Gemini Cryptocurrency Exchange
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While California is home to a large number of Bitcoin ATMs — with more than 1,000 in the city of Los Angeles alone — the most convenient way to buy cryptocurrency is likely from the comfort of your own home.
Before signing up for a particular exchange, consider which coins are available and the trading fees charged.
You will need to verify your identity through the platform’s know-your-customer (KYC) process. Depending on the exchange, this can include uploading pictures of your government-issued identification, entering your Social Security number or even taking a selfie.
Kraken is an established cryptocurrency exchange that offers features for beginner and advanced crypto investors alike.
If you're new to crypto investing, Kraken's simple and intuitive user interface makes it easy for you to open an account and make your first crypto purchase. And Kraken's Learn center helps you better understand the complex terminology that surrounds crypto.
If you're a seasoned crypto investor, you'll benefit from using Kraken Pro — the exchange's advanced trading platform, which lets you trade over 200 crypto assets with low trading fees and a customizable trading interface. Kraken Pro also offers futures contracts as well as up to 5x leverage for trades.
| Deposit Methods | Bank transfer Credit card Cryptocurrency Debit card SEPA Instant SEPA Apple Pay Google Pay SWIFT ACH online banking |
|---|---|
| Deposit Fees | ACH deposit - Fees vary ($10 minimum deposit) Credit and debit card - Fees vary ($10 minimum deposit) Apple Pay or Google Pay - Fees vary ($10 minimum deposit) Crypto - Free |
| Withdrawal Fees | FedWire withdrawal - $4–$35 Crypto - Fees vary depending on coin or token |
| Trading Fees | Trading: Maker: 0.25% - 0.00% Taker: 0.40% - 0.00% Spread: Variable spread included in the price, calculated before orders are executed |
Most exchanges have a custodial wallet for your coins and tokens, which means they retain control of the private keys associated with your assets. If you want to take full ownership of your crypto, you need to purchase or download a non-custodial wallet.
Non-custodial wallets come in hardware and software varieties. Hardware wallets, like the ones offered by Ledger, are generally considered the safest. These wallets keep your coins on a physical device that stays disconnected from the internet.
Software wallets, on the other hand, can be downloaded onto your computer or mobile device and allow for internet connectivity. Popular software wallets include the Coinbase Wallet and Trust Wallet.
Once you’ve signed up for a crypto exchange and purchased or downloaded a digital wallet, you need to choose which cryptocurrencies you’re most interested in. As of February 2022, the most popular coins in California are Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH).
Now that you’ve chosen the coins you want to buy, connect your bank account to the platform. Alternatively, you may be able to purchase crypto with your credit card.
From Aave (AAVE) to Zilliqa (ZIL), all your favorite crypto protocols are available in the Golden State. If you see the coins you’re interested in on your chosen exchange, you can legally purchase them. The following list includes some of the most popular cryptocurrencies available to California residents.
The following list of exchanges consists of three of the most popular options used by Californians:
Finder Award eToro USA LLC Cryptocurrency Trading
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eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. Started in 2007, the platform is built on social collaboration and lets customers copy the trades of popular investors. The exchange offers a range of cryptocurrencies, including Polkadot (DOT) and Filecoin (FIL). Users can also trade with a demo account, allowing them to learn the platform and practice crypto-trading strategies without risking real money.
The eToro exchange charges 'round-trip' spreads when buying crypto assets. The spread covers the buy-and-sell side of the transaction and varies based on the asset being purchased. Current spreads vary between .75% and 2.90%
| Fiat currencies | 3 |
|---|---|
| Supported assets | 3 |
| Supported states | No supported |
| Fiat currencies | 3 |
|---|---|
| Supported assets | 3 |
| Supported states | No supported |
Crypto.com App
Crypto.com bills itself as the world's fastest-growing app and includes a large selection of cryptocurrencies. The exchange launched under the name Monaco in 2016 and changed to crypto.com in 2018. Its native token, Crypto.com Coin (CRO), can be used to lower fees on the exchange.
Crypto.com charges maker and taker fees for cryptocurrency trades. The fees vary depending on customer tier levels. Tiers are adjusted daily and are based on a customer's individual trading volumes incurred over the past 30 days.
| Fiat currencies | 31 |
|---|---|
| Supported assets | 266 |
| Supported states | No supported |
| Fiat currencies | 31 |
|---|---|
| Supported assets | 266 |
| Supported states | No supported |
Finder Award Bitstamp Cryptocurrency Exchange
Bitstamp was founded in 2011 and was the first fully licensed Bitcoin exchange in the world. The exchange aims to bring secure crypto access to all corners of the globe. As of February 2022, Bitstamp carries over 40 cryptocurrencies, including Stellar (XLM) Dai (DAI) and Aave (AAVE).
Fees vary for transactions on the platform and are based on the user's 30-day trading volume. Generally, fees range between 0% and .5% for trades.
| Fiat currencies | 3 |
|---|---|
| Supported assets | 96 |
| Supported states | 39 |
| Fiat currencies | 3 |
|---|---|
| Supported assets | 96 |
| Supported states | 39 |
Coinbase Digital Currency Exchange
Finder score
Started in 2012, Coinbase aims to build the crypto-economy with its beginner friendly platform. Over 70 million users from over 100 countries use Coinbase.
Coinbase has over 80 cryptocurrencies available, including Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB). Transaction fees are calculated using a combination of factors, including your payment method, the order size and varying market conditions, like volatility.
| Fiat currencies | 23 |
|---|---|
| Supported assets | 271 |
| Supported states | 44 |
| Fiat currencies | 23 |
|---|---|
| Supported assets | 271 |
| Supported states | 44 |
Gemini Cryptocurrency Exchange
Finder score
Gemini was founded in 2015 and operates as a global digital asset exchange and New York trust company. The platform is available in all 50 states and boasts a number of security features, including insurance against exchange hacks. Gemini carries over 90 cryptocurrencies. Some altcoins available are Cosmos (ATOM), Maker (MKR) and Dogecoin (DOGE).
Gemini's fees are somewhat higher than those charged on other exchanges. The platform charges as much as 1.49% on transactions over $200.
| Minimum deposits | $0 |
|---|---|
| Fiat currencies | 7 |
| Supported assets | 81 |
| Supported states | 50 |
| Minimum deposits | $0 |
|---|---|
| Fiat currencies | 7 |
| Supported assets | 81 |
| Supported states | 50 |
With Silicon Valley located in the heart of the state, California is home to a number of technological industries. As such, the population is usually ahead of the curve with the latest technological trends. Cryptocurrency is no exception.
California’s legislature has passed the largest number of bills concerning cryptocurrency in the country. Due to the number of lenient regulations, Californians can use cryptocurrency as freely as almost any other state. Businesses, similarly, are free to accept crypto as payment.
Consumer protection laws have further bolstered confidence in transacting with digital assets. Recently, the state enacted a bill giving the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation increased power to supervise the industry.
Yes, you can buy and sell Bitcoin in California. You can also buy BTC from Bitcoin ATMs in California. Before you head out and buy any BTC, make sure you’re using an exchange that’s licensed in the US and in your state.
You can use Binance.us in California.
The cryptocurrency exchange Binance is not legal in the United States, but the branch Binance.us is accessible in most states, including California.
In California, the sale of cryptocurrency is treated as property. Therefore, money earned from the sale of crypto is subject to capital gains tax. For this reason, it’s important that Californians keep records of their cryptocurrency trades for tax purposes.
Capital gains in California are treated much like the federal system for taxation — with a couple of caveats. First, California makes no distinction between short- or long-term holdings. Also, capital gains are taxed at the same rate as your income.
Cryptocurrency consumers should be aware of the risks associated with their investment. As a volatile asset class, cryptocurrencies are subject to large price swings. There is also a risk of scams occurring in the market.
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation keeps a current publicly available list of consumer alerts for the crypto industry. The list includes companies that may be engaging in fraudulent activity.
The department recommends exercising caution before engaging with any cryptocurrency solicitation.
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Are you visiting from outside the US?
How to start buying and investing in cryptocurrency in Puerto Rico.
The Aloha State restricts crypto somewhat, but Hawaiians still have plenty of exchanges to choose from.
New York has regulations surrounding crypto, but you can still buy cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin adoption in Texas could hit 14% by the end of the year, with 8% of Texan adults already owning Bitcoin.
