Uphold Exchange offers over 300 cryptocurrencies for trading, staking with 13.8% APY, three user levels with special features, and 1.4% fee for Bitcoin and Ethereum.
All assets on Uphold crypto are 100% reserved, and over 165 million transactions worth over $53M have been processed on the exchange to date.
Uphold Information + Regulation
Uphold, a financial technology company registered by “Uphold Lithuania UAB”, operates under strict regulatory compliance to ensure the safety and security of its users' assets and data.
The platform is licensed under several important regulatory frameworks:
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
- UK Data Protection Act
Founded in 2013 by “Halsey Minor”, a tech entrepreneur known for founding CNET.
Summary of Key Features
Uphold crypto exchange offers a range of features that make it an attractive option for users looking to trade multiple asset classes. Uphold Key Features:
Exchange | Uphold |
Launch Date | 2013 |
Levels | 3 |
Trading Fees | BTC and ETH: 1.4% to 1.6% Altcoins: 1.9% to 2.95% |
Supported Coins | 300+ |
Futures Trading | No |
Minimum Deposit | $1 |
Deposit Methods | Credit/Debit Card, ACH, Wire Transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Crypto |
Withdrawal Methods | Credit/Debit Card, ACH, Wire Transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Crypto |
Maximum Leverage | 1:1 |
Minimum Trade Size | None |
Security Factors | 2FA, Encryption, Auditing, SOC 2 Typer 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS |
Services | Anything-to-Anything Trading Model, Web3 UpHODL Wallet, Uphold Card |
Customer Support Ways | Email, Phone Call, Indoor Meeting |
Customer Support Hours | 24/7 |
Fiat Deposit | Yes |
Affiliate Program | Yes |
Orders Execution | Market, Limit |
Native Token | - |
Restricted Countries | Anguilla, Antarctica, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Bouvet Island, Cambodia, Chad, Cuba, Eritrea, Fiji, French Southern Territories Guinea, Heard and McDonald Islands, Iran, Lebanon, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, North Korea, Palau, Samoa, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Vanuatu, Virgin Islands (U.S.) |
Advantages and Disadvantages
To provide a balanced view, let's review the pros and cons of using Uphold:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Wide range of supported assets (300+ cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, and precious metals) | Higher trading fees compared to some competitors |
User-friendly interface suitable for beginners | Limited advanced trading features for experienced traders |
"Anything-to-Anything" trading functionality | No futures or margin trading options |
No deposit or withdrawal fees | Some users report issues with customer support responsiveness |
Strong focus on security and regulatory compliance | Discontinued equity trading |
Uphold Card for crypto spending (UK users) | Limited staking options |
Uphold Exchange User Levels Structure
Uphold employs a three-tier reward structure for its users, encouraging account verification and increased platform engagement:
Level 1 (Non-Verified Users)
- Limited access to features and benefits
- Rewards on stablecoins such as USBC, USDC and RLUSD
Level 2 (Verified Users)
- No transaction limit
- Access to more features, including Bank transfer deposits and withdrawals
- Pre-release access to new currencies and money cards
- Insider tools, tips, and product information
Level 3 (Premium Users)
- Additional exclusive benefits such as 24-hour early access to trade new currencies
- Enhanced trading capabilities and customer support
As users progress through these levels, they gain access to more features and benefits on the Uphold platform.
The primary requirement for advancing is completing the identity verification process to become a "Verified User".
How Much are the Commissions and Fees on Uphold Exchange?
In this section of Uphold review, we’ve reached the fee structure. Uphold's fee structure is transparent but generally higher than some of its competitors. Here's a breakdown of the fees:
- Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH): 4 to 1.6% spread
- Altcoins: 9 to 2.95% spread
- Fiat Currency Conversions: 2 to 1.8% spread
- Deposits: Free for most methods
- Withdrawals: Free for crypto, nominal fee for fiat currencies
How many Coins & Tokens are Tradable in Uphold?
The exchange offers an impressive selection of over 300 cryptocurrencies.
Uphold crypto coins:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Solana (SOL)
Note: In addition to cryptocurrencies, Uphold also supports trading in:
- Fiat currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)
- Precious metals (Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium)
This wide range of assets allows users to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of Uphold's unique "Anything-to-Anything" trading feature.
Futures & Margin Trading; Are they Available?
Uphold does not support futures or margin trading. The platform focuses on spot trading and its "Anything-to-Anything" model, which allows for quick and easy exchanges between supported assets.
Uphold Registration and Verification; How to Do So?
The registration process on Uphold Exchange is similar to other exchanges and is carried out in 5 steps:
- Visit the Uphold website and click on “Get Started”.
- In the next page, provide email address, password, country of residence and state/province.
- Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to your inbox.
- Complete the basic profile information (name, date of birth, etc.).
- To unlock full platform features, you'll need to verify your identity by providing a government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, etc.), proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.) and selfie for facial recognition verification.
Once your identity is verified, you'll have access to all of Uphold's features and higher transaction limits.
Platforms and Applications (Mobile App & UpHODL Wallet)
Uphold offers 3 platforms and applications to cater to different user preferences:
- Web Platform: A full-featured trading interface accessible through any modern web browser.
- Mobile Applications: Proprietary app for Android and iOS devices, offers most features available on the web platform.
- UpHODL Web3 Wallet: A multichain, self-custodial wallet available for Android and iOS
Security; Is It Safe to Use Uphold Crypto?
As of Uphold review, the exchange uses various methods to secure users' assets and places a significant emphasis on safety. Uphold Security:
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security to user accounts.
- Encryption: Utilizes industry-standard encryption for data protection.
- Regular Auditing: Conducts independent audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adheres to AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations.
- SOC 2 Type 2 Certification: Demonstrates commitment to security, availability, and confidentiality of customer data.
- ISO 27001 Certification: Indicates adherence to international information security management standards.
- PCI DSS Compliance: Ensures secure handling of payment card information.
Payment Methods
Uphold supports 6 payment methods to accommodate different user preferences:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Quick and convenient for small purchases
- ACH (Automated Clearing House): For US-based users, allows direct bank transfers
- Wire Transfer: Suitable for larger transactions, may involve additional fees
- Apple Pay: Convenient for iOS users
- Google Pay: Easy option for Android users
- Cryptocurrency Deposits: Direct transfers from external wallets
Note: The availability of these payment methods may vary depending on your location and account verification level.
Uphold Exchange Trust Scores
When considering any financial platform, it's crucial to look at user reviews and trust scores. For Uphold, the scores are mixed:
- Trustpilot: 2.6/5 stars based on over 9,500 reviews
- io: 2/5 stars based on more than 50 reviews
These scores indicate that while some users have positive experiences with Uphold, there are also significant concerns. Common issues reported by users include:
- Account freezes
- Difficulties with withdrawals
- Slow customer support response times
- Lack of transparency in certain situations
It's important to approach these reviews with a balanced perspective, as dissatisfied customers are often more likely to leave reviews than satisfied ones.
Support: Channels & Hours
Uphold provides 24/7 support via 4 channels:
- Email Support: support@uphold.com
- Phone Call: +1 (888) 821-0966
- Help Center: Comprehensive FAQs and guides for self-help
- Indoor Meetings: Available in 5 office locations including USA Bay Area, London, Porto, Braga, New York
What Investment Option are Available at Uphold Exchange?
Uphold offers limited options for passive income generation:
- Staking: Users can stake 19 cryptocurrencies with 8% APY
- Crypto Rewards Card: UK users can earn crypto rewards on their spending using the Uphold Card
It's important to note that Uphold does not offer copy trading features, which may be a drawback for users looking to follow successful traders' strategies.
Uphold Exchange Restricted Countries; What Countries are Banned?
Due to regulatory requirements, Uphold is not available in all countries. Some of the restricted locations include:
- North America & Caribbean: Anguilla, Barbados, Cuba, Virgin Islands (U.S.), S. Minor Outlying Islands
- Asia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Iran, Lebanon, North Korea, Syria
- Africa: Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, South Sudan, Sudan
- Oceania: Fiji, Palau, Samoa, Vanuatu
- Antarctica & Surrounding Territories: Antarctica, Bouvet Island, French Southern Territories, Heard and McDonald Islands
Users in these restricted locations may have limited account access or be required to close their accounts.
TradingFinder Writer's Opinion And Conclusion
With features like Anything-to-Anything trading, Web 3 wallet for Android and iOS, SOC 2 Type 2 Certification, and encryption of user assets, Uphold crypto has earned a score of 2.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
However, the exchange does not support futures trading or copy trading and only has 19 currencies for staking.