Uphold has emerged as a versatile digital asset platform since its founding in 2015, offering users in over 150 countries seamless access to a wide range of financial assets. From cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies to precious metals and innovative self-custody solutions, Uphold caters to both novice investors and experienced traders seeking borderless financial tools.
With more than 30 million users globally, Uphold stands out for its commitment to transparency, security, and ease of use. The platform supports over 260 cryptocurrencies, 35+ fiat currencies, 4 precious metals, and even tokenized stocks—making it one of the most diverse multi-asset exchanges available today.
Key Features That Set Uphold Apart
Uphold differentiates itself through several unique offerings:
- Multi-Asset Trading: Trade directly between asset classes—convert Bitcoin to gold, USD to EUR, or crypto to fiat—without intermediate steps.
- Uphold Vault: A pioneering self-custody solution with key recovery features, enhancing security while reducing the risk of permanent fund loss.
- Global Accessibility: Available in more than 150 countries, Uphold enables international transactions with minimal friction.
- Advanced Trading Tools: Includes dollar-cost averaging (DCA), trailing stop-loss, and take-profit orders for strategic investing.
- Mobile-First Experience: Native iOS and Android apps provide full functionality on the go.
👉 Discover how Uphold can simplify your digital asset journey today.
Uphold Security: Protecting Your Assets
Security is a top priority at Uphold, and the platform employs multiple layers of protection:
🔐 Encryption & 24/7 Monitoring
Uphold uses advanced encryption protocols to safeguard user data and transactions. Dedicated security teams monitor the system around the clock to detect and mitigate potential threats.
🔍 Regular Security Audits
Certified specialists conduct routine audits across all product lines to identify and patch vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
🛡️ Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
All users are encouraged (and often required) to enable 2FA, adding an essential layer of account protection beyond passwords.
💰 Proof of Reserves & Cold Storage
Uphold maintains a 100% reserve model—meaning every user-held asset is fully backed. Approximately 90% of cryptocurrency holdings are stored in offline cold storage with multi-signature authorization, minimizing exposure to hacking risks.
🐞 Bug Bounty Program
The platform runs a public bug bounty initiative, rewarding ethical hackers who report security flaws—fostering a proactive defense ecosystem.
How to Open an Account and Start Trading
Getting started on Uphold is straightforward:
- Sign Up: Create a free account using your email, nationality, and country of residence.
- Verify Identity: Upload government-issued ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) for KYC compliance.
- Fund Your Account: Use bank transfer, debit/credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or crypto deposits.
- Start Trading: Buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, other cryptos, fiat currencies, or precious metals instantly.
Payment Methods Supported
- Bank transfers (ACH for US users, SEPA for Europe, Faster Payments in the UK)
- Visa/Mastercard debit and credit cards
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Wire transfers
- Crypto network deposits
👉 Begin your crypto journey with a trusted global platform.
Uphold Fees: Transparent Pricing Structure
Uphold uses a spread-based fee model, which varies depending on asset type and user location.
| Asset Type | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH) | 0.8% – 1.2% (US/UK/EEA), up to 1.8% elsewhere |
| Low-Liquidity Cryptos (e.g., DOGE, XRP) | Higher spreads during high volatility |
| Fiat Currency Exchanges | 0.2% for most conversions |
| Precious Metals | 3% markup on bid-ask price |
| Stocks | ~1% of market value |
| Staking Services | 3% – 34% commission on rewards |
Additional fees by payment method:
- Debit/Credit Card Deposits: 3.99% (varies by region)
- Apple/Google Pay: 3.99% (outside UK/EEA)
- Bank Transfers (SEPA/FPS/ACH): Free
- Wire Transfers under $5,000: $20 fee
Note: Some services like stock trading are currently not fully operational despite being listed.
Unique Offerings: Beyond Basic Crypto Trading
🏦 FDIC-Insured USD Accounts with 5% APY
Uphold offers interest-bearing USD accounts with competitive yields—up to 5% APY—on balances up to $100,000. These accounts are FDIC-insured through partner banks, combining safety with strong returns.
💳 The Uphold Card (UK Only)
This innovative debit card allows users to spend any asset in their portfolio—Bitcoin, Ethereum, GBP, USD—directly at merchants worldwide. Key benefits include:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Competitive FX rates
- Zero issuance or monthly fees
- Compatibility with Apple Pay and Google Pay
🔐 Uphold Vault: Self-Custody Made Safer
Launched to enhance digital asset security, the Uphold Vault introduces a three-key system:
- Two keys controlled by the user
- One key held by Uphold as a co-signer
This setup prevents single-point failures and enables key recovery if lost. Currently supporting XRP, with plans to expand to other blockchains in 2025.
Supported Currencies & Global Reach
Uphold supports over 35 fiat currencies, including:
- US Dollar (USD)
- Euro (EUR)
- British Pound (GBP)
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- And many emerging market currencies
This makes it ideal for travelers, expats, freelancers, and businesses handling cross-border payments.
Pros and Cons of Using Uphold
✅ What We Love
- Broad asset selection across crypto, fiat, metals, and stocks
- Transparent reserve model and strong regulatory compliance
- Innovative tools like DCA, Vault, and global card spending
- User-friendly mobile app with real-time portfolio tracking
- Competitive APY on USD balances with FDIC insurance
❌ Areas for Improvement
- Limited charting and technical analysis tools compared to platforms like TradingView-integrated exchanges
- Stock trading feature advertised but not yet functional
- Higher card deposit fees (3.99%) compared to some competitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Uphold available in the United States?
Yes, Uphold is headquartered in New York and fully available to U.S. residents. It is registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN.
Where is Uphold regulated?
Uphold holds licenses in multiple jurisdictions:
- Regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Registered MSB in the U.S. and Canada
- Compliant with AML/KYC regulations across Europe and other regions
Is Uphold safe to use?
Yes. Uphold implements robust security measures including cold storage, encryption, regular audits, and a 100% reserve policy—making it a trusted choice for millions.
Can I trade stocks on Uphold?
While stock trading is listed as a feature, it is currently not operational. The platform may relaunch this service in the future.
Does Uphold support staking?
Yes, Uphold offers staking for select cryptocurrencies. However, it retains a commission between 3% and 34% of staking rewards.
Which countries cannot use Uphold?
Uphold restricts access in several countries due to regulatory or geopolitical reasons, including North Korea, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Venezuela, and others. Always check local availability before signing up.
Final Verdict: Is Uphold Worth It?
Uphold delivers a powerful blend of accessibility, innovation, and security. Its ability to bridge traditional finance with digital assets—combined with features like the Vault and global card—makes it ideal for users who want flexibility without sacrificing safety.
Whether you're converting fiat to crypto, earning yield on USD deposits, or exploring self-custody options, Uphold offers a compelling all-in-one solution.
👉 See what’s possible when you take control of your financial future.