With the growth of the crypto market, exchanges have become the central point of activity. However, finding the right crypto exchange to start your trading journey can be a little daunting due to the many options available in the industry, especially in France. So, when choosing the best crypto exchange France residents can access, users often search for reliable and secure platforms that suit their trading needs and experience.
Popular exchanges like Binance France, Kraken, and others are usually the ones that appear in most "Best crypto exchange in France" lists. So, in this article, I'll look into the top choices and see what they offer to French traders. In addition, I'll talk about France crypto taxes and regulations because these are important for all traders to know.
The best crypto exchanges in France I'll cover include:
That said, let's get to it!
1. Kraken – A Trusted Crypto Exchange Wordwide
Ranks #1 out of 6 Crypto Exchanges
- + Secure and reliable
- + Low fees
- + A good amount of fiat currencies accepted
- - Not the most helpful customer service
Founded in 2011 in the United Kingdom, Kraken is one of the most popular crypto exchanges worldwide. The company is registered in the US as a Money Services Business (MSB) under the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and operates across different jurisdictions in compliance with local regulations.
Overall, Kraken is available in more than 190 countries, including France. Thus, you'll find it on many "Best crypto exchange in France" lists. By the way, you can even set Kraken's language to French.
Now, Kraken is all about making trading easy and accessible for customers, whether they are total newbies or seasoned traders. Due to its commitment to this mission, the exchange is renowned for being one of the most secure and independent exchanges for trading Bitcoin.
Kraken has also taken rigorous steps, such as two-step authentication, encryption, and auditing, to ensure the security of users' assets.
Generally, Kraken offers two separate trading platforms to its users – its main platform and Kraken Pro, which is dedicated to professional traders. Users can personalize their charts on the Pro dashboard and explore up to 13 order types with detailed insight into the order books.
Both platforms are packed with core trading options, including spot trading, futures, margin, and over-the-counter (OTC) trading. It also has an NFT marketplace for crypto enthusiasts interested in buying and selling digital artworks.
It's worth noting that Kraken supports more than 200 cryptocurrencies, with hundreds of pairs available for users on both the main platform and the Pro version. While the coin selection is a bit smaller compared to some other best crypto exchange platforms in France, it only supports legitimate, renowned crypto assets.
Kraken fees are a bit on the higher end, though. For example, spot trading fees for makers start at 0.25% and for takers at 0.4%. Futures trading fees, on the other hand, start at 0.02% for makers and 0.05% for takers. However, high-volume traders can lower these fees, potentially reaching 0% for makers.
Kraken also supports fiat currencies, including EUR. So, French users can deposit funds into Kraken via SEPA deposits without incurring any fees. They can also use SWIFT deposit methods or PayPal, but these might incur fees. On top of that, it's worth noting that Kraken has other features, too, such as staking and an educational hub where users earn and learn about the crypto market.
All in all, it's pretty obvious why Kraken might be referred to as the best crypto exchange French traders can access.
2. Binance France – One of the Largest Global Exchanges Tailored to French Traders
Ranks #2 out of 6 Crypto Exchanges
- + Registered as a DASP in France
- + Offers a variety of trading options
- + Supports over 500 cryptocurrencies
- - Might be a bit confusing for newcomers
Binance France, the French version of one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally, has solidified its presence as one of the best crypto exchanges in France.
Specifically tailored to the needs of French crypto traders, Binance France earned regulatory approval from both the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) and the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR) in 2022, ensuring its legal operation within the country's market.
To trade on Binance France, users must adhere to the platform's stringent security measures, which include completing the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. Additionally, advanced security protocols have been implemented to provide users with peace of mind regarding the safety of their funds.
What sets Binance France apart from other French crypto exchanges is not only its regulatory compliance but also its comprehensive features, catering to traders of all levels of experience. French traders enjoy a diverse array of trading options, ranging from spot and margin trading to futures trading, alongside convenient peer-to-peer (P2P) services.
Moreover, Binance France facilitates fiat currency transactions, enabling users to purchase cryptocurrencies directly using the Euro and other fiat. Various deposit methods, such as bank transfers, debit / credit cards, and Google / Apple Pay, are available to streamline this process.
For those seeking additional income opportunities, Binance France also offers various earning options through its Earn program. These include Ethereum staking, Simple Earning, BNB Vault, Auto-Invest, and others.
Besides, Binance France supports an extensive selection of over 500 crypto assets, including popular ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, as well as a plethora of less-known altcoins. So, no matter if you're a France Bitcoin enthusiast, or you prefer to trade in altcoins, you'll find a lot of choices on Binance. On top of that, it even has an NFT marketplace and other additional features.
So, while it does have a user-friendly interface, this variety of features might make Binance France a bit intimidating for complete newbies.
However, Binance prioritizes user education, offering a wealth of educational resources, including articles, tutorials, and webinars on blockchain technology and trading strategies.
Besides, it has very competitive fees, charging 0.1% as a standard spot trading fee for makers and takers. This fee can even be decreased by increasing your trading volume and / or using Binance Coin (BNB) to cover them.
By the way, Binance has a completely free tax reporting tool, which assists users in accurately calculating their France crypto taxes. This further solidifies its position as one of the best crypto exchanges in France.
3. Coinbase – A Beginner-Friendly Exchange
Ranks #3 out of 6 Crypto Exchanges
- + Fiat currencies - accepted
- + Simple to use
- + Accepts only the most trustworthy cryptocurrencies
- + Very secure
- - Some of the less-known coins aren't supported
Coinbase has become a big name in the crypto industry. What started in the US in 2012 as a single entity has grown across many jurisdictions and transformed into a publicly traded company. Two years after its launch, the exchange expanded its offerings to Europe, including France. Today, Coinbase is one of the best crypto exchanges in France, with a solid user base.
While the exchange does not have a designated unit for French users, customers in the region can buy and sell their favorite digital assets on its regulated international platform.
At its core, Coinbase is your go-to platform for everything crypto (and you can even access it in French). The exchange is renowned for its simple onboarding process, making it an ideal choice for those new to the crypto world. The user interface is designed with clarity, making it easy for anyone to get started.
Another noteworthy aspect of Coinbase is its security initiatives. The company uses two-factor authentication and other security protocols to safeguard its platform and protect it from hackers.
For added security, the exchange stores most customers' funds offline in a cold wallet to prevent unauthorized access. Moreover, custodial accounts are insured up to $250,000, providing an added layer of protection.
Coinbase supports both spot and derivatives trading as well as margin trading. French users can trade over 240 cryptocurrencies on the platform, including meme tokens like Dogecoin (DOGE). It also has a dedicated marketplace where users can interact with NFTs and other digital artworks.
Moreover, Coinbase also allows French users to buy cryptocurrencies with EUR, and it supports many payment options, including bank transfers, SEPA transfers, credit / debit cards, Google / Apple Pay, and so on.
Regarding transaction fees, Coinbase fees are considered to be rather high compared to some other best crypto exchanges in France. Besides, the fee structure is not clearly indicated, as all fees are calculated at the time of making a trade. They depend on various factors, including the assets in question, market condition, jurisdictional location, and so on.
The company also caters to institutional clients who are seeking advanced trading. The features provided to them are specifically designed for those who want more control over their trades and are familiar with the nitty-gritty of the market.
Moreover, Coinbase allows French users to securely custody their assets outside its main platform. With its Coinbase Wallet, users can take full control of their cryptocurrencies. They can even use this wallet to connect to a variety of dApps in the Web3 space.
Plus, it offers the Coinbase Card, which allows French customers to spend their local currency or any supported crypto anywhere a Visa card is accepted. Interestingly, this card doesn't incur any transaction fees.
Lastly, it's worth noting that Coinbase users can earn income by staking their cryptocurrencies on the platform. To be more precise, they can earn up to 10% APY on their investments. Additionally, Coinbase even allows users to earn rewards by learning about different cryptocurrencies and their core functionalities.
Considering all these factors, it's safe to say that Coinbase deserves a place on any "Best crypto exchange France traders can access" list.
Did you know?
Compare Crypto Exchanges Side by Side With Others
All Crypto Exchanges may look similar to you but they're NOT all the same!
4. KuCoin – One-Stop Shop For Altcoins
Ranks #4 out of 6 Crypto Exchanges
- + Strong security measures
- + Over 700 supported cryptocurrencies
- + A variety of trading and earning features
- + Competitive fees
- - Not available for US traders
- - Might be somewhat complicated for beginners
KuCoin covers many of the crypto needs of traders worldwide and has positioned itself as one of the best crypto exchanges France traders can access, too.
It supports a wide variety of cryptocurrencies (over 700!), from popular assets like BTC and ETH to lesser-known altcoins, including various meme tokens, making it suitable for both newbies and professionals.
Despite being one of the top leaders in the industry, the exchange is not currently registered under any financial authorities. However, it has successfully secured licenses from different countries, allowing it to legally offer its services to customers in the regions.
In France, KuCoin is not regulated by the country's financial watchdogs, but it adheres to the global AML / CFT requirements.
As one of the best crypto exchanges in France, it has taken a step further to ensure its compliance with the French regulators by introducing third-party tax calculators that enable users to report their crypto earnings to fulfill their tax obligations efficiently.
By the way, you can access KuCoin in French, too!
For France Bitcoin enthusiasts looking for a place to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, KuCoin has presented itself as a compelling choice. It offers different trading options, such as futures contracts, spot trading, margin trading, and P2P trading. It even has an NFT marketplace.
It's also worth noting that KuCoin offers such features as trading bots. For example, it has the Spot Grid Bot, which uses a grid trading strategy to assist spot traders on KuCoin. It systematically sets buy and sell orders around the current market price. Of course, this is just one of many trading bots offered by the platform.
Aside from trading, KuCoin offers a variety of other features, including staking and lending options, that allow users to earn additional income from their crypto holdings.
Now, speaking of trading fees, KuCoin offers pretty great rates. Its fee structure for spot and futures trading is based on a tiered maker / taker model. Your position in the tiers depends on the number of KuCoin Shares (KCS) tokens in your account or your trading volume over 30 days in the spot or futures markets.
Spot market makers in France enjoy transaction fees that range from 0.1% to 0.005%, while taker fees range between 0.1% and 0.025%. For futures trading, maker fees are between 0.02% to 0.015%, whereas taker fees are pegged around 0.06% to 0.03%. However, KuCoin offers a 20% discount to customers who pay transaction fees using its KCS.
When it comes to security, Kucoin uses 2FA and cold storage to safeguard customers' assets. The exchange also recently made it compulsory for all the users on the platform to pass KYC before using any of the company's products. In addition to that, KuCoin has launched a bug bounty program in 2022 to reward security experts who can find potential vulnerabilities on the platform.
Lastly, note that KuCoin offers a simple way to deposit EUR for buying cryptocurrencies via SEPA transfers. Though, you can also do that using your credit / debit card. All of that is accessible via KuCoin's Express Trade feature and the P2P trading interface (where you can find even more payment options).
So, as you can see, there are many reasons why KuCoin is considered to be one of the best crypto exchange platforms in France.
5. Bitpanda – A Regulated Crypto Exchange in France
Ranks #5 out of 6 Crypto Exchanges
- + Beginner-friendly
- + Free deposits and withdrawals
- + Over 400 different cryptocurrencies
- + Multiple payment options
- + A wide variety of additional services
- - Reports of slow customer support responses
Bitpanda might just be your go-to global exchange for all things crypto and more. The company made a big splash in 2020 by officially stepping into the exciting world of the French market and eventually becoming a strong contender for the title of the "Best crypto exchange France traders can use".
How did it do that? Bitpanda received regulatory approval from the French financial authorities to legally enter the market as a digital assets service provider (DASP), showing its commitment to playing by the rules.
The company lets traders in France buy and sell over 350 cryptocurrencies, such as BTC and ETH, for as low as 1 EUR. You can do that via Bitpanda's desktop or mobile app. The mobile app is available for both iOS and Android users.
Aside from its trove of investment options, Bitpanda also offers customers the ability to earn passive income through staking, affiliate programs, or Cash Plus.
By the way, holders of its native crypto token, BEST, get various benefits, including 15% weekly rewards, up to 25% bonuses of their trading volume when using instant trade, increased staking rewards (by up to 12.5%), and much more.
Being perceived as one of the best crypto exchange platforms France traders can access, Bitpanda is protected with SSL encryption to keep users' data safe. Also, the exchange stores customers' funds in a cold wallet to ensure maximum security. On top of that, it's ready to fend off cybercriminals with DDoS protection and clever session management.
It's also worth mentioning its great EUR support. French users can deposit EUR directly into their accounts using bank transfers through SEPA, debit, or credit cards. Also, French users can fund their accounts using Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Now, as a crypto exchange with over 20 million customers, Bitpanda boasts low transaction fees starting at 0.1% for makers and 0.5% for takers. Deposits on the platform are completely free.
However, even though it is one of the best crypto exchanges in France, the platform is not just about crypto – it's like a buffet of investment options. Think stocks, commodities, precious metals, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), all in one place.
Those interested in exploring the traditional market outside crypto can purchase Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta, and Tesla stocks on the platform. Also, let's not forget commodities like sugar, copper, tin, gasoline, and soybeans.
All in all, with these features, it seems that the company deserves to be among the best crypto exchanges in France.
6. Coinhouse – Local to French Users
Ranks #6 out of 6 Crypto Exchanges
- + Very secure
- + An established brokerage (founded in 2014)
- + Newbie- and expert trader-friendly
- + Great customer support
- + Over 50 supported cryptocurrencies
- - Somewhat high fees
- - Only available with a SEPA bank account
Coinhouse is a local French crypto exchange based in Paris, the country's capital. It's actually the first French crypto exchange registered with AMF, which means it is authorized to offer crypto services in compliance with the country's Pacte laws. Therefore, it's pretty obvious why it is considered as one of the best crypto exchanges in France.
Its user-friendly interface is a great fit for France Bitcoin enthusiasts of all levels – beginners, professionals, and institutional traders. The platform is not only available to French users, though, but is also accessible to traders in other jurisdictions, including Norway, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
To use Coinhouse, users are required to sign up and verify their accounts before moving ahead to make their first crypto purchase. This process is in line with the French AML rules. The platform offers three types of accounts: classic, premium, and platinum. Each of the accounts is available for users in France.
This French crypto exchange offers a variety of digital assets, from popular ones like BTC and ETH to less-known altcoins. However, some of the cryptocurrencies listed on the platform are only available for buying and selling and cannot be deposited or withdrawn.
Coinhouse does not just stop at buying and selling, though. The platform also offers custody services, wallet services, educational resources, as well as advisory and portfolio management services. It even has an option for staking, allowing users to earn as high as 5% APY from their crypto holdings.
As a French-native exchange, it's obvious that Coinhouse supports EUR. It accepts credit cards and bank transfers and also allows purchasing cryptocurrencies using CB, Visa, and MasterCard.
When it comes to fees, Coinhouse charges various fees for its services. Purchasing crypto assets through the Euro account incurs a 0.99% fee, while card payments have a 2.49% fee. Recurring buys have a 2% fee, and selling crypto assets incurs a 1.29% fee.
Converting between assets has a 0.69% fee, and there are no fees for depositing crypto. Withdrawals to external wallets have gas fees plus a 0.29% charge, and are capped at €500.
Considering all the aforementioned features and fees, it's pretty obvious why Coinhouse is considered to be one of the best crypto exchanges in France.
Crypto Regulations in France
Before diving into trading on the best crypto exchange in France you might have chosen, it's important to understand the regulatory landscape of digital assets in the country and how they are treated regarding taxes.
Let's start with the main question – Is crypto legal in France?
Yes, crypto is legal in France, so its residents are allowed to buy, sell and store them without breaking the law.
Overall, France crypto landscape is dynamic, propelled by the government's support for blockchain-based technologies. The country has emerged as a central hub for crypto and blockchain companies, with several French startups expanding internationally.
This growth is attributed to the adoption of the PACTE Act in 2019, which introduced the first comprehensive regulatory framework for ICOs and digital asset service providers (DASPs) in France[1].
Under this framework, DASPs are required to register with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) and comply with regulations related to custody, trading, and exchange of digital assets. Failure to comply with registration requirements can result in penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
Furthermore, the regulatory framework for DASPs has been strengthened, with the AMF empowered to take precautionary measures and suspend registrations deemed a threat to market stability. A new registration statute has been introduced, with mandatory registration for DASPs since January 1, 2024.
Companies must ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, establish secure IT infrastructure, adopt internal control systems, and adhere to additional procedures specified by the regulator.
Moreover, optional licensing is available for DASPs, too, providing marketing advantages and facilitating future compliance with the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) adopted by the EU Parliament[2].
MiCA imposes requirements on crypto asset service providers, including AML / CFT compliance, cybersecurity measures, market abuse procedures, and sustainability standards.
France's regulatory landscape also covers ICOs, with issuers required to obtain a visa from the AMF, ensuring compliance with disclosure and AML / CFT requirements. Security token offerings (STOs) are subject to separate regulations, and tokens deemed financial instruments are ineligible for ICOs.
Regarding France crypto taxes, capital gains from digital asset sales are taxed for individuals and companies by Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP).
Gains from crypto could face taxation of up to 30% under the Flat Tax (PFU) regime for casual traders. For active traders, these gains might be treated as non-commercial profits (BNC) and taxed at a maximum rate of 45%. Similarly, earnings from crypto mining are considered non-commercial profits and are subject to the Income Tax of up to 45%.
Looking ahead, France aims to enhance regulatory cooperation at the EU level, implement measures such as the DLT Pilot Regime and revised Transfer of Funds Regulation, and address emerging issues like the regulatory status of DeFi protocols.
Overall, France crypto tax and regulatory ecosystem reflects a balance between regulatory oversight, innovation support, and international collaboration, positioning the country as a key player in the global crypto industry.
Best Crypto Exchange in France: Evaluation Criteria
Now that you've learned about the regulatory status of France's crypto ecosystem, I want to discuss the main factors that make an exchange enter many "Best crypto exchange in France" lists. This will help you if you didn't find the best fit in the list above and plan to go on your own crypto exchange hunt.
- Regulatory Compliance. For a company to earn the title of the best crypto exchange platform France residents can access, it must comply with the country's crypto regulations. This includes registering with AMF (for local exchanges) or simply complying with the AML / KYC regulations (for global exchanges).
- Security. For an exchange to be rated among the best crypto exchanges in France, it must prioritize robust security protocols to avoid breaches. Measures such as two-factor authentication, cold storage for funds, and regular security audits indicate a platform's commitment to safeguarding users' assets.
- Features. An exchange offering a broad range of trading options and other crypto-based tools allows users to explore different investment opportunities. So, make sure that the exchange you plan to choose has everything you need.
- Fees. Another important feature that best crypto exchanges in France must possess is transparent and competitive fees. High fees can significantly impact profitability, especially for frequent traders. So, make sure to choose an exchange with fees that fit your trading needs.
- Fiat Support. The ability to trade crypto against the Euro (EUR) and other fiat currencies simplifies transactions for French users. An exchange that facilitates fiat-to-crypto trading enhances accessibility and convenience.
- Usability. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, no one prefers a platform that is hard to navigate. So, make sure that the best crypto exchange in France you plan to use has a user-friendly interface.
That's basically it; if you take these into account, it will be much easier to find the best crypto exchange in France specifically for you.
Conclusions
In the ever-evolving crypto industry, the journey to find the best crypto exchange in France is an important step toward accessing the dynamic world of digital assets. While looking for one, you'll surely stumble upon big names like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken.
However, remember that your choice is deeply personal and should align with your individual goals. Whether you're an experienced trader seeking advanced tools or a newcomer taking your first steps, the best crypto exchange in France you plan to use should be one that fulfills all your needs.
Also, remember that an exchange should prioritize security, user-friendliness, and a broad range of supported cryptocurrencies, as these are essential markers of a strong contender for the title of the best crypto exchange in France (or anywhere else, for that matter).
The content published on this website is not aimed to give any kind of financial, investment, trading, or any other form of advice. BitDegree.org does not endorse or suggest you to buy, sell or hold any kind of cryptocurrency. Before making financial investment decisions, do consult your financial advisor.
Scientific References
1. I. M. Barsan: 'Regulating the Crypto World-New Developments from France';
2. M. Lucchesi: 'Crypto-Assets: The Draft" MICA" Regulation Aims for a New EU Regulation'.