I’m getting into cryptocurrency trading and trying to figure out which platform to start with. From what I’ve read online, it seems like most newcomers pick either Coinbase or Kraken as their first exchange. However, I keep hearing about Binance because it apparently has cheaper trading fees and supports more altcoins than other platforms. I’m curious about everyone’s experience here. Which exchange did you pick when you first got into crypto trading? Also, would you recommend Binance for someone just starting out in 2025, or are there better alternatives now?
Started with Kraken in 2019 and stuck with it for two years before trying others. Their security record hooked me - never been hacked, which was huge as a total newbie. Only complaint was fewer coins than Binance. For Binance and beginners, it depends how you handle complexity. All those features can overwhelm you when you just want to buy Bitcoin. I’d start with Kraken or Coinbase to learn basic trading, then move to Binance when you want weird altcoins or fancy tools. Practical advice - whatever you pick, start small. Get comfortable with deposits, trades, and withdrawals before throwing real money at it. Every exchange has weird quirks you need to figure out.
Oh this brings back memories! I started with Coinbase Pro (now Coinbase Advanced) in 2021 because it felt most “legitimate.” Honestly though, I wish I’d gone straight to Binance instead.
What’s your main goal - buying and holding Bitcoin/Ethereum, or trading obscure altcoins? That’ll help decide which platform works for you. Binance has way more trading pairs, but the interface is overwhelming at first.
One thing - are you actually trading or just investing? If you’re making lots of trades, fee differences really add up. If you’re buy-and-hold, user experience matters more than saving a few cents.
Also, what region are you in? Binance has regulatory issues in some countries, so that might limit your options. Have you checked if these exchanges are fully available where you live?
been using binance since 2020 - its solid. interface looks intimidating at first but u’ll get the hang of it fast. fees beat coinbase by a lot, saved me tons over the years. just nail the KYC verification upfront or u’ll get stuck with crappy withdraw limits.