Which is Better? • Benzinga Crypto

October 16, 2021 Editor Coinbase 0

Want to jump straight to the answer? Coinbase is better for beginners and those looking for a large selection of cryptocurrencies, and Webull is better for anyone wanting a more advanced trading platform.

Whether you are looking for your first exchange or simply want to broaden your exchange options list, this article provides useful information to help you make an informed decision.

Webull was founded on May 24, 2017, by former Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA) employee Wang Anquan. Initially founded as a stock trading platform, Webull added crypto trading in November 2020. Currently, Webull supports 11 cryptocurrencies but has plans to add more. Transfers of cryptocurrencies into or out of Webull are not presently allowed. 

Coinbase, founded in June 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, has weathered the ups and downs of the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin (BTC) was the sole cryptocurrency supported for the first 5 years. In early 2017, Coinbase added Ethereum (ETH) and Litecoin (LTC) to its list, which now includes over 100 coins, tokens and stablecoins. Coinbase can also boast that it has never been a hacking victim as it has prospered throughout the years.

Benzinga compares Coinbase and Webull to see how well a relatively new crypto exchange will stand up against the old guard of the crypto space. 

What Is a Cryptocurrency Exchange?

A cryptocurrency exchange is similar to a stock exchange in many ways. Anyone who has ever traded stocks will be at ease using a cryptocurrency exchange. A cryptocurrency exchange, like a stock exchange, facilitates trades between buyers and sellers. It may or may not charge a fee for that service, depending on the exchange.

In addition to facilitating transactions, a crypto exchange frequently acts as a custodian for the cryptocurrency you purchase. The number and type of cryptocurrencies supported by crypto exchanges often vary. Some exchanges list over a hundred cryptocurrencies, while others only list a few. You will find no shortage of exchange alternatives in the crypto space.

Although they are similar, significant differences exist between cryptocurrency and stock exchanges. One notable difference is that cryptocurrency trades 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In the crypto world, there is no such thing as market openings and closings. Even on holidays, trading never stops. 

Furthermore, because the cryptocurrency market is much less regulated than the stock market, there is no pattern day trader (PDT) rule. Unless the account value exceeds $25,000, the PDT rule limits the number of day trades a stock trader can execute within 5 business days using the same account. You can make an unlimited number of trades in the cryptocurrency market, regardless of the size of your trading account.

Another significant difference is that most crypto exchanges allow you to transfer your cryptocurrency from the exchange to a wallet. Crypto exchanges can also be centralized (CEX) with a centralized authority in control or decentralized (DEX), which are true peer-to-peer markets with no intermediaries.

Important Cryptocurrency Exchange Features

Investors and traders have distinct styles and goals, which may shift over time. As a result, no crypto exchange is ideal for everyone. It is beneficial to have a large selection of unique exchanges in terms of their features. Most serious investors and traders have accounts on multiple exchanges, allowing them to adapt to changing market conditions.

What characteristics should you look for when selecting an exchange? Security should be near the top of your priority list. Keeping crypto assets on an exchange is not the same as putting money in a bank account. Few crypto exchanges have insurance to cover losses in the event of a hack. Even if they do, the maximum amount covered is almost certainly limited. As a result, it is critical to learn how and where it stores your crypto assets. Ideally, it would use cold storage to protect cryptocurrency assets from a hack. It is also necessary to investigate what other security measures are in place to safeguard the exchange.

Aside from security to protect the exchange, you should look at the features it provides to help you keep your account secure. While you bear the majority of the responsibility, the exchange should also include features to help you. At the very least, you should look for 2-factor authentication (2FA), preferably from Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) authenticator, Authy or Duo. Another important security feature is the ability to “whitelist” your withdrawal addresses. With this feature enabled, withdrawals can only be made to addresses on your whitelist.

Moving on, you should consider how many and which cryptocurrencies the exchange supports. Having a diverse set of cryptocurrencies can be beneficial for investors seeking exposure to the entire crypto market. Trading features are also important, particularly if you are a more experienced trader. Take note of the types of buy and sell orders that are permitted, as well as the ability to place stop orders. If you primarily buy and hold, these features may not be as important to you. The educational content that is available on the exchange is another feature to look for. Anyone, but especially beginners, can benefit from it.