Best Crypto Exchanges in Greece
Summary: Greece's crypto scene has evolved significantly, with increasing adoption among individuals. The Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) oversees the sector and adheres to the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). This has drawn several global exchanges to the country.
Here are five top trading platforms supporting EUR deposits from Greek banks:
Binance is the best overall crypto trading platform in Greece as it provides Greek customer support, a diverse crypto selection and unique features like staking and copy trading.
Registered as a VASP in Europe
350+ Cryptocurrencies
Bank Transfer, SEPA, Cards
Top Crypto Trading Platforms in Greece
Our team tested the 21 crypto platforms accessible to Greek users and found the top options that adhere to Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) regulations. This evaluation considered EUR deposit options, supported cryptocurrencies, trading fees, and features. Below is a comparison of the 5 leading digital asset exchanges for Greek investors.
1. Binance
Binance is the largest crypto exchange in the world, serving more than 240 million users across Greece and 100 other countries. Due to this global accessibility, the platform is available to use in 40 languages, including Greek, and it facilitates deposits in Euros through local payment options. Users can trade over 350 cryptocurrencies on spot markets and 100+ futures contracts.
In addition to trading, Binance provides staking, lending and borrowing services, which allows customers to earn up to 80% APY. There is also an NFT marketplace, copy trading, demo account, trading bots, the Binance crypto debit card and a Launchpad feature. The exchange also provides access to DeFi applications through its native blockchain, BNB Chain.
- Fees: Spot trading fees begin from 0.1% and are reduced for BNB token holders.
- Supported Assets: Over 350 cryptocurrencies.
- Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a DASP across Europe and available in Greece.
- EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA, bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, debit cards, and credit cards.
2. Uphold
Uphold offers a unique multi-asset investment experience with its "anything-to-anything" trading feature. This allows users to effortlessly convert between 300 cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies, and 4 precious metals, including Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium, allowing them to manage their portfolio on one platform.
The 1:1 Proof-of-Reserves policy ensures that every user's assets are fully backed, reinforcing trust for Greek investors. Additional features include staking options, where users can earn up to 28% APY on select assets, the Uphold Debit Card, enabling real-time spending directly from holdings and an OTC desk that supports institutional-grade tools.
- Fees: Trading fees range from 0.8% to 1.2%, depending on the asset class.
- Supported Assets: Over 300 cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies, and 4 precious metals.
- Regulation & Licensing: Regulated by the Republic of Lithuania and accessible to Greek investors.
- EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA bank transfers, debit cards, and credit cards.
3. Kraken
Kraken is recommended for institutions, offering over 310 cryptocurrencies for spot and margin trading, plus over 100 futures contracts 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.
Additional features include an OTC desk with personal account managers, staking rewards on 28 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. Serving over 10 million users across Europe, Kraken can be used in Greek and 7 other languages.
- Fees: Maker fees start at 0.16%, and taker fees start at 0.26%.
- Supported Assets: 310+ 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.
4. Gate.io
Gate.io is a top crypto exchange in Greece, offering an extensive selection of digital assets and a suite of innovative financial products. It supports over 3,100 cryptocurrencies for spot and futures trading with up to 100x leverage. Various automated trading bots like spot grid, futures grid, and martingale strategies enable users to optimize their trading strategies.
Users can also use Simple Earn to earn interest on idle funds, auto-investment plans for systematic investing, crypto loans to borrow against their holdings, and staking options to earn rewards on supported assets. The platform also features copy trading, enabling users to mirror the strategies of successful traders and a comprehensive futures center for derivatives.
- Fees: Fees start at 0.1% for both makers and takers.
- Supported Assets: Over 3,100 cryptocurrencies.
- Regulation & Licensing: Not regulated in Greece but still accessible to Greek investors.
- EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA and credit or debit cards.
5. OKX
OKX has become a popular platform in Greece, attracting over 50 million users globally as of 2024. The exchange facilitates spot trading with more than 350 cryptocurrencies and 500 trading pairs with up to 100x leverage options supported. The interface and integration with TradingView provide traders with advanced charting tools and analytics.
OKX offers a DeFi aggregator for yield farming and liquidity pooling across multiple protocols. Its NFT marketplace allows users to explore, buy, and sell thousands of NFTs. Institutional clients benefit from a dedicated account manager, portfolio margining, and a Liquid Marketplace. Its commitment to transparency is demonstrated through its Proof of Reserves.
- 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: Credit or debit cards.
Is Crypto Regulated in Greece?
Greece has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, aligning with the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) oversees crypto-asset service providers and issuers of asset-referenced or e-money tokens.
In December 2020, the HCMC mandated that entities offering exchange services between virtual currencies and fiat currencies, as well as custodian wallet providers, must register before commencing operations in Greece. This regulatory approach mirrors EU-wide standards while incorporating specific provisions for entities within Greece.
The HCMC oversees business plans, organizational structures, compliance officers, and policies to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) laws. The registration process involves a one-time fee and an annual contribution to cover supervision costs.
How is Crypto Taxed in Greece?
The Greek government plans to introduce a structured tax framework for cryptocurrencies starting in January 2025, aimed at addressing the current lack of regulation. Under the proposed system, profits from cryptocurrency and digital asset transactions will be taxed at a flat 15% capital gains rate, aligning with the treatment of securities.
The planned regulations will outline how cryptocurrencies are defined, taxed, and monitored. Currently, many investors bypass taxation due to regulatory gaps, with reports suggesting increased crypto activity among younger demographics. All crypto-related transactions must be reported to the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR).
How to Buy Bitcoin in Greece
Greek investors can buy Bitcoin by using platforms that accept Euro deposits and are licensed by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC). Here’s a detailed guide to investing in BTC in Greece:
- Choose Exchange: Start by selecting a trustworthy crypto exchange that operates in Greece and supports Euro deposits.
- Registration: Sign up by visiting the exchange’s website or mobile app. Provide your personal details and complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process.
- Fund Your Account: Once verified, log in to your account and access the deposit section. Select Euro as your currency and choose a payment method. Enter the amount you wish to deposit and confirm the transaction.
- Purchase Bitcoin (BTC): Navigate to the buy/sell section after funding your account. Search for Bitcoin and select the EUR/BTC trading pair. Enter the amount of Bitcoin you want to purchase, review the transaction details carefully, and confirm the order.
We recommend sending your Bitcoin to a private wallet. Use a hardware or reputable software wallet to retain full control of your funds and minimize risks associated with keeping assets on exchanges.
Bottom Line
Greece is a significant player in the crypto sector, with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) overseeing digital asset platforms. Leading exchanges such as Kraken, Uphold, Binance, Bitpanda, and Gate.io provide Greek users access to various cryptocurrencies and trading tools.
These platforms offer features like high-leverage trading options, comprehensive security protocols, support for Euro deposits, and attractive staking programs.