MoonPay has established itself as a leading financial technology platform, enabling users worldwide to buy and sell cryptocurrencies using credit cards and other familiar payment methods. Founded in 2018 and based in Miami, the company simplifies crypto access for millions, supporting over 80 digital assets across more than 150 countries. Often called the "PayPal of crypto," MoonPay serves both individual users and businesses, offering tailored services like NFT trading and high-net-worth concierge support.
However, MoonPay isn’t the only player in this space. Whether you're looking for lower fees, more cryptocurrency options, or advanced trading features, several strong alternatives exist. This guide explores some of the most notable platforms competing with MoonPay, highlighting their unique strengths and features.
Binance
Headquarters: Cayman Islands
Founder(s): Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Zi He
Year Founded: 2017
Binance, along with its U.S. counterpart Binance.US, is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. In 2021 alone, Binance accounted for over 67% of the $14 trillion global crypto trading activity.
With support for more than 600 cryptocurrencies and a user base exceeding 90 million, Binance offers significantly lower fees—as little as 0.10% per trade—compared to MoonPay’s 1% to 4.5% charges. The platform appeals to more advanced traders, providing derivatives, margin trading, staking, and NFT marketplaces.
Despite its popularity, Binance has faced regulatory challenges in multiple countries related to compliance and securities regulations. Unlike MoonPay, which works closely with regulators, Binance often operates in a more ambiguous regulatory environment.
Coinbase
Headquarters: San Francisco, California
Founder(s): Brian Armstrong, Fred Ehrsam
Year Founded: 2012
Coinbase is the leading cryptocurrency exchange in the United States and operates in over 100 countries, serving nearly 100 million verified users. It supports trading for more than 150 cryptocurrencies and offers a business-focused service, Coinbase Commerce, which enables over 8,000 merchants to accept crypto payments.
Coinbase went public in 2021 and has raised approximately $550 million in funding. The platform emphasizes regulatory compliance and user-friendly services, including a branded debit card and native wallet. In 2021, Coinbase recorded $6.8 billion in transaction revenue. However, market downturns led to significant layoffs in 2022.
OKX
Headquarters: Mahé, Seychelles
Founder(s): Star Xu
Year Founded: 2014
OKX (formerly OKEx) is a global exchange available in 180 countries (excluding the U.S.), serving 20 million users. It supports over 350 cryptocurrencies and offers services including spot trading, derivatives, DeFi, and mining. Trading fees start as low as 0.10%, and users can buy crypto via bank transfers, cards, or digital wallets.
The platform differentiates itself with OKX Insights, a research division providing market data, and an internal leaderboard showcasing top traders. Despite past challenges, including withdrawal halts and regulatory issues, OKX has maintained significant trading volumes, reporting $21 trillion in trades during 2021.
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FTX
Headquarters: Nassau, The Bahamas
Founder(s): Sam Bankman-Fried, Gary Wang
Year Founded: 2019
FTX has quickly grown into one of the world’s top crypto exchanges, with a valuation of $32 billion and daily trading volumes around $2 billion. The platform offers over 300 financial assets, including derivatives, futures, and NFTs, appealing to both retail and institutional traders.
FTX is known for aggressive marketing, including sponsorships with major sports teams and a $150 million acquisition of the Blockfolio app. Its U.S. entity, FTX.US, is valued at $8 million and serves over 1.2 million users. The exchange emphasizes innovation, with features like faster settlements and competitive fees.
Huobi
Headquarters: Mahé, Seychelles
Founder(s): Leon Li
Year Founded: 2013
Huobi is a long-standing exchange that once dominated Bitcoin trading volume alongside OKX and KuCoin. After relocating from China due to regulatory crackdowns, Huobi now operates globally with 10 million users. It offers a diverse ecosystem including Huobi Token (HT), a proprietary blockchain, and a dollar-backed stablecoin.
The platform supports spot and derivatives trading with daily volumes often exceeding $1.2 billion. Despite past accusations of wash trading, Huobi reported $78 million in revenue in 2021. Like others, it faced downsizing during market slumps, cutting 30% of its workforce in mid-2022.
Crypto.com
Headquarters: Singapore
Founder(s): Kris Marszalek, Rafael Melo, Bobby Bao, Gary Or
Year Founded: 2016
Crypto.com is widely recognized for its high-profile marketing campaigns, including the renaming of the Staples Center to Crypto.com Arena. The platform serves 50 million users across 90 countries and supports over 250 cryptocurrencies.
Its popular crypto debit card allows real-world spending with cashback rewards, making crypto more accessible to everyday users. In 2021, average daily trading volume reached $5.5 billion. Despite early controversies around token swaps, Crypto.com has solidified its place as a major exchange and finservice provider.
KuCoin
Headquarters: Mahé, Seychelles
Founder(s): Kent Li
Year Founded: 2017
KuCoin is another Seychelles-based exchange known for its extensive altcoin support, offering over 700 cryptocurrencies. It has facilitated more than $1.2 trillion in cumulative trading volume and serves over 20 million users across 200 countries.
The platform provides margin trading, lending, yield-earning opportunities, and social trading features. Despite rumors during the 2022 market decline, KuCoin denied bankruptcy claims and announced plans to expand its team by 300 employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MoonPay?
MoonPay is a fintech platform that allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies using credit cards, debit cards, and other standard payment methods. It operates in over 150 countries and supports more than 80 digital assets.
How do MoonPay alternatives compare in terms of fees?
Many alternatives, like Binance and OKX, offer lower trading fees—often as low as 0.10%—compared to MoonPay’s 1%–4.5% charge. However, MoonPay emphasizes ease of use and accessibility over low-cost trading.
Can I use these platforms in the United States?
Most platforms reviewed here offer U.S.-compliant versions or services, such as FTX.US and Binance.US. Always check regional availability, as some exchanges restrict services in certain countries.
What payment methods are supported?
Common payment options include credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets. Some platforms also support Apple Pay, Google Pay, and regional payment systems.
Are these alternatives secure?
Reputable platforms implement security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage, and insurance funds. Always research an exchange’s security history and regulatory compliance before use.
Which platform is best for beginners?
Coinbase and MoonPay are among the most beginner-friendly due to intuitive interfaces and simplified buying processes. Advanced users may prefer Binance, OKX, or FTX for more features.
When choosing a platform for buying or trading cryptocurrencies, consider factors like supported assets, fees, security, and geographic availability. Whether you prioritize low costs, ease of use, or advanced trading tools, there are multiple robust alternatives to MoonPay. 👉 Compare real-time crypto exchange features