Top Crypto Exchanges

Trading crypto in restrictive states like New York can be annoying. Many exchanges wont even let you see the sign up page. There are three crypto currency exchanges that you should consider, especially if you live in restrictive states in the US:

1. Gemini

Gemini exchange is the first crypto exchange I used (living in NYC). Since it is based in New York, it made me feel safe, in case I had any issues. This exchange started off with only having bitcoin, but since then it has expanded to offer coins that I refer to as mid coins. The best aspect of Gemini is that funds that you initiate a deposit for, are immediately available. Gemini credits your account the funds to purchase crypto, but you cannot withdraw or transfer out the equivalent amount; until your transfer has cleared. This is great if you need to get into crypto fast.
Another great aspect of Gemini, is that during the bull market of 2017 and bear market of 2018, many exchanges were “down for maintenance” during key pumps and dumps; Gemini was one of the few where you could access your funds during these key moments. Make sure you ask for the active trader interface instead of the default one, this required you to email customer support when it first came out.

1. Binance

Binance exchange is a great exchange that has an established reputation, and is my favorite to buy/trade alt coins. They are a foreign exchange that started off in China but moved its servers out after a government crackdown on crypto currencies. Their “advance” trading interface is my favorite out of any exchange I have used.
The great thing about Binance is that you can trade with a basic account, without ID verification. This is great if you don't want to give out too much information to various exchanges, in case of hacks. It also offers a refferal link (referral ID: PHSFDYCJ) so that you can get a discount on trading fees and make a commission off of trades.
They have also added many services like margin trading and buying crypto with credit cards. It is the most trusted foreign exchange, but it should be noted that there is some uncertainty since it has created a separate US site; after launching margin trading. I was unable to login into Binance when the US site was introduced; but as of February 2020 I have been able to access my account without access to the margin trading.

1. Coinbase
   Coinbase exchange is possibly the most well known exchange in the US for new crypto investors. It doesn't have the lowest fees but I have found that is necessary to have a Coinbase account if you live in crypto restrictive states in the US. In 2018, I was kicked out of Bittrex exchange and was unable to access Binance; simply for being a New Yorker. Even though Binance launched a seperate US site I was unable to access it because I lived in New York. Although I have access to my funds now it definitely was a learning experience.
   Coinbase does offer more coins than Gemini, which gives people in restrictive states some access to a limited choice of alt coins. It is important to create a Coinbase account soon because it can take nearly 2 weeks to get your account verified. This is very annoying just like having to shift funds between the regular Coinbase website and the Coinbase pro tradingwebsite.

Always keep in mind that if you don't hold the private keys to your wallets, you don't really own the coins. The safest place to hold crypto is in wallets where you own the private keys too. However, many people leave their coins in exchanges for convenience; for this reason it is important to use exchanges that are reliable and well known. If you are in restrictive crypto states make sure you have both a Gemini and Coinbase account.