There are a handful of tools that can simplify the life of a crypto trader or investor. The major categories that we’ll cover in this guide are exchanges, wallets and portfolio trackers. If you’re completely new to cryptocurrency, the video below will help you get ready to use the best crypto apps.
Want to jump straight to the answer? The best crypto apps are Crypto.com, Coinbase, Voyager, and BlockFi.
For novice investors and cryptocurrency experts alike, there are a handful of apps that can enhance your crypto experience and even add crypto to your portfolio for free. From lending platforms to exchanges and portfolio managers, there are a plenty of applications that every enthusiast should have on their home screen.
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Types of Crypto Applications
There are a handful of tools that can simplify the life of a crypto trader or investor. The major categories that we’ll cover in this guide are exchanges, wallets and portfolio trackers. If you’re completely new to cryptocurrency, the video below will help you get ready to use the best crypto apps.
Cryptocurrency Exchanges
By far the most popular type of cryptocurrency application, exchanges allow you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies using USD, BTC, ETH and many other currencies. You can connect your bank account through ACH, or use a credit or debit card to buy crypto on most exchanges.
Note that as a US resident, you’ll have to comply with SEC know-your-customer (KYC) guidelines which will require identity verification before you can start trading. This if for tax tracking purposes.
Some cryptocurrency exchanges offer more than just a platform to trade digital assets. Crypto.com, for example, offers users a crypto-back debit card that lets you earn cryptocurrency on every purchase made with the card. The platform also let’s you earn interest on your cryptocurrency, making it a great option for long-term oriented investors. Make sure your collection of the best crypto apps has an exchange!
MoneyLion
Investing in crypto need not be complicated. Many investors want to test the waters and learn the markets before they engage in complicated investing strategies. As a result, they often look to a simpler service like the MoneyLion Roar Account.
Your MoneyLion Roar Account gives you access to a range of services, including crypto investing. Manage your money, ask your employer to direct deposit your paycheck in your MoneyLion account, get a credit-building loan, get paid early and much more.
When you plan to use the MoneyLion Roar crypto investing service, there is a prize pool that totals $1 million. Invite your friends, and purchase Bitcoin and Ethereum as much as you like. While investing in these popular coins, you can increase your net worth and build wealth. Additionally, you can take advantage of round-ups that send extra money to your crypto account. Set your MoneyLion debit card to round up each purchase, and you’ll save money for a rainy day.
Cryptocurrency Wallets
A crypto wallet stores the private key needed to unlock funds from your wallet address on the blockchain. Most expert traders don’t recommend holding your coins in an exchange if you don’t plan on using them for day trading. Best practice would be using a hardware wallet like the Ledger Nano X or the Trezor T for long term positions.
If you plan on actively using crypto, then a hot wallet app like ZenGo or MetaMask may be a better option. Just note that hot wallets are not meant for your life savings.
To check the balance of your funds stored on the hardware wallet, a crypto portfolio tracker can satisfy cravings to check your crypto, but we’ll get to that later. For now, you’ll want to set yourself up with a wallet that lets you control your private keys, unlike an exchange. Funds kept in an exchange wallet are more vulnerable to hacks, and the exchanges often do not provide you with your own private key – meaning the funds are not truly yours in the case of an emergency.
Hybrid Wallets
A hybrid wallet gives you software access so that you can store your coins and save for the future. With the Exodus Bitcoin & Crypto Wallet, you can link to your Trezor wallet, earn interest on the coins you’ve stored and choose between the desktop and mobile apps. To get the most utility out of your cryptocurrency, a hybrid wallet is often the best choice.
Portfolio Trackers
A cryptocurrency tracker is a type of app that shows your real-time information on cryptocurrency prices. Any exchange will feature this information but having an individual tracker app can also be beneficial. This especially the case if you don’t hold your funds on an exchange, as you won’t be able to see your crypto holdings if this is the case.
For example, if you prefer to store your crypto in a hardware wallet but you still want to keep up with price movements throughout the day, choosing a simple tracker app is less complicated than signing up for an exchange.
Lending Platforms
Crypto lending often seems too good to be true. With annual yields in the 5-10% range on popular cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, you’ll probably be asking: “what’s the catch”? But, when you consider the costs associated with operating centralized banks, higher returns on decentralized crypto lending make sense. This wasn’t possible without the blockchain, but thanks to smart contracts, loans can be automated with no credit checks required. This is down by backing loans with cryptocurrency collateral, and this could be a way for you to keep your underlying crypto assets and get some quick cash, or lend your crypto and earn a high yield payed in your favorite token.
Of the lending platforms on the market, BlockFi is among the easiest to use. Simply deposit your crypto into a BlockFi savings account to start earning interest on your crypto. Plus, there aren’t any minimum lockup times, so you can remove your funds at any time.
