in United States
Not Available in United States

Uphold Review: Key Features in 2024

When you click links on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission. By using this website, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Participation in cryptocurrency investing, buying, trading, selling, and using crypto products may be subject to legal restrictions in your country and is subject to age restrictions (18, 19, or 21, depending on the jurisdiction). Verify legality and age requirements before participating.

In this Uphold review, I’ll walk you through anything and everything you need to know about this company. Whether you’re new to crypto or an experienced trader, I’ve got you covered with insights, safety info, and more. Let’s get started.

Visit Uphold

Why Trust Us

For a concise and reliable Uphold review, turn to CryptoManiaks. Our dedicated team provides a thorough analysis of Uphold’s features, security, fees, and overall user experience with transparency and precision.

Drawing on practical experiences as active Uphold users, we offer nuanced insights into the platform’s strengths and considerations. Count on CryptoManiaks for an unbiased and up-to-date Uphold review, guiding you to make well-informed decisions in your cryptocurrency journey.

Key Takeaways

  • Uphold provides a broad selection of cryptocurrencies for users to trade and invest in
  • Uphold ensures clear and competitive fees, enhancing the overall user experience
  • Supporting hardware wallets adds an extra layer of security to users’ crypto assets on the platform
  • Uphold’s cards enable users to spend their cryptocurrencies in real-world transactions, earning rewards
  • The platform features a user-friendly interface, suitable for both novice and experienced traders
  • Uphold simplifies NFT transactions

Pros and Cons

Explore the pros and cons of Uphold:

Pros and Cons of Uphold
Pros Cons
Uphold offers a straightforward and user-friendly platform Limited availability of certain cryptocurrencies compared to other exchanges
The platform supports a variety of cryptocurrencies Uphold’s verification process may be time-consuming for some users
Integration with traditional assets like precious metals and national currencies The platform may experience occasional maintenance periods, affecting accessibility
Uphold’s user interface is intuitive Potential delays during high-demand periods
Security features including two-factor authentication are solid Uphold may get hacked, like other platforms
Uphold’s unique “Anything-to-Anything” trading feature simplifies asset conversions

What Is Uphold: Brief Overview

Uphold is a great cryptocurrency exchange that’s all about giving you access to a wide range of financial products and services to its investors. You can buy, sell, or trade various cryptocurrencies or even other types of assets.

Uphold: Background Information

Uphold (previously Bitreserve), was founded by Halsey Minor in 2013. In 2015 the company was renamed and former Nike CIO Anthony Watson was appointed CEO. Its mission was to provide people like you with an easy way to get into the world of cryptocurrencies.

It isn’t just another run-of-the-mill crypto exchange. It’s unique in a few ways. For starters, you can buy crypto as well as precious metals. Plus, it lets you trade different currencies without having to convert your assets back and forth.

However, it’s not just about trading—it offers a cashback debit card, too. This card lets you pay with the assets you hold on the platform, whether it’s crypto or fiat currency.

What’s more, this platform serves users in a whopping 180 countries. That’s a great global reach! It has over 10 million users and more than $1.5 billion in its financial reserve.

One thing to keep in mind is that Uphold isn’t part of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), like traditional brokerage firms. So, if you’re thinking about investing in cryptocurrencies here, just remember that it’s not the same as having your funds insured.

On the flip side, Uphold supports more than 250 cryptocurrencies. But if you’re a pro trader, you might find that Uphold lacks some of the advanced features you’re used to.

Uphold: Trading Features and Services

Now let’s dive into what Uphold offers and see how it stacks up for everyday users like you.

Layout and ease of use

Uphold has designed its platform with simplicity in mind. Whether you’re on the web, iOS, or Android, you’ll find an interface that’s easy to navigate. No need to be a tech genius to use it. The account setup is a breeze.

Available trading pairs

When it comes to trading pairs, Uphold gets a gold star. You can trade between a wide range of assets, not just crypto. We’re talking about cryptocurrencies, precious metals, fiat currencies, and even US equities. That’s some serious flexibility.

Order types available

The exchange keeps it simple with three types of orders: market, limit, and stop.

Market orders are executed immediately at the current market price.

Limit orders let you set a specific price for buying or selling an asset.

Finally, stop orders are your safety net, triggering a sale if the price drops below a certain level.

Lending and borrowing features

Here’s where Uphold shines: it’s a DeFi wallet. It lets you earn interest on your crypto holdings by lending them out through the Compound platform. The best part? You’re in control of your staking period, and there are no limits on how much you can stake.

Note that Interest rates vary depending on the crypto and market conditions. Check Uphold’s website for the latest interest rates.

Uphold wallets

Uphold understands that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to wallets. So, it lets you connect your account to various wallet types. Whether you’re all about maximum security with a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor, or you prefer the convenience of mobile wallets like Trust Wallet or Coinbase Wallet, Uphold got you covered.

Supported coins

This trading platform isn’t stingy when it comes to the variety of cryptocurrencies it supports as well as stablecoins offering. You’ll find all the major players like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), and Litecoin (LTC). 

But it doesn’t stop there. Uphold offers a wide selection of lesser-known altcoins like Basic Attention Token (BAT), Dogecoin (DOGE) Dash (DASH), and Stellar (XLM). So, whether you’re a crypto rookie or a seasoned pro, Uphold has a coin for you.

User profiles

Uphold offers a user-friendly interface that lets you connect. You can interact with like-minded crypto enthusiasts. Share your insights or seek advice on your investment strategies.

User profiles on Uphold are simple yet informative. You can check out a user’s portfolio, their recent transactions, and their history. This transparency builds trust and a strong sense of community within the Uphold ecosystem.

NFT Support

If you’re into digital art and collectibles, Uphold has something exciting for you – Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). Uphold understands the buzz around NFTs and has integrated support for them.

With this platform, you can buy, sell, and even create (mint) your own NFTs directly. Exploring the vibrant world of digital art has never been easier.

User Experience

Functionality

Uphold provides a user-friendly trading experience through its desktop platform and mobile apps. The platform’s intuitive interface is especially welcoming to newcomers in the crypto world.

What sets Uphold apart from many competitors is its unique feature: the ability to trade within asset classes. This feature offers users more versatility in their trading options.

I also like the Uphold’s AutoPilot feature. It allows users to set up recurring purchases, employing dollar-cost averaging to navigate the crypto market’s volatility.

It’s worth noting that Uphold primarily offers limit orders as the order type. Traders seeking a wider variety of order types or advanced charting features might want to explore other platforms.

Registration process

The registration process for customers is quick and simple. However, Uphold is one of those crypto exchanges with decent security measures, so it may require your driver’s license or other documents. Let me guide you in setting up your Uphold exchange account:

Step 1: Fill in the Registration Form

  • Visit the Uphold website or app and click on “Sign up”
  • Provide your basic information: name, email, date of birth, and mobile phone number
  • Your phone number is used for two-factor authentication. It adds an extra layer of security
  • Verify your identity by entering a code sent to your phone

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

  • Uphold requires additional personal information and documentation. For example, a government-issued ID or passport
  • This verification helps Uphold meet regulatory requirements and prevent fraud

Step 3: Customize Your Dashboard

  • Once your account is set up and verified, organize your dashboard
  • Set up your preferred payment methods, fund your account, and select the assets you want to trade

Educational resources available

Uphold exchange is invested in your success in the crypto world. It provides a wealth of educational resources designed with beginners in mind. Uphold’s resources cover the basics of cryptocurrency, trading strategies, and maximizing the platform’s features. These resources ensure you have enough knowledge to navigate the crypto landscape with confidence.

Explore Uphold and you may find a blog article or other content to solve any FAQs or a problem you may have.

Is Uphold Safe

Security is a paramount concern for Uphold. Here are some of the key security features:

  • Uphold has robust security standards ingrained in its platform and culture
  • It utilizes layered defenses to reduce potential attack surfaces, along with advanced encryption
  • Regular security audits and penetration testing are conducted by security professionals
  • All providers working with Uphold undergo thorough due diligence checks. Especially those dealing with sensitive data
  • Uphold’s team members are subject to background checks from accredited vendors. Also, mandatory security and privacy training is provided

In terms of its security track record, Uphold boasts a clean slate with no reported security breaches. They follow Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements. Uphold holds a Money Services Business (MSB) license in the United States.

A significant portion of user funds is stored offline in cold storage. It is generally considered more secure than keeping funds online in hot wallets. The platform also provides users with basic guidance on security best practices and how to identify and avoid scams.

Uphold also runs a bug bounty program through Intigriti, a third-party security firm. This program allows users to report any bugs they encounter while using Uphold.

Naturally, you’ll also contribute to securing your investments with a strong password you’ll update.

Uphold Trading Fees, Interest Rates, Lending Rates

Trading Fees on Uphold
Stablecoins and major market FX 0.25%
BTC, ETH 1.4% – 1.6%
Altcoins 1.9% – 2.5%
Precious Metals 1.9% – 2.5%

Now, let’s dive into Uphold’s fee structure, interest rates, and lending options. This is where things get interesting because Uphold offers you a way to put your crypto to work for you.

Interest Rates for Holding Crypto

Uphold introduces an innovative feature called “Earn”. It enables you to earn interest on specific cryptocurrencies you hold. These interest rates may vary based on market conditions. By simply keeping your crypto assets on Uphold, you can watch your holdings grow over time.

Lending Rates

Uphold goes further by providing a lending platform where you can lend your crypto assets to fellow users. You have the flexibility to set the terms, including the interest rate and the duration of the loan. This presents an opportunity for a passive income stream.

It is especially helpful if you have crypto that isn’t actively involved in trading. It’s a win-win situation where you can earn extra income while helping other users access the crypto they need.

When it comes to trades, you may expect to see standard fees apply. Check the platform for the latest data, as these fees are subject to change.

Supported Countries

Uphold is available in over 180 regions worldwide and almost anyone can become a member. It is available to users across North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Asia, South America, and Africa.

Uphold’s services can vary due to country-specific regulations, jurisdictions, and licensing requirements. Some countries have restrictions based on their unique regulatory climates or conflicts.

Uphold is regulated by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in the United States and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

At Uphold, you’ll find a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods for any amount. You might be able to fund your account with credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, or other payment methods.

Here’s what you need to know about fees, accepted currencies, and the methods available:

Uphold offers transparent fee structures for deposits and withdrawals. The fees can vary based on the method you choose. While the exchange aims to keep these fees low, it’s essential to check the specific fees.

There are no withdrawal or deposit fees for personal accounts. Keep in mind that crypto network fees may apply when withdrawing to an external wallet.

  • Accepted currencies: Uphold supports many currencies, including fiat currencies and cryptos. You can deposit, withdraw, and trade with various currencies
  • Deposit methods: Uphold provides multiple deposit options. The availability of deposit methods may depend on your location and account type. Always check Uphold’s platform for the latest information on supported deposit methods
  • Withdrawal methods: Uphold offers various withdrawal methods to cater to user preferences. The specific withdrawal options available to you may vary based on your location and account type. Uphold strives to offer competitive withdrawal fees to ensure a seamless experience

Some limitations may apply, depending on your location and regulatory requirements.

Stay updated on any changes in fees or supported methods, as these can evolve with market conditions. Ensure your bank account is connected to the platform so you can easily manage payments.

Customer Support and Feedback

Cryptocurrency exchanges should strive to provide the best possible customer support. Let’s see what Trustpilot users have to say about Uphold.

  • Customer service options: Uphold provides limited options for customer support. Users can access a live chat function via the Uphold app. Users can request assistance through a form on the Uphold website. Or they can contact the company through its X (formerly Twitter) account
  • Customer satisfaction: Uphold’s customer service and support have received mixed ratings from users. While some have expressed satisfaction, others have encountered challenges. Common issues reported include communication problems, account lockouts, and delays in profile authentication
  • Positive feedback: Despite the mixed reviews, some users have positive experiences with Uphold. They appreciate the platform’s product offerings and find the overall user experience to be good
  • Negative feedback: Users have reported issues related to communication with customer support. Some report difficulties in accessing their accounts due to lockouts, and delays in the authentication process

Uphold Mobile app

Uphold’s mobile app offers several features for managing your crypto on the go. Here are some key highlights:

  • Multi-asset trading: The Uphold mobile app allows you to buy and sell over 260 cryptocurrencies. This is along with 30+ national currencies. It also supports trading in precious metals and offers access to more than 50 US stocks. The availability varies by location
  • Exclusive limit orders: You can place limit orders on the mobile app without tying up your funds or making a commitment
  • Automatic trading: You can schedule regular transactions. It helps mitigate the impact of price volatility in the cryptocurrency market
  • Security and transparency: Uphold is registered with FinCEN, FCA, and FCIS. The platform maintains real-time transparency by publishing all assets and liabilities. It also adheres to stringent security standards
  • Mobile access: Uphold offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, granting users the convenience of mobile banking and major payment platforms. Download these apps from the app store to take advantage of Uphold

Uphold Review: Final Thoughts

Uphold emerges as a recommended choice for those seeking a safe crypto exchange. It provides a diverse range of assets to trade. Moreover, it extends its offerings to include precious metals, fiat currencies, and US equities.

Uphold keeps fees for deposits and withdrawals low. Its smart routing algorithm sources assets from 26 different exchanges, ensuring good pricing. For beginners, Uphold’s platform strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality. To get started, users need only to sign up and fund their accounts.

Visit Uphold

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. 01.

    What are the security features of Uphold?

    Uphold’s security features include stringent standards, layered defenses, encryption, security audits, and background checks for its team.

  2. 02.

    What are the fees associated with Uphold?

    Uphold’s fees vary by deposit and withdrawal methods, with spread fees for crypto purchases and sales.

  3. 03.

    Is Uphold safe?

    Uphold prioritizes safety and complies with regulations, but users should exercise caution as with any financial service.

  4. 04.

    What features does Uphold offer?

    Uphold offers multi-asset trading, limit orders, automatic trading, and mobile access.

  5. 05.

    Who founded Uphold exchange?

    Uphold was founded by Halsey Minor. It was founded in 2013 and launched its platform in 2015.

  6. 06.

    Is Uphold a legit exchange?

    Yes. Uphold is considered a reputable and legitimate cryptocurrency exchange. It utilizes several security methods to keep your identity and funds secure.

Rica Dela Peña @ CryptoManiaks
Rica Dela Peña

Rica was a local news writer in the Philippines from 2011 to 2019. During the 2020 COVID pandemic, she fell in love with cryptocurrency and expanded her writing expertise to blockchain, NFTs, Web3, and FinTech. She is also well-versed in the financial markets, specializing in daily market news and price predictions. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her singing and dancing to K-Pop music!