Overview
Robinhood
A USA-based exchange renowned for commission-free trading, Robinhood allows users to buy and trade cryptocurrencies via ACH transfers. It also offers Bitcoin ETFs like IBIT and FBTC, catering to both crypto and traditional investment enthusiasts.
Uphold
This globally accessible platform supports 250+ cryptocurrencies and multiple payment methods, serving over 30 million users worldwide. Uphold stands out for its transparency and diverse asset offerings, including precious metals and stablecoins.
Key Features Compared
Supported Countries
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Robinhood | Limited to the USA, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and District of Columbia. Regulated by the SEC and FinCEN. |
| Uphold | Available in 180+ countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Japan. |
👉 Explore Uphold's global accessibility
Supported Cryptocurrencies
| Platform | Cryptos Offered |
|---|---|
| Robinhood | 20+, including BTC, ETH, DOGE, SOL, XRP, and major altcoins. |
| Uphold | 250+, spanning Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Stellar, and niche tokens. |
Fee Structure
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| Robinhood | - 0% commission on crypto trades - Instant deposits up to $1,000 - No minimum trade size |
| Uphold | - 0.25%–2.95% fees, depending on asset (e.g., BTC: 1.4–1.6%) - 1.9–2.95% for altcoins/precious metals |
👉 Compare fee structures in detail
Additional Factors
Payment Methods
- Robinhood: ACH, debit cards, bank transfers.
- Uphold: Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SEPA, and more.
Interest Earnings
- Uphold offers 2–4.65% APY on USD balances (min. $1,000 for higher rates). Robinhood lacks interest-earning options.
Security & Hacks
- Robinhood: Past data breaches (2021) but no fund theft. Majority assets in cold storage.
- Uphold: No major hacks; full reserves verified by audits.
Mobile App Ratings
- Robinhood: 4.2/5 (iOS/Android).
- Uphold: 4.6–4.7/5 (iOS/Android).
FAQs
1. Which platform has lower fees?
Robinhood offers zero-commission trading, while Uphold charges 0.25–2.95% depending on the asset.
2. Can I use Uphold outside the US?
Yes! Uphold operates in 180+ countries, unlike Robinhood’s US-only availability.
3. Does Robinhood support altcoins?
It lists 20+ cryptos, but Uphold’s 250+ options are better for diverse portfolios.
4. Are these platforms secure?
Both use cold storage and audits. Uphold has a cleaner hack history.
5. Which app has better user reviews?
Uphold scores 4.6+, praised for simplicity. Robinhood averages 4.2.
Final Verdict
- Choose Robinhood for stocks + crypto with zero fees (ideal for US traders).
- Pick Uphold for global access, 250+ cryptos, and passive income options.