Centralized Exchanges (CEXs)
Digital platforms where users can buy, sell, and trade crypto.
Buy crypto with fiat money | Trade between different coins or tokens | Access advanced tools like margin or futures trading | Convert crypto back to cash
Founded: 2017 by Changpeng Zhao (CZ) in China
Market Position: World’s largest exchange by trading volume (~$20B+ daily)
Fees: 0.10% maker/taker; discounts with BNB token
Why Use It?
- Huge liquidity
- Wide range of assets and trading pairs
- Advanced features (spot, futures, staking, DeFi access)
- Strong mobile and desktop apps
Founded: 2018, headquartered in Singapore
Market Position: Growing fast; focused on copy trading
Fees: 0.1% spot / 0.02% maker, 0.06% taker on futures
Why Use It?
- Copy trading platform for beginners
- Competitive futures trading tools
- Strong UI for mobile and desktop
Founded: 2018 by Ben Zhou, based in Singapore/Dubai
Market Position: Leading derivatives platform; expanding into spot
Fees: 0.1% spot, 0.01% maker / 0.06% taker on derivatives
Why Use It?
- User-friendly for futures trading
- Low-latency trading engine
- Trading competitions and promos
- Copy trading features
Founded: 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsa, based in the USA
Market Position: Publicly traded; top US-regulated exchange
Fees: Up to 0.60%, but lower with Coinbase Pro/Advanced
Why Use It?
- High trust and compliance
- Easy for beginners
- Insurance on digital assets
- Clean UI and educational tools
Founded: 2016 by John Jansen, based in Panama
Market Position: Top exchange for crypto options
Fees: 0.03% maker / 0.05% taker for options and futures
Why Use It?
- Deep liquidity in BTC/ETH options
- Preferred by pro traders
- Real-time risk analytics
Founded: 2016 by John Jansen, based in Panama
Market Position: Top exchange for crypto options
Fees: 0.03% maker / 0.05% taker for options and futures
Why Use It?
- Deep liquidity in BTC/ETH options
- Preferred by pro traders
- Real-time risk analytics
Founded: 2016 by John Jansen, based in Panama
Market Position: Top exchange for crypto options
Fees: 0.03% maker / 0.05% taker for options and futures
Why Use It?
- Deep liquidity in BTC/ETH options
- Preferred by pro traders
- Real-time risk analytics
Founded: 2011 by Jesse Powell, based in the USA
Market Position: One of the oldest and most reputable exchanges
Fees: 0.16% maker / 0.26% taker (can be lower with volume)
Why Use It?
- Strong security track record
- Great for fiat onramps (USD, EUR, GBP)
- Spot and futures trading
- Supports staking
Founded: 2017 by Star Xu, originally part of OKCoin
Market Position: Among top 3 in volume globally
Fees: 0.08% maker / 0.10% taker (with loyalty tier discounts)
Why Use It?
- Powerful for advanced trading (spot, futures, options)
- Access to DeFi and Web3 wallet
- Large altcoin selection