With a hot wallet, bitcoin is stored by a trusted exchange or provider in the cloud and accessed through an app or computer browser on the internet. Any trading exchange you join will offer a free bitcoin hot wallet where your purchases will automatically be stored. But many users prefer to transfer and store their bitcoin with a third-party hot wallet provider, also typically free to download and use.

The best crypto exchanges for US bitcoin trading offer three essential benefits. The first, and most important, is robust security with two-factor authentication, cold storage, and integrated safe wallets. Second is a user-friendly website and platform. Third, they provide access to trading a variety of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.In our assessment and ranking of cryptocurrency exchanges, we focused on traditional exchanges headquartered and regulated in the United States, as well as the incumbent online brokers in the US, which are expanding to offer bitcoin trading on top of regular stock trading (e.g. buying shares of Apple or Google).Best Bitcoin Trading PlatformTradeStation - Best Trading Platform- Best Trading Platform Coinbase - Best Crypto Exchange- Best Crypto Exchange eToro - Low Fees- Low Fees Kraken - Maker-Taker Fee Schedule- Maker-Taker Fee Schedule Bittrex - Most Altcoins- Most Altcoins Gemini - Offers Gemini Dollar- Offers Gemini Dollar Robinhood - Best Mobile AppHeres a breakdown of some of the best online brokers for US crypto trading.Best Trading Platform - Open AccountPromo Offer: Commission-Free Trades on Stocks, ETFs & Options TradesAs a trading technology leader, TradeStation supports casual traders through its web-based platform and active traders through its award-winning desktop platform, all with $0 stock and ETF trades. TradeStation Crypto allows you to buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and XRP. TradeStation Crypto caters to both institutional and recreational clients.