Best Crypto Exchanges in Europe

Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges in Europe

In order to find the top exchanges, we have tested the 36 digital asset platforms accessible to European users. Our examination considered compliance with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) guidelines, supported deposit currencies, fee structures, asset variety, and languages. Here’s a comparison table of the top 5 exchanges in Europe.

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1. Bybit

Bybit is one of Europe’s most popular crypto exchanges, offering over 1,500 cryptocurrencies for spot trading. It supports over 400 futures contracts with access to high-leverage derivatives up to 200x. One of the key features is a Copy Trading service, allowing users to replicate the strategies of top traders and a suite of trading bots, such as Grid, DCA, and Futures Combo Bots.

For those looking to grow their assets, Bybit offers “Bybit Earn,” a program with flexible staking options and up to 300% APY. The Bybit Card provides up to 10% cashback and VIP privileges. The Web3 wallet and NFT marketplace allow users to explore the DeFi ecosystem. The platform is accessible in 24 languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Polish and Russian.

• Fees: Trading fees begin at 0.1% for spot trading.
• Supported Assets: Over 1,500 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by the CySEC under registration number 305956090 and available in 160 countries.
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA, debit cards, credit cards, bank transfers, Wise, Google Pay, iDEAL, Blik, iDEAL, Zen, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay.

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‍2. Kraken

Kraken provides services tailored to large-scale trading and asset management. With access to over 290 cryptocurrencies, it supports spot trading and a sophisticated OTC desk for institutions. Kraken Pro provides advanced trading features, deep liquidity, and multiple order types for professionals seeking precision and control. It also supports futures contracts with 5x leverage.

Known for its transparency and security, Kraken regularly undergoes proof-of-reserve audits to assure customers that all assets are held on a 1:1 basis. The exchange also offers staking services, a dedicated NFT marketplace, and Kraken Wallet for secure asset storage. Customer support is available around the clock in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese and Turkish.

• Fees: Maker fees start at 0.16%, with taker fees at 0.26%.
• Supported Assets: 290+ cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) in Europe and regulated by the OAM, BoS, FCA, CBI and DNB.
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfer, SEPA, credit card, debit card and SWIFT.

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3. Uphold

Uphold offers a simple platform perfect for beginners in Europe. It supports over 300 cryptocurrencies, commodities, and fiat currencies. With a straightforward buy-sell interface, it enables instant trading and includes an AutoPilot feature that lets users automate regular crypto purchases. It is also transparent about fees, displaying them upfront to avoid hidden costs.

Founded in 2014, it is one of the oldest investment platforms in Europe and has grown to serve 10 million clients. A standout feature is its user-friendly staking services, offering investors the chance to earn up to 25% APY on 30 selected assets. The “Anything-to-Anything” feature allows users to trade between any supported assets, whether crypto to fiat or precious metals.

• Fees: 1% trading fee and a 1% spread fee.
• Supported Assets: 300 cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies and 4 precious metals.
• Regulation & Licensing: Uphold is regulated in Europe by the Republic of Lithuania and FCA. It is available in over 150 countries worldwide.
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA, bank transfer, credit card, debit card, Google Pay and Apple Pay.

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4. OKX

OKX is great for users exploring DeFi applications. The platform supports spot, futures, and margin trading, all backed by advanced tools like candlestick charts, aggregate trades, and order book data. It provides a Web3 wallet that integrates with DApps, allowing users to connect with blockchain games, NFT marketplaces, yield farming, and liquidity pools directly from the app.

The platform includes an API connectivity suite offering ultra-low latency and high-speed execution. Additional features include staking, lending and borrowing services, plus trading bots and copy trading services. OKX also offers over 100 payment methods, including Visa and Mastercard, enabling users to buy crypto with fiat funds quickly. The platform provides extensive educational resources to help users grow their crypto skills and access innovative products.

• Fees: Maker fees as low as 0.08%, with taker fees at 0.10%.
• Supported Assets: Over 350 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Operating under OKcoin Europe LTD, a company licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority.
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA transfers, credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers.

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5. Coinbase

Coinbase is one of Europe’s most trusted crypto exchanges. As a publicly traded company, Coinbase provides unmatched financial transparency and adheres to stringent regulatory standards, including registration as a CASP (Crypto Asset Service Provider) with European regulatory bodies. It supports over 550 spot pairs and accepts 60 currency deposits through SEPA. 

Coinbase Advanced offers powerful tools for advanced traders, such as low fees, 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. The platform offers staking on assets like Ethereum, allowing users to earn up to 12% APY.

• Fees: Low volume-based fees starting from 0.1% maker fees on select pairs.
• Supported Assets: Over 550 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a CASP with European authorities.
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA, bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.

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Is Crypto Regulated in Europe?

Yes, cryptocurrency is overseen by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), which establishes comprehensive guidelines for crypto asset trading, licensing, and compliance across EU member states. Under the new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, expected to be fully implemented by 2024, Europe has moved towards treating digital assets as financial instruments.

During MiCA's transitional phase, ESMA will coordinate with national regulators to provide crypto-asset service provider (CASP) authorizations. This allows businesses operating under individual member states’ laws to transition to MiCA. By harmonizing crypto regulation across the EU, MiCA aims to create a safer and more structured environment for digital asset transactions.

Since the early days of Bitcoin, Europe has actively supported crypto adoption, with Switzerland and France leading regulatory progress. Today, most European countries are embracing crypto, with digital payment options expanding in retail and government services in regions like Portugal, the Netherlands and even Germany, where banks directly offer digital asset services. 

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How is Crypto Taxed in Europe?

In Europe, cryptocurrency taxation varies by country, with most EU nations treating digital assets as taxable property or financial assets under existing laws. The European Union does not impose a uniform tax rate for crypto, leaving individual countries to establish specific policies. 

Here is a quick overview of the key European markets and their relative tax requirements:

1. Germany: The Federal Central Tax Office classifies crypto as private money, with tax-free gains if assets are held over a year. Selling within a year incurs income tax, but only if gains exceed €600.
2. France: The General Directorate of Public Finances taxes crypto gains as capital gains on movable property at a flat 30%, covering both income tax and social contributions. Frequent traders may have additional tax obligations compared to standard investors.
3. Netherlands: The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration includes crypto in the wealth tax system, where holdings are treated as assets, and a deemed rate of return is taxed.
4. Switzerland: Crypto investments are generally exempt from capital gains tax for individual investors, according to the Swiss Federal Tax Administration. Wealth tax applies, and professional traders are subject to income tax.
5. Spain: The Agencia Tributaria taxes crypto gains as capital gains, with rates from 19% to 26% based on profit levels. Spain also mandates detailed reporting of crypto holdings and transactions.

Most European countries require detailed reporting of crypto transactions. This includes not only gains but also the movement of assets between wallets and exchanges.

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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 (EUR) deposits and adheres to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) guidelines. Here’s a quick guide to help you 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: Navigate to the deposit section on the platform, specify the amount of Euros (EUR) you want to invest, and choose a payment method. Many exchanges across Europe offer convenient options, including bank transfers and credit card payments.
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 provides European users with a secure approach to purchasing Bitcoin, from account setup to executing their first trade.

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Bottom Line

Choosing the best crypto exchange in Europe depends on your trading goals and personal preferences. For European users, we recommend reputable platforms that align with MiCA regulatory standards, such as Kraken, Bybit, Bitpanda, Uphold, and Coinbase.

Each of these exchanges offers unique features suited to various experience levels, ensuring that European investors can trade confidently across a range of options.