💱 10 Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK

There are hundreds of crypto exchanges in the UK. Some have been around for almost a decade, while some have launched within the last year. Others have reportedly lost millions of user funds to security breaches, while some do not have sufficient liquidity for users who want to execute large trades.

How do you pick out the best exchanges so you don’t lose your hard-earned money or encounter avoidable difficulties while trading and moving funds?

We made the work easier for you by providing this list of the best cryptocurrency exchanges in the UK. Note that even though some of these platforms are not located in the UK, they offer top-notch services to customers in the jurisdiction.

Top Crypto Exchanges List

Here is a list of the eleven best cryptocurrency exchanges in the UK.

2. eToro – Best Regulated Crypto Exchange

Country: UK

eToro is a trading and multi-asset management company launched in January 2007. The platform offers over 6,000 digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, to over 35 million users globally in more than 100 countries. The firm has an FCA license, enabling its operation in the UK.

Features

• Mobile app.
• NFT trading.
• Copy trading.
• Demo trading.
• Affiliate program.
• Staking service (crypto staking is unavailable in the UK).

Fees

• 1% for buying and selling crypto.
• Conversion fee between 1.5% and 3%.

Pros

• The platform has an intuitive user interface.
• The trading platform supports 100 cryptocurrencies.
• eToro has an established presence in the global financial market since 2007.

• eToro Academy allows users to learn about crypto and practice crypto trading in a virtual portfolio.

Cons

• eToro supports accounts denominated in USD. Users using non-USD fiat currencies must use a currency converter (with a fee).
• The platform does not offer as many cryptocurrencies as rival trading apps.

Supported Payment Methods: Credit and Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard), PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, iDEAL, Klarna/Sofort Banking, Trustly, and Bank Transfer.

Visit eToro

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. Crypto assets are highly volatile and unregulated. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.

2. Uphold - Best for an array of asset and security

Uphold stands as a premier trading platform for UK crypto investors, providing access to over 250 tokens and early support for emerging assets. Its intuitive interface and unique "anything to anything" feature empower users to seamlessly trade between cryptocurrencies. Uphold's exceptional liquidity ensures competitive transaction prices, particularly during high-volume market periods. Notably, Uphold distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to transparency and security. Real-time assets and liabilities are openly displayed on a public website, updated every 30 seconds, showcasing Uphold's 100% reserved approach that safeguards user funds without engaging in lending practices. Uphold's comprehensive token options, user-friendly interface, liquidity advantage, and dedication to transparency and security set it apart in the trading landscape.

Features

• Broad range of tokens and earliest token support
• Connected to 26 underlying exchanges to find you the best token prices
• Spend assets anywhere in the world with the Uphold Card
• Advanced trading features like take profit and trailing stop loss. 
• Instant conversion between supported assets.
• Automated trades with transaction scheduling feature
• Cryptocurrency staking
• Support for both mobile and web devices.
• Proof of reserves audit

Fees

• Maker and Taker fees range between 0.2% to 1.25% but generally differ based on the traded asset
• $0.99 flat fee for orders below $500

Pros

• Users can deposit as little as £1
• Supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies
• Various on-ramp and off-ramp methods
• Uphold is heavily regulated in the UK.
• Uphold is transparent about its trading fees.

Cons

• The Uphold web platform could use improvement to become more user-friendly.

Supported Payment Options: Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay & bank transfer 

Visit Uphold

Terms Apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk. 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. Take 2 minutes to learn more 

3. OKX – UK-Friendly

Country: Singapore

OKX is a popular crypto exchange and an excellent option for UK users, given their compliance with new regulations for UK-based trading platforms. OKX is also exceptional for having a wide selection of coins and advanced trading tools.

Features

• Mobile app
• P2P trading
• NFT trading
• Demo trading
• Affiliate program
• Launchpad sales
• Instant Buy and Sell widget 
• Spot, margin, futures, and options trading.
• Crypto staking and savings products
• Institutional and OTC desk for high-profile investors

Fees:

• Maker 0.08% - Taker 0.1% (lowered for OKB holders)
• View fee schedule

Pros

• Deep liquidity
• Transparent fee schedule
• Advanced trading tools and options
• Access to a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
• Automated trading via copy trading and trading bots.
• OKX publishes regular proof-of-reserves (PoR) updates to confirm user assets are fully backed.

Cons

• Relatively sophisticated for new users
• OKX does not offer native GBP accounts for holding fiat.

Supported Payment Methods: Bank Transfer, Debit Cards (Mastercard and Visa), and P2P Trading (Revolut, Wise, FasterPay).

Visit OKX.com

4. Kraken — Reliable Exchange

Country: United States

If you’re looking for a highly reputable cryptocurrency exchange, Kraken is a good option. The exchange launched in 2011 and is available to users in most jurisdictions, including the UK. After more than a decade of secure operations, Kraken can be considered among the safest exchange platforms.

Features

• Mobile app
• NFT trading
• Instant “Buy and Sell”
• Kraken Pro for sophisticated traders
• Staking and earnings product for passive income

Fees:

• Maker 0.16% - Taker 0.26%

Kraken fee schedule

Pros

• Deep liquidity
• Responsive customer support
• User-friendly platform ideal for beginners
• Advanced tools for sophisticated traders.
• GBP and EUR crypto pairs for major cryptocurrencies
• Regular proof-of-reserves audit to confirm user assets backing

Cons

• Higher fees than competitors
• List fewer coins than competitors

Supported Payment Methods: Debit Cards (Visa and Mastercard), ACH, CFPS (Clear Junction), BLINC, CHAPS (Clear Junction), and SWIFT

Visit Kraken

5. Bitstamp – Best Regulated Exchange

Country: United Kingdom

Bitstamp is one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, having launched in 2011. The platform holds an FCA license, making it an ideal option for users in the UK. Additionally, Bitstamp caters to institutional clients using its dedicated institutional desk. 

Features

• Mobile app
• Spot trading
• Instant purchases
• Learning resources for newcomers
• Bitstamp Pro for experienced traders.

Fees

• 0.30% Maker, 0.40 Taker

See the full fee schedule.

Pros

• Deep liquidity
• Transparent fee schedule
• Responsive customer service
• Advanced trading tools for sophisticated traders
• Bitstamp is reliable and has been around since 2011.
• There are many fiat deposit options available to UK users.
• Multiple EUR and GBP trading pairs with native accounts for deposits and withdrawals.

Cons

• Lists fewer cryptocurrencies than competitors
• Relatively higher fees when compared with other exchanges. 

Supported Payment Methods: Bank Transfers, ACH, Faster Payments, Debit Cards (Visa and Mastercard), Apple Pay, and Google.

Visit Bitstamp

6. Binance – The Most Versatile

Country: Global

Binance is the world’s largest crypto exchange, enabling the buying, selling, trading, and storage of over 350 crypto assets. It offers its services to over 235 million users across more than 180 countries.

On October 16, 2023, Binance disabled new users from joining its platform in the UK due to the FCA’s updated adverts rules. Still, the crypto exchange remains open to existing customers. At the time of writing, the firm is working towards fully re-entering the region.

Features

• Mobile app.
• Launchpad.
• P2P trading.
• Web3 wallet.
• Trading bots.
• Copy trading.
• Crypto staking.
• Binance Charity.
• Affiliate program.
• NFT marketplace.
• Binance Academy.
• Supports the BNB Chain.
• Spot, margin, and futures trading.

Fees

• Maker 0.1% - Taker 0.095% (lowered for BNB holders).
• View fee schedule.

Pros

• Deep liquidity.
• Advanced trading features.
• It offers multiple cryptocurrencies.
• The platform has 24/7 chat support.
• The crypto exchange’s user-friendly interface is suitable for newbies.
• The exchange publishes monthly proof-of-reserve (PoR) to show that users’ assets are backed 1:1.

Cons

• Binance is unavailable to new UK users.
• The exchange is facing regulatory hurdles in various countries.

Supported Payment Methods: Bank transfer, Debit/Credit Cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Wire Transfer, and Cryptocurrency.

7. Swapzone – Best Non-Custodial Option

Country: Georgia

Swapzone is a non-custodial cryptocurrency exchange aggregator that allows browsing multiple exchanges, comparing exchange rates, and swapping crypto using one interface. It searches for available offers, and sorts them out with real-time rates, speed, and ratings to help users make the best and most profitable instant swaps.

Fees: Depends on the exchange service

Pros:

• Handy, progressive, and transparent;
• Combines 15+ sources;
• The biggest variety of assets – 400+;
• Deals are made directly from partner exchanges;
• No registration is needed;
• In-house exchange via partners’ APIs;
• 24/7 email and live chat support;
• A rewarding referral program.

Cons:

• Different exchange rates received from service providers;
• You can list the coin on the exchange only if it is listed on the partners’ services.

Supported Payment Options: Cryptocurrency.

8. BitPanda

Country: Austria

BitPanda launched in 2014 and mainly catered for the European market, including UK users. They offer a range of services that make the exchange a one-stop shop for accessing the crypto market.

Fees

• 1.49% for buying and selling crypto.
• Maker 0.1% - Taker 0.15%

See the full fee schedule.

Features

• Mobile app
• Multiple fiat deposit options
• Trade cryptocurrencies and other asset classes.
• Instant swaps between supported assets via Bitpanda Swap
• Savings products to earn interest on your crypto assets.
• A feature-packed trading interface for professional traders.
• There are educational resources available for new investors.
• Crypto index for investing in a basket of cryptocurrencies via a single channel.

Pros

• Bitpanda is fast, reliable, and easy to use for new users.
• The platform implements the latest security standards to protect users and has no reported history of security breaches.
• Bitpanda has a responsive customer service team and an active community.
• Users can also invest in precious metals such as Gold and Silver.
• There are no fees associated with deposits or withdrawals via SEPA.

Cons

• There is no LiveChat option on the website.
• Bitpanda is not ideal for users seeking only crypto exposure.

Supported Payment Methods: Bank Transfer, Skrill, Debit Cards (Visa and Mastercard), Neteller, Sofort.

9. Coinbase

Country: United States

San Francisco-based Coinbase is one of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges in the world (over 100 million users) and offers its services to the UK audience. Coinbase is especially notable for its user-friendly interface.

Features

• Native support for GBP and EUR deposits.
• Debit and Credit card purchases.
• Insurance coverage for deposited crypto assets.
• Exchange trading facility for institutional investors (Coinbase Prime).
• Staking options for popular proof-of-stake coins.
• High-security standards for both platform and client asset storage.

Fees

• 3.99% for card purchases
• 0.25 Taker, 0.15 Maker
• 25% commission on earned yield from staking product

See the full fee schedule.

Pros

• The Coinbase interface is sleek and easy to navigate for even first-time users.
• Coinbase boasts high liquidity across all listed trading pairs and assets.
• The platform lists a wide range of assets and continually expands its options.
• Multiple security options for securing user assets.
• Coinbase supports the purchase of crypto using 3D-secured credit cards.
• Coinbase provides options for users to earn free crypto by learning about new projects.

Cons

• Relatively high fees compared to competitors
• Coinbase shares user data with tax authorities.
• Coinbase has a reputation for experiencing downtime during periods of peak market demand.

Supported Payment Methods: Debit and Credit cards, Bank Transfer, Faster Payments, SWIFT, SEPA, and Cryptocurrencies.

Types of exchanges

There are primarily five types of cryptocurrency exchanges.

1. Instant Exchanges

These are crypto exchanges that primarily allow people to buy and sell cryptocurrencies instantly and via a single interface. The process is typically seamless and primarily supports card transactions.

Examples: Swapzone

2. Centralised Exchanges

Centralised exchanges maintain centralised order books and serve as a marketplace for buyers and sellers to transact with each other without knowing themselves.

They also keep custody of the assets that are being traded and often serve as a central point for hackers to steal these funds. Users are advised to only leave on a crypto exchange an amount they are actively trading and can afford to lose. Not your keys, not your crypto!

Examples: Most of the exchanges that we covered in this article are centralised exchanges.

3. Decentralised Exchanges

As the name suggests, decentralised exchanges (DEXes) are platforms that maintain no centralised order books. Users can trade directly from their cryptocurrency wallets without delegating their keys to anyone.

Examples: Ethereum-focused Uniswap and Solana-based Jupiter exchange.

4. Peer-to-peer (P2P) Exchanges

P2P exchanges are platforms that provide an escrow service for crypto buyers and sellers. Transactions are typically initiated by interested parties while the exchange holds the funds until the payment is confirmed.

Examples: OKX.

5. Derivatives Exchanges

Derivative exchanges offer products that track the price of cryptocurrencies, allowing investors to profit from price movements without holding the underlying asset. Popular crypto derivatives products include futures, options, and perpetual contracts.

Notably, crypto derivatives trading is currently banned in the UK. Hence, exchanges do not offer this option to UK-based customers.

How to choose a Bitcoin exchange

As you may already guess, your preferred Bitcoin app is one that offers the exact services you’re seeking. Here are some other factors to look out for when choosing a Bitcoin exchange:

Ease-of-use

The best cryptocurrency exchanges prioritize the provision of a user-friendly platform. Therefore, your preferred platform should have an easy-to-navigate interface for user balances, deposit and withdrawal options, as well as other trading tools.

Security

Cryptocurrency exchanges are primary targets for hackers. Therefore, world-class exchanges implement the latest security standards to secure user assets and also provide users with security features. This may include two-factor authentication (2FA) and the mandatory use of unique and strong passwords.

Fees

Experienced traders understand how much they can save by using exchanges that offer low trading fees and related bonuses. Therefore, before you choose a Bitcoin exchange, ensure that they provide the best fees.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

If you’re not only into Bitcoin, then you probably need a Bitcoin trading platform that allows you to buy and trade as many altcoins as possible. Remember to beware of exchanges that list valueless tokens and always do due diligence before investing.

How to use a cryptocurrency exchange

The user interface on cryptocurrency apps may differ, but some features available on these platforms are permanent and, thus, can be easily located by even first-time visitors. Therefore, you can take the following steps to use a cryptocurrency exchange.

• Sign up with your email and complete the email verification.
• Go through the KYC process to verify your identity and increase transaction limits.
• Enable 2FA and other security measures provided by the platform.
• Access the Deposit button and use your preferred option (fiat or crypto)
• For fiat deposits, you’re typically provided with a bank account to transfer funds. Once the deposit is confirmed, you will see it on your exchange account.
• For crypto deposits, get the address for the assets you want to transfer and send funds from your external address. Wait for network confirmation to access the funds on your exchange account.
• Locate the “Buy” button if you wish to sell fiat for Bitcoin or other supported cryptocurrencies.
• For crypto-to-crypto trades, find the “Markets” or “Exchange” tab and select a suitable trading pair, e.g. BTC/ETH, to sell Bitcoin for Ether.
• Choose the order type and complete the trade.

F.A.Q

Are Deposits on Cryptocurrency Exchanges Insured?

No. Cryptocurrency deposits on exchanges are typically not insured like with traditional institutions. However, some operators like Coinbase insure client’s fiat currency deposits. Others like Bitget also implement a self-insurance policy that allows it to pay back users if there’s a security breach.

Are All Crypto Trading Platforms Regulated in the UK?

No. Not all cryptocurrency platforms are regulated. However, the basic way to determine if a platform is playing by regulatory standards is if it requires you to submit KYC documents before you can access certain features. You can also check their website for more information since most regulated bitcoin exchanges like to flaunt their regulatory credentials.

Lastly, you can find a list of licensed UK exchanges and crypto platforms on the FCA crypto-related entities register.

Does Every Major Bitcoin Trading Platform have a Mobile App?

Yes. Every large player in this field launched a crypto app, and most of these apps are available for UK-based users.

Do only large-volume Cryptocurrencies become listed on the Exchanges?

No. Most of the big platforms list various altcoins. In addition to regulatory requirements, crypto exchanges have various standards for determining cryptocurrencies they list and only add coins they believe would boost their trading volume or userbase.

Conclusion

As promised, we covered in this article the eleven best cryptocurrency exchanges in the UK. We discussed the features, fees, pros, cons, and supported payment methods on these platforms, and hope that the provided information will help you make a great choice.

Finally, remember to keep custody of your crypto assets when possible and implement best security practices while using exchanges. If you do this, then you can focus on growing your crypto investments and not scratching your head because of security failures.