What is a Brokerage Account?

A crypto brokerage account is a type of investment account that allows individuals to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies through a centralized platform. Similar to traditional brokerage accounts used for trading stocks or ETFs, a crypto brokerage acts as an intermediary between the user and the cryptocurrency markets, simplifying the trading process. Platforms like Coinbase, Gemini, eToro, and Robinhood offer user-friendly interfaces where users can sign up, verify their identity, deposit fiat currency (such as USD or EUR), and trade various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. These brokerages are often regulated and provide a convenient entry point for beginners, especially due to features like fiat on-ramps and built-in wallets.