Best Crypto Exchanges in Romania

Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges in Romania

To find the top cryptocurrency exchanges for Romanian investors, we evaluated over 20 platforms, focusing on compliance with the National Bank of Romania (NBR) and the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF). We assessed support for RON deposits, trading fees, asset variety, and ease of use.

Here are the top 5 exchanges for Romanian users, each providing unique benefits in costs, convenience, and asset selection.

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1. Kraken

Kraken tops the list for Romanian investors, offering over 290 crypto assets, staking, and derivatives trading. For institutional and professional users, Kraken Pro provides advanced tools, including customizable orders, deep liquidity, OTC services, and high API rate limits, delivering a professional-grade experience.

Founded in 2011, Kraken has earned a strong reputation for its regulatory compliance and transparency, demonstrated through its thorough proof-of-reserves audits. For added versatility, the exchange features staking services, an NFT marketplace, and the Kraken Wallet for secure asset management.

• Fees: Maker fees start at 0.16%, with taker fees at 0.26%.
• Supported Assets: Over 290 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Licensed as a VASP within Europe, operating under Romanian and broader European regulations.
• RON Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, IBAN, credit card, debit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Also supports USD and EUR deposits.

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2. Bybit

Bybit is a top choice for Romanian derivatives and futures traders, with over $50 billion in daily trading volume providing ample liquidity. Offering 400+ futures, options, and perpetual contracts with up to 200x leverage, Bybit is built for those aiming to maximize market opportunities. Spot traders can access over 1,500 cryptocurrencies, covering many strategies.

Beyond trading, Bybit offers diverse earning options, from staking to flexible savings, fixed-term investments, and even lending and borrowing services. With the Bybit Card, users can spend crypto directly, earning cashback rewards with up to 8% APR, a nice bonus for active crypto users.

• Fees: Maker fee of 0.02%, taker fee of 0.055% for derivatives; 0.1% for spot trading.
• Supported Assets: 1,500+ cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Licensed by CySEC, regulated across Europe, meeting compliance standards for Romanian users.
• RON Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, SEPA, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SWIFT, credit and debit cards.

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3. Uphold

Uphold is our recommended platform for Romanian newcomers to crypto, featuring a user-friendly mobile app that simplifies investing, staking, and trading. With over 300 assets, including cryptocurrencies, precious metals like gold and silver, and fiat options, Uphold lets users manage everything in one account.

The Uphold Card adds to its appeal, enabling users to spend crypto directly with zero foreign transaction fees, a real bonus for frequent travellers. Uphold also sets itself apart with transparency, refreshing asset and liability data every 30 seconds so users get real-time insights into the platform’s financial health and their own holdings.

• Fees: 0% commission; spreads vary by asset.
• Supported Assets: 300+ assets, including crypto, metals, and fiat.
• Regulation & Licensing: FCA-registered, compliant across Europe, available to Romanian users.
• RON Deposit Methods: Bank transfer, SEPA, Apple Pay, credit and debit cards.

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4. Coinbase

Coinbase is a trusted choice for Romanian investors focused on security and transparency, though it’s among the more expensive options. As the only publicly traded crypto exchange (NASDAQ: COIN), Coinbase operates under strict regulatory oversight. The platform provides 200+ cryptocurrencies, staking, a DeFi wallet, and various institutional services.

Fees are a central factor with Coinbase, as standard trades come with a spread typically over 1%, which can accumulate fast. Active traders may prefer Coinbase Advanced, which skips the spread in favor of variable trading fees (starting at 0.2%). The Coinbase Card also allows for direct crypto spending, and staking options support passive income.

• 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: Publicly traded, fully licensed across Europe, accessible to Romanian users.
• RON Deposit Methods: Bank transfer, IBAN, SEPA, Apple Pay, credit and debit cards.

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5. Binance

Binance is a strong choice for Romanian investors seeking high liquidity and a broad asset selection. Serving over 236 million users, it efficiently supports large trades in key assets like BTC, ETH, and SOL, with access to more than 350 cryptocurrencies and low fees across spot, futures, and options trading.

Beyond trading, Binance offers Binance Earn for staking and lending, an NFT marketplace, and an extensive knowledge base through Binance Academy. Binance Research provides institutional-grade insights, and the BNB Chain enables access to DeFi opportunities. Security measures include multi-factor authentication, cold storage, and regular audits.

• 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.

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Is Crypto Legal and Regulated in Romania?

Yes, cryptocurrency is legal and regulated in Romania, primarily under EU-wide frameworks like the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation and the Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD), which Romania has implemented into national law. These regulations enforce anti-money laundering compliance, customer verification, and reporting for crypto transactions.

Romania permits the holding, trading, and transfer of virtual currencies, with local guidelines evolving to streamline registration for crypto wallet providers and exchanges. Oversight by the National Bank of Romania (NBR) and the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) is expected to intensify with full MiCA implementation in 2024.

While not considered legal tender, cryptocurrencies are recognized as digital assets, operating within a clear regulatory framework designed for compliance and transparency.

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How is Crypto Taxed in Romania?

In Romania, cryptocurrency gains are taxed at 10%, categorized as alternative income. This applies to profits from selling, exchanging, or spending crypto, calculated as the sale price minus acquisition costs. 

Small transactions under €40 per sale and annual profits below €120 are exempt, but annual profits over €5,120 incur an additional social security fee of around €500.

Companies are taxed on crypto profits like any corporate income, with a 3% rate (or 1% for those with employees). The National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) closely monitors compliance, making detailed transaction records essential.

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How to Buy Bitcoin in Romania

Romanian investors can easily buy Bitcoin by choosing a regulated exchange that supports RON deposits, like those mentioned in our list. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

1. Set Up an Account: Register on a licensed exchange, providing your name and email, and complete ID verification with a government-issued document.
2. Deposit RON: Go to the deposit section, enter your desired RON amount, and select a payment method. Most exchanges support bank transfers, IBAN, SEPA, debit cards and credit cards.
3. Locate Bitcoin: In the trading area, search for Bitcoin (BTC), select the RON/BTC pair, and enter your purchase amount.
4. Confirm the Purchase: Review and confirm your transaction. The BTC will be instantly credited to your account.

This simple guide helps Romanian users get started securely, from registration to buying Bitcoin on a trusted exchange.

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Bottom Line

In summary, Romania’s top crypto exchanges offer secure, regulated access to digital assets within a clear EU-aligned framework. To get started, it’s wise to consider your specific goals and choose the exchange that best aligns with your approach to the crypto market.

By using these licensed platforms, Romanian investors can confidently explore the crypto market in a compliant, accessible environment shaped by the country’s progressive approach to digital assets.