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Whale Exchanges
Exchange Guides/Beginner's Guide

๐Ÿš€ Complete Beginner's Guide to Crypto Exchanges

New to crypto trading? We'll guide you step by step from choosing an exchange to making your first trade.

โฑ๏ธ 15 min read๐Ÿ“… Last updated: 2025-12-16

๐Ÿฆ1. What is a Crypto Exchange?

A crypto exchange is a platform where you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Similar to stock exchanges, but operates 24/7 and is accessible to anyone worldwide.

Exchanges are divided into centralized (CEX) and decentralized (DEX). For beginners, we recommend user-friendly centralized exchanges.

๐ŸŽฏ2. How to Choose an Exchange

Security: Check for 2FA, cold storage, and insurance funds.

Fees: Compare trading and withdrawal fees. Use referral codes for discounts.

Volume: Higher volume means faster trades at better prices.

Supported coins: Make sure the coins you want to trade are listed.

Support: Check for language support and customer service quality.

๐Ÿ“3. How to Sign Up

1. Choose exchange: Select based on the criteria above. Sign up via referral link for fee discounts.

2. Create account: Register with email and password. Use a strong password.

3. KYC verification: Complete identity verification with ID. Required by most exchanges.

4. Enable 2FA: Set up two-factor authentication with Google Authenticator. Essential for security.

5. Deposit: Add fiat or crypto to start trading.

๐Ÿ† Recommended for Beginners

Binance
20% off
Sign Up
OKX
20% off
Sign Up
Bybit
30% off
Sign Up

๐Ÿ’ฑ4. Making Your First Trade

Market order: Executes immediately at current price. Fast but may get unfavorable prices.

Limit order: Set your desired price. Lower fees and better price control.

Start small: Begin with an amount you can afford to lose. Getting familiar with trading is key.

Dollar-cost averaging: Don't invest all at once. Spread your purchases over time.

๐Ÿ”’5. Essential Security Tips

Enable 2FA: Always set up two-factor authentication. App-based is safer than SMS.

Beware of phishing: Bookmark official URLs and never click email links.

Password management: Use unique strong passwords for each exchange.

Verify withdrawal addresses: Always double-check addresses. Wrong transfers are irreversible.

Use hardware wallets: Store large amounts in hardware wallets, not on exchanges.

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to start trading crypto?โ–ผ
Most exchanges allow you to start with as little as $10. We recommend starting with an amount you can afford to lose while you learn.
Which exchange is best for beginners?โ–ผ
Binance, Bybit, and Bitget offer beginner-friendly interfaces and educational resources. Using referral codes can also get you fee discounts.
Why is KYC verification required?โ–ผ
KYC (Know Your Customer) is a legal requirement for anti-money laundering and fraud prevention. Most exchanges require it for withdrawals and advanced features.
Is it safe to keep assets on an exchange?โ–ผ
Major exchanges invest heavily in security, but no platform is 100% safe. Store large amounts in hardware wallets and keep only trading funds on exchanges.

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