• Large selection of crypto assets
  • Transparent fee structure
  • Commission-free trading options

84.97% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Uphold Review 2024

Investing Options:

Products & markets:

Deposits & withdrawals:

Fees & costs:

Platforms & usability:

Safety & reliability:

Research tools:

Educational resources:

In This Guide

Uphold Review 2024: Is This Crypto Exchange Right for You?

Uphold is a multi-asset platform that allows users to trade across a wide range of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and fiat currencies. Whether you are new to trading or an experienced investor, Uphold offers a broad selection of tools and features designed to cater to various user needs. This review will dive deep into Uphold’s features, fees, security, and overall usability to help you decide if it’s the right platform for your needs.

Uphold Review 2024

Founded in 2014, Uphold has evolved into a versatile platform supporting over 250 cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, and precious metals. Its user-friendly interface, combined with advanced trading tools, makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced traders.

Highlights:

  • Supports 250+ digital assets including cryptocurrencies and metals
  • Easy fiat-to-crypto conversion
  • Transparent fees and pricing
  • Accessible through desktop and mobile app

Is Uphold a Safe Exchange?

Uphold is known for its focus on transparency and security. It implements a range of safety measures, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and cold storage for funds, ensuring user assets are protected. While the platform hasn’t experienced any major breaches, it’s important to follow basic security practices like enabling 2FA to keep your account secure.

Key Security Features:

  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) for account protection
  • Cold storage for the majority of user assets, protecting them from online threats
  • Regular security audits and compliance with regulatory standards

Uphold Fees and Charges

Uphold is transparent about its fee structure. Unlike many platforms that charge trading fees based on maker-taker models, Uphold does not charge trading fees. Instead, they generate revenue through spreads, which can vary depending on the asset being traded.

Fee Breakdown:

  • Cryptocurrency spreads: Typically range between 0.8% to 1.2% for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
  • Precious metals spreads: Range from 2% to 3% depending on market conditions.
  • No deposit or trading fees, but withdrawal fees apply, especially when moving assets to external wallets.

Uphold vs Coinbase

Both Uphold and Coinbase are popular cryptocurrency exchanges, but they cater to different user preferences. Uphold provides access to a broader range of assets, including precious metals, while Coinbase focuses mainly on cryptocurrency trading.

Uphold vs Coinbase Comparison:

  • Fees: Uphold’s spread-based fee model may be more cost-effective than Coinbase’s maker-taker fees.
  • Asset Range: Uphold supports not only cryptocurrencies but also fiat and precious metals, giving it a broader asset range compared to Coinbase.
  • User Experience: Coinbase offers a more simplified, beginner-friendly interface, whereas Uphold provides more options for experienced traders looking to diversify.

Uphold Crypto Platform Review

Uphold offers a comprehensive trading platform with access to over 250 digital assets. Its unique selling point is the ability to trade not only cryptocurrencies but also precious metals and fiat currencies, making it a one-stop shop for diversified trading. The platform is equipped with real-time data, limit orders, and other advanced trading tools for more experienced traders.

Uphold Mobile App Review

Uphold’s mobile app is available on iOS and Android devices, providing a seamless user experience. The app allows users to manage their portfolios, trade, and monitor markets while on the go. The intuitive design ensures that even beginner traders can navigate the app easily.

Uphold Account Verification Process

To comply with KYC regulations, Uphold requires users to complete an account verification process before trading or withdrawing funds. The process involves providing identification documents such as a passport or driver’s license and usually takes around 24 to 48 hours to complete.

Uphold Trading Fees

Uphold doesn’t charge standard trading fees; instead, it uses a spread-based model. This means that the platform generates its revenue through the buy-sell price difference. For popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, the spread typically ranges from 0.8% to 1.2%, though this can vary depending on market conditions.

Key Features:

  • No direct trading fees
  • Spreads vary based on asset volatility and market liquidity
  • No deposit fees, but certain withdrawals (such as crypto transfers) may incur a fee

Uphold Security Features

Uphold takes several steps to protect users’ accounts and funds. In addition to two-factor authentication (2FA), the platform stores the majority of its assets in cold storage, ensuring that they are not vulnerable to online threats.

Key Features:

  • 2FA for account security
  • Cold storage of assets
  • Compliance with regulatory requirements in multiple jurisdictions, enhancing user trust

Uphold Staking Review

Uphold recently introduced staking for various cryptocurrencies. Users can stake coins like Ethereum and Polkadot and earn rewards for helping secure the network. Staking rewards vary based on the asset and network conditions, but Uphold offers competitive returns compared to other platforms.

Staking Features:

  • Available assets: Ethereum, Polkadot, and more
  • Competitive rewards: Staking rates vary by asset
  • No staking fees: Uphold does not charge users directly for staking, but it may take a small cut of the rewards

Uphold vs Binance

Both Uphold and Binance are prominent crypto exchanges, but their feature sets differ significantly. While Binance caters more to high-frequency traders with lower fees and a wider range of advanced trading options, Uphold stands out for its user-friendly experience and multi-asset support, allowing users to trade cryptocurrencies, metals, and fiat.

Comparison:

  • Fees: Binance generally offers lower trading fees, but Uphold’s spread-based model can be more transparent for beginners.
  • Assets: Uphold allows users to trade metals and fiat in addition to crypto, whereas Binance focuses solely on cryptocurrency.

Uphold for Beginners

Uphold’s simple interface and wide selection of assets make it an attractive platform for beginners. The ability to trade between cryptos, fiat currencies, and metals allows new traders to easily diversify their portfolios. Furthermore, the platform provides educational content for users looking to learn more about trading.

Uphold Customer Support Review

Uphold offers several customer support channels, including email support and an in-app chat feature. However, some users have reported that response times can be slow, especially during periods of high demand. The platform also has a comprehensive help center with articles and FAQs to help users troubleshoot common issues.

Uphold vs Kraken

When comparing Uphold and Kraken, it’s important to consider your trading preferences. Kraken is often favored by advanced traders for its low fees and futures trading options, while Uphold appeals to beginners and those looking to trade multi-assets like cryptocurrencies, metals, and fiat currencies.

Comparison:

  • Fees: Kraken generally offers lower trading fees, while Uphold uses a spread-based fee model.
  • User Experience: Uphold has a more beginner-friendly interface, whereas Kraken offers more advanced trading features.

FAQs

Yes, Uphold employs several security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and cold storage for assets, ensuring that user funds are protected from hacks and theft.

Uphold does not charge traditional trading fees but instead uses a spread-based model. The spread on popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin ranges from 0.8% to 1.2%.

Yes, Uphold allows users to stake assets like Ethereum and Polkadot to earn staking rewards. The rates vary depending on the asset being staked.

Uphold uses a spread-based model instead of traditional trading fees. This can be more transparent for beginners but might be higher compared to exchanges like Binance or Kraken, which offer lower maker-taker fees.

Absolutely, Uphold’s user-friendly interface and broad asset range make it ideal for beginners who are new to cryptocurrency or interested in trading between crypto, fiat, and precious metals.

While many users have successfully withdrawn funds, some report delays or issues with the withdrawal process. It’s important to verify your account fully to avoid any withdrawal-related issues.

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