Best Crypto Exchanges in Romania
Summary: Romania is becoming a hotspot for cryptocurrency adoption, driven by increasing public interest. The National Office for Prevention and Control of Money Laundering (ONPCSB) monitors the sector, ensuring compliance with AML laws and adherence to the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations.
Here are the top five exchanges facilitating deposits in Romanian Leu (RON):
Kraken is our top pick for Romanian investors, offering 290+ cryptocurrencies, staking options, and advanced trading tools on a platform regulated throughout Europe.
Registered with ASF, FCA, OAM and other European regulators
290+ Cryptocurrencies for Spot & Futures Trading
Bank Transfers, IBAN, SEPA, Credit Card, Debit Card and Apple Pay
Top Crypto Trading Platforms in Romania
To help Romanian users select the best exchange, we’ve reviewed and ranked the leading platforms regulated by the National Office for Prevention and Control of Money Laundering (ONPCSB). This evaluation considers RON deposit options, security, asset variety, and costs. Below is a comparison table of the top five cryptocurrency investment platforms in Romania.
1. Kraken
Kraken tops the list for Romanian investors, offering over 320 crypto assets for spot trading and over 100 futures contracts. Established in 2011, it has built a reputation for trustworthiness in the crypto industry, demonstrated through its regular proof-of-reserves audits that show all assets are held 1:1.
For institutional investors, Kraken provides tailored services such as OTC trading, ensuring efficient execution of large-volume trades with minimal market impact. Additionally, professional traders can use Kraken Pro, which offers customizable orders, deep liquidity, and up to 5x leverage.
The exchange also features staking services, an NFT marketplace, and the Kraken Wallet for access to DeFi applications across multiple blockchains. The platform's staking services enable users to earn up to 18% APY in rewards by participating in network validation processes.
- Fees: Maker fees start at 0.16%, with taker fees at 0.26%.
- Supported Assets: Over 320 cryptocurrencies.
- Regulation & Licensing: Licensed as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) across Europe.
- Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, IBAN, credit card, debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
2. Uphold
Uphold is a user-friendly cryptocurrency exchange ideal for beginners in Romania. The platform offers access to a wide range of 250 cryptocurrencies, plus a selection of traditional assets, including 27 fiat currencies and 4 precious metals, such as Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium.
The standout feature is its commitment to transparency. The platform publishes its assets and liabilities in real-time, ensuring users have live information about their holdings. Additionally, Uphold Vault offers assisted self-custody solutions, giving users greater control over their digital assets.
There is also a crypto debit card that allows users to spend their tokens directly on real life purchases like online shopping and bills. For those interested in earning rewards, Uphold provides staking services with competitive returns up to 28% APY on 30 cryptocurrencies.
- Fees: Crypto trading fees are between 0.25% - 2.95% depending on the asset.
- Supported Assets: 300+ assets.
- Regulation & Licensing: Registered with the Bank of Lithuania and available in Romania.
- RON Deposit Methods: Bank transfer, SEPA, Apple Pay, credit and debit cards.
3. Coinbase
Coinbase offers Romanian users a secure platform to buy, sell, and manage 200 digital assets with multiple order types, including spot and derivatives trading. As the only publicly traded crypto exchange (NASDAQ: COIN), Coinbase operates under strict regulatory oversight.
It also offers staking services, allowing users to earn rewards up to 40% APY. The Coinbase Card also allows for direct crypto spending. The platform employs advanced security measures, such as 2FA, password protection, and multi-approval withdrawals via Coinbase Vault.
Fees are a central factor with Coinbase, as standard trades cost over 1%. Active traders may prefer Coinbase Advanced, which skips the spread in favor of variable trading fees (starting at 0.2%) and delivers sophisticated tools such as interactive charts powered by TradingView.
- Fees: Spread fees typically over 1% on standard trades. Coinbase Advanced starts at 0.2% taker fees and 0.1% maker fees.
- Supported Assets: 200+ cryptocurrencies available.
- Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a VASP across Europe and Romania.
- RON Deposit Methods: Bank transfer, credit and debit cards.
4. Binance
Binance has cemented its position as one of the most feature-rich cryptocurrency exchanges in Romania, appealing to both individual traders and institutions. Its extensive offerings go far beyond standard spot trading, enabling users to engage with both futures and options markets.
For individuals, Binance offers advanced trading tools like trading bots, a demo account and copy trading. The platform also provides passive income opportunities through staking, savings products, and the Auto-Invest feature, which helps users build a portfolio using dollar-cost averaging.
Institutions can benefit from Binance’s deep liquidity and institutional-grade features like customizable API integrations, large-scale OTC trading desks, and advanced custody solutions. For crypto projects, Binance Launchpad provides a platform to raise funds and gain visibility.
- Fees: Maker and taker fees start at 0.2%.
- Supported Assets: 350+ cryptocurrencies.
- Regulation & Licensing: Registered across Europe as a VASP and supported in Romania.
- RON Deposit Methods: SEPA transfers, IBAN, bank transfers, credit and debit cards.
5. Gate.io
Gate.io is a comprehensive cryptocurrency exchange, offering Romanian traders access to over 3,500 digital assets for spot trading and 1000+ derivatives contracts. The platform provides a variety of trading options, including spot, futures, and options markets with leverage up to 100x supported.
There are also staking features like Simple Earn, allowing users to earn interest on idle funds with guaranteed principal and returns. The Auto-Investment tool enables automated, flexible portfolio management. The platform also offers crypto loans, permitting users to lend and borrow assets.
The platform also supports various trading bots, such as Spot Grid and Futures Grid, which help traders capitalize on market fluctuations by automating buy and sell orders. Gate.io’s commitment to security is evident through its Proof of Reserves, ensuring transparency for its user base.
- Fees: Spot trading fees are 0.1%.
- Supported Assets: Access to over 3,500 cryptocurrencies.
- Regulation and Licensing: Gate.io operates globally, adhering to international regulatory standards.
- RON Deposit Methods: Credit or debit cards.
Is Crypto Regulated in Romania?
Yes, Romania has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, primarily governed by Law No. 129/2019. This legislation establishes the national system for preventing and combating money laundering and terrorist financing, aligning with European Union directives, such as the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.
The National Office for Prevention and Control of Money Laundering (ONPCSB) serves as Romania's Financial Intelligence Unit, coordinating risk assessments and ensuring compliance among financial institutions and virtual currency service providers.
Under this law, entities involved in cryptocurrency activities are required to register with the ONPCSB and adhere to stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations. This includes implementing customer due diligence measures, reporting suspicious transactions, and maintaining transparency in operations.
How is Cryptocurrency Taxed in Romania?
Romania’s tax authority, the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF), has recently introduced a temporary tax exemption on cryptocurrency profits for individual taxpayers. According to a legislative amendment to the Tax Code, individuals are exempt from paying income tax on gains derived from investments in digital currencies until July 31, 2025.
This exemption applies to profits made from the difference between the purchase price and the selling price of virtual currencies when these assets are sold or exchanged for fiat currency like the Romanian Leu (RON). Gains below 200 RON per transaction, provided the annual total does not exceed 600 RON, remain untaxed as per existing legislation.
The exemption offers a significant advantage for Romanian investors, especially those with substantial cryptocurrency holdings, allowing them to capitalize on gains tax-free within this transitional period. The measure does not extend to income derived from activities such as mining or staking, which may still be subject to 10% taxation under existing rules.
Cryptocurrency Adoption in Romania
Romania’s crypto market is on track to reach $364.4 million in revenue by the end of 2025, reflecting steady adoption among both individuals and businesses. By then, the user base is expected to grow to 5.65 million people, representing 29.07% of the population.
Key players in Romania’s cryptocurrency ecosystem include leading global exchanges such as Binance, Kraken, and Coinbase, alongside local platforms like Bitcoin Romania. These exchanges not only support transactions in Romanian Leu (RON) but also offer secure and user-friendly interfaces.
How to Buy Bitcoin in Romania
Romanian investors looking to purchase Bitcoin can do so easily through a cryptocurrency exchange that supports RON deposits. Follow this step-by-step guide to start your BTC journey:
- Create an Account: Visit the official website or mobile app of a reputable exchange that supports RON transactions. Click "Sign Up" and complete the registration process.
- Deposit Romanian Leu (RON): Head to the platform’s deposit section and select RON as your deposit currency. Enter the desired amount and choose your preferred payment method, such as a bank transfer, debit card, or other supported local payment options.
- Select Bitcoin: After your deposit is processed, head to the trading section of the platform. Search for Bitcoin and locate the RON/BTC trading pair to check the latest market price.
- Complete Your Purchase: Enter the amount of Bitcoin you wish to buy or the RON amount you want to spend. Review all transaction details carefully, including any associated fees and the total cost. Confirm your purchase to finalize the transaction.
Once your Bitcoin purchase is complete, it will initially be stored in the exchange’s wallet. For added security, consider transferring your Bitcoin to a private wallet where you retain full control of your keys.
Final Thoughts
Romania is becoming a key market for cryptocurrency, with growing adoption supported by regulatory developments in line with the EU’s MiCA framework.
Among the top exchanges in Romania, platforms like Binance, Kraken, and Gate.io stand out for their diverse features. Whether you’re focused on spot trading, staking, or exploring futures and automated trading tools, these platforms offer something for every type of trader.