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Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges for Altcoins 2023
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Sinead Burgess
While Bitcoin remains the most well-known and valuable digital currency in existence, the value of altcoins has been rising steadily in the last few years. These days, there are thousands of digital currencies you can buy and sell to make profits or use to take advantage of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.
To buy and sell altcoins like Ethereum (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Ripple (XRP), and many others, you need to find a crypto exchange that lists these altcoins. There are hundreds of crypto exchanges worldwide, but not all of these options offer a wide altcoin selection or are considered trustworthy trading platforms.
In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the best cryptocurrency exchanges for trading altcoins, and help you decide which trading platform will suit your cryptocurrency needs better.
Best Crypto Exchanges for Altcoins for 2023
COUNTRY: Global
Fees: 0.1%
Supported Cryptocurrencies: 400+
Binance is one of the best and most popular cryptocurrency exchanges for trading altcoins. Since its launch in 2017, this crypto trading platform has gained a reputation for being one of the most accessible and profitable crypto exchanges in the world.
The cryptocurrency exchange became one of the world’s most prominent exchanges soon after its launch, partly thanks to its accessibility. While most of Binance’s competitors were busy serving English-speaking countries, Binance added 9 languages to its website following its launch and gained customers from different parts of the world. Today, we can see the effects of this strategy in numbers: Binance has the highest trading volume out of all the exchanges listed on CoinMarketCap.
Binance is mainly known as a crypto-to-crypto exchange because the exchange supports over 100 digital currencies and 500 trading pairs. Whatever altcoin you are looking for, Binance likely lists it. You can find many cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin (DOGE), EOS, ZCASH, Litecoin (LTC), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH) on the exchange.
Thanks to its daily trading volume and its large cryptocurrency selection, Binance doesn’t suffer from a lack of liquidity. You can swiftly trade altcoins without having to wait for new buyers and sellers.
Another reason why Binance is so popular among users is its competitive trading fees. Binance charges a 0.1% fee for transactions. Holders of the platform’s native token, Binance Coin (BNB), also get a discount on transaction fees.
It’s easy to purchase cryptocurrency on the platform, with popular cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, or BNB or fiat currencies like EUR, USD, or AUD. Binance actually supports tens of different fiat currencies, and the trading platform accepts most local currencies. Binance allows users to fund their accounts with many payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers.
Binance uses cold storage to store digital assets in their care and uses 2FA (two-factor authentication) to increase user security.
RATING : 5/5
COUNTRY: Australia
Fees: 0.6%
Supported Cryptocurrencies: 230+
Swyftx is one of the best altcoin exchanges that serve Australian customers. It’s a local cryptocurrency exchange with a large digital asset selection, low fees, and excellent customer service.
Swyftx offers more than 280 crypto assets and many different cryptocurrency trading pairs. On it, you can trade all the trending altcoins and less-known digital assets. Swyftx allows both fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-crypto trades, and you can purchase digital assets with Australian dollars (AUD) and US Dollars (USD).
Swyftx is one of the most competitive crypto exchanges out there, at least trading fees-wise. Trading fees cost 0.6%, which is below the industry average. The crypto exchange also supports many payment methods: you can deposit AUD to your account with POLi, PayID, OSKO, bank transfer, and credit card. If you already own digital currencies, you can simply transfer your crypto assets to your Swyftx wallet. The trading platform doesn’t charge for deposits or withdrawals, so you don’t have to worry about extravagant fees.
Swyftx is a fully regulated Australian exchange, and it’s registered to AUSTRAC. As a regulated exchange, it upholds know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) policies and requires customers to complete identity verification. The process can be completed within minutes.
One of the best things about Swyftx is its excellent customer support. The exchange offers live chat and phone support to customers and is rated “excellent” by users on TrustPilot. Other useful features include its demo mode for beginners and the Simple individual Tax Reporting feature that allows you to download your tax report instantly.
Swyftx launched in 2017 and has never experienced a security breach. The platform offers biometric login and two-factor authentication (2FA) for increased security.
RATING : 4.5/5
COUNTRY: Australia
Fees: 1%
Supported Cryptocurrencies: 200+
CoinSpot is a veteran crypto trading platform launched in 2013. This Australia-based crypto exchange has been around for a long time and has introduced many crypto beginners to altcoin trading. Its beginner-friendly and straightforward interface, combined with low fees, make it an excellent platform for trading altcoins.
CoinSpot supports over 350 digital currencies and many trading pairs. It also comes with a market for trading NFTs (non-fungible tokens), so the exchange has everything an altcoin trader can ask for. It allows customers to exchange fiat currency for crypto assets, and of course, supports crypto-to-crypto transactions.
On Coinspot, you can easily deposit AUD to your account via POLi, PayID, and direct deposits from your bank account, without paying any fees. You can also use BPAY or deposit cash to your account through BlueShyft locations, though these incur a small fee.
CoinSpot has incredibly low fees, as transactions only cost a 0.1% flat fee. The same rate applies to CoinSpot OTC (over-the-counter) purchases, where you can make large crypto purchases at all hours.
Beware that CoinSpot also has an Instant Buy option, but those transactions cost a 1% flat fee, so you might want to avoid that option.
Another CoinSpot feature that can be helpful for altcoin traders is the ability to buy digital currencies in Bundles. CoinSpot sells crypto bundles that help you diversify your portfolio. The bundle feature is quite helpful as it saves customers time and extra transaction fees – it allows them to buy many crypto assets simultaneously.
CoinSpot has its own multi-currency wallet for storing crypto assets. You can download the CoinSpot mobile app for iOS and Android devices from the App Store or the Google Play store.
Customers can reach the CoinSpot support team from the help desk 24/7. CoinSpot also has a live chat, but it’s only operational during day hours.
The hundreds of digital assets, low fees, and excellent customer service make CoinSpot a superb choice for trading cryptocurrencies.
RATING : 4/5
COUNTRY: US
Fees: 0.26%
Supported Cryptocurrencies: 50+
Kraken is a US-based cryptocurrency exchange known globally for its advanced security. The exchange has been at the forefront of crypto trading since its launch in 2011 as a Bitcoin exchange and now serves as a multi-currency exchange platform.
The trading platform offers around 100 cryptocurrencies and more than 50 trading pairs. While the selection isn’t as wide as some of the other options on the list, Kraken’s advanced security and extensive trading features make it a worthy addition. Kraken is one of the rare platforms that allows Australians to take advantage of trading features such as margin trading and futures trading.
Kraken allows fiat-to-crypto, crypto-to-crypto, and fiat-to-fiat transactions. It supports multiple fiat currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, and AUD. When it comes to payment methods, Australians can easily deposit AUD or other fiat currencies on the platform through bank transfers, OSKO, and Swift. While AUD/crypto pairings are not eligible for margin trading, Australians can convert AUD to other fiat currencies or make USD/EUR/GBP deposits to take advantage of Kraken’s leveraged trading options.
Another nice thing about using Kraken is that the exchange platform supports Australian customers in purchasing cryptocurrencies through SMSFs (Self-Managed Super Funds), allowing them to include digital assets in their retirement portfolios.
Kraken’s trading fees are on the lower side of the spectrum. The exchange has a maker/taker fee structure and allows customers to pay less in trading fees as their monthly trading volume increases. For the lowest tier (for beginners and irregular traders), maker fees amount to 0.16% and taker fees are 0.26%.
Kraken is famous for its legendary security, and it’s considered one of the safest crypto exchanges in the world. Unfortunately, the Crypto ecosystem is chock full of scams and hacks, but at least with Kraken, you can sleep (and trade) soundly, knowing that your assets are safe.
Kraken has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, so you can keep trading on the go as you are traveling.
RATING : 3.5/5
COUNTRY: Hong Kong
Fees: 0.1%
Supported Cryptocurrencies: 150+
KuCoin launched as a global crypto exchange back in 2017, but it’s one of the fastest-growing trading platforms in the world. KuCoin is known mainly as a crypto-to-crypto trading platform, but the exchange also includes advanced deposit and trade methods for fiat-to-crypto purchases as well.
KuCoin offers more than 200 digital currencies to customers. Most of the trading pairs are crypto-to-crypto, but you can also purchase digital assets through KuCoin’s P2P marketplace. However, the P2P marketplace allows you to buy and sell only a few digital currencies like BTC, ETH, KSC, and the stablecoins USDC and USDT.
KuCoin’s deposit methods include debit card and credit card purchases and bank transfers. Beware that you have to complete advanced identity verification to take advantage of these payment options.
You can also use KuCoin as a crypto-to-crypto platform and withdraw your digital funds to another crypto exchange to cash out in AUD. However, withdrawals also require identity verification, and it’s a good idea to complete the procedure before purchasing on the platform.
KuCoin offers several trading options, including futures trading, leveraged trading, and margin trading. If you’re a beginner, these options may not be suitable for you right away, but as you gain experience, you will appreciate the platform’s flexibility.
That said, KuCoin has a beginner-friendly alternative interface, KuCoin lite, and a more professional KuCoin Pro.
KuCoin has a tiered maker/take fee structure. As your monthly trading volume increases, you pay less trading fees. For beginners with low trading volume, maker and taker fees equal 0.1%, so they are still quite affordable.
KuCoin has minimum withdrawal limits and applies varying withdrawal fees based on the cryptocurrency. Check out the KuCoin web page for more detailed information about withdrawal fees.
RATING : 3/5
COUNTRY: Czech Republic
Fees: Varies
Supported Cryptocurrencies: 90+
Changelly is the only decentralized exchange (DEX) on our list, although many decentralized exchanges are actually pretty suited to altcoin trading. However, many of them lack the features that make Changelly great.
Changelly offers more than 200 cryptocurrencies and many different trading pairs. It charges 0.25% for crypto-to-crypto transactions, but you can also use the Changelly PRO app for cheaper transactions. Changelly PRO has a tiered maker/taker fee structure and calculates your trading volume in BTC. Even the highest fees are only around 0.1%, making Changelly PRO better for frequent traders.
Changelly and Changelly Pro both have deposit and withdrawal limits based on the currency of your choice. You should carefully research these limits before you start making transactions.
What makes Changelly different from many DEXs is that the trading platform actually helps buyers and sellers connect through their preferences. However, unlike the centralized exchanges (CEX) we discussed above, Changelly doesn’t store your funds on the exchange or require you to hand over the custody of your assets.
Another benefit of Changelly over other DEXs is that the platform allows you to purchase crypto assets with fiat currency. Most DEXs lack this feature, but as a KYC-abiding platform, Changelly can offer its customers to purchase crypto through Simplex banking and MoonPay payment systems. Based on your location, you might be able to purchase crypto from the platform through Visa and Mastercard, Apple Pay, SEPA transfers, and bank transfers. Changelly supports over 100 fiat currencies thanks to its partnership with fiat gateways.
However, keep in mind that third-party purchases usually incur extra fees, so make sure to check for additional information beforehand. You can also simply transfer your crypto assets to Changelly for trading altcoins.
Changelly has 24/7 customer support and you can contact their live chat anytime.
RATING : 3/5
COUNTRY: Australia
Fees:Varies
Supported Cryptocurrencies: 25+
CoinJar is another Australia-based exchange that launched back in 2013 and expanded its operations to the UK in the following years. Now it serves customers in the UK and Australia.
CoinJar’s cryptocurrency selection doesn’t match some of its biggest competitors as the exchange offers only around 90 trading pairs. You can still find certain altcoins like Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Stellar, USD Coin, Chainlink, EOS, SushiSwap, and Polygon on the exchange and trade them for BTC, AUD, and GBP.
You can use PayID, BPAY, Blueshyft, and bank transfers to fund your CoinJar account. You can also use Visa and Mastercard debit cards to use the instant buy feature. While PayID and bank transfers are free, Blueshyft cash deposits cost 1.5% in fees, and instant buy via Mastercard or Visa will incur a 2% fee. In any case, you need to verify your identity on the platform to deposit AUD to your account.
Withdrawals from the platform incur a dynamic fee depending on the cryptocurrency and the blockchain traffic of the asset you are trading. However, Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), Stellar (XLM), ALGO, and EOS transactions are free and you don’t have to pay transaction fees.
One of the most exciting aspects of CoinJar is its fee structure. Unlike any other exchange that has a tiered maker/taker structure, CoinJar charges no fee from takers! This is pretty much unheard of, as most maker/taker fee schedules require takers to pay more than makers (because they are taking away liquidity from the platform). CoinJar reverses this, so you don’t pay trading fees as long as you are a taker! Maker fees for the lowest tier start at 0.1%, so they are not very high either. Trading fees are charged every 24 hours, and your trading volume is also calculated daily.
RATING : 3/5
COUNTRY:Seychelles
Fees: 0.35%
Supported Cryptocurrencies: 340+
Huobi is a global cryptocurrency exchange that was launched back in 2013. While it’s known mainly as a crypto-to-crypto trading platform, it allows you to deposit fiat currency to your Huobi account, thanks to fiat gateway solutions like Simplex banking, PayID, and credit cards.
The advantage of using Huobi is that you can find some of the rarer altcoins on the exchange. Huobi offers more than 450 digital assets, including less-known altcoins. The exchange boasts more than 50 local currencies and 60 different payment methods, so you probably won’t have a hard time purchasing altcoins. You can use PayID and Newsstand to purchase crypto assets with AUD.
Huobi has a tiered trade fee structure, and Huobi Token, the platform’s native currency, is used as the basic fee payment method. Huobi also charges transaction fees for crypto withdrawals.
Huobi offers margin trading and derivatives trading for altcoins. You can also take advantage of trading bots! Huobi also has a peer-to-peer marketplace for trading cryptocurrencies.
While Huobi offers customers a large crypto asset selection, its user interface is a bit complicated. Some of the more advanced trading options are suited for experienced traders rather than beginners.
The help and FAQ sections are detailed but also complicated. That said, there is a live chat customer service that you can contact with your queries 24/7.
Huobi has a mobile app for iOS and Android users. The platform applies standard security measures such as cold storage for the funds in its care but doesn’t enforce 2FA.
RATING : 3/5
How Are Altcoins Different From Bitcoin?
As you may already know, Bitcoin is the world’s first cryptocurrency, a 21st-century phenomenon that started the crypto asset craze more than a decade ago, when it launched in 2009. Following Bitcoin’s launch, other crypto projects inspired by Bitcoin emerged. Most of these projects mimicked Bitcoin, at least in terms of its once-unique blockchain structure. They became known as “altcoins” or alternative coins, as alternatives to Bitcoin.
Of course, in reality, most of these projects aren’t really considered Bitcoin alternatives. After all, Bitcoin is the world’s most used and most popular crypto asset. However, many crypto projects developed their unique vision and purpose. Ethereum, probably the most well-known “altcoin” project, developed a programmable blockchain to host and enable interactions with decentralized apps that let people take advantage of decentralized finance (DeFi) based opportunities. These opportunities include staking crypto assets for leverage, crypto loans, and other developed investment features. Altcoins known as DeFi tokens are often used for these purposes, and they gain value based on the popularity and the perceived usefulness of these projects.
The popularity of DeFi apps and tokens and the introduction of stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) ignited a booming altcoin trading market where people can speculate and trade these assets for profit.
Of course, altcoin trading largely depends on cryptocurrency exchanges that allow people to freely buy and sell these digital assets. Most crypto exchanges, even the smallest and most conservative of them, list at least a few altcoins along with Bitcoin on their order books. In fact, many crypto exchanges offer their customers a large cryptocurrency selection, along with at least several trading pairs.
In the next section, we will look at some of the best crypto exchanges for trading altcoins, and compare their trading fees, cryptocurrency selection, and security.
A Few Words Before You Go…
There are several trading platforms you can use to buy Bitcoin and other altcoins. If you want to buy, swap, and sell cryptocurrencies on a platform, make sure it has a reasonable fee structure, low fees, and, most important of all, good security. It’s essential to learn as much as you can about a trading platform before you buy cryptocurrencies on its exchange, as you don’t want to be suddenly slapped with hidden fees. Hopefully, some of the crypto exchanges we explored above will suit your needs so you can take your pick and start trading altcoins soon!
frequently asked questions
We didn’t include Coinbase, Gemini or Coinmama in today’s list. While these are good exchanges if you’re looking to purchase Bitcoin and a few other altcoins, they don’t have a wide enough altcoin selection to warrant the title “best altcoin exchange”.
Coinbase actually offers quite a few trading pairs (and Coinbase Pro offers even more), however, Australia-based customers can only purchase Bitcoin and a few other crypto assets, and they can’t sell BTC or any other altcoin on the exchange platform.
Coinmama is a cryptocurrency brokerage service – it’s not a crypto exchange. When you’re buying from Coinmama, you are buying from the company itself, not from another trader. While Coinmama is a great service, they only offer a handful of cryptocurrencies.
Gemini offers around 50 cryptocurrencies and it’s one of the most trusted crypto exchanges in the world. Unfortunately, it’s also quite expensive as you pay a flat fee for each transaction that varies depending on the amount of your transaction.
If you’re looking for a multi-currency wallet to store altcoins, you can’t go wrong with Huobi, CoinSpot, and Swyftx, as these wallets support hundreds of cryptocurrencies. Coinspot and Swyftx are custodial wallets, meaning your private keys are protected by the exchange services. Huobi is a non-custodial wallet, allowing you to be in charge of how your private keys are stored personally.