Uphold is a cloud-based financial services platform that enables users to buy, hold, convert, and transact in a wide range of assets, including cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, precious metals, and U.S. equities. Founded in 2013 and officially launched in 2015, Uphold has grown into one of the most versatile platforms in the digital finance space. Whether you’re a beginner investor, seasoned crypto trader, or simply someone who wants to explore alternative asset classes, Uphold offers an all-in-one ecosystem to manage your finances with ease and transparency.
Unlike many traditional crypto exchanges that focus solely on digital assets, Uphold positions itself as a multi-asset platform. It supports over 260+ cryptocurrencies, multiple fiat currencies (such as USD, EUR, GBP), and commodities like gold and silver. Uphold also allows fractional equity trading for select U.S. stocks, offering a holistic platform for both new and experienced investors.
Users can access Uphold via desktop or mobile app, both of which offer a user-friendly interface. The platform also provides tools for businesses, such as API integrations, automated payments, and cross-border remittances using its instant swap engine.
Uphold supports over 260 cryptocurrencies, including major coins like:
Additionally, you can hold and trade fiat currencies such as:
Precious metals like gold (XAU), silver (XAG), and even tokenized carbon credits are also supported.
Uphold uses a unique system known as "Anything-to-Anything" trading. Unlike other platforms that require intermediate conversions (e.g., crypto → USD → gold), Uphold allows users to directly trade between any two supported assets in a single transaction. This reduces friction and provides more flexibility.
To get started, users must create an account, verify their identity, and fund their wallet via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or crypto deposit. Once funded, they can start trading, holding, or transferring assets instantly. The mobile app provides a seamless experience with real-time portfolio tracking, instant price alerts, and secure access.
Uphold’s fee structure is relatively simple but includes spreads rather than traditional trading fees. Here's an overview:
Security is a major focus for Uphold. The platform uses strong encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and secure custody practices. All user funds are held in separate accounts, and Uphold is compliant with key regulatory bodies depending on the region it operates in.
Additionally, Uphold publishes a real-time transparency page that shows the company’s assets and liabilities in real-time. This level of openness builds trust and gives users confidence that their funds are fully backed.
While no digital platform is 100% immune to risk, Uphold has a solid reputation for security. It employs industry-standard practices, undergoes regular audits, and offers transparency in its operations. However, like any custodial platform, users should remain cautious, enable 2FA, and avoid storing large amounts of assets long-term without personal cold storage.
Uphold is ideal for:
Uphold is a powerful and innovative platform that bridges the gap between traditional finance and modern digital assets. With support for cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, metals, and equities, it offers an integrated ecosystem for all types of users. Whether you’re trading Bitcoin, converting dollars to gold, or automating investments, Uphold gives you the flexibility to do it all in one place.
While it may not be the lowest-cost exchange for frequent traders due to spreads, the platform’s simplicity, security, and multi-asset support make it a compelling option for long-term holders and casual investors. If you're looking for a trusted, all-in-one platform to manage your digital and traditional assets, Uphold is definitely worth considering.