Before you make your first trade, you'll need to sign up with a crypto exchange that suits your location, goals, and trading style. Below is a quick comparison of top exchanges followed by individual setup instructions.
Exchange
Best For
U.S. Beginners
KYC Required
✅ Yes
U.S. Users Allowed
✅ Yes
Fiat Support
✅ Yes
Notable Features
Easiest on-ramp, regulated, insured
Exchange
Best For
Global Traders
KYC Required
✅ Yes
U.S. Users Allowed
❌ No
Fiat Support
✅ Yes
Notable Features
Low fees, large selection, advanced tools
Exchange
Best For
EU & U.S. Traders
KYC Required
✅ Yes
U.S. Users Allowed
✅ Yes
Fiat Support
✅ Yes
Notable Features
High compliance, good for fiat & margin
Exchange
Best For
Asia & Pro Traders
KYC Required
✅ Yes
U.S. Users Allowed
❌ No
Fiat Support
✅ Yes
Notable Features
Advanced features, copy trading
Exchange
Best For
Wide Altcoin Access
KYC Required
✅ Yes
U.S. Users Allowed
❌ No
Fiat Support
✅ Yes
Notable Features
Huge coin list, trading bots
❗ Note: Accessing exchanges from restricted regions (like the U.S.) using a VPN can lead to account suspension or loss of funds.
Visit Coinbase Signup and enter your details
Verify your email and phone number
Complete KYCℹ️ with a valid photo ID
Set up 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
Link a bank account or card
Buy your first crypto via “Buy/Sell” tab
✅ Ideal for beginners who want simplicity and regulation
✅ FDIC-insured USD balances
Visit Binance Signup and register with your email/phone
Complete KYCℹ️ identity verification (passport or ID card)
Enable 2FA and anti-phishing codes
Deposit crypto or use fiat gateway to fund your account
Use the Spot or Convert tab to make trades
✅ Extremely low fees with BNB discounts
✅ Large selection of tokens and tools (Futures, Staking, Launchpad)
Visit Kraken Signup and create an account
Select your verification tier (Starter, Intermediate, or Pro to complete KYCℹ️)
Submit required documents and wait for approval
Fund via SEPA (Europe) or Wire (U.S.)
Trade on Kraken Pro for better fees and charting
✅ High compliance and security
✅ Supports spot, margin, and futures trading
Register at OKX Signup with email/phone
Complete KYCℹ️ (ID + facial recognition)
Explore the demo trading or copy trading section
Deposit funds using crypto or local currency methods
Use the advanced dashboard for spot, margin, or options
✅ Copy trading, grid bots, and options available
✅ Rewards center for new users
Go to KuCoin Signup and create an account
Submit KYCℹ️ identity verification documents
Activate Google Authenticator for security
Fund account via card, bank, or P2P options
Trade on the spot, margin, or futures markets
✅ Huge selection of low-cap and new coins
✅ Built-in trading bots and lending marketplace
Its easy to feel overwhelmed when you first start out trading crypto. The learning curve is steep. And many suffer from analysis paralysis. So try to take educated action.
Choose the exchange that matches your needs
Follow the setup steps above
Head over to Setting Up TradingView to complete your toolkit
Learn the strategiesℹ️ that work for winning trades
Need help deciding? Try our Exchange Selector Tool below or reach out via our Contact Us page.
Choosing the right cryptocurrency exchangeℹ️ is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a new trader or investor. The right platform ensures you can buy, sell, and trade securely, access the tokensℹ️ you want, and pay the lowest fees possible — all while staying compliant with your local regulations.
This guide will walk you through how to select the best exchange for your needs, even before using our interactive Exchange Selector Tool.
Your region determines which exchanges are legally available to you.
🇺🇸 United States: Choose regulated exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken.
⚠️ Some platforms restrict access from certain countries. Using a VPN may violate their terms and result in account suspension.
Beginner: Start with easy-to-use platforms like Coinbase or Kraken.
Intermediate: Binance and KuCoin offer more tools without being overwhelming.
Advanced: Try OKX, Binance Pro, or KuCoin Futuresℹ️ for deeper features.
Know Your Customer (KYCℹ️) is a legal requirement on most centralized exchanges.
✅ Yes: Unlocks full trading features, higher limits, and fiat deposits.
❌ No: KuCoin offers limited trading without KYCℹ️, but withdrawals are capped. Others like OKX may require KYCℹ️ sooner.
Not sure which exchange fits your profile? Try our interactive tool that tailors a recommendation based on your:
Location
Trading experience
Feature priorities
KYCℹ️ preference
It’s fast, free, and only takes 30 seconds.
Many seasoned traders use multiple exchanges:
One for fiat on-ramping (e.g. Coinbase)
One for low-fee trading (e.g. Binance)
One for altcoin gems (e.g. KuCoin)
Just make sure to enable 2FA, back up your recovery codes, and never leave large amounts of crypto on exchanges long term.
Try our Exchange Selector Tool to help you select the right exchange to get started. Once you've set up your exchange account, you'll be able to fund it, and will be ready to place your first trade.
Then head to our TradingView Setup guide to learn how to analyze the market and trade profitably.
Give it a try to help you find the best Exchange for your location and trading style.