, this crypto exchange is built with a couple of guardrails:

• Protective 2FA. Google Cloud Sync is supported to double the protection of your account.
• OTC Protection. When you purchase tokens from another merchant, HTX will first freeze the assets until your payment is confirmed.
• Investor Protection Fund. Every quarter, 20% of the platform's revenue goes to buybacks, totalling 20,000 BTC. This proves that HTX cares deeply about your rights, compensating the Pro users if unwanted risks occur.

• HTX Passkey. Apart from 2FA, you can upgrade your logins and withdrawals with passkeys, which can be synced to your desktop or mobile. No need to manually enter passwords anymore.
• Regular Audits. HTX continuously does penetration testing and undergoes security audits so that no user funds can be stolen.

And if you're worried about fraud, scams, phishing, or other threats, their customer service is ready to lend a hand. Simply click on the [Contact Us] button, then enter a live chat or leave a message.

Uphold stands out as a multi-asset digital platform, supporting not just crypto but also fiat currencies and even precious metals. But other than that, it’s earned a spot among the safest crypto exchanges.

So, how secure is cryptocurrency on Uphold? First, it uses advanced encryption standards (including PCI-DSS compliance), ensuring privacy and data security.

Uphold goes a step further by conducting thorough background checks on all employees, who also undergo regular security and privacy training.

Uphold is also registered with FinCEN in the US and recognized as an Electronic Money Issuer in the UK. It seems Uphold takes “upholding” security and regulatory compliance pretty seriously!

📚 Read More: Best Cryptocurrency Exchange in the US

Most user assets on this platform are stored in cold wallets, keeping them offline to minimize theft risk. This shows how Uphold aims to be one of the most trustworthy crypto exchanges out there.

Transparency is at the core of the platform's values. It regularly publishes assets and liabilities every 30 seconds, so users always know where their funds stand.

Key Features

Why is Uphold included on this list of the "most secure crypto exchange"? These security features will give you some clues:

• Third-Party Due Diligence. Uphold pays special attention to any sensitive data stored in its platform.
• Night and Day Overwatch. The exchange's Security Operations Center is always on the lookout for threats, detecting and solving threats when they come across them.
• Personnel Standards. Every member of Uphold's team has gone through rigorous background checks and security training. Rest assured, your fund safety is handled by experts.

• Layered Defenses. Uphold's advanced security infrastructure, supported by high-level encryption, is resistant to cyberattacks, even sophisticated ones.
• Proof of Reserves. Easily verify the CEX's obligations, transaction flows, reserve holdings, and solvency. Any information is open-source for review.

To sum up, if you ask me what is the safest crypto exchange? Uphold is one of the examples.

Disclaimer: don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

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.

CEX.IO, founded in 2013, has evolved from a Bitcoin cloud mining service into a comprehensive cryptocurrency exchange, serving over 15 million users globally. As of 2025, the platform supports more than 220 cryptocurrencies, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and a diverse range of altcoins, enabling users to diversify their digital portfolios.

The platform offers a user-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. Users can fund their accounts through various methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency deposits, providing flexibility in managing funds.

For advanced traders, CEX.IO provides features such as margin trading, stop-loss orders, and limit orders, catering to sophisticated trading strategies. Additionally, the platform offers staking services, allowing users to earn rewards by staking supported cryptocurrencies directly on the platform.

CEX.IO employs robust security measures to protect user assets and data, including the use of cold storage solutions to safeguard the majority of user funds offline, minimizing exposure to potential online threats.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is implemented to enhance account security, requiring users to provide an additional verification step during login. Furthermore, CEX.IO maintains compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring a secure and transparent environment for cryptocurrency trading.

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.