The Sandbox Looks to Boost Metaverse Startups With $50M Incubator Program

 The Animoca Brands subsidiary has committed to invest $250,000 in up to 40 metaverse projects each year over the next three years.

Metaverse darling The Sandbox is launching a $50 million incubator program in partnership with venture accelerator Brinc, the company announced Wednesday.

The program will invest up to $250,000 in 30–40 metaverse startups each year over a three-year period, according to a press release. Top performers of the program will also be awarded up to $150,000 in SAND and LAND token grants.

The program’s first cohort will be announced sometime in early Q2. The program runs three months in duration, with applications currently open. It comes at a time when usable metaverse experiences are still in their nascency.

“The Sandbox's metaverse accelerator is a major expansion of our ongoing commitment to support the next generation of metaverse entrepreneurs,” Sebastien Borget, co-founder of The Sandbox, said in a press release. “With imagination, ideas and hard work, startups from all over the world can realize their visions and drive societal impact by creating more opportunities for everyone.”

Read more: Consultants Are Entering the Metaverse – Literally

The Sandbox is a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, one of the metaverse industry’s most active investors.

Animoca Brands raised a $360 million funding round earlier in January, valuing the firm at $5.5 billion, more than double its $2.2 billion valuation from last October.

The firm also led a $130 million Series B for Brinc in December to boost the company’s expansion into Web 3 gaming.

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How To NOT Lose $300,000 On Manual Trading? Here’s The Answer!

The manual trading on cryptocurrencies is an arduous and risky endeavor. There is not only a steep learning curve to consider, but also the fact that traders often make mistakes, one could have avoided. Moreover, the decision-making aspect of trading is crucial, and automation tools continue to gain momentum in this segment.

The Downsides of Manual Crypto Trading

When people explore the idea of trading cryptocurrencies, they have a steep learning curve ahead. These complex markets introduce many opportunities but also  some risks , which not everyone is comfortable with. Every entry made by a trader can have consequences – for better or worse – and making timely decisions is paramount. Unfortunately, that is all easier said than done with thousands of markets and trading pairs at one’s disposal.

Manual trading is a risky business in the cryptocurrency world. Market conditions can change at any moment, and traders may not always make the right decision at the right time. In addition, there is too much data to consider, and market conditions may invalidate recent findings even after performing technical analysis. As a result, it is all too common to see traders losing money instead of pocketing a profit.

Making matters worse are the horror stories of traders losing vast sums of money. One British trader recently lost nearly $300,000 through manual trading by making one costly mistake and not timing the shifting market momentum correctly. Although the trader had a solid long-term money-making strategy, all it took was a sudden bearish turn and forgetting to place stop-loss orders to nuke the portfolio completely.

It is normal to make mistakes when engaging in manual trading. Users have a growing checklist of things to consider, including different order types, market conditions, portfolio rebalancing, freeing up liquidity at the right time, etc. Taking care of all these aspects manually is nearly impossible and puts much mental strain on the user. It is no surprise automated solutions continue to gain traction among crypto traders globally.

How to avoid loss?

While there are several ways to automate one’s crypto trading, the solution provided by Bitsgap checks the right boxes. It strikes a balance between automation, cloud-based support to make trading accessible on any device, and guaranteed order execution even if the exchange’s front-end would freeze up. Mainly, that latter aspect is crucial, as an exchange’s backend will usually remain operational even if the user interface gets overloaded.

The automation nature of Bitsgap is accessible through bots operating on a grid-based approach. Users set their preferred grid (or trading range), and the bot will automatically buy cheaper and sell for a higher value. Any market provides profit potential, no matter how small it might be. Manual trading would not yield these constant small profits, as humans cannot act fast enough to explore these minute price gaps in time.

More importantly, the Bitsgap solution is accessible through any device. Orders will be executed on the user’s behalf, whether one trades on a computer, phone, tablet, or other internet-connected device. The bots will run 24/7, providing you with the necessary peace of mind while sleeping.

On the topic of order execution, an exchange outage will not disrupt the bots and how they approach market conditions. An exchange has a backend, which is usually always operating, even if the front-end is overloaded and freezes up. Bitsgap ensures orders are sent to the backend directly, ensuring operational continuity. More importantly, this solution helps anyone make long-term money without mistakes.

This bot made a 37% Profit for 3 days on Spot Trading!

45x Returns With No Emotions / Without Your Involvement

The trading technology developed by Bitsgap is used by many traders worldwide. The Youtuber below netted a 45x increase in the portfolio through the Bitsgap trading bot within just four months. Achieving such results through manual trading is possible, but it would require a lot more work, stress, and the potential to make mistakes along the way.

The all-in-one trading automation solution by Bitsgap is accessible by anyone. Moreover, it has backtesting functionality to give users an idea of how their settings would affect overall performance. Bitsgap does not take any fees from trades.

Make sure to check out the 7-day free trial and upgrade your plan accordingly!

This is a paid press release: TheCryptoBasic does not endorse and is not responsible for or liable for any content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products or other materials on this page. Readers should do their own research before taking any actions related to the company. TheCryptoBasic is not responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in the press release.

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FTX CEO Reiterates Support for Solana (SOL) Despite Network Outage

 Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the CEO of FTX, has reiterated his support for the popular blockchain and cryptocurrency project Solana, commending its ability to still keep things going amid the network outage that lasted over 48 hours. 

Solana Outperformed Other Blockchains

Commenting on the development in a series of tweets posted today, SBF stated that despite Solana not being able to process as many transactions as it could have, the network still managed to complete a ton of transactions within the downtime.  

SBF noted that if voting transactions are excluded from Transactions Per Second (TPS), then it is safe to say that Solana processed more transactions than all other blockchain networks combined. 

Although Solana may have failed to hit its goals at times, it does not stop the project from being an ambitious one committed to making progress in the crypto space, SBF said.

“Yes, it hasn’t processed as many as it could have. But it’s still doing a ton. Which is to say: there’s more work to do. There’s always more work to do. And the most important thing is doing that work. Building.”

Way to go for Solana 

He, however, recommended significant steps that the Solana team can take to make the network stronger in the future. 

“Solana is mostly out of slack. Demand from transactions has reached supply. So, you [the team should] keep working to increase the throughput of the system and the efficiency to scale with the demand,” SBF tweeted. 

With Solana suffering a network outage for over 48 hours, the price of its native cryptocurrency SOL slumped by more than 35% within the last seven days. 

At the time of writing this line, the cryptocurrency has regained stability and is currently trading at $100.39. 

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Top Canadian Exchange With $558M Daily Trading Volume Listed Shiba Inu

 Top Canadian Exchange with significant daily trading volume Listed Shiba Inu.

Biconomy is a cryptocurrency exchange registered in Canada and operating since October 1, 2019. The exchange is not keeping behind Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, and other top exchanges in listing Shiba Inu. Shib trading starts on Biconomy with SHIB/USDT trading pair.

Biconomy had a 24-hour trading volume of $558 million, according to Coinmarketcap. which shows the significance of the exchange.

New exchange listing makes it possible for the token to attract new investors, as crypto is facing global regulations, it is not feasible for Canadian and American investors to trade any digital coin on any exchange they like. Why do so many exchanges not allow US citizens to open accounts with them? is because US SEC is so scary it does not allow foreign companies to attract US investors unless those foreign companies are registered in the US (with the Securities and Exchange Commission). If foreign companies still attract US investors, the SEC could sue them.

So the presence of Shiba Inu on Coinbase, Kraken, and Biconomy makes it possible for more American, Canadian investors and traders to quickly and securely invest in Shib.

Biconomy, does accept US investors. However, any U.S. investors should do their research before making any decision. Shib team has also announced plans to Launch Its Metaverse (Shiberse) in 2022

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Bitcoin to become legal tender in El Salvador on Sept 7

CEX.IO was one of the first platforms to make fiat-to-crypto transactions accessible by offering card payments and bank transfers to the clients

 SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) -El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said in a national address on Thursday that a recently passed law making bitcoin legal tender will take effect on Sept. 7, noting that its use will be optional.

El Salvador's Congress already approved Bukele's proposal to embrace the cryptocurrency, making El Salvador the first country in the world to adopt bitcoin as legal tender.

"The use of bitcoin will be optional, nobody will receive bitcoin if they don't want it... If someone receives a payment in bitcoin they can choose to automatically receive it in dollars," said Bukele.

Salaries and pensions will continue to be paid in U.S. dollars, said Bukele, without specifying if that included salaries paid to state workers and private sector employees.

Earlier in the day Athena Bitcoin said it plans to invest over $1 million to install some 1,500 cryptocurrency ATMs in El Salvador, especially where residents receive remittances from abroad.

According to Athena Bitcoin's website, the ATMs can be used to buy bitcoins or sell them for cash.

"One of the reasons we passed the bitcoin law is precisely to help people who send remittances," said Bukele, adding the high costs of commissions traditionally associated with sending money home would be eliminated by using the cryptocurrency.

El Salvador relies heavily on money sent back from workers abroad. World Bank data showed remittances to the country made up nearly $6 billion or around a fifth of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019, one of the highest ratios in the world.

Less than 1% of the volume of global cross-border remittances are currently in cryptocurrency, according to Kenneth Suchoski, U.S payments and fintech analyst at Autonomous Research. But in the future crypto is expected to account for a larger slice of the more than $500 billion in global annual remittances. 

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BSN Introduces NFT Infrastructure Platform in China

 The platform uses open permissioned chains to comply with Chinese regulations that discourage public blockchains.

The Blockchain-Based Service Network (BSN), China’s state-sanctioned blockchain infrastructure project, said it is releasing its platform for non-fungible tokens (NFT) in the country today.

• The BSN-Distributed Digital Certificate (BSN-DDC) network is a structure for building NFTs that is compliant with Chinese regulations, the organization said in a press release. Authorities in China discourage public networks like Ethereum that are commonly used in the NFT ecosystem.
• Instead, as CoinDesk reported in October, BSN is making 10 Open Permissioned Blockchains available on the BSN-DDC. These are localized versions of their permissionless counterparts that set restrictions on who can participate in network governance and use fiat currency for payment. DDCs are the same as NFTs, but renamed to emphasize their uses for certification.
• Five of the 10 chains were named: Ethereum-based Wuhan Chain, Wenchang Chain powered by Cosmos-based IRISnet, Corda-based Zunyi Chain, EOS-based Zhongyi Chain, and FISCO BCOS-based Tai'an Chain.
• Some platform partners were also announced: The state-owned museum and auction house Rong Bao Zhai Auction, state-backed Hainan International Culture and Artworks Exchange Center – which has acquired the first license for an NFT marketplace in China, consulting firm EY's blockchain division, video technology provider Sumavison, electronic invoice provider Baiwang and Digital Art Fair Asia, an NFT-focused company from Hong Kong.
• Another 26 founding partners, as well as the roadmap and governance structure will be announced in a launch ceremony in the city of Nanjing in March.
• The BSN-DDC is based on the Blockchain Services Network, a platform where developers can build and deploy decentralized applications at a low cost.

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16 Best Cryptocurrency News Websites In The World 2022

Blockchain and crypto are the two hot topics in the world that are gaining constant traction. Whether for investment or fun, it’s a fact that more and more people are taking an interest in cryptocurrencies. In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the best websites to read cryptocurrency news.

These websites are aimed to cover all the blockchain and crypto-related news that can keep the readers updated regarding the latest happening in the industry.

The blockchain industry is ever-evolving; you can expect advancements at a lightning-fast pace. When it comes to cryptocurrency, there is always something new that awaits the miners and the crypto enthusiasts. All this news must be covered thoroughly to provide authentic news to the world. 

CEX.IO was one of the first platforms to make fiat-to-crypto transactions accessible by offering card payments and bank transfers to the clients

Best Cryptocurrency News Websites

Whether you intend to invest in blockchain technology or not, knowing about the recent happening in the blockchain and crypto world is always beneficial.

There are plenty of crypto sites in the market that can provide you with recent news. But, it is essential to find the most authentic source. If you are also in search of such reliable and credible sources, here is a list of best cryptocurrency news sites that you need to take a look at:

#1 — CoinDesk

One of the leading names among the top cryptocurrency media websites dedicated to blockchain and crypto is CoinDesk. Started its publishing back in 2003, CoinDesk has been growing tremendously since then.

Filling the readers with authentic news on the entire cryptocurrency industry, CoinDesk has been doing a great job. Whether it is to find the rise and fall in the Bitcoin Price Index or the new cryptocurrency making its way into the industry, CoinDesk will cover everything for you.

#2 — CoinTelegraph

If you are looking for dedicated news sites that will cover everything regarding Ethereum, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, then you can undoubtedly turn towards CoinTelegraph. It is one of the active and popular crypto news sites that post a number of articles and news every day.

You can learn about all the recent happenings in the crypto market at CoinTelegraph. Another great thing about Coin Telegraph is that it is available in different languages like English, Brazilian, Spanish, Japanese, Serbian, and many more. 

#3 — CCN

CCN is a dedicated news website that provides all the recent news regarding all the major cryptocurrencies in the market. It is a Norway based media company that has shot to fame for its crypto news.

You can also find valuable Blockchain insights on CCN, and other vital information regarding the market like ICO Calendar, cryptocurrency news, market cap, DLT events, etc. Apart from the news, you can enhance your knowledge regarding the industry with its blog section as well. 

#4 — TodayOnChain

It is a famous news site that covers all the details regarding blockchain and cryptocurrency. TodayOnChain acquires news from different sources, so you can find an abundance of news related to the blockchain industry here.

TodayOnChain takes reference from sites like CoinDesk, CoinTelegraph, CCN, etc. TodayOnChain is more like a news aggregator that forwards the trending news of the crypto and blockchain industry. 

#5 — News BTC

It is a renowned blockchain and crypto news platform that will fill you up with all the latest happenings in the industry. News BTC covers technical analysis, reviews, and other vital details of the crypto and blockchain community.

You can find a wide range of news and articles published every day on the site that can provide you with insights regarding the industry. At News BTC, you can find a wide range of educational materials, ICO listing, and events calendars as well. 

#6 — Bitcoin Magazine

As the name suggests, at Bitcoin Magazine, you can find everything about Bitcoin. It is one of the first publications that is exclusively dedicated to BTC news.

The founder of the magazine is also the creator of Ethereum that makes this platform another top-rated news outlet. Though it was started as a dedicated Bitcoin news site, now the site has also started to cover other cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin Magazine majorly focuses on price analysis, reviews, research, etc.

#7 — CryptoSlate

Intending to provide transparent and authentic news of the cryptocurrency and distributed ledger technology industry, CryptoSlate is a renowned news website in the industry.

It is a Seattle based news and media company that was founded in 2017. Despite being a newly-established news company, CryotoSlate has claimed significant recognition in the industry over the past few years. Apart from the crypto news, CryptoSlate covers a wide range of information regarding ICOs, crypto ranking, and events. 

#8 — Bitcoinist

Despite its name associated with Bitcoin, Bitcoinist covers all the major cryptocurrencies and its news. Not only regarding the cryptocurrencies, but Bitcoinist also focuses on providing readers with all the necessary information regarding the blockchain industry as well.

You can read as many new articles as you want, as there are many engaging articles in a day that can keep you completely posted.

#9 — Forbes

A popular magazine that has taken the digital market with a storm, Forbes is a name that is equivalent to media and entertainment. The magazine was launched back in 2017 and soon took the digital version as well. Forbes is a leading outlet that covers the entire news regarding the DLT industry.

To take their specialty a level further, Forbes took an initiative to bring the line of digital news distribution for blockchain, which was named Forbes Crypto. At Forbes Crypto, you can find everything under the sun related to distributed ledger technology and crypto.

#10 — Null Tx

Earlier known with the name The Merkle, Null Tx is a dedicated news platform for the latest on cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many more.

Apart from the news, you can find valuable educational articles that will make you learn more about the industry. It was founded in 2014, and since then, Null Tx has remained a prominent name in the list of best crypto news sites. Along with crypto news, Null Tx also has a dedicated section for the financial technology sector.

#11 — Bitcoin.com

Abiding by its name, Bitcoin.com is exclusively dedicated to the wide range of Bitcoin news. From news to information articles, you can find it all at Bitcoin.com.

The site is not just a crypto currency news platform; it is a complete website that covered the Bitcoin happenings, and the news is only a small section on the website.

News regarding Bitcoin wallets, mining, gambling, etc. can be spotted on this site every day. The site is openly biased towards BTC. Hence, they do not add anything related to other cryptocurrencies news unless they are the competitors.

#12 — Cryptovest

An ideal place to get all the information regarding the ICOs and the blockchain industry, Cryptovest is a leading news and media platform that you can come across. They are primarily dedicated to top crypto news regarding ICOs and all the necessary information regarding it.

The site also shares its opinion and outlook regarding blockchain development that provides the readers with a new perspective of the crypto world. Cryptovest also offers a directory of companies, people, and events in the distributed ledger industry. 

#13 — Invest In Blockchain

Striving to provide the readers with authentic information regarding blockchain and crypto, Invest in Blockchain is a credible media site. It covers a wide range of information prevailing in the crypto market, and that needs to be broadcasted for investors’ knowledge.

Invest in Blockchain’s forte is not limited to the latest news; they have multiple sections on the websites that are aligned with blogs, articles, reviews, analysis, technical tweaks, and whatnot. It is also one of the successfully running news platforms for DLT as well.

#14 — Blockonomi

Launched back in 2017, Blockonomi was founded with a motto to cover all the aspects of fintech, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain economy.

While it is among the newest cryptocurrency media outlets, Blocknomi has quickly made a name of itself by offering all sorts of informative data that will take you through the latest happenings in the crypto world.

If you are a beginner in the DLT industry, you can search for guides on the site to help you through the journey. In a nutshell, it is a one-stop destination to find everything about the blockchain and crypto community.

#15 — The crypto Area

It is a renowned blockchain and crypto news platform that will fill you up with all the latest happenings in the industry. The Crypto Area covers  analysis, reviews, and other vital details of the crypto and blockchain community.

You can find a wide range of news and articles published every day on the site that can provide you with insights regarding the industry. At The Crypto Area, you can find a wide range of educational materials, ICO listing, and events calendars as well. 

#16 — Coinspeaker

Last but not least, Coinspeaker literally speaks about everything happening in the crypto and blockchain market. It cannot be deemed as a news company per se, as it accommodates a wide range of information regarding the finance world that includes, BTC, stock market, fintech, cryptocurrency, etc.

Coinspeaker has a special section for news on the website where you can avail of all the recent information regarding the distributed ledger technology and crypto.

You may ask: «Where can I find good crypto information?»

1. CoinDesk;
2. CoinTelegraph;
3. CCN;
4. TodayOnChain;
5. News BTC;
6. Bitcoin.com;
7. CryptoSlate.

The Bottom Line

The blockchain and crypto industry is continuously evolving, paving ways for innovations and advancements. If you are investing or intend to invest in distributed ledger technology, it is essential to remain aware of the industry’s happenings.

There is a lot of information regarding blockchain and crypto out there that needs to be grabbed. For this, you need to choose a reliable news site that can provide you with the most authentic news regarding blockchain and crypto.

The above mentioned were some of the best crypto and blockchain news sites that are highly popular in the industry for their credibility.

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Best online brokers for buying and selling cryptocurrency in January 2022

CEX.IO was one of the first platforms to make fiat-to-crypto transactions accessible by offering card payments and bank transfers to the clients

 Cryptocurrency, especially Bitcoin, has proven to be a popular trading vehicle, even if legendary investors such as Warren Buffett think it’s as good as worthless. Part of cryptocurrency’s popularity is due to its volatility, since these swings allow traders to make money on the price moves.

For example, at the start of 2017, the price of Bitcoin broke through the $1,000 barrier. By the end of the year, the digital currency had reached nearly $20,000. Almost a year later, Bitcoin was hovering around $3,200. But it sprung back to life in 2019, rising to more than $10,000 and then significantly higher — crossing the $60,000 level in early 2021. It touched an all-time high above $68,000 in November.

It’s this kind of price movement that has attracted traders looking to ride the waves to profit. While some traders like to own the currency directly, others turn to the futures market. Futures may be an even more attractive way to play the volatility of digital currencies such as Bitcoin, because they allow traders to use leverage to magnify their gains (but also magnify losses). But futures involve a lot more risk in exchange for that potentially higher reward.

Where can you buy and sell cryptocurrencies?

Traditional brokers have the advantage of offering a wide selection of investible securities, though typically you can’t trade Bitcoin directly, only futures. Meanwhile, crypto exchanges are limited to digital currencies, though you can own the currencies directly and can often buy several, rather than simply Bitcoin or Bitcoin futures, as you would with a general broker. And services like Cash App and PayPal have also gotten in on the act, allowing U.S. users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.

Here are the best brokers for cryptocurrency trading, including traditional online brokers, as well as a new specialized cryptocurrency exchange. You might also want to check out which brokers offer the best bonuses for opening an account to determine where you can get a little extra.

Overview: Best brokers for cryptocurrency trading in January 2022

Robinhood

Robinhood is a great option for buying cryptocurrency directly. You’ll also get to take advantage of Robinhood’s wildly popular trading commissions: $0 per trade, or commission-free, though you’ll still be paying a built-in spread markup on any trades. And if you’re into more than just cryptocurrency, you can stick around for stock and ETF trades for the same low price. Robinhood’s slick app makes trading so easy, though those looking for a full-featured trading experience will be disappointed.

Commission: $0

Account minimum: $0

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers lets you trade four cryptocurrencies directly, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, for one of the lowest commissions in the market. It also allows you to buy Bitcoin futures rather than owning the currency directly. And in this broker’s case, you can also buy futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, with all-in contracts costing $10.02 with five bitcoins per contract. In addition, Interactive Brokers brings its full suite of investment offerings, so you can buy almost anything that trades on an exchange.

Commission: 0.12-0.18 percent of trade value; $10.02 per futures contract

Account minimum: $0

Webull

Though Webull may be less known than its rival commission-free trading app Robinhood, it provides investors with a solid offering that includes cryptocurrency trading. While you won’t pay commissions on crypto trades (or stocks and ETFs), Webull does charge a spread markup of 100 basis points (1 percent of purchase price) on either side of a trade. Several cryptocurrencies are available for trading, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Cardano. Charting tools and an impressive mobile app make Webull a broker worth considering.

Commission: $0

Account minimum: $1 to trade crypto

TradeStation

Traders have a couple options at this broker, which has rolled out direct currency trading via TradeStation Crypto, with commission-based pricing for traders. Pricing is based on your account balance with the broker and whether your order is directly marketable. Normally pricing ranges from 0.05 percent of your order to 0.3 percent. Traders can also buy and sell Bitcoin futures as well as take advantage of substantial volume trading discounts.

Commission: 0.05-0.3 percent

Account minimum: $0, but futures margin depends on contract

Binance.US

Binance is a specialized trading platform that allows you to buy and sell digital currencies, including the largest such as Bitcoin and Ethereum but also dozens of other much smaller coins, too. In total, you’ll have access to around 60 cryptocurrencies. The commission structure at Binance is low and only gets cheaper the more you trade. Trading fees start at 0.1 percent of your trade value (i.e., $10 for every $10,000 traded) and fall from there, depending on your trading volume over the prior 30 days.

Commission: 0.1 percent of the transaction value or less

Account minimum: $0

Coinbase

Coinbase is a specialized cryptocurrency-focused platform that allows you to trade digital currencies directly, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and Tether. In total, you’ll have access to more than 100 cryptocurrencies. You’ll also be able to store your coins in a vault with time-delayed withdrawals for additional protection. The exchange’s commission structure is steep. It charges a spread markup of about 0.5 percent and adds a transaction fee depending on the size of the transaction and the funding source, though its Pro platform is cheaper.

Commission: At least 1.99 percent of the transaction value

Account minimum: $0

eToro

eToro offers cryptocurrency trading commission-free, but like many other brokers it charges a spread based on the cryptocurrency being traded. You’ll pay a markup of 75 basis points for Bitcoin, but more obscure cryptocurrencies can run closer to 500 basis points, or 5 percent. One major feature at eToro is CopyTrader, which allows you to follow and identify other top traders on the platform and copy their trades. Be sure to do your research before committing to this strategy.

Commission: $0 plus a spread markup based on cryptocurrency being traded

Account minimum: $50

Kraken

Kraken is a cryptocurrency exchange that allows you to trade in dozens of different digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as emerging ones such as Cardano and Solana. You’ll pay a 1.5 percent fee, or 0.9 percent for stablecoins, plus additional fees if you’re using a card and funding through a bank. More active traders can benefit from a premium tier called Kraken Pro, where the fee range declines to 0.16 percent to 0.26 percent. Kraken is not yet available to residents of New York and Washington state.

Commission: 1.5 percent, or 0.9 percent for stablecoins (lower with Kraken Pro)

Account minimum: $1

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab is routinely one of Bankrate’s picks for top broker, and this investor-friendly company offers trading in Bitcoin futures. Schwab also has no account minimum, but any futures contracts you trade will require some minimum margin to hold them open. Schwab offers an attractive commission of $1.50 per contract, and if you’re able to bring big money to the table, you’ll receive a welcome bonus, too.

Commission: $1.50 per contract

Account minimum: $0, futures margin depends on contract

TD Ameritrade

TD Ameritrade is one of the top full-service brokers on the market, and not only does it offer access to traditional products such as stocks and bonds, but it’s expanded its offering to include Bitcoin futures. However, TD Ameritrade does not allow trading directly in the digital currency. You’ll need to meet the account minimum to get started with Bitcoin futures. (Charles Schwab has purchased TD Ameritrade, and will eventually integrate the two companies.)

Commission: $2.25 per contract

Account minimum: $25,000 for futures

Bottom line

Whenever you’re selecting a broker, it’s important to consider all of your needs. And for new traders in cryptocurrency, you’ll want to figure out whether you want to own the virtual currency directly or whether you want to trade futures, which offer higher reward, but also higher risk.

You’ll also need to consider whether you want to trade more than Bitcoin, which is what the majority of traditional brokers restrict you to. If not, you may want to turn to a cryptocurrency exchange, since they offer more choice of tradable cryptocurrencies.

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