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Uphold

Uphold

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2.2 / 5.0
West Africa Trade Hub  /  Reviews  /  Uphold
Uphold

Uphold

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2.2 / 5.0

Uphold Wallet Review 2026

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Our review of Uphold explores the platform’s wallet, fees, and key features so you can buy and sell crypto, fiat, precious metals, and environmental assets with just a $1 minimum deposit.

Uphold is a versatile marketplace for trading a broad mix of digital assets and national currencies. Entry costs are minimal, letting newcomers and seasoned users start with virtually any amount.

The company emphasizes strong security practices and offers a curated selection of companion apps that streamline your trading and portfolio management, including safeguards like two-step sign-in, device-based access controls, and transaction confirmations.

Fee TypePersonal AccountBusiness AccountNotes
Spread fees (trading)Up to 1.5%Up to 1.5%Spreads can vary by asset and liquidity.
Debit/credit card funding2.49%2.49%Typically applied when funding by card.
Transfers off-platform$2.99–$3.99$2.99–$3.99Transfer method determines the exact fee.
Small-order trading fee$0.99 (orders under $500)$0.99 (orders under $500)Applies to smaller order sizes.
Crypto withdrawal network feesVariesVariesBlockchain network fees can apply on top of platform charges.

Minimum Deposit:$1

In Business:Since 2015

Tradable Assets:Crypto, fiat, commodities, and environmental assets

Wallet App:Seven crypto wallets

Mobile App:Yes

Supported Cryptocurrencies:250+

Overview

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Uphold is a multi-asset money platform where investors can access precious metals, eco-focused tokens, and a wide range of national currencies in one account.

Launched in 2015, the service has processed more than $4 billion in transactions. It operates in 168 countries and is generally available in many major jurisdictions, but exact features and availability depend on where you live. In the United States, operations typically fall under money-services rules and state-by-state requirements; in the United Kingdom, Uphold aligns with applicable expectations from national financial authorities, and it also applies identity checks where required.

Before walking through sign-up and features, here’s a quick note on market context alongside other leading crypto exchange options.

Uphold, Kraken, and eToro each provide mobile apps for trading anywhere. Uphold lists significantly more cryptocurrencies than eToro, while Kraken trails closely on coin count and serves more regions. Compared with Coinbase, Uphold stands out for its multi-asset approach (not just crypto) and its simple, all-in pricing display, while Coinbase is often preferred by users who want a more traditional exchange-style experience, broad fiat on-ramps, and a widely recognized brand.

In practice, the “better” option depends on what you value most: if you want a single account that mixes crypto with metals and other assets, Uphold can be more convenient; if you want deeper exchange tooling and highly granular order types, platforms like Kraken (and Coinbase’s advanced interfaces) may feel more tailored to frequent traders.

How It Works

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Users can start with $1, buy and sell supported assets instantly, and earn staking rewards on select cryptocurrencies. Pricing is clearly displayed, helping you avoid surprise charges.

For beginners, the experience is generally straightforward: onboarding follows a guided flow (account creation, identity checks, then funding), and the app centers on simple actions like buy, sell, and convert. For self-help, you can typically rely on in-product prompts plus a help center-style support library for common tasks and troubleshooting.

A beginner-friendly platform makes the most important steps hard to miss: clear pricing, clear confirmations, and clear ways to secure the account.

Available Accounts

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Choose between a personal account for everyday investing or a business account designed for company-level treasury and payments.

Personal Account

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A personal profile grants access to the multi-asset platform with commission-free trading on supported markets. You can swap across asset types—for example, crypto to fiat—use fast funding, and move money in or out at no added cost except card deposits in the United States and network fees on crypto withdrawals.

Transfers from your bank, card, or external crypto wallet are quick once you sign in.

Business Account

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Company accounts include these capabilities:

  • Free custody across currencies:Hold balances in multiple assets without storage fees.
  • Low-cost, fast transfers:Send and receive in local currencies for teams and suppliers at minimal cost.
  • Affordable foreign exchange conversion:Exchange 67 currencies and precious metals with competitive pricing for cross-border needs.

Opening an Account

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  • Select Sign Up on the site to begin.
  • Enter your email, phone number, and personal information.
  • Confirm your address via the verification email, then set a password.
  • Disclose intended use and financial details such as funding source and employment status.
  • Complete identity verification by submitting a selfie and a government-issued ID.

After these steps, you can send funds, withdraw, convert currencies, and start trading.

Products

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Your account supports multiple categories, including cryptocurrencies and precious metals, alongside other digital assets.

Cryptocurrencies

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Trade 250+ coins, from established names to altcoins and stablecoins. Popular choices include Bitcoin, Ether, Ripple, Litecoin, and Dogecoin.

Precious Metals

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Buy and sell silver, gold, platinum, and palladium, with the ability to liquidate to 27 currencies. Card funding, bank connectivity across 36 countries, and blockchain integrations in seven countries keep settlement smooth.

Environmental Assets

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Eco-oriented tokens such as Universal Carbon and Bitcoin Zero aim to support climate-related projects through token sales.

The Uphold Wallet

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You’ll set up a crypto wallet to transact on the platform. Available options include Bitcoin, Bitcoin Gold, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ether, Dash, and Ripple wallets, which you can use for crypto swaps, precious metals exposure, and fiat conversions. For supported assets, you can typically withdraw crypto to external wallet addresses, and cashing out fiat is usually done through linked withdrawal methods such as a bank transfer where available, with region-based restrictions and limits depending on local rails.

Paper Wallet

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Paper storage can be highly secure but requires careful setup and handling. You’ll install Ubuntu along with Lili and BitAddress, then print and safeguard your public and private keys—formatted much like a banknote with each key on a separate side.

Hardware Wallet

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Hardware devices keep your private key offline. You connect them briefly to sign transactions, reducing the attack surface compared with always-online storage.

Web Wallet

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Browser-based wallets are simple to use but typically store private keys on a server, which can increase exposure to remote attacks.

Desktop Wallet

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Installing a wallet on your computer offers solid control for small to medium holdings, though systems that remain online can present a route for intrusions.

Mobile Wallet

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Mobile wallets favor convenience and broad OS support—great for beginners and casual traders. For large balances, consider a more secure alternative.

Service Fees

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Costs differ for personal and business users. Below are the primary charges.

Personal Account Fees

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Asset TypeSpread/FeeNotes
Precious metalsSpreads average about 2%On top of supplier bid-ask prices.
Major fiat pairsAround a 0.2% spreadTypically lower than many thin markets.
Bitcoin and EthereumSpreads hover near 1.5%Thinly traded coins can be higher.
American equitiesGenerally carry a 1% spreadMay include an additional spread outside 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Eastern depending on volatility.

Business Account Fees

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Fee TypeBusiness Account FeeNotes
Platform trading feesWaived with an active balanceApplies while you maintain an active balance.
Transfers between Uphold accountsFreeInternal transfers are free.
Bank fundingFreeWhere supported.
Bitcoin depositsFreeNetwork fees may still apply depending on the chain and sender.
Card funding2.49%Fee applies when funding by card.
Currency purchase and conversionUp to 0.75%Examples given include about 0.65% for the dollar and the euro, 3.65% for silver ounces, and 3.95% for platinum ounces.
Crypto withdrawals$2.99Third-party charges and blockchain network fees may apply.
Bank transfers (off-platform)$3.99Third-party charges may apply.

Extra Features

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Here are added tools that enhance safety and usability.

Security

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Beyond sign-in protections like two-factor authentication, account security also depends on custody and operational controls. Uphold generally separates funds for operational liquidity from longer-term storage, and withdrawals can involve both platform charges and underlying blockchain network fees. The platform does not present blanket, one-size-fits-all insurance for every crypto balance, so it’s worth treating “insurance” as asset- and custody-dependent rather than guaranteed protection.

  • Modern encryption
  • Frequent audits
  • 24/7 system monitoring
  • Bug Bounty Program

When evaluating exchange safety, focus on custody practices, account-level controls, and how clearly a platform discloses what it does and does not guarantee.

Uphold App

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The mobile app helps you track balances, performance, and transaction and deposit fees, and it shows historical data on your holdings. Two-factor authentication and biometric login bolster protection.

An internal review process screens third-party providers. The App Center features tools from 21 vetted partners, including these standouts:

  • Koinly for reliable crypto tax forms and reporting.
  • Linqto for streamlined access to early-stage investments and potential early liquidity.
  • CoinLedger for fast crypto tax reports with broad wallet and exchange integrations.

Uphold Card

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The debit card supports spending from any asset with competitive foreign exchange rates. Earn 1% back in British pounds on purchases, capped at £100 per month, get instant spend alerts, and add the card to Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Our Verdict

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Uphold is a strong fit for those who want one account for crypto, fiat, metals, and green assets. It combines extensive coin coverage, rigorous security, and flexible account options for individuals and businesses.

Pro:Broad, multi-asset access in a single account (including trading across asset types).

Pro:Low minimum deposit and quick start for new users.

Pro:Useful add-ons, including an app ecosystem and a spend card for supported regions.

Con:Pricing is spread-based, so costs can feel less predictable than a fixed maker-taker fee schedule on some exchanges.

Con:Availability, withdrawal methods, and certain features can vary by country and local requirements.

Con:If you want advanced exchange tooling and deep order functionality, some competitors may be a better match.

Although the company is registered in London, it is subject to state-level reviews in the United States. It also discloses assets and liabilities in real time and does not lend out client funds, which supports transparency and custody clarity.

If this aligns with your needs, open an account, choose your wallets, and start trading on Uphold.

Terms apply. Cryptoassets are volatile and can lose value rapidly. Only invest money you can afford to lose. High-risk products may not be protected if something goes wrong. The Uphold Card is issued by Optimus Cards, a principal member of Mastercard and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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