How to buy Uniswap (UNI) in the US

What is Uniswap (UNI)?

Uniswap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) protocol built on the Ethereum blockchain that allows users to swap, earn and provide liquidity directly from their wallets. Unlike centralized exchanges (CEXs) that rely on order books, Uniswap operates using an Automated Market Maker (AMM) model powered by liquidity pools – smart contracts that enable trades between token pairs automatically. 

Users can provide liquidity to these pools by depositing two tokens (e.g., ETH and USDC) in equal value, earning a share of trading fees in return. This system removes the need for intermediaries, making Uniswap one of the cornerstones of Decentralized Finance (DeFi).

Launched in 2018 by developer Hayden Adams, Uniswap has undergone several upgrades – V2, V3 and the upcoming V4 – each enhancing flexibility, efficiency and liquidity management. The UNI token, introduced in 2020, serves as Uniswap’s governance asset, enabling holders to vote on protocol upgrades and treasury allocations.

As of 2025, Uniswap ranks among the largest DEXs globally, with billions in total value locked (TVL) and hundreds of supported ERC-20 tokens. It plays a key role in enabling decentralized trading, liquidity provision and token launches.

Why do people buy and invest in Uniswap (UNI)?

Decentralized access to trading

Uniswap enables anyone to trade Ethereum-based tokens directly from a crypto wallet – no account, approval or centralized control required. This makes it a foundational part of the DeFi ecosystem.

Governance and participation

UNI holders can propose and vote on governance decisions that shape the platform’s future, such as protocol fees, liquidity incentives and upgrades like Uniswap V4.

Revenue opportunities through liquidity

Liquidity providers (LPs) earn a share of transaction fees from every trade in their pools. While returns vary, this structure offers a mechanism to earn on idle assets.

Strong development pipeline

Uniswap Labs continues to innovate with V4, introducing ‘hooks’ for customizable liquidity strategies and improved gas efficiency, potentially broadening developer participation and decentralized finance (DeFi) use cases.

You can buy Uniswap (UNI) on Crypto.com, a secure and intuitive platform that offers zero-fee* bank transfers, competitive rates and comprehensive tools for managing your crypto portfolio.

How to buy Uniswap (UNI) in 5 steps

Buying UNI in the US is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Choose a cryptocurrency platform

Select a trusted exchange that lists UNI and offers a smooth, secure trading experience.

You can:

• Buy Uniswap on the Crypto.com App – Ideal for beginners, featuring low fees and zero-cost bank transfers.
• Trade UNI on the Crypto.com Exchange – Perfect for active traders seeking advanced tools and high liquidity.

Beginners’ guide to opening a crypto trading account

2. Create and verify your account

Sign up with your email address, create a secure password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Complete Know Your Customer (KYC) verification by uploading a government-issued ID to access full trading features.

3. Deposit funds

Add funds to your account before purchasing UNI. Common deposit methods include:

• Bank transfer (ACH) – Free* and suitable for larger deposits.
• Credit or debit card – Convenient for instant purchases (fees may apply).
• Crypto transfer – Deposit another cryptocurrency and swap it for UNI.
• Apple Pay or Google Pay – Fast and easy mobile funding options.

4. Buy UNI

Once your account is funded:

1. Search for UNI in the app or exchange.
2. Enter the amount you want to buy.
3. Choose between a market order (instant purchase) or limit order (your set price).
4. Confirm your transaction.

5. Store your UNI securely

After purchasing UNI, choose how to store it:

• Hot wallets – Convenient for active traders, such as the Crypto.com App Wallet or browser wallets like MetaMask.
• Cold wallets – Paper wallets, or hardware devices like Ledger or Trezor, provide offline storage and added security for long-term holders.

Strengths and weaknesses of Uniswap

Strengths of UNI

• Decentralized trading – Users maintain full custody of their funds and private keys, executing swaps directly through smart contracts. This eliminates reliance on intermediaries and supports greater financial autonomy.
• Large token selection – Uniswap lists thousands of ERC-20 tokens, ranging from established cryptocurrencies to emerging DeFi projects. This breadth offers users access to one of the most diverse trading environments in crypto.
• Liquidity provider incentives – Anyone can supply tokens to liquidity pools and earn a share of trading fees. This model helps sustain on-chain liquidity while rewarding users who participate in the network’s activity.
• Transparent and open-source – Uniswap’s underlying code is publicly available and regularly audited for security. This transparency promotes community trust and enables developers to build upon proven infrastructure.
• Continuous innovation – Each protocol upgrade introduces new features like concentrated liquidity and customizable hooks. These advancements aim to improve trading efficiency and enhance the overall user experience.

Weaknesses of UNI

• Ethereum gas fees – Because Uniswap operates on the Ethereum network, transaction costs can rise sharply during periods of high demand. These gas fees may reduce profitability for smaller trades or frequent users.
• Complexity for beginners – Navigating decentralized exchanges requires managing wallets, private keys and sometimes liquidity positions. For new users, this learning curve can be steeper than with centralized platforms.
• Impermanent loss risk – Liquidity providers face potential value fluctuations when asset prices in a pool diverge significantly. This market-driven effect can temporarily reduce returns compared with simply holding tokens.
• Self-custody responsibility – Uniswap users are fully responsible for securing their wallets and recovery phrases. Without centralized account recovery, lost keys or compromised wallets can lead to irreversible fund loss.

What to know before buying Uniswap

Before buying UNI, take time to understand how decentralized exchanges differ from traditional trading platforms. Uniswap gives users direct control over funds, but that also means greater personal responsibility for wallet management and transaction accuracy.

Uniswap’s value often reflects broader DeFi trends, Ethereum network activity and market sentiment around decentralized finance. Monitoring developments like Uniswap V4, governance proposals and liquidity growth can offer insight into long-term potential.

The Crypto.com App provides tools such as price alerts, recurring buys and portfolio tracking, helping users stay informed and manage their investments.

UNI investment tips for beginners

If you’re new to Uniswap or crypto investing:

• Start small – Begin with an amount you can afford to lose as you learn how DEXs work.
• Use dollar-cost averaging (DCA) – Buy UNI at regular intervals to smooth out volatility.
• Diversify – Avoid putting all funds into one asset or sector.
• Stay informed – Follow Uniswap’s roadmap, governance updates and major protocol upgrades.

The Crypto.com App offers recurring buys and Crypto Baskets features to help automate your strategy and manage multiple assets efficiently.

What affects the price of Uniswap (UNI)?

• DeFi market trends – Broader demand for decentralized finance impacts UNI’s utility and token demand.
• Network upgrades – Innovations like Uniswap V4 and ‘hooks’ can boost usage and sentiment.
• Governance decisions – Proposals related to fee structures, incentives, or protocol parameters can influence investor interest.
• Ethereum performance – As Uniswap runs on Ethereum, gas fees and network congestion affect trading activity.
• Regulatory developments – Policy changes around DeFi and decentralized protocols may impact liquidity and accessibility.

Uniswap (UNI) outlook

Uniswap continues to lead the decentralized exchange space, driving innovation in automated liquidity and decentralized governance. The upcoming V4 upgrade aims to deliver greater flexibility and customization through its ‘hooks’ system, potentially strengthening its position within the DeFi ecosystem.

Analysts note that Uniswap’s future depends on sustained DeFi adoption, competitive Layer-2 expansion and clear regulatory frameworks. While the platform’s innovation record is strong, as with all crypto assets, UNI’s long-term performance will depend on broader market dynamics and user demand.

This content is for educational purposes only and shouldn’t be considered investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risks, including potential loss of capital.

Ready to get started?

1. Sign up on the Crypto.com App in minutes.
2. Verify your account through KYC.
3. Deposit funds easily via bank transfer, card or crypto.
4. Buy Uniswap (UNI) and explore decentralized trading.

FAQs about Uniswap (UNI)

What is Uniswap used for?
Uniswap enables decentralized trading of Ethereum-based tokens through liquidity pools and automated market makers, enabling users to swap assets without intermediaries.

Is Uniswap (UNI) a good investment?
Whether UNI suits your portfolio depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance and belief in DeFi’s long-term growth. Always conduct independent research before investing.

How secure is it to buy Uniswap?
Buying UNI through trusted platforms like Crypto.com is secure when combined with best practices such as 2FA and wallet backups.

Can Uniswap realistically grow significantly in value?
UNI’s value depends on factors like trading volume, ecosystem expansion and governance engagement. No outcomes are guaranteed.

What makes Uniswap different from centralized exchanges?
Uniswap operates entirely on-chain, giving users full custody of funds and eliminating intermediaries through automated smart contracts.

* Other transaction fees and spread may apply.

Important information: This is informational content sponsored by Crypto.com and should not be considered as investment advice. Trading cryptocurrencies carries risks, such as price volatility and market risks. Before deciding to trade cryptocurrencies, consider your risk appetite. 

Past performance may not indicate future results. There's no assurance of future profitability, and content may not reflect current opinions

Third-party information is subject to change.