Uphold Review 2026 – Any Good? and Who is it Best For?
Quick Verdict: Is Uphold Worth It in 2026?
Uphold is a regulated, transparent, and beginner-friendly platform offering over 300 digital assets with instant swaps and clear pricing. Spreads average 0.8–1.2%, and crypto deposits are free. It’s a top choice for multi-asset access, though advanced analytics remain limited. We rate Uphold 4.3/5
What's New for Uphold in 2026?
Expanded Assets: Uphold added 74 new tokens in 2025, bringing the total to over 300 digital assets with connections to 28 DEXs and Layer-2 rollups.
Staking: Now available on 30+ cryptocurrencies including ETH, ADA, SOL, and DOT. Weekly earnings notifications via the mobile app.
Proof-of-Reserves: Real-time transparency dashboard updates every 30 seconds, showing 100%+ backing of all customer assets.
Infrastructure: 45 new blockchain integrations and 16 partnerships expanded cross-chain swap capabilities.
Uphold Card (UK): Debit card available for spending crypto, fiat, and metals globally with instant conversion.
Uphold Overview
- Minimum Deposit: No fixed minimum (trade from as little as £1 / $1)
- Buy, sell, and swap Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 250 assets including stocks and metals
- Regulated in the US and serving over 10 million users globally
- Intuitive app and desktop platform with integrated multi-asset wallets
- Great for investors looking to diversify across crypto, stocks, and precious metals easily
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
Our Expert Says:
“My first impressions of Uphold were pretty positive. I found the sign up and security processes very slick and non intrusive. Start to finish It can’t of taken more than 5 minutes.
The variety of funding options available is a plus, with speedy convenient options like Google Pay.
There is certainly a good harmony between the mobile app and the desktop version.
The user interface is defiantly in the minimal, less is more end of the market. You can easily understand why this exchange can be pitched towards beginners.
I had just a couple of gripes early doors. When buying some Bitcoin when testing I couldn’t help notices that the price chart is very minimalist. That and the fees. The fees, when compared to some of the other exchanges do seem a little steep. This is likely the price of convenience. Similar to Coinbase and Kraken basic, whereas the kraken Pro and Coinbase advanced trade versions have considerably lower fees. Here there is no such pro option.”
What is Uphold?
Instead of solely focusing on cryptocurrencies like a regular crypto exchange, it functions as a multi-asset trading platform. This means you can buy, sell, and hold a variety of assets in one place, including:
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and many more popular options.
- Precious Metals: Gold and silver for those seeking a hedge against inflation.
- FIAT Currencies: Trade in familiar currencies like USD, GBP, and EUR.
Founded with the aim of making financial services more inclusive, transparent, and efficient, Uphold has evolved into a comprehensive solution for users to buy, hold, convert, and transact across traditional and digital currencies.
Who Is Uphold For?
It’s designed for traders, freelancers, and investors who want simple, regulated access to multiple asset classes within one secure account.
What Type of Platform Is Uphold?
Uphold blends a trading app, digital wallet, and payments gateway. Users can buy, hold, and convert between 300+ assets instantly, including crypto, fiat currencies, and precious metals—all within a single, multi-currency environment.
Who Typically Uses Uphold?
Its users include crypto investors, global freelancers, and everyday traders managing cross-asset portfolios. Businesses also use Uphold for instant international payments. The platform has processed over $40 billion in transactions since launch.
What Assets and Markets Are Supported?
Uphold supports crypto, fiat currencies, precious metals, and selected U.S. equities. Its instant conversion allows users to swap BTC to gold or USD to XRP without intermediaries or extra conversion steps.
Summary Table: Assets & Users
| Asset Type | Supported | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptocurrency | Yes | BTC; ETH; XRP; SOL |
| Precious Metals | Yes | Gold; Silver; Platinum |
| Fiat Currencies | Yes | 30+ FX pairs |
| Equities | Yes | Selected US stocks |
| Staking Assets | Yes | 20+ supported tokens |
Table summary: Overview of supported asset classes available on Uphold.
How Does Uphold Rate Overall?
| Category | Score (/5) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 4.6 | Simple interface and quick setup |
| Fees | 4.2 | Transparent spreads with slight asset variation |
| Security | 4.5 | FCA-registered and live proof-of-reserves |
| Assets | 4.7 | 300+ cryptos plus FX and metals |
| Features | 4.6 | Card staking and auto orders |
| Overall | 4.3 | Strong all-round global platform |
What Makes Uphold Stand Out This Year?
Uphold’s Proof-of-Reserves dashboard updates in real time, verifying all customer assets are fully backed. Its sustainability record, instant swaps, and transparent model make it ideal for global investors seeking regulated, low-friction trading. Uphold currently holds over $2.7 billion in reserves.
Uphold - Multi-Asset, Low Minimums, Fewer Features
What Are the Key Pros and Cons of Uphold?
- Multi-asset trading (crypto, stocks, metals)
- Easy account setup
- FCA-registered
- Transparent reserve reporting
- Higher spreads on low-volume assets
- Limited advanced trading features
- Debit card deposit fees are high
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What are the Fees?
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What Cryptocurrencies are Available?
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How Safe is the Exchange?
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Who Is It Best For?
Uphold charges a 1% trading fee plus a spread, which varies by asset. Debit card deposits have a 3.99% fee in the UK. There are no withdrawal fees to UK bank accounts via Faster Payments.
Uphold supports over 60 cryptocurrencies, including popular coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP. While the selection is smaller than competitors like Coinbase, it covers most of what casual investors are looking for.
Uphold maintains a 100% reserve model, ensuring user funds are fully backed. It uses two-factor authentication and undergoes third-party audits, providing a strong layer of transparency and security for UK users.
Uphold is best for casual investors who want to diversify across crypto, equities, and commodities within a single platform. It’s particularly useful for beginners who prefer simplicity over complex trading tools.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
How Easy Is It to Get Started with Uphold?
Setting up an Uphold account is quick and straightforward. Registration, verification, and first deposits can all be completed in under a day. The platform provides instant access to trading, transparent pricing, and live balance tracking after verification.
How Fast Is the Registration Process?
Registration typically takes less than 10 minutes. Users provide basic details, upload ID verification, and gain access once KYC checks complete—usually within 24 hours.
What Are the KYC & Verification Requirements?
A valid photo ID, proof of address, and a selfie are required. Uphold complies with FCA and FinCEN regulations, ensuring secure and compliant onboarding across regions.
How Smooth Are Deposits and Withdrawals?
Crypto deposits are free and instant. Bank transfers are free in most regions, while card deposits carry a ~3.99% fee. Withdrawals to banks or wallets complete within one to two business days.
Is Uphold Safe?
We have written about this in depth as part of our page Is Uphold Safe?
Uphold employs industry-standard security practices like two-factor authentication, encryption, and cold storage for user funds. However, user reviews paint a mixed picture. While some users praise the platform’s user-friendliness, others have reported customer service issues and account lockouts.
The takeaway? Uphold implements solid security measures, but it’s wise to strengthen your account further using 2FA, strong passwords, and vigilance against phishing scams. Independent trust ratings can offer a broader perspective on Uphold’s security posture.
What’s It Like Trading and Investing on Uphold?
Uphold’s instant “anything-to-anything” system enables direct swaps between crypto, fiat, and metals. Trades execute quickly with clear spreads and no hidden maker or taker fees. The platform’s simplicity suits everyday investors managing diverse portfolios.
How Many Assets Can You Trade?
You can trade over 300 crypto assets, multiple fiat pairs, precious metals, and fractional equities. Fractional trading starts from as little as £1, broadening accessibility for retail investors.
How Competitive Are Fees & Spreads on Uphold?
Average spreads are 0.8–1.2% on major cryptos and up to 2.9% on small caps. There are no additional trading fees—the spread you see is the total cost.
What Is Uphold’s “Anything-to-Anything” Trading?
This feature lets users instantly swap any supported asset pair—such as BTC to gold or GBP to ETH—without converting back to fiat, reducing both cost and exposure to volatility.
How Well Does the App Perform for Daily Use?
The Uphold app is fast, secure, and synchronised across devices. It supports 2FA, biometric login, and live price updates, making it reliable for daily monitoring and trading.
We have written about getting started with Uphold as part of our blog How to Buy Crypto on Uphold.
Uphold streamlines the process of getting started with your crypto investments with Simple account creation, multiple funding options and beginner-friendly trading interface.
Is Uphold Safe and Regulated?
Uphold is fully regulated in the UK, US, and EU, maintaining live proof-of-reserves that show 100% asset backing. With encryption, two-factor authentication, and segregated storage, it’s one of the most transparent multi-asset platforms worldwide.
What Licences and Regulatory Coverage Does It Have?
Uphold Europe Ltd is FCA-registered for anti-money-laundering compliance and licensed under FinCEN in the US as a Money Services Business. It operates with multi-region approvals for global accessibility.
How Does Uphold Protect User Funds and Data?
Funds are held in segregated accounts, backed 1:1 with reserves, and secured through encryption and cold storage. Data protection meets GDPR and CCPA standards.
How Transparent Is Its Proof-of-Reserves?
Uphold’s Proof-of-Reserves updates in real time, verifying that all user assets are fully matched by platform holdings. This open dashboard ensures instant visibility into liquidity and solvency.
What Are Uphold’s Standout Features
Uphold combines investing, payments, and staking under one roof. Users can stake 20+ assets, spend with the Uphold Card, automate recurring buys, and track live reserves—all while maintaining a carbon-neutral footprint.
Can You Stake or Earn on Uphold?
Yes. Uphold supports staking on 20+ assets, including ETH, ADA, and SOL, offering up to 13% APY. Rewards are automatically credited to user wallets.
Does Uphold Offer a Card for Spending?
The Uphold Card lets users spend crypto, metals, or fiat globally. Assets convert instantly at market rates, making it ideal for everyday use.
What Makes Its Sustainability Commitment Unique?
Every Uphold transaction is carbon-neutral, verified through global sustainability partners. The company offsets blockchain-related emissions, reinforcing its green credentials.
How Competitive Are Uphold’s Fees?
Uphold charges only through spreads with no maker or taker fees. Average spreads are 0.8–1.2% for major cryptos and 2–2.9% for altcoins. Crypto deposits are free, bank transfers are free, and card deposits cost 3.99%.
| Asset Type | Typical Spread |
|---|---|
| BTC & ETH | 1.4–1.6% |
| Stablecoins | Under 0.25% |
| Major FX | Approx 0.3% |
| Altcoins | 2.5–2.95% |
| Metals | 1.9–2.95% |
Table summary: Typical Uphold spreads by asset category.
Are There Deposit or Withdrawal Charges?
Card deposits incur ~3.99% fees. Bank and crypto deposits are free, and withdrawals are only subject to blockchain or network charges.
How Do Uphold’s Fees Compare to Competitors?
Uphold’s all-inclusive spread model offers consistency, unlike Coinbase which adds explicit trading fees. Kraken Pro’s maker/taker structure is better for high volumes but less transparent. eToro offers copy trading features but higher FX spreads. Uphold strikes a balance in clarity and flexibility.
Final Verdict: Is Uphold the Right Choice for You in 2025?
Uphold remains one of the most trusted global platforms for multi-asset trading. It’s ideal for regulated, transparent investing across crypto, metals, and FX. Despite some regional fees, its proof-of-reserves and simplicity make it a strong long-term option.
Who Is Uphold Best Suited For?
It suits retail investors, freelancers, and small businesses wanting regulated crypto-fiat access, instant conversions, and simple portfolio management.
Uphold remains one of the most trusted global platforms for multi-asset trading. It’s ideal for regulated, transparent investing across crypto, metals, and FX. Despite some regional fees, its proof-of-reserves and simplicity make it a strong long-term option.
Who Is Uphold Best Suited For?
It suits retail investors, freelancers, and small businesses wanting regulated crypto-fiat access, instant conversions, and simple portfolio management.
Buy, trade, and diversify effortlessly
- Invest from £1
- Auto-pilot recurring buys
- Trade crypto, stocks & metals
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
FAQs
Can Uphold be trusted?
Uphold is FCA-registered in the UK and FinCEN-licensed in the US. It publishes live proof-of-reserves showing 100% backing of all customer assets, making it one of the most transparent and trustworthy trading platforms globally.
Is Uphold legitimate?
Uphold is a legitimate and reputable platform, adhering to stringent regulatory standards worldwide. It’s recognized for its commitment to security, user safety, and transparency, making it a trusted choice for managing and trading various assets.
Is Uphold available in the UK?
Yes. Uphold operates fully in the UK under FCA registration, allowing users to trade crypto, metals, and FX with complete regulatory protection and GBP support.
How much does Uphold charge?
Uphold’s fees are based on a spread model, varying by transaction and asset type. While it prides itself on transparency, users should check the specific fees related to their activities for clear cost understanding.
Is Uphold better than Coinbase?
Uphold offers lower spreads, live reserve transparency, and multi-asset access, while Coinbase provides deeper analytics and liquidity. Uphold is better for everyday users seeking low-cost, cross-asset investing; Coinbase suits active crypto traders.
