The Holder.io team has analysed 100+ crypto exchanges and gathered them in a single catalog — with ratings, fees, licenses and availability. Below is how the platforms work, how they differ and how to compare them by key criteria in interactive tables: click a column header to sort.
Types of crypto exchanges
A crypto exchange is a platform to buy, sell and swap digital assets. Under the umbrella term "exchange" there are several kinds of venue:
- CEX (centralized) — Binance, Bybit, OKX and others. The operator custodies funds and matches orders in an order book: the highest liquidity and choice of instruments, but you need an account and usually verification.
- DEX (decentralized) — Uniswap, PancakeSwap and similar. Trading runs straight from a non-custodial wallet, the keys stay with you ("not your keys — not your coins"). Lower speed, but more control over funds.
- P2P — deals between people directly, with any payment method.
Exchange fee comparison (spot)
The spot fee is what you pay for a regular buy or sell. There is a maker fee (a limit order that adds liquidity — cheaper) and a taker fee (a market order that removes liquidity). Most large exchanges charge around 0.1% / 0.1% at base, but the rate drops with volume and the exchange native token. The table shows top exchanges by volume; sort by any column.
Fees are the base rate without discounts; the actual rate is lower with volume and the exchange native token. Click a column header to sort.
Exchange fee comparison (futures)
Perpetual-futures (perp) fees are usually lower than spot: maker around 0.02%, taker 0.04–0.06%. That makes derivatives attractive for active trading, but leverage raises the risk. Below are the venues with the largest derivatives volume and their rates.
Fees are the base rate without discounts; the actual rate is lower with volume and the exchange native token. Click a column header to sort.
Exchange comparison by licenses and regulation
A regulator license is a reliability signal: the venue passes checks, custodies funds by the rules and reports to a supervisor. We roll this into a reg-score (0–100) — a weighted assessment across regimes (MiCA in the EU, FCA in the UK, MAS in Singapore, VARA in Dubai, SFC in Hong Kong, JFSA in Japan and more). Sanctioned venues get 0.
Fees are the base rate without discounts; the actual rate is lower with volume and the exchange native token. Click a column header to sort.
How to choose an exchange for your goal
- Beginner — a large CEX with a simple interface, learning and support; verification raises limits and safety.
- Active trader — low fees and deep liquidity (spot + futures), native-token discount, advanced orders.
- Privacy — venues without mandatory verification and P2P.
Ready-made lists in the catalog: licensed exchanges, centralized (CEX), decentralized (DEX), by trading volume.
Safety: how to spot a reliable exchange
- Licenses and reg-score — a regulated venue must custody funds by the rules (see the table above).
- Proof of Reserves — public proof that client funds actually exist.
- Age and volume — exchanges running for years with high turnover disappear with the money far less often.
- Your hygiene — 2FA, withdrawal address whitelist, moving large sums to your own cold wallet.
Do you need verification (KYC)
Identity verification (KYC) is mandatory on most regulated venues: it raises withdrawal limits, protects the account and is required by law. Some exchanges allow basic operations without full verification, but with lower limits. The "KYC" column in the fee table shows whether it is required.
Frequently asked questions
Which exchange has the lowest fees?
It depends on how you trade. Sort the spot or futures fee table by the “taker” column — platforms with the lowest base rate rise to the top. Real fees are even lower once volume and the exchange native token are factored in.
How is an exchange different from an instant exchanger?
An exchange matches buy and sell orders in an order book — the price is set by the market, with spot and futures. An instant exchanger swaps currency at a fixed rate immediately, without an order book.
CEX or DEX — which to choose?
A CEX is simpler, more liquid and beginner-friendly, but the operator custodies your funds. A DEX keeps the keys with you and needs no verification, but is slower and more complex. For large amounts, withdraw to your own wallet either way.
Do I need verification (KYC) to trade?
On regulated exchanges — yes. Without it, basic operations are available with reduced limits. Verification also protects your account in disputes and raises withdrawal limits.
