Are you looking to start day trading crypto? The high market volatility of cryptocurrency makes it a perfect source of additional income. We’ve compiled the best crypto exchanges for day trading to help you on your journey, handpicked by our expert traders with over a decade of experience.
The key factors we looked at were the user interface, fees, availability, and liquidity.
- Binance – Best market liquidity.
- OKX – Best for custom strategies.
- Crypto.com – Best user interface.
- Bybit – Best outside of North America.
- Coinbase – Best for new traders.
- Kraken – Best for intermediate traders.
- Bitfinex – Best for professional traders.
- KuCoin – Best online trading community.
- Phemex – Best for margin trading.
- Bitstamp – Best for security.
- Pionex – Best for automated trading.
1. Binance
Best market liquidity
Binance, one of the top crypto exchanges in the world, has several features that are perfect for day trading. It offers 500+ cryptocurrencies, providing ample options to take advantage of price movements on crypto on a given day.
Binance has competitive fees and the highest liquidity score at the time of writing, an excellent indicator to look for when choosing crypto day trading platforms. On top of that, we were encouraged to see that stop-loss orders are available, which minimize risk when day trading crypto.
Margin trading is also available for experienced crypto traders, and Binance provides a payment app for easily spending your extra earnings.
Liquidity score
808 (the highest liquidity score on this list)
User experience
This day trading platform is not as easy to adjust to for beginners, making it better suited for advanced traders.
Fees
Binance spot trading fees are up to 0.1% and can be as low as 0% on options trading, based on trade volume and BNB balance.
Availability
Binance is available in 100+ countries but is not available in the US or Canada. They have created Binance.us for US-based users in most states.
More details
Binance is a great combination of low fees, deep liquidity and multiple cryptocurrencies and trading pairs. We have tested every aspect of it and it STILL holds its reign as the top exchange in the world. In our view, it is the perfect crypto exchange for both newbies and advanced traders alike.
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Biggest exchange in the world.
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Industry's lowest trading fees.
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Advance trading options like leverage trading.
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600+ crypto options, 150+ for the US.
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Lucrative on-site staking options.
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Hiccups in account verification.
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Less regulated than some competitors.
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The corporate structure is not transparently.
2. OKX
Best for custom strategies
OKX is a solid exchange for day traders with at least some experience, as it has a suite of more advanced tools. The platform integrates with TradingView charting tools and supports futures, options, and margin trading.
Copy trades and trading bots are available to piggyback off of experts’ trading strategies. You can also connect your Pine Script strategies to OKX via webhook to automate your trades. OKX has an API you can configure to analyze market trends, make spot trades, and buy derivatives.
Transactions are processed quickly on OKX, perfect for fast-paced day trading.
Liquidity score
User experience
OKX has a relatively user-friendly interface coupled with TradingView charting tools for experienced traders.
Fees
Fees are quite competitive, capping at 0.1% and decreasing with higher volumes.
Availability
OKX is not accessible in the US or Canada but is available in 160+ countries.
More details
OKX crypto exchange supports over 300 digital assets and over 80 fiat currencies. It is accessible in over 100 countries and territories across the world. It has one of the highest trading volumes in the crypto world and is a fantastic mobile app that offers all services on the go. The trading fees are very low. Its major drawback is its unavailability in certain countries.
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Supports numerous tokens.
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Great Mobile app.
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Extensive educational resources.
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Provision of multi-lingual services.
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Geographical limitation.
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KYC limitations.
3. Crypto.com
Best user interface
What sets Crypto.com apart from other exchanges for day trading is its commitment to an excellent user interface. The trading platform is beautiful, easy to navigate, and dense in features. Crypto.com has very low trading fees, making it attractive for crypto day traders making frequent orders.
It’s easy to spend the money you earn day trading crypto here, either through online payments or their VISA cards, and there are cash back rewards on most purchases. You can use Crypto.com to day trade in the US and Canada, which is becoming increasingly rare because of strict regulations.
Liquidity score
User experience
The user experience is second to none. The interface is modern, easy for beginners, and has tons of trading options.
Fees
Fees at Crypto.com start at 0.075% and go down to zero for frequent traders ($10M USD+ monthly).
Availability
Good news for US and Canada crypto day traders – the app, including the metal VISA cards, is available in your region. It’s available in 100+ countries in total.
More details
Crypto.com offers a straightforward approach to cryptocurrency trading. Opening an account with crypto.com is quick and easy. It includes state-of-the-art safety measures that make it safe for users to buy and sell crypto quickly. This crypto exchange is highly recommended for anyone looking to securely trade large amounts of cryptocurrency!
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250+ cryptocurrencies to choose from.
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Firm and unparalleled security to users.
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Earn interest in crypto.
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Top-rated mobile app.
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Low fees on trading and trading fee discounts.
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Slow identity verification.
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Customer service could respond faster.
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Lack of educational resources for new users.
4. Bybit
Best outside of North America
ByBit is one of the best crypto exchanges for day trading because of its extensive trade options, trading pairs, low fees, and high liquidity. Numerous order options are available, including derivatives, limit orders, market orders, stop limit orders, and trailing stop orders.
Bybit offers up to 100x leverage, providing opportunities for higher gains for day traders. A feature we particularly like is called conditional orders, which automates trades based on price changes. Since success with day trading crypto depends on making well-timed trades, this is hugely beneficial.
The user-friendly interface is great for beginners, while the trading flexibility is perfect for advanced traders.
Liquidity score
598
User experience
The user experience is seamless, with an easily navigated interface for newbies. There are also advanced trading tools for day trading crypto like ByBit Convert, which instantly converts crypto into any other asset.
Fees
Trading fees at ByBit range from 0.1% to as low as 0% if you’re very actively trading.
Availability
ByBit is available in most countries apart from the US and parts of Canada, namely Ontario and Quebec.
More details
Bybit is a leading futures trading platform globally, offering up to 100x leverage and attracting users who prefer to remain anonymous. With a presence in 180+ countries, it is renowned for its efficiency and unique features in cryptocurrency derivatives trading.
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The platform offers up to 100x leverage trading.
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Strong educational resources.
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Diverse markets for traders, spot, perp, and futures.
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Risk-free demo accounts to explore all key features.
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TradingView integration.
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The platform is difficult for beginners to navigate.
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It does not offer a quality spot trading feature.
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The NFT marketplace is limited in terms of options.
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Security is of the gold industry standard.
5. Coinbase
Best for new traders
Coinbase is one of the most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges because of its rigorous security and compliance measures. While this may make it more difficult to set up an account initially, and fees are higher, you can be confident your funds are secure.
It is well-known for its seamless, easily navigated user interface. Coinbase Advanced was built for more experienced day traders, with TradingView charting tools, complex order types, high throughput APIs, and lower fees.
Coinbase also offers rewards on sign-up and for completing their learning resources.
Liquidity score
User experience
Coinbase has a very user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for beginners. They do have a platform for experienced traders as well, Coinbase Advanced.
Fees
Trading fees at Coinbase are between 0.05% and 0.60%, but lower fees are available for Coinbase Advanced Users.
Availability
Coinbase is fully available in the US, Canada, and most countries globally, thanks to its commitment to compliance.
More details
Coinbase is one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world and a widely-used platform for buying, selling, and trading over 200 cryptocurrencies. It offers trading solutions for beginner, advanced, and institutional traders alike. Take a look at what makes it an excellent option for individual traders looking to trade in cryptocurrencies and beyond.
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A wide-selection of coin offerings.
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Most secure online crypto platforms.
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Top-rated mobile app.
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Easy interface and user-friendly.
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Expensive and complex fee structure for beginners
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Higher fees as compared to other cryptocurrency exchanges.
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Slow customer support.
6. Kraken
Best for intermediate traders
With high liquidity, low slippage, and a user-friendly interface, Kraken is a top choice for crypto buyers. Featuring spot trades, margin trading, and futures contracts, it caters to a wide range of trading needs.
The platform’s support for automated trading bots, competitive fees starting at 0%, and fast trade execution make it one of the best crypto exchanges for day trading. Kraken Pro offers advanced tools and responsive customer support, and this exchange is widely available globally.
Liquidity score
710
User experience
Kraken is relatively easy for beginners to get used to but also has features and trading types for experienced traders on their Kraken Pro plan.
Fees
Kraken trading fees are higher than most, going as high as 1.5% on Instant Buy. Kraken Pro plan members get lower fees, but they still are up to 0.26%.
Availability
Kraken is available in the US except in New York and Washington. It’s also accessible in Canada and most other countries.
More details
Kraken Exchange offers a robust platform for serious crypto traders. It stands out with its diverse coin selection, advanced trading features, and competitive fees. However, its complex interface may prove challenging for beginners. Strong security measures further reinforce its reliability.
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Margin trading and staking.
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Support/chat is one of the best.
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Low trading fees to withdraw Bitcoin (BTC).
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Provides tons of resources for learning.
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Only a few fiat currencies.
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Doesn't accept debit cards or Paypal.
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Has three apps.
7. Bitfinex
Best for professional traders
Bitfinex is one of the original players in crypto and was at one point the most popular exchange globally.
While it’s had some controversy in the past, it’s since implemented substantially improved security and compliance measures. They use 2FA, IP address verification, encryption, and cold wallet storage for 99.5% of assets (the highest percentage you’ll likely see).
It’s best suited for professional traders doing a high volume of trades, so beginners are better off elsewhere. Experienced day traders can leverage many order types, 400+ trading pairs, and advanced analytics tools.
Fees are on the lower side, and we were excited to see that 5 fiat currencies are available for deposit, more than the average crypto exchange.
Liquidity score
User experience
Bitfinex is geared towards expert traders, so the user interface is not easy for beginners. Day traders looking for advanced charting tools and trade options won’t have any complaints.
Fees
Bitfinex trading fees are up to 0.2% and decrease with trading volume.
Availability
Bitfinex doesn’t operate in the US and recently stopped serving Canada, but it is available in most other countries globally.
More details
Bitfinex, a leading global crypto trading platform, supports various coins and facilitates easy trading. While it caters primarily to advanced traders with its intricate charting tools and high liquidity, it also accommodates new users through demo account features.
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Lower trading fees than its competitors.
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Margin trading, derivatives, and advanced order.
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Paper trading.
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Robust mobile app.
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Suitable for newer traders.
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History of regulatory missteps and fines.
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Questionable involvement with Tether.
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Not available in the United States.
8. KuCoin
Best online trading community
Known for its wide selection of cryptocurrencies and advanced trading features, KuCoin has cemented its position as a global favorite among crypto traders.
It’s unavailable in the US, but KuCoin continues to attract traders globally with low fees, steady liquidity, and an extensive list of trading pairs. Their multiple-market system lets day traders take advantage of the best exchange price movements.
KuCoin has flexible trading options, including spot, margin, and derivatives trading, as well as enticing rewards and referral programs. We were impressed by the automated trading bots available on the Pro plan and the active community from which to learn.
Liquidity score
User experience
KuCoin isn’t known for its user interface – it can be difficult to figure out for anyone newer to day trading crypto.
Fees
Trading fees at KuCoin range from 0.02%-0.1%. They calculated using the base currency in a trading pair and based on trade volume, KCS held, and withdrawal limit.
Availability
KuCoin is available in over 200 other countries but not in the US.
More details
Kucoin stands out among other crypto exchanges due to its impressive span of 1100 markets and 600 digital currencies. This, coupled with a user-friendly interface and secure investment environment, has made Kucoin an increasingly popular choice. However, US customers can not use the trading platform.
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Ability to earn interest on crypto.
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Low fees.
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Good customer service.
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Volume discounts on fees.
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Features like margin and futures trading.
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Not licensed in the U.S.
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Lack of investment programs.
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Low trading volume.
9. Phemex
Best for margin trading
Phemex is well-known among crypto traders for its margin trading capabilities, allowing leverage of up to 5x to maximize potential profits.
Their fees are competitive to begin with, but the VIP Program offers even lower fees for high-volume traders (as low as 0%).
The interface is easy for new traders to get acquainted with but also has more advanced features like copy trades, charting tools to analyze crypto market trends and automated trading bots.
The Mock Trading platform was a stand-out – it allows you to simulate both manual and bot trades risk-free. It’s a perfect way to practice if you’re newer to day trading, or an experienced day trader looking to try new strategies.
Liquidity score
User experience
This cryptocurrency exchange platform is easy for beginners to navigate but also has extensive features.
Fees
Fees are very competitive, starting at 0.1% and going as low as zero.
Availability
Phemex is not available in the US or Canada but is available in many other countries.
More details
Pemex is geared toward experienced investors looking for advanced features. It offers trading with 250+ cryptocurrencies, up to 100x leverage, and a demo account. While spot trading fees range from 0.01% to 0.06% for makers, deposits, and withdrawals are generally free, making it a solid pick for pro users.
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100x leverage.
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APY up to 8%.
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Low fees.
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Top mobile trading app.
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Fiat-to-crypto buys.
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Complicated fees.
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Crypto withdrawal charges.
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Minimum withdrawals.
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No lending services.
10. Pionex
Best for automated trading
Pionex isn’t as recognizable as some of the exchanges on this list, but it’s gaining traction because of its cutting-edge automation features and very low fees.
The platform’s trading bots require no coding knowledge, and you can copy the best-performing day trading bots or create your own algorithms (for advanced traders who’ve found their groove).
We particularly enjoyed trying out the newly launched PionexGPT. Think of it like your personal AI advisor for developing and implementing day trading strategies. Then, it’ll help you test these strategies with TradingView. From there, it can tweak strategies or set up an automated bot to put them into action.
Liquidity score
User experience
Pionex is user-friendly overall, and their automated trading bots require no coding knowledge making them accessible for all levels.
Fees
Pionex fees are 0.05%, a very low trading fee compared to other exchanges. There’s no requirement to hold platform coins to get these rates, and fees are even lower on their VIP program.
Availability
Pionex is currently available in the US except for a few products like leveraged tokens. It’s also available in Canada and most other countries in the world.
More details
Established in 2019, the crypto trading platform is the first to introduce built-in trading bots for investors and traders. The exchange is integrated with 16 automated trading bots for free! The user-friendly interface, innovative mobile app, and low trading fees have all contributed to the increasing popularity of the Pionex exchange.
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16 built-in trading bots with detailed tutorials.
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Aggregates liquidity from Binance and Huobi.
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120 different cryptocurrencies.
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Trading fee of 0.05% on each transaction.
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Easy-to-use mobile app.
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Limited flexibility to modify the built-in bots.
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No demo account
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No desktop app is available.
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No withdrawals in fiat currency.
11. Bitstamp
Best for security
Bitstamp is a centralized exchange known for being well-regulated and trustworthy. Centralized exchanges act as an intermediary between crypto buyers and sellers.
This platform is focused on simplicity and facilitating a seamless, fast trading experience, which is great for day trading. With that said, the trading interface can still be a bit confusing for beginners.
Multiple fiat currencies are supported, and their mobile apps make it easy to trade from anywhere without sacrificing functionality.
Experienced investors have Bitstamp Pro, which has API access, customizable dashboards, and superior customer support.
Fees are higher than some other exchanges on the list, but the peace of mind that comes with using Bitstamp can certainly compensate.
Liquidity score
User experience
The trading platform is relatively simplistic but may seem daunting for new crypto traders. It’s best suited for traders with some know-how and larger sums to trade.
Fees
Bitstamp trading fees go up to 0.4%, one of the higher rates on this list. Fees are reduced with higher trading volumes, going as low as zero.
Availability
Bitstamp is available in the US but has been discontinued in Canada. It’s available in most other countries.
More details
Bitstamp, with its user-friendly interface and reasonable fees, offers a good start for beginners despite a limited choice of 80+ cryptocurrencies. Though seasoned users might seek more coin diversity, Bitstamp does provide advanced order types. Moreover, it supports debit and credit card transactions in fiat currencies like USD, GBP, and EUR.
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Easy-to-use platform for beginners and pros.
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Competitive fees compared to other crypto exchanges.
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Long history of supporting cryptocurrency users.
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Earn rewards with crypto staking
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Limited list of supported currencies.
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KYC for fiat currency, deposits, and withdrawals.
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No margin trading or lending features.
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2015 hack resulted in the loss of $5.2 million
How does Day Trading Crypto work?
Crypto-day trading essentially means buying an asset (i.e., Bitcoin) to sell within the same day. The goal is to make gains from fast price fluctuations instead.
For example, you could look to buy a coin during a dip in price and sell it later in the day when it pumps back up. The price difference is your profit on the trade.
Day trading takes advantage of market volatility, which is high in the world of cryptocurrency. Seasoned traders lean on specific crypto day trading strategies and chart patterns to choose positions.
Market expertise, agile decision-making, and risk management strategies are key skills to develop to make money day trading crypto.
Why is liquidity important for Crypto Day Trading?
Liquidity boils down to how much trading activity there is on an exchange. Since day trading involves quick, same-day trades, high liquidity (high trading volumes) is necessary.
If there’s a lack of supply or demand to facilitate your trades, you won’t be able to maximize profits in a rapidly changing market. Having the flexibility to enter and exit a day trading position (ownership of a crypto asset) ensures you get the most desirable prices and minimize slippage.
Check the liquidity score using CoinMarketCap, and be wary of keeping your funds in an exchange below 500 (all the exchanges on this list are 500+).
The score changes over time, so stay up to date to ensure you’re always using the best crypto day trading platform.
How to pick the best Exchange for Crypto Day Trading?
Reputation of the crypto exchange
Are you sure how to choose a reliable exchange for day trading crypto with your hard-earned money? We’ve carefully vetted this list of important factors, but it’s always smart to read reviews from other traders and ensure they’ve had positive experiences.
Security
Data security is paramount for any app accessing your personal information, no less your funds. Look for exchanges with robust security measures, including encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and cold wallet storage.
Trading platform & user interface
If you’re newer to crypto, use platforms with an intuitive user interface to make your ramp-up process and day-to-day easier. If you’re an experienced day trader, charting tools, customizable bots, and APIs are a higher priority.
Available features
Depending on your day trading strategies and goals, ensure the platform you choose has the necessary features to facilitate them. Look for various trade types like margin trading, futures, and derivatives. Automated trading bots, referral programs, and rewards are also attractive features.
Fees
Being charged a trading fee reduces your profits, especially if you’re trading more frequently. Check the deposit fees, withdrawal fees (up to 2%), and trading fees before choosing an exchange platform to avoid surprises.
Which Crypto is Best for Day Trading?
To decide which crypto asset to day trade, consider the trading volume and market volatility, as these dictate how easily you can buy and sell and your opportunity to make a profit.
Bitcoin is safe for day trading because it’s the most well-established and liquid. If you want to take advantage of high volatility for the potential to make a larger return, Solana has grown in popularity and sees daily fluctuations of up to 12% but beware of the risks of trading a less established and liquid coin.
How to get started with Crypto Day Trading?
Before starting crypto day trading, educate yourself on what it involves, the current crypto market, and what to look for when choosing an exchange and trades.
There are tons of free crypto resources, including here on our Coinweb guides. Check out YouTube videos and news articles, and subscribe to newsletters to stay current. You can also set up price alerts for coins you’re interested in. Your knowledge is your power in trading, and there’s no need to pay for expensive courses or private coaching to get started.
Mock trading with eToro
Next, you can use one of many free mock trading tools to practice before investing your money. This is an awesome way to model your profits and losses and improve your technique before risking your hard-earned cash.
eToro has a great mock trading tool that lets you experiment with $100K. They include traditional financial investments like stocks, ETFs, commodities, and indices on top of crypto so you can model how it’ll fit into your investment strategy.
More details
eToro is a popular online trading platform for crypto assets, stocks, and ETFs, featuring low fees and a user-friendly interface. With a free eToro wallet and social features like messaging boards, users can copy experienced traders and access numerous assets. Take a look at what makes this platform perfect for starting your trading journey.
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Provides an attractive, communal atmosphere.
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Offers zero commission on ETFs.
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Extensive selection of educational resources.
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Mobile app with trading features.
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Smooth account opening and bank transfer.
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Limited number of cryptocurrencies.
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Limited customer support.
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No crypto-to-crypto trading pairs.
Next, choose the best exchange that fits your trading style and goals – this list is a perfect reference. Do your due diligence and ensure there are no regulatory concerns with the exchange in your region, the fees align with your expectations, and all of the features you want are available.
Fund your account and start trading, continuing to learn more about the markets, fine-tuning strategies, and perhaps setting up automated bots.
Key Takeaways
Day trading crypto can be a solid source of additional income or even your main career if you’re experienced and have developed effective strategies.
Evaluating the best crypto exchanges for day trading is a key component for success, given the importance of security, available trade options, and trading fees for profitability. Trading bots have also been exploding in popularity and can greatly help the quick movements needed in crypto day trading.
Make sure you have a strong foundation of knowledge about crypto markets before diving into day trading, and educate yourself on an ongoing basis. It’s not ideal for beginners, but you can start crypto day trading with the help of mock trades and tons of free educational resources.
You can open an account and start trading with as little as $10 on most exchanges. It’s ideal to have some crypto experience and at least $1,000 to invest to make crypto day trading worth it.
A few of the popular strategies are arbitrage (taking advantage of price differences between exchanges), frequent trading (aided by bots), scalping (trading during high volume periods), and range trading (identifying overbought or oversold assets).
A position refers to how much of a specific crypto asset you own. You enter or take a position when you buy cryptocurrency, and exit when you sell. In day trading, you’re taking a position for a short period. The position is often referenced in options trading, which is when you purchase the right to buy or sell a coin at a certain price. Options come with an expiration date by which time you must sell.
If you want to trade Bitcoin and other currencies for a higher profit, margin trading is a mechanism to achieve this, though it comes with risk. Margin trading involves borrowing additional funds to be able to buy more of a certain asset, increasing potential gains and losses.
Yes, similar to gains generated by traditional investing, crypto trading is subject to taxation. Check your jurisdiction's laws around capital gains taxation on crypto profits, and consider working with an accountant familiar with cryptocurrency.
Shawn Munir
Shawn Munir is the CEO of Coinweb.com and spearheads all the collaborative partnerships for the platform. He bought his first Bitcoin in 2017 and never looked back. He is also an investor in 200+ Web3 startups and is considered an expert in the field. Before building Coinweb with his co-founders, he co-founded Presail, a management platform designed for companies and investors to manage their investments in Web 3. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Shawn serves on the United Nations...
