Cryptocurrencies have had a turbulent journey since they first appeared. Some early believers made life-changing gains, while many who entered during market highs are still waiting to break even. This extreme volatility has kept crypto at the center of debate: is it a revolutionary financial asset, or simply a speculative bubble?

Even legendary investors like Warren Buffett have openly criticized cryptocurrencies, calling them lacking intrinsic value. Yet despite skepticism, crypto continues to evolve—and attract capital.

Over the past few years, the industry has delivered both headlines and hard lessons. The collapse of FTX exposed serious governance failures, while regulatory pressure intensified across major exchanges. Binance and Coinbase both faced legal challenges from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), reinforcing concerns about oversight and investor protection.

At the same time, progress has been undeniable. In early 2024, the SEC approved several spot Bitcoin ETFs, allowing investors to gain Bitcoin exposure through familiar, regulated products. This marked a turning point, signaling that crypto was becoming harder for traditional finance to ignore.

So the real question is no longer whether crypto exists—but how investors should approach it.

Owning Crypto vs. Trading Futures

When entering crypto markets, investors generally choose between two paths.

The first is direct ownership—buying cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum and holding them on an exchange or in a private wallet. This approach is simple and popular with long-term believers.

The second is futures trading, where investors speculate on price movements without owning the asset itself. Futures allow traders to use leverage, which can dramatically increase gains—but also magnify losses. Because of this, futures are better suited to experienced traders who understand risk management and volatility.

Both paths can be profitable, but they serve very different investor profiles.

Where Can You Trade Cryptocurrencies?

Traditional Brokers

Most traditional brokerage firms don’t let you buy cryptocurrencies directly. Instead, they offer access through:

• Bitcoin or Ethereum ETFs

• Cryptocurrency futures contracts

This route appeals to investors who want crypto exposure within a regulated framework, alongside stocks, ETFs, and other traditional assets.

Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Dedicated crypto exchanges are where most direct trading happens. These platforms support hundreds of digital assets, from established coins to emerging tokens. Investors can buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies directly, making exchanges the go-to choice for active traders and crypto-native users.

However, exchanges differ widely in fees, custody practices, and regulatory standing—so choosing the right one matters.

Payment Apps and Fintech Platforms

Some payment services now offer basic crypto trading. These platforms focus on simplicity and accessibility, making them attractive for beginners. The trade-off is limited asset selection and fewer advanced trading tools.

Popular Platforms Investors Use Today

Robinhood

Robinhood allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies with no explicit trading commission. Costs are built into the spread. Its clean, intuitive interface makes it beginner-friendly, especially for investors already trading stocks or ETFs on the app.

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers offers crypto trading through partner custodians and also supports crypto futures. The platform is best suited for investors who want crypto exposure as part of a broader, multi-asset portfolio.

Webull

Webull provides commission-free crypto trading with a spread markup. It supports major cryptocurrencies and offers strong charting tools, appealing to traders who want a balance between usability and analytics.

Binance.US

Binance.US offers access to hundreds of cryptocurrencies with competitive fees. While the platform is popular among active traders, ongoing regulatory scrutiny means investors should stay informed and cautious.

Coinbase

Coinbase is one of the most recognizable names in crypto. It emphasizes security, compliance, and ease of use. Fees can be higher than some competitors, but many investors value its transparency and regulatory engagement—especially after the SEC dropped its lawsuit in 2025.

Kraken

Kraken is often favored by experienced traders. It supports a wide range of assets, offers tiered fees that reward higher volume, and provides professional trading tools. Availability may vary by region.

Charles Schwab & Tastytrade

These platforms don’t offer direct crypto ownership but provide access to crypto futures. They’re suitable for investors who prefer derivatives and already operate within traditional brokerage ecosystems.

What to Consider Before Trading Crypto

Before choosing a platform, ask yourself:

• Do you want to own crypto directly or trade derivatives?

• How important are regulation and custody protections?

• Are you comfortable with volatility and potential losses?

• Do fees come from commissions, spreads, or both?

Your answers will help narrow down the platforms that best match your goals and risk tolerance.

Final Thoughts

Cryptocurrency investing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some investors want simple exposure through ETFs, others prefer direct ownership, and more advanced traders seek leverage through futures.

What matters most is understanding what you’re buying, how you’re exposed, and what risks you’re taking. Crypto can be an opportunity—but only when approached with clarity, discipline, and realistic expectations.