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Crypto exchanges

Lower fees and extras when you trade, only through our link.

1 deal

  1. Bitpanda +€10bonus Crypto, stocks and precious metals in one place. A MiCA-⁠licensed broker from Vienna, with a starter bonus via eWO.

Guides

Crypto exchanges at a glance

What matters to us in an exchange

A crypto exchange swaps euros and other currencies for Bitcoin and other coins. In practice the fees for buying, selling and withdrawing count most, along with the range of coins and the ways to pay.

We also look at whether the exchange is regulated and where it is based.

What the link gets you

If you sign up through our link, you get lower fees or extras that you wouldn't get without it. The exchange pays us a commission for this and you pay nothing on top.

Good to know

Prices swing a lot and you can lose money. None of this is investment advice. Exchanges ask for ID verification before your first trade.

Don't leave larger amounts on an exchange for good. Our guide to Bitcoin wallets explains how to hold your own.

Broker or exchange?

A broker sells you coins at a price with a markup built in. It is simple, and the cost sits inside the quote. On an exchange you trade through an order book, the fee is shown separately and is often lower. Some providers, such as Bitpanda, Coinbase and Kraken, offer both.

A broker is fine for a first purchase. If you trade more often, an exchange saves money.

How to read the fees

Besides the trading fee, look at the spread, which is the gap between buy and sell price, and at the costs of depositing, withdrawing and sending coins to your own wallet. A 0.25% fee sounds small, but a markup of several percent in the quote can outweigh it.

The easiest way to compare is to take a fixed amount, say €500, and check what you end up with.

Regulation and security

Under the EU's MiCA regulation, exchanges serving customers in the EU need authorisation from a regulator such as BaFin, the AMF or the FMA. Check that the exchange names such a licence, and where it is based and holds your assets.

Switch on two-⁠factor login and use a separate password for every exchange.

Paying in with an eWallet

Which payment methods you see depends on your country and the exchange. Bank transfer, card and PayPal are common. How to buy Bitcoin with Skrill or Neteller is covered in our guides.

Crypto exchanges compared

Bitvavo

Trading fee up to 0.25%
Coins about 450
  • Based inAmsterdam
  • RegulatorMiCA, AFM (NL)

Bitpanda

Trading fee 0.25% on the exchange
Coins about 650
  • Based inVienna
  • RegulatorMiCA, BaFin
Sign up now

Coinbase

Trading fee up to 0.60%
Coins about 350
  • Based inBerlin
  • RegulatorMiCA, CSSF (LU)

Kraken

Trading fee 0.40%
Coins about 600
  • Based inSan Francisco
  • RegulatorMiCA, Central Bank of Ireland

OKX

Trading fee from 0.20%, spot up to 0.35%
Coins about 260
  • Based inSliema (Malta)
  • RegulatorMiCA, MFSA (MT)

Bybit

Trading fee from 0.01%, spot up to 0.15%
Coins –
  • Based inSingapore
  • RegulatorMiCA, FMA (AT)

Crypto.com

Trading fee up to 0.50%
Coins about 250
  • Based inSt. Julian’s (Malta)
  • RegulatorMiCA, MFSA (MT)

Bitstamp

Trading fee up to 0.50%
Coins –
  • Based inLondon
  • RegulatorMiCA, CSSF (LU)

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to verify my identity?

Yes. Regulated exchanges ask for ID before you can trade or withdraw. It's part of the anti-money-laundering rules.

Which crypto exchange is best for beginners?

For a first purchase, a simple app, good support and an EU licence matter more than the last tenth of a percent in fees. Bitpanda, Bitvavo and Coinbase are common choices.

What does it cost to buy Bitcoin?

It depends on the exchange. Add up the trading fee, the spread and any cost for depositing. A broker builds a markup into the price, an exchange shows its fee on its own line.

Are crypto exchanges in Europe safe?

Exchanges with a MiCA licence are supervised and have to keep customer funds separate. Some risk remains. Turn on two-⁠factor login and don't leave larger amounts on the exchange for good.

Does the extra apply to existing accounts?

Usually only to new accounts opened through the link. What applies at each exchange is stated on its deal.

Is this a recommendation to buy?

No. We compare exchanges' terms; we don't say whether or when you should buy.

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