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Uphold: What It Means, Features, Operations, And Insights

Last updated 03/15/2024 by

Dan Agbo

Edited by

Fact checked by

Summary:
Explore the world of Uphold, a cloud-based financial service platform revolutionizing transactions across diverse assets. From cryptocurrencies to traditional currencies, gold, and equities, Uphold offers transparency, low transaction costs, and a secure trading environment. Dive into its features, advantages, and the meticulous safety measures that make Uphold a trusted choice for global users.

What is Uphold?

Uphold, a cloud-based financial service platform, serves as a secure hub for executing movements, conversions, and transactions across diverse assets. While prominently known for cryptocurrency transactions, Uphold extends its reach to traditional assets like fiat currencies, gold, and equities. The platform is strategically designed to minimize transaction costs and elevate transparency, creating a comprehensive solution for individuals engaging in various financial activities.

How Uphold works

Established in 2014, Uphold operates as a real-time transparent financial platform, offering support for a broad spectrum of assets. With 40 equities, 27 fiat currencies, precious metals, and a staggering 130+ cryptocurrencies, Uphold positions itself as a versatile player in the financial landscape. The Uphold Connect API empowers third-party developers to innovate, fostering additional software offerings. The platform’s commitment lies in reducing transaction fees and maintaining a full reserve status, ensuring a secure and efficient financial environment.

Uphold exchange fees

Uphold’s cryptocurrency transactions are underpinned by an all-inclusive price structure featuring a modest spread. Notably, Uphold has transitioned to commission-free pricing, a strategic move to enhance user experience. The platform stands out with its real-time reserve status, providing users with transparent insights into individual asset and liability balances, reinforcing trust and accountability.

Uphold vs. Coinbase

When juxtaposing Uphold and Coinbase, Uphold distinguishes itself by enabling trading across a multitude of asset classes, encompassing traditional currencies and equities. Its transparent fee structure stands in contrast to Coinbase’s focus primarily on cryptocurrencies, coupled with varied fees. Uphold’s adoption of commission-free pricing further sets it apart, offering users a cost-effective and transparent alternative to Coinbase’s fee structure.

Requirements for Uphold

Embarking on Uphold requires users to furnish essential personal information, including legal name, date of birth, and phone number. To achieve verified user status, additional details such as a current residential address, a valid government ID, and a live selfie are mandated. Uphold’s stringent verification process ensures a secure environment for fund withdrawal and transfers, aligning with regulatory standards and user safety.

Is Uphold safe?

Uphold prioritizes the safety of its users, making it a reliable trading platform. The company employs a robust set of industry-standard security measures to ensure a secure environment for financial transactions.
One key aspect of Uphold’s security protocol is the implementation of Know Your Client (KYC) verification. This process helps authenticate users, adding an extra layer of identity verification to prevent unauthorized access.
Additionally, Uphold enhances account security through the use of two-factor authentication. This extra step in the login process adds another level of protection, reducing the risk of unauthorized account access even if login credentials are compromised.
Uphold goes beyond the basics with comprehensive security measures, including third-party due diligence. This involves assessing the security practices of external entities associated with the platform, ensuring a secure ecosystem for users.
The company actively encourages security awareness and collaboration through its bug bounty program. By incentivizing ethical hackers to identify and report potential vulnerabilities, Uphold stays proactive in addressing and mitigating security risks.
Uphold reinforces user trust through thorough staff background checks. Ensuring the integrity and reliability of its team members contributes to the overall security posture of the platform.
Regular auditing and system testing are integral components of Uphold’s security strategy. The company conducts routine assessments to identify and rectify any potential weaknesses in its systems, providing users with a consistently secure trading environment.

The bottom line

Uphold offers individual traders access to diverse asset classes, emphasizing transparency and ease of trades. With more than two dozen traditional currencies, 40 equities, precious metals, and 130+ cryptocurrencies, Uphold provides a secure platform for traders.
Weigh the Risks and Benefits
Here is a list of the benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Pros
  • Buy and sell across multiple asset classes
  • Transparent fee structure
  • Commission-free pricing
  • Real-time reserve status for enhanced transparency
  • Support for diverse traditional currencies, equities, and cryptocurrencies
Cons
  • Limited options in asset classes
  • Lack of advanced trading tools
  • Varied limitations on the number of equities and precious metals
  • Minimal advanced features such as charts and research tools

Frequently asked questions

Is Uphold only for cryptocurrency transactions?

While Uphold is renowned for its cryptocurrency transactions, it caters to a broader spectrum of assets, including traditional currencies, precious metals, and equities.

What distinguishes Uphold’s fee structure from other platforms?

Uphold stands out for its transparent fee structure, offering users a clear understanding of transaction costs. The platform’s commission-free pricing enhances user experience, ensuring no hidden surprises in fees.

How does Uphold ensure transparency in its operations?

Uphold prioritizes transparency by providing real-time reserve status, showcasing individual asset and liability balances. This commitment extends to quarterly audits to verify solvency, reinforcing trust among users.

Can Uphold users trade across multiple asset classes in one transaction?

Yes, Uphold users have the convenience of trading across multiple asset classes in a single transaction. This streamlined process distinguishes Uphold from platforms requiring separate transactions and fees for each trade.

What security measures does Uphold employ to protect user information?

Uphold implements industry-standard security measures, including Know Your Client (KYC) verification, two-factor authentication, third-party due diligence, a bug bounty program, staff background checks, and routine auditing and system testing, ensuring a safe trading environment.

Key takeaways

  • Uphold allows trading across multiple asset classes.
  • The platform maintains a transparent fee structure.
  • Users should consider limitations in available asset classes.
  • Uphold lacks advanced trading tools.
  • Comparatively, Uphold’s commission-free pricing distinguishes it from other platforms.

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