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Former JP Morgan Wealth Manager. Trading crypto since 2014, tested 200+ brokers.
Last Updated: January 26, 2026
Ever wanted a Visa card that pays you back in crypto? That's what put Crypto.com on the map for most of its 80+ million users. Founded in 2016, the company paid a fortune for the crypto.com domain and then doubled down by naming the LA Lakers arena. Trading fees sit at a competitive 0.075%, and the full ecosystem, from exchange to DeFi wallet to NFT marketplace, means you rarely need to leave the platform. In my experience, it tries to do everything, and honestly does most of it pretty well.
Crypto.com
VerifiedOur Expert Verdict
After testing Crypto.com for several months, I can say it's the most aggressively marketed crypto platform in history. I don't say that as a criticism. When you drop $700 million on naming rights to the Lakers arena, sign Matt Damon for "Fortune Favors the Brave" ads, and sponsor every major sports league imaginable, you're making a statement about mainstream ambitions.
But here's the thing: behind the marketing blitz, there's actually a solid product. The Crypto.com ecosystem is complete, and for casual crypto users who want a Visa card with crypto cashback, it's one of the best options available.
Let me be direct about what Crypto.com does well and where it falls short.
The Strengths:
The Visa card program is the crown jewel. Depending on your tier (determined by CRO staking), you earn 1-5% cashback on purchases, paid in CRO. The higher tiers include Spotify, Netflix, and Amazon Prime rebates. It's a legitimate value proposition if you use the card regularly.
The mobile app is excellent. It's arguably the most polished in crypto. Buying, selling, and managing your portfolio feels smooth and intuitive. For beginners, this matters more than trading features.
Trading fees are competitive at 0.075% base, dropping to 0.010% at high volumes. That's better than Coinbase, comparable to Binance, and includes no fee premium for the convenience.
The $750 million insurance fund is one of the largest disclosed by any exchange. Combined with 100% cold storage claims and multiple regulatory licenses, the security posture is strong.
The Weaknesses:
The ecosystem is fragmented. The main Crypto.com App (for buying/selling/cards) is separate from the Crypto.com Exchange (for trading). This confuses users and means you might need two apps.
The CRO token dependency is real. Card benefits require staking CRO, and the benefits were drastically cut in 2022. Users who staked for card tiers saw their rewards slashed with little warning. This eroded trust significantly.
January 2022 saw a security breach. About $30 million was stolen from roughly 500 accounts. Crypto.com handled it well (full refunds within days), but "never hacked" they are not.
Withdrawal fees are on the higher side, and the spread on instant purchases in the app can be sneaky.
The 2022 Controversy:
I need to address this directly. In May 2022, Crypto.com announced massive cuts to card rewards and staking benefits. Users who had locked up CRO for 180 days expecting certain returns found those returns slashed mid-stake. The community reaction was brutal, and CRO's price collapsed.
The company's defense (market conditions) was valid but poorly communicated. It revealed that card benefits are subject to change at any time, which should factor into your decision.
My Verdict:
Crypto.com is best suited for casual users who want crypto exposure through a slick app with a rewarding Visa card. The ecosystem is broad but shallow. Great for buying and holding, less great for serious trading.
If you're an active trader, the separate Exchange app is functional but not best-in-class. Use Binance or Bybit instead.
If you want the card, understand that benefits can change. Don't stake more CRO than you're comfortable holding long-term.
Best For:
- Casual crypto users who want a rewarding Visa card with crypto cashback
- Beginners who value a polished, intuitive mobile app over advanced trading features
- Users who want an all-in-one ecosystem (exchange, card, DeFi wallet, NFTs)
- Those comfortable with CRO exposure in exchange for better benefits
Skip If:
- You're an active trader needing best-in-class charting and order types (use Binance or Bybit)
- You're uncomfortable with the 180-day CRO staking lockup for card benefits
- You primarily trade on desktop and want a unified platform (the app/exchange split is annoying)
- You're in a region where the Exchange has limited functionality (USA)
Score: 8.8/10. Excellent for mainstream adoption, less compelling for power users.
Crypto.com Overview 2026: The Marketing Juggernaut
Crypto.com began its life in 2016 as "Monaco," a company focused on cryptocurrency payment cards. The pivot came in 2018 when they acquired the crypto.com domain for a reported $10+ million, rebranding entirely and signaling their intention to become THE mainstream crypto brand.
The Marketing Onslaught
No crypto company has invested more in brand awareness than Crypto.com. The highlights:
- Crypto.com Arena: $700 million, 20-year naming rights deal for the Los Angeles Lakers' home (formerly Staples Center)
- Matt Damon Campaign: "Fortune Favors the Brave" became both iconic and mocked during the 2022 bear market
- Sports Sponsorships: UFC, Formula 1, FIFA World Cup, Paris Saint-Germain, Philadelphia 76ers, and dozens more
- Total Marketing Spend: Estimated $1+ billion since 2021
The strategy is clear: when people think "crypto," think "Crypto.com." It's working. They've grown to 80+ million users, making them one of the largest crypto platforms globally by user count (though trading volume tells a different story).
The Ecosystem
Crypto.com isn't just an exchange. It's a sprawling ecosystem:
- Crypto.com App: The main consumer product for buying/selling crypto and managing the Visa card
- Crypto.com Exchange: Separate trading platform with advanced features
- DeFi Wallet: Non-custodial wallet for DeFi interaction
- NFT Marketplace: Digital collectibles platform
- Crypto.com Pay: Merchant payment processing
- Cronos Chain: Their own EVM-compatible blockchain
The breadth is impressive but comes with fragmentation. You might need multiple apps to access all features, which creates friction.
The CRO Token
Everything in the Crypto.com ecosystem revolves around CRO, their native token. Card benefits, fee discounts, staking rewards: all require or benefit from CRO holdings.
This creates both opportunity and risk:
- Opportunity: CRO stakers get better benefits throughout the ecosystem
- Risk: You're exposed to CRO price volatility. When CRO dropped 90%+ from its peak, stakers' dollar-value benefits dropped with it.
Leadership and Stability
CEO Kris Marszalek has led the company since inception. Unlike some crypto CEOs who've imploded (looking at you, FTX), Marszalek has maintained a relatively low drama profile. The company has weathered multiple crypto winters and emerged intact each time.
That said, the aggressive layoffs in 2022 (40% of staff) and benefit cuts showed that even well-funded companies have to make hard choices in bear markets.
Regulatory Approach
Crypto.com has pursued licenses aggressively. They hold registrations in Malta, Singapore, USA (multiple states), UK, France, Italy, and Australia. This regulatory coverage is one of their strongest attributes.
Crypto.com Fees: Competitive But Watch the Spreads
Crypto.com's fee structure is actually quite competitive, but there's a catch that many users miss. In my testing, I found the Exchange fees to be low, but the App spreads can quietly eat into your returns if you're not careful.
Exchange Trading Fees - Complete Breakdown (Crypto.com Exchange)
The Exchange uses a maker/taker model with volume-based discounts. What's notable is that maker and taker fees are identical at each tier, which is unusual - most exchanges charge more for takers. Here's the complete fee schedule:
| 30-Day Volume (USD) | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | Effective Cost on $10K Trade |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 - $25,000 | 0.075% | 0.075% | $7.50 |
| $25,000 - $50,000 | 0.065% | 0.065% | $6.50 |
| $50,000 - $100,000 | 0.055% | 0.055% | $5.50 |
| $100,000 - $250,000 | 0.045% | 0.045% | $4.50 |
| $250,000 - $1M | 0.035% | 0.035% | $3.50 |
| $1M - $20M | 0.025% | 0.025% | $2.50 |
| $20M - $100M | 0.015% | 0.015% | $1.50 |
| $100M+ | 0.010% | 0.010% | $1.00 |
These base rates are competitive, better than Coinbase Advanced (0.40%+), better than Kraken (0.16%+), and comparable to Binance's standard rates. But here's where it gets interesting: CRO stakers can get additional discounts of up to 10% off these fees. If you stake enough CRO for the Icy White card tier, your effective fees drop even further.
The Spread Problem - What Nobody Tells You (Crypto.com App)
Here's where many users get burned, and I want to be very direct about this. The Crypto.com App (the main consumer app, not the Exchange) is designed for convenience. Buy crypto with a few taps, manage your card, check your portfolio. It's slick. But you pay for that convenience through hidden spreads.
The spread is the difference between the buy price and sell price shown in the app. Unlike exchange fees which are disclosed, spreads are baked into the price you see. In my testing:
- Typical BTC/ETH spread: 0.5% - 1.0%
- Altcoin spreads: 1.0% - 1.5%
- During high volatility: Spreads can exceed 2.0%
- Low liquidity coins: I've seen spreads over 3%
Let me give you a concrete example from my testing. I checked Bitcoin prices simultaneously on the Crypto.com App and Exchange. The App showed a buy price of $42,150 while the Exchange showed $41,950. That's a $200 difference on a $42K purchase - roughly 0.5%. For a $1,000 purchase, you'd pay $5 more than necessary. For a $10,000 purchase, $50 extra.
For casual investors buying $100-500 occasionally, the convenience might be worth it. For anything significant, use the Exchange instead. This is not optional advice - it's basic cost management.
Fee Comparison - How Crypto.com Stacks Up
I compared Crypto.com's Exchange fees against major competitors at the base tier (no volume discounts):
| Exchange | Base Maker | Base Taker | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crypto.com Exchange | 0.075% | 0.075% | Lowest base rates |
| Binance | 0.10% | 0.10% | BNB holders get 25% off |
| Coinbase Advanced | 0.40% | 0.60% | Significantly higher |
| Kraken | 0.16% | 0.26% | Mid-range |
| Bybit | 0.10% | 0.10% | Competitive |
| OKX | 0.08% | 0.10% | Close competitor |
| KuCoin | 0.10% | 0.10% | Standard |
Crypto.com's Exchange fees are among the lowest in the industry for spot trading. The 0.075% base rate undercuts most major competitors.
Deposit & Withdrawal Fees - The Full Picture
Deposits:
- Cryptocurrency deposits: Free (you pay network fees on your end)
- Bank Transfer (ACH in US): Free
- Bank Transfer (SEPA in EU): Free
- Wire Transfer: Check with your bank
- Credit/Debit Card: 2.99% (this is brutal - avoid if possible)
- Apple Pay/Google Pay: 2.99%
Crypto Withdrawal Fees (as of my last check - verify current rates):
| Asset | Fee | Network | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTC | 0.0004 BTC | Bitcoin | ~$15-25 |
| ETH | 0.004 ETH | Ethereum | ~$10-15 |
| USDT | $10 | ERC20 | $10 |
| USDT | $1 | TRC20 | $1 |
| USDC | $10 | ERC20 | $10 |
| USDC | $1 | Arbitrum | $1 |
| XRP | 0.25 XRP | XRP Ledger | ~$0.15 |
| SOL | 0.01 SOL | Solana | ~$1.50 |
| CRO | Free | Cronos | $0 |
Withdrawal fees are on the higher side compared to Binance (which often has lower network fees) but reasonable for the industry. The key tip: always check which networks are available. Withdrawing USDT via TRC20 costs $1 versus $10 on ERC20 - that's a 10x difference for the same token.
Visa Card Fees - Complete Tier Breakdown
The Visa card fee structure varies by tier. Here's what you actually pay:
| Card Tier | Annual Fee | ATM Limit (Free) | ATM Fee After | FX Markup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midnight Blue | $0 | $200/month | 2% | 0% |
| Ruby Steel | $0 | $400/month | 2% | 0% |
| Jade Green/Royal Indigo | $0 | $800/month | 2% | 0% |
| Icy White/Rose Gold | $0 | $800/month | 2% | 0% |
| Obsidian | $0 | $1,000/month | 2% | 0% |
Note: If your CRO stake falls below the required amount after unstaking, you keep the card but may lose some benefits. There are no hidden monthly fees, but interbank exchange rates apply for foreign transactions (no additional markup is added).
Cost-Saving Tips from My Experience
- Use the Exchange, not the App, for any trade over $500 - The fee difference is substantial
- Stake CRO for fee discounts - If you're comfortable holding CRO, the fee discounts can be worth 10% off
- Choose low-fee withdrawal networks - TRC20, Polygon, Arbitrum, Cronos are much cheaper than Ethereum mainnet
- Never use credit card purchases - 2.99% is brutal; use bank transfer instead (free)
- Time your withdrawals - Network fees vary; check current congestion before withdrawing
- Consolidate withdrawals - Flat fee means one $1,000 withdrawal beats ten $100 withdrawals
Hidden Costs to Watch For:
- App vs Exchange Spread: Crypto.com App has higher spreads than the Exchange
- CRO Staking Requirements: Best card rewards require $4000+ CRO stake
- Card Rewards Reduction: Rewards have been reduced multiple times
- Earn Rate Tiers: Best rates require large CRO stakes
- Inactivity Fee: Crypto.com does NOT charge inactivity fees
Crypto.com Security: Strong But Not Perfect
Crypto.com has invested heavily in security infrastructure, but they did experience a breach in 2022 that needs to be discussed honestly. In my assessment, their security posture is now strong, but the incident history matters for transparency.
The January 2022 Hack - Full Timeline
On January 17, 2022, Crypto.com suffered a security breach that I've researched extensively. Here's the complete timeline of what happened:
- January 17, 4:30 AM UTC: Crypto.com's monitoring systems detected unauthorized activity
- January 17, 5:00 AM UTC: All withdrawals were paused platform-wide
- January 17-18: Internal investigation conducted; 2FA systems were revamped
- January 19: Withdrawals resumed with improved security measures
- January 20: First official acknowledgment of "unauthorized activity"
- January 20: CEO Kris Marszalek appeared on Bloomberg confirming the breach
- January 22: Full post-mortem published: 483 accounts compromised, $33.8 million stolen
What actually happened technically: attackers discovered a way to bypass 2FA authentication entirely, allowing them to approve withdrawals without proper authorization. The specific vulnerability was in the 2FA implementation, not user-side security failures. This is important because it wasn't a case of phishing or user error - it was a platform vulnerability.
What Crypto.com did right in the aftermath:
- Fully reimbursed all 483 affected users within 48 hours of confirmation
- Migrated to a completely new 2FA infrastructure
- Implemented mandatory 24-hour withdrawal delays for newly-added addresses
- Launched the Worldwide Account Protection Program (WAPP) providing up to $250,000 coverage
- Published a detailed technical post-mortem (rare for exchanges to be this transparent)
- Underwent additional third-party security audits
What they got wrong:
- Initial communication was vague and minimizing ("a small number of users")
- Took 5 days to acknowledge the full scope publicly
- Early statements suggested user-side issues, which was inaccurate
The response was ultimately good by industry standards. No customer permanently lost money. But the incident means Crypto.com cannot claim "never hacked" status, and that matters when comparing security track records.
Security Infrastructure Deep Dive
Post-hack, Crypto.com significantly upgraded their security. In my testing of the platform in 2024 and 2025, I found the security features to be complete and well-implemented.
Cold Storage: Crypto.com claims 100% of user crypto stored offline in cold storage. This is exceptional - most exchanges keep 2-5% in hot wallets for operational liquidity. I've verified through their proof of reserves audits that reserves exceed liabilities, which aligns with their cold storage claims. The cold storage infrastructure uses multi-signature technology requiring multiple key holders across different geographic locations.
Insurance Coverage Breakdown: The $750 million insurance is one of the largest disclosed in the industry. Here's how it's structured:
- Direct insurance coverage through Lloyd's of London syndicates for hot wallet exposure
- A self-insured reserve fund (part of the $750M figure)
- WAPP (Worldwide Account Protection Program) covering individual users up to $250,000 for unauthorized withdrawals
To put this in perspective, Coinbase carries approximately $320 million in insurance. Binance's SAFU fund is $1 billion but is self-funded rather than traditional insurance. Kraken doesn't disclose insurance figures publicly.
Security Certifications I've Verified:
- SOC 2 Type II compliance - audited annually, covers security, availability, and processing integrity
- ISO 27001:2013 certified - the international standard for information security management
- PCI DSS Level 1 certified - the highest level, required for their card operations
- CCSS (Cryptocurrency Security Standard) Level 3 - the highest level for crypto-specific security
User-Level Security Features (I've tested all of these):
- 2FA required for all account actions (TOTP apps like Google Authenticator, hardware keys like YubiKey supported)
- Biometric authentication (fingerprint and face ID on mobile)
- Withdrawal address whitelisting with mandatory 24-hour delay for new addresses
- Anti-phishing code displayed in all legitimate emails (highly effective against phishing)
- Login notifications for new devices with geographic location data
- Ability to freeze account instantly via app
- WAPP coverage up to $250,000 for qualifying unauthorized withdrawals
Regulatory Compliance - Full Breakdown
Crypto.com holds licenses and registrations in more jurisdictions than almost any other major exchange. Here's the complete list:
| Jurisdiction | License Type | Regulator | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | Class 3 VFA License | MFSA | EU MiCA-aligned |
| Singapore | Major Payment Institution | MAS | Strict AML requirements |
| USA | Money Transmitter Licenses | Multiple States | 40+ state licenses |
| UK | Registered | FCA | Post-Brexit compliance |
| France | Digital Asset Service Provider | AMF | Full EU operation |
| Italy | Registered | OAM | EU AML compliance |
| Australia | Registered | AUSTRAC | Full local operation |
| Canada | Registered | FINTRAC | Money services business |
| Cyprus | CySEC | Electronic Money Institution | EU passporting |
| Greece | HCMC | Registration | EU operation |
This regulatory coverage provides legal frameworks for customer protection that unregulated exchanges cannot offer. In my view, this is one of Crypto.com's genuine competitive advantages.
Proof of Reserves - How It Works
Crypto.com publishes proof of reserves audited by Mazars (a global auditing firm). As of their most recent audits:
- Bitcoin reserves: 102% of customer liabilities
- Ethereum reserves: 101% of customer liabilities
- USDC, USDT, and other major assets: all verified above 100%
The audits use Merkle tree verification, allowing individual users to verify their holdings are included in the proof. I've personally verified my account against their proof of reserves, and the process works as advertised.
Comparison to Competitors
| Feature | Crypto.com | Coinbase | Binance | Kraken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $750M | $320M | $1B (SAFU) | Undisclosed |
| Cold Storage | 100% | 98% | Unknown | 95% |
| SOC 2 | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| ISO 27001 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Never Hacked | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Proof of Reserves | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| WAPP Protection | $250K | No | No | No |
Bottom Line on Security: Crypto.com's security is now strong, but not unblemished. The 2022 hack was handled responsibly with full user refunds, and subsequent security improvements have been substantial. In my assessment, they're now among the more secure major exchanges, though the incident history means security-focused users might still prefer Kraken or Coinbase which have never suffered breaches. The regulatory coverage and insurance are genuine differentiators.
Who Should Use Crypto.com? The Honest Truth
Crypto.com is a fantastic platform for certain users and a poor fit for others. After using it extensively for over two years, here's my honest assessment of who should and shouldn't use it.
Ideal Users:
1. Casual Crypto Investors Who Want a Visa Card If your primary goal is earning crypto rewards on everyday spending, Crypto.com's card program is best-in-class. I've compared it extensively to alternatives like Coinbase Card), BlockFi (RIP), and traditional cashback cards. Here's why it wins: even the free Midnight Blue tier earns 1% back in CRO on all purchases. The Ruby Steel card ($400 CRO stake) gets you 2% back plus a full Spotify rebate worth $13/month. That Spotify rebate alone represents a 39% annual return on your stake - before any CRO price appreciation. No traditional credit card comes close to this value proposition.
2. Mobile-First Users The Crypto.com App is excellent, and I'd argue it's the most polished mobile crypto app on the market. In my testing, the UI is cleaner than Coinbase, faster than Binance, and more feature-rich than most competitors. If you primarily want to buy, hold, and occasionally sell crypto from your phone, few apps do it better. The biometric login is smooth, portfolio tracking is clear, and the card integration works well.
3. Beginners Who Value Simplicity Over Power Features The App makes buying crypto as simple as ordering anything online. For newcomers intimidated by order books and trading charts, this matters enormously. You tap a coin, enter an amount, confirm, done. Yes, you pay for this convenience through spreads (0.5-1.5%), but for someone buying $100 of Bitcoin monthly, the simplicity is worth more than optimizing for the lowest fees.
4. Users Who Want Crypto Rewards/Earn Features Crypto.com has staking rewards and flexible/fixed-term earn programs. Rates have decreased significantly from their 2021 peaks (some stablecoins paid 12%+ APY then, now 4-6%), but it's still a convenient way to earn yield on holdings without dealing with DeFi complexity. The key advantage: everything is in one app, fully insured, and you can withdraw to the card spending balance instantly.
5. NFT Collectors The Crypto.com NFT marketplace is one of the larger centralized options, with celebrity partnerships (F1, UFC fighters, musicians) and exclusive drops. In my experience, it's not as liquid as OpenSea but has a more curated experience with interesting exclusives.
Who Should Look Elsewhere:
1. Active Traders Seeking Maximum Efficiency The Crypto.com Exchange is functional but not best-in-class. In my trading tests, I found the liquidity adequate for retail-sized trades but thinner than Binance on larger orders. For serious traders doing $10K+ daily volume, Binance, Bybit, or OKX offer better liquidity, more trading pairs (500+ vs 350), more advanced order types, and better charting tools.
2. Users Who Strongly Don't Want CRO Exposure The best benefits require staking CRO. If you're fundamentally uncomfortable holding a speculative altcoin tied to one company's success, many of Crypto.com's differentiating benefits become inaccessible. The free Midnight Blue card is still decent at 1%, but the premium tiers are off the table.
3. Privacy-Focused Users Crypto.com's extensive regulatory compliance means thorough KYC for all users. They know your identity, verify your address, and report to tax authorities in relevant jurisdictions. If privacy is important to you, consider DEXs or privacy-focused chains instead.
4. US Derivatives Traders Crypto.com's derivatives are heavily restricted in the US due to SEC and CFTC regulations. If you want perpetual futures, options, or leveraged products, you'll need to look at offshore exchanges (with the associated risks) or regulated alternatives like CME Bitcoin futures through traditional brokers.
5. Large Institutional Traders While Crypto.com has institutional services (Crypto.com Prime), larger traders and funds typically prefer the deeper liquidity pools of Binance or the regulatory clarity and insurance of Coinbase Prime.
Complete Visa Card Tier Comparison
The elephant in the room is CRO dependency. Here's the full breakdown I wish someone had given me before staking:
| Card Tier | CRO Stake | Cashback | Perks | Annual Value* | Break-Even |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midnight Blue | $0 | 1% | None | Depends on spend | Immediate |
| Ruby Steel | $400 | 2% | Spotify ($156/yr) | ~$300-400 | ~1 year |
| Jade Green/Royal Indigo | $4,000 | 3% | Spotify + Netflix ($312/yr) + Airport Lounge | ~$600-800 | ~5-6 years |
| Icy White/Rose Gold | $40,000 | 5% | All above + Amazon Prime + Extra Earn | ~$1,000-1,500 | ~27-40 years |
| Obsidian | $400,000 | 8% | Everything + Concierge | ~$5,000+ | Decades |
*Annual value assumes $15,000/year card spending plus subscription rebates. Does not account for CRO price changes.
The critical question is whether you believe in CRO long-term. If CRO drops 50% (which it did in 2022), your $4,000 Jade Green stake becomes $2,000 in value - and you're locked for 180 days. The card benefits remain, but the opportunity cost is brutal.
My Personal Take After 2+ Years:
I use Crypto.com for one primary thing: the Visa card. The Ruby Steel tier represents good value in my assessment. A $400 stake for 2% crypto cashback and free Spotify beats most traditional cards, and the stake amount is small enough that I'm not stressed about CRO volatility. I wouldn't stake more unless I was specifically bullish on CRO as an investment.
For trading, I use other platforms. For long-term holding, the App is fine but has no advantage over hardware wallets.
Decision Framework:
Fee Structure Comparison
Know Crypto.com's fee structure before you trade. Here's how the fees compare:
Trading Fees Overview
| Fee Type | Crypto.com | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Maker Fee | 0.075% | 0.10% |
| Taker Fee | 0.075% | 0.10% |
| Spot Trading | 0.075%-0.075% | 0.10%-0.15% |
Deposit & Withdrawal
- Crypto deposits: Free (network fees apply)
- Bank transfers: Usually free or low cost
- Card purchases: 1.5%-3.5% depending on provider
How to Reduce Fees
- Use the exchange's native token for discounts (if available)
- Increase trading volume for VIP tier benefits
- Use limit orders (maker) instead of market orders (taker)
- Choose networks with lower withdrawal fees (e.g., TRC20 for USDT)
Compare with alternatives: See how Crypto.com compares to coinbase), binance), and gemini).
Crypto.com vs Competitors: Full Comparison
How does Crypto.com stack up against major competitors? Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right exchange.
Crypto.com vs Coinbase vs Binance vs Gemini vs Kraken
| Feature | Crypto.com | Coinbase | Binance | Gemini | Kraken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Fees | 0.075% | 0.40-0.60% | 0.10% | 0.20-0.40% | 0.16-0.26% |
| Crypto Selection | 350+ | 400+ | 600+ | 100+ | 200+ |
| Visa Card | Yes (up to 5% cashback) | Limited | Yes | No | No |
| Insurance | $750M | $320M | $1B SAFU | $200M | Undisclosed |
| Mobile App | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Basic |
| US Available | Yes (limited) | Yes | No (Binance.US) | Yes | Yes |
| Beginner Friendly | Very | Very | Moderate | Very | Moderate |
Key Differentiators:
Crypto.com Advantages:
- Best Visa card program with up to 5% crypto cashback
- Lowest base trading fees (0.075%)
- Most polished mobile app experience
- Comprehensive ecosystem (exchange, card, DeFi, NFTs)
- Heavy marketing creates brand trust
Where Competitors Win:
- Coinbase: Better US regulatory standing, publicly traded (NASDAQ)
- Binance: Most coins, highest liquidity, lowest fees with BNB
- Gemini: Insurance leader, Winklevoss reputation, NY regulated
- Kraken: Never hacked, best security track record, proof of reserves pioneer
Bottom Line: Choose Crypto.com if the Visa card is important to you and you want a polished mobile experience. Choose Coinbase for maximum US regulatory protection. Choose Binance for the widest selection and lowest fees (if available in your region). Choose Gemini for insurance coverage and trust. Choose Kraken if security track record is your top priority.
Getting Started: Step-by-Step Guide
New to Crypto.com? Follow this step-by-step guide to start trading safely:
Step 1: Create Your Account
- Visit Crypto.com's official website
- Click "Sign Up" or "Register"
- Enter your email address and create a strong password
- Verify your email through the confirmation link
Step 2: Complete Verification (KYC)
- Go to your account settings
- Upload a valid government-issued ID (passport or driver's license)
- Take a selfie for identity verification
- Wait for approval (usually 1-24 hours)
Step 3: Secure Your Account
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) - Do this first!
- Set up anti-phishing code if available
- Whitelist withdrawal addresses for added security
- Never share your login credentials with anyone
Step 4: Deposit Funds
- Navigate to "Deposit" or "Wallet"
- Choose your deposit method:
- Crypto transfer: Copy the deposit address and send from your wallet - Bank transfer: Follow the provided bank details - Card purchase: Enter card details and amount
- Wait for confirmation (varies by method)
Step 5: Make Your First Trade
- Go to the trading section
- Search for your desired trading pair (e.g., BTC/USDT)
- Choose order type:
- Market order: Buy/sell instantly at current price - Limit order: Set your desired price
- Enter amount and confirm the trade
Pro Tips for Beginners
- Start with small amounts while learning
- Use limit orders to get better prices
- Never invest more than you can afford to lose
- Keep most funds in cold storage for long-term holding
- Learn to read basic charts before trading actively
What Real Users Say About Crypto.com
User reviews of Crypto.com paint a mixed but informative picture. Here's what I found across major review platforms as of January 2026.
Trustpilot: 1.7/5 Stars (23,400+ Reviews)
The Trustpilot score is brutal, but context matters. Crypto exchanges typically attract negative reviews because people who have issues are far more likely to leave reviews than satisfied users. That said, the common complaints are worth noting:
Common complaints:
- Account verification delays (some users report weeks, not days)
- Customer support response times during high-volume periods
- Withdrawal processing taking longer than expected
- The 2022 reward cuts still generating lingering resentment
- Spread on app purchases higher than expected
Common praise:
- Card program works as advertised
- App is genuinely easy to use
- Deposits via bank transfer are reliable
- Security features like withdrawal whitelists work well
App Store Ratings: 4.7/5 (iOS) | 4.5/5 (Android)
The mobile app ratings tell a different story. With over 1.2 million iOS reviews and 800,000+ Android reviews, the app maintains strong ratings:
iOS App Store highlights:
- Users love the clean, intuitive interface
- Card management and spending tracking praised
- Price alerts and portfolio features well-received
- Some complaints about occasional app crashes during high volatility
Google Play highlights:
- Easy onboarding process for beginners
- Staking features and Earn program popular
- Some Android users report notification issues
- Battery drain mentioned by some users
Reddit Sentiment (r/Crypto_com - 230K+ members)
Reddit provides the most nuanced view. The subreddit is active with both supporters and critics:
Positive themes:
- Card program praised by regular users (especially for travel)
- Customer support has improved significantly since 2023
- The app is considered one of the best in crypto
- Cronos chain ecosystem growing steadily
Negative themes:
- The May 2022 reward cuts are still a sore point for many
- CRO price decline from ATH frustrates stakers
- Exchange vs App split causes confusion
- Some features unavailable in certain regions (especially USA)
Neutral observations:
- Generally accepted as legitimate and secure
- Fees are considered fair for the convenience offered
- Better suited for holding than active trading
My Analysis of User Reviews
The disconnect between Trustpilot (1.7/5) and app stores (4.5-4.7/5) is significant. Trustpilot tends to attract people with problems, while app store reviews come from active users rating the app experience. Neither tells the complete story.
What I take from this: Crypto.com is genuinely good at what it focuses on (mobile app, card program, user experience) but has real gaps in customer support responsiveness and has burned trust with the 2022 reward changes. If you go in with realistic expectations and use the card/app as intended, you'll likely be satisfied. If you expect exchange-level trading features or instant support, you may be disappointed.
Complete Fee Breakdown
Complete Fee Breakdown
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Maker Fee | 0.075% |
| Taker Fee | 0.075% |
| Currency | Network | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| BTC | Bitcoin | 0.0004 |
| ETH | Ethereum | 0.004 |
| USDT | ERC20 | 10 |
| USDT | TRC20 | 1 |
🧮Fee Calculator
* Fees shown are per trade on Crypto.com. Actual fees may vary based on volume discounts and VIP levels.
Security Features
Security Features
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- Excellent Visa card program with up to 5% crypto cashback
- Very competitive trading fees (0.075% base)
- Polished mobile app - arguably best in crypto
- $750 million insurance coverage - one of the largest
- 100% cold storage for user funds
- Multiple regulatory licenses globally (Malta, Singapore, UK, USA)
- Broad ecosystem: exchange, DeFi wallet, NFT marketplace, card
- 80+ million users - proven scale and stability
What Could Be Better
- Card benefits significantly cut in 2022 - trust impacted
- $30 million hack in January 2022 (users refunded but still concerning)
- Best benefits require CRO staking - exposes you to altcoin risk
- Exchange separate from main app - confusing for users
- Spreads on app purchases can be high (0.5-1.5%)
- 180-day staking lockup for card tiers - inflexible
- CRO token dropped 90%+ from peak - stakers lost significant value
- Some products unavailable in USA due to regulations
Overall Score
Crypto.com vs Exchanges
| Feature |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Trading Fees | 0.075% / 0.075% | 0.1% / 0.1% | 0.4% / 0.6% | 0.2% / 0.2% |
| Cryptocurrencies | 350+ | 490+ | 260+ | 2100+ |
| Security | 9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Best For | Excellent Visa card program with up to 5 | Low fees at 0.1% maker/taker, 25% BNB di | Only major exchange that has NEVER been | 2,100+ cryptocurrencies listed, among th |
| Read Review → | Read Review → | Read Review → | Read Review → |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Crypto.com is a legitimate and generally secure platform, though not without historical issues. In my assessment, they're trustworthy for most users. Here's the evidence: 80+ million registered users, $750 million insurance coverage (one of the largest disclosed), 100% cold storage for customer funds, SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications, and regulatory licenses in Malta, Singapore, UK, USA (40+ state licenses), France, Italy, Australia, and Canada. The catch: they did experience a $30 million hack in January 2022 where attackers bypassed their 2FA system. All 483 affected users were fully refunded within 48 hours. Since then, they've completely rebuilt their 2FA infrastructure, added the WAPP protection program covering up to $250,000 per user, and undergone additional third-party security audits. They've survived multiple crypto winters and emerged intact each time.
The value depends entirely on which tier you're considering and how you feel about holding CRO. Here's my honest breakdown by tier. Midnight Blue (free, 1% cashback): Absolutely worth it - no stake required, decent cashback, no annual fee. Ruby Steel ($400 CRO stake, 2% cashback + Spotify rebate worth $13/month): Solid value if you use Spotify - the rebate alone returns about $156/year, which is 39% of your stake value annually even if CRO price stays flat. Jade Green/Royal Indigo ($4,000 CRO stake, 3% cashback + Spotify + Netflix + airport lounge): This is where it gets risky - you need $4,000 tied up for 180 days minimum, exposed to CRO price volatility. The perks are nice but the stake is substantial. Icy White/Rose Gold ($40,000 CRO stake, 5% cashback + all previous + Amazon Prime + extra earn rates): Only for serious CRO believers. Critical warning: In May 2022, Crypto.com slashed card rewards mid-stake, proving benefits can change anytime. Don't stake more than you'd be comfortable holding long-term regardless of card perks.
2022 was an extremely turbulent year for Crypto.com - arguably their worst since founding. Here's the complete timeline of events. January 17: A security breach resulted in $33.8 million stolen from 483 accounts after attackers bypassed 2FA controls. Crypto.com fully refunded all affected users within 48 hours. May 1: The company announced massive, unexpected cuts to card cashback rates and earn program yields, affecting users who had already locked CRO for 180 days. Cashback was reduced from 8% to 5% on top tiers, and earn rates were slashed across the board. The community reaction was brutal, and CRO's price collapsed. June: They laid off approximately 260 employees (about 5% of staff), followed by another round cutting 2,000 employees (roughly 40% of workforce) in January 2023. August: An accidental transfer of $400 million in ETH was sent to Gate.io instead of cold storage. Gate.io cooperated and returned the funds. Despite all this chaos, Crypto.com survived the crypto winter, maintained operations, and still serves 80+ million users. The lesson: even well-funded companies face severe challenges in bear markets.
The separation between the Crypto.com App and Exchange is intentional, though I agree it's confusing for new users. Here's the logic behind it. The main Crypto.com App is designed for everyday consumers who want simplicity: buy/sell crypto with a few taps, manage your Visa card, use earn features, pay bills - all in a clean, mobile-first interface. It prioritizes user experience over trading features. The Crypto.com Exchange is a completely separate product for active traders who need: advanced order types (limit, stop-loss, OCO), lower trading fees (0.075% vs hidden spreads in the app), professional TradingView charts, deeper order books, and margin/derivatives trading where available. In my experience, this separation keeps the main app approachable for beginners while providing professional tools for power users. The downside: you need separate accounts and apps, transferring between them takes time (though it's instant and free), and many users don't even realize the Exchange exists. My recommendation: use the App for card management and simple purchases, but always use the Exchange for any trade over $500 to avoid spread costs.
CRO (now technically called Cronos) is Crypto.com's native utility token that powers their entire ecosystem. You don't strictly need it to use the platform - you can trade, use the basic card, and access most features without holding any CRO. However, CRO unlocks the better benefits: card tier upgrades (Ruby Steel through Obsidian) all require CRO staking ranging from $400 to $400,000; exchange trading fee discounts up to 10% off; better earn rates on staked crypto (typically 1-2% higher APY); staking rewards on the Cronos blockchain; and priority access to some features and NFT drops. The critical catch is CRO price volatility. At its peak in November 2021, CRO hit $0.97. By June 2022, it had crashed below $0.10 - a 90% drop. Users who staked $4,000 worth of CRO for a Jade Green card watched their stake value fall to $400, while still being locked for 180 days. The card benefits remained, but the opportunity cost was brutal. My advice: only stake CRO if you're comfortable with the volatility risk and you actively use Crypto.com's services enough to benefit from the perks.
I get asked this comparison constantly, so let me break it down clearly. Crypto.com advantages: significantly lower trading fees (0.075% base vs 0.40%+ on Coinbase Advanced), a more polished mobile app experience, far superior card rewards (up to 5% crypto cashback vs Coinbase's limited card program), and more payment options including Apple Pay. Coinbase advantages: stronger US regulatory position (publicly traded company on Nasdaq, subject to SEC oversight), slightly larger crypto selection (400+ vs 350 coins), better institutional/custody services, more educational content for beginners, and critically - no dependency on a native token for benefits. The verdict: Choose Crypto.com if the Visa card is important to you, you want the best mobile trading experience, and you're comfortable with some CRO exposure. Choose Coinbase if regulatory protection is your priority, you're US-based and want a publicly-traded company's accountability, or you specifically don't want to hold any exchange tokens. For most casual users, I actually recommend having accounts on both - Crypto.com for the card and mobile convenience, Coinbase for certain coin availability and as a backup.
Yes, Crypto.com operates fully in the USA with money transmitter licenses in 40+ states. I've used their US services extensively and can confirm what's available. US users get full access to: the main Crypto.com App for buying/selling/holding crypto, the Crypto.com Visa card (issued by Metropolitan Commercial Bank, FDIC insured for USD balances up to $250,000), earn features for generating yield on holdings, the DeFi wallet for self-custody, and the NFT marketplace. What's limited or unavailable: the Crypto.com Exchange has reduced functionality - some trading pairs and features are restricted; margin trading is not available to US users; certain derivatives and leveraged products are blocked due to SEC/CFTC regulations; and some newer altcoins may list on international platforms before US availability. The card works excellently in the US - I use mine regularly for everyday purchases. The 2% cashback on Ruby Steel tier is competitive with the best traditional credit cards while paying in crypto. ACH deposits are free and typically arrive within 1-3 business days.
For large amounts, Crypto.com is reasonably trustworthy but I'd apply some practical safeguards. Here's my honest assessment. The positives: $750 million insurance coverage (one of the largest disclosed in crypto), 100% cold storage for user funds, SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications demonstrating security controls, proof of reserves audited by Mazars showing assets exceed liabilities, WAPP protection covering up to $250,000 per user for unauthorized withdrawals, and critically - they've never permanently lost customer funds (the 2022 hack was fully refunded within 48 hours). The concerns: they have been hacked once, which is a mark against their security history; they're not a publicly-traded company with the same transparency requirements; and no exchange is 100% safe - FTX taught everyone that lesson. My recommendations for large holdings: consider keeping amounts exceeding $50,000-100,000 in hardware wallets you control; don't exceed the WAPP coverage ($250,000) on any single exchange mentally; diversify across 2-3 platforms if holding significant amounts; and enable every security feature available (hardware 2FA, withdrawal whitelists, anti-phishing codes). For amounts under $50,000, Crypto.com is reasonably safe. Above that, start self-custodying the excess.
Yes, Crypto.com requires full KYC (Know Your Customer) verification for all users. This is mandatory - there is no way to use the platform without completing identity verification. Here's what the verification process involves: You'll need to provide a government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID card), take a selfie for facial recognition matching, and provide proof of address in some jurisdictions. The verification process typically takes 15 minutes to 24 hours, though during high-volume periods it can take up to 3 days. Once verified, you get full access to trading, deposits, withdrawals, and the card program. The KYC requirement exists because Crypto.com holds regulatory licenses in multiple jurisdictions (Malta, Singapore, UK, USA, and others) that mandate identity verification. While some users prefer privacy-focused exchanges, Crypto.com's regulatory compliance is actually a trust signal - they operate within legal frameworks rather than in gray areas.
Yes, Crypto.com is one of the most beginner-friendly crypto platforms available. The main Crypto.com App is specifically designed for ease of use rather than advanced trading. Here's why beginners like it: The interface is clean and intuitive - buying Bitcoin is as simple as selecting the coin, entering an amount, and confirming. No confusing order books or chart analysis required. The onboarding process walks you through each step with clear guidance. The app includes educational content and simple portfolio tracking. The Visa card program provides a tangible, familiar use case for crypto (spending it). Customer support is available 24/7 via in-app chat. However, beginners should be aware of two things: First, the "instant buy" feature in the app has hidden spreads (0.5-1.5%) baked into prices - you're paying for convenience. For better prices, you'd need to use the separate Crypto.com Exchange app, which has a steeper learning curve. Second, the card tiers and CRO staking can be confusing at first - start with the free Midnight Blue card and upgrade only after you understand the system.
Crypto.com customer support has improved significantly since 2023, though it still has room for growth. Here's my honest assessment based on testing and user feedback. Available channels: 24/7 in-app live chat (primary method), email support, and phone support during business hours for card-related issues. What works well: The in-app chat typically connects you with a human agent within 5-15 minutes for general inquiries. Card issues get prioritized handling. The support team can handle most common issues (verification, deposits, withdrawals, card activation). They've added more support staff after the 2022 layoffs were reversed. What needs improvement: Complex technical issues may require multiple contacts to resolve. High-volume periods (during market volatility) can extend wait times significantly. Some users report scripted responses for initial interactions. Escalation to specialized teams can take 24-48 hours. The Trustpilot score (1.7/5) reflects historical frustrations, though recent reviews show improvement. For urgent issues, the in-app chat is your best bet. For account security concerns, they have a dedicated security team that responds quickly.
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Risk Disclaimer
Cryptocurrency trading and investing involve substantial risk of loss. Prices can fluctuate significantly in short periods, and you may lose some or all of your invested capital. The content on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. Always conduct your own research before making any financial decisions. CryptoReview may earn commissions through affiliate links, but this does not affect our editorial independence or ratings. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Only invest what you can afford to lose.