Guides · 73 articles

Guides

All 73 articles from SideBySide Crypto, newest first. Search, filter by topic, or sort to find the one you need.

LatestExchanges

Crypto Exchange Proof of Reserves: What It Can and Cannot Prove

Crypto Exchange Proof of Reserves: What It Can and Cannot Prove. A practical decision framework, documentation checks, example and red flags from The Excha

Nov 14, 20264 min read
All articles73
Buying & SellingNov 14, 2026

Crypto Deposit Holds: Why Funds Appear Before They Can Move

Crypto Deposit Holds: Why Funds Appear Before They Can Move. A practical decision framework, documentation checks, example and red flags from The Exchange

4 min read
Coins & TokensNov 6, 2026

USDC vs. USDT Explained: Who Issues Them, What Backs Them, and What the GENIUS Act Changes

USDC and USDT both aim for $1, but their issuers, reserve reporting and US regulatory paths differ. Here's a plain comparison, including the GENIUS Act.

11 min read
Investing BasicsNov 5, 2026

Moving From Coinbase to Kraken, Step by Step

Move crypto from Coinbase to Kraken safely: pick the right network, run a test transfer, understand the fees, and keep the cost-basis records the IRS expects.

11 min read
ExchangesNov 5, 2026

Kraken vs. Kraken Pro: Same Account, Very Different Fees

Kraken and Kraken Pro share one account, but the app charges 1% plus spread while Pro starts at 0.40% maker. Here's when each one makes sense.

11 min read
Investing BasicsNov 4, 2026

Staking on Kraken in the US: Which States Qualify, How Rewards Work, and the Real Risks

Kraken offers onchain staking in 37 US states plus DC and Puerto Rico. See which states are left out, what Kraken's commission takes, and how unbonding works.

11 min read
ExchangesNov 4, 2026

How to Set Up Recurring Buys on Kraken (and What Dollar-Cost Averaging Actually Does)

Set up a recurring crypto buy in the Kraken app in four taps. Here's how DCA works, what Kraken charges per buy, and how to pick a funding method.

13 min read
Wallets & SecurityNov 3, 2026

Locking Down Your Kraken Account: Passkeys, Master Key, Global Settings Lock and More

Set up passkey 2FA, a Master Key, the Global Settings Lock and safe API keys on Kraken, plus the phishing tricks that still beat careful people.

11 min read
Coins & TokensNov 3, 2026

How to Give Bitcoin as a Gift: Three Ways to Do It and the Tax Rules That Apply

Send bitcoin to their wallet, help them open an exchange account, or use a gift card. Here's how each works, plus the IRS rules on basis and gift tax.

12 min read
Investing BasicsNov 2, 2026

How to Buy Bitcoin on Kraken: A Step-by-Step Guide for US Beginners

Open, verify, fund and buy bitcoin on Kraken in the US, with real fees for ACH, debit card, instant buys and cheaper Kraken Pro limit orders.

12 min read
Wallets & SecurityNov 2, 2026

Hot Wallet vs. Cold Wallet vs. Leaving It on an Exchange

Where should you keep crypto? Compare exchange custody, hot wallets and cold wallets by risk, cost, convenience and tax records, then pick a sensible split.

11 min read
Wallets & SecurityNov 1, 2026

Holiday Crypto Scams to Watch For This Season (and How to Report One)

Crypto fraud cost Americans $11.4 billion in 2025, per the FBI. Here are the holiday scams to watch: fake giveaways, impersonators and investment cons.

11 min read
Taxes & RegulationNov 1, 2026

Form 1099-DA Explained: What Crypto Brokers Report for 2025 and 2026

Form 1099-DA shows gross proceeds for 2025 and adds cost basis for covered crypto in 2026. Here's what's on it, what isn't, and what you still track.

11 min read
Taxes & RegulationOct 31, 2026

Year-End Crypto Tax-Loss Harvesting: The US Rules as They Stand in 2026

How crypto tax-loss harvesting works under current US rules: the $3,000 limit, the wash-sale question, 2026 lot-selection changes, and costs to weigh.

11 min read
ExchangesOct 31, 2026

How to Cash Out From Kraken to Your US Bank Account: Methods, Fees and Timing

ACH withdrawals from Kraken are free and land in 0-2 business days. Compare wire and RTP fees, withdrawal holds and the tax rules before you sell.

11 min read
Coins & TokensOct 30, 2026

Best Exchange to Buy Ethereum in the US: Kraken vs. Coinbase vs. Gemini on Fees

Compare what it costs to buy ETH on Kraken, Coinbase and Gemini using each platform's published fees, plus staking, funding and state availability.

11 min read
ExchangesOct 30, 2026

Kraken Review 2026: Fees, Security, Regulatory Record and US Availability

An honest, sourced Kraken review: real fees, proof of reserves, past SEC, CFTC and OFAC matters, US state limits, and who Kraken actually fits.

11 min read
Buying & SellingOct 30, 2026

Maker vs Taker Fees Explained: What Crypto Traders Need to Know

Understand the difference between maker and taker fees in crypto trading. Learn how to pay lower fees by becoming a maker instead of a taker.

7 min read
Buying & SellingOct 30, 2026

Zero-Fee Crypto Trading: Which Exchanges Actually Offer It?

Is zero-fee crypto trading real? We expose how 'commission-free' platforms actually make money and which exchanges have the lowest true costs.

7 min read
Buying & SellingOct 30, 2026

Hidden Crypto Exchange Fees: What They Don't Tell You

Exchanges advertise low fees but hide costs in spreads, withdrawal fees, and deposit methods. Here's every hidden fee exposed and how to avoid them.

5 min read
ExchangesOct 30, 2026

Crypto Exchanges Available in All 50 States

Which crypto exchanges work in every US state including New York? Only 3 platforms operate nationwide. See the complete availability list and state restrictions.

9 min read
Coins & TokensOct 30, 2026

Cheapest Way to Buy Bitcoin: Complete Cost Comparison

Compare the true cost of buying Bitcoin across 8 exchanges. We break down trading fees, deposit methods, and hidden costs to find the cheapest option.

8 min read
Buying & SellingOct 30, 2026

How to Avoid Crypto Exchange Fees: 7 Strategies That Work

Cut your crypto trading costs by 50% or more. Learn 7 proven strategies to minimize fees on Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, and other exchanges.

9 min read
Buying & SellingOct 30, 2026

KuCoin vs Binance: Which Has Lower Fees?

KuCoin vs Binance fees compared: both charge 0.10%, but token discounts differ. Important: Neither is officially available to US residents. See your options.

8 min read
Wallets & SecurityOct 30, 2026

Kraken vs Gemini: Security, Fees & Features Compared

Kraken vs Gemini: Which crypto exchange is better? Compare fees (Kraken Pro 0.40% vs ActiveTrader 0.60%), security, features, and learn which is right for you.

9 min read
Coins & TokensOct 30, 2026

Best Exchange to Buy Bitcoin

Where should you buy Bitcoin? We compared total costs including trading fees AND withdrawal fees. The cheapest path to self-custody might surprise you.

10 min read
Buying & SellingOct 30, 2026

Best Crypto Exchange for Day Trading

Which crypto exchange is best for day trading? We compared fees, liquidity, uptime, and execution speed. Kraken Pro and Coinbase Advanced lead for US traders.

11 min read
ExchangesDec 18, 2025

Crypto Exchange Referral Programs Compared

Compare referral bonuses from Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, and more. How to maximize rewards when inviting friends to crypto.

6 min read
Coins & TokensDec 18, 2025

Best Exchange to Buy XRP

Compare the best exchanges to buy XRP (Ripple). Which US exchanges support XRP, fees, and important destination tag info.

6 min read
Coins & TokensDec 18, 2025

Best Exchange for Stablecoin Trading

Compare the best exchanges for trading USDC, USDT, and other stablecoins. Lowest fees, best pairs, and yield opportunities.

5 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

Binance.US Fees Explained: Complete Guide

Complete breakdown of Binance.US fees—the lowest trading fees in the US at 0% maker / 0.02% taker. Deposits, withdrawals, and how to save even more.

5 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

Best Exchange to Buy Chainlink (LINK)

Compare the best exchanges to buy Chainlink (LINK). Lowest fees, staking options, and which platforms offer the most LINK trading pairs.

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

How to Transfer Crypto Between Exchanges

Step-by-step guide to transferring crypto between exchanges. Avoid costly mistakes, choose the right network, and minimize fees.

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

How Long Do Crypto Deposits Take?

Complete guide to crypto deposit times. ACH, wire, debit card, and crypto transfer speeds across all major exchanges.

6 min read
ExchangesDec 18, 2025

Best Crypto Exchange for Privacy

Compare privacy features across crypto exchanges. Data policies, KYC requirements, and which exchanges protect your information best.

6 min read
ExchangesDec 18, 2025

Crypto Exchange Order Types Explained

Learn all crypto order types—market, limit, stop-loss, OCO, and more. How each works and when to use them for better trades.

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

Best Exchange to Buy Avalanche (AVAX)

Compare the best exchanges to buy Avalanche (AVAX). Lowest fees, native C-Chain withdrawals, and staking options.

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

Crypto.com Fees Explained: Complete Guide

Complete breakdown of Crypto.com fees—trading, deposits, withdrawals, card fees, and how CRO staking reduces your costs.

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

Best Exchange for Recurring Crypto Buys

Compare recurring buy features across crypto exchanges. Set up automatic Bitcoin purchases with the lowest fees and best DCA tools.

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

How to Verify Your Crypto Exchange Account

Step-by-step guide to KYC verification on crypto exchanges. What documents you need, how long it takes, and how to avoid common mistakes.

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

Crypto Exchange Deposit Methods Compared

Compare deposit methods across crypto exchanges. ACH, wire, debit card, PayPal—fees, speed, and limits for each funding option.

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

Gemini Fees Explained: Complete Guide

Complete breakdown of Gemini's trading fees, deposit fees, withdrawal fees, and how to save with ActiveTrader. Everything you need to know.

6 min read
Taxes & RegulationDec 18, 2025

Crypto Exchange Tax Reporting Features

Compare crypto exchange tax reporting tools. Which exchanges provide 1099s, transaction exports, and integrate with tax software like TurboTax?

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

Best Exchange to Buy Polygon (MATIC)

Compare the best exchanges to buy Polygon (MATIC). Lowest fees, staking options, and which platforms support MATIC withdrawals.

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

Best Exchange for Crypto-to-Crypto Trading

Compare exchanges for trading crypto pairs directly. Skip fiat conversions, find the best BTC/ETH and altcoin pairs with lowest fees.

6 min read
ExchangesDec 18, 2025

Best Crypto Exchange Customer Support

Compare crypto exchange customer support options. Live chat, phone support, response times, and which exchanges actually help when you need it.

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

Best Exchange to Buy Dogecoin (DOGE)

Compare the best exchanges to buy Dogecoin. Lowest fees, instant purchases, and which platforms support DOGE withdrawals.

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

Kraken Fees Explained: Complete Guide

Complete breakdown of Kraken's trading fees, deposit fees, withdrawal fees, and staking costs. Learn how to minimize fees on Kraken.

6 min read
ExchangesDec 18, 2025

Crypto Exchange Sign-Up Bonuses

Compare crypto exchange sign-up bonuses. Free Bitcoin offers, deposit matches, and fee credits from Coinbase, Gemini, Crypto.com and more.

6 min read
ExchangesDec 18, 2025

Best Crypto Exchange API

Compare crypto exchange APIs for developers. REST, WebSocket, rate limits, documentation quality, and which API is best for trading bots and apps.

6 min read
ExchangesDec 18, 2025

Best Crypto Exchange for Limit Orders

Compare crypto exchanges with the best limit order features. Lower fees, advanced order types, and precise execution for serious traders.

7 min read
ExchangesDec 18, 2025

Coinbase vs Gemini: Which Exchange Should You Choose?

Coinbase vs Gemini head-to-head comparison. Fees, security, coins, staking, and which exchange is right for your trading style.

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 18, 2025

Best Exchange to Buy Cardano (ADA)

Compare the best crypto exchanges to buy Cardano (ADA). Fee comparison, staking options, and which exchanges offer the lowest costs.

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 1, 2025

Robinhood Crypto Review: The Truth Behind "Commission-Free" Trading

Our Robinhood crypto review exposes the hidden spread costs behind 'commission-free' trading. See real fee comparisons, NY restrictions, and the Bitstamp acquisition impact.

9 min read
ExchangesDec 1, 2025

eToro vs Coinbase: Social Trading vs Traditional Exchange

eToro vs Coinbase comparison. We analyze fees (1% vs 0.40%), CopyTrader value, coin selection, and which platform saves you more money.

9 min read
ExchangesDec 1, 2025

Crypto.com vs Coinbase: Which Ecosystem Fits Your Lifestyle?

Crypto.com vs Coinbase compared: Visa card rewards vs Base L2 utility. Which crypto ecosystem fits your lifestyle better?

6 min read
ExchangesDec 1, 2025

Coinbase vs Kraken: Which Exchange Should You Choose?

Coinbase vs Kraken compared on fees, security, features, and ease of use. Plus: when switching from Coinbase to Kraken makes sense.

7 min read
Buying & SellingDec 1, 2025

Coinbase Fees Explained: Complete Breakdown

Complete breakdown of Coinbase fees. Learn about trading fees, spreads, deposit costs, and how to pay less using Coinbase Advanced Trade.

6 min read
ExchangesDec 1, 2025

Kraken vs Binance.US: Which Low-Fee Exchange Wins?

Kraken vs Binance.US comparison. Compare fees, security, coins, and availability. Which low-fee exchange should you use?

5 min read
ExchangesDec 1, 2025

Are Crypto Exchanges Safe? Insurance & Protection Guide

Is your crypto safe on exchanges? Learn about insurance, FDIC coverage, and how to protect your assets. What happens if an exchange gets hacked?

6 min read
Buying & SellingDec 1, 2025

Best Crypto Exchange for Margin Trading

Compare crypto exchanges offering margin trading for US users. Kraken leads with 5x leverage. Learn the risks and requirements.

6 min read
ExchangesDec 1, 2025

Best Crypto Exchange App for Mobile Trading

Find the best crypto exchange app for mobile trading. Compare Coinbase, Kraken, Crypto.com and more. App store ratings, features, and ease of use.

6 min read
ExchangesDec 1, 2025

Robinhood vs Coinbase: Which Is Better for Crypto?

Robinhood vs Coinbase for crypto trading. Compare fees, coin selection, and features. Should you use Robinhood or a real crypto exchange?

5 min read
Buying & SellingDec 1, 2025

Crypto Withdrawal Fees: Complete Comparison

Compare crypto withdrawal fees across exchanges. BTC, ETH, and USDC withdrawal costs on Coinbase, Kraken, Binance.US, and more. Find the cheapest way to withdraw.

6 min read
Coins & TokensDec 1, 2025

Best Exchange to Buy Solana (SOL)

Find the best exchange to buy Solana. Compare fees, staking rewards, and features. Where to get the lowest SOL fees and best APY.

6 min read
Investing BasicsDec 1, 2025

How to Choose a Crypto Exchange: Complete Guide

How to choose the right crypto exchange. Learn what to look for in fees, security, features, and regulation. Complete beginner's guide to picking an exchange.

7 min read
ExchangesDec 1, 2025

Best Crypto Exchange in Texas

Texas crypto exchange guide. Compare Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, and learn about Binance.US restrictions. Find the best platform for Texas residents.

10 min read
Wallets & SecurityDec 1, 2025

Safest Crypto Exchanges: Security Comparison

Which crypto exchanges are safest? We compared security features, insurance, Proof of Reserves, and hack history. Plus: what happens if your exchange fails.

7 min read
Investing BasicsDec 1, 2025

Best Crypto Exchange for Beginners

New to crypto? We tested 10 exchanges for ease of use, fees, and safety. Our top pick might surprise you—it's not Coinbase.

9 min read
Buying & SellingDec 1, 2025

Crypto Exchange With Lowest Fees: Complete Comparison

Which crypto exchange has the lowest fees? We compared trading fees, spreads, and withdrawal costs across 10+ exchanges. See the real cost to buy $1,000 of Bitcoin.

9 min read
Investing BasicsDec 1, 2025

Best Crypto Staking Platforms: APY Comparison

Compare crypto staking platforms and APY rates. Find the highest yields on ETH, SOL, ADA, and more. Includes US availability and fee breakdowns.

7 min read
ExchangesDec 1, 2025

Binance.US vs Coinbase: Which US Exchange Wins?

Binance.US vs Coinbase head-to-head. Compare fees, coin selection, and features. Find out which exchange is better for US crypto traders.

7 min read
ExchangesDec 1, 2025

Best Crypto Exchange in New York

Only 3 exchanges hold a full NY BitLicense. We compare Coinbase, Gemini, and Bitstamp for New York residents, plus explain why Kraken and Binance.US aren't available.

9 min read