7 Best Alternatives to Coinmama exchange

Over the past decade, Coinmama has earned a solid reputation as one of the most beginner-friendly cryptocurrency exchanges, known for its simplicity, fast transactions, and support for debit and credit card purchases. Founded in 2013, the platform quickly became a popular entry point for first-time crypto buyers across Europe.  However, despite its longstanding presence in the crypto industry, many UK-based users are now actively seeking alternatives to Coinmama. This growing demand stems from recent regulatory shifts and limited trading options that have made the platform less practical for today’s evolving crypto space. As the UK crypto market continues to grow, with a 24% increase in crypto ownership, up from 18% the previous year, demand for secure and legally compliant solutions has never been higher. This article explores the 7 best Coinmama alternatives in the UK, focusing on exchanges that not only meet the country’s regulatory standards but also provide safer, cheaper, or more versatile trading options. 

Key takeaway: Use BitPanda or Gemini for more regulated broker-like UX or MEXC for more crypto-native experience.

How Does Coinmama Work in the United Kingdom?

In the United Kingdom, Coinmama operates as a simple and accessible cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to buy and sell digital assets directly using fiat currency. Unlike traditional trading platforms that include live order books or complex trading interfaces, it functions as a brokerage service. This means users purchase cryptocurrencies directly from Coinmama rather than from other traders. Once a purchase is made, the bought cryptocurrency is sent directly to the user’s personal wallet. Coinmama does not provide a custody service, so you would have a secure wallet set up beforehand. Coinmama supports popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and several others, though the selection remains limited compared to more advanced exchanges. 

Is Coinmama Legal and Regulated in the UK? 

Coinmama operates legally in the United Kingdom, meaning UK residents can use the platform to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. However, its regulatory status differs from that of exchanges formally registered within the UK. Specifically, Coinmama is not authorised or registered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the UK’s Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017 (MLRs).

The FCA regulates crypto businesses serving UK users, enforcing strict AML and CTF rules. Fully registered platforms meet these standards under ongoing oversight. However, Coinmama, based outside the UK, follows regulations from its home jurisdiction rather than FCA supervision. This distinction means that while Coinmama is accessible to UK users and conducts its operations in line with international compliance practices such as Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification, it does not benefit from the same regulatory oversight or consumer protections offered by FCA-registered exchanges. 

Why would UK Users Consider a Coinmama Alternative? 

While Coinmama is known for its reliability and ease of use, its overall offering has not kept pace with the growing needs of today’s crypto users. One of the main issues is the platform’s fee structure, which is relatively high compared to newer exchanges. Between service fees, card processing fees, and spreads, users can end up paying a total cost of over 5% per transaction. Over time, these costs add up, especially for regular traders or those making smaller purchases. Beyond pricing, Coinmama’s lack of features, such as recurring purchases, can often limit users’ ability to grow their holdings or automate their investment strategies.

While Coinmama operates legally, it is not based in the UK, meaning users may face slower support response times and fewer localised services such as GBP-based deposits, etc. For users who want greater flexibility, lower costs, and tools to grow their crypto portfolio efficiently, exploring platforms similar to Coinmama can be a smart move.

Top 7 Alternatives to Coinmama in the UK

Uphold

Uphold is a multi-asset trading platform that allows users to buy, sell, and hold more than 250 digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, precious metals, national currencies, and U.S. equities. It has a transparent “Anything-to-Anything” trading model, which lets users instantly swap between any supported asset without first converting to fiat. 

Key Features

• Over 250 supported assets.
• Integrated crypto wallet.
• Automated recurring purchases.
• Multi-asset support, including metals and equities.
• Mobile and web trading platforms.

Fees:  deposit or percentage-based withdrawal fees, and trading spreads range from 0.8% to 1.2% for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Minimum Deposit: None.
Pros

• Crypto, metals, and fiat under one account.
• Instant swaps between any two assets.
• Recurring purchase options for automated investing.
• Transparent pricing and live market rates.

Cons

• Limited advanced trading tools compared to pro exchanges.

Why Better Than Coinmama
It offers a complete, multi-asset ecosystem where users can trade, store, and manage diverse investments without needing multiple platforms.

Gemini

Gemini is a fully regulated cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2014 by the Winklevoss twins. It’s known for its strong emphasis on security, compliance, and user protection, making it one of the most trusted exchanges in the global crypto market. 

Key Features

• Integrated mobile app and web platform.
• Secure, insured crypto wallet.
• Advanced trading interface (Gemini ActiveTrader).
• Gemini Pay for crypto-based purchases.

Fees: Trading fees start at 0.35% for takers and 0.25% for makers on its ActiveTrader platform, with slightly higher fees on the standard app for convenience purchases.

Minimum Deposit: Starts at £10.

Pros

• Highly regulated and compliant with strict UK and US financial standards.
• User-friendly interface with a powerful advanced trading option.
• Multiple GBP deposit methods, including bank transfer and card payments.

Cons

• Slightly higher fees on the mobile app compared to some competitors.
• Limited range of supported cryptocurrencies compared to larger exchanges.

Why Better Than Coinmama
It has an integrated wallet and a solid security framework.

Bitstamp

Bitstamp is one of the oldest and most reputable cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, established in 2011. Unlike Coinmama, Bitstamp offers full trading functionality, including crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, advanced charts, and mobile access, allowing users to buy, sell, and manage assets efficiently from one place. 

Key Features

• Advanced trading interface.
• Mobile app for Android and iOS.
• Instant card purchases and bank transfers.
• Institutional-grade security.

Fees: A tiered fee system based on trading volume, starting from 0.40% for transactions under $10,000 and decreasing as volume increases.

Minimum Deposit: None for bank transfers.

Pros

• Fully regulated by the Luxembourg Financial Regulator (CSSF).
• Lower trading fees compared to Coinmama.
• Staking rewards for passive income.
• User-friendly mobile app with real-time trading features.

Cons

• Limited selection of supported cryptocurrencies compared to newer exchanges.
• Slightly higher fees for card transactions.

Why Better Than Coinmama
It provides a complete trading environment, combining buying, selling, staking, and portfolio management on one regulated platform.

eToro

eToro is one of the most established multi-asset trading platforms in the world, offering a broader investment experience, combining cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, and commodities in one place. This makes it one of the most popular Coinmama alternatives for users who want both flexibility and long-term portfolio diversification.

Key Features

• CopyTrader™ social trading feature.
• Multiple asset classes (crypto, stocks, ETFs, commodities).
• Free demo account for beginners.
• Advanced charting and market analysis tools.

Fees: 1% trading fee for buying and selling cryptocurrencies.

Minimum Deposit:  $50

Pros

• Social trading allows users to copy successful traders’ portfolios.
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulated in the UK.
• Built-in wallet with multi-asset support.
• Simple platform suitable for both beginners and professionals.

Cons

• Limited selection of cryptocurrencies compared to dedicated exchanges.

Why Better than Coinmama
Its integrated trading ecosystem allows users to buy, sell, store, and monitor multiple asset types from one dashboard. 

Bitpanda

Unlike many other exchanges, Bitpanda,  a Vienna-based cryptocurrency exchange, combines accessibility with advanced investing options, allowing users to buy, sell, and manage not just cryptocurrencies but also precious metals, ETFs, and stocks, all from one platform. 

Key Features:

• Integrated crypto wallet.
• Automated savings plans.
• Bitpanda Visa Card for everyday spending.
• Intuitive mobile and desktop apps.
• Advanced charting and price alert tools.

Fees: Ranges from 0.00% to 2.49% per trade.

Minimum Deposit:  £10.
Pros:

• Multiple asset classes beyond crypto (stocks, ETFs, and metals).
• Lower fees compared to Coinmama.
• Fully regulated under EU and Austrian laws.
• User-friendly experience with strong mobile functionality.

Cons:

• Limited availability of some newer altcoins.

Why Better Than Coinmama:
An all-in-one investment platform, combining crypto trading with traditional assets under strict EU regulation.

OKX

OKX is a globally recognised cryptocurrency exchange known for its advanced trading tools, low fees, and wide selection of supported assets. Its combination of deep liquidity, cutting-edge technology, and user-focused design makes it one of the most powerful and versatile Coinmama alternatives in the UK.

Key Features:

• Staking and Earn products.
• DeFi and Web3 wallet integration.
• Copy trading functionality.
• Automated trading bots.
• NFT marketplace access.
• Strong security with multi-layer encryption.

Fees: Trading fees start at 0.08% for makers and 0.10% for takers, depending on volume.

Minimum Deposit: £0

Pros:

• Wide range of trading options, including futures and staking.
• Lower transaction fees compared to Coinmama.
• High liquidity and fast order execution.
• User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and advanced traders.

Cons:

• Limited fiat withdrawal methods in the UK.
• Some features require KYC verification before access.

Why Better Than Coinmama:
A complete trading ecosystem, allowing users to buy, trade, earn, and manage their crypto assets all in one place, while paying significantly lower fees.

CoinJar

CoinJar is known for its seamless integration of traditional finance and crypto services, offering users an all-in-one experience for buying, selling, storing, and spending digital assets. What sets CoinJar apart is its user-centric design, low trading fees, and FCA registration, making it a top Coinmama alternative.

Key Features

• Instant crypto purchases and sales.
• Integrated digital wallet for over 50 cryptocurrencies.
• CoinJar Card (Visa-powered crypto debit card).
• Recurring buy options.
• Advanced CoinJar Exchange for traders.

Fees: 1% on instant buy and sell transactions.

Minimum Deposit: None.
Pros

• FCA-registered and compliant with UK regulations.
• Lower fees compared to Coinmama.
• Built-in crypto wallet and debit card functionality.
• Mobile app with advanced security features.

Cons

• Lacks margin or futures trading options.

Why Better Than Coinmama
An integrated ecosystem where users can buy, store, and spend crypto all within one platform, eliminating the need for external wallets or third-party services.

How to Choose a Coinmama Alternative: 6 Factors to Consider

1. Regulatory compliance and licensing status.
2. Security measures and user protection policies.
3. Transaction fees and payment options.
4. Supported cryptocurrencies and trading features.
5. Ease of use and platform accessibility.
6. Customer support quality and response time.

Conclusion

With a wide range of regulated and feature-rich Coinmama alternatives in the UK, you now have the advantage of selecting platforms that align with your security expectations and trading preferences. You should prioritise transparency, customer protection, and long-term usability rather than short-term gains. Taking time to assess these details can help secure safer trades, smarter investments, and a seamless transition to platforms that perform even better than Bybit in the UK in terms of reliability and user confidence.