Uphold is a multi-asset trading platform with zero commissions and transparent pricing. This review compares its features with other top trading platforms.
By:
Prash Raval
Prash is a financial writer for Invezz covering FX, the stock market and investing. For over a decade he has traded…
read more.
Updated:
Feb 1, 2023
4/5Star rating
9 min read
Ad disclosure
Invezz is an independent platform with the goal of helping users achieve financial freedom. In order to fund our work, we partner with advertisers who compensate us for users that Invezz refers to their services. While our reviews and assessments of each product on the site are independent and unbiased, brands may pay to appear higher up our table rankings or place ads in specific areas of the site. The order in which products and services appear on Invezz does not represent an endorsement from us, and please be aware that there may be other platforms available to you than the products and services that appear on our website. Read more about how we make money >
Uphold is a multi-asset investing platform that lets users trade different asset classes, including cryptocurrencies, forex, stocks, metals, and indices. Although while it offers several investing options, not all assets are available to everyone, and what’s on offer will depend on where you’re located.
The platform is relatively simple to get started with and has many beginner-friendly features, including easy to use crypto wallets. Uphold makes it easy to buy and sell crypto coins; users can deposit and withdraw in either fiat or digital currency.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Wide range of cryptocurrencies available
Zero deposit and withdrawal fees
Crypto wallets to store your coins
Low minimum deposits and fast account set up
Cons:
Spreads can be high for some cryptocurrencies
Services vary depending on region
Customer support is limited
What can I do with Uphold?
You can trade over 250 cryptocurrencies and other assets such as forex, stocks, and metals. Its crypto selection is vast and includes all the biggest coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. On Uphold, you can even use your digital currencies to buy traditional assets such as gold, meaning you can keep your portfolio in one place.
In addition to investing and trading, Uphold offers features that can help you earn passive income. For example, you can stake your crypto coins and earn rewards for holding them for a certain period. You can also use Uphold’s debit card to make purchases and earn cashback. Uphold provides a versatile and convenient platform for managing and growing your investment portfolio.
Uphold markets, assets, and options
What assets and products can you trade on Uphold?
Uphold has a selection of cryptocurrencies, US stocks, forex pairs, and precious metals. It is predominantly a crypto platform where you will find the bulk of its assets; however, it includes an adequate selection of other options. Here’s a full list of what markets you can find on Uphold.
Uphold is a broker that does not offer leveraged trading options. Instead, it provides a straightforward, cost-efficient way to purchase various assets without using margin or leverage.
What are the spreads?
Uphold charges spreads on all assets it has available. Spreads are variable and are based on locations. For example, in the UK and Europe, all crypto trades have spreads of between 0.9% – 1.2%, but for US residents, spreads are typically 1.8%. For low-liquidity coins, spreads can be significantly higher.
Here’s a full list of what trading fees you can expect on Uphold.
What are the deposit and withdrawal fees, limits, and speeds?
You can deposit and withdraw funds using your bank account or cryptocurrency on Uphold, and there are no deposit or withdrawal fees. However, there may be other fees to look out for. Here’s a full breakdown of payment fees on Uphold.
Uphold doesn’t charge any commissions for trading as it makes its money from the bid-ask spread. However, it does charge fees for certain transactions, which you can find in the table below.
When using Uphold, there is no minimum trade size required, and you can invest small amounts of money by buying fractional shares. Here is some information on the minimum and maximum positions you can take when using the platform.
Uphold can be used via its proprietary trading platform on desktop and mobile devices. Here’s a full list of devices you can access Uphold on.
Desktop (Windows/Mac)
Web browser
Tablet
iOS mobile device
Android mobile device
Can I use Uphold in my country?
It is headquartered in the United States, but its services and trading platform can be accessed in over 184 countries worldwide. Here’s a selection of some countries where you can use Uphold from.
Australia
United Kingdom
Mexico
United Arab Emirates
United States
Is Uphold available in my language?
Despite being available in many countries, the Uphold website is currently only accessible in English and Spanish.
How easy is it to use Uphold?
Uphold is an intuitive and user-friendly platform that makes it easy for investors of all levels to use. Setting up an account is quick and takes just a few minutes. Similarly, making deposits or withdrawals is easy and does not cost anything. The platform’s design is simple and easy to understand, with a clean and uncluttered layout that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.
Its trading interface is basic compared to others but comes with enough tools and functionality to make an informed decision. Buying and selling assets is as simple as the click of a button.
The website also offers guides and tutorials to help users navigate the platform if they need assistance. Overall, Uphold is a platform designed to be easy to use, making it an excellent choice for new and experienced investors.
Key features
Uphold has several features that investors can make use of, including its zero commissions, a wide range of crypto coins, and digital wallets. Here is a selection of some of the best features available on Uphold.
Transparent pricing
You can get started without any hidden fees or commissions when using Uphold to invest in stocks, crypto, and forex. This transparent pricing model is a major benefit of using the platform. Additionally, Uphold lets you buy fractional shares, which means you can start building your portfolio with minimal funds.
Cryptocurrency staking
On Uphold, you can earn passive income by staking your crypto assets. Staking on Uphold is easy and only takes a few minutes to set up, and once you have done so, you can earn rewards for simply holding your crypto in your account. This feature allows you to earn income from your idle assets without actively trading them.
Digital currency wallets
With Uphold, you can securely store your crypto assets. Its Bitcoin wallet offers a safe and user-friendly option for keeping your cryptocurrency. You can use the Uphold crypto wallet to store, send, and receive various cryptocurrencies. Uphold also holds your private keys, so you don’t have to worry about managing storage, and around 90% of the platform’s crypto is held in cold storage for added safety.
Uphold is a secure platform providing users with an additional layer of security through 2FA (2-factor authentication) and 24/7 overwatch. The Uphold security department continuously monitors systems to detect potential threats, ensuring that your assets are always protected.
Am I and my funds protected?
Yes, Uphold is regulated in the United States by FinCEN and registered with the United Kingdom FCA. This means your funds are protected depending on your jurisdiction’s regulatory requirements.
Is Uphold regulated?
Yes, your funds are protected on Uphold. It is compliant with anti-money laundering regulations and is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom.
In the United States, Uphold works with licensed banking partners and is regulated by the United States Treasury Department regulator, FinCEN, which helps ensure the platform’s compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.
Do I have to verify my account with Uphold?
If you want to open a new account and access certain features like sending money to others or withdrawing funds to a bank account, Uphold requires identity verification. To complete this process, you must provide a valid government-issued photo identification such as a passport, national ID card, or driver’s license.
Extra information
Educational resources
Uphold’s educational content lacks compared to similar platforms. On the website, you can find a selection of guides explaining how to buy a few cryptocurrencies. These guides offer the steps you must follow on the platform to make your first purchase. There are also a few videos explaining how certain features on the platform work.
Tools and charting
The platform offers a basic approach when it comes to tools and charting. You can view simple line charts for all of its assets; however, there are no additional tools to help with technical analysis and it would be recommended to use another charting platform to make trading decisions.
Customer support
Uphold has a good, frequently asked questions section where you can find answers to most questions you may have. If you want to contact customer service, you can fill out a ticket on the website’s help page. You can also speak with its help desk via Twitter and Facebook.
Our verdict
Uphold is a multi asset platform that offers access to many investment options, including stocks, forex, metals, and a diverse selection of cryptocurrencies. The platform is known for its zero-commission structure and transparent fee schedule, making it an attractive option for investors wanting to keep costs down.
One of the top features of Uphold is its range of tools and features designed to make crypto trading and investing more accessible. Its wallets offer a secure and convenient way to store your digital assets, and its staking option lets you earn passive income.
Overall, Uphold is a solid choice for investors looking to keep their portfolios in one place. The platform’s wide range of assets, zero commission, and user-friendly tools make it a good option for novice and experienced investors. If you’re looking for a platform that offers a diverse range of investment options and makes it easy to manage your portfolio, Uphold is worth considering.
Uphold mainly makes money from fees and charges, which consist of spreads. This is similar to most trading or investing platforms. Spread is the difference between the buy and sell price for any asset and is where Uphold makes the bulk of its money from.
Do I have to pay tax on Uphold profits?
You may have to pay tax on your Uphold profits, although it will depend on where you live and the tax laws in your country. Before investing or trading, you should speak to a qualified regional tax expert.
Does Uphold offer CFD trading?
No, Uphold does not offer CFD trading.
How do I delete my Uphold account?
Selling on Uphold is as easy. All you need to do is log into your account and navigate to the open positions tab. Once there, select the asset you wish to sell. Next, check you are happy with the current price and click the sell button.
What if I forget my account password?
Just visit the Uphold homepage and click log in before selecting the forgot my password button. You will then be able to reset your password to something more memorable.
Can I transfer from my Uphold account into my PayPal account?
No, you cannot use PayPal to deposit or withdraw funds to and from your Uphold account. Although there are several ways to make payments on the platform.
Can I pay in cryptocurrency with Uphold?
Yes, Uphold is very crypto-friendly and you can deposit and withdraw money using cryptocurrency.
Does Uphold offer bonuses?
No, there are currently no bonuses for opening an Uphold account.
Sources & references
Our editors fact-check all content to ensure compliance with our strict editorial policy. The information in this article is supported by the following reliable sources.
Risk disclaimer
Invezz is a place where people can find reliable, unbiased information about finance, trading, and investing – but we do not offer financial advice and users should always carry out their own research. The assets covered on this website, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities can be highly volatile and new investors often lose money. Success in the financial markets is not guaranteed, and users should never invest more than they can afford to lose. You should consider your own personal circumstances and take the time to explore all your options before making any investment. Read our risk disclaimer >
