- Available Countries
- Worldwide (Show More) Deposit Methods
- Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Cryptocurrency (Show More) Supported Currencies
- Centralized Exchange (CEX) Supports
- FIAT to Crypto, Crypto to FIAT, Crypto to Crypto
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Uphold Review
Uphold is more than just a basic exchange; it's a comprehensive financial services platform. With the principle of 'Anything to Anything', users can effortlessly swap any currency or asset supported by the platform into another one, allowing, for instance, converting Bitcoin to NANO, or using DAI to invest in Adobe stocks at the click of a button.
Starting its journey as Bitreserve in 2013, this online exchange rebranded to Uphold in 2015 and brought Anthony Waston, a former executive from Nike, on board as the CEO. Today, it operates under the regulations of multiple jurisdictions, including several US states, and adheres to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols as well as global financial standards.
Uphold boasts a thriving user base that surpasses 6 million people worldwide, and its growth trajectory is remarkable. Besides trading capabilities, Uphold provides a suite of financial services such as money transfers, debit cards, business services, and tools for personal investments.
This comprehensive Uphold review aims to walk you through all the vital features and tools offered by this innovative provider. You’ll find explanations about fees, Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, and guidance on how to get assistance from customer support.
Is Uphold Exchange Safe?
In short, Uphold is recognized as a dependable and secure platform for cryptocurrency and financial services, implementing top-notch industry practices to shield its users. Not only does it adhere to global AML standards, but it also follows a variety of safety regulations established by numerous jurisdictions.
One standout aspect of Uphold is its commitment to the data and consumer protection laws of the EU, the US, and even China. It also complies with the payment card industry's data security standards (PCI-DSS) to minimize fraud risks.
Another commendable point is Uphold's collaboration with over 30 international banks, each of which has conducted thorough due diligence before partnering with the platform, which speaks volumes about its safety and reliability.
Uphold Trading Platform
Uphold makes buying and selling cryptocurrencies and other assets a breeze, thanks to its intuitive and straightforward user interface, enabling transactions to be completed in mere seconds, akin to any conventional currency exchange.
Furthermore, Uphold’s API integration allows seamless connection to third-party tools and applications to automate trading strategies effectively. Available in-house, the Automated Trading tool facilitates buying or selling assets over time to mitigate the impact of market volatility.
How does Uphold stack up against other digital asset exchanges? Let's find out.
- Uphold
- eToro
(Comparing 1 of 10)
- Type
- Centralized Exchange (CEX)
- Rating
- 5/5
- Best For
- Newcomers, Advanced Beginners, Long Term Investors, Short Term Trading
- Instruments Only available in the US
- Min Deposit
- Varies $50 for some countries
- Fees
- Varies, 0.75% Spread for BTC & 1.9% Spread for ETH
- Deposit Methods
- Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Cryptocurrency, Paypal
This advertisement is pushing cryptocurrency products in the European Union (via eToro Europe Ltd. and eToro UK Ltd.) and the United States (through eToro USA LLC). Be aware that this digital asset is prone to significant fluctuations, isn't regulated in some EU nations and the UK, and lacks consumer protections in Europe. Remember that purchasing these assets involves the risk of your capital decreasing in the market.
(Comparing 2 of 10)
- Type
- CFD Trading Platform (CFD)
- Rating
- 4.5/5
- Best For
- Advanced Beginners, Experts, Long Term Investors, Short Term Trading
- Instruments
- Crypto, Indices, Forex, Commodities, Shares, Options, ETFs
- Min Deposit
- Varies Credit card transactions €100/$100/£100 & wire transfers €/$/£500
- Fees
- Varies, A spread fee of 0.6% applies on BTCEUR market
- Deposit Methods
- Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Transfer
(Comparing 3 of 10)
- Type
- CFD Trading Platform (CFD)
- Rating
- 4.5/5
- Best For
- Newcomers, Advanced Beginners, Long Term Investors, Short Term Trading
- Instruments
- Indices, Forex, Commodities, Shares
- Min Deposit
- Varies One-time fee: 29 EUR/GBP/USD; for consecutive deposits, it’s 100 EUR/GBP/USD
- Fees
- Free, Varies, Costs like Floating spread, Swap fee, and Conversion fee apply
- Deposit Methods
- Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Transfer
(Comparing 4 of 10)
- Type
- Centralized Exchange (CEX)
- Rating
- 4.5/5
- Best For
- Newcomers, Advanced Beginners, Experts, Long Term Investors, Short Term Trading, Day Trading
- Instruments
- Cryptocurrencies
- Min Deposit
- None
- Fees
- Starting from Maker @ 0.16% & Taker @ 0.25%
- Deposit Methods
- Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Cryptocurrency
(Comparing 5 of 10)
- Type
- CFD Trading Platform (CFD)
- Rating
- 4.5/5
- Best For
- Newcomers, Advanced Beginners, Experts, Long Term Investors, Short Term Trading
- Instruments
- Crypto, Indices, Forex, Commodities, Shares, ETFs
- Min Deposit
- €215
- Fees
- Spreads starting at 0.03
- Deposit Methods
- Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Transfer
(Comparing 6 of 10)
- Type
- CFD Trading Platform (CFD)
- Rating
- 5/5
- Best For
- Advanced Beginners, Experts, Long Term Investors, Short Term Trading
- Instruments
- Crypto, Indices, Forex, Commodities, Shares, Options, ETFs
- Min Deposit
- €100 for credit card deposits.
- Fees
- Varies, A spread fee from 0.56% up to 3.28% applies
- Deposit Methods
- Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Paypal
(Comparing 7 of 10)
- Type
- CFD Trading Platform (CFD)
- Rating
- 4.5/5
- Best For
- Newcomers, Advanced Beginners, Experts, Long Term Investors, Short Term Trading
- Instruments
- Crypto, Indices, Forex, Commodities, Shares
- Min Deposit
- Account-specific range is between $250 to $300
- Fees
- Main fees are spreads, as low as 0.03 pips
- Deposit Methods
- Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Transfer
(Comparing 8 of 10)
- Type
- CFD Trading Platform (CFD)
- Rating
- 4.5/5
- Best For
- Newcomers, Advanced Beginners, Experts, Long Term Investors, Short Term Trading
- Instruments
- Crypto, Indices, Forex, Commodities, Shares, ETFs
- Min Deposit
- 250 EUR/USD/GBP
- Fees
- Varies, No overnight or maintenance fees
- Deposit Methods
- Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Paypal
(Comparing 9 of 10)
- Type
- Centralized Exchange (CEX)
- Rating
- 4.5/5
- Best For
- Newcomers, Advanced Beginners, Long Term Investors, Short Term Trading
- Instruments
- Cryptocurrencies
- Min Deposit
- $60 or €53
- Fees
- 5.9% per trade, with an extra 5% for credit/debit card purchases
- Deposit Methods
- Credit Card, Debit Card, Bank Transfer
(Comparing 10 of 10)
- Type
- Centralized Exchange (CEX)
- Rating
- 4.5/5
- Best For
- Advanced Beginners, Experts, Long Term Investors, Short Term Trading, Day Trading
- Instruments
- Cryptocurrencies
- Min Deposit
- None
- Fees
- Maker @ 0.1% & Taker @ 0.1%
- Deposit Methods
- Credit Card, Debit Card, Cryptocurrency
Uphold Wallet
Uphold offers a complimentary online wallet for storing a variety of supported cryptocurrencies. At the time of drafting this Uphold analysis, the platform supports wallets for seven different coins. These include:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Bitcoin Gold (BTG)
- DASH
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Ripple (XRP)
Your assets in an Uphold wallet are safeguarded by industry-leading security designed to counter external threats. With private keys managed by Uphold, access to funds is maintained even if you lose your password. Despite being considered a riskier hot storage, about 90% of all funds are kept secure in cold storage devices, safe from online threats.
Uphold’s wallet offers far more utility than just trading cryptocurrencies and assets; it enables purchasing using fiat money, fund transfers, and online buying.
How to Send Cryptocurrency
Sending crypto with Uphold is straightforward:
- Open the wallet holding the coin you wish to transfer.
- Click on the ‘Transfer’ button.
- Specify the amount of cryptocurrency you want to send.
- Input the recipient's wallet address. For convenience, use a QR code scanner by clicking the camera icon.
- Hit 'Send'. The transaction will proceed based on network congestion.
While crypto transfers are generally swift, network congestion can delay them. Confirm that your receiving wallet can support the specific coin being sent, or risk potential loss of funds if not supported.
How to Receive Cryptocurrency
Receiving Bitcoin or Altcoins in your Uphold wallet requires these steps:
- Sign into your Uphold wallet and choose the respective cryptocurrency wallet.
- Click the ‘Receive’ button.
- Define the wallet address, visible as both characters and a scannable QR code.
- Transfer this address to the sender’s wallet and finalize the transaction.
When accepting funds into Uphold, your role is minimal. Simply ensure the wallet address you provide supports the specific coin to receive.
Uphold Trading Account
To maintain a secure trading platform, Uphold mandates user account registration and verification prior to any fund deposits. Although it may be inconvenient, it's vital for the security of users and their capital. Thankfully, the platform offers a quick and intuitive onboarding process.
How to Sign Up to Uphold
Establishing a new Uphold account is simple and rapid. Just follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Uphold website and choose 'Sign Up'.
- Provide the necessary details to create your profile.
- Verify your mobile number by entering the SMS code sent to you.
- Look for a link in your email and click to confirm your email address.
- Include information about your income and anticipated trading actions.
- Conclude the registration by entering your employment details.
Before you embark on trading, you need to authenticate your account. This will be outlined in detail in this Uphold review soon.
Upon starting the account creation process, you are listed as a private individual by default. For business purposes, opt for 'Business' at the top of the sign-up form.
How to Log Into Your Uphold Account
Post-profile or account creation, access is effortless by following these steps:
- Head to the Uphold site and click 'Log In'.
- Input your registered email and password.
- Select 'Next' to log in to your account.
If your password slips your mind, opt for 'Forgot password?' to reset it.
Verification Requirements
Efficient and convenient identity verification can occur right from your desktop or smartphone. Upon account access, click 'Verify my identity' and follow the guided steps. You’ll need to take pictures of your ID and a selfie while holding the ID.
How to Buy or Sell Bitcoin with Uphold
Verification completion grants you access to begin trading cryptocurrencies on Uphold. Initially, ensure funds are available. Methods include transferring existing cryptocurrencies to Uphold wallets or depositing fiat money via cards or bank accounts.
How to Deposit Funds on Uphold
Depositing fiat money to purchase cryptocurrencies or assorted assets requires:
- Sign into your Uphold account and click ‘More’ in the side menu bar.
- Choose ‘Linked Accounts’ and select ‘Debit Cards’ or ‘Banks’.
- To link a new account, tap ‘+’ and follow the guided instructions to add it.
How to Buy Digital Currency on Uphold
Uphold is crafted to feel accessible and user-centric. No matter your familiarity, you can effortlessly purchase a wide range of assets in moments. It’s as easy as:
- Log into your Uphold account.
- On your screen’s right side, you’ll see the conversion tool.
- Opt for the currency or asset you’re purchasing with, specify your spend amount.
- Select your desired asset, like a cryptocurrency. You can state either the purchase amount or the spending limit.
- If satisfied with the conversion, click the green button to confirm the transaction.
How to Cash Out on Uphold
Switching cryptocurrencies back to fiat or other assets is equally straightforward, just follow prior steps mentioned in the 'How to Buy Digital Currency on Uphold'. With fiat funds in your account, you're free to make new purchases or transfer money to a linked debit card or bank account.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Uphold supports a robust list of over 60 cryptocurrencies, adding more each month. Some prominent coins and tokens include:
- Bitcoin
- Basic Attention Token
- ATOM
- Bitcoin Cash
- DASH
- Dogecoin
- PolkaDot
- Litecoin
- NEO
- Stellar
Supported Countries
Currently, Uphold operates across nearly every country worldwide. Over 180 nations are listed as supported as of this review.
Supported
Except for the countries specified below, Uphold accepts users globally.
Excluded
You cannot create an Uphold account if residing in these countries:
- Cuba
- the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Iran
- Iraq
- Myanmar
- North Korea
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
Exchange Fees and Limits
Fees
Uphold operates just like any other online exchange platform, with the key distinction of being straightforward about its fees. Fees are an integral part of its business model.
The exchange mainly derives its earnings from the spread – this is an additional percentage applied over the conversion rate, varying between different assets. Cryptocurrency trades typically feature a spread ranging from 0.8% to 1.2%. When it comes to precious metals, the spread is usually around 3%, whereas major Forex currencies often feature a spread of 0.2%.
Unlike many other platforms, Uphold doesn't impose any deposit or withdrawal fees, and it refrains from adding commissions. Thus, the amount displayed is the amount you transact with.
The discussion here pertains to individual transactions. Corporate accounts have a distinct fee structure, often influenced by transaction volumes.
Limits
Uphold prefers a flexible limit approach tailored to individual users, setting caps based on their trading track record, declared income, among other criteria. This helps shield users against potential fraudulent activities.
Supported Payment Methods
When it comes to traditional ways to fund your account, Uphold offers limited options. Typically, you'll have the choice between using a bank transfer or a card. Once your account is set, selecting your preferred currency for transactions is straightforward.
- Visa
- Mastercard
- SEPA (only for EUR payments)
- SWIFT
Moreover, the platform is accommodative of cryptocurrency payments via a selection of approved wallets.
Uphold Security
Security is a major priority for Uphold, employing several concealed strategies to safeguard both the platform and its users. An essential security feature available to users is two-factor authentication, which adds a layer of protection.
Uphold Customer Support
The support team at Uphold is just a message away, accessible via live chat and email. Assistance is provided in English round-the-clock, with typically minimal waiting times. For quick resolutions, browsing through the FAQ section is recommended.
Top Competitors
Uphold vs. eToro
Both Uphold and eToro Providing more than just a venue for cryptocurrency exchanges, Uphold is user-friendly, especially for those aspiring to diversify their portfolio without hassle. Conversely, eToro stands out for investors wanting more sophisticated financial tools like CopyTrader.
Uphold vs. CEX.io
CEX.io Offering a robust and versatile platform, this cryptocurrency exchange accommodates a broad spectrum of users, from novices to seasoned traders. It boasts a wider range of cryptocurrencies compared to Uphold but lacks features for stock, Forex, and commodity investments.
Uphold vs. Binance
Binance This exchange is globally recognized, capable of supporting over a thousand different coins and tokens. It excels in crypto-to-crypto conversions. Nevertheless, for those interested in buying cryptocurrencies with fiat money or aiming to invest in stocks using crypto, Uphold holds a distinct advantage.
Conclusion
As a dynamic platform with myriad features, Uphold facilitates converting currencies and investing in stocks and precious metals with admirable proficiency. With millions of users worldwide, it stands out for its security and user-friendliness, suitable for varying trading tactics.
Indeed, this platform complies with numerous international safety criteria and operates under licenses issued by several authoritative bodies.
Certainly, the exchange accommodates Euro transactions, either through card or bank transfer methods.
To align with exchange guidelines, users must complete registration and verification before initiating any trade.
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