List of Top Trusted Crypto Exchanges

List of Top Trusted Crypto Exchanges
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You need an exchange to get your hands on a crypto asset. However, knowing the suitable platform to use can be tricky. There are different things to consider, from regulations to the exchange's reliability.

The cryptocurrency market remains a relatively new financial space. Many users are still finding their way around it. While most traders have learned the ropes, others have unfortunately fallen victim to scams and using the wrong platforms. In this article, we'll show you the top 7 crypto exchanges to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies. But before we start, we'll tell you how exchanges work and how to verify that the platform you're considering is the right one to use.

What Is a Cryptocurrency Exchange?

Cryptocurrency exchanges are online platforms where you can buy and sell crypto assets. While they primarily allow you to purchase crypto tokens using your US dollars or other government-backed fiat currencies, you can also carry out crypto-to-crypto trading. This means you can exchange Bitcoin for Ethereum. Cryptocurrency exchanges use trading pairs. For example, to trade 0.1 Bitcoin to USD, you'll have to go for the BTC/USD trading pair. BTC is Bitcoin's trading ticker. In some cases, you have to convert your fiat currency to a stablecoin such as USDT before you can trade.

Cryptocurrency prices are uniform across every exchange. However, there could be slight differences. You could also use an exchange as a crypto calculator app. For example, if you want to convert 100 Bitcoin to USD, you can type in the BTC amount to know its equivalent in US dollars in line with current market rates. You can convert your crypto assets back to fiat currencies and leave them in your account whenever you want.

Unlike the new days of crypto, exchanges are now being regulated. That means you have to be sure you're trading on a platform licensed to operate in your jurisdiction. This and more should guide your decision in choosing a crypto exchange.

Understanding Centralized and Decentralized Exchanges

Before we continue, you must understand the different types of cryptocurrency exchanges. They are centralized and decentralized exchanges.

We've pretty much covered what a centralized exchange is. This type of exchange has a significant level of control over your funds. It controls your wallet and can freeze your assets if there's a bug or if it flagged your account for fraud.

A decentralized exchange, however, is unregulated, just as its name suggests. It's what you can call an anonymous crypto exchange. It's mostly for people who are looking to use a crypto exchange without KYC. Traders use non-custodial wallets, which they completely control, to trade on these platforms. However, you can't purchase crypto assets using fiat currencies on decentralized exchanges. Instead, they only facilitate crypto-to-crypto swaps.

White Label Crypto Exchange

Some platforms are built on white-label crypto exchange software solutions. This means they did not develop their core applications from scratch. While most might have good management and practice, they don't always have high liquidity and trading volume during their early days. So, it would be wise to look out for them. Most white-label crypto exchanges don't offer derivatives, lending, margin, and other customizable products since these features require complex development.

How to Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange

Reading this article means you're looking for a crypto exchange to buy and sell crypto. There are hundreds of platforms available today. However, the right pick for you depends on different factors. For starters, you have to make sure the exchange is trusted. This means looking at its trading volume, user base, and regulatory compliance. You want to ensure you're trading on a platform where your funds are safe and one that has enough liquidity.

So, what should you look out for?

1. Security

One of the top priorities when it comes to trading is security. Unfortunately, there have been incidents in the past where traders lost their funds because exchanges were hacked.

Unlike bank deposits, cryptocurrencies aren't backed by central banks. This means you're at the mercy of your exchange's security and insurance policy. While some platforms insure users' deposits, others depend on security practices.

So, try to determine if the exchange has an insurance policy and how many crypto assets they store in cold storage (offline).

2. Accessibility

Regulations could prevent you from you trading on specific exchanges. For example, the US has strict trading policies, and only a handful of exchanges are licensed to operate in the region. Even at that, some states have separate policies that could prevent trading. You don't want to make up your mind about an exchange only to find out you can't access its services. So, head to the platform's website and confirm if they operate in your jurisdiction. You should also check out each exchange's KYC and AML compliance. With no KYC crypto exchanges will restrict your access to their products. In some cases, you won't be able to trade.

3. Liquidity

Liquidity means you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies with ease. As we mentioned, there are hundreds of crypto exchanges, but some are more liquid than others.

An exchange's trading volume tells you how easy it will be to sell your coins for fiat currency and withdraw your money. The trading volume is usually measured in US dollars and shows how much money is traded on the platform.

So, check to make sure your money won't get stuck when you decide to sell. You should also confirm the number of tokens traded on the exchange. This would determine how easy it will be to withdraw your crypto asset to a non-custodial wallet (more on that below).

4. Trading Fees

Cryptocurrency exchanges charge a fee for every trade. These fees are mostly a fixed percentage of each transaction, but they could change. For example, they could be as much as 20% and as low as 0.

For most platforms, a trader's level or order weight determines the fees. So, check these details to understand how an exchange's fee structure works before using it. You shouldn't necessarily look for the lowest fee crypto exchange. That's because many platforms with poor security and low liquidity use the promise of little to no fees to lure in new investors. On the other hand, most exchanges with high costs charge extra to make the trading experience seamless.

5. Reliability

You need a crypto exchange with the best uptime stat. Server downtime can cause a lot of problems. For example, you might want to sell off an asset when it reaches a particular price only to find your crypto app not working anymore.

6. Doing your research

There are many online resources that you can use to check out each exchange's daily trading volume and cryptocurrency pairs. Coinmarketcap is one of these resources. It can also act as a token converter and crypto calculator app so you can know coin prices in real-time.

Crypto Wallet vs. Exchange

Cryptocurrency wallets interact with blockchain networks and can be used to store tokens. Therefore, understanding how they work is vital. Exchanges, on the other hand, are platforms where you buy and sell cryptocurrencies. That said, centralized exchanges come with built-in wallets. Now, there are two main types of crypto wallets: custodial and non-custodial. This is often what comes to mind whenever crypto exchange vs. wallet is mentioned.
A user has complete control of a non-custodial wallet, whereas a third party controls a custodial wallet. You have full ownership of the former because you have its private keys. Your account on a centralized exchange comes with a custodial wallet, and the exchange has complete control. This is why the platform can execute trades faster since it doesn't need confirmations for every transaction after you've placed orders.

Non-custodial wallets live outside exchanges. However, you can use them to interact with decentralized exchanges and purchase tokens. In this case, though, you'll have to confirm every transaction and pay blockchain gas fees instead of exchange fees. Crypto wallet advocates see decentralization as its main advantage. It's more decentralized exchange vs. centralized exchange than crypto wallet vs. exchange.

No one has control over your non-custodial wallet except you. However, it means you're responsible for keeping it safe. If you lose your private keys or lose access to your device, your wallet and the funds in it will be gone for good. When it comes to an exchange, you can lose your device, forget your password, and still recover your funds.

The Top Crypto Exchanges

The Top Crypto Exchanges

Now, let's get down to the central business. We've compiled a list of crypt exchanges we believe you can trust:

1. Kyrrex Crypto Exchange

Top of the list is Kyrrex crypto exchange. There are many reasons you should pay attention to the trading platform. First, it has ambitions to unify cryptocurrencies and real-world banking. Second, it is introducing an innovative ecosystem that includes a multi-account management solution and a tokenization and crypto merchant platform. It's one of those hidden gems with a lot of precedent-setting products in the works. From facilitating cross-border crypto and fiat payments to executing trades at never-seen-before speeds, the exchange has a lot to offer, which caught our eye.

Kyrrex is designed by real traders and has been operating since 2016. It has a feature-rich interface that can tend to beginners and advanced tools for pro traders. In addition, you can easily trade on its web and mobile platforms. The exchange also has an OTC service that caters to institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. They can sell and purchase large amounts of crypto assets off the exchange without disrupting market prices.

When it comes to liquidity, the exchange boasts over a 170 million trading volume, promising a liquidity pool of over 45 billion dollars. So, whether you want to convert 100 Bitcoin to USD or go higher than that, you're sure to get your funds every time.

Trading fees are also competitive. While a trader's level determines them, every user will enjoy discounts if they use the Kyrrex ecosystem token, KRRX.

Kyrrex is also working on regulatory compliance in even the strictest jurisdictions. Soon, it will announce full support for the US market, offering residents its full suite of trading and banking products. If you're also looking for a Korean crypto exchange to trade on, Kyrrex will soon have your back.

The platform also makes sure users' funds are secure. It uses military-grade encryption and top-of-the-line security policies.

Kyrrex is building a white label crypto exchange software solution that allows its users to run their own business on the platform. It can also provide liquidity for these investors to keep their exchanges afloat.

Kyrrex Crypto Exchange Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface for beginners.
  • Traders can use the upcoming ecosystem to send crypto and fiat currencies to different countries. The platform will also allow investors to use real international bank accounts alongside their crypto wallets.
  • Upcoming support for US traders with full regulatory compliance.
  • Fast transaction speeds with 1.5 million trade orders, including clearing, executed per second.
  • Competitive trading fees.
  • High liquidity.

Cons

  • Some of the groundbreaking solutions are yet to go live.

2. Coinbase and Coinbase Pro

US-based crypto exchange, Coinbase, is one of the biggest crypto trading platforms in the world. Its interface is easy to use, making it ideal for newbies in the crypto space. This is why it's seen as the best starting post for people who want to make a foray into cryptocurrency trading.

Coinbase Pro is for the more advanced trader. It offers a different fee structure, which also lowers the price. In addition, the interface provides more tools for investors, such as charts, indicators, and other advanced features that allow a crypto trader review the market and make an analysis. Traders who have got the hang of things using the basic version of the exchange can easily go to Coinbase Pro.

Coinbase's custodial wallets are insured, which means users can store their assets without fear. In addition, wallets are protected against hacking and data breaches. Investors' fiat currencies are saved in bank accounts with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance. Note that the insurance policy does not cover crypto assets.

That said, the exchange's list of cryptocurrencies is quite limited when you consider the number of tokens out there.

Coinbase Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Intuitive and friendly interface for new users
  • A fair number of altcoin selections for newbies
  • High liquidity

Cons

  • Coinbase's convenience comes with extremely high fees
  • New users must use Coinbase Pro, which is more complex and confusing, to access lower fees
  • Poor selection of altcoins for advanced users who would want to be exposed to more crypto assets
  • Users have reported some hacks and serious glitches that clear their accounts

3. Binance

The exchange was founded in 2017 and was headquartered in China at the time. However, it moved from the country in light of strict cryptocurrency regulations. Binance is ranked as the biggest exchange in the world by trading volume and user base. It focuses more on altcoin trading, with hundreds of trading pairs available to new and pro users.

Apart from the hundreds of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, the exchange has low trading fees and discounts. It also has high liquidity. Binance offers margin trading and leveraged tokens that allow traders to make quick gains by exposing themselves to higher risks. With these offerings, traders can lend higher amounts of tokens. There is also a futures platform where investors can make profits by predicting price fluctuations.

However, its spot trading platform is the most popular. It mainly supports four different types of orders for the spot markets. They are Limit, Stop Limit, Market, and One Cancels the Other (OCO).

All that said, Binance has faced run-ins with regulators across the globe and is banned from offering specific services in some jurisdictions. For example, US traders have to use Binance.us. This is because the main arm of the exchange is not licensed in the country. However, US traders won't enjoy the hundreds of crypto pairs available on the global exchange. That's because Binance.us only offers about 50 cryptocurrencies for trading.

It's also worth noting that Binance might not be for those looking into crypto for the first time. It has a lite view, which is supposed to be friendly for beginners. However, people who are new to trading could still find it challenging to navigate.

Binance Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Hundreds of altcoins to trade
  • Low trading fees
  • High liquidity
  • Easy-to-use interface and advanced features for traders

Cons

  • It might be difficult for new traders
  • Issues with regulators cause unease
  • Binance US has low trading pairs and is restricted in states such as Hawaii, Connecticut, Idaho, New York, Texas, Louisiana, and Vermont
  • No margin or futures accounts for US traders

4. FTX

FTX is a cryptocurrency exchange that focuses more on derivatives products. The derivatives market exposes traders to cryptocurrency markets without having to own actual tokens. The focus is to speculate crypto prices, take the underlying risks, and make profits. This means you can't send derivative stocks to non-custodial wallets. However, FTX also has a spot trading platform where you can buy real crypto tokens and transfer them to an external wallet or another exchange. Other offerings include leveraged tokens, MOVE contracts, predictions market, and staking.

The exchange is among the biggest in the world and supports hundreds of crypto trading pairs. FTX isn't regulated in the US, and residents have to switch to FTX.us, which offers limited products than the main global platform. In addition, US traders are only exposed to a small number of altcoins, and leveraged trading isn't fully available. However, the exchange is making in-roads to expand its offerings in the country.

FTX Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Wide range of products for advanced traders
  • Innovative derivatives offerings
  • High liquidity

Cons

  • New traders will find it challenging to navigate the interface
  • The focus is more on the derivatives market
  • Traders in the US and other countries like Iran are exempted from trading on the platform


5. Kraken

Kraken is another leading cryptocurrency exchange that offers a range of crypto products to individual traders and institutions. It supports more than 85 crypto tokens and is available in over 150 countries. However, the exchange isn't available to traders in New York and Washington states. Also, US residents are exempted from trading specific assets and using the futures mobile platform.

So, to trade on a crypto exchange Washington state and New York residents have to look elsewhere. Kraken is great for advanced traders with its leverage and margin accounts. In addition, it's easy to invest in both large and small sums. For example, Kraken allows users to deposit as little as 0.0001 BTC.

Other products from Kraken include OTC (Over-the-counter) trading, account management trading, and staking. According to the exchange, the OTC service is suited to high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors with no less than 1 million USD to invest. It allows these investors to buy crypto assets off the exchange without disrupting the market.

All that said, Kraken is not the best option for new traders investing in crypto for the first time. The platform's web and mobile interfaces are more suited to users who have learned the crypto trading ropes.

Kraken Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Available in nearly 200 countries
  • High liquidity
  • Margin and futures trading offers advanced traders more options

Cons

  • Lacks 24/7 customer support over the phone
  • The futures platform isn't available to US residents, and Washington and New York states are exempted from using the platform
  • The interface isn't very suitable for beginners
  • Users looking to trade more altcoins have to look elsewhere

6. KuCoin

KuCoin is another trusted exchange that allows you to store and trade a wide range of crypto assets. The platform operates on the web and mobile with interfaces well suited to reasonably knowledgeable traders.

The platform allows users to trade in over 600 cryptocurrency pairs with more than 350 crypto tokens. If you're looking for lesser-known coins, KuCoin is one place where you should look. However, you should note that these coins are riskier than the well-known ones such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. KuCoin claims it takes security seriously. The exchange is in partnership with Onchain Custodian to secure users' assets. It also insures crypto tokens against data breaches and hacking. In addition, the platform says client assets are stored offline (in cold storage), making it harder for hackers. However, the percentage held there is unclear.

If you're a US resident, you should know that the exchange isn't regulated in the country. However, users in supported countries have to go through the know your customer (KYC) verification process to access higher trading perks. So, with the crypto exchange no KYC means a limited trading experience. While US residents can still use the exchange, it can be risky. For example, authorities can freeze your accounts, which means you could lose your assets for good.

KuCoin Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Strong community and user base
  • Many altcoins to trade
  • Great customer service
  • Low fees

Cons

  • Payment methods are limited
  • Not ideal for beginners
  • Not regulated in the US
  • Lacks adequate fiat pairing

7. Gemini

Gemini is a US-based crypto exchange that puts security and compliance at its core. The exchange is great for every type of user. US residents can freely trade with ease. While it tries to list only trusted coins and tokens that meet regulations, its 20-odd crypto assets available for trade are pretty limited. As a result, traders who want to be exposed to more altcoins will want to look elsewhere.

The exchange comes with different features that cater to different types of traders. Beginners can easily use the desktop platform to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. More advanced traders have access to platforms such as ActiveTrader, where they can place Limit, Market, and Stop-Limit orders and use charting tools.

The platform allows one of the lowest minimum deposits. For example, the minimum BTC you can deposit is 0.00001. This makes Gemini inclusive. Users can also earn interest on their crypto balances. Again, this sets Gemini apart from most exchanges.

Gemini's fee structure can be tricky, though. Users who trade small amounts end up paying higher fees than those trading large volumes. For example, if you convert 0.1 Bitcoin to USD, the platform could charge a 1.9% fee or less, while someone trying to sell Bitcoin worth 7 US dollars could be charged as high as 20% of their order amount.

Gemini Pros and Cons

Pros

  • User-friendly mobile app
  • Advanced trading platform with excellent security
  • Users can earn passive income on their idle tokens

Cons

  • Trading fees can be high for small traders
  • A limited number of tokens

Conclusion

Whether you want to buy a trusted coin or bag as many tokens as you can afford, you now know the top exchanges to use. From Kyrrex to KuCoin, choosing the right platform depends on what suits your needs. Remember to do your due diligence before committing your cash.

About Kyrrex

Kyrrex is a multifunctional professional platform for trading and storing cryptocurrencies

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The Story of DOGE: How a Meme Became a Leading Cryptocurrency

Dogecoin (DOGE) is one of the most well-known and widely-used cryptocurrencies today. But unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum, which were created with serious intentions, Dogecoin has much humbler origins—as an internet meme that took on a life of its own. This is the story of how a joke became a multi-billion-dollar cryptocurrency.

The Birth of DOGE

birth of doge

In 2013, software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer launched Dogecoin as a satirical take on the sudden hype surrounding cryptocurrencies. They branded the coin's logo using a popular internet meme at the time featuring a Shiba Inu dog accompanied by broken English phrases like "wow" and "such coin."

Markus has said Dogecoin was created "to poke fun at the wild speculation going on in cryptocurrencies." The lighthearted approach was meant to encourage more casual participation since Bitcoin was perceived as too serious and inaccessible to the average person.

Going Viral: DOGE Takes Off

Though created as a parody, Dogecoin quickly took off and developed an online community. The low Dogecoin price and unlimited force made it popular on social media.

In December 2013, the Dogecoin community raised $30,000 worth of DOGE coins to send the Jamaican bobsled platoon to the Sochi Winter Olympics when they couldn't go. This and other high-profile charity fundraising campaigns associated with Dogecoin generated media attention and goodwill.

By early 2014, Dogecoin's market cap had reached over $60 million. Its community on Reddit boasted over 85,000 subscribers. DOGE established itself as a prominent altcoin and proved that a cryptocurrency didn't need to be serious or technically groundbreaking to gain significant attention.

The Power of Memes: DOGE in Pop Culture

A major factor in Dogecoin's continued fashionability has been its use in internet memes and viral content. The meme-friendly coin represents a confluence between cryptocurrency and internet culture.

On Reddit, Twitter, and other social platforms, Shiba Inu memes featuring expressions like "1 DOGE = 1 DOGE" and" To the moon!" have kept Dogecoin circulating in online exchanges. This grassroots marketing, amplified by memes, has propelled DOGE's brand recognition.

Celebrity signatures have also given Dogecoin periodic boosts. In 2020, Elon Musk posted memes about DOGE on Twitter, leading to a sharp Dogecoin price increase. Mark Cuban and Snoop Dogg have also shown support for the meme coin. DOGE thrives on its pop culture applicability.

Serious Growth in 2021

In early 2021, Dogecoin endured a gradual rise fueled by growing interest on social media and from institutional investors. In January, the r/WallStreetBets subreddit that boosted GameStop stock began encouraging investments in Dogecoin. Dallas Lions proprietor Mark Cuban even blazoned that his organization would accept DOGE for wares and ticket deals.

In May 2021, DOGE hit an all-time high of $0.7376 shortly after Elon Musk appeared on Saturday Night Live and called Dogecoin the" future of currency." The coin's market cap reached over $80 billion. This period demonstrated that Dogecoin had progressed far beyond its meme-rooted origins. Major companies and investors were now treating DOGE as a legit digital asset.

The DOGE Community

dogecoin community

A crucial part of Dogecoin's identity and success has been its vibrant online community. On Reddit, Twitter, and Discord groups, Dogecoin backers organize fundraising drives, create memes, and spread enthusiasm for the coin.

Unlike some cryptocurrency groups, which are exclusive and specialized, the Dogecoin community prides itself on being accessible to beginners. It embraces DOGE's roots as an approachable, unconcerned coin for the internet legions rather than solely a serious investment vehicle. This grassroots energy and fidelity have helped drive the Dogecoin euro price surge and given it a distinctive appeal.

Criticisms of the Dogecoin Price Model

Some critics argue that Dogecoin's lack of genuine invention or usefulness makes it a bad cryptocurrency compared to blockchain innovations like Ethereum. Its unlimited supply and the low Dogecoin euro price also mean the cryptocurrency is super volatile and easily manipulated.

Others contend that Dogecoin derives its value purely from jokes and marketing hype rather than mileage. They see the coin as a pump-and-dump scheme centered around online hype rather than fundamentals.

Proponents argue that the Dogecoin blockchain is still growing and already faster compared to Bitcoin. They point to DOGE's growing number of fans, users and developers as proof that is has segued into something meaningful beyond just internet hype.

DOGE Milestones

dogecoin milestones

Despite the naysaying in certain quarters, Dogecoin has achieved several milestones that demonstrate its progression into a mature cryptocurrency.

  1. In 2014, Dogecoin innovated the use of merged mining with Litecoin, allowing miners of both coins to partake in calculating power for increased effectiveness. This was an early, specialized use case for DOGE.
  2. Major brands like Slim Jim have run marketing campaigns centered around Dogecoin and memes. This indicates commercial interest in tapping into the DOGE phenomenon.
  3. The nonprofit Dogecoin Foundation was revived in 2021 after a period of dormancy. The renewed interest in supporting the coin's open-source development reflects its growing mainstream appeal.
  4. DOGE is now supported by most major cryptocurrency exchanges and trading and payment apps like Robinhood and Coinbase. Availability for investors and consumers has improved significantly.

The Future of DOGE

dogecoin future

As crypto tokens go, Dogecoin is one of the major and most recognizable. People have grown to rely upon it as a cultural touchstone for cryptocurrency humour and Old Internet jokes alike. That being said, what exactly does the future hold for DOGE; after it has shaken off its meme-derived roots and become a more mature technology?

Some see Dogecoin as a means of payment that is faster and cheaper than ever before. Others feel it is essential for DOGE to make inroads into decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions and the NFT space.

Still, for Dogecoin to advance to the next level, critics say it needs to continue developing its burgeoning technology for real-world usage. More serious investment in development and mainstream partnerships is needed for DOGE to thrive in the long term.

But if its history has shown anything, it's that coins like Dogecoin shouldn't be underestimated. DOGE has once already defied disbelievers and cemented its place in cryptocurrency lore. The vibrant community of Dogecoin is its X factor, something that many coins hardly have.

As a joke coin, Dogecoin has already realized remarkable successes. One hopes for its future, but this meme coin-cum-bitcoin continues to show that internet culture must not be overlooked when evaluating the future potentials of crypto.

The Technology Behind DOGE

dogecoin technology

While created as a meme coin, Dogecoin operates on a real blockchain and cryptocurrency network. Understanding the technical rudiments provides insight into its functionality.

The Blockchain

The Dogecoin blockchain is predicated on Luckycoin, which itself derives from Litecoin. It uses a decentralized proof-of-work system where miners compete to solve mathematical problems and produce new blocks. This secures the network and provides the foundation for DOGE as a cryptocurrency.

Mining Dogecoin

Dogecoin mining uses the Scrypt algorithm, which is less complex than Bitcoin's SHA-256. Scrypt mining can be performed with even basic PCs rather than the precious ASIC equipment demanded for Bitcoin mining. This makes the Dogecoin network more accessible.

Transaction Speed

Dogecoin's 1 minute block time makes DOGE 10 times faster compared to Bitcoin's 10-minute finality time. This speed enhances Dogecoin's suitability for point-of-trade purchases, micropayments, and other transactional uses.

Unlimited Supply

A crucial difference from Bitcoin is Dogecoin's emission rate. 10,000 DOGE are mined per block, with no limit on the total number created. This provides an inflationary counterpoise to Bitcoin's fixed supply. If there is anything that can pause or even reverse the long-term Dogecoin price momentum, it is this inflationary aspect of its tokenomics.

Keeping Dogecoin Relevant

DOGE might have been the best success story of the crypto memecoin craze, successfully fending off fierce competition from Shiba Inu and the array of new challengers from the Solana space. However, nothing lasts forever—success will eventually dissipate if not sustained and Dogecoin is no exception. Over the years, the community has rolled out a few things to make sure that the cryptocurrency retains its spot in the limelight.

Current Developments

The original core developers of DOGE have long sailed into the sunset. However, a new group of dedicated developers have taken up the mantle and continue to maintain the Dogecoin codebase. There are even plans underway to upgrade the network with special features and advancements that will keep it relevant in the digital currency space.

Major DOGE Events

Dogecoin has long moved past sole reliance on viral moments and meme to gain traction. Now an established behemoth in its own right, the network continues to make its mark through major events and fundraisers. Here are some noteworthy instances:

  • 2014 Winter Olympics: The Dogecoin community raised $30,000 worth of DOGE coins so the Jamaican bobsled platoon could attend the Sochi games. This put DOGE in the media spotlight for the first time.
  • Doge4Water: In 2014, the Dogecoin community bestowed over $50,000 worth of DOGE to fund the creation of clean water wells in Kenya. This remarkable feat was one of the very first demonstrations of crypto’s transformative impact on charity.
  • Doge4NASCAR: The community sponsored NASCAR motorist Josh Wise to the tune of over $55,000 in DOGE coins. The DOGE logo on his car and jumpsuit brought Dogecoin's name into mainstream sports.
  • DOGE-1 Satellite: In 2021, Dogecoin funded the DOGE-1 satellite set to launch through SpaceX. It'll be the first crypto-funded project in space and collect lunar data.

These caption-grabbing moments have shaped Dogecoin's story and shown that it's more than just an internet meme.

How to Buy DOGE and Check Dogecoin Price

buy and sell dogecoin

For those interested in this notorious memecoin, it's easy to buy Dogecoin. There are many options.

  1. Exchanges: Major crypto exchanges like Kyrrex, allow direct DOGE purchases with fiat or crypto. This is the most straightforward buying method.
  2. Trading Apps: Apps like Robinhood and Webull offer quick signup and the capability to buy Dogecoin without actually holding the coin itself.
  3. Wallets: Software and hardware wallets like Trust Wallet or Ledger let users buy DOGE directly and store it securely. Some of them also allow spending DOGE at merchandisers accepting the coin.
  4. Mining: Users can mine DOGE by joining a Dogecoin mining pool and contributing calculating power. Still, single mining isn't very practical for average users.
  5. P2P Trading: Websites like LocalDogecoins connect buyers and sellers directly for DOGE trading without a central exchange. This allows for fast deals.

What Can You DO With Dogecoin?

what to do with dogecoin

While frequently treated as a joke or memecoin, Dogecoin can still be used for serious purposes.

  1. Paying for Goods and Services: A number of crypto businesses now accept DOGE as a payment method. The picture is less rosy outside the crypto space but you can still find a few online markets that either already accept the token or may do so in the future.
  2. Tip Jar for Content Generators: DOGE is one of the favorite tipping methods online. Bitcoin and ETH used to be more popular tipping methods. But now that they are both super pricey, coins like DOGE have stepped into the gap.
  3. Trading and Investment: Punters and investors trade DOGE with the end goal of profiting from the Dogecoin price volatility.
  4. Money Transfer: DOGE offers a fast way to transfer value digitally due to its speed and low costs.
  5. Donations/Fundraising: As demonstrated by its early moves in the charity space, Dogecoin can be—and indeed has been—used for both single large donations and community fundraising.

Conclusion

Dogecoin is an intriguing intersection between cryptographic technology and internet culture. Born of a meme joke, it has become a major cryptocurrency with billions of dollars in real-world value and a devoted community.

Nevertheless, questions about the likelihood of DOGE becoming a blockchain with more advanced capabilities and real-world use cases continue to linger. Perhaps, it will remain as chiefly an entertainment tool and an avenue for daring speculators to realize their dreams.

Dogecoin is, at the very least, an educational case study. It is a testament to the power of online communities and how far enthusiasm and devotion can achieve. Whatever happens, the DOGE currency has already accomplished more than its creators ever anticipated.


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UK Crypto Tax: Full Guide to Regulations and Taxations 2024

Cryptocurrency investment has seen a rise in popularity in the UK! However understanding the tax implications of crypto can be daunting for newcomers. This guide aims to simplify the concept of UK crypto tax so that you can grasp your obligations as an investor.

Here's what we'll discuss;

·The fundamental principles of crypto taxation

·Instances where you are required to pay Income Tax on activities like mining or staking

  • How to calculate your Income Tax liability
  • When Capital Gains Tax is applicable when selling crypto for a profit
  • Steps to determine your Capital Gains Tax obligation
  • Tax allowances that may lower your tax bill
  • Guidelines on reporting transactions to HMRC
  • Essential records you should maintain
  • Utilizing tax software to streamline the process
  • Seeking professional tax assistance if needed

Our aim is to demystify UK crypto tax, empowering you to invest confidently! We will walk you through all the regulations and procedures in a simple manner.

Cryptocurrency can be both thrilling and perplexing. Lets shed some light on cryptocurrency taxes in the UK so that you can unwind and enjoy the journey! Keep reading to become well informed about UK crypto taxation.

The UK government (HMRC) categorizes cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as assets or property and not actual currency. This means that crypto falls under existing UK tax legislation. It does not have its own “crypto tax" category.

Categories of UK Crypto Tax

For folks looking to invest they'll mainly have to deal with Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax.

  • Capital Gains Tax: The Capital Gains Tax is charged on any sale or disposal of cryptocurrency worth more than what was originally paid for it. That can include trading for fiat currency or other cryptocurrencies; goods or services; gifts, etc.
  • Income Tax: If you earn cryptocurrency by doing things like mining, staking, peer-to-peer lending, airdrops etc., you may have to pay income tax on it. HMRC sees this kind of crypto as miscellaneous income: that is, taxable.

But don't worry—you only have to pay tax on your profits or earnings when they outweigh the tax-free allowances given to you, and these are generous by traditional standards. For most people who invest in crypto only occasionally, there's no tax bill at all. It's frequent traders and those making larger investments who might find themselves owing taxes.

In a nutshell, HMRC doesn't regard crypto as money but rather as taxable property. Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax, following the existing UK tax law, are the main taxes that apply to crypto. But for occasional or small-scale crypto investors, that's unlikely to make any difference at all to their tax situation.

Income Tax: Paying Taxes on Your Crypto Earnings

income crypto tax

Receiving cryptocurrency through certain activities is considered by the HMRC as taxable income. There are some ways people earn crypto-pounds which would be subject to Income Tax:

  • Being paid by an employer in crypto - Whether your employer gives you part or all of your salary this way, it's just normal income to HMRC.
  • Successfully mining coins - Your computer mines for you and makes new tokens, so that counts as taxable income.
  • Staking coins to validate transactions - The crypto you earn from staking is taxable.
  • Earning interest on crypto loans - All interest you receive would be taxable.
  • Receiving free coins through an airdrop - Airdropped coins count as a taxable income even though they're free to receive.
  • Yield farming, or offering liquidity - If you receive tokens this way, they are taxable.
  • Receiving coins from a hard fork - Forked coins you received for free are an income event.

In most cases, cryptocurrency earnings are seen as "miscellaneous income" for tax purposes. The only exception is employer-paid crypto wages.

The good news is that you only owe Income Tax on cryptocurrency if your total income exceeds the £12,570 tax-free allowance for 2023-24. If you stay under that threshold, then your crypto earnings are tax free!

Determining Your Cryptocurrency Tax Liability

If your total earnings are more than the UK Personal Allowance, then follow these steps to work out how much income tax is payable on gains from cryptocurrency.

  • First, you must establish the exchange rate on the date that each of your taxable dividends was paid in crypto and convert into sterling. Previous exchange rates can be used.
  • Next, add together all the pound sterling values for your taxable crypto income from the tax year.
  • Add this total of crypto-incomes to other emoluments from employment, self-employment, property, interest and all other sources.
  • Use the standard Personal Allowance of £12,570 as a deduction from this figure to find your total taxable income.
  • Use income tax bands to work out which rate - 20%, 40% or 45% (the additional rate) - you should apply to the total of your taxable income.
  • Now multiply your total taxable income from cryptocurrency and all other sources of earnings by the relevant tax rate.

The Income Tax amount calculated should be paid to HMRC on or before the due date for payments.

Capital Gains Tax: When the Taxman Comes for Your Crypto Gains

crypto gains tax

Let's be real - no one enjoys paying taxes. But if you profit from crypto, HMRC will want a slice of the action. As far as the UK taxman is concerned, crypto assets like Bitcoin are property. Just like if you flipped houses or traded stocks for a profit. So they slap on Capital Gains Tax for any crypto gains you realize.

Brace yourself to owe Capital Gains Tax if you:

  • Cash out your crypto for pounds and come out ahead
  • Swap one crypto for another and make a profit on the exchange
  • Use crypto to buy stuff and the value rose since you bought it
  • Gift crypto to someone besides your spouse and it gains value
  • Get free crypto from an airdrop then sell or swap it later at a higher price

Now the positive spin - you only pay tax on gains above the tax-free allowance, which is a relatively meagre £3000 this tax year. (Don’t look at us like that—blame Jeremy Hunt.) So smaller crypto players often dodge Capital Gains Tax.

And married couples get double - you both have your own separate £3000 allowance. So between you, that's £6000 in tax-free crypto profits in the 2024-25 reporting year. The bottom line - HMRC will come collecting on any big crypto windfalls you have. However modest investors can often avoid Capital Gains Tax.

How to Calculate Your Crypto Tax UK Capital Gains Tax

Hit a jackpot with your crypto and go beyond what the taxman lets you keep tax-free. Let's break down how you can figure out the Capital Gains Tax that's coming out of your pocket:

  1. Calculate what you've put in. This means ringing up the initial price and any extra costs for each crypto piece you've let go of.
  2. Chase down what you got for it
  3. Look for the British Pound value on the actual day you waved goodbye to your crypto.
  4. Do the math: selling price minus what you spent
  5. Take what it cost you and subtract it from what you pocketed to find out your profit.
  6. Put all your wins together
  7. Gather all the profits from each time you cashed out on crypto within the tax year.
  8. Remember your tax break
  9. Subtract the £3000 you don't have to pay taxes on to see what's left.
  10. Figure out the tax bite
  11. If you're in the basic tax bracket, put aside 10%. Those in the higher bracket, get ready to hand over 20%.
  12. Whip out the UK crypto tax calculator for the last step

With that tax rate in mind, analyze the taxable gains and see how much damage your bank balance is likely to take.

Figuring out your crypto taxes just seems to be a treasure hunt--for ancient transactions. Calculating precisely how much money you’re giving the government doesn’t sound even the tiniest bit fun. This is why intelligent investors use tax software to sort everything out instead.

Reduce Your Crypto Tax Bill with Tax-Free Allowances

reduce crypto tax

Besides the regular Personal and Capital Gains Allowances, you can use additional generous tax-free reliefs for crypto income:

  • Gift tax-free up to £3,000 of crypto each year through the Annual Exempt Amount for Gifts.
  • Transfer assets tax-free between spouses. This can be used to bypass crypto UK tax.
  • Reduce the tax you owe by offsetting losses against total Capital Gains.
  • The first £1,000 of miscellaneous trading income can be earned tax-free. This is called the Trading Allowance.
  • Donate to registered charities tax-free. Donating crypto means not just Income Tax but also Capital Gains Tax are excluded.
  • Place crypto in an Individual Savings Account (ISA) wrapper to shelter it from tax.
  • Contribute crypto to your pension plan and in this way reduce your taxable income.

When you calculate your ultimate crypto tax bill, factor in these allowances and exemptions you can utilize. Thorough record-keeping enables you to successfully claim any allowances you are entitled to.

How to Report Crypto Taxes to HMRC

Each year you must complete a self-assessment tax return in order to officially report and pay any Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax due on your crypto trades. The self-assessment deadline is 31 January of the next year. Therefore, online returns must be filed by 31 Jan 2025 for the 2023-24 tax year.

When completing your return, you'll report:

  • Crypto income on the foreign income section
  • Crypto capital gains on the capital gains summary

On the basis of your Self-assessment, HMRC works out your total tax bill for the year including allowances. Any tax due must be paid on 31 January, as well.

If you miss the deadline for reporting or payment, you can expect financial penalties from HMRC. Therefore, get into the habit of preparing well in advance for your crypto taxes.

How to Keep Records for Crypto Taxes

Good record-keeping is the key to getting your tax return right and reducing your crypto tax bill. For each transaction potentially liable to tax you should record:

  • Date Acquired
  • Acquisition cost in GBP
  • Date of disposal
  • Disposal value in GBP
  • Fees incurred
  • Nature of transaction

It's best to keep track of all this as you go along, making it easy to pull together at tax time. If you use only a few trading platforms, their account history may suffice for your tax preparation. However, if you trade across many different platforms, manually compiling transaction data can be extremely difficult. At such times tax software is essential.

Use Crypto Tax Software

Crypto tax preparation is fraught with difficulties, so most investors turn to specialized tax software for help. Leading providers such as CoinLedger, Koinly, CoinTracking can:

  • Import your transaction data automatically from exchanges using API connections
  • Interface with wallets and block explorers to capture full transaction records
  • Match and synchronize data from across all of your accounts
  • Calculate your capital gains and losses
  • Generate the necessary tax reports for filing

This means you no longer have to collect your wallet addresses and do the math yourself. Every top crypto tax UK calculator also syncs directly to reputable tax filing suites like TurboTax. However, you must ensure that whatever software you use for handling crypto tax also meets the reporting requirements of Self-assessment to HMRC.

Get Professional Tax Advice

If you are heavily involved in crypto investing, it could well be worth consulting a professional accountant with expertise in crypto taxes.

A crypto accountant UK specialist can help you:

  • Correctly classify your crypto transactions
  • Benefit from exemptions and relief
  • Arrange your holdings in a tax-efficient manner
  • Keep complete records of all payments in compliance with the latest HMRC regulations

This specific advice comes at a cost. But the reduction in taxation likely more than compensates for this.

Key Takeaways of UK Crypto tax Regulations

With crypto investing on the rise, an understanding of UK crypto tax rules is vital. By following the guidance in this article, UK crypto holders can remain compliant, minimize their tax bills, and avoid issues with HMRC.

  • UK tax laws view crypto as an asset, not a currency
  • Income Tax must be paid on crypto derived from activities such as mining and staking
  • Capital Gains Tax is payable when crypto is disposed of at a profit
  • You'll only be charged tax on crypto profits/income over any applicable tax-free allowances
  • Thorough records are essential to accurately estimate the taxes due for crypto
  • Transaction data gathering and tax work can be automated using accounting software
  • If your crypto dealings are substantial or complex, seek professional tax assistance

With much current interest in investing in cryptocurrencies, a knowledge of UK crypto tax regulations is necessary. By following the advice in this article, UK taxpayers can stay compliant. While remaining within the law they are better able to minimize their tax bills and lessen their chance of having problems with HM Revenue & Customs.


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Crypto Wallet UK: How to Safely Store Your Digital Assets in 2024

From its humble beginnings, cryptocurrency has muscled onto the scene and become a viable method of making, investing and saving money. Digital money such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have a lot going for them, including reduced transaction time and seamless cross-border payments. But concerns remain, especially as regards the security of crypto assets. Since digital money is becoming mainstream, good wallet security is needed to protect it against numerous threats, including fraud. This overview focuses on various aspects of cryptocurrency security, including how to protect and store your digital money.

Understanding Cryptocurrency and its Security Vulnerabilities

Cryptocurrency relies on blockchain technology. This is a transparent, immutable and usually decentralized system that facilitates trustless transactions. Because of how a blockchain works, the possibility that records get altered is very small. However, the platforms and services that we use to interact with the major blockchains are a different kettle of fish. Even as we freely use crypto UK wallets to buy and save our digital money, we must keep in mind that these platforms are relatively vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Even the best crypto wallet UK isn’t safe from being hacked if good wallet security isn’t implemented.

The security gaps in these tools provide a perfect opportunity for cybercriminals that conduct theft, fraud, and numerous other forms of harmful acts. Therefore, integrated robust security mechanisms such as secure walleting, strong authentication, and complex encryption should be implemented to protect against transaction-related security and privacy threats.

A Complete Cryptocurrency Security Guide

crypto security guide

Ideally, the protection of digital currency wallets should be implemented holistically, encompassing the process from selecting the wallet to enhancing the strength of the password and educating about potential risks, especially various types of fraud and social engineering, such as phishing.

Selecting a Crypto Wallet

The first step to increasing the safety of your cryptocurrency in the UK is to choose a crypto wallet UK that is secure and fits your needs. Wallets are typically divided into two categories: hot and cold.

  • Hot Wallets:

They are internet-connected and make it easy for you to make daily transactions. This kind of wallet is however more susceptible to cyber-attacks.

  • Cold Wallets:

Cold wallets are divided into hardware and software wallets. Cold wallets store your cryptocurrency offline, which eliminates the risk of a web-based attack.

  • Hardware wallets:

like the Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano X, and Trezor Wallets give you the ultimate protection. You keep your private keys on an offline device which protects your assets even if your personal computer or phone becomes compromised.

If, instead of using a hardware wallet, you write down your public and private keys (seed phrase) on a piece of paper and hid it somewhere, then you have a paper wallet. In many ways, paper wallets offer the strongest form of protection. Unless someone raids your house and makes away with the paper, your wallet remains secure. One downside of a paper wallet is that it doesn't actually store your crypto offline, only the keys to the wallet. You still need to input the keys into a hot or hardware wallet to interact with your coins.

Knowing about the various wallet types helps beginners get a firm grasp of basic cryptocurrency security. This will help them to make informed decisions on how to safeguard their digital assets as the threat level keeps rising.

How to Strengthen the Security of Your Crypto Wallet UK:

crypto wallet UK

1. Strong passwords

Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and wallets, and use a password manager to ensure complex passwords are maintained safely.

2. Two-factor authentication

With 2FA, not only will you need your password to access your accounts, but also another form of verification. This way, even if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to break into your accounts unless they somehow manage to also get the 2FA code.

3. Evade Phishing Attempts

Be on the lookout for phishing efforts which aim to deceive you into giving out sensitive information via fake links and communications.

4. Update You Apps and Devices

Ensure your wallets, computers, and phones are frequently updated. This will protect you against any discovered vulnerability that has been rectified in an update. You also get instant access to any newly-added security features.

Advanced Crypto UK Wallet Security Practices

1. Diversification

Avoid all keeping your crypto stash in one place; you’re going to incur a big loss if it gets hacked. Keep different amounts in various storage options for ultimate security.

2. Backup and recovery

Frequent backups of your wallets are essential; store the backups in different secure places.

3. Use MultiSignature Wallets

This type of wallet needs multiple signatures before it can be unlocked. With this, an attacker needs to jump through multiple hoops to unlock access to your funds and their prospects of success diminishes with each attempt.

The Anatomy of Secure Digital Asset Storage

secure digital asset storage

A new seed phrase is created when you first set up a wallet. This seed phrase equates to your private key while the wallet address serves as your public key. If you lose your private keys or seed phrase, your wallet becomes inaccessible until you recover it. Also, if someone else gains access to your seed phrase, they can use it to access your wallet and move your funds away. This is why it is critical to carefully consider your storage solutions and choose the one that assures you of the greatest security at the best convenience.

Types of Custody Solutions:

There are two broad methods to store your cryptocurrency. They are self-custody and third-party custody.

1. Self-Custody Solutions

This type of custody gives you direct control over your wallet and the coins in it. This is because the private keys of the wallet are known only to you. So, unless you are successfully hacked or phished out of the details, you are the only one that can withdraw the coins in a self-custodial wallet. However, if you lose the private keys to your wallet,it is gone for good. Examples of this type of wallet are the various hardware wallets and web-based wallets like Trust Wallet, Metamask and Coinbase Wallet.

2. Third-Party Custody

This involves leaving your assets in the safekeeping of trusted third parties like banks or centralized exchanges. In this type of custody, you are not in control off your funds. The private keys are held by the third party and they can theoretically take your assets should they so wish. In practice, this rarely happens in the UK. Custodial asset providers are regulated and licensed to ensure transparency and accountability to the customers. One benefit o this type of custody is that you don’t need to remember a multi-word seed phrase or even ss wallet address. You just need an online or offline account with the custodian which you can log into at any time to view and manage your funds.

3. Embracing Multisignature Wallets for Enhanced Security

MultiSig wallets are another security innovation that can enhance protection for UK wallet users. With this type of wallet, multiple signatures are required to move any funds. Big crypto businesses in the UK, treasuries, escrows and DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) can embrace MultiSig for a better protected and more transparent fund management.

Navigating the World of Cryptocurrency with Confidence

safe crypto wallet

Despite these measures, vigilance should remain the watchword if you operate a wallet in the UK. You must be proactive in setting up the various security measures. Even if everything feels safe, it is better to keep your ears to the ground so you can quickly respond to new threats. As long as you understand what to do, which custody option to go for, and how to manage your assets, your investments will remain safe and you can conduct your crypto affairs with confidence.

However, as you delve deeper into crypto, you will likely encounter deeper threats that the average user may not be aware of. Hence, it is better to be well-armed with sufficient knowledge to guard against these advanced threats. Below, we shall discuss some of these less transparent security vulnerabilities and how a crypto wallet UK user can safely evade them.

Safeguarding Against Advanced Crypto Threats

Let’s talk about three of these sophisticated threats that you might come across in your Bitcoinwallet UK crypto journey:

1. Smart Contracts Attacks

If you venture out of the relative comforts of centralized exchanges like Kyrrex to the wild west of the decentralized applications (dApps) space, you are most likely going to interact with smart contracts. These pieces of codes are pivotal to the automatic transactions that take place in decentralized finance (DeFI) but aren’t necessarily foolproof. Make sure to thoroughly vet the project and its antecedents before you commit significant money.

2. Sim Swap Fraud

This is an advanced attack where a hacker gains control of your phone number with the intention to intercept 2FA messages sent by your crypto wallet UK platform. The best way to evade this tactic is to use an authenticator app as your 2FA generating medium. Because it doesn’t rely on SMS, it’s much safer. You could also plump for a hardware 2FA device if you don’t min the complexity.

3. Phishing 2.0

Phishing in the modern age has evolved beyond the messages and emails scams of old. In the crypto space, phishing now comes in form of different innovate methods designed to scam you out of your money. For example, the hackers could send fake NFTs into your best crypto wallet UK telling you to click and claim. If you click the malicious message, your wallet usually gets drained. There are also fake airdrops, fake clones of legit dApps that request for a wallet connection, and fake Telegram groups that share false information. To be on the safe side, avoid clicking stuff in your wallet you’re not familiar with and always verify that the URL of any crypto-related website you visit is authentic.