Best Crypto Exchanges in Ireland

Best Cryptocurrency Exchange Ireland

Our team has tested the 26 crypto platforms available to users in Ireland. We have identified the top options, taking into account their regulatory compliance with the Central Bank of Ireland and upcoming MiCA regulations. The evaluation considered available cryptocurrencies, trading fees, and EUR deposit methods. Below is a comparison table of the 5 best digital asset exchanges for Irish traders.

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1. Kraken

Kraken is the best crypto exchange for Irish investors. It is registered with the Central Bank of Ireland and serves over 10 million users across 160 countries. The platform provides robust security features, including advanced encryption and two-factor authentication, and it regularly undergoes external audits of its proof-of-reserves, providing complete transparency in its assets. 

The exchange provides access to over 290 cryptocurrencies to trade on spot and futures with 5x leverage. It also offers staking options, the Kraken Pro platform, NFT trading, Kraken Wallet and a dedicated OTC desk for large transactions. Irish traders will appreciate its deep liquidity and competitive spreads, making it an excellent option for executing large orders efficiently.

• Fees: Maker fees start at 0.16%, while taker fees begin at 0.26%.
• Supported Assets: Over 290 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation and Licensing: Registered with the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) (Registration No. C468360).
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA transfers, bank transfers, PayPal, credit cards, and debit cards.

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2. Uphold

‍Uphold is known for its radical transparency, with live proof-of-reserves published every 30 seconds, ensuring users that their funds are always accessible. It supports multiple asset classes, including 300 cryptos, precious metals and fiat currencies. The platform provides a one-step trading experience that allows users to trade between any asset without converting to fiat first.

Additionally, it provides unique services like the Uphold debit card, allowing users to spend their crypto holdings in real-time, earning cashback rewards in fiat currency. The platform offers additional features, such as staking with up to 25% APY, an OTC desk with dedicated account managers and it accepts deposits in multiple local payment methods. 

• Fees: No trading fee but variable spreads between 0.6% - 1.6% 1%.
• Supported Assets: 300+ digital assets, 4 precious metals, and 27 fiat currencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under Uphold Europe Limited (reference number 938277).
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, SEPA, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and credit or debit cards.

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3. Bybit

Bybit is the top exchange in Ireland for derivatives trading, offering futures and perpetual contracts with leverage of up to 200x. This platform is ideal for advanced traders, providing features such as AI-driven analysis tools like TradeGPT, copy trading services, and automated trading bots like the Grid Bot, DCA Bot, and Futures Combo Bot to optimise trading strategies.

Additional products include the Bybit Card, which provides up to 10% cashback and additional rewards, demo trading, NFT trading, lending, borrowing and staking services. With over 1,500 cryptocurrencies listed and an active community of more than 54 million users globally, Bybit has become a preferred platform for those looking to trade with flexibility.

• Fees: 0.02% maker and 0.055% taker fee for futures, and spot trading starts from 0.1%.
• Supported Assets: More than 1,500 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Complies with CySEC regulations and is available in Ireland.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards, SEPA, Zen, Easybank, Google Pay and Apple Pay.

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4. Gate.io

Gate.io has the widest collection of cryptocurrency in Ireland, offering access to over 2,600 digital assets for trading and staking. It allows users to trade on spot markets, margin, and perpetual futures with 100x leverage. The platform serves over 16 million registered users in 180 countries and a significant daily trading volume of over $8 billion.

It also offers innovative features like Copy Trading, allowing users to mirror the trades of top-performing traders. For more advanced traders, the platform provides a comprehensive range of trading bots, including grid bots and DCA bots. Additionally, Gate.io supports Web3 features, such as decentralised wallets, NFT trading and cross-chain swaps.

• Fees: Maker orders start at 0.1% and taker orders at 0.2%.
• Supported Assets: Over 2,600 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Not directly licensed in Ireland but remains accessible to Irish users.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, and SEPA.

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5. Bitpanda

Bitpanda allows users to invest in more than just cryptocurrencies. In addition to over 250 digital assets, users can buy 3,000 stocks, ETFs, commodities, and precious metals. One of the best features is the Bitpanda Crypto Index, which allows investors to auto-invest in a basket of cryptocurrencies. The platform also supports savings plans, enabling users to set up recurring investments.

The exchange has a Visa Bitpanda Card, which allows users to spend their cryptocurrencies and receive cashback on purchases. Bitpanda also offers staking options, where users can earn passive income by locking up their digital assets. For those who prefer automation, the platform features Limit Orders to invest on autopilot, helping users to trade without constant monitoring.

• Fees: Trading fee of 0.2%.
• Supported Assets: Over 3,000 cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, fiat currencies, and precious metals.
• Regulation & Licensing: Complies with European regulations and available in Ireland.
• EUR Deposit Options: Bank transfer, iDEAL, debit cards, credit cards, Sofort, and PayPal.

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Is Crypto Regulated in Ireland?

Yes, crypto activities in Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, which enforces strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) measures. Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) must register with the Central Bank and comply with requirements like customer due diligence and transaction monitoring.

Ireland is preparing for the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), set to take effect in late 2024. MiCA aims to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto, including rules for stablecoins and crypto-asset service providers. The new rules will also complement the EU’s Anti-Money Laundering Act, introducing stricter reporting and transaction monitoring for platforms.

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How is Crypto Taxed in Ireland?

In Ireland, cryptocurrency is treated as an asset for tax purposes, and the tax obligations depend on the nature of the transactions involved. Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners have issued specific guidance on the record-keeping requirements for crypto transactions. 

For individuals, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies to any profits made from selling or exchanging crypto assets. The current CGT rate is 33%, and gains are calculated by subtracting the original cost from the selling price. An annual personal exemption of €1,270 can be applied to reduce taxable profits. Losses can be offset against other gains in the same year or carried forward to future years.

For businesses involved in crypto transactions, such as trading or mining, the profits are subject to Corporation Tax (CT). The standard CT rate for trading profits is 12.5%. Income earned from providing goods or services in exchange for crypto-assets is treated like any other business income and must be declared in euro for tax purposes.

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How to Buy Bitcoin in Ireland

The process of purchasing Bitcoin in Ireland is secure by using a cryptocurrency exchange that complies with the Central Bank of Ireland’s regulatory framework. Here’s how to get started:

1. Create an Account: Visit the website of a regulated platform and register for an account. Click on "Sign Up" and complete the verification process by uploading a photo ID and, if required, a selfie or proof of address.
2. Deposit Euros (EUR): Go to the deposit section of your account, select EUR as your deposit currency, and enter the amount you wish to transfer. Confirm and complete the transaction using your preferred deposit method, such as a bank transfer or credit card.
3. Choose Bitcoin: Search for Bitcoin (BTC) in the trading section. Select the EUR/BTC trading pair to see the current market rate. Review the available trading options, such as market and limit orders.
4. Execute the Trade: Click 'buy' or 'trade' to purchase Bitcoin. Enter the amount of Bitcoin you want to buy or the amount of EUR you wish to spend. Review the order details, including price and fees, then finalise the trade.

This guide provides Irish users with a clear path to start trading digital assets, detailing each step from account creation to completing trades.

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Bottom Line

Selecting the best crypto exchange in Ireland depends on your specific requirements. By choosing platforms that adhere to the Central Bank of Ireland's regulations, such as Kraken, Uphold, Bybit, Gate.io or Bitpanda, you ensure a safe and compliant trading experience.

Each of these platforms offers tailored features to meet diverse needs, making it easier for Irish investors to confidently engage with the crypto market.