The Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK for 2024
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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 mins to learn more.
Updated 12/11/2024
Explore our curated list of reputable exchanges , each rigorously tested with real funds. All brokers are accessible to traders in the United Kingdom.
Quick Answer: What's the Best Crypto Exchange in the UK?
For most UK users, eToro is the best all-around crypto exchange. It offers a user-friendly platform, strong security features, FCA regulation, and a wide range of features beyond just buying and selling crypto, like social trading. While other options might have lower fees or more cryptocurrencies, eToro excels in overall ease of use and beginner-friendliness for UK investors.
Here are the Top 7 Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK:
- eToro – Social Trading, Easy to Use, Rated Highest
- Coinbase – Beginner-Friendly, Secure, Most Crypto
- Uphold – Multi-Asset, Low Minimums, Fewer Features
- MEXC – Lowest Fees, Huge Selection, Less Regulated
- OKX – Low Fees, Advanced Features, Less Regulated
- CoinJar – User-Friendly, Low Fees, Limited Selection
- Binance – Most Crypto, High Liquidity, Complex Interface
To ensure its accuracy, this article was reviewed by Thomas Drury. Thomas is our seasoned finance and trading expert with Chartered status.
Featured Exchange
eToro
- Copy Trading
- User Friendly Platform
- Regulated & Trusted
- 30 Million+ Users
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 mins to learn more.
How Do These Exchanges Compare?
 eToro | 
Coinbase | 
Uphold |  MEXC |  OKX | 
CoinJar |  Binance | |
Spot Crypto | 120+ | 390+ | 200+ | 1500+ | 350+ | 60+ | 370+ |
FCA Regulated | |||||||
Founded | 2007 | 2012 | 2015 | 2018 | 2017 | 2013 | 2017 |
HQ | Israel | California | USA | Singapore | Seychelles | Australia | Caymens |
Native Token | UP | MX | OKB | BNB | |||
 | 4.1/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.2/5 | 1.9/5 | 3.2/5 | 4.2/5 | 2.1/5 |
Staking | |||||||
Leverage | Non UK | Non UK | Non UK | up to 200x | Non UK | Non UK | |
Mobile App | |||||||
DEFI Wallet | |||||||
Beginner Friendly | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
Demo Account | |||||||
Available in UK | |||||||
Review Score | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.35/5 | 4/5 | 4.0/5 |
Please Refer to the Crypto Exchange for the most up to date information. 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. | |||||||
10 Best Crypto Exchanges
eToro - Social Trading, Easy to Use, Rated Highest
Pros & Cons
- User-Friendly Platform: eToro offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate and start investing in cryptocurrencies.
- Social Trading: A unique feature that allows users to copy the trades of experienced investors, potentially helping them generate profits.
- Fractional Shares: You can invest in a fraction of a cryptocurrency, making it accessible even with limited funds.
- Regulation: FCA-regulated in the UK, providing some level of investor protection.
- Limited Crypto Selection: Compared to some competitors, eToro offers a smaller selection of cryptocurrencies for trading.
- Higher Fees: While eToro avoids commission fees for stock and ETF trades, crypto trades incur spreads which can be higher than other platforms.
- Limited Functionality: eToro focuses on buying and holding crypto assets, and doesn't offer features like staking or margin trading.
- Limited Customer Support: Customer support options may be limited compared to some competitors.
What are the Fees?
- Spreads: Crypto trades on eToro incur a spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price.
- Withdrawal Fees: A $5 fee applies for withdrawals, regardless of the amount.
- Inactivity Fee: A $10 fee applies if your account remains inactive for 12 months.
What Cryptocurrencies are Available?
At the time of writing (June 2024), eToro offers around 24 major cryptocurrencies for trading. This number is lower compared to some other large cryptocurrency exchanges.
How Safe is the Exchange?
- Regulation: eToro is regulated by the FCA in the UK, offering some investor protection.
- Security Features: eToro implements various security measures including two-factor authentication and secure storage of user funds.
81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Coinbase- Beginner-Friendly, Secure, Trusted Brand
Pros & Cons
- Higher Standard Fees: Transaction fees on the standard platform can be relatively high, especially for smaller trades.
- Limited Altcoin Selection: Offers fewer cryptocurrencies compared to other exchanges.
- High Security Standards: Offers two-factor authentication, insured custodial wallets, and offline cold storage for assets.
- Easy to Use: Intuitive interface perfect for beginners entering the crypto market.
- Supports Fiat Transactions: Allows users to buy crypto using fiat currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP.
- Coinbase Pro Integration: Advanced traders can access lower fees and more sophisticated tools.
- Instant Buy Feature: Quickly purchase cryptocurrencies with just a few clicks.
What are the Fees?
| Feature | Coinbase | Coinbase Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Buy/Sell Fees | Around 1.49% (bank transfer); 3.99% (card) | Not applicable |
| Maker Fee (Up to $10,000 Volume) | N/A | 0.50% |
| Taker Fee (Up to $10,000 Volume) | N/A | 0.50% |
| Maker Fee (Over $50,000 Volume) | N/A | 0.25% |
| Taker Fee (Over $50,000 Volume) | N/A | 0.25% |
| Withdrawal Fees | Variable based on method | Not applicable |
| Spread Fees | Included in price | Not applicable |
What Cryptocurrencies are Available?
Coinbase offers a selection of over 240 cryptocurrencies, including popular options like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC). Coinbase Pro provides access to a wider range of assets and trading pairs, catering to both beginners and advanced traders.
How Safe is the Exchange?
Coinbase is a secure exchange, with two-factor authentication (2FA), encryption, and 98% of customer funds held in offline cold storage. Coinbase Pro provides the same high security standards, with the added benefit of insurance coverage for digital assets held in hot wallets.
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 mins to learn more.
Uphold - Multi-Asset, Low Minimums, Fewer Features
Pros & Cons
- Multiple Asset Classes: Uphold allows you to trade cryptocurrencies, stocks, precious metals, and national currencies in one platform, offering diversification options.
- Low Minimums: Uphold allows you to start investing with low minimum deposits, making it accessible for beginners with smaller amounts.
- Fast Account Setup: Uphold boasts a quick and easy account setup process, letting you start trading quickly.
- Debit Card Integration: Uphold offers a debit card linked to your account, allowing you to spend your crypto holdings like cash at some merchants. (Subject to regional availability)
- Limited Features: Uphold caters more to basic buy-and-hold strategies and lacks features like advanced charting or staking functionalities.
- Higher Fees: While Uphold avoids commission fees, their spreads (the difference between buy and sell prices) can be higher compared to some competitors.
- Customer Service Concerns: There have been reports of user dissatisfaction with Uphold's customer service responsiveness.
- Security Concerns (Class-Action Lawsuit): A class-action lawsuit has raised questions about Uphold's security practices. Further investigation is recommended.
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 mins to learn more.
Mexc - Lowest Fees, Huge Selection, Less Regulated
Pros & Cons
- Regulation: MEXC is not currently regulated by major financial authorities like the FCA or SEC. This raises concerns for some investors regarding consumer protection.
- Limited Fiat Support: MEXC primarily focuses on crypto-to-crypto trading and doesn't offer direct fiat (government-issued currency) deposits or withdrawals for all users. (Subject to regional availability)
- User Interface: While functional, MEXC's user interface might appear less intuitive compared to platforms designed specifically for beginners.
- Limited Customer Support: There have been reports of limited customer support options and potential language barriers for non-English speakers.
- Low Fees: MEXC boasts some of the lowest trading fees in the industry, with maker fees often at 0% and taker fees remaining competitive.
- Wide Crypto Selection: MEXC offers a vast selection of cryptocurrencies for trading, exceeding many competitors by a significant margin. This caters to users who want access to a diverse range of tokens.
- Advanced Features: MEXC goes beyond basic trading, offering features like margin trading, staking, and derivatives for experienced users looking for more complex investment strategies.
- Global Presence: MEXC operates internationally, catering to users in various regions (subject to local regulations).
What are the Fees?
- Spot Trading Fees: MEXC offers maker and taker fees with tiers based on your trading volume. Maker fees can be as low as 0%, while taker fees remain competitive.
- Futures Trading Fees: Similar to spot trading, MEXC offers tiered maker and taker fees for futures contracts, with maker fees often at 0%.
- Withdrawal Fees: Withdrawal fees vary depending on the cryptocurrency and network chosen. Check their website for current rates.
What Cryptocurrencies are Available?
MEXC offers a massive selection of cryptocurrencies, potentially exceeding 1,500 different assets at the time of writing (June 2024). This includes major cryptocurrencies, lesser-known tokens, and emerging projects.
How Safe is the Exchange?
- Regulation: As mentioned earlier, a lack of major regulatory oversight is a concern for some users.
- Security Features: MEXC implements security measures like multi-signature wallets, two-factor authentication, and cold storage for a portion of user funds. However, due to the lack of robust regulation, conducting thorough research is crucial.
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 mins to learn more.
OKX - Low Fees, Advanced Features, Less Regulated
Pros & Cons
- Competitive Fees: OKX offers some of the lowest trading fees in the industry, with maker fees often at 0% and taker fees remaining competitive. It also boasts a loyalty program that further reduces fees for high-volume traders.
- Advanced Features: OKX caters to both beginners and experienced users. They offer basic spot trading, margin trading for amplified returns (with higher risk), and derivatives for complex investment strategies.
- Lightning Network Support: OKX supports Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals on the Lightning Network, enabling faster and cheaper transactions.
- Global Reach: OKX operates internationally, catering to users in various regions (subject to local regulations).
- Regulation: Similar to MEXC, OKX isn't currently regulated by major financial authorities like the FCA or SEC. This raises concerns regarding consumer protection for some investors.
- Limited Fiat Support: Like MEXC, OKX primarily focuses on crypto-to-crypto trading and doesn't offer direct fiat deposits or withdrawals for all users (subject to regional availability).
- User Interface: While functional, OKX's interface might appear complex for absolute beginners compared to platforms designed specifically for ease of use.
- Limited Customer Support: There have been reports of limited customer support options and potential language barriers for non-English speakers.
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 mins to learn more.
CoinJar – User-Friendly, Low Fees, Limited Selection
Pros & Cons
- Limited Cryptocurrency Selection: Smaller variety of cryptocurrencies compared to larger exchanges.
- Higher Fees for Instant Buy Options: Instant transactions may incur higher charges.
- Not Ideal for Advanced Traders: Lacks complex trading tools and advanced features.
- High-Level Security: Implements two-factor authentication and cold storage for securing assets.
- User-Friendly Design: Easy to navigate for both beginners and experts.
- Transparent Fee Structure: Clear and straightforward fees with no hidden costs.
- Fiat Currency Support: Allows deposits and withdrawals in AUD, EUR, GBP, and USD.
- Long-Established Reputation: One of the earliest cryptocurrency platforms in Australia, known for its reliability.
What are the Fees?
| Feature | Cost | Notes |
| Instant Buy | 2% | Applies to purchases made with credit/debit cards. |
| Recurring Buy | 1% | For automated purchases using debit/credit card. |
| Crypto-to-Crypto Conversions | 0-1% | Depends on the specific cryptocurrencies being converted. |
| Withdrawal Fees | Varies | Depends on the withdrawal method and currency. |
| Network Fees | Varies | These are fees charged by the underlying blockchain network for processing transactions. |
What Cryptocurrencies are Available?
CoinJar offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including popular options like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and newer ones like Solana and Cardano (60+). You can find the full list on their website.
How Safe is the Exchange?
CoinJar is considered a relatively safe exchange due to the following security measures:
- FCA Regulation: CoinJar is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, ensuring compliance with strict financial regulations.
- Security Practices: CoinJar uses industry-standard security practices, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and cold storage for most of its digital assets.
- Insurance: A portion of CoinJar’s assets are insured, providing additional protection to users’ funds.
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 mins to learn more.
Binance - Most Crypto, High Liquidity, Complex Interface
Pros & Cons
- Extensive Crypto Selection: Binance boasts the most extensive selection of cryptocurrencies available for trading on any major exchange, catering to users who want access to a vast array of digital assets.
- High Liquidity: Binance is one of the most liquid crypto exchanges, meaning you can easily buy and sell cryptocurrencies with minimal price impact. This is especially beneficial for larger trades.
- Advanced Features: Binance goes beyond basic trading, offering features like margin trading, staking, derivatives, and its own NFT marketplace for experienced users looking for diverse investment opportunities.
- Global Presence: Binance operates internationally, catering to users in various regions (subject to local regulations). They also offer a mobile app for convenient trading on the go.
- Binance is accessible to existing UK users but cannot accept new registrations due to FCA regulatory restrictions. Service updates depend on Binance securing a new FCA-authorized compliance partner.
- Regulatory Issues: Binance has faced regulatory scrutiny in various countries due to concerns regarding compliance and user protection. This might be a concern for some investors.
- Complex Interface: The sheer number of features and functionalities can make Binance's interface overwhelming for beginner users.
What is a Crypto Exchange?
A crypto exchange is essentially a marketplace where individuals can buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies. This platform acts like a stock exchange, but for digital currencies, allowing users to engage with different cryptocurrencies through various trading pairs.
These exchanges utilize order books—a dynamic list of buy and sell orders that show the quantity and price at which users are willing to transact. This system facilitates the direct interaction between buyers and sellers, setting the market price for cryptocurrencies based on supply and demand.
Why Use a Crypto Exchange in the UK?
Using a regulated crypto exchange in the UK offers significant security benefits compared to peer-to-peer (P2P) trading. These platforms adhere to stringent security protocols, protecting users against fraud and theft. The convenience of trading on an exchange cannot be overstated; with just a few clicks, users can buy, sell, and manage their crypto assets efficiently.
Furthermore, exchanges regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) provide additional consumer protection and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, ensuring a safer and more secure trading environment.
Factors for Choosing a Crypto Exchange in the UK
Security
When selecting a crypto exchange, the security of your funds and personal information should be a top priority. Look for platforms that offer two-factor authentication (2FA), encryption, and cold storage options. It’s crucial to choose exchanges that have a strong track record of security and transparency in handling user data and funds.
Regulation
Opting for an FCA-regulated exchange can greatly enhance your trading security and peace of mind. These exchanges are required to meet strict financial standards and conduct regular audits. Regulation helps protect against fraud and misuse of funds, making it a critical factor for anyone trading in the UK.
Fees
Understanding the fee structure of a crypto exchange is essential. Fees can vary widely between platforms and can affect the overall profitability of your trades. Look for transparent fee structures and consider how fees will impact your trading activities, especially if you plan to trade frequently or in large volumes.
User Experience
A user-friendly platform can make a significant difference, especially for beginners. Look for exchanges that offer an intuitive interface, helpful customer support, and educational resources. These features can enhance your trading experience and help you make more informed decisions.
Market Variety
Diverse market offerings allow you to trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies. This variety is particularly important for users looking to explore beyond the most common coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. An exchange with a broad selection of coins and tokens provides more opportunities for diversification.
Customer Support
Effective customer support is crucial, especially when dealing with complex and sometimes volatile assets like cryptocurrencies. Ensure that the exchange you choose offers robust support through multiple channels such as live chat, email, and phone.
Focusing on these factors will help you select a crypto exchange that not only meets your trading needs but also ensures a safe and productive trading environment in the UK.
How Popular are the Top Crypto Exchanges?
In the UK, several leading crypto exchanges dominate the market, each with its own strengths and user base. Among the most prominent are eToro, Coinbase, Kraken, and Binance, though Binance faces certain regulatory challenges.
eToro is known for its user-friendly interface and social trading features, which allow users to copy the trades of experienced investors. This makes it particularly attractive for beginners. It’s regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing a layer of security and trust. However, its fee structure might be higher compared to others.
Coinbase is one of the most established names in the cryptocurrency space, famed for its ease of use, making it ideal for beginners. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including a secure wallet. Coinbase is also known for its high level of regulatory compliance and strong security measures, though its fees are on the higher side, particularly for small transactions.
Kraken stands out for its wide variety of cryptocurrencies and strong security features, including two-factor authentication and rigorous data protection measures. It offers lower fees than Coinbase, making it attractive to more frequent traders. Kraken’s platform can be somewhat complex for beginners but is highly regarded by more experienced traders for its extensive features and robust security.
Binance offers a vast range of cryptocurrencies and typically lower fees, which makes it popular among a broad spectrum of traders. However, its operation in the UK is complicated by regulatory issues, as it has faced scrutiny from the FCA. This might impact its long-term availability and reliability in the UK market.
| Platform | Google Trends (Relative Search Volume) | Social Media Followers (Combined - Twitter, Facebook) | Website Traffic (Similarweb - Estimated Monthly Visits) | Review Platforms (Trustpilot - Average Rating) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | Medium | 7.2 Million | Medium | 4.2 Stars |
| Uphold | Low | 300,000 | Low | 4.1 Stars |
| Mexc | Medium (Asia Focus) | 1.2 Million | Medium | N/A |
| OKX | Medium (Asia Focus) | 1.5 Million | Medium | N/A |
| Binance | High | 15 Million | High | 2.4 Stars |
| Coinbase | High | 12 Million | High | 2.7 Stars |
| Kraken | Medium | 4 Million | Medium | 4.2 Stars |
How Popular are the Top Crypto Exchanges?
In the UK, several leading crypto exchanges dominate the market, each with its own strengths and user base. Among the most prominent are eToro, Coinbase, Kraken, and Binance, though Binance faces certain regulatory challenges.
eToro is known for its user-friendly interface and social trading features, which allow users to copy the trades of experienced investors. This makes it particularly attractive for beginners. It’s regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing a layer of security and trust. However, its fee structure might be higher compared to others.
Coinbase is one of the most established names in the cryptocurrency space, famed for its ease of use, making it ideal for beginners. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including a secure wallet. Coinbase is also known for its high level of regulatory compliance and strong security measures, though its fees are on the higher side, particularly for small transactions.
Kraken stands out for its wide variety of cryptocurrencies and strong security features, including two-factor authentication and rigorous data protection measures. It offers lower fees than Coinbase, making it attractive to more frequent traders. Kraken’s platform can be somewhat complex for beginners but is highly regarded by more experienced traders for its extensive features and robust security.
Binance offers a vast range of cryptocurrencies and typically lower fees, which makes it popular among a broad spectrum of traders. However, its operation in the UK is complicated by regulatory issues, as it has faced scrutiny from the FCA. This might impact its long-term availability and reliability in the UK market.
| Platform | Google Trends (Relative Search Volume) | Social Media Followers (Combined - Twitter, Facebook) | Website Traffic (Similarweb - Estimated Monthly Visits) | Review Platforms (Trustpilot - Average Rating) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | Medium | 7.2 Million | Medium | 4.2 Stars |
| Uphold | Low | 300,000 | Low | 4.1 Stars |
| Mexc | Medium (Asia Focus) | 1.2 Million | Medium | N/A |
| OKX | Medium (Asia Focus) | 1.5 Million | Medium | N/A |
| Binance | High | 15 Million | High | 2.4 Stars |
| Coinbase | High | 12 Million | High | 2.7 Stars |
| Kraken | Medium | 4 Million | Medium | 4.2 Stars |
Additional Considerations for UK Users
Taxes: Cryptocurrency investments in the UK are subject to capital gains tax, and the specific tax implications can vary based on individual circumstances. It is essential for users to keep detailed records of their transactions. Consulting a financial advisor for tailored advice is highly recommended to ensure compliance with UK tax laws.
Regulation: The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in the UK is continuously evolving. The FCA is increasingly focusing on consumer protection, particularly concerning anti-money laundering standards and the overall security of crypto exchanges. This changing regulatory environment can significantly impact how exchanges operate and the level of security they can provide to their users. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for anyone involved in the UK crypto market.
Conclusion
In choosing the right crypto exchange in the UK, factors like security, regulation, fees, user experience, market variety, and customer support are essential. Each platform, from eToro’s user-friendly interface to Kraken’s vast market variety, offers unique benefits tailored to different user needs. It’s crucial to assess these features in light of your own trading habits and security requirements.
Start your crypto journey with the best exchange for YOU in the UK! Conduct thorough research, compare the top contenders, and consult reputable resources for up-to-date information. Websites like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and leading cryptocurrency news outlets are valuable sources to help you make an informed decision. Remember, the right exchange can significantly enhance your trading experience and investment success.
FAQs
To find a crypto exchange in the UK offering a wide range of crypto assets, consider platforms like Binance or MEXC. These exchanges are known for their extensive selection of cryptocurrencies, catering to both novice and experienced traders looking for diversity in their investments.
Yes, there are decentralised exchanges (DEXs) available to UK users, offering an alternative to centralised platforms by enabling direct peer-to-peer transactions without the need google pay for an intermediary. Popular DEXs include Uniswap and SushiSwap, which support a variety of crypto assets but often you cannot fund your account via bank transfers!
When searching for crypto trading platforms regulated in the UK, prioritize those that comply with local financial regulations, offer robust security measures, provide transparent fee structures, and support a wide range of cryptocurrencies. Regulated platforms like eToro and Coinbase ensure a safer trading environment for UK investors.
To ensure your digital assets are safe with crypto exchanges, choose platforms that implement strong security protocols such as two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for the majority of funds, and regular security audits. Additionally, consider exchanges that offer insurance policies or are part of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for added protection.
To buy cryptocurrency, you need to create an account with a cryptocurrency exchange where you can trade traditional currency, like dollars or euros, for digital coins.
Top 5 Exchanges
1
eToro
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 mins to learn more.
2
Coinbase
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 mins to learn more.
3
Uphold
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 mins to learn more.
4
MEXC
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 mins to learn more.
5
OKX
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 mins to learn more.
References:
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Our #1 Recommended Crypto Exchange in the UK