Bitcoin is undoubtedly the most bought crypto asset today. Aside from being the oldest cryptocurrency, it also ranks as the leading coin by market capitalization. Notably, BTC’s market cap earns 60% dominance in the global crypto market. Knowing all this, you might wonder where the best site to purchase Bitcoin in the UK is.
This article highlights seven options for you to choose from. Each platform has its unique selling point that you may find attractive. So, let’s dive into the rabbit hole.
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Top 7 Sites to Buy Bitcoin in the United Kingdom
The UK government has introduced various regulations to govern the use of digital assets. The regulatory clarity has made many local investors interested in the apex cryptocurrency.
Here are the seven best platforms to buy Bitcoin:
OKX
OKX is a cryptocurrency exchange often regarded as one of the best platforms to buy Bitcoin. Since its inception in 2017, the Seychelles-headquartered platform has become the go-to platform for trading over 300 cryptocurrencies on over 70 blockchain networks. The crypto exchange currently offers its services to millions of users across 180 regions, including the UK.
After acquiring the apex cryptocurrency, OKX users can trade their bitcoins on the futures market against various cryptocurrencies. Users can also bridge their digital assets to decentralized platforms that support services like staking, yield farming, and more. These services allow users to increase their earnings. Due to these diverse products, many consider OKX the best site to purchase Bitcoin.
Fees and Limits: The exchange implements a trading fee of 0.1%, while withdrawal fees vary depending on the amount of BTC being withdrawn. Its daily withdrawal limit is calculated based on the user’s fee level.
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, P2P platform.
Speed: Transaction depends on the underlying network’s speed.
Days needed for verification: Typically completed within 30 seconds, and up to 24 hours for further verification.
Best for Diverse Crypto Earning Products
Bitget
Bitget is another crypto exchange that allows users to buy Bitcoin at the lowest price. It ranks among the leading cryptocurrency exchanges by daily traded volume. The crypto trading platform offers over 600 cryptocurrencies to over 40 million users. The crypto exchange operates in over 150 countries.
In November 2024, Bitget re-entered the UK in compliance with the country’s Financial Promotions Regime. However, UK users are allowed to trade over 150 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin.
Bitget supports crypto products, such as staking, dApp integration, futures trading, and copy trading. After Bitget users buy Bitcoins, they can move their holdings to eligible services to maximize their earning opportunities.
Fees and Limits: It implements a 0.1% maker and taker fee. The daily withdrawal limit for VIP1 users is 6 million USDT, 8 million USDT for VIP2 users, and 10 million USDT for VIP3 users.
Payment methods: Bank transfer, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, P2P trading
Speed: Generally depends on the Bitcoin network’s speed (up to 10 minutes).
Days needed for verification: Less than 24 hours.
Best for Sophisticated Crypto Trading Experience
Gemini
Launched in 2014, Gemini is a crypto exchange that allows users to buy and sell over 70 digital assets, including Bitcoin. Although headquartered in the United States, the crypto custodian has expanded its operations to over 60 countries, including the UK. The crypto exchange is available in mobile and desktop versions.
Gemini offers various products that have made many people believe it to be the best site to purchase Bitcoin and maximize their earnings. For example, the exchange has a trading platform called “ActiveTrader” where traders can execute perpetual trades. Users interested in buying BTC and spending like fiat currencies can get a Gemini Credit Card for seamless shopping. After you buy cheap Bitcoin on Gemini, you can gift it to your loved ones through Gemini Gifting. It also supports NFTs (through Nifty Gateway) and crypto staking.
Fees and Limits: It implements a 3.49% fee for debit card deposits. Users have a limit of $1,000 when transacting with a debit card.
Payment methods: Bank transfer, debit cards, wire transfer, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
Speed: Trades are executed within minutes.
Days needed for verification: Typically within minutes.
Best for Traders Seeking a Regulated Crypto Exchange
MEXC
MEXC is a cryptocurrency exchange launched in 2018. It offers over 2,970 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. MEXC often lists most cryptocurrencies before most top exchanges do, allowing users to gain early exposure to trendy assets. The crypto exchange also attracts users with its low fees, enabling users to buy cheap Bitcoin.
MEXC features various services, including futures trading, copy trading, MEXC Loans, demo trading, and Savings. The crypto exchange features 1,190 trading pairs in its futures market. This makes it a top choice for those seeking diverse trading assets.
MEXC also has a DEX platform where users can interact with dApps on blockchains like Solana, BNB Chain, Tron, and Base.
Fees and Limits: The exchange charges a maker fee of 0% and a taker fee of 0.05% for spot trading. Its futures market also charges a maker fee of 0% and a taker fee of 0.02%. When users hold the exchange’s MX token, these fees are subject to a 50% discount. Regarding the limit, users can trade a minimum of 0.000005 BTC.
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, bank transfers, Moonpay, Banxa, and Mercuyo.
Speed: Capable of executing 1.4 million transactions per second.
Days needed for verification: 24 hours to 48 hours.
Best for an Extensive Selection of Crypto Assets
Nexo
Nexo is a blockchain platform launched in 2018 that facilitates crypto loans backed by other digital assets. Unlike conventional loaning companies, which consider your credit score, Nexo depends on overcollateralized loans. This way, users can only borrow crypto less than the amount they have deposited as collateral. Nexo is often praised for its intuitive user interface, which makes users easily navigate their way through the platform.
The exchange also offers seamless buying, selling, swapping, and trading of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and the platform’s native token, NEXO. Nexo incentivizes users to hold its native token by introducing discounts on fees and loans. Millions of users across over 150 jurisdictions can access the crypto lender’s services. Since Nexo is accessible in the UK, you can buy Bitcoin with GBP.
Fees and Limits: It implements a fee of 0.07% to 0.2% for taker fee. Transaction fees are free when users hold a specific amount of NEXO tokens. The platform has a minimum withdrawal amount of $10.
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Speed: Near instant
Days needed for verification: Completed within minutes.
Best for Crypto Lending Services
CoinJar
Launched in 2013, CoinJar is one of the oldest crypto exchanges. It allows users to purchase Bitcoin with minimal fees. In addition to BTC, it supports over 60 other digital assets. The crypto custodian is licensed to operate in the UK and Australia. Hence, UK users can buy Bitcoin with GBP without having to do so using other fiat currencies.
CoinJar offers various products, making it one of the best platforms on which to buy Bitcoin. One is the CoinJar Card, powered by Mastercard, which rewards users each time they spend. Another product is the CoinJar Exchange, the exchange’s trading interface tailored for institutional and professional traders. Other services are CoinJar Clear, CoinJar DCA, and CoinJar OTC. These services are accessible via CoinJar’s mobile or web interfaces.
Over 90% of users’ funds are stored offline to minimize the risk of losing money due to security exploits. It also implements multi-level data encryption and other measures to ensure users’ money safety and data privacy.
Fees and Limits: Bank deposits and withdrawals using GBP are free. However, there is a 1% fee on buying and selling crypto to fiat currency using the CoinJar Card and converting crypto to another crypto. Purchases via Visa and Mastercard incur a 2% fee. Regarding the limit, users can start with as low as $10.
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer, PayID, Osko, SEPA, Faster Payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Speed: The first transaction can take up to one business day to complete. However, future transactions are executed instantly.
Days needed for verification: Typically completed within minutes
Best for Easy Crypto Purchases
Changelly
Changelly is a cryptocurrency exchange launched in 2015. It supports over 1,000 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. The platform is licensed to operate in various countries, including the UK.
Changelly is widely known for its crypto swaps. Changelly partnered with digital asset providers like Trezor, CoolWallet, Exodus, and Ledger to facilitate these token swaps. It boasts the best rates for executing these crypto swaps. The crypto exchange also offers a decentralized finance (DeFi) layer for interacting with dApps.
The crypto site also offers advanced features to businesses, like DEX Aggregator. Users can access these services from Changelly’s mobile (Android and iOS devices) and web versions.
Fees and Limits: It implements a fee of 0.25% on transactions. The exchange generally does not have an amount limit when transacting. Still, a minimum limit may apply for some trades.
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, wire transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Moonpay, Switchere, Simplex.
Speed: Transactions complete within 5 to 40 minutes.
Days needed for verification: Maximum of 24 hours.
Best for Quick Crypto Swaps
Key Requirements for Purchasing BTC in the United Kingdom
Having known the best sites to purchase Bitcoin, it is essential to know everything you need to have so you can start your Bitcoin journey. Here they are:
Bank account
If you are a non-crypto native, you must own a regular bank account to buy Bitcoins. This is because you must spend your fiat currency from the bank into your crypto portfolio. Ensure you use a bank account that supports crypto purchases.
Crypto wallet
If you are a crypto native, you can easily fund your account with crypto from an existing crypto wallet. These digital wallets are non-custodial interfaces that allow users to transfer assets across wallet addresses. After sending your crypto (such as stablecoin) from your external crypto wallet to the UK-approved Bitcoin exchange, you can swap your tokens into BTC.
Alternatively, users can move crypto from an external crypto exchange not regulated in the UK into one endorsed in the country.
ID or passport
The platforms discussed in this article are centralized crypto exchanges. This means that they mandate users undergo the Know Your Customer (KYC) assessment, a process where they submit credentials like a national ID card or passport. Having these documents handy eases the onboarding process for new users or those who wish to upgrade their accounts.
Accounts on third-party payment platforms
If a user does not want to settle Bitcoin purchases using their bank accounts, they can do so through third-party payment platforms. These platforms include Moonpay, Simplex, Mercuyo, and Banxa. If you use a payment platform, you must create and fund these accounts before you can buy Bitcoins.
Secure internet connection
It is crucial to use a secure internet connection when accessing your crypto portfolio. This protects you from falling prey to data theft and account hacks by malicious actors.
Compatible device
Most crypto exchanges have mobile applications for Android and iPhone devices. Users of other kinds of devices cannot access some crypto platforms unless they use the web version.
Crypto knowledge
Understanding how cryptocurrencies work is the foremost thing that makes buying Bitcoin easy. BitCourier offers a suite of explainer guides about navigating the vast industry. Most crypto exchanges also feature a learning section to educate users on using different platform services.
Where to store Bitcoin: 3 best wallets to keep it safe
Ledger Nano X
Ledger is a hardware wallet that stores Bitcoin offline, making it a safe way to store cryptocurrencies. If you buy Bitcoin on UK platforms like CoinJar or Changelly, you can easily transfer your BTC to Ledger using the Ledger Live app. The wallet connects via Bluetooth or USB and works with phones and computers. It is ideal for long-term holders who want complete control and maximum security.
MetaMask
MetaMask is a popular software wallet, but it does not support regular Bitcoin by default. However, if you’re buying wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) or using platforms that convert BTC to tokens on Ethereum or other supported chains, MetaMask becomes useful. UK users who explore DeFi or invest in Bitcoin-based tokens might find MetaMask handy for those purposes. It runs as a browser extension and mobile app, making it easy to use. Still, for regular BTC, other wallets like Trust Wallet or Ledger are more straightforward.
Trust Wallet
Trust Wallet is a free mobile wallet that supports Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies. After buying Bitcoin on a UK site like CoinJar, you can send it directly to your Trust Wallet. It is easy to set up and doesn’t require any registration, which is great for beginners. The wallet gives you full control of your private keys, meaning you retain 100% custody over your BTC. It also includes a built-in browser for exploring dApps if you ever want to go beyond just holding BTC.
FAQs
Is it possible to buy Bitcoin with GBP?
Yes, you can buy Bitcoin directly using British Pounds (GBP). Most user-friendly crypto exchange platforms like CoinJar, OKX, Bitget, and MEXC support GBP payments. You can use a debit card, bank transfer, Google Pay, or Apple Pay to complete the BTC purchase.
Can I buy Bitcoin without an ID in the UK?
Yes, it is possible. However, your options are limited. Most UK exchanges are regulated and require ID for verification (KYC). Hence, you can rely on non-custodial wallets that allow you to open accounts and buy Bitcoins without submitting personal ID.
What is the best site for beginners to purchase Bitcoin in the UK?
CoinJar, Changelly, Nexo, and Gemini are the best platforms for beginners in the UK. This is because of their intuitive user interface, easy onboarding process, and support for GBP-denominated purchases.
Can I store BTC on an exchange instead of in a wallet?
Yes, you can keep your Bitcoin on the exchange where you bought it. Platforms like OKX, Bitget, Nexo, Changelly, and others discussed in this article are top choices for those who want to store their Bitcoin on exchanges.
Conclusion
Bitcoin has become a top investment choice for retail and institutional investors over the years. This article highlighted the seven best sites to buy Bitcoin in the UK. It also shared details about their fees, limits, payment methods, and overall platform speed. We also highlighted top crypto wallets to store your Bitcoin after acquisition. While deciding which platform to use, ensure you do your due diligence so that you make well-informed financial choices.
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