Best Crypto Exchanges in Europe

Top Crypto Trading Platforms in Europe

As cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow across Europe, investors must use platforms that comply with the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). Our team has tested and ranked the leading crypto exchanges based on EUR deposit options, available countries, trading fees, supported languages and features. Here is a comparison table of the top 5 options.

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1. Kraken

Kraken is Europe’s most trusted exchange, serving over 10 million clients across the region and accepting deposits in EUR, CHF, GBP, and five other currencies. It supports more than 320 cryptocurrencies for spot trading and over 100 futures contracts with up to 5x leverage. 

The platform takes security seriously, with cold storage, regular proof-of-reserve audits, and 2FA. For institutional clients, Kraken offers a range of services, such as an OTC desk for trades over $100,000, custodial solutions, and staking services for 28 tokens with up to 30% APY. 

Kraken Pro provides advanced tools, including detailed charting options, customizable order types, tight spreads and multilingual customer support available in 8 languages.

• Fees: Maker fees start at 0.16%, and taker fees start at 0.26%.
• Supported Assets: Over 320 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) across Europe.
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, iDEAL and credit or debit cards.

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2. Uphold

Uphold is an excellent choice for beginners in Europe, offering a straightforward interface and transparent pricing. The platform supports over 250 cryptocurrencies, alongside access to traditional assets, including 4 commodities and 27 fiat currencies. 

The no-hidden-fee model is a highlight, as it ensures users always know the exact cost of transactions before they execute their trade. Features like recurring buy options simplify dollar-cost averaging for beginners. 

There is also the Uphold debit card, which allows users to spend cryptocurrencies directly at retailers that accept MasterCard. Staking services for 28 digital assets and the Uphold Vault offer users secure and accessible ways to earn passive income on their idle holdings.

• Fees: No deposit fees; spread fees vary by asset, typically between 0.5% and 1.2%.
• Supported Assets: Over 250 cryptocurrencies, metals, and fiat currencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Operates under MiCA and adheres to EU financial compliance standards.
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA transfers, bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and Apple Pay.

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3. Bitpanda

‍Bitpanda, based in Austria, is an investment platform providing access to over 4,000 assets. It supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, along with stocks, ETFs, precious metals, indices and Bitpanda Crypto Index products, which allow users to diversify their portfolios automatically. 

The platform offers advanced features like limit orders and leverage trading. Innovative tools such as the Bitpanda Savings Plan enable users to automate investments while staking, and Bitpanda Cash Plus provides a short-term cash storage option with attractive yields. 

The Bitpanda Card allows users to spend their digital assets in real time. For loyal users, the Bitpanda Ecosystem Token (BEST) delivers discounts and exclusive rewards through the Bitpanda Club.

• Fees: Trading fees start at 1.49%; discounts are available for BEST token holders.
• Supported Assets: Over 200 cryptocurrencies, plus 4,000+ stocks, ETFs, and precious metals.
• Regulation & Licensing: Fully compliant with MiCA and holds multiple EU financial licenses.
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA transfers, bank transfers and credit or debit cards

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4. OKX

OKX is a top exchange in Europe, bridging traditional trading with innovative Web3 services. The platform supports spot trading for over 350 cryptocurrencies and offers advanced trading tools like futures contracts, perpetual swaps, and access to TradingView’s integrated charts. 

It provides customized OTC solutions, API connectivity, and liquidity management. The platform’s Web3 wallet opens doors to decentralized finance (DeFi) with an NFT marketplace and bridging services. 

OKX also prioritizes transparency with its Proof-of-Reserves system, which allows users to verify asset security. DeFi staking, liquidity pools, and yield farming options provide passive income opportunities with APY ranging up to 250%.

• Fees: Maker fees start at 0.08%, and taker fees at 0.1%; discounts are available with OKB token holders.
• Supported Assets: Over 350 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by the OAM, AMF, BaFin and complies with MiCA requirements.
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA transfers, bank transfers, credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

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5. Coinbase

Coinbase is regarded as the most compliant and regulated crypto exchange in Europe. As a publicly traded company, it provides unmatched financial transparency and adheres to stringent regulatory standards, including registration as a Crypto Asset Service Provider with MiCA. 

It supports over 550 spot pairs and accepts 60 currency deposits through SEPA. The platform also provides staking services for hundreds of tokens and educational tools that reward users with crypto for learning. 

Coinbase Advanced offers powerful tools, such as multiple order types and charting through TradingView. It takes user security seriously, with customer assets held 1:1 and state-of-the-art risk management tools like 2FA, biometrics, and hardware security options.

• Fees: Fees begin at 2%, and reduced rates are available on Coinbase Pro.
• Supported Assets: Over 550 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a CASP with European authorities and adheres to MiCA regulations.
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA, bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.

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Is Crypto Regulated in Europe?

Europe has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies through the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), overseen by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). MiCA introduces uniform rules for digital assets across EU member states, covering transparency, disclosure, authorization, and supervision of transactions.

As of 2025, entities offering crypto-related services within the EU must be registered and licensed under MiCA's provisions. This includes crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) such as digital currency exchanges, wallet providers, and issuers of crypto-assets.

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How is Crypto Taxed in Europe?

Cryptocurrency taxation in Europe varies by country, with each nation implementing its own framework to address the complexities of digital assets. 

Generally, profits from cryptocurrency transactions, including trading and mining, are considered taxable income. For instance, in Germany, if cryptocurrencies are held for over a year, profits are tax-exempt; however, selling within a year subjects gains to income tax rates up to 45%.

To maintain tax transparency, the European Union introduced the Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC8), requiring crypto-asset service providers to report transactions involving EU clients to relevant tax authorities.

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Cryptocurrency Adoption in Europe

Europe is projected to reach 218 million cryptocurrency users by mid-2025, equating to over 30% of the European population. 

Germany leads in adoption across Europe, with traditional banks offering direct Bitcoin investment services. Other countries, such as Switzerland and France, are also seeing advancements as regulatory frameworks like MiCA increase transparency.

Platforms such as Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and OKX have been instrumental in simplifying access to cryptocurrency trading. The European crypto market is projected to generate $14.9 billion in revenue in 2024, underscoring its increasing role in the economy.

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How to Buy Bitcoin in Europe

European investors looking to buy Bitcoin can start by choosing a regulated exchange that supports Euro deposits. Follow this guide to get started:

1. Create an Account: Register with a licensed European exchange. Enter basic information like your name and email. Complete the identity verification process by uploading a government-issued ID, such as a passport or national ID.
2. Deposit EUR: Go to the deposit section on the platform, specify the amount of Euros you want to invest, and choose a payment method. Complete your deposit by following the prompts.
3. Find Bitcoin: Go to the trading section, type “BTC” in the search bar, and select the EUR/BTC trading pair. Enter your transaction details here.
4. Execute the Trade: Specify the amount of Bitcoin you’d like to buy, review the transaction, and confirm.

This guide outlines the steps to purchase Bitcoin and other crypto assets, from account creation to completing a trade. The process is generally consistent across most exchanges.

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Bottom Line

Europe is a global hub for cryptocurrency, backed by the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). Leading exchanges like Kraken, Binance, OKX, Bitpanda, and Coinbase allow users to trade cryptocurrencies while adhering to strict compliance standards across the EU.

These platforms provide valuable features such as advanced trading tools, staking options, secure custodial services, and deposit methods for Euros (EUR).