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Uphold is a multi-asset trading platform that lets you buy, sell, and swap over 300 cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies, and four precious metals — all from a single account. Founded in 2015 and serving more than 10 million users across 140+ countries, Uphold stands out for its "anything-to-anything" one-step trading, real-time proof-of-reserves transparency, and broad staking program offering up to 15.8% APY. However, its spread-based fees (1.4%–2.95% on most trades) are higher than dedicated exchanges, and it lacks advanced features like margin trading, futures, or detailed charting tools. In this updated 2026 review, we break down Uphold's fees, features, security, and how it compares to top alternatives.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 (originally Bitreserve, 2014) |
| Supported Assets | 300+ cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies, 4 precious metals |
| Trading Fees | Spread-based: 1.4%–2.95% (varies by asset); $0.99 fee on trades under $250 |
| Minimum Trade | $10 purchase; $4 withdrawal |
| Staking | 20+ coins; up to 15.8% APY with weekly payouts |
| Security | SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001; real-time proof-of-reserves (100%+ backing) |
| Mobile App | iOS & Android (4.5+ stars on both stores) |
| Users | 10+ million across 140+ countries |
| Regulation | FinCEN MSB (US); FCA registered (UK); EU regulated via Uphold Europe Ltd. |
| Customer Support | Email & chatbot (no live phone support) |
What Is Uphold?
Uphold is a US-based multi-asset trading platform operated by Uphold HQ Inc. that allows users to trade between cryptocurrencies, national currencies, and precious metals in a single step. Unlike traditional exchanges that use order books, Uphold functions as a brokerage — you buy and sell against Uphold's quoted spreads rather than placing orders on a public book. This makes it simpler for beginners but generally more expensive than maker-taker fee structures on platforms like Kraken or Coinbase Advanced.
Originally launched in 2014 as Bitreserve and rebranded to Uphold in 2015, the platform has grown from a simple Bitcoin storage service to a comprehensive financial platform. Uphold now serves over 10 million registered users across more than 140 countries and lists 300+ digital assets alongside 27 fiat currencies and four precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, and palladium).
Key Features
Anything-to-Anything Trading
Uphold's signature feature is one-step cross-asset trading. You can swap Bitcoin for gold, EUR for Ethereum, or XRP for silver — all in a single transaction without needing to convert to an intermediary currency first. With 300+ crypto assets, 27 fiat currencies, and 4 metals, this creates tens of thousands of possible trading pairs. No other major platform offers this breadth of direct cross-asset swaps.
Staking Rewards
Uphold offers staking on 20+ cryptocurrencies with APYs reaching up to 15.8%. Rewards are calculated daily and paid out weekly. Supported staking coins include Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Cosmos (ATOM), and others. Uphold charges a commission on staking rewards (typically 15–25% depending on the asset), which is already factored into the displayed APY. Unstaking periods vary by asset — for example, ETH unstaking can take several days while some assets unlock instantly.
Wallet Options
Uphold provides three wallet solutions:
- Uphold Wallet — A custodial hot wallet built into the main app supporting all 300+ assets. This is where most users hold their funds.
- UpHODL — A separate self-custody hot wallet app supporting Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, ERC-20 tokens, and NFTs. Users control their own private keys.
- Uphold Vault — An "assisted self-custody" wallet with key recovery service, supporting BTC, XRP, RLUSD, SOLO, CORE, and HBAR. Costs $4.99/month or $49.99/year after a trial period.
You can also withdraw crypto to any external cold wallet of your choice.
Uphold Debit Card
Available in the US and UK, Uphold's debit card lets you spend crypto and fiat balances at any merchant that accepts Mastercard. Key benefits include no foreign-exchange fees and an introductory 4–6% cashback in XRP. The card is not yet available in the EU.
USD Interest Account
Uphold offers an FDIC-insured USD Interest Account paying 2% on balances under $10 and 3.75% on balances over $10. This allows users to earn yield on uninvested cash directly within the platform.
Limit Orders & Automation
While Uphold lacks a full order book, it does offer limit orders, take-profit triggers, and trailing-stop logic. Users can have up to 50 open limit orders at once. Recurring buy features also let you dollar-cost average on a set schedule.
Uphold Fees
Uphold uses a spread-based pricing model rather than traditional maker-taker fees. The total cost you pay is built into the price quote you see before confirming a trade. Here is how Uphold's fee structure breaks down in 2026:
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BTC/ETH Spread (ACH) | ~1.4%–1.6% | All-in spread on major crypto vs USD |
| Altcoin Spread | ~2.5%–2.95% | Higher spreads on smaller-cap assets |
| Small Trade Fee | $0.99 | Applied to trades under $250 value |
| Credit/Debit Card Purchase | 3.99%–5.5% | Includes card processing surcharge |
| ACH Deposit | Free | Standard US bank transfer |
| Wire Deposit | Varies | Depends on provider |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Network fees only | No Uphold markup on withdrawals |
| Bank Withdrawal (US/UK/EU) | Free | ACH, SEPA, Faster Payments |
| Uphold Vault | $4.99/mo or $49.99/yr | Assisted self-custody wallet subscription |
Important: Uphold's spreads can widen during periods of high market volatility. If the spread exceeds 4%, Uphold will notify you before the trade executes. You have 18 seconds to lock in a quoted price before it refreshes. For the best rates, use ACH bank funding on larger trades ($250+) to avoid both the card surcharge and the small-trade fee.
Security and Regulation
Uphold is one of the most transparent crypto platforms in the industry when it comes to security and reserve backing. Here are the key security credentials:
- SOC 2 Type II Certified — Independent audit confirming operational security controls
- ISO 27001 Certified — International standard for information security management
- Real-Time Proof-of-Reserves — Uphold publishes a live reserves page showing 100%+ backing of all customer assets, updated continuously (not just quarterly like some competitors)
- Bug Bounty Program — Active program via HackerOne to identify vulnerabilities
- Multi-Signature Cold Storage — Majority of funds stored offline
From a regulatory perspective, Uphold operates as:
- US: Registered Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN; holds state-level money transmitter licenses
- UK: Registered with the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) via Uphold Europe Ltd.
- EU: Regulated entity operating under European frameworks
Availability restrictions: Uphold is not available in New York, Louisiana, or Canada. The debit card is limited to the US and UK.
Supported Assets
Uphold supports 300+ cryptocurrencies, making it one of the more comprehensive platforms for asset selection. Major supported coins include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Avalanche (AVAX), and Dogecoin (DOGE), among hundreds of others.
Beyond crypto, Uphold uniquely supports:
- 27 Fiat Currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF, CAD, AUD, and more
- 4 Precious Metals: Gold (XAU), Silver (XAG), Platinum (XPT), Palladium (XPD)
Stablecoins including USDT and USDC are available on multiple networks (ERC-20, TRC-20, Arbitrum, Polygon), giving users flexibility in deposit and withdrawal options.
User Experience
Web Platform
Uphold's web interface is clean and swap-focused. The main dashboard shows your portfolio value, recent transactions, and quick-trade widget. There is no order-book view or advanced charting — the platform is designed for simplicity over technical analysis. Limit orders, take-profit, and trailing stops are accessible through the same swap interface. The web and mobile experiences share near-identical functionality.
Mobile App
The Uphold app is available on iOS and Android with average ratings of 4.5+ stars on both app stores. Users praise the wide asset selection and intuitive swap experience but note occasional technical issues and limited customer support options. The app mirrors the desktop experience and includes features for swaps, price alerts, recurring buys, staking management, and card controls.
Uphold Academy
Uphold provides educational content through Uphold Academy, featuring dozens of written articles for beginner through advanced investors. Video content placeholders exist but have not been fully populated as of early 2026.
Customer Support
Uphold's customer support is a notable weak point. The platform offers:
- Email support — Submit tickets through the help center
- 24/7 automated chatbot — For common questions and troubleshooting
- Help center articles — Extensive knowledge base
There is no live phone support — a significant limitation compared to competitors like Kraken and Interactive Brokers, which offer 24/7 callback features. User reviews on Reddit and Trustpilot frequently mention slow response times and occasional account holds as pain points. Uphold holds a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot but responds to only about 61% of negative reviews.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anything-to-anything trading across crypto, fiat, and metals | Spread fees (1.4%–2.95%) higher than order-book exchanges |
| Real-time 100%+ proof-of-reserves transparency | $0.99 fee on trades under $250 |
| 300+ crypto assets, 27 fiat currencies, 4 precious metals | No margin, futures, options, or derivatives |
| Staking on 20+ coins with up to 15.8% APY | No advanced charting or order-book view |
| Free bank withdrawals in US, UK, and EU | Email-only support with no live phone option |
| Debit card with 4–6% XRP intro rewards (US/UK) | Not available in New York, Louisiana, or Canada |
| SOC 2 Type II & ISO 27001 certified | Card purchases carry 3.99%–5.5% fees |
| Self-custody options (UpHODL, Vault) | Vault subscription costs $4.99/month |
Uphold vs Alternatives
How does Uphold compare to other popular crypto platforms? Here is a side-by-side comparison with its top competitors:
| Feature | Uphold | Coinbase | Kraken | Crypto.com | Gemini |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crypto Assets | 300+ | 260+ | 350+ | 350+ | 150+ |
| Trading Fees | 1.4%–2.95% spread | 0%–0.60% (Advanced) | 0%–0.40% (Pro) | 0%–0.075% (Exchange) | 0.20%–0.40% (ActiveTrader) |
| Fiat Currencies | 27 | 3 (USD, EUR, GBP) | 7 | 20+ | USD only (trading) |
| Precious Metals | 4 (Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium) | No | No | No | No |
| Cross-Asset Swaps | Yes (any to any) | Crypto only | Crypto only | Crypto only | Crypto only |
| Staking | 20+ coins, up to 15.8% | 10+ coins, up to 13% | 25+ coins, up to 17% | 20+ coins, up to 12.5% | 3 coins, up to 6% |
| Debit Card | US/UK (4–6% XRP rewards) | US only (up to 4% back) | No | Global (up to 5% CRO back) | US only (up to 3%) |
| Proof of Reserves | Real-time, 100%+ backing | Publicly traded (COIN) | Quarterly audits | Monthly proof-of-reserves | SOC 2 audited |
| Advanced Trading | Limit orders only | Full order book | Full order book + futures | Full order book + derivatives | Full order book |
| Phone Support | No | Yes (callback) | Yes (24/7) | No | No |
Who should choose Uphold: Beginners who want simple cross-asset swaps between crypto, fiat, and metals with strong transparency. Also ideal for XRP enthusiasts and users who value real-time proof-of-reserves.
Who should look elsewhere: Active traders wanting low maker-taker fees, advanced charting, or derivatives should consider Kraken or Crypto.com. Cost-conscious investors making frequent small trades would save significantly on Coinbase Advanced or Gemini ActiveTrader.
How to Get Started with Uphold
- Create an account — Visit Uphold and sign up with your email address.
- Complete KYC verification — Upload a government-issued ID and proof of address. Verification typically takes a few minutes to a few hours.
- Fund your account — Connect a bank account (ACH in the US, SEPA in the EU, Faster Payments in the UK) for free deposits. You can also use a credit or debit card, though fees are higher (3.99%–5.5%).
- Start trading — Use the swap interface to buy crypto, convert between assets, or set up limit orders and recurring buys.
- Enable staking — Navigate to the Earn section to start earning staking rewards on supported coins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uphold safe and legit in 2026?
Yes, Uphold is a legitimate and well-regulated crypto platform. It holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 security certifications, is registered as a Money Services Business with FinCEN in the US, and is FCA-registered in the UK. Uphold uniquely publishes real-time proof-of-reserves showing 100%+ backing of customer assets — a higher transparency standard than most competitors. The platform serves over 10 million users across 140+ countries.
What are Uphold's fees for buying Bitcoin?
Uphold charges a spread of approximately 1.4%–1.6% when buying Bitcoin with USD via ACH bank transfer. Credit and debit card purchases cost 3.99%–5.5% total. Trades under $250 in value also incur a $0.99 flat fee. There are no separate maker or taker fees — the spread is the total trading cost. Bitcoin withdrawals only incur standard network fees with no Uphold markup.
How does Uphold compare to Coinbase?
Uphold is better for cross-asset swaps (crypto, fiat, metals in one trade) and real-time reserve transparency. Coinbase is better for active traders who want lower fees (0%–0.60% on Advanced), a full order book, and advanced charting. Coinbase also offers live phone support, while Uphold only has email and chatbot. For beginners making simple purchases, both are suitable, but Coinbase's Simple Trade fees are comparable to Uphold's spreads. See our full Uphold vs Coinbase comparison for details.
Can I use Uphold in the United States?
Yes, Uphold is available in most US states. However, it is not available in New York or Louisiana due to licensing restrictions. US users can fund accounts via ACH bank transfer (free), wire transfer, or debit/credit card. The Uphold debit card is also available to US customers.
Does Uphold offer staking rewards?
Yes, Uphold offers staking on 20+ cryptocurrencies with APYs up to 15.8%. Supported staking coins include ETH, SOL, ADA, DOT, ATOM, and others. Rewards are calculated daily and distributed weekly. Uphold charges a 15–25% commission on staking rewards (already reflected in the displayed APY). Unstaking periods vary by asset.
What crypto wallets does Uphold offer?
Uphold offers three wallet options: the built-in custodial Uphold Wallet (supports all assets), UpHODL (a separate self-custody app for BTC, ETH, XRP, and ERC-20 tokens), and Uphold Vault (assisted self-custody with key recovery for $4.99/month). You can also withdraw to any external hardware wallet.
Is Uphold good for beginners?
Yes, Uphold is one of the most beginner-friendly crypto platforms available in 2026. Its simple swap interface eliminates the complexity of order books, and the anything-to-anything trading makes it easy to move between asset types. The $10 minimum investment is low, and the mobile app is highly rated. The main downside for beginners is the higher spread-based fees compared to some competitors' simple-buy options.
How do I withdraw money from Uphold?
To withdraw fiat, go to the Transact screen, select your fiat balance, choose "Send to bank account," and confirm. Bank withdrawals are free in the US (ACH), UK (Faster Payments), and EU (SEPA). Processing takes 1–3 business days depending on your bank. For crypto withdrawals, select the asset, choose "Send to crypto network," enter the destination address, and confirm. You only pay standard blockchain network fees with no Uphold markup.
Final Verdict
Uphold occupies a unique niche in the crypto market as a multi-asset brokerage that prioritizes simplicity, transparency, and cross-asset flexibility over advanced trading tools. Its anything-to-anything trading is genuinely unmatched — no other major platform lets you swap directly between crypto, fiat, and precious metals in a single step.
The real-time proof-of-reserves showing 100%+ backing is an industry-leading transparency measure that few competitors can match. Combined with SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications, Uphold offers strong security credentials for a platform of its size.
However, the spread-based pricing model means you will pay more per trade than you would on order-book exchanges like Kraken (0%–0.40%) or Coinbase Advanced (0%–0.60%). The lack of advanced charting, margin trading, and derivatives limits its appeal for experienced traders. And email-only customer support remains a weakness in an industry where account issues can be time-sensitive.
Uphold is best for: Beginners, cross-asset traders, XRP enthusiasts, users who value transparency, and anyone who wants crypto, fiat, and metals in one account. If simple swaps and broad asset coverage matter more to you than the lowest possible trading fees, Uphold is a strong choice in 2026.
Compare Uphold rates and fees with other platforms on Bitcompare.
