Best Crypto Exchanges in Greece

Best Cryptocurrency Exchange Greece

We evaluated the 21 crypto platforms available to users in Greece and found the top choices based on several factors. Our assessment considered each platform’s compliance with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) and supported assets, fees, and Euro deposit options. Here are the five best exchanges for Greek investors and traders.

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1. Bybit

Bybit is the best exchange in Greece, supporting over 1,400 cryptocurrencies available for spot and derivatives trading with up to 200x leverage. The exchange provides features like the Grid Bot, Futures Combo Bot, DCA Bot and TradeGPT, an AI-powered tool. Additionally, the Copy Trading option lets users replicate the strategies of experienced traders.

It also offers Bybit Earn, which includes staking, liquidity mining, and yield farming opportunities offering up to 250% APY. The Bybit Visa Card enables users to earn up to 10% cashback on purchases while providing access to 8% APR savings accounts and VIP benefits. With 54 million users globally and Greek language support, Bybit is an excellent option for local investors.

• Fees: Maker fees are set at 0.02%, while taker fees are at 0.055% for futures. Spot trading starts from 0.1%.
• Supported Assets: Over 1,400 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Licensed by CySEC and available in Greece.‍
• ‍EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA, bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards, Zen, Easybank, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

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2. Uphold

Uphold is known for its transparency in the crypto space. It was one of the first platforms to offer clear proof-of-reserves, publishing its assets and liabilities every 30 seconds. The platform's unique one-step trading feature allows users to instantly swap between different asset types, including 250 digital currencies, 27 traditional currencies and 4 precious metals. 

Apart from trading, it offers interest-bearing accounts that pay up to 4.9% APY on USD balances and staking on 30 tokens with up to 25% APY. Users can also benefit from services like the Uphold Vault for secure asset storage and the Optimus debit crypto card. Uphold’s compliance with SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS certifications reflects its commitment to security.

• Fees: Trading activities come with a 1% fee, along with a 1% spread fee.
• Supported Assets: 250+ digital assets, 4 precious metals, and 27 fiat currencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Uphold fully complies with European regulations and is registered under the Republic of Lithuania.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, SEPA, Google Pay, Apple Pay, credit cards, and debit cards.

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‍3. Kraken

Kraken is a great choice for institutional traders, offering over 280 cryptocurrencies for spot, margin, and futures trading with 5x leverage. It protects assets with industry-leading measures, including cold storage and regularly audited proof-of-reserves. The platform provides deep liquidity, low spreads, and tools like customisable order types and real-time data analytics.

Additional features include an OTC desk, staking rewards on 18 digital assets, and a dedicated custody solution for secure storage. The Kraken Pro and Kraken Wallet apps allow users to manage their portfolios and place advanced trades on the go. With a 24/7 customer support team, Kraken ensures users can access help anytime they need it.

• Fees: Maker fees start at 0.16%, and taker fees start at 0.26%.
• Supported Assets: 280+ cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) across Europe and available in Greece.
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA transfers, SWIFT and credit or debit cards.

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4. Gate.io

Gate.io has the most diverse selection of cryptocurrencies, offering over 2,100 tokens for spot and derivatives trading with 100x leverage. It supports advanced trading tools, including AI-powered bots, copy trading, a demo account, a unified account and options trading. Thanks to its widespread availability, the platform can be used in Greek and 20 other languages.

Beyond trading, it provides various financial products such as liquidity mining, staking, and crypto loans. There is also the Gate Crypto Card, which offers cashback rewards in USDT, BTC, ETH, and GT, with both virtual and physical card options available. Home to over 16 million users across 180 countries, Gate.io provides a secure and diverse trading platform.

• Fees: Maker orders from 0.1% and taker orders at 0.2%.
• Supported Assets: Over 2,100 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Not directly licensed in Greece but remains accessible to users.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay.

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5. OKX

OKX is popular in Greece for its easy access to DeFi products and NFTs. It provides 350 cryptocurrencies for spot and derivatives trading with 50x leverage. The platform has integrated Web3 services, allowing users to explore decentralized applications and manage their NFT collections all within the same ecosystem. 

Whether you're interested in yield farming, lending, or blockchain gaming, OKX provides the tools to engage with the DeFi world. With a user-friendly mobile app, you can trade and monitor your portfolio anytime, anywhere. It supports quick EUR deposits through multiple methods, making it convenient for Greek users to fund their accounts and start trading promptly.

• Fees: 0.1% maker fee and 0.2% taker fee.
• Supported Assets: Over 350 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Regulated across Europe and available in Greece.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers and credit or debit cards.

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Is Crypto Regulated in Greece?

Cryptocurrency in Greece is subject to regulation, primarily overseen by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) and the Bank of Greece (BoG). These bodies ensure compliance with both local and EU-wide standards, including the recent Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, which will be fully applicable by the end of 2024. 

While Greece has a progressive approach towards crypto assets, businesses must adhere to specific rules, especially regarding anti-money laundering (AML) practices under the Greek AML Law (L.4557/2018). This includes registration requirements for crypto exchanges and wallet providers, ensuring they meet transparency and reporting standards. 

The BoG also engages in promoting innovation through initiatives like the FinTech Innovation Hub, which supports the development of new financial technologies. While cryptocurrencies are not legal tender, Greece's regulatory environment is becoming more structured, aiming to balance market growth with investor protection.

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How is Crypto Taxed in Greece?‍

Greece is preparing to roll out its crypto tax framework, set to take effect in 2025. Under the anticipated regulations, profits from the sale of cryptocurrencies will be subject to a capital gains tax of 15%, similar to the taxation of securities. This tax will apply to short-term holdings, while long-term strategies may benefit from reduced or exempted rates. 

For those involved in crypto mining, income generated will be categorised as business income, subject to Greece’s progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 9% to 44% based on total earnings. All crypto-related income and transactions must be reported to the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR).

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How to Buy Bitcoin in Greece

Investing in Bitcoin in Greece is easy using a crypto exchange regulated by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC). Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

1. Create an Account: Select a reliable exchange that supports EUR deposits and complies with Greek regulations. Sign up by providing your personal details, completing identity verification, and submitting necessary documents like your ID and proof of address.
2. Deposit EUR: Once your account is verified, navigate to the deposit section, select EUR, and choose how much you wish to invest. Most platforms support bank transfers, SEPA, or credit/debit card deposits.
3. Find Bitcoin: Go to the trading section and search for Bitcoin (BTC). You’ll see the current EUR/BTC price. You can place a market order to buy at the present rate or set a limit order if you want to purchase at a specific price.
4. Complete Your Purchase: Review the amount of Bitcoin you’re buying and the associated fees. When you’re ready, click ‘buy’ to execute your trade.

After completing your purchase, your Bitcoin will be available in your exchange wallet. For better security, consider transferring your assets to a personal wallet where you control the private keys.

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Bottom Line

Greece's crypto scene is expanding, with roughly 12% of the population engaged in digital assets. For Greek investors, exchanges like Bybit, Uphold, Kraken, Gate.io, and OKX offer diverse features, from advanced trading options to DeFi and NFT access. Each platform provides unique advantages, catering to different trading preferences and needs.

With the Hellenic Capital Market Commission ensuring regulatory compliance, choosing a trusted and licensed exchange helps investors trade confidently.