Best Crypto Exchange in the UK (2025)
Last Updated: November 2025
Right now, eToro is one of the best crypto platforms for UK users. It's FCA-registered, beginner-friendly, and lets you buy Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies with GBP via bank transfer, debit card, or e-wallets.
Quick Guide:
- Sign up on an FCA-registered platform like eToro.
- Verify your identity (KYC).
- Deposit GBP via Faster Payments or Debit Card.
- Buy Crypto instantly and securely.
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.
My Top 6 Picks for the Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK
Here are my top picks for UK crypto investors:
Top Pick
Most Trusted
Advanced Trading
Comparison: Top 6 UK Crypto Exchanges
| Rank | Exchange | FCA Registered | Supported Assets | Mobile App | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | eToro | Yes | 75+ | Yes | Beginners |
| 2 | Coinbase | Yes | 200+ | Yes | Security |
| 3 | OKX | No | 350+ | Yes | Low Fees |
| 4 | CoinJar | No | 50+ | Yes | GBP Deposits |
| 5 | Best Wallet | No | 100+ | Yes | Storage |
| 6 | Uphold | Yes | 60+ | Yes | Multi-Asset |
Coinbase - Recent statistics indicate that Coinbase is the most popular cryptocurrency platform in the UK, with over 100,000 daily active users—ten times more than competitors like Crypto.com and eToro.
What do the Fee's Look Like?
After testing each platform for fees, security, usability, and GBP deposits, here's my full review:
| Rank | Exchange | Trading Fees | Deposit Fees | Withdrawal Fees | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | eToro | 1% Spread | Free (Bank Transfer) | £5 flat fee | £50 |
| 2 | Coinbase | 0.5% – 3.99% | Free (Bank Transfer) | Network fees + £0.15 | £2 |
| 3 | OKX | 0.08% Maker, 0.10% Taker | Free | Varies by coin | No minimum |
| 4 | CoinJar | 0.1% – 1% | Free (Bank Transfer) | Varies by method | £1 |
| 5 | Best Wallet | N/A (Wallet only) | N/A | Network fees only | No minimum |
| 6 | Uphold | 0.8% – 1.2% | Free (Bank Transfer) | Varies by method | £1 |
How Secure is Your Crypto on These Exchanges?
Security is one of the most critical factors when choosing a crypto exchange. Here's how the top platforms compare:
| Rank | Exchange | Cold Storage | Insurance Policy | 2FA Authentication | Recent Hacks? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| 2 | Coinbase | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| 3 | OKX | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| 4 | CoinJar | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| 5 | Best Wallet | Yes (100%) | No | Yes | No |
| 6 | Uphold | Yes | Partial | Yes | No |
Some exchanges, like eToro and Coinbase, offer insurance coverage for digital assets, providing extra security against cyber threats. However, platforms without FCA registration—such as OKX and CoinJar—lack insurance protection, meaning your funds may not be recoverable in case of a breach.
The Best Crypto Exchanges in the UK Ranked & Reviewed
eToro – Social Trading, FCA Registered, Best for Beginners
✓ Pros
- FCA-regulated – Fully compliant with UK financial regulations.
- Easy-to-use – Ideal for beginners with a user-friendly platform.
- Copy trading – Allows users to mirror successful traders.
✗ Cons
- Higher fees compared to other exchanges.
- Limited cryptocurrency selection.
- No insurance protection for crypto holdings.
- Trading Fees: 1% Spread
- Deposit Fees: Free (Bank Transfer), 0.5% (Credit Card)
- Withdrawal Fee: £5 flat fee
- Minimum Deposit: £50
- Inactivity Fee: £10 per month (after 12 months)
- FCA-regulated: Provides a secure and compliant trading experience.
- Cold storage: A large percentage of assets are stored offline.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Ensures added security for transactions.
eToro offers 75+ cryptocurrencies, including: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE).
Coinbase – Trusted, Easy-to-Use, Secure
✓ Pros
- Lowest trading fees – 0.08% maker, 0.10% taker (Advanced).
- Wide range of cryptocurrencies – Over 350+ coins available.
- Advanced trading tools – Supports futures, margin trading, and DeFi.
✗ Cons
- Not FCA-regulated (for some advanced features).
- No fiat insurance.
- Complex for beginners.
- Trading Fees: 0.5% – 3.99% (depends on payment method)
- Deposit Fees: Free (Bank Transfer)
- Withdrawal Fee: Network fees + £0.15
- Minimum Deposit: £2
- Inactivity Fee: None
- Not FCA-regulated: Operates under global compliance.
- Cold storage security: The majority of assets are stored offline.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security.
OKX offers 350+ cryptocurrencies, including: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Polygon (MATIC), Avalanche (AVAX), Cosmos (ATOM).
OKX – Low Fees, Advanced Trading, but Less Regulated
✓ Pros
- Lowest trading fees – 0.08% maker, 0.10% taker.
- Wide range of cryptocurrencies – Over 350+ coins.
- Advanced trading tools – Futures, margin trading.
✗ Cons
- Not FCA-regulated.
- No fiat insurance.
- Complex for beginners.
- Trading Fees: 0.08% Maker, 0.10% Taker
- Deposit Fees: Free
- Withdrawal Fee: Varies by coin (e.g., BTC: 0.0004 BTC)
- Minimum Deposit: No minimum
- Inactivity Fee: None
- Not FCA-regulated.
- Cold storage security.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA).
OKX offers 350+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Polygon (MATIC).
CoinJar – Best for GBP Deposits & Simple UI
✓ Pros
- Fast GBP deposits.
- Low fees.
- User-friendly interface.
✗ Cons
- Not FCA regulated (Australia).
- Limited crypto selection (50+).
- No advanced trading tools.
- Trading Fees: 0.1% – 1%
- Deposit Fees: Free (Bank Transfer)
- Withdrawal Fee: Varies
- Minimum Deposit: £1
- Not FCA-regulated.
- Cold storage.
- Basic security measures (2FA).
CoinJar offers 50+ cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Stellar, Chainlink.
Best Wallet – Most Secure for Crypto Storage
✓ Pros
- 100% Cold Storage
- Multi-signature security
- No hacking incidents.
✗ Cons
- No trading features.
- No fiat support.
- Requires technical knowledge.
- Trading Fees: N/A
- Withdrawal Fee: Network fees only
- 100% cold storage.
- Multi-signature authentication.
- Regular security audits.
Supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC, ADA.
Uphold – Multi-Asset Trading with Low Barriers
✓ Pros
- FCA Regulated.
- Supports multiple assets.
- Low minimum deposit.
✗ Cons
- Limited crypto selection.
- Fees can be confusing.
- No futures trading.
- Trading: 0.8% - 1.2%
- Deposit: Free (Bank), 3.99% (Card)
- FCA-regulated.
- Cold storage.
- Insurance protection.
Uphold offers around 60 cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, BAT.
Do I Need to Pay Tax on Crypto in the UK?
Yes, cryptocurrency gains in the UK are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT). If your total gains (from all assets, not just crypto) exceed the annual allowance, you must report and pay tax to HMRC.
| Crypto Gains | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to £3,000 (Allowance) | Tax-Free Allowance |
| £12,300 - £50,270 | 10% Capital Gains Tax (Basic Rate) |
| Over £50,270 | 20% Capital Gains Tax (Higher Rate) |
Note: The annual tax-free allowance for Capital Gains Tax was reduced to £3,000 from April 2024.
Exchanges like Coinbase and eToro provide automated tax reporting tools, making compliance easier. According to HMRC, failure to report crypto gains could result in penalties or legal consequences.
Additional Considerations for UK Crypto Investors
- Use FCA-Registered Exchanges: Platforms like eToro and Coinbase offer greater protection.
- Understand Crypto Taxes: Report gains over £12,300 to avoid fines from HMRC.
- Beware of Scams: Only use exchanges with strong security measures.
- Diversify Holdings: Avoid keeping all funds on one exchange—use a hardware wallet for long-term storage.
What Are the Different Types of Crypto Exchanges?
Crypto exchanges fall into three main categories: centralized exchanges (CEX), decentralized exchanges (DEX), and peer-to-peer platforms (P2P). UK users primarily use centralized exchanges like Coinbase and eToro because they support GBP deposits, offer regulatory protection, and provide user-friendly interfaces for beginners.
What Is a Centralized Crypto Exchange (CEX)?
A centralized exchange is a platform that acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, holding custody of your funds. Examples include Coinbase, eToro, and OKX. They offer fiat currency deposits, high liquidity, customer support, and regulatory compliance—making them ideal for UK users.
What Is a Decentralized Exchange (DEX)?
A decentralized exchange operates without a central authority, allowing direct peer-to-peer trading via smart contracts. Examples include Uniswap and PancakeSwap. Users maintain custody of their funds, but DEXs don't support GBP deposits, have no customer support, and require more technical knowledge.
Which Type of Exchange Is Best for UK Users?
Centralized exchanges are best for UK users because they accept GBP deposits via bank transfer, comply with FCA registration requirements, and offer insurance protection. DEXs and P2P platforms lack regulatory oversight, don't support fiat currencies, and provide no recourse if problems occur.
What's the Difference Between a Crypto Exchange and a Broker?
A crypto exchange provides a marketplace where users trade directly with each other, while a broker acts as an intermediary selling crypto at set prices. Exchanges like Coinbase offer lower fees and more control; brokers like eToro provide simpler interfaces but charge higher spreads.
Which Should UK Beginners Choose?
UK beginners should start with a broker-style platform like eToro or the standard Coinbase interface. The simplified buying process, instant execution, and intuitive design outweigh higher fees when learning. Once comfortable, graduate to exchange platforms like Coinbase Pro or OKX for lower costs.
Summary / Personal Thoughts
I've used eToro for several years, and it remains my go-to for one key reason: simplicity. The user-friendly interface and social trading features make it ideal for beginners who want to learn by copying experienced traders.
The main downside? Higher spreads than competitors like OKX or Binance, which can add up for active traders. However, for casual investors or long-term holders, the convenience of FCA registration and seamless GBP deposits makes up for it.
What sets eToro apart is trust and security. As an FCA-registered platform, your funds have stronger protection under UK financial regulations compared to offshore exchanges. Customer support is also more responsive—crucial when dealing with large transactions.
Bottom line: eToro is perfect if you're new to crypto or want a safe, regulated platform with social trading features. High-volume traders seeking the absolute lowest fees should consider OKX or Uphold instead. But if security, ease of use, and copy trading matter most, eToro is a top choice for UK investors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best crypto exchange for UK investors?
The best crypto exchange for UK investors depends on your needs. eToro is ideal for beginners due to its FCA regulation and social trading features. OKX offers low fees, while Best Wallet is the safest option for long-term crypto storage.
What are the lowest-fee crypto exchanges in the UK?
OKX and CoinJar offer some of the lowest trading fees in the UK. OKX has a 0.08% maker fee and 0.10% taker fee, while CoinJar has free bank deposits and low conversion fees.
Can UK users buy crypto with GBP?
Yes! Exchanges like Coinbase, eToro, and CoinJar allow GBP deposits via bank transfer, credit card, and PayPal. Be sure to check deposit fees before choosing a platform.
What is the safest crypto exchange in the UK?
Best Wallet offers the highest security with cold storage and multi-signature authentication. For a trading exchange, eToro and Coinbase are FCA-regulated, making them safer for UK users.