Best Bitcoin Exchanges in the US (2026)
Most US buyers use a regulated multi-asset exchange: Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, Robinhood, Fidelity Crypto, or Cash App. All hold your Bitcoin for you until you withdraw it to a wallet you control. Fees run from roughly 0.4% to 1.5% depending on order type and tier, and some products (like Coinbase lending) exclude New York. If you only want Bitcoin, compare the Bitcoin-only brokers too. Last verified September 2026. Listings are neutral and unranked; not financial advice.
Exchanges: 6 listings
- Coinbase — Largest US exchange, public company, Coinbase One subscription cuts trading fees. Advanced Trade for lower maker/taker rates. custodial, multi-asset. Pricing: Simple buys ~1.5%+ spread; Advanced Trade from 0.6%/0.4% maker/taker, lower with volume. US availability: All 50 states for trading. Bitcoin-backed loans (via Morpho) are not offered in New York.
- Kraken — Long-running exchange with Kraken Pro for low fees, staking, and deep liquidity. Strong proof-of-reserves history. custodial, multi-asset. Pricing: Kraken Pro from 0.25%/0.40% maker/taker; instant buy higher. US availability: Available in most states; a few products vary by state.
- Gemini — NY-regulated trust company. ActiveTrader for lower fees; Gemini Credit Card pays crypto back in all 50 states. custodial, multi-asset. Pricing: ActiveTrader from 0.20%/0.40%; simple buys carry a convenience fee. US availability: All 50 states, including New York.
- Robinhood — Commission-free brokerage with Bitcoin trading and withdrawals to self-custody. Fee is baked into the spread. custodial, multi-asset. Pricing: No commission; spread-based. US availability: Crypto available in most states.
- Fidelity Crypto — Bitcoin and Ether in a Fidelity brokerage account. Useful if you already keep retirement or taxable accounts there. custodial, multi-asset. Pricing: 1% spread on trades. US availability: Most states; withdrawals to external wallets supported.
- Cash App — Buy, auto-buy, and withdraw over Lightning or on-chain. Paycheck-to-Bitcoin conversion. custodial, multi-asset, Lightning. Pricing: Variable fee plus spread; free Lightning withdrawals. US availability: All 50 states.
Frequently asked questions
Which Bitcoin exchange is best for beginners in the US?
Coinbase and Cash App are the simplest on-ramps for a first purchase. Kraken and Gemini offer lower fees once you use their pro trading interfaces. Fidelity Crypto suits people who already keep accounts there. Whichever you choose, plan to withdraw to a wallet you control once your balance matters to you.
Do exchanges hold my Bitcoin?
Yes. Every exchange in this list is custodial: it holds the private keys until you withdraw. That is convenient but means you rely on the company. Bitcoin-only brokers like River and Swan make withdrawal a default habit, and hardware wallets let you hold the keys yourself.
Which exchanges work in New York?
Coinbase, Gemini, Robinhood, Cash App, and Fidelity Crypto serve New York for trading. Some products are excluded there: Coinbase Bitcoin-backed loans are not offered in NY, and River and Swan do not onboard NY residents.
How are exchange fees charged?
Two ways: an explicit maker/taker fee on pro interfaces (roughly 0.2% to 0.6% for retail volume) or a spread hidden in the quoted price on simple buy screens (often 1% to 1.5%). Recurring buys usually use the higher simple-buy pricing unless the exchange offers a fee-free DCA program.
Links
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