UK investors of all shapes and sizes now have access to a wide range of crypto exchanges. This means that from the comfort of home – you can buy and sell digital assets like Bitcoin and Dogecoin at the click of a button.
In this guide, we list and review the best crypto exchanges UK investors are accepted at right now – in terms of safety, fees, supported coins, and more.
The Best Crypto Exchanges UK for 2022
The best crypto exchanges in the UK – as per our in-depth research, can be found below.
- eToro – Overall Best Crypto Exchange UK
- OKX – Powerful Crypto Exchange with Minimal Fees
- BitDD – Top Certified Crypto Exchange with Impressive Security Standards
- AQRU – Leading Crypto Exchange with Crypto Savings Account
- Bitstamp – Long-Running Crypto Exchange with Low Trading Fees
- Crypto.com – Top Crypto Exchange with User-Friendly Mobile App
- Coinbase – One of the Best Bitcoin Exchanges for Beginners
- Margex – Best Exchange to Buy Crypto on Margin
- Huobi – Great Crypto Exchange for Earning Interest
- Binance – Best Crypto Trading Platform UK for Low Commissions
- Uphold – Trade More Than 115 Cryptocurrencies
- CEX – UK-Based Crypto Exchange Established in 2013
- Coinjar – Simple Exchange to Buy Crypto in the UK
- Luno – Popular Cryptocurrency Exchange App
Read on to find out which of the above UK crypto exchanges are right for your requirements.
Top Bitcoin Exchanges in the UK Reviewed
When researching crypto exchanges that align with your personal needs – you need to consider which markets the provider supports, how much you will be charged to trade, and whether or not the platform is safe.
To locate the best crypto exchange in the United Kingdom for your investment goals – consider the nine platforms reviewed below.
1. eToro – Overall Best Crypto Exchange UK for 2022
The overall best crypto exchange in the UK right now is eToro. You can buy and sell digital currencies securely here – as eToro is authorized and regulated by the FCA. It also holds regulatory licenses in other jurisdictions – including the US and Australia. You can open a verified crypto account with this exchange in less than five minutes.
In doing so, you can then instantly deposit funds with a UK debit/credit card or e-wallet, or wait a few days for a bank transfer to process. Either way, after you have made a deposit you can then buy and sell 70+ cryptocurrencies. This means you can buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Fantom and more with the click of a button.
You can also invest in trending meme coins as eToro has listed Dogecoin and buy Shiba Inu, as well as metaverse coins. GBP deposits are cheap too – with eToro charging just 0.5%. We also like that eToro allows you to buy any of its supported coins from just $10.
eToro is also one of the best crypto exchanges in the UK for passive investment tools. For instance, there is a professionally-managed Smart Portfolio that gives you access to a diversified basket of digital assets. Alternatively, if you want to actively trade cryptocurrencies – you might consider the Copy Trading tool. As the name suggests, this allows you to copy an expert trader with solid experience in the digital currency arena.
It’s also worth noting that eToro is always adding the newest cryptocurrencies to its portfolio, meaning you can buy ApeCoin in the UK with low fees straight from your mobile device. Additionally, eToro is also regarded as one of the best day trading platforms in the UK.
If you’re looking to invest in financial products other than just cryptocurrencies, eToro also allows you to buy thousands of UK and international stocks and ETFs at 0% commission. You can also trade forex, commodities, indices, and more. In terms of user-friendliness, eToro is ideally suited for beginners. You can access your eToro investment account via the provider’s website or by downloading the iOS/Android app.
eToro also offers access to stocks, ETFs, CFDs and more. Read our eToro review UK for more details.
Number of Cryptos | Pricing Structure | Bitcoin Trading Fee | Minimum Deposit |
70+ | Tight spreads | 0.75% | $10 |
What we like
- Fully regulated
- Low trading fees
- No deposit or account fees
- Supports copy trading
- Offers wide range of payment methods
Cryptoassets are a highly volatile unregulated investment product. No UK or EU investor protection.
2. OKX– Powerful Crypto Exchange with Minimal Fees
Following its early 2022 rebrand, OKX (previously OKEx), has quickly risen the ranks to become one of the best crypto exchanges in the UK. Thanks to its educational material and range of advanced trading features, OKX is a great option for any investor regardless of experience.
As any top exchange should, OKX makes every effort to look after its customers and their funds. On top of holding 95% of client funds offline in cold storage, OKX takes security an extra step further by using semi-offline wallets to hold the remainder of its assets. Considering OKX is one of the few exchanges yet to be hacked, it seems this security-focused approach is paying off.
One of the main draws to OKX is the platform’s low fees. With just 0.1% taker and 0.08% maker fees, OKX is far cheaper than many alternatives on the market. With that said, OKX doesn’t disclose its deposit fees so investors are recommended to double-check their payment method of choice before purchasing.
Anyone that chooses to invest with OKX can also use their crypto as collateral for a fiat loan. As this allows people to temporarily use their crypto for purchases without worrying about capital gains taxes, it’s a big bonus for UK-based investors.
OKX is an excellent exchange. In addition to the platform’s educational resources and crypto-backed loans, it’s got a ton of features designed to make trading easier and more efficient. Combined, all of these factors make OKX one of the best crypto exchanges in the UK.
Number of Cryptos | Pricing Structure | Bitcoin Trading Fee | Minimum Deposit |
140 | 0.1% Taker 0.08% Maker | 0.1% | $10 |
What we like
- Loads of assets to choose from
- Some of the lowest fees on the market
- Tons of educational material
- Fiat loans using crypto as collateral
3. BitDD – Top Certified Crypto Exchange with Impressive Security Standards
BitDD is a certified crypto exchange that provides advanced currency and derivatives transaction services for digital assets like BTC, ETH, and USDT. The platform’s focus on certification and licensing makes it one of the fastest-growing crypto exchanges of 2022. The platform has acquired a Money Service Business—Money Service Provider (MSB) financial license from the US Treasury Dept.
Currently, BitDD serves over 500,000 users around the globe. But it is on the mission to step up things and take the number further up to 2M by 2023. This is achieved through some unique features, functionalities, and reward schemes as discussed below.
- Cutting-edge analytic tools
BitDD introduces a fast and efficient way to invest in cryptocurrencies through Exclusive “Fast Trades”. The set of cutting-edge data analytic tools helps users make better investment choices and faster returns. The goal is to make crypto trading profitable for part-time and beginner users.
- Free trading for 90 days
You have to pay zero transaction fees for the first 90 days of signing up on BitDD. The discount gives you ample time to explore the platform and its functionalities. More interestingly, it has launched a welcome rewards program worth 8888 USDT, keeping in line with its mission to expand the user base.
- Incentivization schemes
BitDD currently offers up to 14.5% interest p.a on crypto deposits. Committed investors also stand a chance to win up to 500 USDT. The more you deposit, the more you earn in free USDT.
- Easy onboarding
The sign-up process on BitDD is mostly hassle-free. You can also talk to VIP account managers to take full advantage of the platform’s deposit schemes and functionalities.
What we like
- Accomplished team with a background in financial investment and blockchain technology
- Zero transaction fees for 90 days
- 24*7 assistance
- Attractive welcome reward programs
4. AQRU – Leading Crypto Exchange with Crypto Savings Account
Another of the best crypto exchanges in the UK to consider is AQRU. AQRU is a division of Accru Finance Ltd, a London-based financial firm that offers a way for investors to generate a yield on their crypto holdings. The platform currently supports five different cryptocurrencies, all of which can be purchased using AQRU’s payments gateway.
Users can fund their AQRU account in BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, or DAI and instantly begin generating interest on their holdings. AQRU offers up to 12% interest per year on stablecoin deposits and 7% on BTC or ETH deposits – far higher than what you’d get in a traditional savings account. Notably, interest is paid daily, and there are no lock-up periods to contend with.
If you wish to purchase crypto through the AQRU platform, the process is facilitated by the leading payments gateway MoonPay. AQRU doesn’t charge any fees for its yield-generation services, although there may be some third-party fees if you opt to buy cryptocurrency via MoonPay. Finally, AQRU even has a referral bonus scheme where you can receive 75 USDT for yourself and a friend if they sign up using your link.
Number of Cryptos | Pricing Structure | Bitcoin Trading Fee | Minimum Deposit |
5 | Faciliated via MoonPay | No fee (third-party fee may apply) | No minimum |
What we like
- Can purchase crypto via MoonPay
- Up to 12% interest on crypto deposits
- Supports five different digital currencies
- No lock-up periods
- Free FIAT deposits
5. Bitstamp – Long-Running Crypto Exchange with Low Trading Fees
If you’re looking to buy cryptocurrency in the UK with low fees, Bitstamp is also worth considering. Bitstamp is one of the longest-running cryptocurrency exchanges globally, having been established back in 2011. The platform has a stellar reputation for safety and the user experience, supporting over 50 different cryptocurrencies to trade in the United Kingdom.
Bitstamp charges a flat 0.5% fee when you place a crypto trade, which falls to only 0.25% if you exceed $10,000 (£7975) in trading volume per month. Alternatively, users can buy crypto instantly using a credit or debit card, although this will cost 5% per transaction. In terms of safety, Bitstamp holds 98% of customer holdings offline and provides asset protection through BitGo insurance.
If you wish to fund your account in GBP, you can do so via the Faster Payments (FP) network. This is free to do, although a small £2 fee will accompany withdrawals. When trading with Bitstamp, you can trade on either of the two web-based platforms or the mobile app, all offering a user-friendly and safe experience. The app itself is incredibly well designed, featuring biometric authentication and the ability to send and receive crypto instantly.
Number of Cryptos | Pricing Structure | Bitcoin Trading Fee | Minimum Deposit |
50+ | 0.5% per trade | 0.5% | No minimum |
What we like
- No minimum deposit
- Low trading fees
- Long-running reputation
- Free deposits via Faster Payments (FP)
- Biometric authentication on app
6. Crypto.com – Top Crypto Exchange with User-Friendly Mobile App
Another of the best crypto exchanges in the UK to consider is Crypto.com. Crypto.com has burst onto the scene during the past year and now has over 10 million users globally. The platform caters to beginners and advanced traders alike, offering a web-based exchange and a handy mobile app. Crypto.com’s exchange allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies with a 0.4% maker/taker fee – which can be reduced if you opt to pay fees in CRO.
The Crypto.com app is very well-designed, with clear tabs along the bottom for all major sections. Users can track specific assets and even stake CRO, with 34.6% APY offered.
Through their Crypto Earn feature you can earn interest on 50 cryptocurrencies at up to 14.5% APY, including stablecoins such as USDT and USDC at up to 10% APY.
Notably, Crypto.com allows users to buy crypto via the app using a credit or debit card – removing the need to deposit. This feature is free for the first 30 days, although it will accrue a 2.99% fee after that.
Aside from the trading app, Crypto.com also offers a free crypto wallet app, which is non-custodial and supports over 100 different coins. The wallet app even allows users to send crypto to other Crypto.com wallets at various speeds, providing scope to save on network fees. Finally, Crypto.com even has a dedicated ‘University’ section, complete with an array of educational articles targeted at beginners.
Number of Cryptos | Pricing Structure | Bitcoin Trading Fee | Minimum Deposit |
250 | Maker-taker fees | From 0.4% | £20 |
What we like
- Only 0.4% maker/taker fee
- Fee-free card purchases for first 30 days
- Free crypto wallet app
- Over 150 cryptos to trade
- Dedicated educational section
7. Uphold – Trade More Than 115 Cryptocurrencies
Uphold is a UK-based cryptocurrency exchange and multi-asset brokerage platform that offers trading on more than 115 cryptocurrencies. You’ll find everything from major cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum to memecoins, DeFi coins, and stablecoins. The selection is hard to beat, especially if you want to trade up-and-coming cryptocurrencies that haven’t yet hit other exchanges.
Uphold doesn’t charge a commission for crypto trades, but it does charge a variable spread. The spread varies by cryptocurrency and depends on market conditions, but is usually between 0.8% and 1.2% for popular cryptocurrencies. You can see the current spread for any digital currency when you preview an order and decide whether or not to trade.
Uphold does a few things differently from other cryptocurrency exchanges. For one, it prides itself on transparency. Users can check how much cash Uphold has in reserves at any time to protect against market downturns and customer withdrawals. In addition, the platform routinely undergoes third-party security audits to make sure that its system is safe against hacks.
Uphold also has more than just cryptocurrency available to trade. This brokerage platform offers stock and commodities trading, so it’s a good all-in-one option for traders who want to trade a wide variety of assets.
Number of Cryptos | Pricing Structure | Bitcoin Trading Fee | Minimum Deposit |
115 | Spreads | 0.8%-1.2% | £10 |
What we like
- 115 cryptocurrencies to trade
- Supports stock and commodity trading
- Preview the spread before every trade
- Transparent financial reserves
- Third-party security audits
8. Margex – Best Exchange to Buy Crypto on Margin
Margex is a crypto exchange that enables you to trade Bitcoin with up to 100x leverage. Since it works similarly to other types of margin trading, Margex does not fall under the UK’s ban on crypto derivatives.
When you open a margin trade with Margex, you can choose your leverage and explicitly see the price level at which your trade will be liquidated. You can also see your maximum risk, enabling you to make smarter trading decisions.
Margex offers an advanced crypto trading platform that’s packed with tools for technical Bitcoin trading. You’ll find dozens of technical indicators, customizable charts and drawing tools, price alerts, limit and stop loss orders, and much more. Margex also displays the Bitcoin order book and recent trades so you can stay one step ahead of the market.
Margex charges competitive fees for Bitcoin trading. You’ll pay 0.019% when you create liquidity and 0.060% when you remove it from the market.You can go long or short and trade with as little as £1 at a time.
Number of Cryptos | Pricing Structure | Bitcoin Trading Fee | Minimum Deposit |
8 | Maker-taker fees | From 0.019% | £10 |
What we like
- Extremely low maker/taker fees
- Trade with up to 100X leverage
- Advanced technical trading platform
- Minimum trade size is just £1
9. Huobi – Great Crypto Exchange for Earning Interest
In a similar nature to Binance, Huobi is one of the best crypto exchanges in the UK if you’re looking to earn passive income. Through its crypto savings accounts, you will deposit funds that are used to facilitate loans. In return, you will be paid an attractive rate of interest. For example, many supported tokens pay an APY of over 100%.
With that being said, Huobi offers a lot more than just a crypto savings account. On the contrary, the crypto exchange is home to hundreds of markets. This covers a broad range of digital assets – from large-cap projects and ERC-20 tokens to DeFi coins. When it comes to fees, Huobi will charge you 0.20% at both ends of your trade.
This is competitive – and your commission will be reduced further should you increase your 30-day trading volumes or hold the Huobi Token. Perhaps the main issue with Huobi is that the platform does not clearly state what it charges to use a Visa or Mastercard to buy crypto in the UK. Moreover, the Faster Payments button is now grayed out – so it’s likely that GBP bank transfers are no longer supported.
Number of Cryptos | Pricing Structure | Bitcoin Trading Fee | Minimum Deposit |
400 | Commission | 0.2% Base Fee | $100 |
What we like
- Low trading fees
- Supports credit/debit card purchases
- Free crypto deposits
- Useful crypto wallet app
- Huge range of tradeable assets
10. Coinbase – One of the Best Bitcoin Exchanges for Beginners
Newbies will like Coinbase – not least because it is home to one of the best crypto exchanges for beginners You can also access Coinbase via a native mobile app that is compatible with iOS and Android. Both the web and app version of Coinbase allows you to buy dozens of cryptocurrencies instantly with a debit or credit card.
Unlike eToro – which charges 0.5% on card payments, Coinbase has a standard transaction fee of 3.99%. You can also transfer funds from your UK bank account for free – and once the money arrives, pay a standard commission of 1.49%. Both options are, however, considered expensive when compared to other crypto exchanges in the UK.
Nevertheless, some investors are happy to pay a higher fee to benefit from Coinbase’s user-friendliness and enhanced security features. Regarding the latter, you’ll find that this UK Bitcoin exchange keeps 98% of client funds in cold wallets and it is mandatory to set up two-factor authentication. When logging into your account from a new IP address – you need to confirm this via email.
Additional features at Coinbase that are worth noting include a highly comprehensive research facility that offers lots of educational guides. Coinbase also offers a fully-fledged cryptocurrency wallet that you can download to your phone. Not only does the wallet give you full control of your private keys – but you can directly exchange tokens without leaving the app.
Number of Cryptos | Pricing Structure | Bitcoin Trading Fee | Minimum Deposit |
100+ | Spreads, fixed fees, commissions | From 0.40% maker fee and 0.60% taker fee. 1.49% per slide. | £50 with UK bank account |
What we like
- User-friendly interface
- Offers access to a wide range of cryptos
- Secure crypto wallet app
- No inactivity fees to worry about
- Responsive customer support
11. Binance – Best Crypto Trading Platform UK for Low Commissions
Next up on our list of the best crypto exchanges in the UK is Binance. This platform won’t suit all investors in the UK – as since the FCA began its investigation into the exchange, it can no longer directly support GBP deposits and withdrawals via a bank transfer. Moreover, although you can still buy crypto in the UK with a debit card, you will need to go through a third-party – which is expensive.
On the other hand, Binance is the world’s most popular exchange – dwarfing its competitors in terms of markets, trading volume, and registered account users. In fact, the platform is now used by over 100 million people globally. Once you have funded your Binance account, you can trade more than 1,000+ digital asset pairs at a commission of just 0.10%.
If you’re an active trader or you own some BNB tokens, Binance will reduce your trading commission further. Binance comes packed with lots of advanced trading tools and charting features – which will suit experienced investors that wish to perform technical analysis. You can also set up custom orders – and even elect to receive pricing alerts via the Binance app.
Another core feature at this popular Bitcoin exchange is that it offers crypto savings accounts. You simply need to deposit some tokens and in return – you’ll earn interest. Ultimately, the key issue with Binance is that many question how long the platform can continue to operate without the correct regulatory framework in place – especially in the UK.
Number of Cryptos | Pricing Structure | Bitcoin Trading Fee | Minimum Deposit |
500+ | Maker-taker fees for P2P transactions fees | 0.35% maker fee & 0% taker fee | £3 via Faster Payments |
What we like
- Competitive instant buy fees
- Supports a wide array of digital assets
- Offers a popular NFT marketplace, crypto staking and other features
- Zero account management fees
- Account opening process is simple and fast
The Best UK Crypto Exchanges Compared
Below you will find a comparison table of the best crypto exchanges in the UK – in terms of the number of supported coins, fees, and wallet functionality.
Number of Coins | Debit Card Fee | Fee to Buy BTC | Proprietary Wallet | |
eToro | 70+ | 0.50% (non-USD) | Spread From 0.75% | Yes |
OKX | 140 | Set by MoonPay | No direct fee (third-party fees may apply) | No |
AQRU | 5 | Not Stated | 0.1% | No |
Bitstamp | 50+ | 5% | 0.5% on exchange; 5% via card | No |
Crypto.com | 150+ | 2.99% (free for first 30 days) | 0.4% | Yes |
Uphold | 115 | 3.99% | 0.8%-1.2% | Yes |
Margex | 8 | None | 0.060% | No |
Huobi | 400+ | Not Stated | 0.20% | Yes |
Coinbase | 100+ | 3.99% | 1.49% | Yes |
Binance | 1,000+ Markets | Up to 10% | 0.10% | Yes |
Mode | 1 | Free Bank Transfer Only | 0.99% | No |
CEX | 70+ | 2.99% | 0.25% | Yes |
Coinjar | 7+ ERC-20 Tokens | 2% | 1% | Yes |
Luno | 6 | N/A in UK | 0.10% | Yes |
Kraken | 50+ | 3.75% | 0.26% | Yes |
What is a Crypto Exchange?
Crypto exchanges allow you to buy, sell, and trade digital currencies. The exchange that you choose to open an account with will effectively sit between you and other market participants. In turn, crypto exchanges collect commissions from the traders that use their platform.
- Although crypto exchanges primarily facilitate buy and sell orders between registered users, many providers in this industry have since expanded into other areas.
- For example, some crypto exchanges allow you to buy digital assets directly with a debit or credit card.
- This effectively means that some exchanges also offer brokerage services.
Moreover, the best crypto exchanges in the UK will also offer cypto investment tools – such as the Copy Trading feature at eToro. This allows you to trade crypto assets passively – as you will mirror the orders of an expert trader.
How do Bitcoin Exchanges Work?
As noted above, Bitcoin exchanges facilitate trades between buyers and sellers. This is no different from a traditional stock trading site – which allows market participants to buy and sell shares in the open marketplace.
The specific process of using a Bitcoin exchange in the UK is as follows:
- First, you will need to open an account with your chosen exchange – by entering some personal information
- Next, before you can start trading cryptocurrencies, you will need to fund your newly opened account.
- Regulated exchanges like eToro can accept deposits in the form of GBP via debit/credit cards and bank transfers. Otherwise, you need to deposit crypto to get started.
- Once your account is funded, it’s then a case of choosing a cryptocurrency pair to trade. For example, the most traded pair in this space is BTC/USD.
- Finally, you will then need to place an order at your chosen exchange. This simply tells the exchange whether you think the cryptocurrency will rise or fall in value, and how much you wish to stake on the trade.
The above process is much the same at all of the UK crypto exchanges that we reviewed today.
How to Choose the Best Crypto Trading Platform UK for You
It goes without saying that it can be a headache to choose the best crypto exchange in the UK for your needs. The overarching reason for this is that UK residents now have so much choice.
During the research process, you might want to consider the core factors outlined below.
Regulation
Make no mistake about it – you wouldn’t buy shares from a stock broker that wasn’t regulated by a financial body like the FCA. And as such, you also should avoid opening an account with a crypto exchange that does not hold a regulatory license.
This is one of the many reasons why we found that eToro is the best crypto exchange in the UK – as the platform is not only regulated by the FCA, but bodies in Cyprus, Australia, and the SEC.
Moreover, if you also decide to invest in stocks or ETFs – your money will be covered by the FSCS.
Tradable Cryptos
While the best UK crypto trading platforms in this space will offer a huge selection of digital currencies, providers like Mode only support one token – Bitcoin. This is perfectly fine if you are solely looking to add BTC tokens to your crypto portfolio.
However, shrewd cryptocurrency investors will never put all of their eggs into one basket. After all, this will leave them overexposed to just one digital asset. Instead, it’s best to diversify across plenty of different cryptocurrencies.
For example, let’s suppose that you deposited the GBP equivalent of $200 into eToro. As eToro supports over 40+ digital currencies and requires a minimum trade size of just $10 – you could essentially invest in 20 different coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, XRP, Shiba Inu and many more.
Fees
When attempting to assess fees at a UK crypto exchange, the process can be complex. This is because fees can vary depending on the market you are trading, the account type you have opened, and the amount traded in the prior month.
With that said, many exchanges will offer a simple commission system that remains constant. For instance, if you trade digital currencies at Coinbase, you will pay a standard fee of 1.49% per slide. At eToro, you only pay the spread – which starts at 0.75%.
However, you then have crypto exchanges like Binance and Huobi – both of which utilize a maker-taker system. Moreover, the commission is reduced when certain trading milestones have been met – so again, this makes things confusing.
Wallet
Whether or not you require a crypto wallet will ultimately depend on your chosen exchange and your personal preferences.
For example, some crypto investors do not feel comfortable leaving their digital tokens stored in an exchange. Rather, they want control over their private keys.
With that said, if you’re a complete newbie and don’t understand how private keys work – then you likely won’t want to take responsibility for your own wallet.
Instead, you might consider buying crypto from an FCA-regulated exchange like eToro and leaving the tokens there until you cash out. This is a lot more convenient for inexperienced investors.
Tools & Features
Crypto exchanges will vary by some distance when it comes to tools and features. At one end of the spectrum, Mode offers virtually nothing in the way of trading tools. Instead, the app simply allows you to buy and sell Bitcoin.
You then have the likes of Binance, which offers a highly advanced trading platform that comes packed with charting tools, technical indicators, custom order types, and more.
We also like the Copy Trading feature offered by eToro – which as we noted early, promoted passive investment. eToro also offers a crypto-centric Smart Portfolio that is managed and rebalanced on your behalf.
Payment Methods
Not only do you need to ensure your chosen exchange supports your preferred deposit and withdrawal method – but you need to be aware of what fees apply.
We found that the best crypto exchanges in the UK allow you to deposit funds instantly with a debit or credit card at competitive fees.
- For example, although this payment method is supported by Coinbase and Gemini, these exchanges charge 3.99% and 3.49% respectively.
- CEX and Coinjar are slightly more competitive at 2.99% and 2%, but this is still considered expensive when you consider that eToro charges just 0.5%.
Over at Mode, you won’t be able to deposit funds with either a debit or credit card. You can, however, transfer funds via a UK bank transfer for free.
If you’re looking to buy crypto with an e-wallet, eToro supports PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller, so you can easily buy Bitcoin via PayPal.
Customer Service
It is hoped that you will not require the services of a customer support agent when trading at a crypto exchange. However, there might come a time when you need some assistance with your account.
The best crypto exchanges that we reviewed today offer a live chat feature – which means that you can speak with a human agent pretty much instantly. This includes both eToro and Mode.
However, we also came across exchanges that only offer a support ticket system – which means you might need to wait up to 48 hours before receiving a reply.
Mobile App
More and more investors in the UK are preferring to trade crypto via a mobile app – as opposed to using a laptop or computer. This affords you more in the way of flexibility, as you can place trades on the move – as well as check the value of your investments at the click of a button. For example, if the market price of Ripple suddenly dropped and you decided to buy XRP to make the most of the bearish downtrend, you could do so effectively via a dedicated mobile crypto app.
However, not all of the crypto trading apps that we came across today offer a suitable user experience. On the contrary, oftentimes, it was difficult to navigate around the respective app. As such, if you are looking for a crypto exchange app – make sure it’s user-friendly.
Tax on Withdrawing Funds from Crypto Exchanges in the UK
Assuming you have benefitted from some favourable price movements and have generated a profit on your investment, you may then wish to withdraw these profits to spend in the real world. This is where taxation comes in, which can appear complicated at first – especially to beginner investors. Luckily, the tax laws within the UK aren’t as complex as other countries, although there are a few significant points to note.
Firstly, there is no specific ‘cryptocurrency tax’ in the UK. Thus, cryptocurrency withdrawals will instead be subject to Capital Gains Tax, which is also the approach in equity markets. However, depending on how you use your crypto holdings, you may be subject to Income Tax instead. Let’s look at these two tax types:
- Capital Gains Tax – This is charged when you sell your crypto for FIAT currency. Therefore, this type of tax is the most likely to apply to crypto traders making withdrawals from crypto exchanges. Notably, Capital Gains Tax only applies when you have made a profit – so if your investment ends at breakeven or you make a loss, then there is no tax to pay.
- Income Tax – Income tax may apply when performing certain DeFi transactions – for example, staking your crypto or adding it to a liquidity pool. The specifics on this area of taxation concerning crypto trading are still quite hazy, so it’s best to discuss with a professional if you are unsure.
The specific rates charged for Capital Gains Tax are noted on the UK Government website. If you are within the basic Income Tax band, you’ll pay 10% on any profits that you make. On the other hand, you’ll pay 20% on any gains if you are above this band.
Finally, the information presented above is simply an overview of the tax landscape within the UK as it applies to crypto trading. If you are unsure of anything or wish to gain a more detailed understanding, it’s best to talk to a tax professional.
The best spread betting platforms in the UK are considered to be a good alternative to traditional investing as all profits are untaxed.
How to Use a Crypto Exchange in the UK
In this final section of our guide on the best crypto exchanges in the UK – we are going to show you how to get started with an account and subsequently place your first trade.
This walkthrough uses eToro as our example exchange – as this FCA-regulated platform offers a low-cost and user-friendly way to buy crypto from just $10 – or about £7.
Step 1: Open an Account
In order to trade crypto at eToro, you first need to register an account. You can load up the registration form by clicking on ’Join Now’. Then, enter your personal information as requested, alongside your email address and mobile number.
Make sure that your mobile number is correct – as eToro will send you a verification number via a text message. You will also need to verify your email address.
Step 2: KYC
Now that you have an eToro account, you can proceed to deposit up to €2,000 (about £1,700) without needing to immediately upload any ID.
However, withdrawals will be restricted until you do this – so it’s worth quickly uploading a copy of your passport or driver’s license now.
Step 3: Deposit Funds
eToro supports instant deposits via Visa, MasterCard, Paypal, and Skrill. UK bank transfers are also accepted – but this can take 1-2 days to clear.
All payment methods on eToro are charged a small FX fee of 0.5% – as your GBP payment will be converted to USD.
In terms of the minimum deposit required, UK clients can get started with just $10 (about £7).
Step 4: Search for Crypto to Buy
You should now have a funded eToro account. The next step is to search for the cryptocurrency that you are interested in buying.
You can do this via the search bar. Once you see your desired digital currency appear – click on the ‘Trade’ button.
You can also browse what digital assets are available on eToro by clicking on ‘Discover’, followed by ‘Crypto’.
Step 5: Buy Crypto
The final part of the investment process at eToro is to enter the amount of money that you wish to risk on your chosen cryptocurrency.
First, this needs to be stated in US dollars – which isn’t an issue as your deposit was converted to USD at the point of the transaction.
Second, you can invest any amount from just $10 – regardless of how much the digital token is trading for.
In our example above, we are looking to invest in Bitcoin. To complete your crypto investment at eToro – click on the Open Trade’ button.
Latest Crypto Exchange News
Given that the cryptocurrency market is still relatively new compared to established financial markets, there tend to be frequent updates and news regarding the top crypto exchanges. With that in mind, presented below are some of the top news items to be aware of for the week beginning October 10th 2022:
- Binance’s native blockchain, the BNB Chain, is back in operation after rumours abounded that it had been hacked. The network was suspended for a short time after hackers reportedly exploited over $70m worth of crypto.
- Leading crypto exchange OKX has been banned in Russia after state regulators said it was providing unreliable financial information. OKX was one of the few crypto exchanges that continued to offer services in Russia, yet will now not be able to do so.
- Finally, FTX announced a massive partnership with Visa last week, which will see the exchange roll out debit cards in 40 different countries. These cards will allow users to spend their crypto as if it were ‘regular’ currency, with zero fees.
Conclusion
By reading this in-depth guide from start to finish – you now know how to choose the best crypto exchange for your trading goals. To recap, the key metrics to focus on include regulation, fees, payments, user-friendliness, and more. Ultimately, we found that eToro is the overall best crypto exchange in the UK.
The eToro platform is regulated by the FCA, and you only need $10 to get started with your first crypto purchase. Moreover, you can open an account in less than five minutes and instant debit card payments are supported.