A new report from Ramp Network reveals that visible security features are the single most important factor for first-time crypto users when deciding to make their initial transaction—outweighing concerns like transaction fees and user interface design.
Security Concerns Top the List for Newcomers
Ramp’s user study highlights a persistent barrier to entry for crypto adoption: fear of scams and fraud. According to the findings, 46.8% of respondents cited “security concerns” as their biggest frustration when attempting to buy cryptocurrency for the first time.
Even more striking, 80% of new users said that visible fraud protection and account security were the most important factors influencing their decision to engage with a platform.
“Security is more important than fees. I’m willing to pay slightly higher fees if I feel safer,” one respondent noted in the survey.
Trust Before Transactions
Ramp’s data shows that many users apply what it calls the “trust test”—starting with small transaction amounts under $100. Of the users who later made multiple transactions, 33% began with modest sums, only scaling up once the platform’s safety was confirmed.
This behavior underscores the critical role of trust in early user engagement. While crypto veterans may focus on platform speed, liquidity, and low fees, newcomers are more concerned with protections they can see and understand.
Visible Security Builds Confidence
The study identifies several key features that users associate with trustworthy platforms:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Early-stage Know Your Customer (KYC) verification
- Fraud detection tools
- Clear display of regulatory licenses
However, Ramp’s report emphasizes that having robust back-end security is not enough. Platforms must clearly communicate their security measures up front to build confidence.
“It’s not enough to be secure — platforms must demonstrate that security up front,” the report states.
Ramp’s Approach to Compliance and Transparency
Ramp Network, registered with FinCEN, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and the Central Bank of Ireland, says it is actively addressing this trust gap. The company has designed its onboarding and transaction flows to emphasize safety and regulatory compliance.
By making security features more visible and understandable, Ramp hopes to onboard a broader audience and help bring cryptocurrency into the financial mainstream.
