In this article, we’ll compare the biggest crypto trading apps, examining all of the fees, features, and other important information that you might need to know. Some of these focus more on the fiat currency side and payments, while others are more focused on crypto and trading. I’ll compare these features right here, and they’ll be listed as timestamps down below. We’ll cover the best crypto trading apps for your specific use case. lets dive in
Table of Contents
Crypto Trading Apps Bonuses
Crypto trading apps are just financial apps, similar to Revolut, Wise, or even traditional banks, but with more features. They aim to get users to put their money there because they charge trading fees or take some sort of fee out of the products they offer. Some of these platforms offer bonuses for sign-ups and deposits, and I’ll leave links down below for all of the current offers across the applications I’m reviewing.
Some platforms, like Bybit and OKX, give significant trading bonuses if you’re involved in crypto futures and active trading. For regular users, the bonuses may be smaller, like a $25 bonus for signing up for a card on Crypto.com. Other cash bonuses for signing up or completing certain actions change frequently, so be sure to check the links for the latest details when you’re watching this article.
How to Buy & Sell Crypto
The most important aspect of these apps is getting money in and out of them, and understanding the costs involved. Some of these applications focus much more on trading and exchanges, offering cheaper trading fees for the most part. Others are more consumer-focused, emphasizing payments and fiat currencies, and tend to be more expensive.
A common strategy is to use multiple apps: one for easy fiat currency transactions and another for trading, where the trading fees are lower. Crypto transactions are highly efficient, allowing users to move assets between exchanges in just a few minutes, which can save a lot of money over time.
When it comes to getting money into the platforms, there are two main methods:
- Credit or Debit Cards: Most exchanges allow you to buy crypto directly using your card. You’ll typically pay around 2-3% in fees for this option, as you’ll incur both exchange and card transaction fees.
- Bank Transfers: Bank deposits are generally free, though local banking systems may impose some fees. Your exchange will give you their banking details, and once the transfer is cleared, your crypto will be available. This process usually takes a few days.
Some exchanges support peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, especially if the exchange in your region isn’t regulated for certain fiat transactions. In this case, a third-party FX house helps transfer funds from your local bank to the exchange.
Crypto Trading Apps Fees
Crypto trading apps charge fees for trades, and those focused on the consumer side typically have higher fees than trading-focused apps. Binance, Bybit, and OKX tend to offer the lowest fees, around 0.1% per trade, which means for a $1,000 Bitcoin purchase, you’ll pay around $1 in fees. If you trade more frequently, you can get discounts on trading fees with these exchanges.
On the other hand, platforms like Coinbase charge around 0.5% in fees, and Kraken charges around 0.25%. Revolut, typically higher, can charge up to 1.5% in trading fees.
Crypto.com does things differently by applying a spread—meaning they don’t explicitly charge a trading fee, but instead, they offer a worse price on the crypto you’re purchasing. So, while there’s no visible fee, you’re actually paying a premium on the price.
Web3 Wallets
If you’re looking to use crypto networks directly or want to take self-custody of your assets, you’ll need a crypto wallet. Some exchanges now allow users to create wallets directly within their apps, making things easier for beginners. You can easily transfer your balance between the centralized exchange and your Web3 wallet.
Binance, Bybit, OKX, and Coinbase offer Web3 wallets, with some exchanges offering standalone apps for wallet management, while others like Crypto.com and Kraken focus more on their main exchanges. Web3 wallets offer the advantage of self-custody, meaning that even if an exchange goes bust, your crypto is still under your control.
Network Support & Fees
Crypto exchanges also allow for international money transfers via their internal crypto network. If the recipient is on the same exchange, transfers are instant and free. However, if you’re sending funds to another exchange, you’ll have to pay network fees depending on the blockchain you’re using.
Bitcoin and Ethereum transfers have their own specific fees, which can vary across exchanges. Typically, Binance and OKX offer the best rates, with Bybit being very competitive as well. Some exchanges may support additional crypto networks to lower fees, such as USDT or USDC.
Crypto Debit Cards
Some exchanges also offer debit cards, allowing you to spend your crypto directly without needing to convert it to fiat first. These crypto cards are useful for those who want to access their crypto balances for everyday spending. You’ll typically face a trading fee to convert crypto to fiat currency, and there may be additional fees when spending abroad, typically 1-2% in FX fees.
Revolut is one of the best in this regard, offering low FX fees and broad international support. Their crypto-to-fiat options and overall flexibility make it a top choice for global spending.
Crypto Earn Platforms
Many crypto trading apps now offer the ability to earn yield on your crypto assets. There are three main ways to do this:
- Money Market Funds: Some exchanges, like Coinbase, invest stablecoins into government debt securities, offering a stable but low yield (typically around 5%).
- Lending Crypto: You can lend your stablecoins or other crypto assets to other traders. This is riskier than the money market option as the interest rates can fluctuate.
- Staking: Some platforms allow you to stake proof-of-stake assets like Ethereum, Solana, or Polkadot, and earn rewards based on blockchain transactions.
Revolut does not support staking, but it allows for simple government debt investments, which is a safer alternative for risk-averse investors.
Important Considerations
It’s essential to remember that crypto exchanges are private businesses, not banks. Most are not protected by deposit insurance schemes. Revolut is an exception, as it provides protection for cash balances in the UK. Other exchanges, however, typically do not provide this kind of protection. It’s important to understand the terms and conditions before depositing your crypto with an exchange.
Coinbase, being publicly listed, offers more transparency in its operations, which adds an extra layer of trust compared to private exchanges. However, regardless of the platform, always be cautious about where you store your assets and whether or not you’re willing to accept the risks associated with centralized exchanges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are plenty of options when choosing a crypto trading app, your best choice will depend on your specific needs, such as the fees you’re willing to pay, the features you’re looking for, and the level of control you want over your assets. Make sure to check the links and reviews to stay up-to-date with the latest offers and features for 2025.
Stay safe, and happy trading!
Rehman Zia