Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK That Accept GBP

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Last updated: 

December 5, 2025

Crypto exchanges in the UK provide a gateway for investors to buy, sell, and trade digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, often with direct support for GBP transactions.

The best crypto exchanges in the UK are Best Wallet, Kraken, and Coinbase, as each accepts seamless GBP deposits and withdrawals, which is becoming increasingly difficult to find as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) continues to tighten crypto regulation.

We rigorously tested over 40 providers, focusing on key criteria like availability to UK users, GBP deposits and withdrawals, robust security measures, and comprehensive trading features like spot markets, futures, and staking. Only 13 exchanges met our high standards, earning a place on our shortlist.

The Top 13 UK Bitcoin Exchanges Reviewed

Many UK crypto trading platforms still operate without regulatory approval. To choose the best crypto exchange in the UK, investors should make it a priority to assess the safety of their funds.

Additionally, UK investors should explore which cryptocurrencies the exchange supports and the fees it charges. Below, we cover these important metrics and more through comprehensive UK crypto exchange reviews.

1. Best Wallet – Overall Best Decentralized Exchange in the UK

Best Wallet is a non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet that features its own decentralized exchange, the Best DEX. We’ve picked it as the #1 cryptocurrency exchange in the UK as it requires no KYC while signing up, gives you access to over 1,000 tokens across 60+ chains, and provides unique trading insights and fee discounts.

Instead of charging a fixed fee, Best DEX generates gas fees based on the currency liquidity pools. Furthermore, you can lower your fees by holding $BEST, which is the platform’s native coin. We also love the Token Analytics feature, which lets you analyze each asset’s live market cap, trading volume, and all-time highs and provides a community section where users can vote on the project’s authenticity and leave written feedback.

In the near future, Best DEX will also feature real-time market updates through its market insights section. The team is also working on a TradingView integration. Thus, the low-cost trades, advanced market data features, and no-KYC accounts make Best Wallet a top exchange in the UK.

2. Kraken — Top Crypto Exchange With Zero Fees on GBP Bank Transfers

Kraken is an established provider and one of the best crypto exchanges in the UK. It was founded in 2011 and has been offering crypto services since 2013. UK investors can open an account with Kraken in a matter of minutes and proceed to make a deposit with a UK bank transfer. This will not attract any deposit fees.

The other option is the make a debit/credit card payment to buy crypto instantly. This will attract a fee of 3.75%, plus 25p. In total, Kraken offers access to more than 470 cryptocurrencies. There is a spot trading fee of 0% to 0.4% when exchanging coins on the Kraken Pro suite. This comes with advanced charting tools and technical indicators.

Although Kraken is considered safe, this crypto exchange doesn’t offer its own proprietary wallet. Therefore, UK investors should consider withdrawing their coins from the Kraken exchange after completing their purchase. Those looking to improve their crypto trading knowledge will find the free Kraken educational department valuable.

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. Coinbase — Best Crypto Exchange in the UK for Beginners

Established in 2012, Coinbase has grown into a global powerhouse, serving users in over 100 countries and granting access to a vast array of cryptocurrencies. Its platform mirrors the simplicity of online banking apps, ensuring that even those with minimal technical expertise can navigate it effortlessly.

With a straightforward interface, robust security measures, and a plethora of educational resources, Coinbase is very accessible for beginner traders. In addition, that platform offers an equally beginner-friendly non-custodial wallet that gives you access to the world of Web3 and DeFi

Moreover, Coinbase prioritizes security, offering features such as FDIC insurance for USD balances, digital fund insurance, two-factor authentication, and IP address whitelisting. The latter means that when an account holder logs in from an unrecognized IP address, Coinbase will execute an additional security check. Additionally, 98% of client digital assets are kept offline in cold storage wallets.

4. eToro — Best for Copy Trading & Idea Generation

eToro is our top UK crypto exchange pick for investors who want to earn passive income without having to constantly enter and exit trades or manage their portfolios on their own. It gives you access to more than 80 cryptocurrencies and offers various automated features to help you grow your account with the help of professional traders and investors

First on our list is the exchange’s Smart Portfolio feature. This offers access to dozens of crypto assets through a single investment, which is professionally managed by eToro. This means that investors in the UK can earn on their crypto passively, as the Smart Portfolio will be re-weighted and re-balanced regularly. The minimum Smart Portfolio investment at eToro is $500.

Another option is the eToro CopyTrader tool. It automatically replicates the trades of experienced investors, enabling you to follow their strategies and potentially achieve similar investment outcomes. For example, by investing capital into an experienced crypto trader, any buy or sell positions that they enter on eToro will be copied over to your portfolio. The minimum investment per trade with the CopyTrader tool is $200.

Cryptocurrency offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk.

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.

5. Margex — Best Exchange with No KYC Verification

Margex stands out as one of the best crypto exchanges in the UK with its strong focus on privacy and streamlined user experience, eliminating the need for Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. It offers a simplified sign-up process that allows you to dive into derivatives trading without the usual verification hurdles, making it an attractive platform for those who prioritize anonymity and speed.

As a platform specializing in futures trading, Margex supports leverage ranging from 5x to 100x on 55+ coins. This flexibility lets you amplify your trading strategies according to their risk tolerance and market outlook. In addition, it distinguishes itself with the MP Shield AI system, designed to protect users from price manipulation and ensure fair trading conditions. With liquidity provided by twelve different sources, Margex ensures high liquidity, facilitating efficient trade execution without significant price slippage.

Despite its unregulated status, the exchange doesn’t compromise on security. It employs industry-standard security measures, including two-factor authentication (2FA) and cold storage wallets, to safeguard users’ funds.

6. MEXC — Top UK Crypto Platform for 0% Spot Fees

MEXC stands tall as one of the best crypto exchanges in the UK, thanks to its 0% maker (limit order) fees and competitive taker (market order) fees of 0.05%, which rank it among the most cost-effective options on our list.

Apart from its low maker and taker fees, one of the most striking aspects of MEXC is its extensive range of supported cryptocurrencies. With more than 2,900 options available, UK users can trade a wide array of assets ranging from large-cap cryptos, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, to niche coins and projects like Berachain, Grass, and Vine Coin.

Security takes center stage at MEXC, managing over $500 million worth of crypto deposits through its cold storage option. Advanced security measures such as 2FA protocols, KYC processes, and an anti-DDoS system secure the platform against potential threats.

7. Binance — Best for Trading Volume and Liquidity

As the world’s largest exchange, Binance stands out as an excellent option for high-volume UK crypto traders. The platform offers the best liquidity in the business, meaning you can execute large trades nearly instantly without impacting the traded asset’s price.

In addition, Binance offers a 25% fee reduction for those holding BNB. This is the native coin of the Binance ecosystem. Moreover, depositing funds into a Binance account via a UK bank transfer costs just $1. GBP debit and credit card payments are supported, but you’ll be charged 1% in transaction fees.

Binance is also a solid option for UK users who need a wide variety of supported coins. The exchange offers access to over 480 cryptos across a wide variety of categories, such as RWA, gaming, meme coins, and more. There’s also a conversion feature that lets you swap coins at the click of a button without incurring additional fees.

8. Bybit — Best for Advanced Traders & Low Cap Coins

Bybit stands out for its fast trade executions, advanced trading features, and stringent security protocols, making it a top choice for advanced traders in the UK looking for an efficient and secure trading environment.

The platform’s interface, whether on web or mobile, is designed with intuitiveness in mind, although it’s particularly geared towards seasoned traders. This is largely due to the integration of advanced TradingView charts and a focus on perpetual futures products, which are tools that can be complex for novices but are invaluable for experienced traders aiming to conduct in-depth technical analysis or engage in high-level trading strategies.

Security measures at Bybit are robust, featuring a dual wallet mechanism that divides user funds between hot (online) and cold (offline) wallets. This design ensures that the bulk of assets are stored offline, minimizing the risk of cyberattacks and enhancing the safety of user investments.

9. PrimeXBT — Best for Derivatives Trading

PrimeXBT stands out in the UK crypto exchange landscape, especially for derivatives traders. Launched in 2018, PrimeXBT has quickly established itself as a premier platform for advanced traders, offering a vast array of financial instruments, including cryptocurrency CFDs, commodities, indices, and forex pairs.

One of PrimeXBT’s most notable features is its high leverage offerings. You can access up to 200x leverage on Bitcoin and Ethereum CFDs and up to 100x on other altcoins and indices. Additionally, PrimeXBT caters to a broad audience with its customizable platform, allowing you to tailor your trading interface to match your specific strategies and goals.

Its proprietary copy trading solution adds another layer of accessibility, particularly for beginners. This feature allows less experienced traders to mirror the strategies of seasoned investors, providing a practical learning tool and potentially accelerating their trading success.

10. KuCoin — Best Altcoin Exchange for Newly-Launched Coins

KuCoin is a global crypto exchange that accepts clients from the UK in addition to 200 other countries. This provider is perhaps the best crypto exchange in the UK for altcoins, with more than 930 cryptocurrencies. Kucoin is often the go-to place to invest in newly launched crypto assets that carry a small market capitalization.

The exchange also offers social trading features that enable users to share market insights and discuss potential trading opportunities. KuCoin users can trade via the exchange’s web trading suite or mobile app. The latter is free to download on both Android and iOS smartphones. Spot trading commissions operate on a maker-taker pricing model.

At KuCoin, spot trading fees stand at just 0.1% per slide. When holding and paying commissions in KuCoin’s native token, KCS, fees are reduced by 20%. KuCoin also offers crypto lending, interest account services, and NFTs.

11. Crypto.com — Trade 250+ Crypto Assets at 0.4% Commission

Crypto.com is one of the best crypto exchanges in the UK for active traders who want to minimize their trading costs, thanks to the exchange’s cost-effective fee structure. For example, the highest rate that UK investors will pay to trade is just 0.075% per slide. This means that buying $100 worth of crypto costs just 7.5p.

To get money into a newly created Crypto.com account, UK investors can transfer funds from a bank account without paying any deposit fees. Those in a rush might consider using a debit/credit card, which is processed instantly. However, this will attract a fee of 2.99% of the transaction amount.

It’s also possible to generate a yield on idle coins through the Crypto.com Earn platform. For example, by depositing crypto on a 3-month term, you can earn up to 14.5%. Shorter-term investors might opt for a flexible account, which, although yielding a lower interest rate, offers instant withdrawals.

12. Bitstamp — Best for Low-Volume Traders

Bitstamp is a popular crypto exchange that offers access to 100+ coins. Investors in the UK can trade via the Bitstamp website or mobile app, which is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. There are plenty of trading tools supported across both device types, including real-time crypto charts and technical indicators.

However, Bitstamp mainly caught our attention with its lack of commissions for trading volumes of under $1,000 per month. Anything traded above this figure within a 30-day period will attract a commission of 0.4%. After buying crypto at Bitstamp, you can store it on its built-in web/mobile wallet, as 95% of clients’ digital assets are kept in cold storage at all times.

When it comes to fees, deposits are free when transferring funds from a UK bank account. Debit and credit card payments, however, will attract an instant buy fee of 5%. As such, bank transfers, although slower to process, represent the better option.

13. HTX — Top Exchange for Technical Traders

HTX is one of the best crypto exchanges in the UK for traders who favor technical analysis. After choosing a suitable market across more than 700 supported coins, you’ll have access to a highly intuitive charting area. This can be customized to your liking in terms of timeframes, colors, and market depth.

There are also comprehensive order books updated in real-time in addition to drawing tools and technical indicators. Multiple order types are supported, too, including triggers, stop limits, and take-profits. HTX offers a competitive maker-taker pricing model, where the highest commission charged is just 0.2% per slide.

Although HTX isn’t FCA-regulated, its exchange is protected by a 20,000 BTC security fund. This is in place to cover account holders in the event the exchange is hacked. HTX traders are also protected by cold storage. The exchange supports UK debit/credit cards and bank account transfers for a smooth deposit and withdrawal process.

What is a Crypto Exchange?

Crypto exchanges are digital platforms that enable you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies by placing orders and matching them with other users. In short, they serve as intermediaries between buyers and sellers. You can also use them to exchange fiat for crypto, stake tokens, and trade futures and options.

Crypto exchanges use strict security measures to keep your funds safe, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), multi-signature wallets, and cold storage. Reputable platforms will also conduct regular security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities in their systems.

Different Types of Crypto Exchanges in the UK

There are two main types of crypto exchanges – centralized and decentralized. Centralized exchanges (CEXs) are regulated by a single entity and hold and protect your private keys instead of you. They offer high liquidity and usually comply with crypto regulations. The most popular CEXs in the UK are Coinbase, Binance, and eToro.

On the other hand, decentralized exchanges lack central authority, which means you’ll be in control of your private keys. DEXs use smart contracts to conduct peer-to-peer (P2P) trades, and they don’t require KYC verifications. Moreover, they often support crypto presales through Initial DEX Offerings (IDOs), which means you’ll be able to buy new tokens at discounted prices before they are listed on exchanges. Best Wallet is a prime example of a DEX that offers early access to new projects.

You’ll also find hybrid exchanges, such as Bybit and MEXC, that combine the features of both CEXs and DEXs. UK users may find DEXs and non-KYC exchanges, like Best Wallet and Margex, to be better options than CEXs, as they offer lower transaction fees and anonymity.

How Are Crypto Exchanges in the UK Regulated?

The crypto market in the UK is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). FCA’s main role is to ensure that crypto exchanges implement Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) policies.

The FCA recently announced that it plans to prohibit retail investors from buying crypto with borrowed funds (like credit cards) to overhaul supervision of the crypto market. However, this ban won’t apply to stablecoins issued by FCA-regulated companies.

Ministers also unveiled draft laws that would align the UK with the US, instead of the EU, when it comes to regulating crypto companies. Then, on December 3, 2025, the UK passed legislation that recognizes cryptocurrencies as personal property, giving them the same protections as traditional assets.

What Are The Limitations UK Crypto Exchanges Face?

Crypto exchanges in the UK face many limitations. On that note, they’re not allowed to offer derivatives trading, such as futures, options, and CFDs, and exchange-traded notes (ETNs). Namely, on Jan. 6, 2021, the FCA banned the sale of crypto-derivatives and ETNs to retail consumers to protect them from unexpected losses.

Another limitation that you should keep in mind is trading pairs. Compared to global crypto exchanges, UK exchanges offer fewer trading pairs, meaning they generally have a lower trading volume. Moreover, many UK banks won’t allow you to buy crypto using credit and debit cards. They may also block your transactions to and from crypto exchanges.

For example, to prevent crypto fraud, HSBC will limit your debit card payments to crypto exchanges to £2,500 per transaction and £10,000 per month. NatWest also implements debit card limits to crypto exchanges – £1,000 per day and £5,000 per month, as well as Santander – £1,000 per transaction and £3,000 per month.

Regarding taxes, your profits will be subject to Capital Gains Tax (if you make a profit by selling cryptocurrencies or trading) or income tax (if you make a profit through mining or staking). In other words, you’ll have to report your crypto tax to the HMRC.

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