Uphold is a multi-asset trading platform offering cryptocurrency, precious metals, forex, stocks, and commodities all in one account. Known for extreme transparency (publishing real-time holdings), low fees, and integrated wallet services, Uphold appeals to diversified investors.
Uphold is best for investors seeking a truly multi-asset platform where cryptocurrency is one component of a larger portfolio including metals, forex, and stocks. The platform's radical transparency—publishing all holdings and reserve data in real-time—differentiates it from competitors. Trading fees of 0.45% are reasonable, and the ability to trade precious metals, currencies, and crypto seamlessly is unmatched. However, Uphold's smaller user base means lower liquidity on crypto pairs compared to specialized exchanges like Kraken or Coinbase, potentially resulting in wider spreads on less-traded coins. Additionally, staking rewards are limited compared to other platforms. Uphold excels for investors seeking portfolio diversification and institutional-grade transparency.
At a Glance
Trading Fees
0.45% flat (all assets)
Supported Cryptocurrencies
50+
Multi-Asset Support
Crypto, metals, forex, stocks
SOC 2 Certified
Yes, Type 2
Insurance Coverage
Up to $1M per customer
Best For
Diversified, multi-asset investors
Trading Fees
0.45% flat
Supported Coins
50+
Staking
Not Available
Staking APY
Varies
Multi-Asset Trading: Crypto + Metals + Forex in One Account
Uphold's primary differentiation is its multi-asset platform that combines cryptocurrency, precious metals (gold, silver, platinum), forex, stocks, and commodities trading. Rather than maintaining separate accounts for crypto at Coinbase, gold at APMEX, and forex at OANDA, investors can consolidate everything on Uphold. This integrated approach simplifies portfolio management and enables seamless asset allocation. A portfolio might be 40% Bitcoin, 30% Ethereum, 20% gold, and 10% EUR/USD forex exposure—all tradeable from one dashboard. This versatility appeals to sophisticated investors who view cryptocurrency as one component of a broader diversified portfolio rather than an isolated asset class.
Radical Transparency and Published Reserves
Uphold publishes real-time reserve data on its website, showing exactly how much of each cryptocurrency, precious metal, and fiat currency the platform holds. This Proof of Reserves approach allows any user to independently verify that customer assets are fully backed—a level of transparency that most platforms cannot match. While Coinbase publishes audited reserve reports quarterly and Kraken conducts periodic Proof of Reserves audits, Uphold updates this data continuously. This transparency is born from the company's belief that customers should trust verification rather than claims. For investors burned by exchange collapses (like FTX or Mt. Gox), this radical openness provides genuine peace of mind.
Flat Fee Structure Across All Assets
Uphold's 0.45% flat trading fee applies uniformly across all asset classes and trading volumes. This simplicity contrasts with Kraken's tiered structure, Coinbase's variable fees, and Crypto.com's membership-based tiers. The straightforward approach makes it easy to calculate costs: a $10,000 trade costs exactly $45 regardless of what you're trading. For traders who switch between assets frequently, this consistency is valuable. However, 0.45% is not the absolute lowest fee available—Kraken offers 0.16% - 0.26% for competitive traders—but it's reasonable and simple.
Integrated Wallet and Funding Options
Uphold integrates cryptocurrency wallets directly into the platform, allowing users to deposit and withdraw coins without managing external wallet addresses. ACH transfers from U.S. bank accounts are free, and wire transfers are supported. Credit/debit card funding is available. The integrated approach streamlines the user experience compared to platforms that require external wallet management. However, it also means your assets remain on Uphold's servers rather than in self-custody, introducing counterparty risk. For users prioritizing convenience over maximum security, this is acceptable.
Ready to get started with Uphold?
Uphold is a multi-asset trading platform offering cryptocurrency, precious metals, forex, stocks, and commodities all in one account. Known for extreme transparency (publishing real-time holdings), low fees, and integrated wallet services, Uphold appeals to diversified investors.
Radical transparency with real-time holdings published
Low flat trading fees of 0.45% across all assets
No minimum account balance required
Integrated wallet and funding options (ACH, wire, cards)
Strong regulatory compliance and insurance coverage
Cons
Smaller user base results in lower liquidity on some trading pairs
Limited cryptocurrency selection compared to pure crypto exchanges
Staking rewards not available (no passive income beyond trading)
Forex and commodities markets may have wider spreads
User interface less intuitive than Coinbase or Kraken
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Uphold different from other crypto exchanges?
Uphold is unique because it combines cryptocurrency trading with precious metals (gold, silver), forex, stocks, and commodities all in one account. This multi-asset approach appeals to diversified investors. Additionally, Uphold publishes its holdings and reserves in real-time on its website, providing radical transparency that few competitors match. The flat 0.45% fee across all assets is also simpler than tiered fee structures.
How does Uphold's transparency work?
Uphold publishes detailed reserve data in real-time, showing exactly how much of each cryptocurrency, metal, and fiat currency the platform holds on behalf of customers. You can verify this data independently, eliminating the need to trust the company's claims about reserve adequacy. This Proof of Reserves approach is more transparent than most competitors, which only publish audits periodically.
What cryptocurrencies does Uphold support?
Uphold supports 50+ cryptocurrencies including all major coins (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple) and many altcoins. While fewer than Coinbase (250+) or Kraken (200+), the selection covers most investor needs. The platform prioritizes liquid assets that trade actively, avoiding low-volume coins that may have wide spreads.
Are there staking rewards on Uphold?
Uphold does not currently offer staking rewards for cryptocurrency holdings. If passive income from staking is important, platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, or Gemini would be better choices. Uphold's strength lies in multi-asset trading rather than yield generation.
How are trading fees calculated on Uphold?
Uphold charges a flat 0.45% fee on all trades, whether buying or selling any asset (crypto, metals, forex, stocks). This single fee applies universally, making it simple to predict costs. There are no additional spread charges or markup beyond the stated fee, unlike some platforms that obscure costs through wider spreads.
Apply for Uphold
Uphold is a multi-asset trading platform offering cryptocurrency, precious metals, forex, stocks, and commodities all in one account. Known for extreme transparency (publishing real-time holdings), low fees, and integrated wallet services, Uphold appeals to diversified investors.