Nexo, a centralised cryptocurrency exchange established in Bulgaria in 2018, now operates from Switzerland in approximately 200 regions. Its offerings include spot and futures trading, peer-to-peer lending, cold wallet storage, and fiat on-ramps for purchasing crypto tokens. Nexo is registered with respected financial bodies like the ASIC. Additionally, it provides unique services, such as a credit card.
Founded in 2012, Coinbase began as a platform for buying and selling Bitcoin through bank transfers. Now, it's a major player in the crypto world. It offers more than 240 crypto assets and advanced trading platforms for retail investors. Coinbase is listed on the US Nasdaq and holds multiple regulatory licences. By May 2025, it became the first crypto firm in the S&P 500, boosting its credibility.
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Pros
A well-regarded crypto exchange, established in 2018, has initiated steps towards regulatory compliance.
Nexo Pro is an intuitive platform tailored for traders, offering robust charting tools that enhance strategic trading.
The trading platform features essential tools such as asset-specific newsfeeds and social media analysis.
Traders can utilise perpetual futures to take long or short positions on crypto assets, thereby enhancing strategic opportunities.
Nexo's platform facilitates cryptocurrency lending and borrowing through its staking and credit features, offering traders some of the most competitive yields in the market.
Traders receive bonuses and incentives, such as complimentary trading funds given to lenders and cashback through the exchange's native Nexo token.
As a Nasdaq-listed entity, Coinbase adheres to stringent financial regulations and holds licences in the US, UK, and Europe. Its security measures feature FDIC insurance for USD balances up to $250,000 and implement two-factor authentication (2FA).
Coinbase offers support for over 240 cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). The platform also provides early access to newly listed altcoins like $Trump, enabling traders to engage with emerging tokens.
In 2025, Coinbase Advanced expanded its trading options with new futures products. These include Ripple (XRP), Natural Gas (NGS), and Cardano (ADA). This enhancement offers traders accessible methods to trade, hedge, or diversify their portfolios.
Coinbase Advanced now integrates TradingView, a feature uncommon among crypto platforms. This allows traders to access spot and futures markets directly via real-time charts while utilising robust technical analysis tools.
Platforms cater to all traders. Beginners might opt for the straightforward Coinbase app. Meanwhile, Advanced Trade offers reduced fees and professional-grade tools.
Cons
While Nexo is registered with certain reputable regulators, trading with it carries more risk compared to established crypto brokers such as AvaTrade and Vantage.
High deposit and withdrawal fees for cards and e-wallets may deter many traders from using these convenient payment methods.
Limited educational resources diminish its attraction for newcomers, who may discover more valuable materials with leading platforms such as eToro.
Elevated maker/taker fees result in traders incurring higher costs for trading derivatives compared to competing exchanges such as Binance.
The selection of tokens is broad relative to many crypto brokers, yet it remains limited when compared to similar crypto exchanges such as Kraken.
Tests show that crypto fees are high, particularly when compared to competitors such as Kraken and BitMEX. This is especially true on the standard trading platform.
The research tools available are inadequate. Advanced Trade offers TradingView charts, yet it is missing critical features such as news feeds, economic calendars, and AI-driven market insights.
Customer support during testing is frustrating, as most assistance options require a login. This complicates matters for traders who are locked out or do not have an account, as they struggle to access help.
Awards
Best Cryptocurrency Wallet – FinTech Breakthrough Awards, 2023
Best Use of Crypto and/or Blockchain in Financial Services – PAY360 Awards, 2022
Coinbase boasts an intuitive, frequently updated app that mirrors the desktop experience. It ensures speed and reliability, catering to traders with advanced features, real-time market analysis, staking rewards, secure portfolio management, and education incentives, all secured by stringent regulatory compliance. However, Android user ratings highlight that the interface lags behind the Apple version, citing user experience and notification issues.
iOS App Rating
3.8
4.7
Android App Rating
4
4
Margin Trading
Yes
No
MetaTrader 4
No
No
MetaTrader 5
No
No
cTrader
No
No
AlgoTrader
No
No
OmniTrader
No
No
TradingView
No
Yes
Autochartist
No
No
eSignal
No
No
Trading Central
No
No
STP Account
No
No
ECN Account
No
No
DMA Account
No
No
MAM Account
No
No
PAMM Account
No
No
LAMM Account
No
No
Demat Account
No
No
AI / Machine Learning
No
No
Robo Advisor
No
No
Negative Balance Protection
No
No
Market Maker
No
No
P2P Trading
No
No
Spot Trading
Yes
Yes
Copy Trading
No
No
Social Trading
No
No
VPS Hosting
No
No
Tournaments
No
No
Demo Competitions
No
No
Ethical Investing
No
No
Custodial Account
No
No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No
No
Inactivity Fee
$0
Islamic Account
No
No
Account Currencies
USD
EUR
GBP
USD
EUR
Cryptocurrency
Nexo provides trading services for approximately 70 tokens, including Bitcoin. Users can buy, sell, and exchange digital assets directly on the platform, with access to over 500 trading pairs. Additionally, these assets can serve as collateral for fiat loans or generate passive income through the ‘smart staking’ option and interest from peer-to-peer loans.
Coinbase offers an excellent trading platform for cryptocurrency enthusiasts. It supports more than 240 digital assets, ranging from Bitcoin to new altcoins. The platform, enhanced by TradingView, provides traders with advanced charting options and comprehensive market data.