The U.S. dollar, to be clear, is not a cryptocurrency. But for many people, it is doing the job that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin were originally intended to fill. To understand what is going on, and why the implications are so important for the global economy, it is worth going back to some of the original visions of Bitcoin.
Bitcoin got its start, back in 2008, during the dark days of the global financial crisis. At that time, the U.S. government, among many others, was bailing out banks and financial companies and “printing money” to strengthen the economy. While central banks like the Federal Reserve were not, literally, printing money and throwing it out of helicopters to people, they were doing some quite extraordinary things in the name of “quantitative easing.”
The idea behind quantitative easing (or “helicopter money”) was that central banks could inject confidence into the economy by, in effect, promising to buy just about any kind of financial asset if you had trouble selling it. And at that moment, the catalog of unsaleable assets ran to hundreds of billions of dollars.
With the benefit of hindsight, this looks like a good decision when the alternative was a repeat of the Great Depression. At the time, it looked both unfair and risky to many bystanders. Unfair because taxpayer money was being used to buy assets from people who probably deserved to go bankrupt in normal circumstances. And risky because printing so much money, in normal times, is recipe for higher inflation.
Bitcoin was deliberately designed, from the ground up, to make both of these options impossible. The strict release schedule for Bitcoin and the absolute limit of 21 million Bitcoins being issued meant that there was no way to “bail out” bad lenders or debase the value of the currency by issuing too much. The Bitcoin white paper specifically talks about resistance to corruption, and the Bitcoin network itself contains a reference to bank bailouts in the genesis block.
Advertisement
In the end, there was no hyperinflation in the major economies that practiced some form of quantitative easing, such as the U.S., U.K., and EU. However, hundreds of millions of people do live in countries with high inflation rates, and in the case of a few countries, are facing actual hyperinflation. For those people, Bitcoin should be especially appealing.
So it is all the more surprising to find that, 15 years since the end of the Great Recession, it is the U.S. dollar, not Bitcoin, that is the preferred choice of millions of people in emerging markets.
The appeal, for many of these people, is that to them, the U.S. dollar looks like an ideal stable, corruption-free digital asset. It’s extremely well known. It’s backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, and people have been using the dollar as a “safe haven” in periods of risk for decades.
American power, the huge range of American brands, and the vast reach of American culture have made the U.S. dollar the best-known currency in the entire world. When someone says, “the buck stops here” or refers to the “greenback,” we all know what they’re talking about. And, if you live far from the U.S. and don’t pay much attention to U.S. politics, then compared to your own currency, the U.S. dollar may well look very safe indeed.
Most of this situation has, in fact, been generally the case for decades. There are billions of U.S. dollars circulating around the world in cash, but for most people, that’s not a very safe or secure option. What has changed recently, however, is the ability of just about anyone anywhere to get access and hold dollars digitally.
Advertisement
Cryptocurrencies made it possible for anyone to have digital assets in a private, personal wallet, but few people had the technical knowledge or access to make this possible early on. More recently, cheap smartphones, better wallet software and, most importantly, stablecoins have recently made it possible for anyone, anywhere, to have what is, for all practical purposes, a U.S. dollar-denominated bank account. They see it as a safer alternative to their own currency, something easier to understand than crypto, and very preferable to carrying around U.S. dollars in cash.
And for many of those people, they don’t even realize they are using cryptocurrency infrastructure. Opera Mini Pay is one of the world’s most popular digital wallets and is a good example of what’s ahead. People all around the world can buy, sell and transact in U.S. dollars. And even though Opera Mini Pay runs on top of the Ethereum Layer 2 network CELO, all the fees and other services can be paid in U.S. dollars. No need to know anything at all about crypto.
The result is that even as crypto has laid down the path, when it comes to currencies, the overwhelming brand of the almighty U.S. dollar has ended up filling the gap Bitcoin brought to everyone’s attention.
Paul Brody is the Global Blockchain Leader for EY (Ernst & Young). He is also the chairman of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance and the author of the book Ethereum for Business.
Note: These are the personal views of the author and do not represent the views of EY.
In 2026, every serious crypto product relies on a strong API. APIs power trading bots, wallets, payment apps, and analytics dashboards. This guide reviews 15+ leading cryptocurrency APIs across market data, exchanges, blockchain nodes, and payments. By the end, you will learn how to evaluate them and understand key trends such as WebSocket streaming, DEX integrations, and NFT APIs. Let’s break it down clearly and practically.
What Are Cryptocurrency APIs?
A crypto API is a software interface that allows one application to communicate with another system, such as a blockchain network or a crypto exchange. It acts as a bridge. Your app sends a request and the API connects to the blockchain or exchange. Then it returns structured data in seconds.
Developers use APIs to fetch prices, check balances, place trades, or broadcast transactions. Without APIs, teams would need to run full nodes and build complex infrastructure.
Most APIs use REST for standard requests like price queries. WebSocket APIs stream real-time data, such as live trades or order books. As a result, APIs reduce complexity and accelerate crypto adoption worldwide.
Types of Crypto Data APIs
Every crypto data API serves a specific function. Some provide market prices. Others enable trading or blockchain access. Some help merchants accept payments. In practice, most crypto products combine several API types. The four core categories are market data APIs, exchange APIs, blockchain APIs, and payment processing APIs. Each plays a different role in the ecosystem.
Market Data APIs
A cryptocurrency market data API delivers price information, trading volume, and market capitalization. Developers use it to build portfolio trackers, price comparison tools, and analytics dashboards. These APIs offer real-time data for live updates and historical data for analysis. Many also provide OHLCV data for charting. Most market data APIs are read-only. Therefore, they usually do not require user authentication.
Advertisement
Exchange APIs
A crypto exchange API enables trading operations on centralized exchanges. It offers public endpoints for price data and private endpoints for account actions. Developers must use API keys and HMAC signatures for authentication. These APIs allow users to place orders, check balances, and review trade history. Because trading involves funds, exchanges require KYC compliance for verified accounts.
Blockchain APIs
A blockchain API gives developers direct access to blockchain networks without running full nodes. It allows applications to query balances, track transactions, and broadcast new transfers. Many also support smart contract interaction. Popular networks include Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana. Developers use these APIs to build wallets, DApps, NFT platforms, and blockchain explorers efficiently.
Payment Processing APIs
A cryptocurrency payment gateway API helps merchants accept digital asset payments. It detects incoming transactions and confirms them automatically. Many providers convert crypto to fiat at settlement. These APIs support invoice creation and multi-currency payments. They also handle compliance, risk checks, and pricing models. As a result, businesses can integrate crypto payments quickly and securely.
Key Features to Evaluate
Choosing the right API depends on your use case. A trading bot needs speed. A portfolio app needs reliable data. Therefore, you must compare key factors before integration. Focus on accuracy, performance, coverage, documentation quality, security standards, and pricing structure. These elements define long-term stability and scalability.
Data Accuracy and Coverage
Accuracy is critical in crypto because prices change every second. A weak cryptocurrency price data API can show outdated or incorrect values. Always check data freshness and update frequency. Review how the provider aggregates data and whether sources remain transparent. Reliable APIs publish uptime SLAs and maintain stable infrastructure. Also compare how many cryptocurrencies and exchanges they support. Broad coverage improves flexibility and reduces dependency on multiple providers.
Advertisement
Performance and Documentation
Low latency matters for trading and real-time dashboards. Test response times under load before full deployment. Rate limits also affect performance, especially for high-frequency requests. Clear crypto API documentation reduces integration errors. Strong providers offer SDKs, code examples, API explorers, and step-by-step guides. Good documentation saves development time and lowers maintenance costs.
Best Cryptocurrency Market Data APIs
Most developers start with a price feed. The best crypto data API delivers reliable market data at scale. These APIs power tracking apps, trading dashboards, and analytics tools. Many providers offer free tiers, but limits vary. Below are three leading options in 2026
CoinGecko API
The CoinGecko API ranks among the most widely used market data APIs in the industry. It covers over 10,000 cryptocurrencies and tracks more than 600 exchanges worldwide. Developers can access prices, trading volumes, market caps, DeFi metrics, and NFT floor prices through structured REST endpoints.
The free tier allows up to 50 calls per minute, which works well for small apps and prototypes. In 2026, paid plans include Analyst at $129 per month, Lite at $499 per month, and Pro at $999 per month. Higher tiers unlock greater rate limits and advanced endpoints.
The main advantage is its generous free tier and broad asset coverage. Integration remains simple thanks to clear documentation. However, rate limits can restrict high-frequency use. Some users also report occasional short delays during peak volatility. Overall, CoinGecko remains a strong choice for both beginners and scaling projects.
Advertisement
CoinMarketCap API
The CoinMarketCap API carries strong institutional credibility. Many enterprises rely on it for structured and consistent market data. It tracks more than 9,000 cryptocurrencies and offers historical data going back to 2013. This long-term dataset supports deep research and backtesting.
The platform uses a credit-based system. The Basic plan remains free but offers limited access. Paid tiers range from Hobbyist at around $29 per month to higher Enterprise plans with custom pricing. Costs increase as request volume grows.
The key strength lies in reliability and historical depth. Large funds and fintech apps often prefer it for compliance and reporting. However, the free tier remains restrictive. High-volume usage can also become expensive quickly. For professional environments, it remains a trusted option
Messari API
The Messari API focuses on professional research and curated crypto intelligence. It combines market data with fundamental analysis and on-chain metrics. Developers can access structured datasets, DeFi statistics, and advanced indicators. One standout feature is the Real 10 Volume metric, which filters unreliable exchange activity.
In 2026, the Professional plan costs around $25 per month, while Enterprise pricing remains custom. Compared to other providers, coverage includes fewer assets but higher-quality research.
Advertisement
The main advantage is curated and transparent data. Analysts and research platforms benefit most from this API. The main drawback is narrower asset coverage and pricing that may exceed basic project budgets.
Best Cryptocurrency Exchange APIs
The best cryptocurrency exchange api allows developers to access trading functions and real-time market data directly from exchanges. These APIs require account creation and, in most cases, KYC verification. Because they handle funds, security becomes critical. Below are leading centralized and instant exchange solutions in 2026.
Binance API
The Binance API powers the world’s largest exchange by trading volume. It supports Spot, Futures, and Margin trading through structured REST and WebSocket endpoints. Developers use it as a full cryptocurrency trading API for order execution, balance tracking, and historical trade analysis.
Binance applies a weight-based rate limit system, capped at 1200 weight per minute. This model allows flexibility but requires monitoring request usage carefully. The API provides live market data, order book depth, account management, and real-time WebSocket streams.
Security relies on API keys and HMAC SHA256 signatures. Developers must sign private requests properly. Binance also offers a Testnet environment for safe testing before deploying to production.
Advertisement
The main advantage is deep liquidity and global coverage. Documentation remains detailed and actively maintained. However, regulatory restrictions apply in some regions. The API structure can also feel complex for beginners due to many endpoints and trading rules.
Coinbase API
The Coinbase API focuses on compliance and user trust. It offers Consumer, Exchange, and Commerce APIs. Developers can integrate buy and sell functions, wallets, merchant tools, and professional trading features. The Advanced Trade API serves active traders.
Authentication uses OAuth2 and API keys. Fiat integration remains a major strength. Developers can link bank transfers and card payments directly within applications.
The platform holds strong U.S. regulatory compliance, which benefits fintech startups targeting American users. Security standards remain high, and infrastructure stability is strong.
However, trading fees tend to be higher than competitors. Asset coverage also remains smaller compared to Binance. For regulated markets and fiat-heavy platforms, Coinbase remains a reliable cryptocurrency exchange api option.
Advertisement
StealthEX API
The StealthEX API provides an instant crypto exchange API built on a non-custodial model. It supports over 2,000 cryptocurrencies and more than 100 fiat currencies. Users do not need registration to swap assets. This structure makes it a strong non-custodial API for wallet and aggregator integrations.
The API uses RESTful endpoints and supports both fixed-rate and floating-rate swaps. Partners can set a customizable commission between 0 and 0.5 percent, with revenue-sharing options available. The average swap completes in under 15 minutes.
White-label solutions allow companies to integrate exchange functionality directly into their platforms. The model works well for wallets, fiat providers, and comparison services.
Advantages include no mandatory user KYC, broad asset coverage, and flexible pricing. However, this API does not support advanced order types or high-frequency trading strategies. It focuses on instant crypto swaps rather than order book trading.
Best Blockchain and Node APIs
A strong Bitcoin API or multi-chain node API allows developers to interact with blockchain networks without running full nodes. This saves infrastructure costs and setup time. Node access APIs provide raw JSON-RPC endpoints. Enhanced platforms add indexing, analytics, and developer tools on top. Multi-chain support is now essential for modern DApps.
Advertisement
Infura
Infura remains one of the most established infrastructure providers in Web3. ConsenSys owns and operates the platform. It started as Ethereum-focused infrastructure and later expanded to support Polygon, Optimism, Arbitrum, and other networks.
Infura provides standard JSON-RPC endpoints and WebSocket connections. Developers use it to read blockchain data, send transactions, and interact with smart contracts. It also supports IPFS for decentralized storage use cases.
The free tier allows up to 100,000 requests per day. Paid plans start around $50 per month in 2026, with higher tiers based on request volume. The platform offers a 99.9% uptime SLA, which matters for production-grade applications.
Infura works well for wallet apps, NFT platforms, and DApps that require stable Ethereum infrastructure. It also plays a role in cryptocurrency exchange integration, where platforms need reliable node connectivity for deposit monitoring.
The main advantage is industry-standard reliability and wide ecosystem adoption. However, costs can rise quickly at scale, especially for high-traffic applications.
Advertisement
Alchemy
Alchemy offers more than simple node access. It provides enhanced infrastructure built on a Supernode architecture. The platform supports Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, and additional networks. Developers gain access to advanced endpoints that simplify complex queries.
One of its strongest features is the NFT API, which allows direct retrieval of NFT metadata, ownership data, and transfers. The platform also offers specialized endpoints such as alchemy_getAssetTransfers, which simplifies transaction tracking.
Alchemy provides a generous free tier with up to 300 million compute units. Paid Growth plans start around $49 per month in 2026, with higher tiers available for enterprise clients.
The platform includes developer tools such as Composer for request testing and Notify webhooks for real-time event tracking. Documentation remains clear and structured, which improves developer experience.
The main strengths include enhanced APIs, strong developer tools, and scalable infrastructure. The main limitation is dependency on a managed provider rather than running independent nodes.
Advertisement
Cryptocurrency Payment APIs
A strong cryptocurrency payment API allows merchants to accept digital assets without deep technical knowledge. These APIs simplify e-commerce integration and improve user experience. They offer payment buttons, invoice generation, and shopping cart plugins. Many also convert crypto into fiat automatically, which reduces volatility risk for businesses.
NOWPayments
NOWPayments provides a simple and flexible free cryptocurrency API model with transparent pricing. It supports over 150 cryptocurrencies, including major assets and stablecoins. Developers can integrate the API directly or use ready-made plugins for WooCommerce and Shopify.
The platform offers automatic coin conversion and mass payout functionality. Merchants can accept one asset and settle in another. The pricing model remains straightforward, with a 0.5% processing fee.
Setup takes minutes, and documentation remains clear for beginners. The main advantage is ease of integration and broad asset support. However, fees remain higher than self-hosted solutions. Businesses also depend on a third-party provider for transaction processing and compliance.
Specialized APIs: DeFi and NFT
A DeFi API targets specific blockchain sectors like decentralized finance and NFTs. These APIs provide deeper protocol-level data than general market APIs. Developers often combine them with broader infrastructure tools to build advanced dashboards and trading applications.
Advertisement
DeFi and DEX APIs
A DEX API connects applications to decentralized exchanges and DeFi protocols. Developers access liquidity data, swap routes, and protocol metrics without relying on centralized exchanges.
Uniswap data is often accessed through The Graph subgraphs, which index blockchain events. The 1inch API aggregates liquidity across multiple DEX platforms and calculates the best trading route automatically. DeFiLlama provides total value locked (TVL) data and protocol rankings, and it remains free for public use.
These APIs power DeFi dashboards, yield aggregators, and portfolio analytics tools. The main advantage is decentralized liquidity and no KYC requirements. However, smart contract risk and integration complexity require careful testing and security audits.
How to Choose the Right API
There is no single best cryptocurrency API for every project. The right choice depends on your goals. Start by defining your exact use case and required metrics. Compare providers based on features, performance, and pricing. Test integration in a staging environment. Monitor uptime and latency continuously. Many professional projects combine multiple APIs to reduce risk and improve coverage.
Technical and Budget Considerations
Every crypto API for developers must match both technical and financial constraints. First, define your data needs. Do you need real-time streaming or daily updates? Estimate expected request volume and traffic growth. Review performance requirements such as latency and rate limits.
Advertisement
Next, analyze pricing models. Some providers charge per request. Others use credit systems or compute units. Support level and SLA guarantees also affect cost. Map each use case to API capabilities. Finally, calculate projected monthly expenses based on expected call volume before committing to a paid tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Use Crypto API?
To understand how to use crypto API, follow a simple process. First, register with a provider and generate an API key. Next, read the documentation and choose endpoints. Then send HTTP requests via REST or open WebSocket streams. Implement authentication with API keys or HMAC signatures. Parse JSON responses and handle rate limits. Always test in a sandbox before production.
What Are the 4 Types of API?
The main types of API in crypto include REST APIs for HTTP requests, WebSocket APIs for real-time streams, GraphQL APIs for flexible blockchain queries, and gRPC APIs for high-performance systems. In practice, REST and WebSocket dominate cryptocurrency applications.
Is Binance API Free?
Yes, Binance API free access is available. You only need a Binance account. There are no subscription fees for API usage. However, rate limits apply at 1200 weight per minute. Costs come from trading fees on executed orders, not from API calls. Binance also provides a free Testnet.
Which AI Tool Is Best for Crypto Trading?
For AI crypto trading, popular tools include TradeSanta, Cryptohopper, and 3Commas. These platforms use exchange APIs to access data and execute trades. They add automation and pattern recognition. However, they are not APIs themselves. Always combine AI tools with reliable exchange infrastructure.
Advertisement
What Is Microsoft CryptoAPI Used For?
Microsoft CryptoAPI is not related to cryptocurrency. It is a Windows component for cryptographic operations such as digital signatures, certificate management, file encryption, and secure HTTPS connections. Despite the name, it does not connect to blockchain networks or crypto trading systems.
What Is a CryptoAPI Private Key?
A CryptoAPI private key in blockchain terms refers to a wallet private key that controls funds and authorizes transactions. When using exchange APIs, you generate API keys instead. API keys have limited permissions and can be revoked. Never share wallet private keys. Store API credentials securely.
Make sure to follow StealthEX on Medium, X, Telegram, YouTube, and Publish0x to stay updated about the latest news on StealthEX and the rest of the crypto world.
Don’t forget to do your own research before buying any crypto. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
Tags: affiliate program crypto exchange API crypto world exchange API exchange crypto
Shortly after Donald Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, the Binance founder, last fall, company employees revealed the cryptocurrency exchange may have funded Iranian entities with billions of dollars, according to a report by the New York Times.
The discovery was made by a group of internal Binance investigators, who reportedly found that people in Iran had accessed more than 1,500 accounts on the crypto platform. Two of those accounts allegedly saw $1.7bn move to Iranian-backed groups that included Yemen’s Houthi militants throughout 2024 and 2025, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The company investigators say they reported those transactions to Binance’s executives, but then were reportedly disciplined. At least four of the employees were reportedly fired or suspended on allegations that included “violations of company protocol” in regards to the handling of client data.
In a statement to the Guardian, a Binance spokesperson said the company “did not violate sanctions laws in respect of the transactions described”. The spokesperson also denied that internal investigators were dismissed for raising the discovery. “No investigator was dismissed for raising compliance concerns or for reporting potential sanctions issues,” reads the statement.
Zhao founded Binance in 2017 and it went onto become the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. In 2023, Zhao pled guilty to money laundering and resigned from the company. He was sentenced to four months in prison. As part of the guilty plea, Zhao agreed to pay a $50m fine and was barred from any involvement in the business.
Advertisement
In October, Trump pardoned Zhao, downplaying the crimes. Trump’s family crypto business, World Liberty Financial, has worked with Binance and Zhao attended a conference at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month.
“They say what he did was not even a crime. It wasn’t a crime,” Trump told reporters in October. “That he was persecuted by the Biden administration and so I gave him a pardon at the request of a lot of very good people.”
Binance also pled guilty in 2023 and agreed to internal monitoring and a criminal fine of nearly $1.81bn, along with another $2.51bn order of forfeiture to settle three criminal charges. The company also vowed to go after bad actors who used its platform for financial transactions, including customers from Iran.
The Iranian transactions came to light inside the company before Trump’s pardon, according to the New York Times. The entities that reportedly received the funds include a chief foreign adversary that the Trump administration has reportedly been planning to strike.
The White House did not immediately return a request for comment.
Keeping a steady head is crucial in turbulent market conditions.
The same lessons keep repeating themselves. Investors are being reminded of just how volatile the digital asset ecosystem can be. The market for cryptocurrencies reached a peak valuation of around $4.4 trillion in October last year. Today, the market cap sits at $2.4 trillion, a loss of 45% (as of Feb. 18).
The smartest investors are sharpening their focus, figuring out what portfolio moves to make amid the turmoil. Here’s one high-conviction crypto to buy and one that should be avoided like the plague.
Image source: Getty Images.
Buy the dominant cryptocurrency
Investors should consider buying Bitcoin(BTC 3.32%), the world’s leading digital asset that has pioneered the entire industry. Given that it represents 57% of the market, its price swings have an outsized impact. Bitcoin is 46% below its record.
Advertisement
Anyone who pays attention to history will quickly point out that these types of massive drops, which can be nerve-wracking when living through them, are extremely common. Bitcoin’s price has fallen more than 50% on numerous occasions. It’s hard to know exactly what’s causing the recent dip, with explanations ranging from large and early investors taking profits to investors worried about a hawkish Federal Reserve. There is no shortage of guesses.
What matters is that Bitcoin has a hard supply cap of 21 million units. It’s purely digital, transcends borders, is secure, and has ongoing adoption within the financial services industry and among regulators. In other words, the fundamentals are holding up.
Long-term investors should stay focused on these factors. In five or 10 years, Bitcoin’s price should be much higher.
Today’s Change
(-3.32%) $-2247.81
Current Price
Advertisement
$65390.00
Key Data Points
Market Cap
$1.3T
Day’s Range
$64435.00 – $67695.00
Advertisement
52wk Range
$60255.56 – $126079.89
Volume
46B
Avoid this meme token
On the other hand, investors shouldn’t touch Dogecoin with a 10-foot pole. What’s interesting is that this meme token has significantly outperformed Bitcoin over the past decade. However, it’s currently trading 86% off its peak from May 2021. And there are no signs of life that it can bounce back.
Advertisement
To its credit, Dogecoin was one of the earliest cryptocurrencies to hit the market. But it was created as nothing more than a joke. Its founders are no longer involved. And throughout its history, Dogecoin’s price has been supported by its community, which results in wild price movements based on hype. That community appears to be falling apart, given that Dogecoin’s price is so far below its record.
The market is realizing that Dogecoin has no real-world utility, other than being used by gamblers looking to score a quick profit. It’s not scarce, as the supply is constantly increasing. And it doesn’t have an expanding financial ecosystem being built around it. Keep this crypto out of your portfolio.
