Top 11 best crypto exchanges in the UK for 2025

We have meticulously reviewed 50+ leading cryptocurrency exchanges in the UK to identify the top players in the industry. Read on to find and compare the best UK crypto exchanges.
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Updated on Dec 17, 2024
Reading time 18 minutes

An exchange serves as a marketplace where users can buy and sell cryptocurrencies in the UK. These platforms offer a diverse range of digital assets for sale and various methods for exchanging them.

Our team of experts consistently rates and reviews 50+ of the best major crypto exchanges in the UK to compile a list of the best platforms currently in operation. To achieve this, we employ a comprehensive methodology where we create a list of variables and assign scores to each exchange based on these factors.

We consider five primary factors when evaluating and ranking exchanges:

  • Cost of trading
  • Exchange security
  • Ease of use and accessibility for beginners
  • Number of cryptocurrencies and crypto pairs available
  • Variety of payment methods accepted
  • Customer feedback and user reviews

These factors are weighted, with security and cost playing a particularly significant role in determining the final rankings. Given the heightened importance of security in today’s landscape, our recommendations reflect this focus.

Read on to find out which exchange came out on top or learn more about our review process.

What is the best crypto exchange in the United Kingdom?

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eToro is the best crypto exchange platform in the UK. Here are three more platforms that offer low fees, high security, and a simple interface for British users.

We found 13 crypto platforms for users based in

eToro review
4.6
eToro
Min. Deposit $100
Fees 1%
No. assets 3600+
Demo account Yes

eToro review

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

Plus500 review
4.5
Plus500
Min. Deposit $100
Fees From 2%
No. assets 2800+
Demo account Yes

Plus500 review

82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Coinbase review
4.2
Coinbase
Min. Deposit $10
Fees Up to 0.6%
No. assets 150+
Demo account No

Coinbase review

The 11 best crypto trading apps in the United Kingdom, reviewed

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We found 13 crypto platforms for users based in

1. eToro. Best for beginners, copy-trading & demo-account

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4.5
Ratings

£100

Min. deposit

0% commission

Fees

3,600

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love eToro because it’s a crypto trading platform built with beginners and casual traders in mind. The platform combines an interactive, social trading experience with an easy-to-use interface, making it ideal for novice traders.

The far-reaching catalog of 100 cryptocurrencies includes big names like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as smaller crypto tokens with high growth potential. Some supported tokens can be seamlessly transferred to the eToro Money crypto wallet for safekeeping.

One feature we particularly appreciate is the ability to interact with eToro’s 35 million users on any asset, market, or portfolio page. If you find traders whose strategies match your risk tolerance, you can copy their portfolios automatically using eToro’s flagship copy trading functionality. eToro crypto’s Smart Portfolios offer a great entry point into digital currencies, an opportunity to learn and potentially benefit from the expertise of more experienced traders.

If you don’t feel comfortable investing your cash straight away, you can use a free demo account, credited with $100,000 virtual dollars. This offers plenty of opportunities to try out a trading strategy that works for you across the 100 crypto tokens available.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

2. Plus500. Best for international trading*

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4.5
Ratings

£100

Min. deposit

From 0.8%

Fees

2,800

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love Plus500 because it is one of the industry’s most transparent and reliable brokers. Its fees are clear and you’ll know exactly what you will be paying before you trade. Its technology driven platform gives access to futures for the two biggest cryptos, Bitcoin and Ethereum. 

Plus500 has something for all types of crypto trader, no matter what level of experience. Its low margin requirements of $20 for Ether and $100 for Bitcoin make it a top choice for day traders. At the same time, its trading academy is packed with educational content, perfect for beginners just starting. 

For accurate instrument availability, visit plus500.com.

The fees: Plus500 charges a commission of $0.49 per Micro contract and $0.89 per Standard contract (per side). There is an Auto-Liquidation fee of $10 per contract. Other exchange fees may be applicable and can be found on the CME group website. 

*Based on a comparison of 60+ leading brokers and trading platforms.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

3. Coinbase. Best secure trading platform for all types of trader

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4
Ratings

£10

Min. deposit

Up to 0.6%

Fees

200

No. assets

No

Demo account

Overview

We love Coinbase because it’s the leading public crypto platform. Coinbase offers more than 170 cryptocurrencies to trade, a secure wallet to store your coins in, and automatic staking rewards on 10+ cryptos through Coinbase Earn.

Coinbase’s user-friendly platform simplifies the buying, selling, and trading processes, making it one of the top crypto exchanges for all levels of trader. But, Coinbase isn’t just an easy to use platform, it’s one of the safest and most secure. 

A public company brings transparency and renown, so you can trust that any money on Coinbase is safe and you’re sharing the platform with over 100 million other users. It stores 98% of customer assets offline in cold storage, minimizing the risk of theft. There is also insurance on all cash balances up to $250,000

The fees: Trading fees start from 0.6% but reduce the higher your trading volume. Bank transfer deposits and withdrawals are free, other payment methods may be charged. There is no fee for wallet-to-wallet crypto transactions but you will have to pay blockchain fees. Coinbase charges a 25% fee for its staking services.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

4. Uphold. Best for building long term wealth

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4
Ratings

£1

Min. deposit

$0

Fees

300

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love Uphold because it’s a regulated and transparent digital asset platform. Uphold is an excellent platform for discovering important new tokens early, making it ideal for investors looking to get in on the ground floor of emerging cryptocurrencies. 

Uphold offers a broad selection of coins, with over 250 tokens available catering to both seasoned and novice crypto traders. The platform regularly adds new assets allowing users to invest in promising projects before they gain mainstream attention. 

Uphold isn’t just a platform for investing early. One of the main advantages of using Uphold is its transparent and competitive fee structure. The platform does not charge for deposits or withdrawals, and trading fees are clearly stated. You can also trade between different asset classes including fiat currencies. 

The fees: Crypto spreads start from 0.9% and are usually lower than 1.3% for BTC and ETH. Other cryptocurrency spreads are higher. Average spreads on fiat currency are 0.2%. There is a $0.99 fee for transactions under $100 made with the Uphold card.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

Terms Apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

5. XTB: Best for offering global CFD markets to retail traders

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3.5
Ratings

£-

Min. deposit

0.02 pips

Fees

2,200

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love XTB because of its extensive range of international CFD markets, allowing retail traders to buy and sell popular cryptocurrencies at competitive prices. XTB offers 48 of the most popular cryptos via CFDs. 

This broad selection allows you to diversify your portfolio and explore several trading opportunities across different markets. Whether you are interested in the biggest coins like BTC, or altcoins like Dogecoin, XTB’s comprehensive offering means you have the tools and resources needed to trade effectively.

XTB combines beginner-friendly, introductory tools and resources with a scaling system of accounts that allow experienced traders to access high rates of leverage and advanced analytical tools. 

With more than 180 pre-installed indicators and chart types, its bespoke xStation platform allows for intricate analysis, while beginners can access its Trading Central service, where trade ideas, forecasts, and risk analyses are available for anyone to look through.

The fees: XTB’s fees start from 8.1 pips on popular cryptos, such as Bitcoin. Spreads on less liquid assets may be significantly higher.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69-83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

6. Vantage FX: Trade 1,000+ CFDs with a top-tier broker

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Vantagemarkets_logo
4
Ratings

£50

Min. deposit

...

Fees

1,000

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love Vantage because you can trade thousands of CFDs across all the major asset classes, with a broker that’s safe, secure, and well-respected across the industry.

You can link your Vantage account to MT4 or MT5 and start trading with all the power of that software behind you. And it’s a great broker for beginners, with copy trading features and a free demo account available.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

7. OKX. Best for futures and margin trading

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4
Ratings

£-

Min. deposit

...

Fees

-

No. assets

No

Demo account

Overview

We love OKX because it’s an adaptable and flexible exchange, with an app that’s available in three different versions depending on how you trade. Choose from the beginner-friendly Lite version, Web3 option for NFT traders, or the Pro version for a plethora of trading tools. 

From an app or desktop you can trade 350+ crypto coins on one of the world’s top crypto exchanges. You can fund your account easily, through a variety of simple payment methods, and a sliding scale of fees that means you can access discounts by holding the OKB token or trading high volumes.

The fees: Regular users pay a 0.1% fee on spot crypto trades. OKB crypto holders are entitled to a discount, up to 0.02% off for holding more than 2,000 coins. High volume traders are also entitled to a discount, with the cheapest fees available for traders with a 30 day trading volume above $10,000,000,000.

Highlights

Pros & Cons

8. IG Markets: Best for trusted and transparent trading

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4
Ratings

£-

Min. deposit

From 0.5%

Fees

17,000

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love IG because it’s one of the most established and reputable names in the online trading industry, known for its reliability, comprehensive market offerings, and strong regulatory compliance. IG offers CFD trading in stocks, forex, commodities, indices, ETFs and more, with plenty of useful plugins and integrations to improve the trading experience.

One of the key strengths of IG Markets is its seamless integration with MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a popular third-party trading platform favored by many traders for its advanced charting tools, automated trading capabilities, and custom indicators. This integration allows users to leverage MT4’s sophisticated features while benefiting from IG Markets’ competitive pricing, reliable execution, and extensive market access.

Beyond its product range and platform integrations, IG Markets stands out for its commitment to education and customer support. The company offers a wealth of educational resources, such as webinars, tutorials, and market analysis, which help traders of all levels improve their knowledge and skills.

The fees: For most assets, you don’t pay a trading fee but will be charged through the spread instead. That’s the difference between the buy and sell price of an asset. IG’s spreads are competitive but variable: you’ll pay a smaller spread on popular assets compared to less popular ones. Share trading works differently, and you’ll be charged a minimum fee on each trade of at least $15.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

The top crypto exchanges UK for your needs

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Top UK crypto exchanges for beginners

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We recommend eToro as the best crypto exchange in the United Kingdom for beginners. It has a user-friendly interface, low costs, and lots of helpful educational material that explains how to buy and sell Bitcoin.

UK crypto trading platformsFeesNo. of assets
eToro1%73+
Coinbase1%200+
BinanceFrom 0%600+

What’s the cheapest crypto exchange with the lowest fees in the UK?

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eToro is the best crypto exchange in the UK with low fees. It offers a great user experience at a competitive price and won’t bite you with any unexpected hidden fees.

Asset eToro fees Plus500 fees Coinbase fees
Crypto 1% From 2% Up to 0.6%
Commodities From 2 pips From 0.04%
Forex From 1 pip
Indices From 0.75 pts From 0.7%
Stocks 0% commission From 0.08%
Stock CFDs 0.15%
ETF CFDs 0.15%
View more > eToro > Plus500 > Coinbase >

What’s the safest crypto exchange UK?

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Our experts rate eToro as the safest British crypto exchange. It offers secure and transparent storage of customer funds to give you peace of mind when you buy Bitcoin in the UK.

Region eToro regulators Plus500 regulators Coinbase regulators
Africa FSA
Asia FSA
Australasia ASIC ASIC, FMA
Europe FCA, CySEC FCA, CySEC FCA
International
North America FinCEN NFA
South America
View more > eToro > Plus500 > Coinbase >

Best crypto exchanges UK for day trading

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Bitstamp provides the best tools for fast intraday trading, boasting industry-leading uptime, high liquidity, and instant order execution through its professional account. Here are other top platforms for day-trading crypto in the UK:

UK crypto trading platformsTrading feesNo. of assets
BitstampFrom 0%80+
OKXFrom 0.6%340+
eToro1%73+

Best GBP to crypto exchange

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Binance is designed for convenience and offers seamless conversion between GBP and cryptocurrencies. Popular crypto exchanges catering to casual traders are ideal for transferring fiat currencies, like British Pounds, into crypto transactions. Here are some other leading fiat-to-crypto exchanges:

Crypto exchangeFiat trading pairsNo. of assets
BinanceUSD, GBP, EUR, AUD600+
CoinbaseUSD, GBP, EUR200+
UpholdUSD, GBP, EUR220+

Best UK PayPal Bitcoin exchange

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eToro stands out as the top choice in the United Kingdom due to its low trading fees, user-friendly interface, and high-quality mobile app. It allows free deposits via various payment methods, including PayPal. Here are other recommended UK crypto exchanges accepting PayPal:

UK Bitcoin exchangePayPal accepted?
eToroYes – Deposits & withdrawals
BitstampYes – Deposits & withdrawals
BinanceYes – Deposits & withdrawals

Best no-fee crypto exchange in the United Kingdom

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While genuinely free crypto exchanges are rare, some platforms offer partially free services, such as trading Bitcoin or stablecoins at no cost. Here are the best crypto exchanges providing some form of free trading:

Crypto exchangeFeesNo. of assets
KucoinFrom 0%*750+
BinanceFrom 0%*600+
BitstampFrom 0%*80+

*0% on certain assets only

Crypto exchange with the most coins in the UK

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Binance offers the widest selection of cryptocurrencies, allowing users to buy nearly any altcoin they desire and easily swap between different digital assets. Here are other crypto trading platforms offering an extensive range of altcoins:

Product eToro assets Plus500 assets Coinbase assets
Stock CFDs 3117 1,800+
ETF CFDs 317 100+
Forex CFDs 49 50+
Crypto 73 150+
Index CFDs 20 20+
Commodity CFDs 26 20+
NFTs 100,000 300+
View more > eToro > Plus500 > Coinbase >

Exact figures may vary. NFTs are accessed through Delta, an NFT explorer app which is owned and operated by eToro.

Best UK crypto exchange app

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eToro provides the best mobile crypto exchange experience, offering reliability, ease of use, and access to all features available on the main website. Here are other top mobile cryptocurrency exchange apps in the UK:

Crypto appOperating system
eToroiOS, Android, and tablet
OKXiOS, Android, and tablet
CoinbaseiOS, Android, and tablet

Best UK staking exchange

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Nexo takes the lead as the best platform for staking or earning interest on cryptocurrencies in the UK, where you can earn in GBP.

While many exchanges now offer staking services, platforms like Nexo function more like interest-paying bank accounts with fewer charges compared to traditional crypto exchanges. Here are other top staking platforms:

Cryptocurrency exchangeNo. of stakable assets
Nexo60+
Kucoin750+
Uphold220+

Read more: the best crypto staking platforms

Best UK crypto exchange for altcoins

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Binance offers over 500 cryptocurrencies, making it the go-to platform for purchasing a wide range of altcoins. With a low minimum deposit of just £1, it’s an ideal starting point for beginners and casual traders. Here are other exchanges with a vast selection of altcoins:

Crypto exchangeTrading feesNo. of altcoins
BinanceFrom 0%600+
KucoinFrom 0%750+
OKXFrom 0.6%340+

Best DeFi exchange in the United Kingdom

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Binance offers all the leading decentralised finance (DeFi) coins, including Avalanche, Chainlink, Aave, and Maker. If you also hold Binance Coin, you can trade these DeFi tokens at low fees. Here are other top DeFi trading platforms:

Cryptocurrency exchangeFeesNo. of assets
OKXFrom 0.6%340+
BinanceFrom 0%600+
KucoinFrom 0%750+

Top 10 UK crypto exchanges

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Based on our tests and the expertise of our panel, we have compiled a list of our top ten favourite exchanges in the United Kingdom. These platforms offer beginner-friendly interfaces, copy-trading options, and various features to cater to different trader profiles. Here is our complete ranking of the top UK cryptocurrency exchanges:

  1. eToro: Best for beginners, copy-trading & demo-account
  2. Plus500: Best for international trading*
  3. Coinbase: Best secure trading platform for all types of trader
  4. Uphold: Best for building long term wealth
  5. XTB: Best for offering global CFD markets to retail traders

Crypto exchanges that didn’t make our recommendations:

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While many cryptocurrency exchanges offer excellent services, some platforms narrowly missed our list of the very best. Here are a few honourable mentions:

  1. Crypto.com. A popular exchange that lacks the guidance and customer support we expect from a beginner-friendly platform.
  2. Uniswap. A decentralised exchange suitable for lesser-known altcoins but not recommended for beginners.
  3. PancakeSwap. Another decentralised exchange focused on BNB chain-based digital currencies, often associated with “meme” coins but less beginner-friendly.
  4. Gemini. A secure exchange prioritising protection against hacking attempts but offers fewer cryptocurrencies compared to top exchanges.
  5. BitPanda. A European exchange with low trading fees for fiat currency purchases but has hidden fees that can be discouraging.
  6. XT.com. A user-friendly exchange with a straightforward layout, but some users have reported negative experiences with withdrawing digital assets.
  7. Biconomy Exchange. A growing platform that did not meet our experts’ criteria for top-tier service.

What is a UK crypto exchange?

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A cryptocurrency exchange is an online marketplace where British users can buy and sell cryptocurrencies. These exchanges facilitate transactions and allow users to swap their pounds for digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Dogecoin.

How do UK Bitcoin exchanges work?

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Bitcoin exchanges operate by matching users who want to buy with users who want to sell cryptocurrencies. Similar to an auction house, buyers and sellers submit bids and asking prices simultaneously, and when a pair agrees on a price, the transaction occurs.

Transactions on exchanges happen automatically through an “order book.” Each time a user places a bid or offers coins for sale, it is recorded in the order book. The exchange continuously matches bids to execute transactions.

How to use a crypto exchange in the UK

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To buy a cryptocurrency, you submit a bid on the exchange, specifying what you want to purchase, how much you want to pay, and the preferred payment method. You can choose between placing a “market” or “limit” order.

  • A market order executes your trade as quickly as possible at the current market rate.
  • A limit order sets the price at which you are willing to buy, and it only executes when a seller agrees to sell at that price.

While limit orders may offer better value, there is a risk of not finding a seller at the desired price. Market orders guarantee the transaction but may cost more.

How to choose a United Kingdom crypto exchange

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With numerous options available, it’s crucial to exercise caution when choosing the right cryptocurrency platform in the United Kingdom. Factors such as exchange fees, storage facilities, and the variety of available coins should all influence your decision.

To assist you in making an informed choice, here are several questions to consider as you research each crypto exchange:

1. What are the trading fees?

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Trading fees can significantly vary among crypto exchanges based in the United Kingdom. While most exchanges generally offer low-cost cryptocurrency trading, the charges may differ significantly. Conducting a thorough comparison can save you money.

Trading fees are typically charged as a percentage of the trade. The best crypto exchanges in the United Kingdom with low fees will charge 1% or less of the trade amount, while some services may have higher charges.

You may also encounter deposit and withdrawal fees. Depositing GBP via a bank account or credit/debit card usually incurs no fees, but there might be a flat withdrawal fee. Withdrawals in digital currency often come with significant charges. Here’s a look at the other types of fees you may pay.

Fee eToro fees Plus500 fees Coinbase fees
Trading fees Yes, on certain assets No Yes
Inactivity fees Yes Yes No
Rollover/overnight fees Yes, on CFDs Yes No
Withdrawal fees Yes No Yes
Spreads Yes, on certain assets Yes Yes
Conversion fees Yes, for non-USD currencies Yes Yes
View more > eToro > Plus500 > Coinbase >

2. How are customer funds stored?

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Crypto exchanges are unregulated in the UK, so your deposits aren’t protected by the financial authority, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

The best way to ensure your money remains safe is to choose an exchange platform that keeps customer funds in segregated accounts (that is, separate from the money that’s used to fund its own operations) and ideally in cold storage (offline). 

Opting for a United Kingdom crypto exchange audited by a reputable accountancy firm can offer additional peace of mind.

3. Is the platform user-friendly?

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A positive user experience goes beyond easy website navigation. Consider your trading preferences: Do you plan to trade from your mobile phone? How do you intend to manage your crypto portfolio? Are you seeking specific analysis tools, charts, or software integrations?

With this information, you can narrow down your choices by finding exchanges that align with your needs. For instance, if you anticipate frequent mobile trading, focus on platforms offering the best crypto app in the United Kingdom.

4. What is the account verification process?

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During the account creation process, you will likely be required to provide personal details and identification documents for identity verification. This requirement is typically necessary for crypto exchanges that operate in the United Kingdom.

Familiarise yourself with the verification process before signing up. This way, you can prepare the required documents in advance for a smooth registration process. Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid sharing personal details, you can exclude crypto exchanges in the United Kingdom that require verification from your shortlist.

5. How many cryptocurrencies are available?

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While you can buy Bitcoin in the United Kingdom through any cryptocurrency exchange, the selection of other available coins can vary. If you’re interested in trading altcoins, look for a United Kingdom crypto exchange that offers a wide range of coins and allows for cryptocurrency swaps (‘crosses’) between different cryptos.

6. Which currencies can be deposited?

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For most individuals, a crypto exchange in the United Kingdom serves as a means to convert GBP into cryptocurrency. However, some crypto exchanges only accept US dollar deposits, which can be problematic if you have no way of purchasing dollars.

If you lack access to US dollars, it may be wise to choose a large exchange like Binance or a local exchange specifically designed for crypto traders in the United Kingdom.

7. Which payment methods are accepted?

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Determine your preferred payment method for acquiring crypto. If you intend to fund your account using bank transfers or debit card payments, most British crypto exchanges accept deposits from bank accounts, alleviating any concerns.

It is less common for a cryptocurrency exchange in the United Kingdom to accept alternative payment methods like PayPal or other e-wallet services. While larger exchanges such as Binance often support a wide variety of payment methods, it’s still advisable to confirm the availability of your preferred payment option before signing up.

8. Does it offer additional features, such as staking or lending?

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Consider your desired use of the exchange and allow that to influence your decision. Do you wish to store or stake your coins? Earn interest by lending them or borrow crypto yourself?

While you can buy crypto in the United Kingdom through any regulated crypto exchange, not all platforms offer these additional services to UK investors. 

While managing multiple logins and utilising different exchanges is possible, it’s generally more convenient to use a single service, at least initially.

In addition to staking and lending, many of the best UK crypto companies offer many other features and trading tools. Here’s a look at the top three cryptocurrency platforms in the UK and what they offer.

Trading tool eToro tools Plus500 tools Coinbase tools
Charts Yes Yes Yes
News feeds Yes Yes Yes
Analyst recommendations Yes Yes No
Fundamental analysis No Yes Yes
Financial calendar Yes Yes No
MetaTrader integration No No
View more > eToro > Plus500 > Coinbase >

By considering these questions, you’ll be better equipped to select the ideal crypto exchange in the United Kingdom that aligns with your trading preferences and requirements.

Quick answers to key questions

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Can I use a UK crypto exchange anonymously?

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You can, but it’s not common. Crypto exchanges in the UK are governed by KYC regulations that require users to verify their identities before trading, providing information like addresses and photo IDs. 

However, decentralised exchanges (DEXs) or peer-to-peer exchanges allow you to remain anonymous, and platforms like Uniswap and PancakeSwap can be accessed from the UK.

Here are some top no-KYC cryptocurrency exchanges in the UK:

Crypto exchangeFeesNo. of assets
Uniswap0.3%900+
KucoinFrom 0%750+
BybitFrom 0%100+

Is crypto taxed in the UK?

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Yes, cryptocurrency is taxable in the UK. The tax treatment depends on how you acquire and dispose of cryptocurrency. For example, if you buy cryptocurrency and then sell it for a profit, you will have to pay capital gains tax on the profit if it exceeds your personal allowance.

HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, the government department responsible for collecting taxes in the UK) has published extensive advice on cryptoassets and their tax status. We recommend you read the guidance in order to fully understand your tax obligations.

How fast are transactions processed on an exchange?

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Transaction speed depends on the exchange and the availability of buyers or sellers. Popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum typically have faster transactions, but periods of high volatility or less popular coins may lead to longer processing times.

What payment methods are available on a crypto exchange?

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Payment options vary across exchanges, with most accepting bank transfers and credit/debit card payments. Some exchanges offer alternative methods like PayPal, Skrill, or Payoneer, but availability and fees may differ.

Do I need a wallet to use a Bitcoin exchange?

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Wallets are optional on most crypto exchanges. While exchanges allow users to store coins within their accounts, it is recommended to have a separate wallet for added security or when using cryptocurrencies for online purchases.

How do cryptocurrency exchanges determine the price of a cryptocurrency?

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Cryptocurrency prices on exchanges are determined by supply and demand dynamics of the crypto market. The price fluctuates based on how much fiat currency users are willing to exchange for a specific digital asset at any given time.

Can I buy crypto with leverage in the UK?

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Yes, many of the UK’s top crypto platforms offer users the ability to trade with leverage and on margin. The amount available varies from platform to platform. There are also rules in place to protect retail traders which limit leverage to 1:30 (but lower for crypto CFDs).

Higher leverage is available to professionals as classified by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).

Can I use a Bitcoin exchange on my mobile phone?

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Yes, many there are plenty of top crypto apps in the UK, usually they’re exchanges that offer mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, allowing users to invest and trade cryptocurrencies on the go.

How to use a crypto exchange in the United Kingdom

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Follow this simple guide to learn how to buy crypto through an exchange in the United Kingdom. This process applies whether you’re looking to buy and sell Bitcoin or engage in crypto trading.

Step 1. Register with eToro

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For British users, we recommend eToro as the top crypto exchange in the United Kingdom.

Step 2. Create an account

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To set up an account, provide personal contact details such as your name and email address. Many British crypto exchanges require you to provide photo ID verification, such as your driving licence or UK Passport, before enabling you to buy cryptocurrency in the United Kingdom.

Step 3. Deposit funds in GBP

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Navigate to the banking or deposit section of your crypto trading platform account. There, enter the desired deposit amount and select your preferred payment method—such as a bank account, credit card, or debit card—to transfer the funds for purchasing crypto on the exchange.

Step 4. Search for your desired cryptocurrency

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To purchase Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, enter the coin name or symbol in the search box. For instance, if you want to buy Bitcoin online, search for its symbol, BTC, in a pair with GBP. Click the GBP/BTC pair then provide the trade details.

Step 5. Buy cryptocurrency in the United Kingdom

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Finally, click the ‘buy’ or ‘trade’ button to purchase Bitcoin or any other crypto asset. Specify the amount of cryptocurrency you wish to purchase and execute the trade.

Step 6. Transfer your cryptocurrency to a crypto wallet (optional)

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Once the trade is completed, your crypto assets will appear in your exchange wallet. You can either leave your crypto holdings there or transfer them to a dedicated crypto wallet for added control over your funds.

However, note that using a wallet can be less convenient if you plan on frequent trading. For more information on finding the best Bitcoin wallet in the United Kingdom, refer to the details below.

Which crypto wallet is best in the United Kingdom?

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Wallets are available to everyone, regardless of location. They are private crypto storage facilities that don’t require any regulation. MetaMask and Trust Wallet are two popular crypto wallets that are accessible in the UK.

There is also a growing trend towards all-in-one platforms that combine exchange and wallet functionalities in a single account. For most beginners in the UK, signing up for services like Binance or Bitstamp is the recommended option. These platforms allow you to buy crypto with British Pounds on the exchange and store it securely within the same platform.

Best crypto exchanges UK, user reviews

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One way to judge the merits of a UK crypto exchange is by looking at what other people think about it. Throughout our research process we gather information and feedback from regular users, and this feeds into our final ranking.

Below you can compare reviews from all the top UK crypto apps before you make your final decision.

Review source eToro rating Plus500 rating Coinbase rating
Trustpilot 4.4 4
Google Play Store 4.1 4.3
App Store 3.8 4.1
View more > eToro > Plus500 > Coinbase >

Methodology: How we choose the best cryptocurrency exchanges in the UK

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Helping people make better financial decisions is at the heart of our mission at Invezz. 

We periodically test more than 50 UK cryptocurrency exchanges to provide our users with clear, accessible guidance on the investing options available. All testing is carried out by our panel of crypto experts, analysts, and active traders who sign up to each exchange, conduct research, and score each service.

Our tests are designed to find crypto exchange platforms that offer a beginner-friendly, secure trading experience at a fair price to traders in the United Kingdom. To supplement our practical testing and experience, we research each exchange to gather any further relevant information. We read online customer reviews, app reviews on the Play Store and App Store, and conduct user surveys to get feedback from real people about what works, and what doesn’t.

Each UK crypto exchange is awarded a final score based on 130+ data points across 8 ranking categories: cost, reliability, user experience, deposit & withdrawals, investing options, range of products/markets, research & analysis tools, and the availability of educational & learning resources.

We work closely with individual UK brands to ensure all factual information displayed here is accurate. All data is then fact-checked by an independent reviewer. You can learn more about our expert panel and how we test, rate, and review platforms in our review process.

FAQs

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01

Is cryptocurrency legal in the UK?

02

Which UK banks don’t allow crypto?

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Can I buy cryptocurrency in the UK?

04

Does Binance work in the UK?

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Who regulates cryptocurrency in the UK?

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Can you withdraw GBP from Coinbase?

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Can I withdraw crypto to a UK bank?

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Are deposits on crypto exchanges insured in the UK?


Fact-checking & references

James Knight

James Knight

Editor of Education

  • Stock Market
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Commodities
  • Investing
  • Sport
James is the lead editor of education for Invezz. He's an avid trader and golfer, who spends an inordinate amount of time watching Leicester City and the Jacksonville Jaguars. His biggest claim to fame is that he once fed, rode, and ate an ostrich all on the same day....