Best Crypto Exchanges UK in December 2024

The UK crypto market is booming, with an estimated 12% of Brits having previously invested in crypto assets. Getting started is simple; just choose an exchange, deposit funds, and decide which crypto to buy. However, not all platforms are safe, while others charge high fees.

This guide explores the best crypto exchanges in the UK, focusing on security, commissions, accepted payment types, supported coins, and customer service. Read on to select the right exchange for you.

List of the Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK

In our view, these are the 10 best crypto exchanges in the UK:

  1. eToro – The Overall Best Crypto Exchange for UK Investors
  2. Margex – Instantly Buy Bitcoin With Visa and MasterCard (£4 Minimum)
  3. MEXC – Trade Over 2,900 Crypto Markets Without Paying Commission
  4. BloFin – No-KYC Exchange With High Withdrawal Limits and Low Fees
  5. OKX – A Great Option for Buying Bitcoin via a Peer-to-Peer Market
  6. Binance – Buy Dozens of Cryptocurrencies Instantly With a UK Debit/Credit Card
  7. Bybit – Passively Buy and Sell Crypto via Automated Trading Bots
  8. PrimeXBT – Trade Crypto Futures and CFD Asset Classes Anonymously
  9. Gemini – Licensed and Secure UK Exchange With Convenient Plaid Payments
  10. Coinbase – Deposit GBP via Faster Payments Free and Near-Instantly

Reviewing the Top UK Crypto Exchanges

Various factors should be considered when selecting an exchange. This includes everything from supported coins and fees to licensing, payment types, and account minimums.

Read on to learn more about the top 10 crypto exchanges in the UK.

1. eToro – The Overall Best Crypto Exchange for UK Investors

  • Supported Cryptos: 100+
  • Spot Trading Fees: 1%
  • Min Deposit: $100 (about £77)
  • Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: 2%
  • FCA License: Yes
  • KYC?: Yes
  • Mobile App? Yes
  • Leverage: Professional clients only
  • Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

eToro is a regulated crypto exchange with over 35 million users. It’s approved and licensed by the FCA, among other regulatory bodies. This makes eToro the safest place to buy crypto in the UK. It supports over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Solana, BNB, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin. This is in addition to thousands of shares, ETFs, commodities, and currencies.

eToro UK review

eToro is a user-friendly platform aimed at novice investors. It’s available on desktop browsers and an iOS/Android app. It also offers copy trading and smart portfolios, an ideal choice for passive investing. However, eToro charges higher fees than many exchanges. This could be worth it for the added peace of mind, considering its strong regulatory framework.

Crypto Trading Fees

eToro charges 1% per slide on crypto trades. This means UK investors pay 1% when entering and closing positions. Like all crypto exchanges, eToro also charges a market spread.

Key Features

Copy trading enables eToro users to replicate successful crypto traders like-for-like. Smart portfolios are professionally managed by eToro, providing a diversified and passive investing experience.

Safety & Licensing

eToro is authorized and regulated by the FCA. It’s also licensed by CySEC (Europe) and ASIC (Australia), and approved by FINRA (US).

Pros

  • The safest place to buy and sell crypto in the UK
  • Regulated by the FCA and other licensing bodies
  • Trade more than 100 popular cryptocurrencies
  • Fee-free deposits via Visa, MasterCard, and e-wallets
  • Diversify into other assets, including shares and ETFs
  • Offers automated investing tools like copy trading

Cons

  • Trading commissions are expensive
  • Market spreads are wider than other platforms
  • Minimum first-time deposit of $100

eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more

2. Margex – Instantly Buy Bitcoin With Visa and MasterCard (£4 Minimum)

  • Supported Cryptos: 49
  • Futures Trading Fees: 0.019% (limit orders), 0.06% (market orders)
  • Min Deposit: £4
  • Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: 0.002 BTC
  • FCA License: No
  • KYC?: No
  • Mobile App? Yes
  • Leverage: 100x
  • Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

Margex is a popular trading platform that accepts Visa and MasterCard payments. The purchasing process is simple and fast; choose which crypto to buy (e.g. Bitcoin), state the investment size, and type in the card details. The transaction will be credited instantly. Margex has a minimum deposit of just £4, so it’s an ideal choice for investing small amounts.

Margex review

Margex also offers perpetual futures. These are crypto derivatives supporting long and short orders, plus leverage of up to 100x. This offers £1,000 in trading capital for every £10 deposited. Margex also offers staking tools, copy trading, and a mobile app. However, it isn’t regulated by the FCA or any other licensing bodies. This increases the risks, considering no consumer protections apply.

Crypto Trading Fees

Margex traders pay just 0.019% (limit orders) or 0.06% (market orders) when trading crypto. Financing fees also apply when trading with leverage.

Key Features

Margex offers perpetual futures with up to 100x leverage. These allow traders to go long or short, meaning profits can be made from rising and falling prices. It also offers 4% interest when staking Bitcoin.

Safety & Licensing

Margex is an unregulated exchange without any licenses. That said, it offers robust security features, including email confirmations, two-factor authentication, and SSL encryption. 100% of client-owned coins are held in secure cold wallets.

Pros

  • Buy crypto instantly with a debit/credit card
  • Low minimum investment requirements of £4
  • Maximum trading commissions of over 0.06%
  • Earn 4% interest when staking Bitcoin
  • Trade crypto perpetual with 100x leverage

Cons

  • Isn’t licensed by any financial bodies 
  • Debit/credit card fees are built into the quoted rate

3. MEXC – Trade Over 2,900 Crypto Markets Without Paying Commission

  • Supported Cryptos: 2,900+
  • Spot Trading Fees: 0% (limit orders), 0.02% (market orders)
  • Min Deposit: £30
  • Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: 0.0001 BTC
  • FCA License: No
  • KYC?: No
  • Mobile App? Yes
  • Leverage: 200x
  • Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

MEXC is popular with UK traders seeking a huge range of crypto markets. It currently lists over 2,900 cryptocurrencies with more being added daily. This includes up-and-coming projects with small market capitalizations and high upside potential. MEXC offers 0% commissions when placing limit orders. Market orders are charged slightly more than 0.02%.

MEXC review

No KYC is needed when joining MEXC and multiple deposit methods are accepted, including debit/credit cards. The minimum Visa/MasterCard payment is £30. MEXC offers copy trading tools too, alongside savings accounts and leverage of up to 200x. The latter covers perpetual futures with the ability to short-sell. However, MEXC holds no regulatory licenses.

Crypto Trading Fees

MEXC can’t be beaten when placing limit orders; no trading commissions are charged. Market orders are charged 0.02%.

Key Features

MEXC offers leverage of up to 200x when trading futures. This provides £20,000 in trading capital for every £100 deposited. Other features include copy trading and crypto savings accounts.

Safety & Licensing

MEXC is an unregulated crypto exchange. It does, however, have verifiable proof of reserves, ensuring client balances are 100% covered by assets. Accounts are also protected by two-factor authentication and email confirmations.

Pros

  • Buy and sell over 2,900 cryptocurrencies
  • No commissions when placing limits orders
  • Buy crypto with a debit/credit card from just £30
  • Access leverage of up to 200x when trading futures
  • Earn competitive interest rates via crypto savings accounts

Cons

  • No regulatory licenses are held
  • Some crypto markets come with minimal liquidity

4. BloFin – No-KYC Exchange With High Withdrawal Limits and Low Fees

  • Supported Cryptos: 300+
  • Spot Trading Fees: 0.1%
  • Min Deposit: £8.31
  • Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: Quoted on the account withdrawal page
  • FCA License: No
  • KYC?: No
  • Mobile App? Yes
  • Leverage: 150x
  • Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

BloFin is a no-KYC exchange. This means traders can open an account anonymously and without ID verification procedures. Only an email address or UK mobile number is needed. Those choosing not to verify their identity can withdraw up to 20,000 USDT every 24 hours. BloFin lists over 300 cryptocurrencies, including the best altcoins like Ethereum, Dogecoin, and Solana.

BloFin review

Traders can also buy Bitcoin with a debit/credit card; the minimum requirement is £8.31. BloFin offers competitive trading fees, with spot markets costing 0.1% per slide. It also offers perpetual futures with leverage of up to 150x. BloFin is also a popular choice for mobile trading, with its mobile app offering a user-friendly experience. Traders can also earn 3% interest on Bitcoin savings accounts.

Crypto Trading Fees

Spot trading fees are 0.1% per slide, with discounts offered for higher volumes. Those trading perpetual futures pay 0.02% (limit orders) or 0.06% (market orders), with volume-based discounts also available.

Key Features

According to our BloFin review, this crypto exchange is ideal for diversification, with over 300 cryptocurrencies supported. Leverage of up to 150x is available, plus 3% interest on Bitcoin savings. BloFin also offers accounts with KYC.

Safety & Licensing

BloFin operates without licensing, but it offers proof of reserves, liability insurance, and cold storage for client-owned coins.

Pros

  • Withdraw up to 20,000 USDT daily without completing KYC
  • Buy Bitcoin with a debit/credit card from just £8.31
  • Trade over 300 cryptocurrencies
  • Maximum spot trading fees of 0.1%
  • Commissions are reduced when trading higher amounts
  • Offers leverage of up to 150x

Cons

  • Operates without any licenses or regulatory approval
  • Higher crypto interest rates are available elsewhere

5. OKX – A Great Option for Buying Bitcoin via a Peer-to-Peer Market

  • Supported Cryptos: 350+
  • Spot Trading Fees: N/A (Not offered to UK clients)
  • Min Deposit: £13
  • Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: 0.00005 BTC
  • FCA License: No
  • KYC?: Yes
  • Mobile App? Yes
  • Leverage: N/A (Not offered to UK clients)
  • Staking/Earn Tools: N/A (Not offered to UK clients)

OKX is a safe and trusted exchange with millions of active traders. It’s one of the best options for buying Bitcoin via a peer-to-peer (P2P) market. This means buyers transact directly with sellers. P2P trades are protected by the OKX escrow, meaning the seller must deposit the coins before the buyer makes the payment. GBP payment methods include local bank transfers, Revolut, and Wise.

OKX review UK

Fees are set by sellers and built into the quoted exchange rate. Alternatively, UK clients can instantly buy crypto with a debit/credit card; the transaction is processed by OKX. The minimum purchase requirement is just £13. Other OKX services, including spot trading, futures, options, and earning tools aren’t available in the UK. This is due to regulatory restrictions.

Crypto Trading Fees

P2P trading fees are set by sellers. OKX’s debit/credit card fees are built into the quoted exchange rate.

Key Features

The P2P marketplace allows UK traders to buy crypto directly from sellers. Payment methods include UK bank transfers and Revolut. Also offers instant crypto conversions.

Safety & Licensing

Legally operates in the UK market but isn’t regulated or licensed by the FCA. Offers a secure framework with cold storage and two-factor authentication.

Pros

  • A great option for P2P trading
  • Buy crypto directly from UK sellers
  • Also accepts debit/credit card purchases from £13
  • Instantly convert cryptocurrencies without additional fees
  • Offers a user-friendly app for iOS and Android

Cons

  • Many products and services aren’t offered to UK clients
  • Isn’t regulated by the FCA

6. Binance – Buy Dozens of Cryptocurrencies Instantly With a UK Debit/Credit Card

  • Supported Cryptos: 420+
  • Spot Trading Fees: 0.1%
  • Min Deposit: £15
  • Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: 0.0001 BTC
  • FCA License: No
  • KYC?: Yes
  • Mobile App? Yes
  • Leverage: N/A (Not offered to UK clients)
  • Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

Launched in 2017, Binance is the largest crypto exchange globally. UK clients can instantly buy dozens of cryptocurrencies with a debit/credit card. This includes the best meme coins like FLOKI, Shiba Inu, and Pepe. The minimum and maximum purchase amount is £15 and £5,000, respectively. Binance requires a government-issued ID before the transaction is processed.

Binance UK review

UK clients can then access the spot trading markets, where over 420 coins are available. High-level charting tools are offered, including technical indicators. Binance charges competitive fees; those placing limit and market orders pay just 0.1%. Discounts are offered based on the 30-day trading volume or by holding BNB in the Binance account.

Crypto Trading Fees

Spot trading commissions start from just 0.1% per slide. Buying crypto with a debit/credit card incurs variable fees, built into the exchange rate.

Key Features

A diverse spot trading platform with advanced charts, drawing tools, and technical indicators. Some features aren’t available to UK clients, including automated bots, derivatives, and copy trading.

Safety & Licensing

Binance operates in the UK, although it has received several warnings from the FCA. This is why Binance doesn’t directly accept GBP bank deposits (debit/credit cards are processed by third parties).

Pros

  • Tight market spreads and substantial liquidity
  • Instantly buy crypto with Visa or MasterCard
  • The spot trading exchange lists over 420 coins
  • Low trading commissions of just 0.1%

Cons

  • Has received several warnings from the FCA
  • Doesn’t accept GBP bank transfers

7. Bybit – Passively Buy and Sell Crypto via Automated Trading Bots

  • Supported Cryptos: 1,500+
  • Spot Trading Fees: 0.1%
  • Min Deposit: £10
  • Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: Quoted on the account withdrawal page
  • FCA License: No
  • KYC?: No
  • Mobile App? Yes
  • Leverage: 200x
  • Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

Bybit is one of the best crypto trading platforms in the UK for automated investing. It offers a wide selection of bots that trade crypto automatically 24/7. Multiple strategies are available, ensuring all trading goals and risk tolerances are supported. This includes dollar-cost averaging bots for long-term investors, not to mention Martingale bots for those with an increased risk appetite.

Bybit automated bots

Bybit supports spot trading and crypto futures, and lists more than 1,500 coins. This includes the best cryptocurrencies to buy, such as Bitcoin, Solana, and Ethereum. Bytbit offers leverage of up to 200x and trading commissions are competitive. It also offers earning tools with high interest rates, advanced analysis tools, and a KYC-free experience.

Crypto Trading Fees

Entry-level traders pay 0.1% per slide when using the spot trading exchange. Futures are charged 0.02% (limit orders) and 0.055% (market orders)

Key Features

Bybit offers one of the most diverse crypto ecosystems, including automated trading bots, earning tools, and leverage of up to 200x, not to mention loans and a crypto-backed debit card.

Safety & Licensing

Bybit is another popular exchange without any regulatory licenses. Even so, it boasts over 54 million registered users and some of the highest daily trading volumes. Bybit keeps client-owned coins in cold storage and offers two-factor authentication for additional security.

Pros

  • Trade cryptocurrencies passive via automated bots
  • Multiple strategies available, including dollar-cost averaging
  • Low spot trading commissions of 0.1%
  • Supports over 1,500 coins
  • Debit/credit card payments accepted from just £10

Cons

  • Operates without regulatory oversight 
  • More suitable for advanced traders with prior experience

8. PrimeXBT – Trade Crypto Futures and CFD Asset Classes Anonymously

  • Supported Cryptos: 30
  • Futures Trading Fees: 0.01% (limit orders), 0.02% (market orders)
  • Min Deposit: £1
  • Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: 0.0005 BTC
  • FCA License: No
  • KYC?: No
  • Mobile App? Yes
  • Leverage: 200x
  • Staking/Earn Tools: No

PrimeXBT is a multi-asset platform that supports a wide range of markets. This includes 30 crypto futures, covering everything from Solana, Bitcoin, XRP and Dogecoin. Traders can go long or short and obtain leverage of up to 200x. PrimeXBT also supports forex pairs like GBP/USD, commodities, and indices. These assets are backed by contracts-for-differences (CFDs).

PrimeXBT review

PrimeXBT is also a no-KYC platform. Traders can withdraw up to $20,000 (about £15,000) every 24 hours without completing ID verification. Moreover, you can buy up to $2,000 (about £1,500) worth of crypto with a debit/credit card anonymously. PrimeXBT offers a diverse selection of educational tools, including a free trading course.

Crypto Trading Fees

PrimeXBT charges 0.01% (limit orders) and 0.02% (market orders) when trading crypto futures. Other asset classes, including forex, commodities, and indices, can be traded commission-free.

Key Features

PrimeXBT is aimed at advanced traders looking to speculate on crypto futures. Its charting dashboard comes packed with features, including over 50 technical indicators. Also offers copy trading and leverage of up to 200x.

Safety & Licensing

PrimeXBT isn’t regulated by the FCA but it does hold licenses in Lithuania and Saint Lucia. However, these licensing bodies provide little if any customer protections for UK clients.

Pros

  • One of the best crypto exchanges in the UK for futures trading
  • Also supports forex, indices, and commodities
  • Crypto leverage of up to 200x
  • Buy $2,000 worth of crypto with a debit/credit card anonymously
  • Charting tools include over 50 technical indicators

Cons

  • Supports just 30 cryptocurrencies 
  • Isn’t regulated by the FCA

9. Gemini – Licensed and Secure UK Exchange With Convenient Plaid Payments 

  • Supported Cryptos: 70+
  • Spot Trading Fees: 1.49%
  • Min Deposit: £10
  • Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: Quoted on the account withdrawal page
  • FCA License: Yes
  • KYC?: Yes
  • Mobile App? Yes
  • Leverage: N/A (Not offered to UK clients)
  • Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

Next on this crypto exchanges list is Gemini. This is another good option for those favoring safety over low fees. Gemini is approved and licensed by the FCA, alongside regulatory bodies in other countries. It offers institutional-grade security, including multi-sig cold storage for client funds and two-factor authentication.

Gemini

A small percentage of coins are held in hot wallets, which are adequately insured. Gemini – which lists over 70 coins, accepts GBP payments via Plaid. This enables users to connect a UK bank account and instantly transfer funds. The minimum deposit is £10 and no fees apply. However, Gemini charges standard trading commissions of 1.49%, which is expensive.

Crypto Trading Fees

Gemini users pay 1.49% when trading crypto. However, there’s a flat fee of between £0.75 and £2.25 for orders under £150.

Key Features

Gemini is ideal for UK clients looking to buy crypto via fee-free bank transfers. It also offers Ethereum staking, but the minimum requirement is 32 ETH for those in the UK.

Safety & Licensing

Gemini offers robust security measures and holds a range of licenses, including the FCA. A majority of client funds are held in cold storage. The balance is held in insured hot wallets.

Pros

  • Heavily regulated with an FCA license
  • Instant bank transfers via Plaid
  • Choose from over 70 popular coins
  • Offer a simple trading interface
  • A great option for buying crypto on a mobile app

Cons

  • Staking comes with a minimum requirement of 32 ETH
  • Charges a premium on orders under £150

10. Coinbase – Deposit GBP via Faster Payments Free and Near-Instantly

  • Supported Cryptos: 260+
  • Spot Trading Fees: 1.49%
  • Min Deposit: None
  • Bitcoin Withdrawal Fees: Quoted on the account withdrawal page
  • FCA License: Yes
  • KYC?: Yes
  • Mobile App? Yes
  • Leverage: N/A (Not offered to UK clients)
  • Staking/Earn Tools: Yes

Launched in 2012, Coinbase is a safe and user-friendly exchange. It’s approved and licensed by the FCA, keeps the majority of client-owned coins in cold storage, and is trusted by over 100 million people. It also offers two-factor authentication and IP address whitelisting. Coinbase is a good option for depositing funds via a UK bank account.

Coinbase UK review

Not only are transfers free but they’re credited almost instantly. However, Coinbase charges 1.49% when buying crypto with GBP. This increases to 3.99% when using a UK debit/credit card. Coinbase supports over 260 coins, so is also a suitable choice for diversification. It also offers a recurring buy feature, allowing UK clients to set a regular investing schedule.

Crypto Trading Fees

Coinbase charges a standard commission of 1.49%. This is reduced when using the Coinbase Advance platform, which is aimed at more experienced traders.

Key Features

Coinbase offers a simple and safe way to invest in the crypto market; features are limited when compared to other UK exchanges. Nonetheless, it offers earning tools, allowing investors to generate a yield on their idle crypto balances.

Safety & Licensing

Coinbase is a heavily regulated exchange, with approval and licensing from the FCA. It’s also licensed in other countries, including the US and Australia.

Pros

  • Approved and licensed by the FCA
  • Top-notch customer support
  • A good option for first-time crypto investors
  • Deposit GBP via bank transfer for free
  • Supports over 260 coins

Cons

  • Commissions of 1.49% are expensive 
  • Limited features when compared to other platforms

Our Methodology for Ranking Crypto Exchanges

Hundreds of crypto exchanges exist; many accept traders from the UK. We created a methodology to ensure only the best platforms were discussed.

The key points we looked for are summarized below:

  • Supported Cryptos: The best crypto exchanges in the UK offer a wide range of markets. MEXC, for instance, offers over 2,900 cryptocurrencies. This includes everything from Bitcoin and Ethereum to meme coins like Pepe and dogwifhat.
  • Trading Fees: We prefer crypto exchanges with low trading fees. For example, Margex charges a commission of just 0.019% when placing limit orders. That said, we found that trading fees are much higher when using FCA-regulated platforms, considering the costs of compliance.
  • Minimum Deposit: Our methodology also explored the minimum deposit for UK investors. Beginners will like Margex, which requires just £4.
  • FCA Regulation: eToro was our overall top pick for its FCA regulation. It also holds licenses with other licensing bodies. Crucially, UK investors benefit from a safe investing experience, albeit, with higher trading charges.
  • Payment Methods: We also explored payment methods when ranking UK crypto trading platforms. Most providers accept instant payments via debit/credit cards. We also included exchanges that support near-instant bank transfers, which are often fee-free.
  • No-KYC: A selection of no-KYC exchanges was also included. This enables users to register, deposit funds, and trade anonymously. It also provides access to a broader range of crypto products, such as leveraged futures and automated bots.
  • Trading Tools: Preference was also given to exchanges with notable trading tools. eToro offers copy trading and smart portfolios, making it the go-to platform for passive investing. MEXC and BloFin are good choices for technical traders seeking indicators and drawing tools.

Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK Compared

The best crypto exchanges in the UK are compared below:

Crypto Exchange Supported Cryptos Spot Trading Fees Min. Deposit Bitcoin Withdrawal Fee FCA License? KYC? Mobile App? Leverage? Staking/Earn Tools
eToro 100+ 1% $100 (about £77) 2% Yes Yes Yes Professional clients only Yes
Margex 49 0.019% (limit orders), 0.06% (market orders) £4 0.002 BTC No No Yes 100x Yes
MEXC 2,900+ 0% (limit orders), 0.02% (market orders) £30 0.0001 BTC No No Yes 200x Yes
BloFin 300+ 0.1% £8.31 Quoted on the account withdrawal page No No Yes 150x Yes
OKX 350+ N/A (Not offered to UK clients) £13 0.00005 BTC No Yes Yes N/A (Not offered to UK clients)
N/A (Not offered to UK clients)
Binance 420+ 0.1% £15 0.0001 BTC No Yes Yes N/A (Not offered to UK clients) Yes
Bybit 1,500+ 0.1% £10 Quoted on the account withdrawal page No No Yes 200x Yes
PrimeXBT 30 0.01% (limit orders), 0.02% (market orders) £1 0.0005 BTC No No Yes 200x No
Gemini 70+ 1.49% £10 Quoted on the account withdrawal page Yes Yes Yes N/A (Not offered to UK clients) Yes
Coinbase 260+ 1.49% None Quoted on the account withdrawal page Yes Yes Yes N/A (Not offered to UK clients) Yes

What is a Crypto Exchange?

Crypto exchanges are trading platforms that support Bitcoin and other digital assets. They enable users to buy and sell crypto, often with GBP. Similar to stock brokers, users open an account and deposit funds before trading.

Common payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, bank transfers, and e-wallets. Some crypto exchanges support hundreds or even thousands of markets. This allows UK investors to build a diversified crypto portfolio.

How Do Crypto Exchanges Work?

Crypto exchanges provide a platform for buyers and sellers to trade. Some operate like brokers, where buyers can instantly purchase crypto directly from the platform. For example, you might buy £50 worth of Bitcoin, and £25 worth of Ethereum. Those coins can be kept in the exchange until you’re ready to sell or withdrawn to a private wallet. 

Bitcoin price

Some exchanges use the order book system, where traders place limit or market orders. These platforms are ideal for active traders seeking advanced analysis tools and charts. Either way, crypto exchanges make money by charging trading commissions. Users are often charged when depositing and withdrawing funds too.

Types of Crypto Exchanges

UK investors have access to many types of crypto exchanges. This section discusses the popular.

FCA-Regulated Exchanges 

A small selection of crypto exchanges are approved and regulated by the FCA. This includes eToro, Coinbase, and Gemini. These platforms offer brokerage services, meaning UK clients can buy crypto without using order books.

Instead, users choose the crypto they want to buy (e.g. Ethereum), the amount (e.g. £100), and the preferred payment method (e.g. Visa). The purchase is instantly settled and delivered to the user’s account. FCA-approved crypto exchanges are the safest option but they typically charge higher fees.

No-KYC Exchanges 

Unlike FCA-regulated platforms, no-KYC exchanges don’t collect personal information. There’s no ID verification process, so traders can invest in crypto anonymously. These platforms offer a wider range of services, including those that aren’t available on FCA platforms.

MEXC review

For example, many no-KYC exchanges offer crypto futures, where traders can apply leverage. Margex, for instance, offers 100x leverage on major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This enables users to control £10,000 worth of crypto with just £100.

Peer-to-Peer Exchanges 

Peer-to-peer exchanges are another option to consider. They enable users to buy crypto directly from sellers in the UK. This often means a wider selection of payment methods, such as bank transfers, PayPal, Revolut, and Wise.

An escrow service is provided to ensure safety. This means the seller deposits coins into the platform’s wallet, which is locked until the trade is complete. The main drawback with peer-to-peer exchanges is fees; they’re set by sellers and thus are often much higher than the spot price.

Decentralized Exchanges  

Experienced traders in the UK might consider decentralized exchanges. No account is needed, meaning users can buy and sell crypto anonymously. Users connect a wallet to the exchange and use liquidity pools to transact.

Decentralized exchanges are backed by smart contracts, so traders can avoid third-party intermediaries. The traded crypto is delivered straight to the user’s wallet, so counterparty risks are reduced. However, decentralized exchanges only accept crypto, meaning you can’t deposit GBP.

Crypto Exchanges Fees Explained

We’ve established that even the top crypto exchanges in the UK charge fees. This section discusses the most common charges to expect, with some relatable examples.

Instant Buy Fees

Some exchanges allow UK investors to instantly buy crypto with a debit/credit card. In most cases, the fees are built into the exchange rate. This lacks transparency, so you’ll need to manually compare the quote to the real-time spot price.

For example, say you want to buy ETH in the UK:

  • You want to buy £500 worth of ETH with Visa
  • We’ll say the current spot price is £2,000 per ETH
  • This means you’d get 0.25 ETH when investing £500
  • However, the exchange quotes 0.24 ETH
  • This is 4% above the spot price
  • As such, you’re paying a 4% fee

Instant buys are almost always the most expensive way to purchase crypto in the UK. However, they’re also the fastest and most convenient.

Deposit Fees

Some UK crypto exchanges allow users to deposit GBP. eToro, for example, accepts debit/credit cards, PayPal, and Skrill. No fees are charged on these payment methods.

However, many crypto exchanges average 3-5% when processing GBP. This is why shopping around for the lowest deposit fees is crucial.

Why Is My Credit Card Not Working When Buying Crypto in the UK? 

  • Credit cards can legally be used in the UK to buy crypto.
  • However, some financial institutions have implemented restrictions.
  • This could be an outlay ban on crypto-related transactions.
  • Or a ban on deposits made to exchanges without FCA approval.

Trading Commissions

Almost all crypto exchanges charge commissions. The only exception is MEXC, which offers 0% commission when placing limit orders.

Crypto exchange fees UK

In contrast, Coinbase and Gemini have standard trading commissions of 1.49%. This is charged ‘per slide’. This means the commission is paid when buying and selling crypto.

For example:

  • You have £1,000 in your Coinbase account.
  • You want to swap that £1,000 for Bitcoin.
  • You’re charged 1.49%, so that’s a buy commission of £14.90.
  • A few months have passed and your Bitcoin investment is worth £1,500.
  • You decide to cash out, so pay any 1.49% commission. That’s £22.35.
  • In total, you paid Coinbase £37.25 in commissions.

Spreads

Spreads are considered a hidden fee when buying and selling crypto. This is also the case with other asset classes, including shares and forex. The spread is the gap between the buy and sell price. It will vary depending on the exchange, the crypto being traded, and wider market conditions.

For example:

  • Let’s say you’re trading BNB
  • The buy price is £440
  • The sell price is £400
  • You buy BNB at £440, which is 10% above the sell price
  • This means you need BNB to increase by 10% (to £440) to break even
  • And hence, the spread is 10%

The best crypto exchanges in the UK offer competitive spreads, often below 1%. It’s a good idea to evaluate them before trading.

Are Crypto Exchanges Legal in the UK?

Crypto exchanges can legally operate in the UK. However, some considerations must be made. First, only a small selection of crypto exchanges are registered with the FCA, the UK’s financial watchdog. Some exchanges have gone one step further. eToro, for example, is not only registered but also regulated by the FCA. This provides UK investors with a safe environment to buy and sell crypto.

Crucially, it’s not a legal requirement to be FCA-registered. However, exchanges wishing to serve UK clients must comply with FCA rules. This means meeting anti-money laundering regulations and restricting UK retail clients from accessing crypto derivatives. It also means ensuring specific coins or high-risk products aren’t aggressively marketed.

Another consideration is no-KYC exchanges, which operate ‘offshore’. These platforms offer an anonymous experience, so the trader’s nationality isn’t collected. It’s difficult for the FCA to enforce its rules when exchanges are located outside of the UK. What’s more, there are no investor protections for UK residents. As such, it’s best to stick with FCA-regulated platforms like eToro and Coinbase.

Tips for Staying Safe When Using Crypto Trading Platforms

The following tips will help you stay safe when buying and selling crypto in the UK:

  • Use Exchanges Regulated by the FCA: While fees are higher and you’ll have access to fewer products and services, FCA-regulated exchanges provide the safest trading experience. The FCA ensures its licensees comply with UK laws, including keeping client funds in FSCS-covered bank accounts. However, this only applies to fiat, as crypto investments are not a ‘specified investment’ under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
  • Know the Risks: Cryptocurrencies are high-risk investment products. They’re speculative and volatile, and often have no intrinsic value – especially meme coins. Only consider investing amounts you can realistically afford to lose.
  • Set Up Exchange Security Controls: Most UK crypto exchanges offer security tools to keep client accounts safe. However, you often need to set them up manually. Ensure you activate two-factor authentication at a minimum. IP address/device whitelisting should also be used.
  • Use Stop-Loss and Take-Profit Orders: Another safety tip is to deploy risk-management tools like stop-loss and take-profit orders. Stop-losses automatically sell crypto investments when they decline by the chosen percentage (e.g. 10%). Take-profits work the same but in reverse. You’ll automatically close a position when it reaches the profit target (e.g. 30%).
  • Diversify Your Crypto Portfolio: Buying just one crypto is risky; if it declines heavily your entire portfolio will be down. Consider spreading your investment funds across at least 10 cryptocurrencies. You can also ‘weight’ the portfolio to further reduce the risk. For example, you might have 30% in Bitcoin and Ethereum, 50% in large-cap altcoins, and 20% in small-to-medium caps.

How to Get Started with a Crypto Exchange

Here’s how to get started with an FCA-regulated exchange like eToro:

  • Step 1: Open an eToro AccountVisit the eToro website to open an account. Complete the registration form and verify your email address and mobile number.
  • Step 2: Upload ID – eToro requires ID from all registered users, as per FCA regulations. Upload a passport or driver’s license to get verified.
  • Step 3: Deposit GBP – Deposit at least $100 (about £77) with a debit/credit card or an e-wallet (e.g. PayPal or Skrill). No deposit fees are charged on GBP payments.
  • Step 4: Choose a Crypto to Buy – You’ve got over 100 cryptocurrencies to choose from at eToro. Click the ‘Discover’ button to see which markets are available. Or, use the search bar.
  • Step 5: Buy Crypto – Click the ‘Trade’ button next to the crypto you’re purchasing. Specify the investment amount ($10 minimum, about £7). Click ‘Buy’ to confirm. The crypto investment is processed instantly and added to the eToro portfolio.

Conclusion

In summary, choosing the best cryptocurrency exchange in the UK requires careful consideration. Overall, eToro could suit beginners seeking a safe and regulated environment. While fees are on the high side, eToro is approved and licensed by the FCA.

It offers over 100 cryptocurrencies, plus instant payment methods like debit/credit cards. eToro also offers shares and ETFs, so UK investors can diversify with ease.

eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more

FAQs

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References

  1. How many Brits have bought cryptocurrency? (YouGov)
  2. Binance customers unable to withdraw, deposit pounds via UK’s Faster Payments – FT (Reuters)
  3. Registered and formerly registered cryptoasset firms (FCA)
  4. Proposed new rules to better protect customers of payments firms (FCA)
  5. Anti-money laundering supervision: detailed information (GOV.UK)
  6. FCA bans the sale of crypto-derivatives to retail consumers (FCA)

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Milan has been part of our team for several years, having written hundreds of published articles as a freelance writer. He holds a master's degree in business marketing. With years of experience in the field, he knows how to create insightful, in-depth articles and guides focused on business development and growth. Recently, Milan began exploring diverse software solutions and platforms across different domains. These range from website builders and CRM to LMS and SEO. By combining these software solutions, a company's performance, visibility, and overall success can be significantly enhanced. Milan has been closely monitoring the evolution and prevalence of…

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