(
CRYPTOcurrency exchange) An online trading platform that is used to buy, sell and exchange cryptocurrencies. Exchanges convert fiat currency (dollars, Euros, etc.) to crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), and vice versa. See
major crypto exchanges.
Centralized Exchanges Are Convenient
Like a stock brokerage account, a "centralized exchange" (CeX) such as Coinbase and Bitfinex make it easy to invest in crypto because they maintain the keys to the assets. In addition, centralized exchange websites and apps are no more difficult to use than online bank accounts. However, all digital services are subject to hacking, and exchanges have been hacked. With regard to the FTX debacle in 2022, internal chicanery caused a meltdown (see
FTX exchange).
For a monthly fee, the Coinbase exchange added an indemnification option up to $1 million, and time will tell if other exchanges follow suit. See
Coinbase and
Bitfinex.
Decentralized Exchanges Offer More Options
For maximum security and diversity, users can download and manage their own wallet software and trade on a "decentralized" exchange (DeX) such as Uniswap or SushiSwap. Wallets also have access to myriad applications (see
smart contract). However, interfaces differ dramatically. Some are easy to use; others are downright obtuse. In addition, the private keys must absolutely be backed up (see
seed phrase). See
cold wallet.
Exchanges Differ
Like brokerage firms, some crypto exchanges offer trading alternatives, such as limit orders. Other platforms allow sellers to set their own exchange rate. The crypto world is still relatively new, and different options become available all the time. See
crypto wallet,
decentralized exchange and
crypto glossary.