Best Crypto Apps for US Traders (2025): Exchanges, Brokers, Wallets, Charts & Taxes

• Primary exchange: Coinbase Advanced Trade for liquidity, fiat on/off-ramps, and broad listings (official Advanced Trade help). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Alternate exchange: Kraken for deep order books, margin in eligible regions, and public Proof-of-Reserves checks (PoR). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• US broker option: Fidelity Crypto (spot BTC/ETH trading) if you prefer a brokerage stack (Fidelity Crypto overview/FAQ). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Low-fee mobile: Robinhood Crypto (check state availability; not in all US states, see supported states). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Self-custody + portfolio: MetaMask Portfolio for DEX swaps/bridging from your wallet (official site). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Simple BTC buys/transfers: Cash App (BTC only; see Cash App Bitcoin help). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Payments/stablecoins: PayPal for retail-friendly BTC/ETH/pyusd rails (see supported cryptocurrencies). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

1) A framework for “best app” (fit > hype)

“Best” depends on your constraints: state availability, assets you trade, fee model you prefer, custody model (CEX vs self-custody), and tooling depth (APIs, margin, advanced order types). Here’s a quick rubric to rank candidates:

• Access & eligibility: Is the product even available in your US state? (Example: Robinhood Crypto isn’t available in every state, see official page.) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Listings & liquidity: Blue-chip pairs (BTC/ETH/stablecoins) are table stakes; long-tail liquidity matters for active traders.
• Fee model & spreads: Maker/taker schedule vs “commission-free” with embedded spread (brokerage models).
• Funding rails: ACH, wire, debit, instant settlement; stablecoin on/off-ramps (PYUSD, USDC) for inter-app mobility. (PayPal lists supported assets; Coinbase Advanced Trade docs describe flow.) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Security & transparency: 2FA, hardware key support, withdrawal allowlists; public Proof-of-Reserves (Kraken lists its PoR program). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Trading tools: advanced order types, APIs/websockets, fiat & stablecoin pairs, portfolio & tax exports.
• Self-custody path: If you trade on a CEX today, can you withdraw promptly to a non-custodial wallet and keep trading via DEX/wallet front-ends (e.g., MetaMask Portfolio)? :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

2) Top centralized exchanges for US traders

A) Coinbase (Advanced Trade)

Coinbase remains the most familiar on-ramp for US traders, with a custodial wallet, robust fiat rails, and wide listings. For active users, skip the simple UI and use Advanced Trade for order books, limit/stop orders, and clearer fees (see Coinbase’s own guide). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

• Pros: Deep USD books on majors, recurring buys, API access, stablecoin rails, and clear help center docs.
• Cons: Taker fees can add up on small accounts; staking and certain products may be restricted by jurisdiction over time (check help center before assuming availability).

B) Kraken

Kraken is popular with power users for its API reliability and transparency. It publishes Proof-of-Reserves audits using a Merkle-tree process that customers can verify, the kind of transparency serious traders appreciate. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

• Pros: Strong API/websocket performance, good alt liquidity, security reputation, PoR reporting.
• Cons: Product availability (e.g., staking/margin) varies by region and can change, always confirm in the help center.

C) Gemini (for certain use cases)

Gemini offers a clean UI, recurring buys, and institutional-oriented products. As with any custodian, verify asset availability and program terms in the latest help docs before committing capital (Gemini maintains public transparency pages).

D) Notes on “US-lite” venues

Some globally famous exchanges operate scaled-down US entities or have changing product slates due to regulation. For 2025, your safest path is using venues with clear US compliance footprints and robust help centers.

3) Brokerage & fintech apps with crypto access

A) Fidelity Crypto (spot BTC & ETH)

Fidelity offers bitcoin and ether trading to eligible US customers inside a familiar brokerage environment. Its materials explain that you can buy/sell BTC and ETH with a spread rather than a separate commission—be sure to read the fine print in the official overview/FAQs. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

• Pros: Single sign-on with brokerage, consolidated statements, name-brand custodian.
• Cons: Asset selection limited (BTC/ETH); no on-chain withdrawals for every product configuration, verify what your specific account supports in the latest docs.

B) Robinhood Crypto

Robinhood’s appeal is simplicity and low apparent fees; however, crypto availability is state-dependent. The company maintains a current list of supported states you should check before onboarding. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

• Pros: Fast onboarding, clean mobile UI, equities + crypto in one app.
• Cons: Narrower listings than top CEXs; “commission-free” often means spread-based pricing; state restrictions apply.

C) PayPal (BTC, ETH, PYUSD; consumer flows)

PayPal supports buying/selling/holding multiple coins and its own dollar-stablecoin PYUSD; see the official list of supported cryptocurrencies. For many US users this doubles as an easy stablecoin rail into/out of crypto services. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

D) Cash App (Bitcoin-only)

Square’s Cash App keeps things simple: Bitcoin only, with direct send/receive and a friendly UI. Its help center is the best place to confirm fees, limits, and features. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

4) Self-custody wallets with trading features

A) MetaMask + MetaMask Portfolio

For EVM chains, MetaMask remains the default non-custodial wallet. The companion MetaMask Portfolio site adds a unified dashboard with native swaps and bridging across supported networks, letting traders move capital without relying on a CEX for every hop. (Use only the official domain.) :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

• Pros: Huge ecosystem support; DEX access; bridging; hardware-wallet integration.
• Cons: You pay DEX LP fees/slippage; wallet extensions can be targeted by phishing, lock down browser hygiene.

B) Rabby, Coinbase Wallet, OKX Wallet (alternatives)

Alternatives offer different UX and safety checkpoints (e.g., transaction simulation). Evaluate which extension/app aligns with your security preferences, add a hardware wallet, and avoid blind signing.

[CUSTODY SPECTRUM]
Broker (spread pricing)  ──▶  Exchange (order book, fees)  ──▶  Wallet + DEX (self-custody)
         Simplicity                       Tools & Liquidity                   Sovereignty
    

5) Charting, screeners & market intel

For charting, TradingView remains the most ubiquitous (ensure you install from official sources only, per the warning above). Combine exchange native charts (Coinbase Advanced Trade, Kraken Pro) with TradingView alerts, on-chain dashboards, and DEX-specific analytics for depth. (Use caution with third-party download links.)

6) Tax & reporting: staying audit-proof

US traders should export trade histories from each venue and reconcile with a crypto tax app or CPA. Coverage you need:

• CSV/API import from your exchange(s) + wallet addresses.
• Support for staking/airdrop income, mining, and DEX swaps.
• Realized P/L, cost basis methods (FIFO/HIFO), IRS Form 8949 output.
• Audit-trail that shows how each figure was derived.

Many exchanges provide tax exports; wallet-side DEX activity still needs to be captured. Reconcile monthly to avoid year-end chaos.

7) Security playbook: accounts, devices, PoR

• Account security: Use app-based 2FA (TOTP) or hardware keys (WebAuthn). Lock SIM with your carrier to mitigate SIM-swap.
• Withdrawal allowlists: On exchanges, enable address allowlists and time-locks where offered.
• Self-custody hygiene: Hardware wallet for meaningful funds; sign on-device; prefer EIP-712 human-readable prompts.
• Proof-of-Reserves checks: When offered, verify that your balances are included in a Merkle proof. Kraken’s PoR pages explain the process and let you self-verify. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Download sources: Install apps from the official domains/app stores only, malvertising campaigns target traders with trojanized replicas. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

8) State availability quick-guide (US)

Availability shifts. Always check the app’s official page before assuming you can trade. Example: Robinhood Crypto keeps an updated state list (some states are not supported). :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

9) Model stacks (beginner → pro)

Beginner (US retail)

• Coinbase Advanced Trade for onboarding; Cash App for simple BTC sends (if you only stack sats). :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• MetaMask for on-chain exploration; only use official links for Portfolio. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
• Basic tax app (monthly CSV exports). Keep notes of cost basis as you go.

Intermediate (wallet-first trader)

• Kraken + Coinbase accounts for USD rails and liquidity. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
• MetaMask Portfolio for swaps/bridging; hardware wallet for vaulting. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
• TradingView charts (installed from official sources only). :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

Pro (API + multi-venue)

• Multiple CEX accounts to arbitrage fees/liquidity; automate via APIs.
• Self-custody treasury; hot wallet for DEX; deterministic backups; PoR checks on custodial balances (when offered). :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
• Tax middleware with lot selection and DeFi support; CPA for year-end review.

[FUNDS FLOW]
Bank/Payroll → Exchange (USD on-ramp) → Withdraw to Wallet → DEX/Bridges → Yield/Positions
                                  ↘︎ Tax exports (CSV/API) → Accounting
    

10) FAQ: fees, spreads, FDIC/SIPC myths

11) Official resources & help centers

• Coinbase — Advanced Trade Help (features, fees, order types). :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
• Kraken — Proof-of-Reserves (how to self-verify). :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}
• Robinhood Crypto — Supported States. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}
• Fidelity Crypto — Overview/FAQ (BTC/ETH trading basics). :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}
• Cash App — Bitcoin Help (BTC features & limits). :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}
• PayPal — Supported Cryptocurrencies. :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}
• MetaMask Portfolio — Official Site (portfolio, swap, bridge). :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}
• Security Research & reputable outlets on malvertising campaigns; see recent coverage warning about fake TradingView apps. :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}

Recap

• Build a stack, not a single app: Exchange (or broker) + self-custody wallet + charts + tax.
• Confirm state availability and product coverage in the official help centers before funding. :contentReference[oaicite:40]{index=40}
• Prefer venues with Proof-of-Reserves and rigorous security; keep only working capital on a CEX. :contentReference[oaicite:41]{index=41}
• Install apps from official sources only, malvertising targets traders with trojanized builds. :contentReference[oaicite:42]{index=42}