Table of Contents
What Is a Crypto Broker?
A crypto broker is an online platform that allows traders and investors to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. Examples of popular crypto brokers include Robinhood and eToro. Unlike crypto exchanges, which are often unregulated, crypto brokers are usually regulated financial services companies. This regulation provides investors with confidence that their funds are safe and that their investments comply with existing regulations. Additionally, crypto brokers tend to be more user-friendly than crypto exchanges, making them more accessible to first-time users.
How to Get Into Crypto Trading
Getting started with crypto trading using an online crypto broker involves a few simple steps:
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Choose a broker: Select an online brokerage account that suits your preferences and investment needs.
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Set up an account: Create an account with the chosen online broker and deposit funds. Typically, this will involve depositing dollars or another fiat currency.
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Buy crypto: Research different cryptocurrencies and choose the ones you want to invest in. Make sure you understand each asset and are comfortable with the level of risk involved.
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Securely store your crypto investments: When buying crypto through an online broker, you can choose to store your investments with the broker or withdraw them to a personal crypto wallet. Educate yourself on the pros and cons of self-custody versus third-party custody before making a decision.
Pros & Cons of Crypto Brokers
Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of trading crypto using an online crypto broker:
Pros
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Familiarity: Investors familiar with buying and selling securities through online brokers will find trading crypto on the same platform more intuitive than using a crypto exchange.
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Regulatory compliance: Online crypto brokers are typically regulated, ensuring that all investments made through the platform comply with existing regulations.
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Customer support: Unlike many crypto exchanges, online brokers, especially established ones, usually provide high-quality customer support.
Cons
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Limited control of funds: Holding your crypto assets with a broker means you may not have immediate access to spend or use them on decentralized finance platforms.
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Limited cryptocurrency support: Most online brokers offer a limited selection of cryptocurrencies to trade, which may restrict your ability to build a diversified crypto portfolio.
Alternatives to Crypto Brokers
While crypto brokers offer a familiar and accessible way to trade cryptocurrencies, they may not be suitable for everyone. Here are a couple of alternatives:
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Centralized crypto exchanges: If you want to earn investment income through staking or lending, creating an account on a centralized crypto exchange may be a better option.
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Decentralized exchanges (DEXs): If you prefer to trade a wide range of digital assets and are comfortable using a Web3 wallet, you can also trade crypto on decentralized exchanges.
How to Store Cryptocurrency
As a cryptocurrency trader or investor, you have the choice of storing your crypto investments on an online trading platform or in a personal crypto wallet. While storing your assets on an exchange or with a broker may be convenient, it is generally considered safer to store your digital assets in a personal crypto wallet.
There are two main types of crypto wallets: software wallets and hardware wallets. Software wallets are applications that you can download on your smartphone or computer to store your assets. Hardware wallets are physical devices used to store the private keys that provide access to your crypto holdings.
The choice of crypto storage solution depends on your personal preferences and technical expertise. However, holding your digital asset investments offline in a hardware wallet is generally considered the safest option for most crypto traders and investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Crypto Trading?
Crypto trading involves actively buying and selling cryptocurrencies to generate regular trading profits. It differs from crypto investing, which involves buying and holding digital assets for the long term. Crypto trading focuses on short-term profits, often using market trends and technical analysis indicators to determine entry and exit prices. Cryptocurrency trading takes place on dedicated crypto exchanges or online brokerage platforms and can be done through spot or crypto derivatives markets.
Should You Use a Broker for Crypto?
Using a broker or a crypto exchange for trading cryptocurrency depends on your preferences and needs. If you already have an account with an online broker that supports crypto trading, it may be easiest to use that platform. Brokers offer familiarity, convenience, and ease of use. They are also regulated financial services companies, providing security and compliance. However, crypto exchanges often provide additional investment options, such as staking and interest-bearing accounts, allowing traders and investors to earn yield on their crypto assets.
Is Crypto Trading Profitable?
Crypto trading can be profitable if you have a deep understanding of market dynamics and technical analysis. However, it is important to note that cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile and subject to regulatory uncertainty and security risks. Successful crypto trading requires skill, risk management strategies, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions. While the potential for profits exists, there is also the risk of significant losses, especially when using leverage.
What Is Spot Trading in Crypto?
Spot trading in crypto refers to buying and selling actual cryptocurrencies for immediate delivery. It involves owning the underlying asset rather than speculating on its price through derivatives.
How We Choose the Best Brokers For Crypto Trading
To help readers find the best platform for their crypto trading needs, we researched 24 online brokers and evaluated them based on several criteria essential to cryptocurrency trading. These criteria include fees, available crypto assets, trading and research tools, and additional features. By considering these factors, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the top crypto trading platforms available.
