We’ve gathered the best UK crypto exchanges in 2025. With the cryptocurrency economy booming and expected to grow by 15.6% to £12.1bn by 2026, the UK market is poised for significant expansion. This guide will explore the strengths and weaknesses of leading crypto exchanges in the UK, helping you, the crypto investor, to decide where to trade (and grow) your digital assets.
Do not invest unless you are prepared to lose the entire amount you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two minutes to learn more.
The best crypto exchanges UK – A quick look
- eToro: The platform offers a user-friendly interface with innovative social features. It also offers copy trading and Smart Portfolios to its clients.
- Kraken: It stands out for balancing simplicity and advanced features. Despite some UK restrictions, it remains a preferred platform for secure and straightforward cryptocurrency trading, particularly for those dealing with GBP.
- Bitget: An established crypto exchange that only recently resumed its UK operations. The exchange offers multiple markets, copy trading, P2P market, native crypto wallet, and more.
- Coinbase: For those prioritizing security and regulation, Coinbase is a leading platform and one of our favorites because its particularly well-suited for UK users who want a safe and straightforward trading experience.
- MEXC: For traders seeking versatility, MEXC stands out with its extensive spot and futures trading capabilities. It’s a solid choice for those needing reliable trade execution and a broad range of assets.
- Margex: The exchange offers leverage trading for multiple crypto pairs, which may appeal to those who seek to leverage their positions.
- KuCoin: KuCoin provides a broad variety of sophisticated trading tools for altcoin enthusiasts. The platform is well-suited for experienced traders seeking in-depth market engagement.
- KCEX: For margin traders, KCEX offers high leverage and precise trading tools. Combined with low withdrawal fees, it’s a strong option for those seeking advanced strategies.
- Crypto.com: Its fee structure rewards high-volume traders, and its tax tool simplifies financial management
Reviewing the best UK crypto exchanges
This section reviews the leading UK crypto exchanges, focusing on their distinctive features, trading tools, and overall performance.
1. eToro: A reputable platform for trading digital currencies
eToro offers access to multiple asset classes, with CopyTrader and curated Smart Portfolios that use machine learning to adjust allocations. In the UK, eToro (UK) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 583263), and eToro Money UK Ltd is an authorised Electronic Money Institution (FRN 900203).
Since 8 Oct 2023, its UK site and onboarding follow the FCA’s crypto financial-promotion rules, including risk warnings, client categorisation, and a cooling-off period for new users.
From 24 Mar 2025, UK clients can transfer crypto held elsewhere into the eToro Crypto Wallet and convert to cash to invest across asset classes on eToro. The eToro Money GBP account also supports fast local bank transfers and card spend from the UK app. And for brand presence in the market, eToro is Nottingham Forest’s Official Trading Partner for the 2025/26 season across the men’s and women’s teams.
Overview of eToro
eToro provides a secure, user-friendly platform for crypto trading, with the option to copy proven traders’ portfolios—useful if you want to track market trends without deep expertise. Crypto coverage remains narrower than on specialist exchanges.
Staking isn’t available to UK users who registered on or after February 8, 2022, and crypto positions in copy trading may not activate due to UK regulations. The UK government exempted staking from collective investment scheme treatment from 31 January 2025, though the impact on eToro’s UK staking policy is unconfirmed.
Despite these limits, eToro remains a credible option for UK investors who want a regulated venue with social trading tools, plus the new inbound wallet transfers (live from 24 Mar 2025) that add flexibility.
Pros
- Simple app and clear pricing
- Copy Trading and Smart Portfolios
- Fast Bank Transfer and debit cards
- Strong fiat on-ramp for beginners
- Multi-asset platform beyond crypto
Cons
- Higher 1% trading commission
- Smaller coin list than crypto-native rivals
- No staking for UK users registered post-Feb 2022
eToro (UK) coins, fees, payment methods & FCA status
| Cryptocurrencies | 130+ |
| Payment methods | Bank transfer / “Fast Bank Transfer” via eToro Money; debit card |
| Trading fees | Flat 1% buy + 1% sell included in spread |
| Customer service | Help centre articles, chatbot & live support via web/app |
| KYC required? | Yes |
| FCA regulation | ✅ Yes, Fully regulated |
‘Your capital is at risk.’
Disclaimer: eToro is a multi-asset platform that offers both investing in stocks and crypto-assets, as well as trading CFDs.
Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down.
eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication, which has been prepared by our partner utilizing publicly available non-entity specific information about 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.
2. Kraken: Best for advanced traders
Kraken prides itself on robust security, an excellent reputation, and extensive services for UK clients. In Feb–Mar 2025, Payward Services Ltd (Kraken) secured FCA Electronic Money Institution authorisation (FRN 1010381), enabling issuance of e-money and strengthening GBP deposit and withdrawal options. GBP funding is supported via Faster Payments through providers such as Clear Junction and Banking Circle.
Established in 2011, Kraken serves over 10 million clients globally, handles more than $200 billion in quarterly trading volume, and has facilitated over $800 million in client rewards. Those rewards apply globally; in the UK, Opt-in Rewards are unavailable. UK residents must also complete an investor/appropriateness questionnaire to access services under the FCA promotions regime.
And if you’re a professional client, Kraken’s UK MTF structure offers regulated derivatives access. But UK retail clients can’t trade crypto derivatives on Kraken. For spot trading, UK users still get deep liquidity, strong security, and native GBP rails.
Overview of Kraken
Kraken targets advanced users with pro-grade tools. You get spot markets with robust order types, OTC for high-net-worth and institutional flows, and portfolio tools that suit active strategies. And while Kraken offers staking features globally, UK residents can’t use Opt-in Rewards due to local rules.
You can fund in GBP via Faster Payments for quick settlement and move between markets without needless friction. And before you trade, you’ll complete the FCA-mandated appropriateness flow, which helps align product access with your experience.
For professional clients, the UK MTF enables the trading of regulated derivatives; retail users, however, remain limited to spot transactions. With a broad range of assets and reliable GBP rails, Kraken works for quick buys and advanced execution, though many UK traders keep larger balances in cold storage and use the exchange for liquidity when they plan to sell.
Pros
- Advanced order types and Kraken Pro
- GBP Faster Payments support
- Strong security track record
- Margin and futures for pros
- Clear tiered fee schedule
Cons
- Interface feels dense to new users
- Fewer small-cap listings than Asia exchanges
- Fee discounts require volume
Kraken (UK) coins, fees, payment methods & FCA status
| Cryptocurrencies | 200+ |
| Payment methods | GBP Faster Payments (via Banking Circle / Plaid “Easy Bank Transfer”), PayPal deposits, CHAPS/SWIFT |
| Trading fees | Maker/taker fees (waived for Kraken+ up to £10k/month), small-convert 3% |
| Customer service | 24/7 ticket support, help centre, phone support in UK/EU |
| FCA regulation | ✅ Yes, Crypto + e‑money licences |
3. Bitget: Expanding at a rapid pace, BNB meme coins enhanced
Bitget resumed operations in the United Kingdom on 12 November 2024 after pausing new UK onboarding in May 2024 to align with the FCA’s financial promotions regime.
Financial promotions for Bitget’s UK website and app are approved by FCA-authorised firm Archax (authorised since 2020). The relaunched UK site highlights access to 150+ tokens, and GBP deposits and withdrawals are supported via Faster Payments once KYC is completed.
Overview of Bitget
Bitget offers trading in over 1,000 cryptocurrencies across spot, margin, and futures. Crypto futures can be settled in USDT, USDC, or in coin-margined contracts (Coin-M).
As automated trading gains traction, Bitget provides a range of trading bots for both spot and futures. Copy trading lets you mirror top traders or top-performing bots across spot and futures; if you want to lead, you must first complete a qualifying challenge.
Bitget also includes a native decentralised Web3 wallet, crypto loans, yield-bearing programs, an NFT marketplace, a P2P market, and more.
A distinctive feature is Bitget Pre-Market, an OTC venue for buying and selling tokens not yet available for spot trading. Recent examples include ANLG, PLUME, and VERTUS.
Overall, Bitget provides access to multiple markets and advanced features that cater to a wide spectrum of traders and investors.
Pros
- Competitive spot and futures fees
- Copy trading at scale
- Many automation and bot tools
- Wide derivatives selection
- Frequent liquidity campaigns
Cons
- UK product set narrower than global
- GBP rails not always consistent
- Learning curve for new traders
Bitget (UK) coins, fees, payment methods & FCA status
| Cryptocurrencies | 150+ |
| Payment methods | GBP bank transfers (Faster Payments) where enabled; bank card; P2P; third-party channels |
| Trading fees | Generally ~0.10% maker / 0.15% taker |
| Customer service | Live chat, email support, FAQ |
| FCA regulation | ⚠️ Yes, Relaunched mid‑2024 |
4. Coinbase: The top choice for institutional traders
Coinbase is one of the top cryptocurrency exchanges in the UK, thanks to its user-friendly interface, strong reputation, and solid regulatory foundation. In February 2025, Coinbase’s UK entity, CB Payments Ltd, secured FCA cryptoasset (VASP) registration, expanding permissions to offer both crypto and fiat services locally. And to meet the UK financial promotions regime, Coinbase uses FCA-authorised firm Archax to approve promotions seen by UK users.
Coinbase Prime comes with institutional-grade custody and execution. Large institutions use it. In February 2025, World Liberty Financial transferred a portfolio comprising approximately 73,783 ETH and other assets, valued at around $307 million, to Coinbase Prime. New UK users also face FCA-mandated appropriateness checks and a 24-hour cooling-off period before first trading.
From a regulatory lens, the FCA fined CB Payments Ltd £3.5m in July 2024 over financial crime control failings; Coinbase states it has enhanced controls since.
Overview of Coinbase
The platform excels in ease of use across desktop and mobile. For deeper tools and lower fees, Coinbase Advanced caters to active traders. And for funding, UK customers can deposit and withdraw GBP via Faster Payments.
Coinbase operates under FCA oversight. CB Payments Ltd is an authorised Electronic Money Institution and, since February 2025, appears on the FCA cryptoasset register; this combination supports fiat rails, promotions compliance, and consumer protections expected in the UK market. Coinbase’s HMRC tax reporting practices further support UK users.
Pros
- Very easy onboarding and UX
- Easy Bank Transfer for GBP
- Coinbase Advanced lowers fees
- Deep education and help content
- Strong institutional custody offering
Cons
- Retail fees higher without Advanced
- Fewer long-tail coins than peers
- Limited advanced derivatives in UK
Coinbase (UK) coins, fees, payment methods & FCA status
| Cryptocurrencies | 300+ |
| Payment methods | Easy Bank Transfer (Open Banking) to GBP balance; Faster Payments withdrawals; debit card, Apple Pay / Google Pay; instant cash-out via Visa/Mastercard. |
| Trading fees | ~1.49%–3.99% spread + flat fee tiers (typically ~1–3%) |
| Customer service | FAQ centre, email & chat support (phone in select cases) |
| FCA regulation | ✅ Yes, VASP‑registered |
5. MEXC: Best for versatile trading options
MEXC has made it onto the list of the best crypto exchanges in the UK due to its extensive features and listings. The platform offers a broad range of cryptocurrencies, including emerging tokens, which helps you diversify while keeping fees low for active trading. Its high-performance engine supports quick execution for frequent traders.
That said, UK regulatory status and fiat access are important considerations. The Financial Conduct Authority lists MEXC Global Ltd as unauthorised and warns UK consumers to avoid dealing with the firm.
UK-facing GBP banking has also tightened: MEXC terminated GBP-related “Global Bank Transfer” services from July 2023, so fiat options remain limited relative to regulated rivals. If you prioritise deep coin access and low trading costs, MEXC remains compelling, but weigh these UK-specific constraints.
Overview of MEXC
This Seychelles-registered exchange is known for early access to new coins, allowing you to enter projects before they reach mainstream venues. Security features include strong account protections and two-factor authentication. But because MEXC lacks FCA authorisation and has constrained GBP rails, UK users should factor that into their decision, alongside its competitive fees and trading too
Pros
- Very large global coin catalog
- Low base fees with tiers
- Deep perpetuals offering
- Liquidity often strong on alts
- Frequent promotions and listings
Cons
- UK-specific coin availability varies
- Direct GBP bank transfers limited
- Complex interface for newcomers
MEXC (UK) coins, fees, payment methods & FCA status
| Cryptocurrencies | ~ 2,000+ (spot only, UK) |
| Payment methods | Card purchases and P2P supported; prior notice ended direct GBP bank transfer in 2023 |
| Trading fees | ~0.2% maker / 0.2% taker |
| Customer service | Email, Telegram, FAQs (no UK-local support) |
| FCA regulation | ❌ Not regulated, derivatives restricted |
6. Margex: High-leverage trading for UK traders
Margex offers competitive terms for traders seeking high leverage and advanced trading features.
The platform offers leverage of up to 100x on a range of cryptocurrency trading pairs. While leverage can be attractive, it requires great trading experience, as over-leveraging your trades may result in hefty losses.
Overview of Margex
In addition to high leverage, Margex is known for its competitive fees, which can make a big difference for active traders who prioritize minimizing costs. The platform also offers innovative features, including copy trading, which allows users to mirror the trades of top traders automatically.
Another key highlight of Margex is its focus on derivatives, specifically perpetual swaps. These allow continuous trading without expiration dates, making them appealing to traders who prefer long-term positions.
The platform also offers advanced tools such as stop-loss and take-profit orders, margin trading, and leverage adjustments, giving traders greater control over their trades.
Pros
- Derivatives-focused, clean layout
- Straightforward margin controls
- Crypto deposits are fast
- Transparent funding and fees
- Good tutorials for beginners
Cons
- No broad spot market depth
- Limited fiat on- and off-ramps
- Smaller ecosystem than top-tier venues
Margex (UK) coins, fees, payment methods & FCA status
| Cryptocurrencies | ~ 8–10 major pairs |
| Payment methods | Crypto deposits; buy via card through partners (Changelly/ChangeNOW). No direct bank withdrawals (use third-party off-ramps) |
| Trading fees | ~ 0.019% maker / 0.060% taker (leveraged derivative fees) |
| Customer service | Live chat, email, Telegram |
| FCA regulation | ❌ Not regulated, UK access, limited clarity |
7. KuCoin: Best for Altcoin Variety & Trading Tools
KuCoin offers access to 800+ cryptocurrencies. The exchange launched KuCoin Pay, a payment tool that lets you spend your KuCoin balance with QR codes or via the app. The settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice has also cleared a major overhang for the platform and its executives.
For UK users, note two points. The Financial Conduct Authority added KuCoin to its Warning List on 8 Oct 2023 for promoting services without authorisation.
And while KuCoin previously announced Faster Payments Service support for GBP deposits in 2023, it later suspended GBP Faster Payments withdrawals and several GBP trading pairs for maintenance in April 2024. These changes mean GBP rails may be more limited than on regulated rivals.
Overview of KuCoin
KuCoin’s Launchpad gives access to early-stage token sales. You also get margin and futures trading plus staking, which helps advanced users layer strategies. The fee schedule rewards higher volumes with tiered discounts. Its mobile app is polished and supports trading on the move.
KuCoin supports 70+ deposit methods and 50+ currencies worldwide. But the interface can feel complex for beginners, and it lacks native demo or copy trading. UK traders should factor in the FCA warning and the recent GBP service suspensions when planning funding and withdrawals.
Pros
- Large selection of altcoins
- P2P market plus card buys
- Tiered fees with token discounts
- Grid bots and automation tools
- Frequent listings and campaigns
Cons
- GBP rails can be intermittent
- Smaller pairs have variable liquidity
- Support queues can take time
KuCoin (UK) coins, fees, payment methods & FCA status
| Cryptocurrencies | ~ 700+ |
| Payment methods | GBP deposits via Faster Payments (service has had maintenance pauses); card (Visa/Mastercard); P2P |
| Trading fees | ~ 0.1% maker / 0.1% taker (lower with KuCoin token) |
| Customer service | 24/7 live chat, help centre articles |
| FCA regulation | ❌ No, FCA warning |
8. KCEX: Low withdrawal fees for UK’s discount buyers
KCEX has secured a spot on this list for its innovative features, diverse offerings, and appeal to advanced traders. A key strength is its early listing of emerging cryptocurrencies, giving users the opportunity to invest in high-potential projects before they gain mainstream attention.
The platform integrates with the DeFi ecosystem, providing access to tools like lending and borrowing while also offering staking and yield farming opportunities to generate passive income.
Overview of KCEX
Established during the 2021 bull run and headquartered in Seychelles, KCEX boasts an impressive range of supported cryptocurrencies, spanning L1, L2, BRC-20, Base, AI, DeFi, and GameFi. The platform’s unique focus on Solana meme coins further distinguishes it.
With advanced features like Automatic Deleveraging Systems (ADL), KCEX ensures precision and risk management for both novice and seasoned traders. Its integration with TradingView equips users with real-time data and cutting-edge charting tools.
However, KCEX’s unregulated status under the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) raises important considerations. UK users face limited investor protections, such as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), and may encounter challenges in dispute resolution.
Pros
- Very low advertised trading fees
- Simple spot and futures layout
- Fast crypto deposits and withdrawals
- Aggressive maker incentives
- Lightweight KYC for small limits
Cons
- Limited brand track record
- UK fiat options not clearly published
- Smaller coin list than leaders
KCEX (UK) coins, fees, payment methods & FCA status
| Cryptocurrencies | ~ 500–800+ |
| Payment methods | KCEX doesn’t publish a UK rail list; likely card + crypto deposits; no source confirming GBP FPS |
| Trading fees | ~ 0.10%–0.20% maker/taker |
| Customer service | Support via email, Telegram |
| FCA regulation | ❌ No, Accessible but unauthorised |
9. Crypto.com: Best for multi-service cryptocurrency solutions
One of the standout offerings is the Crypto.com Visa Card, which lets you spend crypto in real-world transactions, bridging digital and traditional finance.
That utility sits alongside a clear UK compliance posture. FORIS DAX UK Ltd (Crypto.com) is registered with the FCA for certain cryptoasset activities and also holds UK Electronic Money Institution authorisation.
UK users can add and withdraw GBP via Faster Payments in both the App and the Exchange, with defined limits and fees. In line with local rules, Crypto.com does not offer crypto derivatives or interest-yield products to UK retail customers.
The popular Crypto Earn program has been wound down in several regions and is not available in the UK, though CRO staking still unlocks exchange and card benefits.
The company’s leadership frequently highlights the UK’s “crypto hub” ambition, and Crypto.com has positioned itself to participate in that ecosystem.
Overview of Crypto.com
Aggressive marketing and high-profile sponsorships, including Formula 1 and the Los Angeles Lakers, have boosted visibility and user growth.
Crypto.com’s native token, CRO, provides tiered perks for stakers across the exchange and card program.
The platform lists 350+ cryptocurrencies and 580+ trading pairs, offering broad market access. GBP trading pairs are not currently available, but UK customers can still fund and withdraw in GBP via Faster Payments.
Advanced users get margin, futures, and other pro tools where permitted, while UK retail users remain restricted from derivatives and interest products under local regulation.
Pros
- App lists 400+ cryptos globally
- GBP Faster Payments on App
- Crypto.com Visa Card for spending
- Earn and card perks ecosystem
- Clear tiered fees with CRO discounts
Cons
- Instant buy costs more than exchange
- Features vary by region
- Exchange interface suits experienced users
Crypto.com (UK) coins, fees, payment methods & FCA status
| Cryptocurrencies | ~400 |
| Payment methods | GBP bank transfer via Faster Payments, “zero-fee” GBP deposits on App; cards also available |
| Trading fees | ~ 0.40%–0.10% (maker/taker with tiering); card purchases ~2.99% |
| Customer service | Live chat, email support, extensive Help Centre |
| FCA regulation | ✅ Yes, FCA-registered VASP |
Comparing the top UK crypto exchanges
| Exchange | Fees (spot unless noted) | No. of cryptos (UK availability) | UK funding methods |
| eToro | 1% per buy and 1% per sell (commission) | Over 130 cryptoassets available on eToro (as of Q1 2025 report). | Bank transfer / “Fast Bank Transfer” via eToro Money; debit card. |
| Kraken | Kraken Pro maker 0.16% / taker 0.26% (base tier) | 200+ cryptocurrencies | GBP Faster Payments (via Banking Circle / Plaid “Easy Bank Transfer”), PayPal deposits, CHAPS/SWIFT. |
| Bitget | Spot maker 0.10% / taker 0.10% (BGB discount to 0.08%). Futures maker 0.02% / taker 0.06% | 150+ tokens tradable for UK users | GBP bank transfers (Faster Payments) where enabled; bank card; P2P; third-party channels. |
| Coinbase | Coinbase Advanced maker ≤0.40% / taker ≤0.60% (tiered) | Coinbase doesn’t publish a UK-specific asset count; availability varies by region | Easy Bank Transfer (Open Banking) to GBP balance; Faster Payments withdrawals; debit card, Apple Pay / Google Pay; instant cash-out via Visa/Mastercard. |
| MEXC (UK access) | Fee page not UK-specific; base spot fees vary by tier | UK-specific count not published. Globally “1700+ assets” listed. Actual UK availability can differ. | Card purchases and P2P supported; prior notice ended direct GBP bank transfer in 2023 (no confirmed reinstatement). |
| Margex | Primarily derivatives; public spot fee schedule not UK-specific. | Not a broad spot market; pairs focus on perps. Count not published for UK. | Crypto deposits; buy via card through partners (Changelly/ChangeNOW). No direct bank withdrawals (use third-party off-ramps). |
| KuCoin | Spot maker/taker fees are tiered (see schedule) | 700+ coins supported globally; UK availability may vary. | GBP deposits via Faster Payments (service has had maintenance pauses); card (Visa/Mastercard); P2P. |
| KCEX | Spot: 0% (advertised). Futures: maker 0% / taker 0.01% | UK-specific coin count not published. | KCEX doesn’t publish a UK rail list; likely card + crypto deposits; no source confirming GBP FPS. |
| Crypto.com | Exchange base: maker 0.075% / taker 0.075% (tiered; CRO stake discounts) | UK App: “Buy BTC, ETH and over 400 cryptocurrencies.” | GBP bank transfer via Faster Payments, “zero-fee” GBP deposits on App; cards also available. |
What UK banks to consider when using crypto exchanges?
Barclays remains the most crypto-friendly traditional bank in the UK. Customers can deposit funds to FCA-approved crypto exchanges with standard daily limits.
Nationwide, HSBC and Natwest are also relatively crypto-friendly, permitting transfers to most exchanges with daily limits per account.
Among challenger banks, Monzo stands out as very crypto-friendly, enabling customers to use various exchanges, though with some restrictions.
UK crypto exchanges must report user data starting 2026
Starting January 2026, all UK-based crypto platforms will be required to share user data with HMRC — exchanges, brokers, and wallet providers must collect details like full names, wallet addresses, country of residence, and a full breakdown of crypto transactions. The rule only applies to users who live in the UK or countries that follow the OECD’s new Cryptoasset Reporting Framework (CARF).
The first report—covering all 2026 activity—is due May 31, 2027. Firms with no qualifying users won’t have to file.
But skip it, and you risk a £300 penalty per user.
This is just one piece of a broader plan. The UK is moving fast to bring crypto under traditional financial rules. New amendments to the Financial Services and Markets Act will push crypto firms under FCA oversight—with licensing, standards, and investor protections baked in.
How We Rate Cryptocurrency Exchanges
We manually review the crypto exchanges on our list. Below are the key metrics we check before listing a crypto exchange on the website. For further details, you can also take a look at our cryptocurrency exchanges rating guide, featured on ValueWalk.
Fee structure
Deposit methods
Regulations
Customer support
Digital assets & liquidity
FAQs
What crypto exchange is the best for UK residents?
Do all crypto exchanges support UK-based clients?
How much money do I need to open an account on an exchange?
Who is regulating UK crypto exchanges?
References
eToro to stop providing new UK clients with staking rewards | FX News Group
Crypto to Cash: eToro Wallet now supports transfers in (UK rollout) | eToro Newsroom
Kraken gets FCA approval for e-money business | Financial News (Dow Jones)
Bitget Relaunches in the UK with Archax Approval for Financial Promotions | Bitget Blog
Coinbase UK unit fined for breaching financial crime requirements | Reuters
