Safety and security are always my number one priority when assessing crypto exchanges. An exchange can have all the best trading features, but without strong protection measures, we simply can’t recommend it. So which exchange can you trust, and which ones should you avoid with a 10-foot pole?
Thankfully, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you, spending hundreds of hours testing every major exchange. I’ve signed up, deposited my own money, and compared the safety measures on each platform, finding the most secure exchanges in the industry.
Since not everyone is the same, and regulations vary greatly from region to region, I’ve created several categories that should cover the majority of users’ needs. I’ve given my top choice for each category, along with a few reasons for each selection.
| Exchange | Ranking | Taker/Maker | Available Crypto | Accepts Fiat | Payment Methods | KYC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BTCC | No Rating Read Review | 0.3% / 0.2% | 279 | No | Optional KYC (Required for Fiat Services) | |
Crypto.com | 4.3 Read Review | 0.5% / 0.25% | 432 | Yes | +5 | Full KYC Required |
Paybis | No Rating Read Review | 4.5% / 4.5% | 84 | No | +6 | Optional for purchases up to 1,000 USD (mandatory in certain regions and for all Sell Crypto transactions) |
Kraken | 4.2 Read Review | 0.4% / 0.25% | 675 | Yes | +3 | Yes |
Coinbase Exchange | 4.1 Read Review | 1.2% / 0.6% | 376 | Yes | +6 | Yes |
Binance | 4.8 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 447 | Yes | +1 | Yes |
After testing BTCC in early 2025, I was impressed by its security features and flawless track record. Despite being one of the longest-running exchanges, it has never suffered any security breaches or loss of customer funds. If you’re looking for a full-featured exchange that doesn’t compromise on security, BTCC is my top choice.
Crypto.com is known for its iconic Visa card, but it’s also one of the top exchanges when it comes to regulatory compliance. It’s one of the few exchanges to hold licenses across the US, UK, and Europe simultaneously. When I tested the platform in late 2025, I found it to be stable, secure, and delivered a smooth trading experience, which put it among the best in the industry.
Paybis is a European exchange that works slightly differently from traditional exchanges. It focuses on buying and selling crypto with fiat currencies instead of orderbook trading. Its flawless security record made it a no-brainer for my pick as best in Canada. During my testing in late 2025, I found it delivered a seamless on-ramping experience, removing most of the friction for buying crypto with fiat money.
I’ve been using Kraken for over 6 years now, and when I think about safety and security, Kraken is usually one of the first exchanges that comes to mind. It’s one of the longest-running platforms, and one of the few that can say they’ve never lost customer money to hacks. If you’re in Europe and want an exchange you can trust and one that complies with the latest EU regulations, Kraken is the one for you.
Coinbase is the first exchange that comes to mind for most people. It’s one of the most popular exchanges and the only NASDAQ-listed one in the world. Its licensing across the US, particularly in states with notoriously strict regulations make it ideal for U.S. users. When we tested Coinbase in mid-2025, it impressed us with its user-friendly interface and regulatory compliance.
Binance is the largest exchange, with over 300 million users worldwide. It’s the exchange that holds the largest amount of user assets, making security vital. Its comprehensive insurance coverage is one of the main reasons I’ve been using Binance for over half a decade. When we tested the exchange in late 2025, its SAFU fund had helped over 7 million users recover over $225m.
There is a wide range of factors that can influence how secure an exchange is. Most top-tier exchanges have a comprehensive suite of security measures to help maximize their security. Here are features I suggest looking out for:
With so many exchanges available nowadays, it can be difficult to know which ones to trust and which ones to avoid. To make things easier, I would avoid exchanges that display any of the following red flags:
I would generally consider regulated exchanges to be safer than unregulated ones as they must comply with strict financial regulations, undergo regular audits, and comply with anti‑money laundering laws. Almost all unregulated exchanges lack any type of oversight, which increases the risk of fraud and security breaches.
If you want to minimize the risk of your account being hacked, I recommend the following steps:
If your exchange gets hacked, your funds could be stolen, frozen, or become temporarily inaccessible. The first measure most exchanges take after a security breach is to freeze withdrawals. In some cases, you may lose your assets, but most top-tier exchanges have self-insurance funds or third-party insurance policies to reimburse users if this happens. That’s why it’s essential to choose an exchange with strong security measures and insurance coverage on user deposits.
Shennon Hewa is a crypto trader and crypto journalist based in London. Active in the crypto space since 2017, he specializes in scalping, derivatives day trading, and swing trading. At FXEmpire, he has reviewed dozens of crypto exchanges and has extensive knowledge of platform strengths and weaknesses.
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough, and accurate exchange reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.