Top 7 Safest Crypto Exchanges For 2025

There are several factors to consider when choosing an exchange. First, we consider the supported coins, crypto trading fees, and user-friendliness. However, security is arguably the biggest of these factors. You can lose all your deposits using an exchange with poor security features. So, using exchanges with good security is no longer a luxury, but mandatory.

Kraken uses modern security features such as 2-factor authentication, API key permissions and SSL encryption, making it a safe place to buy crypto for all types of traders: beginners, advanced traders, and experienced traders. Kraken has a unique approach to information and security management and cybersecurity. Interestingly, the crypto exchange has multiple safety certifications.

Safety features of Kraken

• Kraken uses 2FA measures such as Google Authenticator and Yubikey as extra identification measures.
• API key permissions: Kraken allows users to create API keys with specific permissions, limiting what the API key can do. So, should a user get hacked, the API key will not go beyond the set permission
• Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption: Kraken uses SSL encryption to secure all data transmitted between a user’s device and Kraken’s servers. This ensures that data  such as login details cannot be intercepted by hackers.

With an outstanding reputation for security, Coinbase is one of the safest crypto exchanges globally. Nearly 99% of the digital assets owned by its customers are stored offline in cold storage by the exchange.

Additionally, Coinbase requests that you input a code they provide you via text message to verify a phone number. Coinbase requires two-factor authentication (2FA) to guarantee your account’s security.

Hackers accessed over 6,000 Coinbase accounts between March and May 2021 by sending phishing emails and taking advantage of a weakness in the SMS-based two-factor authentication system. However, Coinbase has since beefed up its security features and also reimbursed the affected users.

Safety features of Coinbase

• 2-factor authentication: Coinbase reduces the risk of unauthorized access by requiring users to provide an extra means of verification.
• Cold storage: Coinbase stores over 90% of user funds in cold storage facilities spread across locations. This reduces the possibilities of online theft, ensuring users are well-defended from cyberattacks.
• Security keys: Coinbase recommends using security keys such as Yubikey for extra protection

From the time you sign up for Bybit, user data is encrypted, and stringent security standards and procedures protect privacy. All user data us hashed and stored, making it a safe crypto exchange. Every piece of data is categorized and handled in an orderly fashion.

To improve security, susceptible data will be encrypted. Only you can access and modify your data thanks to end-to-end encryption. Bybit offers industry-leading security features, such as device management, margin trading, user identity management, API access control, and suspicious behavior control, to guarantee that users are always safe when using the website.

Safety features of Bybit

• Cold storage to protect user funds
• 2FA: This means setting up an extra means of verification such as Google authenticator.
• Bybit conducts regular audits to test and ensure its security measures are updated

User passwords are securely kept on Bitpanda, one of the safest crypto exchanges worldwide, using the most advanced and reliable hashing techniques. Time-based one-time passwords and multi-factor authentication protect against security risks and provide extra 2FA if a user’s password is compromised.

Bitpanda offers robust KYC onboarding and verification processes entirely compatible with European regulations and a secure trading environment. It also gives users control over account access by letting them know which browsers and devices they use to log in. Thus, Bitpanda is an excellent option among the most secure crypto exchanges.

Safety features of Bitpanda

• Advanced encryption
• Cold storage: The majority of users’ funds are stored in cold storage, not connected to the internet.
• Bitpanda uses 2-factor authentication as an extra security measure. So, users have to set a second form of verification such as a password.

At CEX.IO, digital assets are divided across the exchange’s hot and cold wallets to place the platform among the safest crypto exchanges. Additionally, every user must verify their KYC/AML information. Furthermore, the platform has developed a unique set of rules known as the “Expert System” that monitors every transaction involving digital assets for unusual activity.

The exchange has many features to be among the most secure crypto exchanges. When a transaction is produced, signed, or even entirely authorized by all parties, the CEX.IO system contains control mechanisms to ensure it is sent exclusively to the correct destination addresses.

Safety features of CEX.io

• CEX.io employs anti-phishing protection by enabling users to set an anti-phishing code that appears in all legitimate mails from the exchange.
• CEX.io uses advanced measures like firewalls and data encryption to protect users from scams and other attacks.
• CEX.io has an insurance to cover for all losses in the case of a breach and protect user funds.

Paybis is dedicated to stopping the funding of terrorism and money laundering and making itself one of the safest crypto exchanges. The business handles the process of confirming the client’s identification and personal data and keeps an eye on all their transactions. Paybis has the authority to seek more information or to cancel the transaction if it believes there has been illicit behavior or money laundering.

Safety features of Paybis

• Complies with AML/KYC regulations
• Uses encryption for extra security and other advanced security features
• Non-custodial storage

Due to its complicated security layers, Gemini could be one of the world’s safest crypto exchanges. Gemini is a New York trust corporation subject to stringent cyber security standards mandated by the New York Department of Financial Services and regularly undergoes bank examinations. The world’s first cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, Gemini, has passed the SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 exams and obtained an ISO 27001 accreditation.

While the design and execution of Gemini’s security, availability, and confidentiality controls are assessed by SOC 2, the financial operations and reporting controls are evaluated by SOC 1. The bulk of the crypto owned by Gemini is kept in an air-gapped, offline cold storage facility.

Safety features of Gemini

• Regulatory compliance: Gemini complies with regulatory standards including capital reserve requirements and cybersecurity, providing users with robust security and trust.
• Insurance coverage: Gemini maintains insurance coverage for funds held in its hot wallet. This insurance assures users of a total refund in the case of a hack.
• Gemini requires 2-factor authentication by default. Users cannot make withdrawals or access their crypto exchange account without this along with other robust security features.

Different crypto exchanges employ different measures to secure their users. The exchanges outlined in this article use multiple methods such as encryption, 2FA, insurance coverage, API keys, etc. The safest place to buy crypto is an exchange with transparent security measures.

Why is security important? 

The primary defense between your assets and hackers looking to steal your money is the security features of a cryptocurrency exchange. Numerous crypto trading platforms experience significant yearly attacks due to security gaps and faults. For this reason, before registering for an account on an exchange, it is crucial to review their security protocols carefully. Reputable platforms employ two-factor authentication, account passwords, and SSL website encryption to safeguard platform data constantly.

Most of the assets in many cryptocurrency exchanges are kept in software wallets vulnerable to hacking. Always look for a platform that uses a cold wallet to keep most or all cryptocurrency offline. In this manner, even if hackers breach the site, they cannot take your valuables.

AML and KYC

Anti-money laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols are essential for most secure crypto exchanges nowadays. These steps are necessary to stop illicit cryptocurrency-related activity.

Before using a cryptocurrency exchange, users are required under the KYC protocol to submit documentation of their identification, place of residence, and other personal information. The requirement to reveal personal data and identity documentation deters would-be con artists and thieves from trying to launder money through a platform.

There are exchanges with no KYC. However, for such exchanges, all users are at risk as they are not sure where the funds are from and who they’re trading against.

Regulation and Crypto Exchanges

Most crypto exchanges fail to comply with local and international standards. Some operate without licenses, which means they can be halted at any time. Using an exchange that is not regulated means there are few legal options available should the exchange get compromised or file for bankruptcy.

Countries like France, India, Nigeria, the Netherlands have placed strict rules on crypto exchanges. On the other hand, countries like Australia have clear crypto regulations that covers most exchanges and crypto trading strategies. So, it is always best to ensure the exchange of interest is availabe in your region and holds a license there.

Here are some of the top creatures of the safest crypto exchanges. However, note that there are different security infrastructure with centralized exchanges and decentralized exchanges.

Authy and Authenticator

Special programs such as Authy and Authenticator offer an enhanced form of two-factor authentication that helps most secure crypto exchanges to ensure the safety of customers’ assets. Enable two-factor authentication to prevent access to the system if the login and password have been stolen.

Multi-signature

In this scenario, various people control separate keys to a Bitcoin wallet, and the only way to access the money is to gather all the digital signatures. But this mechanism is not immune to failure. According to experts, multi-signature technology is limited to situations when signers are not related to one another.

Cold Storage

The division of money between hot and cold wallets continues to be one of the most dependable defenses against hacker assaults. A cold wallet may also be outfitted with several signatures. In fact, a cold wallet is recommended for everyone handling digital assets. If you’re interested in storing your own cryptocurrencies, check out our comprehensive guide to the top crypto cold wallets.

Bitcoin Locks

Bitcoin addresses that have their coins secured with two separate keys and a two-step authentication process.

Protocol for Anti-DDoS Security

UDP floods, ICMP floods, and other assaults utilizing spoof network packets are examples. Anti-DDoS providers use cloud servers for large-scale “scrubbing”—inspecting traffic, removing fraudulent requests, and allowing genuine ones to pass—to defend against volume-based assaults.

Domain Name System Security Extension

To secure data sent in Internet Protocol (IP) networks via the Domain Name System (DNS), the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) developed a set of extension standards known as the Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC). The protocol offers data integrity, validated denial of existence, and cryptographic data authentication; availability and secrecy are not supported.

Registry Lock

is an additional security feature for your domain or business name that most secure crypto exchanges can enjoy. The service aims to reduce the possibility of unauthorized additions, deletions, or transfers, even if user data is compromised or systems are breached.

Web Protocol Security

Internet users and websites may transact securely thanks to web-based security mechanisms. These protocols employ digital signatures for authentication and encryption to offer secrecy.

Ensuring the safety of your assets is one of your biggest responsibilities. We’ve outlined some of the most secure crypto exchanges and their features. Bitpanda, Bybit, Paybis, CEX.io, Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini stand out for their top security features. Most exchanges use 2-factor authentication, cold storage, and insurance coverage. By choosing these secure agencies, you can trade with a greater sense of safety, knowing your assets are safeguarded against threats.