10 Most Trusted and Safest Crypto Exchanges in 2026

When it comes to any financial system, trust and security are paramount. Without them, participation slows, liquidity dries up, and even the most innovative technology struggles to gain mainstream acceptance. Cryptocurrency, despite its decentralized foundations, is no exception.

As the industry continues to mature, the definition of ‘safety’ also shifts, including custody structures, operational transparency, pricing clarity, regulatory alignment, and the consistency of a platform’s performance. And today, centralized and non-custodial platforms alike are now measured by how well they protect user funds, manage risk, and maintain operational integrity over time. With that in mind, here are the top 10 most trusted and safest crypto exchanges in 2026.

1. ChangeNOW 

ChangeNOW is a non-custodial crypto management platform, which means that users are able to retain control of their assets throughout each transaction rather than the platform holding on to their funds, ultimately reducing custodial counterparty exposure. The platform integrates all fees directly into the quoted rate, emphasizing pricing transparency, and reports that 98% of swaps are completed at the expected rate or within a 0.5% deviation. Fixed-rate options are also available, allowing users to lock in pricing regardless of short-term market fluctuations.

Part of what strengthens ChangeNOW’s reputation is the fact that it has maintained a stable operations track record since 2017. With more than 5 million global users, the platform offers 24/7 customer support and maintains a 4.5 Trustpilot rating across 13,000+ reviews. It is also integrated with well-known wallet providers such as Trezor and Exodus, allowing users to access its services through established crypto storage solutions. Additionally, the platform offers a pro version for more active users, which adds AML address checks and enhanced transaction monitoring tools, reinforcing its focus on transparency and transaction integrity.

2. Gate.io

With more than 40 million users globally, Gate.io is one of the oldest global exchanges in the market. A central component of its trust framework is custody management, with the majority of user assets held in cold storage and separated from operational hot wallets. The platform has also been an early adopter of publicly available Proof-of-Reserves reporting, allowing users to verify asset backing and reinforcing transparency around solvency.

Furthermore,  Gate.io incorporates layered wallet management, multi-factor authentication, and withdrawal risk controls designed to mitigate unauthorized activity. Spot trading fees remain competitive at 0.10% for both makers and takers, while the number of tokens the exchange supports continues to attract a large international user base.

3. Binance

Binance is the largest crypto exchange in terms of trading volume, with more than 300 million users globally. As a result, operating at such a level requires extensive infrastructure, and the platform employs a multi-layer risk management system designed to monitor transactions, flag irregular activity, and protect user accounts in real time. Multi-factor authentication, withdrawal safeguards, and continuous internal monitoring form part of its broader account protection framework.

The platform also keeps the majority of user assets held in cold storage while also maintaining the Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU), a dedicated reserve intended to provide additional protection in extreme circumstances. Combined with competitive spot trading fees of 0.10% for both makers and takers, its blend of scale, layered risk controls, and protective reserves continues to define its security approach in 2026. 

4. Gemini

Gemini has built its reputation around regulation and structure. As a U.S.-based exchange operating under a New York trust charter, it follows a more traditional financial model compared to many global crypto platforms. That regulatory footing shapes how it handles custody, reporting, and client asset management.

Most user funds are stored in cold wallets, with assets kept separate from company holdings. The platform also maintains insurance coverage for certain digital assets and uses standard account protections such as multi-factor authentication and withdrawal controls. The exchange has over 523,000 monthly active users with ActiveTrader fees of 0.20% for makers and 0.40% for takers.

5. BingX

BingX approaches security with a mix of transparency and reserve backing. The exchange publishes monthly proof-of-reserves reports using a Merkle-tree system, allowing users to verify holdings on-chain. It also states that 98% or more of customer assets are stored in cold wallets.

In addition, BingX maintains a Shield Fund currently valued at around $125 million, made up of BTC, ETH, and USDT at live market prices. The fund is designed to act as a buffer in the event of unexpected incidents and applies automatically to all users. The platform also holds ISO 27001 certification and requires two-factor authentication, along with features like anti-phishing codes and IP whitelisting.

6. Coinbase

Few exchanges are as closely associated with regulatory structure as Coinbase. As a publicly listed U.S. company, it operates under formal financial reporting standards and ongoing oversight. It’s this very factor that sets it apart from many privately held platforms in the sector.

The majority of customer assets are held in cold storage, with client funds segregated from company balances. The platform also maintains insurance coverage for assets stored in hot wallets, adding an additional layer of protection. With over 100 million global users, Coinbase combines institutional-grade custody practices with established governance standards.

7. Bitget

Bitget’s security framework is built on internationally recognized standards, including ISO 27001 and ISO 27701, which cover information security and data protection. The majority of user assets are held in cold storage, supported by multi-signature controls, two-factor authentication, withdrawal address whitelisting, and real-time risk monitoring. This layered structure is designed to reduce operational risk while maintaining consistent platform performance at scale.

Transparency is another key factor that contributes to Bitget’s reputation. The exchange publishes a publicly verifiable Proof-of-Reserves system built on Merkle tree validation, allowing users to independently confirm that reserves exceed liabilities. In addition, it maintains a dedicated Protection Fund backed by 6,500 BTC to provide an additional buffer in extreme market conditions. With a global user base of over 120 million and competitive 0.10% maker and taker spot fees that reduce further through VIP tiers, Biget uses a combination of governance standards, reserve visibility, and capital-backed safeguards to be known as one of the safest exchanges in 2026.

8. Bybit

Bybit has grown quickly over the past few years and now reports more than 80 million users worldwide. While it’s widely known for its derivatives market, its spot platform has also expanded steadily. Spot trading fees are set at 0.10% for both makers and takers, keeping its pricing structure straightforward.

The exchange stores the majority of its clients’ funds in cold storage, supported by multi-signature wallet controls. It also publishes Proof-of-Reserves reports and uses ongoing risk-monitoring systems, along with standard protections such as two-factor authentication and withdrawal address controls.

9. Kraken

Karken tends to have a more cautious approach towards security. Most user funds are kept in cold storage, and the exchange runs regular Proof-of-Reserves audits, clearly showcasing that customer assets are fully backed. On top of that, Kraken applies strict internal risk controls, layered account protections, and a compliance-heavy operating structure that reflects its cautious approach to running an exchange.

Kraken is one of the more established names in the market, with over 13 million users worldwide. Its spot trading fees start at 0.25% for makers and 0.40% for takers, with lower rates available for higher-volume traders. While it may not move as fast as some newer platforms, Kraken’s steady, conservative model continues to appeal to users who prioritise structure and oversight.

10. OKX

With over 50 million users across 100 countries, OKX operates as a global exchange while also expanding into Web3 services, including its own self-custody wallet. The platform allows users to enable two-factor authentication through apps like Google Authenticator or Passkeys, and set a personal anti-phishing code to help confirm that emails are genuinely from the platform.

The exchange also releases monthly Proof of Reserves reports that use Merkle Tree and zk-STARK technology, which allows users to verify that assets are backed without exposing individual account data.

Final thoughts  

There is no single formula for what makes a crypto exchange “safe.” Some platforms focus on regulatory oversight and structured custody, while other exchanges like ChangeNOW prioritize non-custodial infrastructure and transaction transparency. In 2026, trust is built through demonstrable controls, clear reserve practices, and long-term operational discipline. As always, users should assess their own risk tolerance, trading needs, and preferred custody setup before choosing a platform. 

Disclaimer. Readers are encouraged to do their own research. Ambcrypto is not liable for any outcomes related to the use of information, products, or services mentioned. This content may include affiliate or partner links.