79%的加密货币交易者最关心的交易所功能（不是手续费）
79% of crypto exchange users would rather pay slightly higher fees on a platform they trust than save money on one they don't, challenging the assumption that users always chase the lowest fees.
Trustworthiness ranks as the #1 factor for 26% of users when selecting an exchange, outpacing fees (16%) and highlighting that safety concerns could collectively drive decisions more than cost considerations.
69% of crypto holders maintain accounts on multiple exchanges, with users strategically diversifying across platforms to optimize fees (37%), access different tokens (36%) and manage risk (30%).
Mobile trading apps tie as the most important exchange feature (38%), while 68% of users have avoided products that feel too complex.
Intro to the crypto exchange survey 🔍
Conventional wisdom would have us believe that crypto investors are always chasing the lowest crypto exchange fees when choosing where to place their trades.
That may hold true for some, but our survey of over 1,000 U.S. crypto exchange users tells another story.
According to our new data, nearly 4 in 5 (79%) exchange users said they would rather pay slightly higher fees on an exchange they trust than save money on one they don't.
This preference for trusted exchanges with a rich set of features suggests that crypto holders weigh more than just fees when choosing their platform. Whether comparing more established names like Kraken vs. Binance or evaluating the newest decentralized exchange to hit the market, users are making decisions based on a broader set of needs and priorities.
Our latest report challenges outdated assumptions about what matters most to crypto users. While fees are immediately noticeable – trust, security and overall reliability clearly emerge as the true factors influencing trading platform decisions.
The data below breaks down exactly what users prioritize when selecting the best crypto exchange for their needs.
Crypto holders prioritize trustworthiness over exchange fees 🔐
When asked directly about their willingness to pay higher fees for trusted exchanges, 46% of U.S. exchange users strongly agreed that they were willing to pay higher fees on a platform they trust, while another 33% somewhat agreed that trustworthiness outweighed fees alone.
Combined, nearly 8 in 10 users express this preference, with only 5% actively disagreeing.
This sentiment also translates into actual selection criteria. When choosing an exchange, trustworthiness emerges as the top priority for 26% of users, outpacing fees at 16%.
While Kraken and Kraken Pro have long offered competitive fees across different trading volumes, this has never resulted in compromises elsewhere. From the assurance our crypto native support specialists deliver to the transparency our proof of reserve audits pioneered, Kraken earns the trust of our clients with action.
Distinct from general trustworthiness, security features captured another 14% of responses, further suggesting that investors value exchanges that invest in their clients’ privacy and security. Although it is always wise to self-custody your crypto, the reality is that many investors decide to keep their funds on the platform.
Because of that, investors are looking for a platform that prioritizes security above everything and doesn’t compete on fees alone.
This aligns with data from our 2025 Crypto Safety Survey, which found that security concerns significantly influence U.S. crypto users' choices when selecting an exchange.
When asked what would most increase their trust in a crypto exchange, users prioritized tangible security measures. Nearly half (49%) selected strong security standards and communication history, while 42% chose insurance on digital assets. U.S. regulatory registration or oversight appealed to 38% of respondents and transparent proof of reserves attracted 35%.
This could suggest that, rather than taking an exchange's word for it, people want actual evidence (i.e., regulatory compliance, history of breaches or asset insurance) that shows an exchange can protect their funds.
Security awareness spans generations and genders
This trust-first mentality spans across demographic lines. Among those who identified as women, 30% selected trustworthiness as their most important factor when selecting an exchange — the highest percentage for any single criterion in this demographic. Men showed a similar pattern, with 24% prioritizing trustworthiness above all other factors.
The preference continues across generational lines as well. Millennials showed the highest percentage, with 27% ranking trustworthiness as their top consideration. Gen Z followed closely behind at 29%, indicating strong security awareness among younger demographics.
Gen X presents a more nuanced picture, showing equal prioritization of trustworthiness and fees at 24% each. This data suggests that Gen X users, potentially with more established financial portfolios, weigh security and cost considerations equally in their decision-making process.
Why 69% of crypto exchange users maintain accounts on multiple platforms 📊
The majority of crypto holders spread their activity across multiple exchange platforms, with only 31% using a single exchange. Nearly half (44%) use two exchanges, while 26% operate three or more accounts simultaneously.
When asked why they prefer operating on multiple exchanges, users provided several reasons that paint a picture of strategic portfolio management:
- 37% want to optimize for better fees, switching platforms to get the best pricing on specific trades.
- 36% seek coin availability, accessing tokens that aren't available on their primary exchange.
- 30% want to diversify risk, spreading assets across platforms to avoid putting all funds in one place.
- 30% separate trading from holding, using one exchange for active trading and another for long-term crypto storage. That said, many security experts warn against storing crypto on an exchange. While convenient for trading, exchanges aren't built for extended storage.
The multi-exchange trend also reflects a sophisticated understanding of diversification and risk management. Even among trusted exchanges, users remain cautious about concentration risk. When asked how much of their portfolio they would feel comfortable keeping on a trusted exchange, responses were distributed across a wide range:
- 36% would keep 25-50% of their portfolio on a single exchange.
- 24% would keep 51-75% of their portfolio on a single exchange.
- 17% would keep less than 25% of their portfolio on a single exchange.
- 17% would keep more than 75% of their portfolio on a single exchange.
- 5% would not keep funds on exchanges long-term.
This could suggest that most users understand the importance of not concentrating all their funds on a single exchange, regardless of how secure the platform may be. It’s an approach that aligns with widely recommended security practices: diversifying storage across multiple locations like hot wallets (such as Kraken Wallet), cold wallets or other self-custody solutions.
Over 1 in 3 exchange users prioritize mobile trading options over other features 📱
When it comes to exchange features, crypto users have clear priorities that favor accessibility over complexity. When asked to select their top three most important exchange features, users showed clear preferences:
- 38%: Mobile trading apps
- 36%: Ability to trade stocks and crypto on one platform
- 33%: Access to a wide range of crypto tokens
- 28%: Clear overview of portfolio performance
- 27%: Peer-to-peer crypto payments
Interest in more technical features was noticeably lower across the board. Just 18% of users valued advanced charting tools, while only 12% prioritized API integration. Similarly, the range of order types appealed to 18% of respondents.
This preference pattern becomes more meaningful when viewed alongside user behavior. A significant 68% of crypto holders report they've avoided using products or features because they felt too complex or confusing.
This finding suggests a notable disconnect between the advanced tools many exchanges offer and the tools users actually engage with.
Payment method preferences show the importance of meeting users where they are. Our data reveals diverse funding preferences across different payment types:
- Debit cards are the most popular payment method, used by 25% of users.
- PayPal or other digital wallets are the second most common choice, with 22% of users.
- Bank transfer (ACH/wire) is used by 20% of users.
- Crypto deposit is preferred by 13% of users.
- Credit cards are used by 10% of users.
- Apple Pay or Google Pay is the least used method, with 9% of users.
Some users gravitate toward the immediacy of card payments, while others may prioritize bank transfers or the convenience of digital wallets they already use in other contexts. The variety in preferences indicates that payment flexibility might be as valued by users as other exchange features.
Start buying crypto with Kraken 💪
Our survey reveals what crypto users value most: trustworthy platforms, mobile accessibility and straightforward funding options. Kraken delivers on these priorities with industry-leading security standards, an intuitive mobile app and multiple payment methods to fund your account.
Whether you're looking to buy your first token or diversify across hundreds of assets, create your Kraken account today and discover why millions of users trust Kraken.
How to choose a crypto exchange FAQ
What's the most important factor when choosing a crypto exchange?
This varies depending on each person’s unique preferences and financial goals. However, our survey found that 26% of current exchange users chose exchange trustworthiness as a top priority, which is significantly more than other factors like fees (16%).
Security features were also important, with 14% of responses, showing that overall safety concerns influence decisions more than just the cost.
Should I use multiple crypto trading platforms?
Many users do — 69% of crypto exchange users said they maintain accounts on multiple exchanges. They cite various reasons, including optimizing fees (37%), accessing different tokens (36%), diversifying risk (30%) and separating trading from long-term holding (30%).
However, the right approach depends on your individual goals, technical comfort level and risk tolerance.
What features matter most when choosing a cryptocurrency exchange platform?
Again, this can be subjective, but our survey found mobile trading apps top the list of preferred features at 38%, followed by the ability to trade stocks and crypto on one platform (36%) and access to a wide range of tokens (33%).
Notably, 68% of users avoid products that feel too complex, indicating a preference for simplicity over advanced technical features.
What is the safest crypto exchange?
There's no single "safest" exchange, but when evaluating safety, many crypto enthusiasts look for exchanges with strong regulatory oversight, transparent security practices and a track record of protecting user funds. Remember that even the most secure exchanges carry some risk.
Methodology
We partnered with Centiment to survey 1,010 U.S. respondents who hold any crypto in a crypto exchange platform, with no minimum value. The survey was completed on July 16, 2025, and the results have a 95% confidence level with a +/- 3% margin of error.
For gender comparisons, the sample included 704 male-identifying and 370 female-identifying respondents. These groups have a +/- 4% and +/- 5% margin of error, respectively, at a 95% confidence level.
The respondent count, confidence level and margin of error for generational data are as follows:
- Millennial respondents (580): 90% confidence level with a +/- 3% margin of error
- Gen Z respondents (210): 90% confidence level with a +/- 5% margin of error
- Gen X respondents (204): 90% confidence level with a +/- 6% margin of error