Ace quick missions & earn crypto rewards while gaining real-world Web3 skills. Participate Now! 🔥
Choice paralysis is something every crypto trader has had to deal with at some point: with so many crypto exchanges out there, how do you find your perfect match? One foolproof strategy is to narrow down your criteria! That’s why, in this guide, I’m going to focus specifically on the best crypto exchanges in Europe.
Region-specific features are a frequently overlooked factor when choosing a crypto exchange. Does it offer spot trading or instant buying with your local fiat currency? Is it properly licensed and regulated in your country? These are just a few of the questions you should be asking when sorting through your options.
The good news is that I’ve done the legwork, so you won’t have to! Here are all the exchanges I’ve researched and examined for this guide:
- Kraken - Best for Security & Compliance
- Coinbase - Best for Beginners
- Bitpanda - Best for Diverse Trading Options
- Bitstamp - Best for Business Clients
- Crypto.com - The All-In-One Crypto Exchange
- BYDFi - User-Friendly Trading for All
- Gemini - A Secure & User-Friendly Crypto Exchange
- CEX.IO - User-Friendly and Compliant
Let’s dive in and see how some of the big players like Binance and Kraken fare against the lesser-known local alternatives for the European market.
1. Kraken - Best for Security & Compliance
Ranks #1 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges.jpg)
- + Secure and reliable
- + Accepts fiat currencies
- + Lots of trading options
- + 24/7 customer support
- + Opt-in staking
- - Relatively high fees
Kraken certainly deserves one of the top spots on this list of the best crypto exchanges in Europe. It has 15+ million users across 190+ countries, collectively trading around $450 million on a daily basis. You’ll find ~420 cryptocurrencies and a variety of trading options like margin trading with up to 5x leverage and derivatives trading with up to 50x.
As of writing, Kraken is the only exchange that provides regulated perpetual futures in Europe.
If you’re a stickler for proper regulations, Kraken holds up pretty nicely in this area. It’s available in pretty much every country in Europe, except for the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.
Type of License | Countries |
---|---|
E-Money Institution (EMI) | Ireland |
Investment Firm (MiFID License) | Cyprus |
Cryptographic Service Provider (CSP) | Netherlands |
Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) | Spain, Italy, Ireland, Belgium |
Table: Kraken's licenses in Europe
When it comes to fiat currencies, Kraken’s selection isn’t quite as extensive as some other exchanges offer, but there are still a few options out there. You can trade crypto with EUR and GBP on Kraken’s spot trading platform, and even trade EUR and GBP with each other, or directly deposit them into your account.
Kraken also offers 3 European fiat currencies as a payment option for direct crypto purchases: EUR, GBP, and CHF. You can choose the same three currencies as your default price unit, too. Kraken’s mobile app has credit/debit card, PayPal, and Apple Pay listed as payment or deposit methods, while the web app only allows credit/debit card or PayPal.
In April 2025, Kraken announced another treat for European traders looking to integrate crypto into their everyday lives: Kraken users in Europe will be able to use crypto as a payment method in shops that accept MasterCard.
Multilingual users can change Kraken's interface language to 9 European language alternatives: German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian.
2. Coinbase - Best for Beginners
Ranks #2 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges.jpg)
- + Accepts fiat currencies
- + Simple to use
- + Supports only trusted cryptocurrencies
- + Very secure
- - Some of the less-known altcoins aren't supported
GET $200 REWARD
Claim Your Coinbase Sign-Up Bonus
Score up to $200 in BTC or USD – just sign up and make your first crypto purchase to get a go at the Reward Wheel. Instant spin. Instant reward. Follow this Coinbase referral link to activate the deal!
With approximately $1.2 billion daily trading volume and over 1 million users, Coinbase is right up there with the other best exchanges in Europe. As of writing, it’s long past being just a centralized crypto exchange: Coinbase now offers a subscription service for buying and selling crypto with zero trading fees, a mobile Web3 wallet, a pre-paid debit card, and more!
When it comes to regulations, European users can rest easy knowing that Coinbase didn't drop the ball in this area:
Type of License | Countries |
---|---|
Electronic Money Institution (EMI) | Ireland |
Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) | Netherlands |
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) | Germany |
Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) | Italy, Ireland, United Kingdom, France |
AML License | Spain |
Table: Coinbase's licenses in Europe
In January 2025, Coinbase acquired a license to provide derivatives trading to European markets through Bux‘s Cyprus division.
Compared to some of the other best exchanges in Europe, Coinbase doesn’t exactly spoil its users for choice when it comes to fiat payment options. Spot and derivatives trading only have EUR and GBP, and you can only deposit EUR into your account directly.
Coinbase’s payment methods aren’t very diverse, either, though they should probably be enough for most users. There’s an option to buy crypto instantly with a credit/debit card or PayPal, while the mobile Coinbase app also supports Apple Pay.
You can change Coinbase's interface language to Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Polish, or Russian.
3. Bitpanda - Best for Diverse Trading Options
Ranks #3 out of 8 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 stands out among other European crypto exchanges for the sheer variety of its trading options: you can trade not only crypto but stocks, ETFs (exchange-traded funds), precious metals, and even other miscellaneous commodities like wheat, soybeans, and natural gas. This Austria-based exchange has over 6 million users.
First things first – like many other best crypto exchanges in Europe, BitPanda takes its licensing seriously. It holds 16 European licenses and registrations in all of its core markets, including VASP, MiFID II, E-Money and PSD II licenses. The exchange has recently obtained a MiCA license in Austria, Germany, and Malta, as part of its long-term plans to gain a stronger foothold in Europe.
BitPanda also has ISO 27001 and SOC2 Type 2 certificates and operates in accordance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Next up, you’ll probably want to know what payment methods are available for European users. In that regard, BitPanda features a standard selection of bank transfer, credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and a few other popular online payment methods like Sofort and Neteller.
BitPanda is one of the better choices for crypto traders who prefer fiat: it boasts zero deposit or withdrawal fees on fiat currencies. On top of that, you can take advantage of a few adjacent products. BitPanda Pay allows users to send money to any IBAN in the EU and beyond, while BitPanda debit card offers the functionality to pay with crypto, precious metals, or even stocks in any store that accepts a Visa card.
BitPanda’s interface language options include German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Polish.

Did you know?
All Crypto Exchanges may look similar to you but they're NOT all the same!
4. Bitstamp - Best for Business Clients
Ranks #4 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges
- + Helpful customer support
- + Fiat payments are accepted
- + Reliable and established
- + Low trading fees
- - Small number of supported cryptos
Launched in 2011, this Luxembourg-based exchange holds the title of being one of the longest-running crypto trading platforms and one of the best European crypto exchanges on this list. It offers 130+ cryptocurrencies, an earning and lending platform, robust security, and a number of features and services catering to institutions, such as an OTC trading desk.
Robinhood acquired Bitstamp in June 2025 to accelerate Robinhood's worldwide expansion.
Where regulations are concerned, Bitstamp’s record is pretty much spotless. It holds over 50 licenses and registrations globally (while operating in 100+ countries), and almost a third of the exchange’s team is dedicated to the legal and security-related aspects. In 2016, Bitstamp became the first crypto exchange to obtain a Payment Institution license in the EU.
Here’s the entire list of licenses Bitstamp holds in European countries:
Type of License | Countries |
---|---|
Payment Institution | Luxembourg |
MiFID | Slovenia |
Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) | Italy, France, Luxembourg, Spain, Netherlands, United Kingdom |
Table: Bitstamp's licenses in Europe
Bitstamp also holds ISO/IEC 27001 and SOC2 Type 2 certifications, demonstrating its commitment to top-notch security and data privacy practices.
It goes without saying that such strict adherence to regulations comes with some drawbacks, too. In March 2025, Bitstamp announced that, in compliance with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations, it will no longer support trading, lending, depositing, or automatic conversion of certain tokens, such as USDT.
Sadly, the rest of the picture isn’t anything out of the ordinary. Despite being a European crypto exchange, Bitstamp’s fiat options leave something to be desired. Its spot trading platform only has EUR and GBP, and the same holds true for instant crypto purchases. As for payment methods, you can choose a debit/credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, and cash out directly to your bank account.
Bitstamp doesn’t exactly spoil its European users for choice with default currency or interface language options, either. It supports EUR and GBP as default currencies, and only two other interface languages: Slovenian and Spanish.
5. Crypto.com - The All-In-One Crypto Exchange
Ranks #5 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges
- + Beginner-friendly
- + Secure
- + Decent trading and withdrawal fees
- + Credit / debit card purchases - available
- + Wide range of crypto options
- - Possibly long KYC verification time
Crypto.com is a prominent player in the cryptocurrency world, offering a comprehensive suite of financial services centered around digital assets. Founded in 2016, the platform has grown rapidly, boasting a user base of over 100 million by mid-2024.
Crypto.com provides a user-friendly app for buying, selling, and trading around 400 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and many altcoins. Beyond its exchange services, Crypto.com offers a non-custodial DeFi wallet, an NFT marketplace, and even a direct payment service for cryptocurrency transactions.
One of Crypto.com's most recognizable features is its Visa card, which allows users to earn cashback in CRO, the platform's native token, on their everyday spending. The card comes in various tiers, each offering different levels of rewards and perks, such as rebates on streaming subscriptions and airport lounge access.
Crypto.com also takes security seriously. It holds all customer assets deposited on our platform in institutional-grade reserve accounts on a 1:1 basis. Users’ accounts are protected by the latest security advancements, including Passkeys, HSMs, and FIDO2, as well as MFA methods like passwords, biometrics, and authenticator codes.
Crypto.com is the first cryptocurrency company in the world to have ISO 22301:2019, ISO/IEC 27701:2019, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and PCI DSS v4.0 Level 1 Service Provider compliance.
It also runs an active bug bounty program on Hacker One, where people can disclose security vulnerabilities on the platform and get rewards.
6. BYDFi - User-Friendly Trading for All
Ranks #6 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges
- + Huge trading variety
- + Regulation-compliant around the globe
- + Fair trading fees
- + Beginner-friendly tools
- + Copy trading functionality
- - No NFT services
- - No staking capability
CLAIM 8,100 USDT
BYDFi Sign-Up Bonus
Complete new user tasks and claim up to 8,100 USDT. Use our BYDFi referral code (7xdZ3t) and boost your earnings with every trade!
BYDFi is a cryptocurrency exchange platform that aims to provide a user-friendly experience for both novice and experienced traders. While relatively newer compared to some established giants, BYDFi has focused on offering a diverse range of trading options. Some of BYDFi’s key features include:
- Spot Trading: Buy and sell cryptocurrencies at current market prices.
- Derivatives Trading: Trade cryptocurrency futures and options contracts.
- Copy Trading: Automatically replicate the trades of experienced traders.
- Mobile App: Trade on iOS and Android devices.
- Educational Resources: Guides and tutorials for learning about crypto trading.
- Trading Bots: Use automated tools to trade cryptocurrencies like a pro.
The platform supports more than 400 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC). BYDFi also aims to provide competitive trading fees by offering a flat maker/taker rate of 0.1% on its spot trading platform.
BYDFi is available in the US, Canada, and 150 other countries.
When it comes to security, BYDFi implements essential measures to ensure users' data and funds safety. It uses Amazon Web Services, multi-factor authentication and hardware verification, as well as SHA512 with 512-bit encryption to protect the system. Users can also use two-factor authentication (2FA) using Google Authenticator and SMS to protect their accounts.
7. Gemini - A Secure & User-Friendly Crypto Exchange
Ranks #7 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges
- + Strong security
- + US dollar accounts are ensured
- + Easy-to-use
- - Limited selection of cryptocurrencies
- - Requires lots of personal information
- - Sometimes can go offline
Gemini is a prominent cryptocurrency exchange established in 2014 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss with its headquarters in New York. It caters to both novice and experienced traders, offering a secure and user-friendly platform for buying, selling, and storing digital assets.
Currently, Gemini supports around 70 cryptocurrencies, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and some meme coins like Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Pepe (PEPE). While this list is relatively limited to other big names in the market, it still allows users to diversify their portfolios and explore other investment opportunities.
The platform is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for newcomers to buy, sell, and manage cryptocurrencies. For more experienced users, Gemini provides ActiveTrader, a platform with advanced charting tools, multiple order types, and faster order execution.
Another notable feature is Gemini Earn, which allows users to earn interest on their cryptocurrency holdings. Security is also a cornerstone of Gemini's operations. The exchange implements robust measures to protect user assets and data, including:
- Cold Storage: The majority of user funds are stored in offline, air-gapped cold storage systems, safeguarding them from online threats.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Users are required to enable 2FA, adding an extra layer of security to account access.
- SOC Certifications: Gemini has achieved SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications, demonstrating its commitment to industry-leading security standards.
- Insurance Coverage: Digital assets held in Gemini's hot wallet are insured against security breaches and fraudulent transfers.
All in all, Gemini stands out as a reliable and secure cryptocurrency exchange, offering a comprehensive suite of features tailored to meet the needs of a diverse user base.
Gemini is a regulated exchange, adhering to stringent compliance requirements set by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYSDFS).
8. CEX.IO - User-Friendly and Compliant
Ranks #8 out of 8 Crypto Exchanges
- + Easy to navigate
- + Secure and regulated
- + Provides earning features
- + Competitive trading fees
- - Lacks advanced trading options
CEX.IO, founded in 2013, has evolved from a Bitcoin cloud mining service into a comprehensive cryptocurrency exchange, serving over 15 million users globally. As of 2025, the platform supports more than 220 cryptocurrencies, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and a diverse range of altcoins, enabling users to diversify their digital portfolios.
The platform offers a user-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. Users can fund their accounts through various methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency deposits, providing flexibility in managing funds.
For advanced traders, CEX.IO provides features such as margin trading, stop-loss orders, and limit orders, catering to sophisticated trading strategies. Additionally, the platform offers staking services, allowing users to earn rewards by staking supported cryptocurrencies directly on the platform.
CEX.IO employs robust security measures to protect user assets and data, including the use of cold storage solutions to safeguard the majority of user funds offline, minimizing exposure to potential online threats.
CEX.IO is registered as a Money Service Business by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in the US and a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) and depository virtual currency wallet operator in the Republic of Lithuania.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is implemented to enhance account security, requiring users to provide an additional verification step during login. Furthermore, CEX.IO maintains compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring a secure and transparent environment for cryptocurrency trading.
Best Crypto Exchanges in Europe: A Quick Overview
Whenever you’re trying to decide between a number of products or services, it helps to have a bird's-eye view of all your options. With that in mind, here’s a handy snapshot of the above-mentioned exchanges:
Best For | Trading Fees | Supported Coins | Key Features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Users who prefer crypto trading with fiat | 0.1% spot trading fee for makers and takers | 500+ | Options, futures, margin, copy trading, trading bots, P2P marketplace, staking, instant crypto purchase, Web3 Wallet | |
Security-oriented users | 0.25% and 0.4% spot trading fees for makers and takers | 420+ | Margin, futures trading, staking, Kraken+ subscription, instant crypto purchase | |
Experienced traders | 0.1% spot trading fee for makers and takers | 2,000+ | Options, futures, margin, pre-market trading, copy, demo trading, trading bots, P2P marketplace, staking, instant crypto purchase, Bybit Pay, Bybit Card | |
Users who want a large cryptocurrency selection | 0% and 0.05% spot trading fees for makers and takers | 4,200+ | Futures, demo, pre-market trading, P2P marketplace, staking, instant crypto purchase | |
Crypto beginners | 0.6% and 1.2% spot trading fees for makers and takers | 280+ | Futures trading, staking, instant crypto purchase, Coinbase One, Coinbase Card, Web3 Wallet | |
Diverse payment methods | 0.1-0.3% maker and taker fees, depending on the coin | 900+ | Spot, futures, margin, derivatives, P2P trading, instant crypto purchase, brokerage, KuCard | |
Commodities other than crypto (e.g., stocks, precious metals) | Crypto trading fees ranging from 0% to 2.49% (no maker/taker model) | 500+ | Crypto, stock, ETFs, precious metals, commodities trading, leverage trading, staking, BitPanda Card, BitPanda Pay | |
Business users and institutions | 0.30% and 0.40% spot trading fees for makers and takers | 130+ | Spot trading, staking, lending/borrowing |
Table: A quick overview of the best crypto exchanges in Europe
Feel free to refer to this table if you need a nudge in the right direction!
The Legal Status of Crypto in Europe
Anyone who’s been in the crypto scene long enough has no doubt heard a number of legal scandals and controversies surrounding the status of crypto exchanges or cryptocurrency as a whole. Europe, in particular, has had a fraught relationship with crypto so far. One of the main obstacles for any platform that’s trying to position itself as the best crypto exchange in Europe is navigating this legal minefield.
Between 2013 and 2022, various central EU authorities were trying to assess the risks that cryptocurrency posed to the local markets and decide how to classify cryptocurrency in the first place, but the resulting recommendations still remained vague.[1] In 2014, the European Banking Authority (EBA) advised European banks not to deal in “virtual currencies” (including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin) because their lack of regulation made them too risky.
At the same time, though, the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) ruled that crypto should be exempt from VAT, which, for all intents and purposes, legitimized it as an actual currency instead of a financial asset. However, some crypto-related activities like mining are still subject to VAT, and businesses that accept crypto payments have to apply VAT based on the value of goods or services.
Other than that, every European country has established its own rules on crypto taxation. Most countries impose capital gains tax (CGT) on crypto when it’s sold or traded for profit. Some countries like Denmark have opted for some of the highest crypto CGT in the world (42%) while others, like Bulgaria (10%), Hungary (15%), and Malta (0-5%) lie on the other end of the spectrum.
In contrast, staking rewards, mining, and airdrops are classified as taxable income rather than capital gains. Companies that trade or invest in crypto must declare gains as taxable income and are subject to corporate crypto tax, too.
It wasn’t until 2023 that the most ambitious attempt to come up with a unified crypto regulatory framework finally took place. On May 31, the European Parliament passed the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), as part of the European Commission’s broader Digital Finance Strategy.
One of the most revolutionary changes introduced by MiCA was doing away with the requirement of national permits for crypto exchanges and other blockchain-based businesses. Once authorized in their country of registration, they’ll be able to operate in all of the EU.
Crypto-asset service providers will also be required to implement anti-money laundering (AML) policies and various other regulations to help prevent market abuse. Overall, this new framework succeeded in creating a more unified market and adding some much-needed compliance clarity.[2]
📚 Check Out: 10 Most Crypto-Friendly Countries
Key Factors for Choosing the Best Crypto Exchange in Europe
Now that I’ve shown you the best crypto exchanges in Europe, it’s up to you to make your final choice! I’ve already emphasized the importance of factors like regional licenses and fiat trading or deposit options, but these are just the tip of the iceberg. At the end of the day, there are other major considerations to take into account:
- Robust Security. Make sure the exchange employs standard security measures like KYC, 2FA, and cold asset storage. Some exchanges like Binance go the extra mile by offering a user insurance fund meant to compensate the clients after unforeseen system-wide losses.
- Low Fees. If you’re a frequent trader, prioritize platforms with affordable trading fees and a tiered system that rewards high-volume traders with fee discounts.
- User Friendliness. If you’re a beginner, look for exchanges that have an intuitive interface. A fully-featured mobile app is indispensable for most users, too.
- Adequate Customer Support. There’s nothing more frustrating than running into an issue and getting stuck with no help coming your way. Check if the exchange’s customer support team has a good track record at handling common issues like withdrawal delays.
- User Feedback. To continue from my previous point, make sure the exchange has a positive overall reputation. That said, if it has a ton of reviews and a decent average score, I’d recommend not paying too much attention to 1-star reviews or suspiciously uniform-looking 5-star reviews, since they’re likely to be fake.
As usual, try to exercise common sense and don’t be afraid to shop around for a better option.
Conclusions
As the popularity of crypto is growing, many traders have come to recognize the benefits of localization. The best crypto exchanges in Europe are conscious of this demand and offer various perks like a larger selection of fiat currencies for trading or depositing funds, or a choice of local online payment methods.
However, a lot of crypto trading platforms have faced regulatory issues in Europe. The new MiCA framework should reduce the friction of having to comply with too many differing regulations from different European countries.
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. Ferreira A., Sandner P.: 'EU search for regulatory answers to crypto assets and their place in the financial markets’ infrastructure';
2. Mkrtchyan G., Treiblmaier H.: 'Business Implications and Theoretical Integration of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation'.