How this page is reviewed
Reviewed means every product ranked on this page was read against its sources on or after that date; every ranked category is re-read at least every 45 days. Models research, extract and parse. A deterministic engine ranks. Every quote passes an adversarial refute pass.
Accountable for this review: Mathias Siemonsmeier, Founder.
How we review · Review calendar · Corrections log · How we make money
1
Bitstamp
Bitstamp lists the United States among its markets and does not name the United States as restricted (provider-stated; check your state on its profile).
2
Coinbase
Coinbase lists the United States among its markets and does not name the United States as restricted (provider-stated; check your state on its profile).
3
OKX
OKX lists the United States among its markets and does not name the United States as restricted (provider-stated; check your state on its profile).
4
Kraken
Kraken lists the United States among its markets and does not name the United States as restricted (provider-stated; check your state on its profile).
5
Gemini
Gemini lists the United States among its markets and does not name the United States as restricted (provider-stated; check your state on its profile).
How you can lose money here, and what the ranking scores
- Custody failure: whoever holds the assets loses or withholds them.Scored by When this venue broke, did people get their money out — and how would I know? · 28% (Bitstamp 8/10, Coinbase 8/10, OKX 7/10)
- Insolvency failure: the firm or issuer that owes you cannot pay.Scored by If this exchange fails — or freezes me — are the coins legally mine, and on whose terms? · 18% (Bitstamp 8/10, Coinbase 7/10, OKX 6/10)
- Regulatory failure: no licence where you are, or a forced market exit.Scored by Whose licence actually covers me in my country — and can I find it on the register? · 24% (Bitstamp 8/10, Coinbase 8/10, OKX 7/10)
Not assessed by this ranking: Control failure, Liveness failure, Execution failure, Exit failure. A high place says nothing about these; the Methodology tab says what each means.
Also scored, as cost, quality or a summary of several families: What will I actually pay here at my volume — including the spread they don't print? (30%).
Get provider guidance across all criteria
The exchanges advisory evaluates fees, trust, usability, and regional access — beyond the "us-users" filter alone.
Not financial advice · For informational purposes only · Always do your own research