Security and Regulation
Only use exchanges regulated in your jurisdiction. Check what percentage of user funds are kept in cold storage (offline), whether insurance exists and the exchange's history of security incidents.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) immediately after registration and use a unique password you do not use elsewhere.
Fees and Liquidity
Most exchanges use a maker/taker model. Makers (who add limit orders to the book) pay lower fees; takers (who fill existing orders) pay more. Typical fees for major pairs: 0.1%–0.2% per side.
Higher liquidity means tighter spreads and less slippage on large orders. Always check 24-hour volume for the pairs you plan to trade.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
Confirm the exchange supports your preferred funding method: bank transfer, debit card or other local payment options.
Compare withdrawal fees for the cryptocurrencies you plan to move. Network fees for Ethereum can be volatile; some exchanges charge flat fees regardless of network conditions.