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Pros Explained
- Over 365 cryptocurrencies for trade globally: Binance offers hundreds of cryptocurrencies to trade globally. This makes it a good option for active traders who want to diversify their portfolios.
- Low fees: The platform offers low fees, meaning traders get to keep more of their investment and earnings.
- Wide selection of trading options and order types: Binance offers several trading options including peer-to-peer trading, spot trading, and margin trading. It also offers lots of order types, including limit order, market order, stop-limit order, stop market order, trailing stop order, post only order, and one-cancels-the-other order.
Cons Explained
- The Binance platform is not accessible to U.S. customers: Binance offers hundreds of cryptocurrencies for trade globally. However, Binance.us, its platform for U.S. users, is more limited. Additionally, Binance.US is only available in 43 states.
- The platform is complex and may be confusing: While the broad range of features and trading options on Binance may be exciting, it can also be intimidating. Even experienced traders may feel overwhelmed by all the options available.
- No built-in digital wallet available: While some popular exchanges have built-in digital wallets, Binance does not. It recommends Trust Wallet, which has a good reputation but may only offer limited support if there are issues with Binance transfers.
- Binance has run into regulatory trouble in several countries: Binance has faced several regulatory and legal issues in multiple countries, so crypto investors may want to consider other exchanges.
Introduction
Binance is the largest cryptocurrency trading platform in the world. Because it offers a robust selection of trading options and features, it is not particularly user-friendly. Investors of all skill levels will likely experience a steep learning curve with Binance.
Through its desktop or mobile dashboards, Binance offers a wide array of trading features, including an impressive selection of market charts and hundreds of cryptocurrencies. Users can also access a variety of trading options including futures and options, as well as several order types.
In addition to its tools and features, Binance also offers a comprehensive learning platform, an NFT platform, and more.
Remember: While cryptocurrency has been adopted quickly and is widely available, the market is still extremely volatile so trading comes with risk.
Company Overview
Founded in 2017 by software developer Changpeng Zhao, Binance is a decentralized crypto exchange that was originally based in China.
While Binance is currently the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world by trading volume, it’s also facing regulatory issues in several countries. In the United States, it’s currently under investigation by U.S. authorities on allegations of money laundering and tax offenses. The platform has also been banned in several countries.
Binance offers hundreds of cryptocurrencies for global users. However, it’s important to note that the global Binance platform is different from its U.S. counterpart, Binance.us, which only offers around 60 cryptocurrencies.
Experienced traders may appreciate the variety Binance offers, but users might find this platform confusing given its many features. Additionally, its ongoing investigations and growing list of regulatory issues are also concerning.
Cryptocurrencies Available on Binance
Binance has more than 365 cryptocurrencies available for trade on its platform. It also supports a variety of fiat currencies, including USD, EUR, AUD, GBP, HKD, and INR. Depending on your location, Binance may offer anywhere from 50 to 591 cryptocurrency pairs.
The following cryptocurrencies are available on Binance: Binance Coin (BNB), VeChain (VET), Harmony (ONE), VeThor Token (VTHO), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Matic Network (MATIC). Additionally, Binance supports popular cryptocurrencies including:
- Dash (DASH)
- Cosmos (ATOM)
- Compound (COMP)
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Cardano (ADA)
Trading Experience
Binance offers a variety of trading tools, including real-time charting tools with moving averages and exponential moving averages. Users can place trades through the Binance app, Binance website, or Binance desktop app.
Traders can also use the Binance platform to access their portfolios and trade history, as well as view the order book and price charts. Additionally, Binance provides various order types such as stop order, limit order, stop-limit order, stop-market order, and trailing stop order. You can also choose different trading views ranging from classic to margin and OTC views.
Binance doesn’t have its own dedicated crypto wallet, but it recommends Trust Wallet. Generally, a crypto wallet is a relatively secure place to store your assets.
Fees
Binance’s fees are among the lowest in the industry. While U.S.-based users will pay slightly more on Binance.us, its fees are still lower than what you’d see on other leading platforms. Binance employs a maker/taker fee structure, and fees vary based on trading volume and Binance Coin (BNB) balance. In general, higher volume trades are subject to lower fees.
Users can also get fee discounts for the following:
- Using Binance (BNB) coins in trades
- Referral bonuses
- Reaching very important person (VIP) status by trading a certain amount of assets
Binance users may also be subject to other fees. For a quick look at the different fees associated with various withdrawal and payment types, you can refer to the chart below.
| Payment Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Bank account | Free outside of the U.S. |
| Wallet | N/A |
| Debit/credit cards | 3% to 4.5% |
| ACH transfer | Free |
| Wire transfer | $15 for U.S. customers |
| Crypto conversion | N/A |
| Purchases | 0.02% to 0.1% |
| Trades | 0.02% to 0.1% |
| Other fees | 0.50% instant buy and sell fee |
Security
Binance’s security features include two-factor authentication (2FA) via the Google Authenticator app or short message service (SMS), address whitelisting, device management, and the ability to restrict device access. The Binance.us platform also provides FDIC insurance on U.S. dollar balances held in custodial bank accounts.
While these features can help keep user accounts relatively secure, Binance’s reputation remains a cause for concern. The platform also offers fewer security features than some other leading crypto exchanges.
Opening a Binance Account
To open a Binance account, follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Visit the Binance website
- Step 2: Click on the “Register” tab in the top right-hand corner and enter the required information. The registration process can take a few minutes, as Binance will verify your account information.
- Step 3: Enable 2FA
- Step 4: Link your payment method
- Step 5: Deposit funds and start trading
Customer Service
Binance offers three basic options for customer support: submitting a ticket, asking basic questions via chat, and reaching out via Twitter.
- To submit a ticket and receive email assistance, users can fill out a form on the Binance website.
- Binance has a Twitter account (@BinanceHelpDesk) for support and encourages users to tweet their issues to the company.
- There is also a chatbox on the bottom right corner of the support screen that can be accessed on the Binance website.
Customer Satisfaction
Binance averages just 2 out of 5 stars across more than 2,000 Trustpilot reviews. Several complaints revolve around poor customer service and difficulty withdrawing funds. However, even with the difficulties some users face, some feedback is positive. Many Binance users mention a favorable, relatively seamless experience with the platform.
Account Management
Users can access their Binance dashboard through a desktop browser or downloadable desktop application. It also offers mobile apps for iOS and Android that can be downloaded in the Apple and Google Play stores.
Binance’s dashboard allows you to view charts, marketing trends, your portfolio, and your current and past trades. To manage your payment types, simply navigate to the account page and add any credit/debit cards and bank accounts you’d like to trade with. Making deposits and withdrawals is simple and can be done by navigating to the “Spot Wallet”, selecting the asset you’d like to purchase or withdraw, and following the on-screen instructions.
How Binance Compares to Other Cryptocurrency Companies
Overall, Binance offers a wide range of supported assets and trading options for global traders, and its rates are also some of the lowest in the industry. While there are some positives about the platform, its compliance issues are a cause for concern.
If Binance doesn’t sound like the right option, you may want to consider Coinbase Pro, which is one of its primary competitors.
Binance vs. Coinbase Pro
Binance and Coinbase Pro are the two largest exchanges in the world. They also offer active traders versatility in trading options and assets. Here’s how the two platforms compare.
- Binance supports more cryptocurrencies than Coinbase Pro, making it a more attractive option for active trading
- Binance’s fees are lower than fees on Coinbase Pro
- Binance offers a rewards program for holding BUSD on its platform, while Coinbase Pro offers rewards for staking your digital assets on its platform
- Coinbase Pro users have access to a native digital wallet, while Binance users do not
- Coinbase is generally regarded as one of the most stable, secure cryptocurrency exchanges, while Binance has run into various issues with security and compliance
Both Binance and Coinbase Pro offer a sophisticated trading experience. While Binance has lower fees and more global trading options, the Binance.US platform is more limited, which could make Coinbase Pro a better choice for U.S. investors. Meanwhile, global citizens may feel the opposite is true.
Additionally, while Binance’s fees are lower, they are also having compliance issues in other countries and are being investigated in the U.S. Coinbase has also run into recent issues with U.S. regulators, though the issues are less about the overall platform and more about its Lend program. Overall, Coinbase is regarded as a more stable, secure platform than Binance.
Final Verdict
While Binance is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, the ongoing investigations, and the long list of countries banning or limiting its services are cause for concern. Its platform may also be too complicated for new cryptocurrency investors.
However, if you’re an experienced global trader who’s eager to explore different tokens and trade options, Binance may have the features you’re looking for. Active traders based in the U.S. may find some opportunity on Binance.US, but it offers fewer supported cryptocurrencies than the global platform. Make sure to do your due diligence and compare platforms before getting started with Binance.
Methodology
Investopedia is dedicated to helping those interested in cryptocurrency investing make informed and safe decisions. We are committed to providing our readers with unbiased reviews of the top cryptocurrency exchanges for investors of all levels.
Exchanges are only considered for review if they are safe, secure, liquid, and either regulated by a proper agency or entirely decentralized.